The term “Fake News” has come to mean something completely different than it’s original intent, making it that much more difficult to help teens, pre-teens, and even young adults, sort through what’s real and what’s not. In this segment of the KLWN morning show, I join John Flood and Joel Becker to discuss ways to…
Author: Wes Crenshaw, PhD ABPP CST
Wes Crenshaw, PhD is a Kansas Licensed Psychologist, author, and media commentator. Early in his career, Dr. Wes trained with some of the masters in the field and is skilled and experienced in working with families, teens, and couples. He coauthored the Double Take column in the Lawrence Journal-World weekly from 2004 to 2016. He is a frequent guest in Kansas City area media and writes for Your Teen, Attention, and ADDitude Magazines. Dr. Wes is certified as a sex therapist (AASECT) and Board Certified in Couples and Family Psychology (ABPP). He works both on specific issues of sexuality as well as offering sexuality-informed therapy for individuals and couples experiencing a wide range of mental health concerns. He wrote the book, I Always Want to Be Where I'm Not: Successful Living with ADD and ADHD and is currently completing ADD and Zombies: Fearless Medication Management for ADD and ADHD.
Fox4 Therapy Thursday: Are Teens Really More Anxious Now?
According to the National Institute of Mental Health 25% of teenagers will at one point or another be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder and 6% will be considered severe. Eighty years of research suggests either an increase in anxiety among teens or a better recognition of a condition that’s existed all along. Either way, I’ve never…
What Breed is Grace The Therapy Cat?
Dear Dr. Wes: What kind of breed is Grace? I have an identical cat named Princess that is 24 years old, and very healthy. Just don’t know their breed, but they are highly intelligent as I’m sure you are aware of. Mark Dear Mark: My daughter studied this extensively (because that’s what my daughter does)…
Fox4 Therapy Thursday: When Teens are Reluctant to Learn to Drive
Most adults remember, at age fourteen, waiting with bated breath at the doorway of the driver’s license office, imagining what it will feel like to walk back out to the parking lot with a learner’s permit, restricted license, or the holy grail of a full driver’s license. My first time I showed up without my…
How to Find a Good Therapist, Especially for ADHD
Dear Dr. Wes: What tips do you have for finding a good therapist, particularly for a child with ADHD? Thanks, Simon This is an issue of great interest to many readers, Simon. So, I’m going to answer it more generally and then add in a few specifics about ADHD kids and families. First, consider consulting your…
How Do I Tell My Son He Has ADHD?
Dear Dr. Wes: I’m looking for advice on how to tell my son he has ADHD. Thank you kindly! E.Tot @ea_morrison You didn’t say how old your son is, but I’m going to presume for this response that he’s younger. If he’s middle school or above, I’d treat him as a young adult and just…
KCUR Up to Date: Teens & Anxiety
According to the National Institute of Mental Health 25% of teenagers will at one point or another be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder and 6% will be considered severe. Research over the last 80 years suggests either an increase in anxiety among teens or better recognition of a condition that’s existed all along. Either way, over…
When Summer Social Life Collapses for Teens
Our kids are excited to hit the doors on the last day of school, but if there’s not structured social life waiting, some teens may fall out of contact with peers. On the other hand, some parents worry too much about a teen or older child who seems isolate. That child may just be an…
Can a School Require My Child to Take Medication?
Dear Dr. Wes: I heard you on Up to Date with Steve Kraske talking about IEPs, 504s, and student improvement plans and medication management with psychotherapy. The school told us that if my child didn’t take medication, he’d be kicked out of elementary school. Can they do that? Dear Listener: The short answer is “no.” No school…
How Teens Use Selfies and Social Media to Enhance or Degrade Self-Esteem
Teens and young adults love to post moments from their daily lives on Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat, and a few even still use Facebook, though for most that’s something us old folks like to tinker with. But parents and many family psychologists wonder whether posting a teen’s best, most glamorous moments, and most perfectly filtered portraits only serves to…