Toy Story 5 Sparks an Important Conversation About Children’s Screen Time
A recent article in The Times-Tribune and The Citizens’ Voice highlighted an important conversation sparked by Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story 5. While audiences may expect another adventure featuring Woody, Buzz, Jessie, and the rest of the gang, the newest installment focuses on a challenge many families face today—screen time. In Toy Story 5, Bonnie receives a […]
NBC News Reports Rise in Gambling Disorder Following Sports Betting Expansion
A recent NBC News report highlighted new research showing that diagnoses of gambling disorder have increased significantly in states where sports betting has been legalized. The report summarized findings from an Epic Research study of more than 197 million U.S. adults, which found that diagnosed gambling disorder increased by approximately 61% in states with legalized sports betting, […]
Friendship House unveils new autism center in Scranton
As Published on WNEP.com Author: Jack Culkin To view WNEP’s video of this event, CLICK HERE A partnership between two nonprofits in Lackawanna County looks to offer a new place of learning for those who need a little extra help in the classroom. SCRANTON, Pa. — “In order to help them prepare for that transition, we […]
Can AI Help With Mental Health? More Young People Are Giving It a Try.
If you spend any time around teenagers or young adults, this may not come as a surprise: many are turning to artificial intelligence (AI) for advice about their mental health. A recent study published by RAND and reported by Becker’s Behavioral Health found that nearly one in five adolescents and young adults have used AI […]
Finding the Right Help Can Feel Overwhelming — You Don’t Have to Figure It Out Alone
When individuals or families begin looking for behavioral health or support services, one of the biggest challenges is simply knowing where to start. At Friendship House, we understand that every situation is different. That is why we focus on helping individuals and families navigate services and connect to the supports that best meet their needs. […]
Mental Health in the Workplace: Why Support Matters More Than Ever
Stress, anxiety, burnout, and emotional exhaustion are no longer isolated issues affecting only a small group of people. Across the country, more employees are reporting that work-related stress is impacting their mental health, relationships, physical well-being, and overall quality of life. A recent national poll from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) found that […]
Mental Health Awareness Month: Why Early Support for Children Matters
Mental Health Awareness Month is a reminder of something many families already know: children and adolescents are facing growing mental health challenges. A recent study highlighted by Becker’s Hospital Review found that anxiety-related pediatric visits in primary care increased by 300% between 2014 and 2023. Researchers also noted a significant rise in pediatric visits involving mental […]
World Autism Awareness Day: Advancing Understanding and Support
Each year on April 2, communities around the world recognize World Autism Awareness Day—a time to promote understanding, inclusion, and meaningful support for individuals with autism. At Friendship House, this commitment extends far beyond a single day. It is reflected in the work we do every day to provide high-quality, coordinated care that supports individuals […]
When Change Is the Hard Part: Autism and Classroom Transitions
For many children with autism, transitions—not learning—are the hardest part. Moving from early childhood services into a kindergarten classroom brings a lot of change at once: new spaces, new routines, new expectations, and new people. Even children who are doing well developmentally can struggle when familiar structure shifts too quickly. A recent Autism Spectrum News […]