NASW - National Association of Social Workers
07/15/2026 | News release | Distributed by Public on 07/16/2026 07:25
EP146: Anime and Adolescent Wellness: Using Modern Media to Build Rapport and Assess Sexual Risk
Anime is often viewed as harmless entertainment, but some content can include explicit sexual themes that influence adolescent development and mental health. In this episode, we explore with our guest Jermaine Wall, LCSW-S, owner of Crescent Counseling why social workers and mental health professionals should consider digital media use as part of assessment and treatment planning.
We also discuss the complex intersection of anime, sexual content, identity development, and clinical practice through a research-informed, clinically grounded perspective.
Learn why digital media should be part of comprehensive psychosocial assessments, how anime and other online content can shape adolescent behavior and development, and what social workers, therapists, counselors, psychologists, and other mental health professionals should consider when assessing risk and developing treatment plans.
July 15, 2026
Read a transcript of episode 146
Show Notes:
Anime Awakening: A space where anime is more than entertainment. Exploring purpose, identity, relationships, and healing through the stories that connect us: www.animeawakening.org
Anime Awakening Substack: animeawakening.substack.com
Anime & Sexual Behavior Questionnaire (ASBQ): A three-instrument suite designed to help trained professionals explore how anime and related media intersect with sexual behavior concerns in youth. Contact [email protected]
Anime's Hidden Harms: A-Z resource guide for professionals, Available by request: [email protected]
Connect with our guest, Jermaine Wall, LCSW Owner of Crescent Counselingon LinkedIn:
linkedin.com/in/jermainewalllcsw
NASW - National Association of Social Workers published this content on July 15, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on July 16, 2026 at 13:25 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]