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Teen Mental Health Psychological Factors

The adolescent years are a complicated time as young people work to establish their identities, grapple with self-esteem concerns, and navigate complex social relationships. These challenges are part of the teenage experience everywhere, but they can be especially difficult in certain regions due to unique cultural and social dynamics.

To promote mental wellness among our youth, it’s important to understand the psychological factors at play and create supportive environments.

 

  •         The Quest for Identity: Adolescence is a pivotal time for identity exploration and formation. Teens are tasked with discovering who they are, what they value, and where they fit into the world. This journey, while necessary, can also be fraught with confusion and anxiety. In South Florida’s diverse society, where multiple cultures intersect, teens may face additional challenges reconciling their cultural heritage with their identity. Supporting them through this process involves offering safe spaces for exploration and affirming their experiences and feelings.

 

  •         Navigating Self-Esteem and Body Image: Self-esteem issues are a common aspect of the teenage experience, often exacerbated by unrealistic standards of beauty and success prevalent in media and society. The pervasive influence of social media in South Florida, where image and status are frequently emphasized, can intensify these challenges. Teens are bombarded with messages about what they should look like and how they should act, leading to feelings of inadequacy and low self-worth. Promoting positive body image and self-esteem requires concerted efforts from parents, schools, and community organizations to highlight the value of diversity, individuality, and inner qualities over superficial measures of worth.

 

  •         Stress of Social Relationships: The complexity of adolescent social dynamics cannot be understated. Friendships and peer relationships have taken on heightened significance during these years, serving as a primary source of support and potential stress. Bullying, peer pressure, and the struggle to belong can significantly impact a teen’s mental health. In South Florida’s multicultural environment, these issues may be compounded by cultural misunderstandings or discrimination. Encouraging empathy, inclusivity, and open communication within schools and communities can help mitigate these pressures and foster a sense of belonging among all teens.

 

  •         Psychological Resilience as a Buffer: Amidst these challenges, psychological resilience emerges as a critical buffer against mental health struggles. Studies have shown that higher resilience scores are associated with lower levels of depression, anxiety, and stress among adolescents. Building resilience involves nurturing coping skills, emotional intelligence, and problem-solving abilities, empowering teens to navigate life’s challenges with greater ease. Programs and interventions focused on resilience training can equip South Florida’s youth with the tools they need to thrive despite the psychological hurdles they may encounter.

References

  • Casey, B., Ruberry, E. J., Libby, V., Glatt, C., Hare, T., Soliman, F., Duhoux, S., Frielingsdorf, H., & Tottenham, N. (2011). Transitional and translational studies of risk for anxiety. Depression and Anxiety, 28, 18-28.
  • Hawton, K., Saunders, K. E. A., & O’Connor, R. C. (2012). Self-harm and suicide in adolescents. The Lancet, 379(9834), 2373-2382.
  • Hjemdal, O., Vogel, P. A., Solem, S., Hagen, K., & Stiles, T. C. (2011). The relationship between resilience and levels of anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive symptoms in adolescents. Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy, 18(4), 314-321.
  • Keles, B., McCrae, N., & Grealish, A. (2019). A systematic review: the influence of social media on depression, anxiety and psychological distress in adolescents. International Journal of Adolescence and Youth, 25, 79-93.
  • Kieling, C., Baker-Henningham, H., Belfer, M., Conti, G., Ertem, I., Omigbodun, O., Rohde, L., Srinath, S., Ulkuer, N., & Rahman, A. (2011). Child and adolescent mental health worldwide: evidence for action. The Lancet, 378, 1515-1525.
  • Li Xia, & Yao, S. (2015). The involvement of genes in adolescent depression: A systematic review. Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience, 9, 329.
  • Merikangas, K. R., He, J.-p., Burstein, M., Swanson, S. A., Avenevoli, S., Cui, L., Benjet, C., Georgiades, K., & Swendsen, J. (2010). Lifetime prevalence of mental disorders in U.S. adolescents: results from the National Comorbidity Survey Replication–Adolescent Supplement (NCS-A). Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 49(10), 980-989.
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Dr. Maria Angelica Mejia – Clinical Director (Davie)

Dr. Maria Angelica Mejia’s therapeutic approach is rooted in empathy, resilience-building, and collaboration. As the Clinical Director for Adolescent Wellness Academy, she is dedicated to supporting high-risk teens in navigating trauma, emotional distress, and life’s challenges with a holistic and trauma-informed lens. Dr. Mejia specializes in working with adolescents facing issues such as suicide risk, self-harm, anxiety, depression, and family conflict, utilizing techniques like CBT, DBT, mindfulness, and strength-based therapy. With extensive experience in community mental health, private practice, and clinical supervision, Dr. Mejia has a proven track record of empowering teens to overcome obstacles and thrive. She holds a PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy bringing a depth of knowledge and compassion to her leadership role.

Kimberly Geller

Kimberly Geller - Primary Therapist (Davie)

Kimberly is a compassionate and dedicated therapist with a Master’s degree in Social Work from Florida International University. Kimberly creates a nurturing and secure environment where clients can freely explore their emotions and embark on their journey toward healing and growth. Kimberly specializes in client-centered approaches that helps tailor her therapeutic methods to meet unique needs and goals. By fostering a collaborative therapeutic relationship, she empowers clients to develop effective coping skills and achieve meaningful progress in their mental health journey. Kimberly ensures that each person she works with feels understood and valued throughout their therapeutic process.

Zainub Fatta - Therapist (Davie)

Zainub holds a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Nova Southeastern University and has extensive experience treating a wide range of mental health issues in adults, teens, and children. She specializes in treating diverse mental health struggles such as anxiety, depression, trauma, bipolar disorder, social anxiety, anger management, etc. She also has a lot of experience treating addiction and substance abuse problems within various treatment centers. Zainub views mental health from a systemic perspective, emphasizing the significance of how one’s environment and childhood impacts them, which is why she also specializes in family therapy and couples therapy, when it comes to achieving holistic well-being. Passionate about empowering individuals to find their voice, she considers it a privilege to listen to their vulnerable stories and provide the support they need. Her therapeutic approach focuses on uplifting clients by building their confidence and challenging them to break old, negative patterns of thinking and behavior.

Krystine Garay

Krystine Garay – Licensed Mental Health Counselor

Krystine Garay is a licensed mental health counselor, marriage family therapist, and certified telehealth practitioner. Raised in Miami, Florida, and a member of the Hispanic community, she provides services in both English and Spanish. With five years of experience, she has worked with children, adolescents, and adults, focusing on domestic violence, substance abuse, family conflicts, co-occurring disorders, and mental health issues.
Krystine holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Florida International University and a master’s degree with dual specializations in mental health and marriage and family counseling from Barry University. She is pursuing a doctorate in clinical psychology with a concentration in health psychology from Carlos Albizu University.
Her clinical experience includes rotations at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, where she assisted children with co-occurring disorders using mindfulness exercises, cognitive-behavioral strategies, and dialectical-behavioral techniques.
Krystine believes in the power of personal growth and progress, and she is dedicated to fostering positive change in her clients’ lives.

Alyssa Mencucci – Therapist (Miami)

Alyssa is a dedicated master’s level clinician specializing in providing compassionate
therapy for adolescents and children facing severe mental health challenges. With a
deep understanding of the developmental stages and psychological needs of
adolescents and children, Alyssa offers expertise in addressing trauma-related issues,
guiding individuals through the complexities of grief, managing anxiety and depression,
navigating personality disorders, and supporting those dealing with PTSD. Alyssa uses
evidence-based techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, DBT, play therapy,
and trauma-focused interventions to create a safe and nurturing environment for
healing. Alyssa believes in a client-centered approach, tailoring therapy to meet the
unique needs and circumstances of each individual. She creates a safe and nurturing
environment where adolescents and children can explore their emotions, develop
coping skills, and embark on a journey of healing and growth.

Dr. Jacqueline Pablos – Clinical Director

Vulnerability and connection are at the heart of Dr. Pablos’ therapeutic approach. As the
Clinical Director for Adolescent Wellness Academy, she aims to create a safe space for
clients to embrace their emotions and express their needs in healthier ways. Dr. Pablos
specializes in treating depression, anxiety, body image issues, bullying, eating
disorders, and self-harm behaviors using techniques like CBT, DBT, mindfulness, and
ACT.
With extensive training in hospitals and counseling centers, Dr. Pablos has a strong
background in helping teens and adults with co-occurring mental and physical health
disorders. She holds a Doctoral Degree in Clinical Psychology, with specialized training
at institutions like Florida International University, Jackson Memorial Hospital,
Clementine Monte Nido, and Nicklaus Children’s Hospital.

Kimberly

Kimberly Carlesi – Therapist (Miami)

Kimberly, a dedicated therapist with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health
Counseling from Florida International University, specializes in supporting individuals
with eating disorders, trauma, and substance abuse. She creates a safe, nurturing
environment for her clients’ healing journeys, drawing from diverse therapeutic
modalities like cognitive-behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy. With a
focus on trust and collaboration, Kimberly empowers clients through personalized
interventions, fostering self-awareness and resilience.