In January, Shortridge Academy clinicians completed the training “Internet Addiction: How to Assess and Treat the Disorder” developed by Kimberly S. Young, Psy.D.. Using a modified version of DSM criteria, the course provided a framework to identify the signs/symptoms of internet addiction, the utility and need for specialized assessment tools, and specialized techniques to conduct clinical interview. Examination of the varied subtypes of this condition was part of the learning experience and culminated with a study of a formal clinical model for treating clients with technology-use related challenges.
Living in the digital world has proven both beneficial and potentially harmful for teenagers. Internet addiction and other problematic uses of technology are impacting adolescents to the extent that clinical intervention is warranted. The Shortridge Academy Clinical Team has and continues to be committed to being knowledgeable and clinically equipped toward prevention and intervention to address these digital health issues.
Consistent with the tenets of the Positive Youth Development philosophy, Shortridge Academy students are empowered with use of technology. Given their own laptops with limited internet access upon enrollment, Shortridge students realize the educational and support benefits from having access to the internet. Shortridge is intentional in their efforts to prepare students for their independent learner role in future traditional learning environments. Some students require additional scaffolding and the individualization for each student technology use is identified and outlined in his/her individual plan, and overseen by the respective Shortridge Counselor and Technology Director.
“Shortridge Counselors have found that helping a student to navigate their digital environment, including patterns of usage and ways they may be using it as a maladaptive coping skill, is now an essential component of almost every student’s treatment. Our department is committed to continuing to educate ourselves, our students, and our families on how best to prepare for the current digital world.” Christina Smalley, MA, LCMHC, Clinical Director
If you would like more information about Shortridge Academy clinical services, please contact Clinical Director, Christina Smalley at csmalley@shortridgeacademy.com
About Shortridge Academy
Shortridge Academy is a private co-ed Therapeutic Boarding School, founded in 2002, emphasizing challenging yet supportive college prep academics within a therapeutic community. Located in southeastern New Hampshire with close proximity to both the seacoast and the mountains, Shortridge’s setting and Positive Youth Development model provides students with an ideal environment to further develop their sense of self and strengthen family relationships in an intellectually stimulating learning environment reflective of a traditional boarding school.