Milestone A.C.S.

Adolescents, 10-18 years of age.

Behavioral Health Services, r.e. Individual Counseling for Adolescent Behavioral Health Issues. Family Counseling.

TeleHealth video via Zoom

Weekday evenings Mon- Fri 4pm to 9pm by appointment.

Families may seek help for adolescents for a wide range of terms, diagnoses, or events that can impact a teenager's well-being and functioning. Here are some common reasons why families might seek assistance:

1. Mental Health Concerns:

   • Depression: Persistent sadness, loss of interest, changes in sleep or appetite.
   • Anxiety Disorders: Excessive worry, panic attacks, social anxiety.
   • Bipolar Disorder: Extreme mood swings between depression and mania.
   • Eating Disorders: Anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, or binge-eating disorder.
   • Substance Abuse: Alcohol, drugs, or prescription medication misuse.
   • Self-Harm or Suicidal Thoughts: Deliberate self-injury or suicidal ideation.

2. Behavioral Issues:

   • Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD): Frequent defiance, hostility, and disobedience.
   • Conduct Disorder: Serious behavioral problems like aggression, theft, and rule-breaking.
   • Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity.
   • School Problems: Academic underachievement, truancy, or school refusal.

3. Substance Use and Addiction:

   • Experimentation or regular use of drugs or alcohol.

4. Traumatic Events:

   • Exposure to traumatic experiences such as physical or sexual abuse, natural disasters, or accidents.

5. Family Issues:

   • Parental Divorce: Coping with the separation of parents.
   • Family Conflict: High levels of tension, arguments, or violence at home.
   • Grief and Loss: Dealing with the death of a loved one.
   • Blended Families: Adjusting to step-siblings and a new family dynamic.

6. Social and Peer Problems:

   • Bullying, social isolation, or difficulty making friends.
   • Peer pressure and involvement in risky behaviors.

7. Identity and Gender Issues:

   • Confusion or distress related to gender identity or sexual orientation.

8. Academic or Developmental Delays:

   • Learning disabilities, speech delays, or developmental disorders.

9. Legal Issues:

   • Involvement with the criminal justice system.

10. Internet and Technology Addiction:

    • Overuse of screens and digital devices.

11. Sexual Health and Relationships:

    • Early sexual activity, unsafe sex, or unhealthy relationships.

12. Physical Health Concerns:

    • Chronic illness, obesity, or eating-related health issues.

13. Cultural or Racial Stressors:

    • Discrimination, racism, or acculturation challenges.

14. Parenting Challenges:

    • Difficulty in managing or communicating with their adolescent.

15. Peer Pressure and Influence:

    • Adolescents may engage in risky behaviors due to peer pressure.

It's important to note that seeking help for adolescents is a proactive and supportive approach to addressing these challenges. Professionals like therapists, counselors, social workers, and psychiatrists can provide the necessary guidance and interventions to help adolescents and their families navigate these issues and develop coping strategies. Early intervention is often key to preventing more severe problems from developing.

It is important for adolescents to talk to someone for a variety of reasons, as open communication plays a crucial role in their physical, emotional, and social development. Here are some key reasons why talking to someone is important for adolescents:

1. Emotional Support: Adolescence is a period of significant emotional growth and change. Adolescents often experience a wide range of emotions, from joy and excitement to confusion and sadness. Talking to someone, whether it's a parent, friend, teacher, or counselor, provides a safe outlet for expressing and processing these emotions. It can help them feel understood and less alone in their experiences.

2. Problem-Solving: Adolescents face numerous challenges and decisions, including academic pressures, peer relationships, and personal identity issues. Conversations with trusted individuals can help them gain valuable insights and perspectives, leading to better decision-making and problem-solving skills.

3. Mental Health: Adolescence is a vulnerable time for the development of mental health issues like anxiety and depression. Talking to someone can be a critical step in recognizing and addressing these issues. It allows adolescents to share their feelings and thoughts, which can lead to early intervention and appropriate support.

4. Building Relationships: Effective communication is fundamental to building healthy relationships. Adolescents who learn how to express themselves and listen to others are better equipped to form and maintain positive relationships with peers, family members, and romantic partners.

5. Education and Guidance: Adolescents are still learning about the world and often have questions or uncertainties about various topics, such as sexuality, drugs, and career choices. Engaging in open conversations with trusted adults or mentors can provide them with accurate information, guidance, and a sense of direction.

6. Self-Expression and Identity: Adolescents are in the process of developing their sense of self and identity. Talking to others helps them explore their thoughts, values, and beliefs. It allows them to clarify who they are and what they stand for.

7. Conflict Resolution: Adolescents may encounter conflicts in their relationships or social interactions. Talking to someone can teach them valuable skills for resolving conflicts peacefully, improving their communication and negotiation abilities.

8. Safety: In some cases, talking to someone is crucial for safety reasons. If an adolescent is facing issues like abuse, bullying, or substance abuse, open communication can be a lifeline for getting help and support.

9. Stress Reduction: Adolescents often experience high levels of stress due to academic demands, extracurricular activities, and peer pressure. Talking to someone can serve as a stress-relief mechanism, allowing them to vent their concerns and receive guidance on managing stress effectively.

In summary, talking to someone during adolescence is essential for emotional well-being, personal growth, and building the skills needed to navigate the challenges of this transitional phase. It fosters healthy relationships, supports mental health, and equips adolescents with the tools they need to thrive as they transition into adulthood.

A screening assessment serves as an initial step in identifying and addressing issues or challenges within a family. Its primary purpose is to open a dialogue and gain a preliminary understanding of the problems or concerns a family might be experiencing. Here are the key objectives and functions of a screening assessment:

1. Identification of Issues: The assessment helps identify specific issues or challenges within the family. This may include conflicts, communication breakdowns, behavioral concerns, mental health issues, substance abuse problems, financial stress, or any other factors affecting the family's well-being.

2. Starting a Conversation: It provides a structured platform for family members to start a conversation about their concerns. Often, family members may find it difficult to openly discuss their problems, and the assessment can help break the ice and encourage dialogue.

3. Gathering Information: The assessment process involves gathering information from family members about their perceptions, experiences, and feelings regarding the identified issues. This information can help professionals or therapists gain insights into the family's dynamics and needs.

4. Assessment of Severity: While it may not provide a comprehensive evaluation, a screening assessment can help professionals determine the severity of the issues and whether further, more in-depth assessments or interventions are required.

5. Course of Action: Based on the information gathered during the screening, professionals can work with the family to establish a preliminary course of action. This may include referrals to appropriate services or professionals, developing an initial intervention plan, or suggesting strategies for addressing immediate concerns.

6. Empowerment: The assessment process can empower family members by involving them in the decision-making process regarding their own well-being. It gives them a voice in shaping the direction of the intervention or support they may receive.

7. Documentation: A screening assessment also serves as a documentation tool, creating a record of the family's initial concerns and the steps taken to address them. This record can be valuable for tracking progress over time.

8. Privacy and Confidentiality: It's important to emphasize that the information shared during a screening assessment is typically confidential and protected by professional ethics and legal regulations. This reassures family members that they can speak openly about their concerns.

The choice of treatment depends on various factors, including the diagnosis, the severity of the condition, the individual's preferences, and the recommendations of healthcare professionals. Effective treatment aims to relieve symptoms, cure or control the underlying problem, and improve the patient's overall well-being. It may be administered by medical doctors, nurses, therapists, or other healthcare providers.

Treatment Continues: This step indicates that you've already started addressing some issues, and you want to keep the conversation going. The focus here is on providing tools or strategies that will assist you in dealing with future problems. It's about long-term support and preparedness.

1. Assess and Identify the Problems (Areas of concern): Before you can effectively address any issues, you need to understand what they are. This step involves a thorough assessment and identification of the specific problems or concerns you're facing. This could involve gathering data, conducting surveys, or simply having open and honest discussions.

2. Develop a Toolset for Helping You Address Those Concerns When They Arise: Once you've identified the issues, the next step is to create a set of tools or strategies that can be used to tackle these problems as they come up in the future. These tools could be in the form of guidelines, resources, training, or specific action plans.

In essence, this plan has a proactive approach to problem-solving and personal development, where the goal is to equip individuals with the means to address issues as they arise, rather than merely reacting to them when they occur.

Thank you for choosing our services. We appreciate your business. To make the payment process as convenient as possible, we accept the following methods of payment:

1. Credit Cards: We accept major credit cards, including Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover. You can provide your card details securely for payment.

2. Debit Cards: You can use your debit card, as long as it's affiliated with a major payment network like Visa or MasterCard.

3. Cash: We accept cash payments if you prefer to settle your bill in person. Please ensure that you have the exact amount or confirm with our staff if change is available.

4. Checks: We also accept personal or business checks. Please make them payable to [Your Company Name] and ensure they are filled out correctly with the appropriate amount.

5. Online Payment: You can make payments online through our secure payment portal on our website. This is a convenient option for remote payments.

6. Mobile Payment Apps: We accept payments through various mobile payment apps like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and others. Simply scan the QR code or provide your payment details through the app.

7. PayPal: We offer PayPal as an additional payment method for added convenience. You can use your PayPal account to make payments.

Please note that payment policies may vary depending on the service or product you've received, so it's a good idea to check your invoice or contact our billing department for specific instructions. If you have any questions or need assistance with the payment process, please don't hesitate to reach out to our customer support team. We're here to help make your payment experience as smooth as possible.

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