TEEN ANXIETY
WHEN WORRY STARTS RUNNING THE SHOW.
Anxiety does not always look like fear. It can look like irritability, perfectionism, procrastination, stomachaches, reassurance-seeking, overthinking, or refusing to do something they used to handle.
Support built for where they are right now.
RECOGNIZABLE PATTERNS
THIS MIGHT LOOK LIKE…
- •They ask the same “what if” question until you run out of ways to reassure them.
- •They avoid school, social events, driving, sports, or unfamiliar situations because the anticipation feels too big.
- •They want to do things perfectly, then procrastinate or shut down when perfect feels impossible.
- •Anxiety shows up physically — stomachaches, headaches, shaking, racing heart, or panic.
- •They become irritable or controlling when they feel overwhelmed.
- •They replay conversations, mistakes, or what other people might think long after the moment has passed.
HOW THERAPY CAN HELP
Therapy can help your teen understand the anxiety cycle, tolerate uncertainty, respond differently to anxious thoughts, and build confidence by doing more of life — not less of it.
WHAT MAY BE GOING ON
There is rarely one simple reason a teen gets stuck. Development, stress, temperament, relationships, school, sleep, attention, past experiences, family patterns, and biology can all play a role. We focus on understanding the pattern well enough to know what may actually help — not on attaching a label as quickly as possible.
HOW WE APPROACH IT
We help teens notice what anxiety is asking them to avoid, understand the short-term relief/long-term cost cycle, and practice responding differently. Depending on the teen and the concern, a therapist may use evidence-informed approaches such as CBT, DBT, ACT, exposure-based strategies, or trauma-focused work when appropriate.
CLINICAL MATCH
THERAPISTS WHO WORK WITH THIS CONCERN
The concern matters. The relationship does too. We can help you think through which therapist may fit your teen's personality, needs, and preferences.
Chris Taylor, LMFT
Founder & CEO | Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
I’ve spent more than 23 years helping teens and families move through difficult seasons. I bring deep empathy, direct conversation, and humor — while always taking your teen’s growth seriously.
Sara McMann, MA, APCC
Associate Professional Clinical Counselor
I understand the pressure to perform while struggling underneath it. My work helps teens build resilience, emotional balance, and confidence without judgment or lectures.
Kyle Kearney, MA, LPCC
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
I bring a calm, steady, judgment-free approach and help teens turn difficult emotions, school pressure, ADHD, and family conflict into practical skills they can actually use.
FAQ
QUESTIONS PARENTS OFTEN ASK
Is this normal teen worry or anxiety?
Some worry is part of adolescence. It becomes more concerning when it is persistent, hard to control, drives avoidance or reassurance-seeking, or starts interfering with school, sleep, relationships, activities, or daily life.
Should I keep reassuring my teen?
Reassurance can calm anxiety in the moment, but repeated reassurance can sometimes become part of the cycle. Therapy can help parents learn when support is useful and when a different response may build more confidence.
What if anxiety looks like anger?
That is common. Feeling overwhelmed, trapped, embarrassed, or out of control can come out as irritability or anger, especially in teens.
Can anxiety therapy be online?
Yes, when telehealth fits the teen’s privacy, attention, comfort, and clinical needs.
NOT SURE THIS IS THE RIGHT LABEL?
You do not need to be sure. Tell us what you are seeing and we can help you think through whether this concern, another issue, or a combination may be the better fit.
Prefer to talk? Call or text (916) 292-9000.