Child & Adolescent Related Content

Video: When Young People + School = Anxiety

School can be stressful at any age, and it’s perfectly natural for K-12 students to experience some level of anxiety. But for some kids and teens, school-related anxiety can grow so intense that it hinders their learning and mental well-being and might even lead them to avoid school altogether. So...

What Is Teen Cutting and Self-Injury?

Public understanding of self-injury or “cutting” in adolescents has grown in recent years. Many studies and media reports have called attention to this teen mental health concern, resulting in less confusion and ignorance. Despite this progress, many misconceptions about self-injury remain. For...

Video: When Perfect Becomes Problematic: Perfectionism and More

Children grow up with all kinds of incentives to strive for perfection—from the encouragement of adults to the recognition and personal pride that can follow great achievement. There’s no question that this drive often serves kids and teens well. But, taken too far, it can also create serious mental...

Video: Anxiety in Kids and Teens 101

Experiencing anxiety is a natural part of growing up, and there’s no question that kids and teens face many very real reasons to feel anxious. Typically, they learn to navigate those feelings. But when anxiety persists and becomes seemingly unmanageable, it can impact schoolwork, relationships, and...

The Mental Health Impact of Bullying on Kids and Teens

When people hear the word “bully,” they may think of a child being pushed around by another kid. Or they may think of someone being insulted by a peer, whether face-to-face or online. Regardless of its shape and form, these experiences can be incredibly serious and often have lifelong effects. And...

Video: Addressing Bullying in Kids & Teens

Bullying can take on many forms and can happen at any time—whether a child is on the playground or on their smartphone. And, sadly, it’s common: as many as 20% of kids and teens report being bullied, but less than half of the kids who say they’re bullied report it to someone of authority. What’s the...

Refugee Mental Health: What You Need To Know

The percentage of children, adults, and older adults forced to leave their homes to avoid danger and death has steadily risen over the last several decades. While many are refugees—those forced to leave their home country—there are many more people who are internally displaced persons, or IDPs...

Video: Promoting Positive Mental Health in K-12 Students

There’s no question that teachers and faculty members at elementary, middle, and high schools play critical roles in the educational growth of the students in their care. Through their work, they have the power to impart knowledge, foster a love of learning, and help shape future careers. It’s...

Athlete Mental Health: What You Need To Know

Athletes are often admired for their physical prowess. However, despite their exceptional talents, the demands of performance can take a drastic toll on their mental health. In recent years, the medical field, sports organizations, and popular culture have given more recognition to the importance of...

Understanding Autism in Kids & Teens: Signs and Support Strategies

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability that impacts an individual’s ability to interact and communicate with other people and the surrounding world. Like other diagnoses that can affect mental health, autism can vary widely in its scope and severity. Autism is a very common...

Everything You Need To Know About Child & Teen Mental Health

Child and adolescent mental health has finally started to get the attention it deserves. Behavior that was once seen as kids being kids—like teens being rebellious or children misbehaving at home or school—may be due to the onset of mental health conditions in young people. Over half of all cases of...

McLean’s School Consultation Service Goes to Summer Camp

This summer, staff and leaders at a number of summer camps in Massachusetts are receiving professional behavioral health skills training from McLean Hospital’s School Consultation Service. The coaching and support services are designed to help camp counselors and other frontline staff navigate...

Video: What Is Anxiety?

McLean’s R. Meredith Elkins, PhD, walks us through the basics of anxiety—especially in children and adolescents—and helps us understand healthy and unhealthy signs and symptoms and how to know when to seek help. Find resources and more about the expert below. Anxiety 101 Anxiety is one of the...

Video: Anxiety in Kids and Teens: What To Watch For

Anxiety can be especially disruptive in the lives of children and teens. McLean’s Abigail Stark, PhD, helps us understand anxiety in young people and recognize signs that a child needs help. Find resources and more about the expert below. What Is Normal Anxiety? First of all, it’s important to know...

Video: How Adults Can Help Young People Who Are Struggling

When a child or teen is struggling with anxiety, it can be hard as parents or other key adults in the child’s life to know what to do. McLean’s R. Meredith Elkins, PhD, offers strategies for adults to help the young people they care for. Find resources and more about the expert below. Compassion and...