The Impact of Excessive Screen Time on Youth Mental Health: Research, Risks, and Solutions with Dr. Johann D'Souza | continuing education | podcourse | parenting | social media

The Impact of Excessive Screen Time on Youth Mental Health: Research, Risks, and Solutions with Dr. Johann D'Souza | continuing education | podcourse | parenting | social media

Author: Lisa Mustard August 15, 2025 Duration: 56:53

PURCHASE THIS PODCOURSE!

If you are a therapist or counselor looking for continuing education, check out my NBCC Approved $5 Podcourses and other continuing education offerings.Plus, get your first Podcourse half off.

Since 2009, rates of anxiety, depression, and suicidality among young people have risen sharply, and research points to smartphones and social media as major contributors. In this episode, I talk with Dr. Johann D'Souza, a clinical psychologist specializing in OCD and anxiety, about what is driving this crisis and how we can respond.

We unpack the four harmful effects of excessive screen time: sleep deprivation, addiction, social isolation, and distraction. We also explore evidence-based solutions that work. From creating phone-free schools to encouraging unstructured play and family screen detoxes, you will hear practical steps parents, therapists, and communities can take to protect youth well-being.

🎧 Listen for free, or earn 1 NBCC-approved continuing education contact hour for just $5.

Learning Objectives:

  • Analyze research findings to identify the significant decline in youth well-being beginning around 2009 and its global scope. 
  • Describe the four primary harmful effects of excessive screen time- sleep deprivation, addiction, social isolation, and distraction - and their impact on mental health.
  • Evaluate evidence-based strategies and practical solutions for reducing harmful screen time use in children and adolescents.

About Dr. Johann D'Souza: Dr. Johann D'Souza is a clinical psychologist based in Houston, Texas, specializing in the treatment of anxiety and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). He is committed to integrating modern psychological practices with traditional values, ensuring that therapy aligns with each individual's core beliefs.

Dr. D'Souza's academic journey is both diverse and distinguished. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Theology from the University of Dallas, reflecting a strong foundation in spiritual studies. He furthered his expertise with a Master of Arts in General Psychology from Boston University and another Master's in Clinical Psychology from the University of Houston, where he was honored with a Presidential Fellowship. He completed his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at the University of Houston.

His clinical training includes a predoctoral internship at the Baylor College of Medicine's OCD Specialty Clinic and a postdoctoral fellowship focusing on OCD and related disorders at Psychology Houston. Additionally, Dr. D'Souza serves as a Research Affiliate with The Human Flourishing Program at Harvard University, underscoring his dedication to advancing mental health research.

In his practice, Dr. D'Souza emphasizes transforming challenges into opportunities for growth. He collaborates with clients to understand their thoughts and emotions, employing scientifically supported strategies to promote peace and focus. His guiding principles include professional excellence, the inherent dignity of human life, the natural complementarity of male and female, and the beauty of chaste love.

Through Values First Therapy, Dr. D'Souza aims to build a network of practices across the U.S. that offer science-based therapy aligned with traditional values, striving to change the world by transforming the field of psychology both professionally and ethically.

Dr. D'Souza's Podcourse on OCD and ERP.

About Lisa: Lisa Mustard, MPH, EdS, LMFT has worked for a college counseling center, addiction recovery center and has been working with a military branch for the past 14 years. Lisa is a lover of all things fitness and health, a Podcaster and Coach.

Continuing Education Contact Hours: Mustard Consulting, LLC has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7061. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Mustard Consulting, LLC is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

Completion Requirements:To obtain your certificate of completion, you must listen entirely to the audio, pass the Podcourse completion quiz and complete a satisfaction survey.

Refund policy: No refunds are provided for self-study courses.

Disclosure Statement for Dr. Johann D'Souza; Financial: Dr. D'Souza receives a speaking honorarium from Mustard Consulting LLC.

The Therapy Show with Lisa Mustard is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional advice. Always consult with your own healthcare provider regarding any personal health or medical conditions.

Connect with Lisa: Website

Thank you for tuning into The Therapy Show. Subscribe to the podcast on Apple PodcastsSpotify, or your favorite podcast platform to never miss an episode.


For mental health professionals seeking to fulfill their continuing education requirements without sacrificing valuable client time, Continuing Education for Mental Health Counselors: Therapy Show with Lisa Mustard offers an accredited, flexible solution. Hosted by Lisa Mustard, this podcast transforms essential learning into accessible audio courses, known as Podcourses. Each episode is designed to meet the rigorous standards of the NBCC, providing licensed counselors, therapists, and social workers with relevant, practical knowledge they can apply directly to their practice. The format acknowledges the demanding schedules of caregivers, delivering content that can be absorbed during a commute, between sessions, or whenever a moment allows. This approach moves beyond traditional, lengthy seminars, creating a library of professional development that grows with an annual subscription. Listeners will find the discussions grounded in real-world application, covering evolving therapeutic techniques, ethical considerations, and industry updates critical for maintaining licensure and enhancing client care. The entire structure of this podcast is built around convenience and depth, ensuring that advancing one's education supports, rather than interrupts, the vital work of supporting others.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Continuing Education for Mental Health Counselors: Therapy Show with Lisa Mustard
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