Adolescents

Adolescence can begin as early as 10 years old and extend to 30 years of age depending on the individual and their development. The magnitude of physiological changes happening in the body of an adolescent rival those of the first year of birth.

The limbic system which includes the fight and flight mechanism of the hypothalamus/pituitary/adrenal (HPA) axis is fully mature in adolescence. However, the prefrontal cortex of the brain is in a physiologically immature condition. This is the region where executive functioning, decision making, problem solving, prioritizing, risk/reward factoring and other high-level order of human intellect originate

In addition, there are numerous sociological and psychological changes occurring in the transition from childhood to adulthood. For example, friendships take on a higher priority than family. The fact that many adults suffer from these same issues is evidence for the need of education and support during this critical time.

The result is what most parents of adolescents have experienced: raging hormones and low-level insight or sometimes high-level of risk-taking and low levels of foresight. This has always been the case with adolescence but in the high expectation and high anxiety world of the 21st century, these issues are more critical than ever.

This is the reason and purpose for Avanti Psychological Services: to provide education, support and therapy for adolescents and their support system. Our caring and dedicated team of therapists are here to help teens through this incredible time of life and arrive in adulthood, mentally and emotionally prepared for the challenges and opportunities that await.