Advice from Our Professionals

Informative articles by Youth First’s Service Team

Letting Go of Perfectionism

By Niki Walls, MSW, LSW - October 29, 2025 - When’s the last time you tried something new without worrying about whether you would be good at it? As children, we would happily play and try something new; we were not consumed with…

Raising Confident, Independent Kids

All Posts, Counties, Youth First Blog

By Ashley Underwood, MSW, LCSW - October 22, 2025 - Allowing your child to have independence and responsibility can be challenging. It’s difficult for some parents and guardians to acknowledge that their little ones are growing up.…

Assisting Your Anxious Teen

All Posts, Counties, Youth First Blog

By Angel Wagner, MSW, LCSW - October 15, 2025 - Anxiety is a common mental health condition that many people deal with. We all experience various levels of anxiety, often characterized by worry, fear and nervousness. Symptoms can range…

The Importance of Labeling Emotions

All Posts, Counties, Youth First Blog

By Brooke Skipper, MSW, LCSW- September 8, 2025 - One of the hardest things for a parent is to see their child struggle and not have the power to “fix” it. We all want happy, healthy children. In order to achieve that, however,…

Why Youth First Mental Health Professionals are a Vital Resource for Students and Outpatient Therapists

All Posts, Counties, Youth First Blog

By Missy Johnson, MSW, LCSW, CTRS - October 1, 2025 - As a Youth First Mental Health Professional, I’ve witnessed firsthand the incredible impact our Youth First programs and services have on students, their families, and the broader…

Kids Need Boundaries

All Posts, Counties, Youth First Blog

By Audrey Angermeier, MSW, LSW - September 24, 2025 - As any parent or guardian knows, setting boundaries with children can be challenging, especially when it comes to following through. Let’s face it, it would be so much easier to…