Vaping & Nicotine
THC carts are odorless, easy to hide, and far stronger than flower. Learn what they look like, the signs of teen use, and what to do if you find one.
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Megan Giddens, LCSW
Clinical Director
Megan leads the clinical team at Lotus, guiding the therapy every teen receives and making sure families are part of every step.
About Megan Giddens, LCSW
Megan is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with more than 18 years of experience in mental health and substance use treatment, clinical supervision and community prevention.
From the beginning of her career, Megan has been passionate about working with teens and families facing complex mental health and substance use challenges. She uses evidence-based approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and motivational interviewing, and works with teens and families so they feel heard, understood and supported throughout treatment.
Before joining Lotus, Megan served as an LCSW with Orange County Government. Before that, she was Assistant Director of the UCF Substance Use Disorders Clinic, where she provided dual diagnosis treatment for students and led a clinical training program for interns.
Megan also serves as an expert witness and consultant for the Florida Department of Health, reviewing cases to help ensure clinical standards of care. Outside of work, she enjoys time with her family and two rescue dogs.
Education and Credentials
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
- Master of Social Work, University of Central Florida
- Bachelor's degree in Psychology, University of Central Florida
Her Role at Lotus
- Leads the clinical team
- Oversees individual, group and family therapy
- Shapes each teen's treatment plan with the team
Articles by Megan
What Is a THC Cart? Vape Cartridges, Concentrates, and Signs of Teen Use How Can I Tell if My Teen Is High or Having a Mental Health Crisis? Mental HealthLearn how to tell if your teen is high or having a mental health crisis, which signs point to each, and when to call 911. Talk to our admissions team.
Read moreFake Oxy Pills (M30s): How Fentanyl Is Driving Overdoses Substance UseFake M30 "blue" pills often contain lethal fentanyl. Learn how teens get them, the warning signs, and the prevention steps that can save a life.
Read moreConflict Resolution Strategies for Teens: Comprehensive Guide ParentingDiscover effective conflict resolution strategies for teens to build communication skills, resolve disputes, and foster healthier relationships.
Read moreSigns of High-Functioning Depression in Teens Parents Shouldn’t Miss Mental HealthLearn the signs of high-functioning depression in teens, how to recognize hidden symptoms, and ways parents can help early.
Read moreVaping and Anxiety: How E-Cigarettes Affect Teens Mental HealthLearn how vaping affects teen anxiety, how its contents can affect health, and how Lotus Behavioral Health helps teens find healthier coping skills.
Read moreIs Hyper-Independence a Trauma Response? Mental HealthIs your need to do everything alone rooted in trauma? Learn how hyper-independence can develop as a trauma response and how to begin healing.
Read moreWhat is an Adult Child? Healing from Dysfunctional Family Roles ParentingThe term “adult child” often refers to someone raised in a dysfunctional environment. Learn how these early dynamics impact adulthood, and how to heal.
Read moreMost Common Reasons Why Teens Drink Alcohol Substance UseExplore the common reasons why teens drink alcohol, the risks of underage drinking, and strategies to prevent alcohol abuse in adolescents.
Read moreAlerting Signs A Teenager is Using Drugs ParentingLearn the warning signs of teen substance abuse, common risk factors, and effective treatment options. Get expert insights on how to help teens recover.
Read moreUnderstanding Teenage Social Media Addiction ParentingDiscover the causes and signs of social media addiction in teens, along with strategies to promote healthier online habits.
Read moreIs Relapse Part of Recovery? Treatment & RecoveryUnderstand why relapse can be a part of the addiction recovery process. Learn how to cope with setbacks and continue on the path to long-term sobriety.
Read moreAlcohol and Violence Substance UseUnderstand the link between alcohol and violence. Learn how alcohol consumption can lead to aggressive behavior and the importance of prevention.
Read moreStaying Connected to Recovery Treatment & RecoveryLearn how staying connected to recovery can improve long-term sobriety. Explore support groups, therapy, and other ways to stay engaged in your recovery.
Read moreTypes of Psychotherapy Substance UseExplore the types of psychotherapy used in recovery and mental health treatment. Learn the benefits of different therapy modalities for long-term success.
Read moreIdentifying E-Cigarette Use in Children Vaping & NicotineLearn how to identify e-cigarette use in children. Discover the signs of vaping, the risks associated with e-cigarettes, and how to intervene effectively.
Read moreEffective Interventions for Adolescent Vaping Vaping & NicotineLearn about effective interventions for adolescent vaping. Understand how to talk to teens about the dangers of vaping and provide support for quitting.
Read more7 Symptoms of Teen Internet Addiction ParentingExplore the 7 symptoms of teen internet addiction. Learn how excessive screen time affects adolescents and how to recognize signs of addiction early.
Read moreWhat is Alcoholics Anonymous? Substance UseExplore what Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is and how it helps individuals overcome alcohol addiction. Learn about the 12-step program and its role recovery.
Read moreThe Sober Curious Movement Treatment & RecoveryExplore the Sober Curious movement and its growing popularity. Understand why people are choosing sobriety and the benefits of a sober-curious lifestyle.
Read moreHow to Address Alcohol & Underage Drinking: 5 Effective Ways Substance UseLearn how to talk to your teen about underage drinking. Discover strategies to address alcohol use and encourage healthy decisions for your kid’s future.
Read moreWhy Do Rich People Do Drugs? Substance UseDiscover why addiction affects adolescents from all backgrounds. Explore the underlying psychological and social factors contributing to drug abuse.
Read moreSecular Recovery Groups: Benefits in Managing Addiction Treatment & RecoveryExplore secular recovery groups for teens as an alternative to traditional faith-based programs. Learn about their approaches to addiction recovery.
Read moreStrategies to Overcome Denial in Addiction ParentingLearn how to address denial in addiction. Understand why denial is common and explore effective strategies to help teens recognize their need for help.
Read moreHoliday Survival Tips to Support Your Teen’s Recovery Treatment & RecoveryDiscover holiday survival tips to support your teen’s recovery. Learn how to manage triggers and create a supportive environment during the holiday season.
Read moreHolidays and Recovery: Keeping Teens on Track as a Family Treatment & RecoveryLearn how to support your teen's recovery during the holidays. Explore strategies to keep them on track and maintain a whole-family approach to recovery.
Read moreTeen Substance Abuse: How to Talk to Your Adolescent ParentingLearn the importance of talking to your adolescent about substance abuse. Discover tips for approaching the conversation and supporting your teenager.
Read moreCoping with Teen Addiction: Emotional and Behavioral Support Substance UseExplore effective ways to cope with the emotional toll of teen addiction. Learn about supportive solutions to help you manage the challenges of addiction.
Read moreManaging Teen Behavioral Health Guide: Substance Use Disorder Substance UseDiscover strategies for managing teen behavioral health in teenagers with substance use disorder. Learn about therapy, treatment, and support resources.
Read moreHow to Avoid Alcohol and Gambling Triggers? ParentingLearn practical strategies to help teens recognize and manage triggers related to alcohol use and gambling in recovery.
Read moreImportance of Celebrating Milestones in Recovery Treatment & RecoveryDiscover how recognizing recovery milestones can boost motivation, reinforce progress, and support long-term healing for teens.
Read moreUnderstanding the Normalcy of Teen Substance Use ParentingExplore the realities of teen substance use: What’s considered typical, when it signals a deeper issue, and how early support can make a difference.
Read moreOCD Test for Teens: Signs, Screening, and Next Steps Mental HealthEvaluate symptoms with an OCD Test for teens. Learn about ERP therapy, signs of obsessions, and professional care in Florida. Learn more.
Read moreThe Value of Recovering Teen Support Groups and How to Find Them Treatment & RecoveryLearn the benefits of teen support groups in recovery and practical tips for finding safe, effective peer communities.
Read moreWays to Prevent Relapse Treatment & RecoveryExplore proven ways to prevent relapse during recovery. Learn about coping strategies, support systems, and lifestyle changes that help maintain sobriety.
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