Behavior Concerns
The behavioral patterns that bring young people to therapy today look different than they did even a decade ago, shaped increasingly by technology, social media, and new forms of risk that parents and teens are navigating without much of a roadmap. More than half of U.S. teenagers ages 12–17 now report four or more hours of daily screen time, and the behavioral consequences of compulsive technology use have become one of the most common reasons families seek support. Adolescent gambling has become a growing concern as well, with nearly one in three North American adolescents estimated to have gambled, according to the National Council on Problem Gambling.
When these patterns persist or begin affecting school, relationships, or family life, they rarely resolve on their own. Therapy can help identify what is driving the behavior and build the skills to change it.
Common Behavioral Concerns We Address
- Excessive screen time, compulsive scrolling, and social media use
- Video game overuse and difficulty disengaging from gaming
- Sports betting and gambling, including through apps and online platforms
- Substance use, including alcohol and drugs
- Disruptive Behaviors (ODD and Conduct Disorder)
- Eating and food restrictive disorders
- Impulse-control disorders
- Sleep issues/bedtime routines
- Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
Treatment for Behavioral Concerns
Treatment begins with a comprehensive evaluation to identify the factors contributing to the behavior. From there, our clinicians draw on evidence-based approaches matched to each young person’s specific needs and presentation. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps adolescents recognize and shift the thought patterns that maintain problematic behaviors. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) builds impulse control and distress tolerance, skills that are particularly relevant for teens struggling with compulsive technology use, gambling, or substance-related concerns. Motivational interviewing is often used when ambivalence about change is part of the picture. Family involvement is an important part of treatment, as parents benefit from understanding what is driving the behavior and how to respond supportively at home.
If you are concerned about your child’s behavior, Miami Counseling & Resource Center can help. Contact us to learn more or schedule an appointment.
References:
CDC National Health Interview Survey — Teen, reporting screen time data for U.S. teenagers ages 12–17, July 2021 through December 2023: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db513.htm
Youth Gambling Fact Sheet: https://www.ncpgambling.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/2025-Youth-Gambling-Factsheet.pdf