This week on Smart. Money. Simplified, Dr. Andrea Mata, clinical child psychologist and founder of BrightSpot Families, joins Brent Mekosh to unpack the teen mental health crisis while sharing practical strategies to help parents raise resilient, adaptable children.

Dr. Mata highlights three critical areas reshaping parenting today:

• 
  
• The Alarming Trends: Half of all lifetime mental illnesses begin by age 14; 42% of teens experience persistent sadness; 22% have seriously considered suicide
  
• Parenting in Crisis Mode: How overprotective parenting styles are hindering kids’ problem-solving skills and resilience
  
• Building Resilience: Simple yet impactful strategies like letting kids tackle small challenges, setting high expectations, and fostering warmth and consistency
  
• And much more!
  

(Don’t miss out — stream the entire conversation now and discover how you can get your hands on Dr. Mata’s insightful book!)

Connect with Brent Mekosh:

• 
  
• 602-255-0555
  
• LinkedIn: Brent Mekosh
  
• The Wealth Stewards
  

Connect with Dr. Andrea Mata, Ph.D.:

• 
  
• LinkedIn: Andrea Mata, Ph.D.
  
• BrightSpot Families
  
• “The No. 2 Parenting Book: Practical Tips for the Pooped Out Parent” by Dr. Andrea Mata
  

About Our Guest:

Dr. Andrea Mata, statistically, should not be as successful as she is. The daughter of a Mexican immigrant, she grew up in a gang-infested nine-block unincorporated neighborhood on the south side of Chicago. Dr. Mata learned the value of having a strong and loving family early and attributes much of her success to her close-knit and sarcastic family.

Dr. Mata graduated summa cum laude with her Bachelor of Science degree from Valparaiso University. While there, she majored in Psychology and minored in Criminology and Urban Studies. Dr. Mata completed her Doctorate in Clinical Child Psychology at Kent State University. She had the fortunate experience of interning at Boys Town in Omaha, Nebraska, where the mission is to save children and heal families.   

Dr. Mata was a college professor at the University of Findlay for 9 years until she realized she needed to fulfill her mission of fortifying the family. She joined the Anxiety Treatment Center of Greater Toledo and founded BrightSpot Families.