COPE fees are set based on treatment specialties and standard rates for doctoral level clinicians. Although our rates vary depending on the clinician and the specific services you are requesting, generally speaking our individual therapy rates begin at $250. Lower fee slots do occasionally become available. We welcome you to contact us to discuss your specific treatment and financial needs. If we are unable to accommodate you, we are happy to provide you referrals to lower fee mental health centers. For specific group rates or rates on IMPROVE: Outpatient Substance Use Treatment Program, please contact us for more information.

Do you take insurance?

COPE is not affiliated with a particular insurance panel and is considered an out-of-network provider. However, Dr. Rubin is a Lyra provider and can see individuals with Lyra benefits. Please check with your insurance company to inquire into possible out-of-network benefits and rates for reimbursement. Upon request, COPE providers can provide a monthly statement documenting services received that can be used for possible reimbursement from your insurance company and/or healthcare spending accounts. Some questions that may be helpful to ask your insurance company: Do I have mental health benefits? Do I have out-of-network benefits? If so, what are the benefits? How would I obtain reimbursement for an out-of-network provider? How many sessions will be covered per calendar year? What is my deductible and has it been met?

How long does therapy last?

Treatment length varies greatly depending on your specific concerns. However, research has shown that significant improvements can be made within 12 weeks and sometimes less. Some concerns may require longer-term treatment and some individuals choose to continue coming to therapy even after initial treatment gains to maintain skills, prevent backsliding, and manage weekly stressors. Your therapist will work with you closely in the initial sessions to clarify your presenting concerns and an expected treatment duration.

How do I know if therapy will work?

Finding the right therapist mixed with the right treatment can sometimes feel like finding a unicorn for those looking to begin therapy. However, at COPE we try to make this process a reality with a number of talented, specialty trained clinicians who work with you to customize a course of treatment that suits your needs.

What can I expect from the first few therapy sessions?

The initial therapy sessions are a great time for your therapist to get to know you and for you to get to know your therapist. Both are equally important. Your therapist will use this time to ask you a variety of questions in many different domains to understand as much breadth and depth of your life as possible in order to develop a thorough treatment plan. It is important to develop a set of goals that will guide treatment during these initial sessions.

Social Media Addiction and Its Impact on Teen Mental Health

In today’s digital age, social media is an integral part of our lives, especially for teenagers. While it provides a platform for connection and self-expression, excessive use can lead to social media addiction, impacting mental health significantly. Understanding the effects of social media addiction on teen mental health, recognizing its signs, and implementing strategies to manage screen time are crucial for fostering a healthier digital environment for our young people.

The Impact of Social Media on Teen Mental Health: What Parents Need to Know

Social media addiction has become a prevalent concern among teenagers, influencing their mental health in various ways. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat can foster connections and creativity but also have darker sides. These platforms often exacerbate issues like anxiety, depression, and body image concerns.

Anxiety and Depression: Teens who are excessively engaged in social media may experience heightened levels of anxiety and depression. The constant need for validation through likes and comments can lead to feelings of inadequacy and loneliness when online interactions don’t meet expectations. Studies have shown that increased social media use correlates with higher levels of anxiety and depression among adolescents.

Body Image Issues: Social media is a double-edged sword for body image. While it can promote body positivity, it often perpetuates unrealistic beauty standards through curated photos and filters. This can lead to body dissatisfaction and eating disorders as teens compare themselves to the idealized images they see online.

Cyberbullying: Another serious issue linked to social media addiction is cyberbullying. The anonymity provided by social media platforms can embolden individuals to engage in harmful behavior, leading to emotional distress for the victims. The constant exposure to negative comments and bullying can significantly impact a teen’s self-esteem and mental health.

How Common Is Social Media Addiction?

Global Usage: 56.8% of the world’s population is active on social media, with addiction rates expected to rise in the coming years.
Worldwide Addiction: Research from the University of Michigan estimates that 210 million people globally suffer from addiction to social media and the internet.
US Addiction Rates: According to California State University, approximately 10% or 33.19 million Americans are addicted to social media.

Social Media Addiction in Young People

Youth Statistics: Young adults aged 18 to 22 represent a significant 40% of all Americans addicted to social media.
Teen Screen Time: Common Sense research shows that teens average 7 hours and 22 minutes of screen time daily, while children aged 8–12 spend an average of 4 hours and 44 minutes on screens each day.

Damaging Effects of Social Media Addiction on Young People

Feelings of Exclusion: Data from Statista reveals that 70% of teens aged 13 to 17 feel left out or excluded due to social media.
Self-Esteem Issues: 43% of teens have deleted posts due to low engagement, and 43% feel bad about themselves when posts receive no likes or comments.
Cyberbullying: 35% of teenagers report experiencing cyberbullying on social media platforms.
Self-Harm and Suicide Risk: Research from San Diego State University indicates that 70% of teens who use social media for over 5 hours daily are at a higher risk of suicidal thoughts.

Social Media Addiction by Social Media Platforms

Daily Use: The Pew Research Center reports daily use of the top social media apps among US adults:
- 70% use Facebook
- 59% use Snapchat
- 59% use Instagram
- 46% use Twitter
- 54% use YouTube

Source

Navigating Social Media Addiction: Signs and Strategies for Teens and Their Parents

Recognizing social media addiction is the first step in addressing its impact. Here are some signs that a teen may be struggling with social media addiction:

Excessive Screen Time: If a teen spends more time on social media than interacting with family and friends in real life, it may be a sign of addiction. Excessive screen time can interfere with daily activities, such as schoolwork and sleep.
Withdrawal Symptoms: Teens who are addicted to social media might exhibit withdrawal symptoms when they are unable to access their accounts. This can include irritability, restlessness, and anxiety.
Neglect of Responsibilities: A noticeable decline in academic performance or neglect of chores and responsibilities can signal that social media is taking priority over other important aspects of life.
Obsessive Behavior: Obsessively checking notifications, constantly refreshing feeds, and feeling a compulsive need to be online are behaviors associated with social media addiction.

Strategies for Managing Social Media Addiction

Set Clear Boundaries: Establishing rules about screen time can help manage social media use. For example, setting specific times for social media use and limiting usage before bedtime can reduce dependency.
Encourage Offline Activities: Promote engaging in offline activities like sports, hobbies, and family outings. These activities can provide a healthy balance and reduce the reliance on social media for entertainment and social interaction.
Monitor Social Media Use: Use parental controls and monitoring apps to track social media activity. While it’s essential to respect privacy, understanding usage patterns can help identify issues early.
Open Communication: Foster open and honest discussions about social media use. Encourage teens to share their online experiences and feelings. Understanding their perspective can help in guiding them towards healthier habits.
Seek Professional Help: If social media addiction is severely impacting a teen’s mental health, consulting a mental health professional may be necessary. Therapists can provide support and strategies to overcome addiction and address underlying issues.

Building Positive Online Habits: Tips for Teens to Foster Healthy Social Media Use

Developing positive online habits is crucial for maintaining a healthy relationship with social media. Here are some tips for teens to promote balanced social media use:

Curate Your Feed: Follow accounts that promote positivity and self-improvement. Avoid content that triggers negative emotions or perpetuates unrealistic standards.
Practice Mindful Social Media Use: Be conscious of the time spent on social media and its impact on your mood. Take breaks and engage in activities that help you feel more grounded and connected to reality.
Set Personal Goals: Establish personal goals for social media use, such as limiting screen time or using social media only for specific purposes. Tracking progress towards these goals can help maintain a healthy balance.
Prioritize Real-Life Interactions: Make an effort to engage in face-to-face interactions and build meaningful relationships offline. Real-life connections can provide emotional support and reduce the reliance on virtual validation.
Educate Yourself: Understanding the potential risks of social media and being aware of its effects on mental health can empower teens to make informed decisions about their online behavior.

Effective Therapies for Social Media Addiction: CBT and DBT

Social media addiction has emerged as a significant concern, especially among younger populations who face unique challenges in managing their online habits. Therapy can play a crucial role in addressing this addiction, with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) being two of the most effective approaches. Here’s a closer look at how these therapies specifically help in the treatment of social media addiction.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

What Is CBT?

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a well-established, evidence-based approach that focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors. It is particularly effective in treating various forms of addiction, including social media addiction.

How CBT Helps with Social Media Addiction

Identifying Negative Thought Patterns: CBT helps individuals recognize and challenge distorted thoughts related to their social media use. For instance, a person might believe they need to check their social media constantly to stay connected or feel valued. CBT works to dismantle these irrational beliefs by highlighting their negative impacts and providing alternative, healthier ways of thinking.
Behavioral Modifications: CBT emphasizes the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. By understanding how certain thoughts lead to compulsive social media use, individuals can develop strategies to break this cycle. Techniques such as scheduling specific times for social media use and gradually reducing screen time are often employed.
Developing Coping Strategies: CBT equips individuals with practical tools to manage urges and triggers. This includes stress management techniques, problem-solving skills, and ways to improve self-control. By addressing underlying issues such as anxiety or low self-esteem, CBT helps reduce the reliance on social media as a coping mechanism.
Setting Goals and Monitoring Progress: CBT involves setting specific, measurable goals related to social media use and regularly monitoring progress. This structured approach helps individuals stay motivated and accountable, making it easier to achieve a balanced online presence.

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)

What Is DBT?

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy that emphasizes the development of skills for managing emotions, improving relationships, and coping with stress. Originally designed for individuals with borderline personality disorder, DBT has proven effective for various issues, including social media addiction.

How DBT Helps with Social Media Addiction

Mindfulness Skills: DBT incorporates mindfulness practices that help individuals stay present and focused. For social media addicts, mindfulness can reduce the compulsion to check notifications or scroll endlessly. By fostering awareness of the present moment, individuals can break the automatic patterns of social media use and develop a more balanced approach.
Emotion Regulation: One of the core components of DBT is teaching individuals to manage their emotions effectively. For those struggling with social media addiction, emotions such as loneliness or inadequacy often drive excessive use. DBT helps individuals recognize and address these emotions in healthier ways, reducing the need to seek validation through social media.
Distress Tolerance: DBT includes skills for tolerating distress without resorting to harmful behaviors. Social media addicts might use their online presence as a way to escape or numb negative feelings. DBT provides alternative strategies for coping with distress, such as engaging in meaningful activities or practicing self-compassion, thereby reducing reliance on social media for emotional relief.
Interpersonal Effectiveness: This component of DBT focuses on improving communication and relationship skills. Social media addiction can often lead to strained relationships and poor communication. DBT helps individuals build healthier, more authentic connections with others, both online and offline, fostering a more fulfilling social life beyond digital interactions.

Conclusion

Social media addiction poses significant challenges to teen mental health, influencing anxiety, depression, body image, and overall well-being. Recognizing the signs of addiction and implementing effective strategies to manage screen time are essential steps in mitigating its impact. By fostering open communication, setting boundaries, and encouraging positive online habits, parents can support their teens in developing a healthier relationship with social media.

If you or someone you know is struggling with social media addiction, COPE Psychological Center is here to help. Our team of experts provides support and resources to address mental health concerns and promote well-being. Reach out to us today to take the first step toward a healthier, balanced life.

Call COPE

Take control of your digital well-being! Contact COPE Psychological Center today for personalized support in managing social media addiction and enhancing mental health. Let’s work together for a balanced life.