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Why 46% of Schools Report Worsening Student Mental Health (And 5 Ways Chicagoland Families Can Bridge the Gap)
If you're a parent in Chicagoland, you've probably noticed something troubling: more kids are struggling with anxiety, depression, and emotional challenges than ever before. You're not imagining it, and you're definitely not alone in feeling concerned. Recent data reveals that school mental health providers across the country are reporting significantly worsening student mental health: with some studies showing increases as high as 58% compared to previous years. Here in the
clairestew
3 days ago6 min read


Community-Based vs. Institutional Mental Health Care: Which Is Better for Your Child's Recovery?
When your child is struggling with mental health challenges, one of the most important decisions you'll face is choosing the right type of care. Should you consider residential treatment facilities, or would community-based services better serve your family? As parents in Chicagoland, you have access to both options, but understanding which approach truly supports lasting recovery can make all the difference in your child's journey toward wellness. The mental health field has
clairestew
Oct 165 min read


Are School Mental Health Programs Really Helping Your Teen? Here's What Cook County's $50M Initiative Means for Families
You've probably heard about Cook County's $50 million mental health initiative and wondered: Is this actually going to help my teenager? The short answer is yes, but maybe not in the way you think. This isn't just another program throwing money at the problem – it's a strategic investment designed to fix the underlying issues that have been preventing your teen from getting the support they need. Let's break down what's really happening and what it means for your family. Th
clairestew
Oct 155 min read


Illinois Mental Health Education Law: 7 Things Every Chicagoland Parent Should Know About House Bill 2960
As parents in Chicagoland, we're witnessing unprecedented conversations about youth mental health in our schools and communities. While we navigate these important discussions, Illinois House Bill 2960 represents a groundbreaking student-led effort to bring comprehensive mental health education directly into our children's classrooms. Here's what every parent needs to know about this pending legislation and how it could impact your family's educational experience. 1. This Bi
clairestew
Oct 144 min read


Why Your Teen Needs Safe Spaces More Than Therapy (And How to Create Them in 5 Steps)
When your teenager is struggling, the instinct is often to jump straight to professional help. But here's what we've learned through...
clairestew
Oct 96 min read


Struggling to Navigate Illinois Youth Mental Health Services? Here's Your Quick-Start Guide
Finding the right mental health support for your child or teen can feel overwhelming, especially when you're not sure where to start. If...
clairestew
Oct 84 min read


Are Community Centers the Secret to Your Teen's Mental Health? 10 Chicago Resources You Need to Know
When your teen is struggling with their mental health, traditional therapy offices can feel intimidating. But what if the answer lies...
clairestew
Oct 75 min read


Why Your Teen Chooses AI Over You for Mental Health Support (And How to Change That in 5 Steps)
If you've noticed your teenager seems more comfortable chatting with their phone than with you about their feelings, you're not alone....
clairestew
Oct 36 min read


Why Your Teen Chooses AI Over You for Mental Health Support (And How to Change That in 5 Steps)
If you've noticed your teenager seems more comfortable chatting with their phone than with you about their feelings, you're not alone....
clairestew
Oct 36 min read


Struggling with Rising Teen Anxiety? 10 Research-Backed Strategies Every Chicagoland Family Should Try First
Teen anxiety has reached unprecedented levels across our communities. In Chicago specifically, an overwhelming 94% of youth identify...
clairestew
Oct 25 min read


7 Mistakes You're Making When Your Teen Has Deportation Anxiety (And How Chicagoland Families Are Finding Help)
When your teen is lying awake at night worrying about deportation, your first instinct is probably to comfort them. You might say, "Don't...
clairestew
Oct 15 min read


7 Mistakes You're Making When Your Teen Has Deportation Anxiety (And How Chicagoland Families Are Finding Help)
When your teen is lying awake at night worrying about deportation, your first instinct is probably to comfort them. You might say, "Don't...
clairestew
Oct 15 min read


Why Sleep Problems Are Destroying Your Teen's Mental Health (And 5 Family Strategies That Actually Work)
If you're a parent watching your teenager struggle with mood swings, anxiety, or depression, you might be surprised to learn that the...
clairestew
Sep 305 min read


Struggling with Your Teen's Suicidal Thoughts? 10 Immediate Steps Every Chicagoland Family Should Take
When you suspect your teen is having suicidal thoughts, every moment counts. As a Chicagoland parent, you're not alone in this...
clairestew
Sep 295 min read


Is Your Teen's Phone Addiction Actually Helping Their Mental Health? The Truth About Digital Wellness
You've probably heard it before: "At least my teen is staying connected with friends through their phone" or "Their phone helps them cope...
clairestew
Sep 255 min read


7 Mistakes You're Making with AI Mental Health Apps (And How Chicago Families Are Using Them Safely)
Technology has transformed how we approach mental health, and AI-powered apps are now part of many families' wellness routines. Here in...
clairestew
Sep 245 min read


Should Your Teen Get Mental Health Screenings at School? Here's What Every Chicagoland Parent Needs to Know
As a Chicagoland parent, you're about to witness something historic happening in our schools. Illinois has become the first state in the...
clairestew
Sep 235 min read


September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month: How Chicagoland Families Can Make a Difference
September brings more than the start of a new school year, it marks National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, a crucial time for...
clairestew
Sep 195 min read


Struggling with Your Child's Mental Health? 10 Community Resources Every Chicagoland Family Should Know
When your child is struggling with their mental health, finding the right support can feel overwhelming. The good news? Chicago and...
clairestew
Sep 165 min read


The Ultimate Guide to School Mental Health Support: Everything Chicagoland Parents Need to Succeed
Navigating your child's mental health needs within the school system doesn't have to feel overwhelming. Here in Chicagoland, we're...
clairestew
Sep 165 min read
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