In this episode of “Roadmap to Joy,” Dr. Brad Riemann, who has a doctorate in clinical psychology and senior clinical adviser of Embark Behavioral Health, joins the podcast with Alex Stavros, CEO of Embark, to discuss obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in teens and young adults and how parents can support their children. OCD is characterized by obsessions (unwanted thoughts, images, or urges) and compulsions (repetitive acts to neutralize obsessions). Common misconceptions include thinking that OCD is just an exaggeration of normal behavior and that excessive video game playing is a form of OCD. OCD is commonly misdiagnosed and often goes undiagnosed due to the fear of embarrassment and stigma. Family accommodation, where parents enable the disorder, can worsen OCD symptoms and reduce response to treatment. It is important for parents to have open and compassionate conversations with their loved ones if they suspect OCD. Seeking information from reputable sources like the International OCD Foundation can also be helpful. Telehealth has been found to be an effective treatment option for pediatric OCD, providing similar outcomes to in-person treatment.  

Take our OCD Test 

The International OCD Foundation

Related Blogs:

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) in Kids, Adolescents, Teens, and Young Adults 

OCD and Autism: Similarities and Differences 

Related Videos:

Living with OCD | Embark Sessions 

What is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)? | Ask a Therapist 

Research Cited:  

Intensive Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Telehealth for Pediatric Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Comparison With a Matched Sample Treated in Person 

 Connect with Embark on Social Media:

• Facebook.
• Twitter.
• LinkedIn.
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Have a question for our experts? We want to hear from you! Submit your questions to: askatherapist@embarkbh.com.

Guest and Host Bios:

Dr. Brad Riemann, Ph.D. is a Senior Consultant working with a variety of behavioral health companies and academic institutions to develop evidence-based treatment programming, measurement-based care systems, and standardized training protocols. He is collaborating with Embark Behavioral Health as consultant and clinical advisor. As the former President of Philanthropy, Research and Clinical...

Childhood trauma can have a lasting impact on a child's mental and physical health. Learn how parents and caregivers can create a safe and supportive environment to help them heal on this episode of Roadmap to Joy. Baaba Hawthorne, executive director of Embark Behavioral Health in West Los Angeles, California, and Stephanie Lucas, clinical director of Embark Behavioral Health in Bend, Oregon, debunk misconceptions about trauma and provide strategies for parents and caregivers to support children who have experienced trauma.  

They emphasize the importance of consistency, mirroring emotions, and modeling healthy coping skills. They also discuss the role of resilience in a child's ability to recover from trauma and highlight the need for mental health education and support in schools. They address the cultural implications of trauma and provide guidance on navigating these sensitively. Finally, they discuss the importance of self-care for parents and caregivers and the need for collaboration within the caregiving team. 

Blogs for Parents:

• Intergenerational Trauma: How Trauma Can Be Inherited 
• What Is Relational Trauma? 
• CASA Developmental Framework 
• Trauma and Adoption: How To Help Your Teen Heal 

Videos for Parents:

• Getting to the Core: Peeling the Layers of Trauma and Addiction 
• Understanding The Casa Framework 
• Mental Health 101: Terms to Know | Roadmap to Joy 

Connect with Embark on Social Media:

• Facebook.
• Twitter.
• LinkedIn.
• Instagram.

Have a question for our experts? We want to hear from you! Submit your questions to: askatherapist@embarkbh.com.

About Our Experts:

Baaba Hawthorne, M.A., LMFT is the Executive Director of our Embark Behavioral Health West LA Outpatient Clinic. She holds a BA in psychology with an emphasis in human sexuality from California State University, Northridge and earned her master’s in clinical psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family therapy from Pepperdine University. She comes from a strong clinical background working with teens, adults and families specializing in addiction, trauma and multi-cultural counseling. In her recent years, Baaba has used her clinical background as a foundation for leadership. Previously inhabiting the roles of Clinical Director and Director of Outreach, Baaba has a passion for building programs and establishing partnerships within the Los Angeles community. Representation matters and Baaba is excited to bring the exceptional services of Embark Behavioral Health to the diverse community of Los...

Discover invaluable insights on dealing with grief as an experienced Embark Therapist teams up with a compassionate parent to delve into the intricacies of grieving. Gain a deeper understanding commonly misunderstood concepts surrounding loss, such as the stages of grief. Learn how to navigate grief as a family as we move toward healing on this episode of Roadmap to Joy.  

CONTENT NOTICE: This episode contains discussions of sensitive subject matter, including infant loss and suicide. If you are having a mental health emergency, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for immediate support by calling or texting 988. You can also text HOME to 741741 — the Crisis Text Line — from anywhere in the country to talk with a trained crisis counselor.  

Blogs for Parents:

https://bit.ly/thoughts-of-depression-and-suicide  

https://bit.ly/embarkbh-preventing-suicide  

https://bit.ly/embarkbh-teen-suicide-prevention  

Videos for Parents:

Suicide Prevention 

Treatment Major Depressive Disorder 

Gratitude Journal 

Host Bios

Mikayla Gilbreath, LMSW, is a clinical social worker that assists in running the adolescent/young adult IOP group at the Scottsdale Embark clinic. She also offers individual and family therapy and specializes in trauma and traumatic grief and loss. She has worked in adolescent behavioral health for seven years and had been in social work for more than a decade with an emphasis on children and families. When not at work, Mikayla enjoys going to concerts and spending time with her husband and their pug.

Jamie Maurer is an Admissions Counselor at Embark Behavioral Health and is passionate about navigating the journey towards hope for families in crisis. Jamie has several years of experience as a Behavioral Health Technician in the substance use field, is on the Board of Directors for Owl Love You Forever, a non-profit organization who build boxes for bereaved mothers, and volunteers for Hope and a Future, a non-profit organization serving youth in the foster care system.

As a baby loss mom, Jamie is honored to walk alongside souls who are hurting and offer hope for the hopeless. When she is not volunteering or creating joy at Embark Behavioral Health, you can find her with a camera in hand, capturing moments for others with her photography company- Remember Me Photos, which she named in honor of her son Edwin, who was stillborn 10 years ago. She is an avid writer for her blog, rememberingedwin.com. We do not heal by forgetting, we heal by remembering.

Connect with Embark on Social Media:

• Facebook.
• Twitter.
• LinkedIn.
• Instagram.

Have a question for our experts? We want to hear from you! Submit your questions to:

In this episode of “Roadmap to Joy,” join licensed social worker Alexzis Figueroa of Embark Behavioral Health in Scottsdale, Arizona and student Baylee as they delve into the world of social anxiety and share valuable insights on coping with this common mental health challenge, especially among teenagers. 

 In this episode, they define social anxiety as an intense form of worry and fear about how others perceive us. Discover the difference between everyday worries and anxiety disorders, while learning about the importance of recognizing changes in behavior as potential signs for seeking professional support. 

Baylee opens up about her personal experience with social anxiety and how seeking therapy during high school was a game-changer for her. Learn how technology can be both a friend and foe in managing anxiety, as Baylee shares helpful tips for breathing techniques and affirmations. 

The conversation also explores the significance of community and connection in dealing with social anxiety, with valuable insights on 504 plans that can provide support for students facing mental health challenges at school. 

Discover practical advice for teens struggling with anxiety, including starting small to face fears and gain confidence in social situations. Parents will gain valuable tips on how to partner with their children in navigating coping skills and providing much-needed support. 

Related Blogs:

• High-Functioning Anxiety: How It Affects Teens and How To Help  
• Living with Social Anxiety 
• How to Parent a Teen with Anxiety 
• 8 Ways to Manage Anxiety as a Family 

Related Videos:

• Mental Health 101: Your Questions Answered (Part 1) | Roadmap to Joy 
• School Anxiety: How to Help Your Child | Roadmap to Joy 
• Summer Self-Care: How to Boost Your Teen’s Mental Health | Roadmap to Joy 
• Mental Health Days: What Parents Need to Know | Roadmap to Joy 

About Alexzis 

Alexzis is a licensed social worker, certified trauma therapist and an ASU Field Instructor for the School of Social Work. She has a wealth of experience in treating child, adolescent and adult populations struggling with mental health issues, complex/severe trauma and has a specialty in working with persons that have Autism and Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities. Alexzis is passionate about creating relationships with people and their support systems to create an inclusive and holistic approach treatment. She aims to ensure that each person can embark on a healing journey that blends their whole self, their culture and their vision of progress, with that of evidence-based practices. Alexzis is also Bilingual in both Spanish and English. 

Connect with Embark on Social Media:

• Facebook.

Join Jake Sparks, Treatment Director of Embark Behavioral Health, as he shares advice for the whole family on boosting your mental health during summer break. Discover practical strategies for maintaining a healthy sleep schedule, managing screen time, and tackling boredom. Jake also shares research on how screen time impacts your brain, why boredom can be disruptive to your emotional well-being, and what strategies you can use to manage them. 

Related Blogs:

• Ask a Therapist: Why Does My Teenager Sleep So Much? 
• Can Social Media Be a Positive Influence on Teens? 
• Intensive Therapy Options for Teens During the Summer 
• Self-Esteem Activities for Teens 

Related Videos:

• Mental Health 101: Your Questions Answered (Part 1) | Roadmap to Joy 
• Gratitude Journal with Me 
• How to Improve Teen Mental Health 

Research Cited:  

• Nationwide Children's. 2021. “Sleep in Adolescents.” Nationwidechildrens.org. 2021.  
• Nederkoorn, Chantal, Linda Vancleef, Alexandra Wilkenhöner, Laurence Claes, and Remco C. Havermans. 2016. “Self-Inflicted Pain out of Boredom.” Psychiatry Research 237 (March): 127–32. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2016.01.063. 
• Mindell, Jodi A, and Judith A Owens. 2015. A Clinical Guide to Pediatric Sleep. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. 
• “The Common Sense Census: Media Use by Tweens and Teens.” n.d. Accessed June 30, 2023.  

About Jake 

Jake Sparks is a Marriage and Family Therapist who has spent the last decade working with often suicidal adolescents and their parents in their journey toward health and healing. During this time, Jake has been a clinician and Clinical Director of several adolescent programs, and is currently the Treatment Director at Embark BH, where he gets to work with some of the nation’s best and brightest clinicians. Jake’s approach to therapy is centered on the role of relationship and attachment in the context of families. He believes that when authenticity and vulnerability are met with acceptance and empathy people thrive! 

Connect with Embark on Social Media:

In this episode, Rob Gent, Chief Clinical Officer of Embark Behavioral Health dives into treating Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) with Dr. Georgine Nanos, CEO of Kind Health Group. Rob and Dr. Nanos discuss how depression is diagnosed and what makes MDD different from other types of depression. Dr. Nanos explains many treatment options for MDD, including Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS).  

Related Blogs:

Treatment-Resistant Depression: What It Is and How To Address It  

What Parents Need To Know When Their Adolescent Has Depression 

Understanding Depression and Mood Disorders in Teens 

Smiling Depression: How Happy Faces Can Mask Depression 

TMS at Kind Health Group 

Related Videos:

The Science Behind Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation with Dr. Georgine Nanos | Embark Sessions 

Mental Health 101: Your Questions Answered | Roadmap to Joy 

How to Eat for Mental Health 

How to Improve Teen Mental Health 

Connect with Embark on Social Media:

• Facebook.
• Twitter.
• LinkedIn.
• Instagram.

Have a question for our experts? We want to hear from you! Submit your questions to: askatherapist@embarkbh.com.

About Dr. Nanos 

Dr. Georgine Nanos, MD, MPH is a board-certified family physician and the owner of Kind Health Group, a concierge primary care and accelerated TMS practice in the setting of a luxury medspa in Encinitas, California. Dr. Nanos holds a Bachelor's Degree from Colgate University, a Master’s Degree in Public Health from Boston University, and a Doctor of Medicine Degree from George Washington University School of Medicine. Dr. Nanos has been practicing medicine for over 20 years in San Diego and has expertise in treating a wide range of medical conditions in patients of all ages. She has been awarded and recognized by her peers as a Top Doctor of San Diego for over ten years. She also serves as the medical director of Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa and is a medical contributor to numerous local and national TV, radio, and print media outlets. Dr. Nanos is passionate about the power of preventive health and has recently been recognized for her work with Accelerated TMS, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, for the treatment of anxiety and depression. Dr. Nanos is committed to promoting health and...

In this episode of “Roadmap to Joy,” our host, Bailey Petty, Learning, and Development Manager at Embark Behavioral Health, and guest, Maddy Little, Licensed Associate Counselor at Embark Behavioral Health in Phoenix, Arizona, dive into signs your teen could benefit from a mental health day from school. Bailey and Maddy describe restorative activities, give tips on communicating with your teen’s teachers and school and provide examples of how parents can model healthy stress management techniques for their children.

Related Blogs:

How Much Stress is Too Much? A Caregiver’s Guide (embarkbh.com) 

School Stress: How Student Life Affects Your Teen (embarkbh.com) 

Ask a Therapist: Does Going to School Cause Depression or Make It Worse? (embarkbh.com) 

How Should Parents Handle It When Their Teenager Refuses To Go to School? (embarkbh.com)  

Related Videos:

School Anxiety: How to Help Your Child | Roadmap to Joy 

Gratitude Journal with Me 

How Can Yoga Help an Adolescent or Teen When Dealing with a Difficult Situation? 

Connect with Embark on Social Media:

• Facebook.
• Twitter.
• LinkedIn.
• Instagram.

Have a question for our experts? We want to hear from you! Submit your questions to: askatherapist@embarkbh.com.

Guest Bio:

Maddy Little is passionate about fostering a safe, non-judgmental space for teens and young adults to process their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. She received her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Walden University and her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Colorado Christian University. She is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and specializes in working with trauma, anxiety, mood disorders, suicidal ideations/self-harm, identity development, and interpersonal relationships. Outside of work, Maddy loves spending quality time with her husband and 3-year-old son, getting creative with art and baking, and leaning into personal development.

About Embark Behavioral Health:

Embark has been helping people overcome behavioral health issues that may be affecting their everyday lives for over 25 years.   

Conditions We Treat Include:  

• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).