What does effective anxiety treatment actually look like for teens and young adults—and how do you know when it's time for a higher level of care? In this powerful and deeply thoughtful episode Zack speaks with River, a college student who has lived with anxiety and OCD since early childhood. River shares how her anxiety intensified through adolescence, leading to depression, self-harm, hospitalizations, and ultimately residential treatment. She walks listeners through her experience with OCD, somatic anxiety, fear of illness, and how untreated anxiety can quietly derail school, relationships, and self-confidence.

This episode offers parents and young people a rare inside look at what anxiety treatment can involve—from inpatient care to residential OCD treatment, exposure and response prevention (ERP), trauma work, and the challenges of transitioning to college. River reflects on returning to treatment as a motivated young adult, learning skills to manage intrusive thoughts, people-pleasing, and uncertainty, and eventually rebuilding her confidence through independent living and college re-entry. Her story is both reassuring and practical, reminding families that anxiety recovery is not linear—but with the right support, healing is possible. If you're a parent wondering how to help a teen with anxiety, or a young person feeling stuck and overwhelmed, this conversation offers clarity, hope, and real-world insight into what effective anxiety treatment can look like.

Zack's Hack- In this week's anxiety hack Zack shares a quote from the inspirational Helen Keller to help you open up to Fear Less!

Fear Less is sponsored by Mountain Valley Treatment Center.

Why are so many teens struggling with anxiety right now—and what can parents actually do to help? In this episode, Zack speaks with psychologist Dr. Rachel Gingold, who brings nearly 30 years of experience treating adolescents and families. Together, they unpack how the COVID years disrupted social development, increased avoidance, and intensified anxiety for teens everywhere.

Dr. Gingold explains why previously confident kids may now fear everyday tasks, how to recognize when anxiety is driving behavior, and why supportive challenge—not protection—is the key to rebuilding confidence. Parents will learn practical ways to help teens re-engage with life, strengthen identity, and move toward healthy independence.

Zack's Hack- In this week's anxiety hack Zack shares a quote from Tracee Ellison Ross, actor and to help you open up to Fear Less!

Dr. Gingold's private practice is- https://www.fhwsonline.com/rachel-gingold-phd

Fear Less is sponsored by Mountain Valley Treatment Center.

In this episode Zack talks with Dr. Will White about the hidden ways men experience fear, anxiety, and major life transitions. Will shares candid stories from fatherhood, leadership, loss, and aging, while Zack reflects on overworking, anger, and becoming a father again. Together they highlight how men often express anxiety through anger, shutting down, or work—rather than naming it for what it is.

They also explore healthier alternatives: men's retreats, movement, meditation, community, and asking for help before things reach a breaking point. Will explains why nature, honest conversation, and structured support can help men "turn the compost heap" of stress, rather than let it build into isolation. The episode closes with a reminder for men—and those who love them—that you don't have to carry everything alone.

Zack's Hack- In this week's anxiety hack Zack shares a quote from Terry Crews, actor and mental health advocate to help you open up to Fear Less!

Fear Less is sponsored by Mountain Valley Treatment Center.