Anxiety in Children and Adolescents

Growing up can be hard. Anxiety makes it harder. We can help.

Our approach to anxiety care in children and teens

We understand anxiety can be a debilitating condition that can limit your child's ability to engage with the world around them. This relentless fear can feel paralyzing, but it doesn't have to be this way.

Our expert team of child psychologists and therapists will work with you and your child to develop a personalized treatment plan to address their anxiety. We'll help you and your child learn the tools to manage the triggers and stressors that lead to anxiety, so that your child can live a full and happy life.

Signs and symptoms

It's important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of anxiety, as it can have a significant impact on a person's life. Some common symptoms include:

  • restlessness or feeling wound-up or on edge
  • being easily fatigued
  • difficulty concentrating or having your mind go blank
  • irritability
  • muscle tension
  • difficulty controlling fears and worries
  • sleep problems (difficulty falling or staying asleep or restless, unsatisfying sleep)

If your child is experiencing these symptoms, it's important to seek help from a mental health professional. Early intervention can help manage anxiety and improve overall quality of life.

When to seek care

If your child or teen is experiencing any of the symptoms of anxiety listed above, it is important to seek professional help.

Our team of experienced mental health professionals can help you manage your child's anxiety and improve their quality of life. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you.

Diagnosis

Many kids feel anxious and worried. If your child's anxiety interferes with their daily life, see a health professional for a diagnosis.

Diagnosis may include:

  • observation of anxiety symptoms over time
  • a health checkup with your family doctor
  • a mental health assessment with a trained therapist

Treatments

We understand that anxiety is a unique experience for every child and teen. That’s why we work closely with you and your family to develop a treatment plan that’s right for you. Your treatment plan may include one or more of the following:

  • cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT helps children and teens learn to manage their worry, fear, and anxiety. In CBT, kids learn that what they think and do affects how they feel. They learn that when they avoid what they fear, the fear stays strong. They learn that when they face a fear, the fear gets weak and goes away.
  • medication: In some cases, medication may be helpful in managing anxiety. We will work with you to find the right medication for your child and monitor their progress closely.

Remember, you’re not alone. Our team of experienced anxiety therapists and counselors is here to help you and your child find hope, healing, and wholeness.

Meet our experts

Our experts are experienced in anxiety in children and adolescents and providing the right treatment plan for you.

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Why choose WellSpan for anxiety in children and adolescents?

Anxiety can have a major impact on your child or teen’s life, but our expert therapists can help. We offer cognitive behavioral therapy, medication management, and more, all tailored to your individual needs. With WellSpan, you're not alone on your journey to better mental health.

Highly trained therapists

Our therapists and counselors specialize in treating anxiety disorders and are experienced in providing compassionate, effective care.

Personalized treatment plans

We develop a customized care plan for each patient, based on their individual needs and preferences.

Variety of treatment options

We offer a range of treatment options, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), medication, and support groups.

Convenient locations

We have multiple convenient locations throughout South Central Pennsylvania, making it easy for patients to access our care.

Collaborative care

We work closely with other health-care providers to ensure that patients receive the comprehensive care they need.