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Anxiety in Children & Teens

Your child doesn't have to carry all that worry.

Pediatric-specialized anxiety evaluations and treatment for kids and teens ages 5 to 18. Evidence-based care from clinicians who understand how anxiety shows up in developing minds.

Recognize the signs

Anxiety looks different in every child.

Some kids can tell you they're worried. Others show it through stomachaches, meltdowns, or simply shutting down. Here are some of the most common signs.

Excessive worry

Worrying about school, friends, family, the future, even when things are going fine. The "what ifs" never stop.

Physical symptoms

Stomachaches, headaches, racing heart, trouble breathing. Anxiety lives in the body, not just the mind.

Avoidance

Refusing to go to school, avoiding social situations, skipping activities they used to love.

Sleep problems

Can't fall asleep, won't sleep alone, nightmares, waking up anxious in the middle of the night.

Separation anxiety

Meltdowns at drop-off, clinging to parents, panic when apart from caregivers, even at ages where it's unusual.

Perfectionism

Erasing and rewriting homework, refusing to try new things, falling apart over small mistakes.

Evidence-based anxiety care, built around your child.

Evidence-based, pediatric-focused anxiety treatment tailored to your child's specific needs and developmental stage.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Recommended as first-line treatment for pediatric anxiety per AAP and AACAP guidelines. Structured sessions that teach your child to understand their anxiety, face their fears, and build confidence.

  • Evidence-based CBT techniques for childhood anxiety
  • Gradual, supported exposure at their pace
  • Coping skills and relaxation training
  • Social skills building for social anxiety
  • Parent coaching so you know how to help at home

Medication Management

When therapy alone isn't enough, medication can make a real difference. We start low, adjust carefully, and monitor closely.

  • SSRI options, the first-line medication class for pediatric anxiety
  • Careful dose titration based on response
  • Side effect monitoring at every visit
  • Regular check-ins to track progress
  • Coordination with your child's school and other providers
Common Questions

What to know before your first visit.

Do they need a diagnosis first?

No. We evaluate and diagnose at the first visit. If your child has anxiety, we'll identify the type and create a treatment plan in the same session.

Is medication always needed?

No, many kids improve with therapy alone. We recommend medication only when anxiety is severe, not responding to therapy, or significantly impacting daily life.

How quickly will we see improvement?

Therapy benefits usually start within 4 to 6 weeks of consistent sessions. Medication typically shows initial improvement within 2 to 4 weeks, with full therapeutic effect by 4 to 6 weeks.

What ages do you treat?

We see children and teens ages 5 to 18. A parent or guardian must consent to treatment and participate in the initial evaluation.

How long are visits?

Your first visit (evaluation) is 60 minutes. Follow-up therapy sessions are 45 minutes. Medication check-ins are 15-20 minutes.

What if my child won't talk to a therapist?

Very common, especially with younger kids. We use age-appropriate techniques like play, drawing, and storytelling — and often work through parents for younger children.

We're opening soon.

Be the first to know when we start taking patients. Launching first in California, with plans to expand to additional states. We accept insurance.