Advice from Our Professionals

Informative articles by Youth First’s Service Team

REACH Out to Someone with Addiction

By Teresa Mercer, MSW, LCSW, LCAC, Youth First, Inc. Millions of people in the United States are affected by substance misuse. In the last few years, death rates from opiate and fentanyl overdoses have been increasing among young people,…

You Are Worthy!

By Krissy Melhiser, MSW, LCSW, Youth First, Inc. Have you ever taken some time to think about your self-worth? Do you tend to build yourself up or tear yourself down with your words or thoughts? Self-esteem is an invisible force that…

Is Social Media Causing Social Isolation?

Counties, cyberbullying, social media, Youth First Blog

By Heidi Mikac, Youth First, Inc. Many of us are guilty of overusing social media and ignoring its negative impact on our mental health. Before our eyes are even adjusted to the morning light, most of us squint at our bright rectangular…

Is Your Child Feeling Anxious?

Counties, Youth First Blog

By Christine Weinzapfel-Hayden, MSW, LCSW, Youth First, Inc. Children are creatures of habit. They thrive in calm, consistent, predictable environments. When there is change for them, or even when they have the anticipation of change,…

Cell Phones: What are the Dangers for Your Child?

Counties, Youth First Blog

By Dawn Tedrow, MSW, LCSW, Youth First, Inc. When I was younger, my parents knew who my friends were. They knew their parents, when I would be at their house, and what time I would be returning. If I decided to walk to a different friend’s…

Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)

All Posts, Counties, Youth First Blog

By Ashley Underwood, MSW, LCSW, Youth First, Inc. How does one describe a traumatic event? Traumatic is defined as “emotionally disturbing or distressing,” which can vary from person to person, so that question has many answers. “Adverse…