Why Teen Girls (and Boys) Are Struggling—and What We Can Do About It

In this episode of the Truly Mental Podcast, host Joe Smarro speaks with Caleb Cottle, co-founder of Cascade Academy, about the critical issues surrounding adolescent mental health, particularly focusing on anxiety and OCD. They discuss the unique challenges faced by girls and boys, the importance of involving parents in treatment, and the transformative power of wilderness therapy. Caleb shares insights on how outdoor activities can build resilience and self-efficacy in adolescents, ultimately helping them to confront their mental health challenges and thrive. In this conversation, Joe Smarro and Caleb Cottle explore the intersection of mental health, self-efficacy, and the importance of environment in shaping resilience. They discuss the role of adventure and experiential learning in healing, Caleb's journey from business to mental health, and the challenges of balancing quality care with the realities of running a sustainable program. The dialogue emphasizes the significance of hope, personal growth, and the need for systemic change in mental health care.

https://cascadeacademy.com/

takeaways

• Cascade Academy specializes in treating adolescent girls with severe anxiety and OCD.
• The program focuses on internalizing issues rather than externalizing behaviors.
• Involving parents in treatment is crucial for sustainable outcomes.
• Social media significantly contributes to rising anxiety levels among youth.
• Self-efficacy is a key predictor of future success and resilience.
• Wilderness therapy helps adolescents confront their fears and build confidence.
• Outdoor activities can be therapeutic and promote self-discovery.
• The transition back home must be supported to prevent relapse into old patterns.
• Training parents in supportive parenting can change the dynamics of anxiety in families.
• Building self-efficacy through mastery experiences is essential for adolescents. Hope is the belief that things can get better.
• Self-efficacy is crucial for developing resilience.
• A child's environment significantly impacts their future success.
• Law enforcement needs better training on human behavior nuances.
• Adventure therapy can provide positive dopamine-seeking behaviors.
• The business side of mental health can impact clinical integrity.
• Success in mental health programs allows for expansion and more help.
• Comfort zones can hinder growth and progress.
• Self-care is essential for those in helping professions.
• Balancing business and care is key to sustainable mental health services.

titles

• Transforming Adolescent Mental Health
• The Power of Wilderness Therapy
• Building Resilience in Teens
• Understanding Anxiety in Youth

Sound Bites

• "Anxiety really is a family systems issue."
• "Social media is a huge component to anxiety."
• "Anxious kids often have anxious parents."
• "I believe in you, you can do this."
• "Self-efficacy is the belief in success."
• "If you're comfortable, that's a problem."