New York Center for Living

12/16/2025

Despite increasingly effective prevention and treatment efforts on the part of parents, schools, and treatment programs, teen substance use continues to pose a challenge.

Educators and school staff—especially guidance counselors, school social workers, and school psychologists—are in a unique position to identify substance use and related disorders in students and provide support and direction for teens and their parents. In many ways, school counselors are first responders, standing on the frontlines in the effort to educate and address substance use issues.

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Introduction Despite increasingly effective prevention and treatment efforts on the part of parents, schools, and treatment programs, teen substance use continues to pose a challenge. Educators and school staff--especially guidance counselors, school s...

12/12/2025

Why “Supervised” Substance Use Isn’t a Smart Parenting Strategy

At the New York Center for Living, parents often ask us whether it is wise to expose adolescents to substances like alcohol in supervised settings. It’s usually framed with care, thoughtfulness, and the best intentions: If my child is going to drink anyway—now or in the future—shouldn’t it be in our home where it’s safe? Isn’t a little exposure better than total abstinence?

This idea—that exposure to alcohol or other substances in a controlled environment will prevent more dangerous behavior later—has become increasingly normalized, particularly in well-resourced communities. Unfortunately, research and experience tell a different story: early, parentally-sanctioned substance use does not protect teens; it increases risk across the board—physically, psychologically, legally, and developmentally.

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Why “Supervised” Substance Use Isn't a Smart Parenting Strategy At the New York Center for Living, parents often ask us whether it is wise to expose adolescents to substances like alcohol in supervised settings. It's usually framed with care, thoughtfu...

12/11/2025

Australia just banned social media for anyone under 16.
A move this big raises an important question: how is social media shaping the mental health of young people today?

Australia’s decision aims to reduce online harm and protect emotional well-being, and it’s sparking conversation around the world about how teens use (and are impacted by) digital spaces.

Read more here: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/11/world/australia/social-media-ban-australia-europe-china-usa.html

What do you think this could mean for youth mental health here in the U.S.? We’d love to hear your perspective.

12/05/2025

At the New York Center for Living, we’ve long known what cutting-edge research now confirms: your personality isn’t set in stone—and creative expression can be a powerful catalyst for change.

While conventional therapy often centers on talk-based interventions, NYCFL offers something more: a chance for clients to experience change through art, improv, movement, and play. This embodied approach helps break through intellectual defenses and creates new neural pathways through novel experiences.

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At the New York Center for Living (NYCFL), we've long known what cutting-edge research now confirms: your personality isn't set in stone--and creative expression can be a powerful catalyst for change. While conventional therapy often centers on talk-bas...

12/04/2025

There is no one-size approach to healing here.

Every story matters. Every person is met with care, respect, and attention. Healing happens through trust, connection, and being seen for who you are at New York Center for Living.

11/28/2025

At NY Center for Living, we believe recovery is not just about abstaining from substances—it’s about healing the mind, body, and spirit. For many individuals, Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) can be a vital part of that healing process.

Our Medication-Assisted Treatment program in New York City combines safe, evidence-based medications with counseling and behavioral therapies to treat substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions. Located in Midtown Manhattan, our nonprofit treatment center offers a compassionate and supportive environment where clients can achieve lasting recovery through individualized care.

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Our Medication-Assisted Treatment program in New York City combines safe, evidence-based medications with counseling and behavioral therapies. Learn more.

11/27/2025

This Thanksgiving, it’s okay to say:
“Let’s change the subject.”
“I’m going to take a quick break.”
“No thank you.”
Simple, respectful boundaries can make the whole table feel calmer - for you and for the people who love you.

11/25/2025

New York Center for Living offers professional support, guidance, and counseling for family members who are struggling to support a loved one in active addiction.

Through Parent Only groups, Significant Other groups, individual therapy, and family therapy, we help families and other loved ones build strategies for intervention, develop and communicate boundaries, and create a supportive community which can be a touchstone during this time.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/4iix2bn

We offer family, parent, & significant other counseling to help treat addiction. learn more about addiction therapy & family therapy in New York City​.

11/20/2025

Healing is a family journey. At New York Center for Living, we help teens, adults, and their families grow together.

11/19/2025

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, half of all mental health issues begin by age 14. As a parent, the changes that occur during the teenage years can be challenging. How do you know if your teen is developing normally? When is their behavior a sign of mental illness?

Learn more and download our free eBook here:

Download "Adolescent Mental Health: Risk Factors and What to Do" to learn how to help treat common mental health issues in adolescents.

11/17/2025

NYCFL treats teens and adults with primary substance use disorder diagnoses.

We also know that substance use disorders do not exist in a vacuum and are often associated with other mental health conditions and associated behaviors. Both in our intensive outpatient (IOP) and outpatient (OP) program, our team can help effectively manage mood disorders like depression and bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders like generalized anxiety disorder, personality disorders like borderline personality disorder, trauma, attachment issues, self-injurious behaviors, and codependency.

Learn more: https://centerforliving.org/co-occurring-disorders/

11/15/2025

Healing begins with being truly seen.

At NYCFL, we heal together, through connection, conversation, and the support that helps young people feel seen and understood.