Help for Parents of Struggling Teens

Looking for a teen help program?

Call (866) 845-1390

Fat Camp
Learn about why fat camps don't work and why the new healthy weight loss camps are so much more effective. more >>

Featured Programs

SUWSSUWS of the Carolinas
SUWS of the Carolinas is a therapeutic camping program with a focus on clinical intervention and assessment. The program uses the outdoors as an alternative to conventional treatment environments, while engaging students using traditional therapeutic methods. They also have the Seasons program, which addresses unique needs of younger children, ages 10-13.

Learn more about SUWS of the Carolinas >>

Kids with Anxiety Disorders Benefit from Family-based Cognitive Therapy

Children as young as 5 years old who suffer from obsession-compulsive disorder (OCD) benefit from family psychotherapy, according to a new study from Hasbro Children's Research Center.

OCD is an anxiety disorder characterized by repetitive behaviors like hand washing, counting, checking, and cleaning. It interferes with a child's schoolwork, social life, and normal routine.

Researchers enrolled 42 children ages 5 to 8 in either family-based cognitive-behavioral therapy or family-based relaxation therapy. The cognitive-behavioral approach was more effective in achieving clinical remissions.

Lead author Dr. Jennifer Freeman said that the therapy has to be geared to the child's level, parents need to be involved in all aspects of treatment, and clinicians need to understand the child as an individual within a particular family context. This study appears in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adult Psychiatry.

Return to the Teen Help Directory >>