Response for Teens Blog

Response Responds is your place for in-depth information and advice on the issues most important to you, from sex to mental health to relationships to gender identity. We’ll also update you on the latest Response for Teens news and events.

How do I find a therapist?

Many people think about seeking therapy for a long time.  They may be unsure about what the process will be like, concerned about others’ judgements, or just apprehensive of the unknown.  Making the decision to seek therapy is a big one!  Congratulations on taking that step.

Once that decision has been made, the next question is, How do I find a therapist?

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Teen Suicide

The Center for Disease Control reports that rates of suicide have increased by 50% for young people ages 10 – 24 years old; for Black adolescents, the rates are particularly alarming – a 75% increase between 1991 and 2017.

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Celebrating Ourselves: Body Positivity In Quarantine

It’s difficult to avoid all the jokes about the “Covid 15” (gaining 15 pounds in quarantine), which can cause shame and additional stress, especially on those who have a history of disordered eating. It’s important to understand the differences in experiences and hurdles each person faces when it comes to body image and eating disorders.

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The Scariest Three Words

“Back to School” has always been met with a bit of ambivalence, especially from our young people. This fall “back to school” has a whole new meaning.  And for many families, that meaning is, as yet, unknown.

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College During COVID

Whether you are starting your college career or returning to campus, the prospect of what’s next is daunting.  The uncertainties are as vast as the speed with which our lives are changing.  As summer comes to a close, schools are still finalizing whether classes will be remote, in person or a hybrid.  Questions about what dorm life - and your social life - will look like come fall may be buzzing through your mind.  As you think about your life in the fall semester, here are some tips to help you manage in navigating the uncertainty in going back to campus.

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Calling New Members for the Response Advisory Council

JCFS Response for Teens is seeking new members to serve on the Response Advisory Council (RAC). RAC members are committed to the important work of empowering adolescents to make healthy choices, and put their skills and gifts to work in the service of helping teens develop skills in communication, decision-making and leadership.

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