Help for Children and Teens With Anxiety

Medically reviewed by [Name], MD, board-certified child and adolescent psychiatrist · Last reviewed October 2026

Some worry is a normal part of growing up. Anxiety becomes a concern when fear is out of proportion, lasts for weeks, and starts keeping your child from school, friends, sleep or activities they would otherwise enjoy.

Anxiety is one of the most common mental health conditions in children, and one of the most treatable. Ally Psychiatry helps children, teens and parents learn skills to face fears, with medication when it is needed.

Worried about your child? Call 1-833-269-2559 (1-833-B-MY-ALLY) or request an appointment online. Request an Appointment

Signs of anxiety in children and teens

Signs that your child’s anxiety may need professional help include:

• Constant worry about school, health, family or “what if” situations
• Trouble separating from parents, beyond what is typical for their age
• Refusing or dreading school, or frequent visits to the school nurse
• Stomachaches, headaches or nausea, especially on school days
• Avoiding social situations, speaking in class or trying new things
• Needing a lot of reassurance
• Trouble falling asleep or frequent nightmares
• Sudden panic attacks with a racing heart or trouble breathing
• Meltdowns or anger when faced with a feared situation

Having some of these does not mean your child has a diagnosis. A psychiatric evaluation is the best way to understand what is going on and what will help.

How we treat anxiety in children and teens

We treat separation anxiety, generalized anxiety, social anxiety, panic and phobias in children and teens. Your child’s plan may include:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The most effective treatment for child anxiety. Children learn to understand worry and gradually face feared situations in small steps.
• Parent coaching. Parents learn how to respond to worry in ways that build confidence rather than avoidance.
• Medication management. For moderate to severe anxiety, SSRIs can help and are often combined with therapy.
• School support. With your permission, we can recommend classroom accommodations and coordinate with school staff.

When your child will not go to school

School refusal is often driven by anxiety rather than defiance. The longer a child stays home, the harder returning becomes. Early treatment, a gradual return plan and teamwork between parents, school and provider usually work best.

What to expect at your first visit

1. Call or request an appointment. Our team completes a short intake call with you to gather your child’s history and insurance.
2. Bring what you have. Insurance card, current medications, report cards or teacher notes, and any past evaluations.
3. Meet the provider together. The first visit covers your concerns, your child’s development, health, school and home life. Teens also spend time alone with the provider. Plan for about 60 minutes.
4. Leave with a plan. You decide next steps together, which may include therapy, medication, school support or further evaluation.
5. Follow up. Regular visits track progress and adjust the plan as your child grows.

Why families choose Ally Psychiatry

• Appointments in days, not months. Our scheduling team moves new patients in quickly, so your child is not left waiting.
• In person or telehealth. Visit one of our clinics in Tennessee, Kentucky, Alabama or South Carolina, or meet by secure video.
• Care that includes the family. Parents are part of the plan, and teens get time to speak with their provider privately.
• We work with your child’s team. With your permission, we coordinate with your pediatrician, therapist and school.
• Most insurance accepted.

Frequently asked questions

What can anxiety look like in a child’s everyday life?

Children don’t always say, “I feel anxious.” You may notice changes in their behavior, physical complaints, or difficulty with routines that once felt manageable.

Do any of these sound familiar?

• “Their stomach hurts before school.” Your child reports stomachaches or headaches, especially before situations they find stressful. Physical symptoms deserve medical attention, even when anxiety may contribute.
• “Goodbyes feel overwhelming.” School drop-off, staying with a caregiver, or being away from you brings intense worry or distress.
• “They keep asking, ‘What if?’” Your child worries repeatedly about mistakes, school, friendships, or something bad happening to the family.
• “They need to hear that everything will be okay—again.” Reassurance helps briefly, but the same questions and worries soon return.
• “They want to join in, but fear holds them back.” Your child avoids birthday parties, classroom participation, or activities because they’re afraid of embarrassment or judgment.
• “A small mistake feels like a big failure.” They become very upset about an incorrect answer or spend excessive time trying to get schoolwork perfect.
• “Bedtime is when the worries come out.” Your child struggles to settle down, asks worried questions, or needs you nearby to fall asleep.
• “They seem irritable when they’re overwhelmed.” Worry may show up as tears, frustration, or anger rather than an explanation of what feels frightening.
• “Worry gets in the way of paying attention.” Your child struggles to focus because they’re thinking about what might happen next.

You don’t have to figure out what’s happening on your own.

Do these signs mean my child has an anxiety disorder?

Some fears are a normal part of growing up. When worry is persistent, stronger than expected for your child’s age, or interferes with school, friendships, sleep, or family life, an evaluation can help. These examples alone do not establish a diagnosis.

At Ally Psychiatry, we take time to understand your child’s experiences and help your family explore appropriate support.

Let’s help your child feel understood and supported.

What treatment works best for anxiety in children?

Cognitive behavioral therapy is the first-line treatment and works for most children. Medication such as an SSRI may be added for moderate to severe anxiety, and the combination is often most effective.

Should I let my child stay home when they are anxious?

Avoiding feared situations usually makes anxiety grow. Gentle, step-by-step encouragement works better than forcing or excusing. Your child’s provider can help you plan what to do.

Will my child outgrow anxiety?

Some do, but untreated anxiety often continues into adulthood and can lead to depression. Treatment teaches skills your child can use for life.

What ages do you treat?

We see children and teens ages [confirm minimum age] through 17. Young adults 18 and older can continue care with our adult providers, so families do not have to start over somewhere new.

Does my child need a referral?

No referral is needed to schedule. Some insurance plans require one for specialist visits, so check your plan or call 1-833-269-2559 and our team will help you find out.

Do you accept insurance for child psychiatry?

Yes. Ally Psychiatry is in-network with most major health insurance plans. Call 1-833-269-2559 to verify coverage before the first visit.

Do parents attend the appointment?

Yes. A parent or legal guardian attends the first visit and must consent to treatment for children under 18. Teens usually also spend part of each visit alone with the provider.

Can my child be seen by telehealth?

Yes. Many follow-up visits can be done by secure video from home in Alabama, Kentucky, South Carolina and Tennessee. Some visits must be in person, including initial appointments, annual visits, follow-ups after a hospital stay, and specialized treatments.

Related conditions we treat in children and teens

• Depression
• OCD
• ADHD

Take the first step. Call 1-833-269-2559 (1-833-B-MY-ALLY) to schedule an in-person or telehealth appointment. Most new patients are seen within a day. Request an Appointment

In crisis? If your child is thinking about harming themselves or is in immediate danger, call or text 988 or go to the nearest emergency room. Ally Psychiatry is not an emergency service.

Sources