If you answered yes to any of these questions, your child or teen may be suffering with an excessive amount of anxiety.
Anxiety is an emotion that we all experience from time to time to varying degrees of intensity. Just like joy, disappointment and frustration, anxiety is a feeling that comes and goes and is usually in response to an identifiable stressor or experience.
It is when anxiety becomes very intense and remains at that intense level for a significant amount of time that it can affect your everyday functioning. If your child or teen experiences an intense, chronic sense of nervousness or worry and it is negatively impacting their functioning at home, school or in relationships, we are here to help.
Once anxiety reaches clinical levels, it can fall into various categories. Some children and teenagers may feel overly worried and anxious when separated from a parent while others are very fearful of entering social situations like going to gym class or a birthday party. Some kids and teens are afraid of specific objects, animals or situations while others experience a sudden surge of anxiety that turns into a panic attack. Some children and teenagers have difficulty speaking in certain social situations like in class while others have fears of leaving their home or avoid school. Some might experience chronic worry about a number of activities and events and have trouble controlling their amount of worry. Others may have obsessive thoughts and engage in compulsive behaviors as a way of coping with their thoughts.
Excessive anxiety can manifest differently in everyone, especially in children and adolescents. Anxiety may manifest in the ways that are most familiar, like those described above, while it might manifest as anger or oppositionality or withdrawn behavior as sometimes seen in depression. You have an opportunity to help your child or teen take charge of their life and feel better. We are here to help your child or teen take back control and help you to support them as they embark on this healing process.
Anxiety disorders are the #1 mental health condition diagnosed and treated in the United States in children and adolescents. Our highly skilled clinical psychologists can help your child or teen regain power over their life and achieve their goals. Through supportive, insight-oriented psychotherapy coupled with cognitive-behavioral techniques and mindfulness-based strategies, we can guide them through this learning and healing process.
There is no need for your child or teen to suffer any longer. They are not alone. We are here to help them on this path toward relief and emotional health.
What are the common signs of anxiety in children and adolescents?
Common signs of anxiety in children and teens include excessive worrying about grades or health, negative thoughts that are hard to shake, panic episodes with difficulty breathing, perfectionism, sleep disturbances, and avoidance of social interactions. If you notice these behaviors, it may be time to seek professional support for your child.
How can therapy help my child manage anxiety?
Therapy can be highly effective in helping children and adolescents manage anxiety. At Evolve Psychological Services, we utilize evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), the SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) program, EMDR, Brainspotting and others. These methods teach children to identify and challenge negative thought patterns, develop coping skills, and empower parents to support their child’s emotional needs. Ultimately, this comprehensive approach helps children navigate social situations and reduces anxiety, leading to improved emotional health.
What types of anxiety disorders do you treat for children and adolescents?
At Evolve Psychological Services, we treat a variety of anxiety disorders in children and teens, including Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Social Anxiety Disorder, Separation Anxiety, Panic Disorder, and other conditions. Our experienced clinicians work closely with each child to create individualized treatment plans that address their specific challenges and concerns. We also collaborate with parents, equipping them with tools and strategies to support their child’s progress and help manage anxiety at home.
How can I tell if my child needs professional help for anxiety?
If your child’s anxiety is impacting their daily life—such as their performance at school, relationships with peers, or overall well-being—it may be time to seek professional help. Signs of needing assistance include overwhelming worry, social avoidance, physical symptoms of anxiety, or difficulty coping with everyday situations. Our team at Evolve Psychological Services is here to provide support and guidance throughout the healing process.
