Anxiety treatment for kids, teens, and young adults
When worry starts running the show, school, work, sleep, and family life all feel harder. Our licensed clinicians help kids, teens, and young adults face their fears with proven, skills-based therapy, and help you support them at home.
Clinically reviewed by Amy Kranzler, PhD
- Licensed, specialized therapistsTrained in evidence-based care for kids, teens, and young adults
- Fully virtualVisits that fit around your schedule
- Evidence-based skillsStrategies for the moments that matter
.svg)
.svg)
.svg)
.svg)
.svg)
What is anxiety?
Anxiety is the body’s built-in alarm system. It helps us spot danger and get ready for a challenge. Having some anxiety is normal and healthy.
An anxiety disorder is when that alarm goes off too often or too strongly. Clinicians look for three things: the fear is out of proportion to the situation, it sticks around for weeks or months, and it gets in the way of school or work, sleep, friendships, or family life.
Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health conditions in kids, teens, and young adults. They’re also among the most treatable: research consistently shows that skills-based therapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), helps most people feel better.
Everyday worry or an anxiety disorder?
Everyday worry
- Comes with a real event, like a test or a first day
- Fits the size of the situation
- Fades once the event passes
- Doesn’t stop someone from doing what they need and want to do
An anxiety disorder
- Shows up most days
- Feels much bigger than the situation
- Lasts for weeks or months
- Leads to avoiding school, work, friends, or activities
Types of anxiety
Anxiety looks different from person to person. These are the types we treat most often.
- Generalized anxietyWorry about many things most days, like school, health, family, or the future, that’s hard to switch off.
- Separation anxietyIntense distress when apart from a parent or caregiver, and fear that something bad will happen while they’re apart.
- Social anxietyFear of being judged, embarrassed, or rejected.
- PhobiasIntense fear of one specific thing, like dogs, needles, heights, storms, or vomiting, that leads to avoiding it.
- Panic attacksSudden surges of fear with physical symptoms like a racing heart, shortness of breath, or dizziness, and worry about the next one.
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)Intrusive, unwanted thoughts or urges, and repeated behaviors or mental rituals done to ease the distress they cause.
Signs to watch for
Everyone worries sometimes. These signs matter when they show up most days, last for weeks, and get in the way of daily life.
Feelings
- Constant worry or “what if” thinking
- Irritability or tears when plans change
- Needing a lot of reassurance
- Strong fear of making mistakes
- Feeling on edge or unable to relax
Body
- Stomachaches, headaches, or nausea with no medical cause
- Trouble falling or staying asleep
- Racing heart or shortness of breath
- Muscle tension or restlessness
- Feeling tired a lot of the time
Behavior
- Avoiding school, work, activities, or social plans
- Clinging to a parent
- Meltdowns before transitions
- Redoing work until it feels perfect
- Asking to come home or leave early
How it can show up at different ages
Kids
Anxiety often shows up in the body and in behavior before kids can put it into words.
- Asking the same question again and again before bed
- A stomachache every Monday morning
- Needing you in sight long after other kids have run off to play
Teens
Teens often hide anxiety behind avoidance, irritability, or over-preparing.
- Staying silent in class to avoid being called on
- Lying awake replaying tomorrow’s what-ifs
- Saying they feel sick so they can stay home
Young adults
Anxiety often centers on school, work, and big transitions like moving out.
- Rewriting a simple email several times before sending it
- Dreading a presentation for weeks
- Turning down plans because the crowd or commute feels like too much
Not sure if it’s anxiety?
Anxiety often shows up alongside ADHD, depression, or OCD, and the signs can overlap. You don’t need to have it figured out. Our clinicians will help you understand what’s going on and what will help.
Why anxiety happens, and what keeps it going
Where it comes from
Anxiety usually comes from a mix of factors: temperament, family history, and stressful experiences like a move, a loss, or a hard school year.
What keeps it going
Avoiding a feared situation brings quick relief, and that relief makes avoiding more likely next time. Over time, avoidance is what keeps anxiety going. Each time someone avoids, they miss the chance to learn that they can handle the discomfort and that what they fear is less likely than it seemed, so the fear stays and often grows.
The cycle
- 1
A worry shows up
“What if something goes wrong at school?”
- 2
They avoid it
Staying home, skipping the party, asking to be picked up early.
- 3
Relief, for now
The worry fades, so avoiding feels like it worked.
- 4Then the cycle starts again at step 1.
The fear grows
Next time, the same situation feels even harder, and the cycle repeats.
How we treat anxiety
Treatment built on what research shows works for anxiety, and tailored to you.
Therapy for you or your child
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), the first-line treatment for anxiety in kids, teens, and young adults.
- Learn how thoughts, feelings, and actions interact and strategies for managing each
- Face fears in small, planned steps, starting with what feels manageable
- Break the cycle of avoidance and get back to the things that matter
Coaching for parents
Parents and caregivers learn how to respond when anxiety shows up: what to say, when to step back, and how to empower your child in moments of fear.
- Respond to worry without reinforcing it
- Support practice at home
- Coordinate with your child’s therapist
Medication, when it helps
Many people improve with therapy alone. For moderate to severe anxiety, medication can help alongside therapy.
- Considered for moderate to severe anxiety
- Used alongside therapy, not instead of it
For young adults 18 and older, care is one-on-one with their therapist and does not include parent involvement.
What parents are saying
“Lindsay LITERALLY changed not just my daughter's life, but our entire family dynamic. We thought we were going to have to consider homeschool, as she was experiencing debilitating separation anxiety. We assumed she would end up on medication - not only did she not need medication, she has not missed a single day of school this year.”
“Megan was so valuable to our family during a trying time in our lives. My son needed someone to understand him and show him how to ask for help when he needs it. He has gone from failing multiple classes to being an honor student. He’s been so helpful around the house and is all around a happy child. We’re so grateful that we made the choice to go with Handspring.”
“There has been a marked change in my daughter's ability to cope with anxiety and stressors and using the coping skills she learned she has been able to get through situations that she couldn't before. Her self confidence has also increased. Many thanks to Shanna - my daughter was sad to not see her each week any more, but the reason for that was a great one.”
“I have seen a huge improvement in the way my daughter communicates, manages her emotions, and behaves since she started her weekly sessions. I am so grateful to see such a positive impact with her and within a short period of time. Tried other solutions and none worked. Thankful for Handspring services helping our family."
“Lindsay LITERALLY changed not just my daughter's life, but our entire family dynamic. We thought we were going to have to consider homeschool, as she was experiencing debilitating separation anxiety. We assumed she would end up on medication - not only did she not need medication, she has not missed a single day of school this year.”
“Every aspect has been great so far. The onboarding process was quick and easy - everyone was so professional, responsive, and compassionate. Our child was quickly matched with a therapist with a suitable personality, style, and approach. Additionally, the parents’ needs are being addressed as well - the option to have that support is invaluable!”
“We were so happy with the care our son received. There has been such a change in him over the past year and we are so grateful! Morgan was able to connect with him so well and teach him so many skills that he now uses every day. Thank you all so much for everything you have done!”
“My daughter had such a positive experience with Handspring. Christine was amazing with her and my daughter felt very comfortable talking to her. My daughter’s self confidence and attitude have improved drastically since starting Handspring. Thank you so much!”
“Megan was so valuable to our family during a trying time in our lives. My son needed someone to understand him and show him how to ask for help when he needs it. He has gone from failing multiple classes to being an honor student. He’s been so helpful around the house and is all around a happy child. We’re so grateful that we made the choice to go with Handspring.”
“Natasha was extremely patient and kind, but also very clear and honest with my daughter when speaking to her. She also handled dealing with myself and my ex extremely professionally and was always available to help when I had any concerns outside of my daughter’s appointment.”
“Michael built a great relationship with my son early on in the sessions, therefore my son felt extremely comfortable speaking to him and opening up about his feelings. Michael was kind, fun and gave excellent coping techniques. My son is much more open and vocal with his feelings and uses Michael’s techniques when he’s upset or getting frustrated.”
“There has been a marked change in my daughter's ability to cope with anxiety and stressors and using the coping skills she learned she has been able to get through situations that she couldn't before. Her self confidence has also increased. Many thanks to Shanna - my daughter was sad to not see her each week any more, but the reason for that was a great one.”
Get started with therapy fast
Your first consultation is free, then insurance covers the sessions after that with a nominal copay.
Start with a free consultation
Meet with our clinical services team to discuss what brings you here and get matched to one of our licensed therapists. No waitlist, available within 48 hours.
Meet your therapist for an assessment
Meet with your therapist so they can form an accurate diagnostic assessment and develop an effective treatment plan.
Begin treatment within a week
With remote sessions, flexible scheduling, and length of treatment tailored to your needs, this is high-quality care that’s made to fit your life.
Questions parents ask
Don’t see your question? Talk to our care team.
Is this anxiety or just a phase?
Some worry is a normal part of growing up, and many fears come and go with age. It may be time to get help when worry shows up most days, lasts for weeks, feels much bigger than the situation, or keeps someone from school, work, sleep, friends, or activities they used to enjoy.
Will treatment push anyone to face fears before they’re ready?
No. Exposure work is gradual and planned together with you or your child. It starts with steps that feel manageable and moves up only as confidence grows.
Is medication needed?
Many people get better with therapy alone. For moderate to severe anxiety, medication can help alongside therapy.
Ready to talk it through?
A free consult with our care team is the first step. We’ll listen to what’s going on and help you decide what comes next.
Sources
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Data and statistics on children’s mental health. Updated August 20, 2026.
- Walter HJ, et al. Clinical practice guideline for the assessment and treatment of children and adolescents with anxiety disorders. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 2020.
- American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR), 2022.