Parenting in the Screen Age
The Screenagers podcast

Screen Time, Teens and Therapy: What Parents Need to Know

In this episode host Delaney Ruston, MD, discusses the critical role of counseling and therapy for teen mental health. Joined by Laura Kastner, PhD, author of acclaimed parenting books and a teen and family therapist for over 30 years, they debunk common myths about therapy and explore effective ways parents can support their teens struggling with depression, anxiety, and tech overuse.

The conversation offers insights into how to identify when professional help is needed, and emphasizes the necessity of family involvement in therapy. 

Featured Expert

Laura Kastner, PhD

Books

Getting To Calm, by Laura Kastner, PhD

Wise Minded Parenting, by Laura Kastner, PhD

Additional Links

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Screenagers Website

Time Code

00:00 Introduction

00:42 Mental Health Awareness Month

00:55 Introducing Today's Topic and Guest

01:43 Personal Story: Tessa's Journey

02:44 Clip from Screen Majors: Family Therapy Session

03:36 Interview with Laura Kastner: When to Seek Therapy

04:56 Role of School Counselors

06:01 Case Study: Addressing Teen Languishing

09:23 Family Dynamics in Therapy

12:57 Evolving Approaches to Adolescent Therapy

23:54 Effective Therapy Techniques

26:14 Conclusion and Resources

Ask a question!

Whether it is about a specific episode, a related topic or anything else, Dr. Ruston and the Screenagers Team would love to hear from you.

Record your question here and Dr. Ruston will try to answer them in upcoming Podcast episodes.