Teen anxiety can be effectively treated without medication. Proven, non-drug approaches prioritize talking therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Headspace resources, and daily coping skills like mindfulness, deep breathing exercises, and consistent sleep routines.Effectively managing teen anxiety without pharmaceutical intervention involves a combination of professional therapies, lifestyle habits, and targeted coping mechanisms.1. Professional TherapiesCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): The gold standard in therapy. A therapist helps the teen identify negative thought patterns, understand their anxiety triggers, and develop realistic ways to respond to stressful situations.Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Focuses on accepting anxious feelings rather than fighting them, helping the teen focus on actions that align with their personal values.School & Youth Programs: Locally, educational and wellbeing student counselling services can provide a safe space to talk through school-related anxiety.2. Daily Coping MechanismsThe 4-7-8 Breathing Technique: Inhaling for 4 seconds, holding for 7, and exhaling for 8. This method naturally calms the nervous system during moments of panic.Mindfulness and Grounding: Using the five-senses rule (naming 5 things they see, 4 they can touch, etc.) to bring focus back to the present moment.Journaling: Writing down worries helps externalize emotions, making them feel less overwhelming.3. Lifestyle AdjustmentsRegular Physical Activity: Exercise acts as a natural mood booster by releasing endorphins and decreasing stress hormones.Limiting Stimulants: Reducing or eliminating caffeine and energy drinks, which can worsen physical anxiety symptoms like a racing heart.Sleep Hygiene: A regular bedtime routine and consistent sleep schedule are essential for restoring mental and emotional equilibrium.

How Common is Anxiety in Teens? 2025 Insights and Treatment
Home » How Common is Anxiety in Teens? 2025 Insights and Treatment

March 3, 2025
Austin Davis, LPC-S
Mental Health, Parent Information
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Table of Contents
What is Anxiety?
Generalized Anxiety Disorder in Teens
Social Anxiety Disorder in Teens
Phobia Disorders and Teens
Understanding Panic Disorder
Common Treatment Approaches to Anxiety
Teen Anxiety Treatment Available in Texas
Sources
Find the Solution with Clearfork Academy
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, up to 31% of teens in the US struggle with any type of anxiety disorder. Anxiety is a feeling of psychological and physical stress that can impact a teen’s academic performance, relationships, mental health, and physical health [1].

There are several kinds of anxiety disorders, each with their own subset of symptoms. For example, teens with generalized anxiety have persistent stress and worry about several different things in life without a direct cause. On the other hand, a teen with social anxiety disorder may only struggle with anxiety in group or social situations.

Read on to understand the different kinds of anxiety disorders in teens, how to recognize the warning signs, and common treatment approaches for teens with anxiety.

What is Anxiety?
Anxiety is a natural response to stress or fear, and is not inherently negative. When someone feels anxious, their brain goes into high alert mode —increasing activity in the nervous system and stress hormones throughout the body. This is known as “fight or flight” and has become a protective mechanism for survival.

However, when anxiety becomes unmanageable, ongoing, or impacts other areas of a teens life, this could point to an anxiety disorder.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder in Teens
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is the most commonly diagnosed anxiety disorder and is characterized by persistent fear, worry, and tension. Teens who struggle with GAD are not simply feeling “stressed out.” The anxiety they have can be about anything and everything, lasting for weeks to months at a time and causing severe mental distress that interferes with other areas of their life.

The National Insitute of Mental Health reports around 8% of US teens are diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder. GAD has no specific cause, but several factors can increase the risk of developing it, such as genetics, low self-esteem, experiencing physical or psychological trauma, high societal expectations, current events, and the increased use of social media [1].

Recognizing The Signs
According to the DSM-5, the criteria for generalized anxiety disorder include [2]:

 Teens must have excessive anxiety about several activities or events (e.g., school, social media, peers, relationships) occurring on most days for at least 6 months.
Anxiety must cause significant distress or impair functioning and cannot be accounted for by medication, medical problems, or substance abuse.
Anxiety must present with at least three of the following symptoms:
Persistent restlessness or agitation
Mental or physical fatigue
Trouble focusing
Irritability or aggression
General tension
Trouble falling asleep
Social Anxiety Disorder in Teens
Social anxiety disorder affects 1 out of 3 teens 13-18 years of age. It causes physical or emotional distress in social or group settings. Social anxiety can impact teens’ ability to socialize, communicate, and interact with loved ones, peers, and strangers [1].

Recognizing The Signs
According to the DSM-5, the criteria for social anxiety disorder include [3]:

Fear of feeling judged, embarrassed, or humiliated
Feelings of anxiety, specifically in social or group situations
Anxiety impacts daily functioning
Anxiety is not explained by medication, another medical condition, or substance abuse
Other warning signs that parents may identify include:

Struggling to participate in school, sports, or extracurriculars
Anxiety when in crowds, events, or group settings
Avoiding daily interactions such as picking up the phone, going to the store, or ordering food
Social isolation
Avoiding eye contact
Phobia Disorders and Teens
Phobias can affect up to 20% of kids or teens at some point in their development. According to the DSM-5, the criteria for phobia disorders include [1]:

Fear or anxiety about a specific object or situation
Fear or anxiety is out of proportion
The phobia is actively avoided
It causes clinically significant distress or impairs daily functioning
Phobia lasts for at least 6 months
Anxiety is not better explained by symptoms of another mental health disorder, medical condition, or substance abuse
Types of Phobias
The most common phobia is “social phobia,” but this is usually referenced as social anxiety disorder. However, other common phobias include [4]:

Specific phobia is of a certain object or situation where the teen feels intense fear and goes far enough to disrupt their daily routines by avoiding the phobia. (could include fear of germs or sickness, fear of closed spaces, or a specific animal such as spiders
Agoraphobia is the fear of leaving one’s home, or being in open, public spaces. Teens may experience panic attacks when outside the home or somewhere they consider a “safe space.” Excessive isolation from agoraphobia can lead to severe isolation and symptoms of depression.
Panic disorder can be considered a phobia because one fears future panic attacks and anticipates them with anxiety.
Separation anxiety is common in younger children, although it can affect teens as well, and is the fear of being separated from a parent, caregiver, or loved one.
Understanding Panic Disorder
Panic disorder is characterized by frequent and chronic panic attacks. Around 1-3% of teens are diagnosed with panic disorder. Many teens who struggle with anxiety may not experience panic attacks. And some teens who experience panic attacks due to other anxiety disorders may not always have panic disorder.

Panic attacks are sudden waves of fear accompanied by intense physical symptoms such as dizziness, blurry vision, sweating and trembling. Teens may feel like they are having a heart attack, or unable to breathe[1].

The criteria for being diagnosed with panic disorder include [5]:

Frequent, unexpected panic attacks
At least one panic attack has been followed by a month or more of ongoing worry about having another panic attack
Fear of another attack, losing control, going crazy, or having a heart attack or stroke
Panic attacks aren’t caused by substance abuse, another mental health disorder, or a medical condition
Common Treatment Approaches to Anxiety
The treatment approaches to anxiety disorders usually involve a combination of therapies, medication, and support in the home. There are several evidence-based therapies available to help teens manage symptoms of anxiety and build positive coping skills to reduce stress. These include:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most common therapeutic approaches to treating anxiety disorders. It encourages teens to challenge negative thought patterns that contribute to their anxiety and teaches them effective coping strategies to reduce feelings of stress.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a mindfulness-based approach that helps teens accept their anxious thoughts without judgement. It also teaches them to stay focused on the present and practice activities that keep them grounded.
Exposure therapy is used most commonly with social anxiety or specific phobias. It gradually exposes teens to their fears in a safe and structured manner. Increased exposure will teach teens that no danger is actually present and increase their self-esteem.
Medications such as SSRI antidepressants are often used in combination with therapy to manage symptoms of anxiety, such as problems with sleep or appetite. Some teens with panic disorder may be prescribed tranquilizers such as benzodiazepines to reduce panic attacks. However, this tends to be avoided in teens due to the risk of addiction.

Anxiety in Teens
A Parent's Guide to Helping Your Child
Last updated on February 26, 2026
Anxiety is often a normal part of childhood and adolescence, but there’s a difference between everyday worry and chronic anxiety. By understanding the distinctions, you can help your child manage their symptoms effectively.

Shadows of swings on a playground
By Alice E. Schluger, Ph.D. and Sheldon Reid, Reviewed by Melinda Smith, M.A.
What is teen anxiety?
Symptoms of anxiety in teens
Causes of anxiety in teenagers
Tips for helping a teenager with anxiety
Tip 1: Talk to your teen about anxiety
Tip 2: Be a positive role model
Tip 3: Practice relaxation techniques
Tip 4: Monitor social media use
Tip 5: Build your teen’s self-esteem
Tip 6: Help with a panic attack
When to seek professional help
Anxiety and teens
What is teen anxiety?
Teen anxiety is the overwhelming fear, worry, or angst that arises in adolescence and can interfere with a teenager’s daily functioning and overall quality of life. Anxiety is a common issue in both children and teens, often experienced at different phases of development.

Anxiety disorders can be first diagnosed in children between the ages of four and eight, but they become more common as children age into adolescence. According to a recent survey, around 20 percent of teens in the U.S. reported experiencing anxiety symptoms within the past two weeks. Other research indicates that about one in four teens have some form of anxiety disorder

Before adolescence, kids are more likely to fret over the external world—creepy bugs, boogeymen, and playground injuries. As they age, their anxieties are more likely to center on internal issues. Teens might feel more insecure about their bodies as puberty occurs. Or they become fixated on fitting in and avoiding embarrassment. They might also feel anxious about their academic performance and future.

Teen anxiety can show up in all sorts of ways. Your teen may seem more irritable or distant than usual, or appear more hesitant to go to school. Teens are also at the age at which their newfound sense of independence can lead them to unhealthy coping mechanisms, like turning to drugs or alcohol to manage their anxiety.

It’s not always easy to recognize the difference between normal worries and anxiety disorders in teens. Young people often worry about their schoolwork or taking exams, but this is usually temporary and declines once the immediate stressor has passed. However, when worrying becomes constant and overwhelming, it can interfere with your child’s daily functioning.

While coping with your child’s anxiety can be a difficult situation for you as a parent, anxiety is a highly treatable condition. There is also a great deal you can do to help your child. Rather than assume that your teen will outgrow their anxiety, it’s better to start taking steps as soon as possible to help your child deal with their symptoms and regain control of how they view the world around them.

Symptoms of anxiety in teens
The symptoms of anxiety vary considerably and often go undiagnosed in children and adolescents. For teenagers, the majority of their worries are connected with feelings about themselves. These may encompass academic performance and pressures to succeed in school, how they are perceived by others, and concerns about their body image connected with physical development.

Anxiety in teens is not always apparent because they tend to disguise their thoughts and feelings. Some of the signs to look out for are:

Constant fears or worries about routine aspects of their lives.
Withdrawal from friends or social activities.
Irritability or lashing out at others.
Difficulties in school or sudden poor performance.
Refusal to go to school.
Sleep problems.
Substance abuse.
Constantly seeking reassurance.
How anxiety symptoms differ between teens and children
Anxiety symptoms can look different in teens compared to younger children. Teens often try to hide or downplay their troubles, but younger children may be more open and expressive about their discomfort. For example, while an anxious teen might self-isolate or act standoffish, an anxious child might frequently cry or complain about headaches or stomachaches. Or a young child may physically cling to you in stressful situations.

Other signs of anxiety you might notice in a younger child include:

Shyness, difficulty making friends, or participating in other social activities.
Difficulty concentrating.
Irritability, tantrums, or anger issues.
Being tense or fidgety.
Whatever your child’s specific symptoms, anxiety can have a negative effect on their thoughts, emotions, and physical health. This, in turn, can interfere with their ability to function both academically and socially. Helping them deal with the problem starts by recognizing the causes of their anxiety symptoms.

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Causes of anxiety in teenagers
There are many reasons why teens become anxious. Anxiety disorders are most likely caused by a combination of environmental and biological factors. Anxiety tends to run in families, and is more common in girls than boys. Adolescents may also have more than one type of anxiety at the same time.

Anxiety disorders encompass various types of mental health issues, including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), social anxiety disorder, and other specific phobias. Some children also have separation anxiety with fear and distress about being away from home.

Children and adolescents may have more than one type of anxiety at the same time. The three most common types of anxiety in children are separation anxiety, social anxiety, and generalized anxiety.

The onset of an anxiety disorder is often triggered by stressful events, such as abrupt changes in their lives, difficulties in school, having additional responsibilities beyond their level of maturity, stress from family situations, or traumatic experiences, including being bullied or other forms of abuse.

Parents who are anxious themselves or overprotective of their children may also contribute to a teen’s anxiety. Research conducted in 2021 highlighted how the support of parents was a crucial factor for adolescent mental health. By encouraging your child to develop coping strategies, such as acceptance, distraction, and a positive mindset, you can help to strengthen their well-being and ease their stress and anxiety.

Causes of anxiety in teens vs. anxiety in younger children
Certain anxiety disorders are more common in teens than children and vice versa. For example, separation anxiety, which involves fear and distress about being away from home, is most common in young children. On the other hand, social anxiety disorder, which involves a fixation on being judged or embarrassed by others, is more common in teenagers.

The role of social media in teen anxiety
Adolescents and teenagers, in particular, spend countless hours on their smartphones texting and messaging friends, and engaging on their Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and Twitter accounts. Receiving social media notifications all day long can influence their thoughts and feelings about themselves. In some respects, this can be an enjoyable, positive experience, but in others, it may also heighten anxiety and feelings of isolation and depression.

While social media can help kids and teens stay connected and maintain closer ties to friends and family, it can also promote bullying and negatively impact self-image and self-esteem.

One study of more than 6,500 12 to 15-year-olds in the U.S. indicated that those who spent more than three hours a day on social media were at increased risk for mental health problems. An internal study conducted on Facebook in 2021 revealed that teens can have difficulties with heightened social comparison and peer pressure, with Instagram cited as one source that may worsen existing mental health issues.

Read: Social Media and Mental Health.

Tips for helping a teenager with anxiety
As a parent, you likely wish you could magically “cure” your teen’s anxiety. Although that’s not possible, there are some steps you can take to help them.

It starts with talking to them in a way that makes them feel supported. You can also model healthy reactions to anxiety and encourage stress-reducing habits, such as practicing relaxation exercises and being mindful of social media usage.

Finally, helping them build their self-esteem can also boost their overall resilience and sense of well-being.

Around the web
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Tip 1: Talk to your teen about anxiety
This may sound intuitive, but as a parent dealing with a child who has anxiety it’s important you remain as calm and hopeful as possible. Simply telling them not to worry or to stop thinking about their problems is neither supportive nor validating. It’s better to reassure them that it’s okay for them to be scared. The way you respond to their thoughts and behaviors can have a significant impact on their ability to cope.

Reassure your teen that anxiety is nothing to be ashamed of. Anxiety can serve as a protective emotion under certain circumstances. It makes us aware of potential dangers and helps keep us safe. That uneasy feeling in the gut that we experience at times may be a signal of a potential threat. Since paying attention to these warning signs is a way to avoid harmful situations, feeling anxious can have a positive purpose.

Keep an open dialog with your teen. Maintaining effective communication with teens can be difficult and even uncomfortable at times. Teenagers won’t always confide in their parents as they become more independent. Having a supportive communication style will enhance trust and comfort in sharing their feelings.

Establish regular communication and inquire about their day. They may not go into great detail, but they’ll know you’re genuinely interested and concerned about them.

Use active listening skills. Teens look to parents for supportive connections and ways to vent their feelings. By actively listening and validating their feelings without judgement or criticism, you can help ease their symptoms of anxiety. Give your teen your undivided attention, making eye contact to show you’re interested in what they’re saying, and nodding occasionally to show that you’re really listening. Steer away from interrupting your teen while they’re speaking.

[Read: Effective Communication]

Prepare how to handle difficult situations. When talking about how your teen responded to an anxiety-inducing situation, offer some alternative methods that may be more effective. If your teen received a failing grade on an exam, for example, and reacted by labeling themselves as stupid or thinking they’ll never graduate, you can help reframe these irrational thoughts (known as cognitive distortions). Help them look at the problem in a more realistic way by emphasizing that it is only one test, and they can improve their grades by studying harder or working with a tutor.

Tip 2: Be a positive role model
Even though they’re not a little kid anymore, your teen likely looks up to you and takes cues from you on how to manage stress and anxiety. The way you deal with frustration and express anger is a prime example. Try to remain as calm and patient as possible when dealing with problems and challenging situations. The way you speak and what you speak about can also have a huge influence on even a difficult teenager’s values and behavior.

Practice healthy habits. Parents who take care of themselves can encourage their children to do the same. Make sure your teen is getting enough quality sleep, exercising regularly, and eating a healthy diet. Too much caffeine, smoking or vaping, underage drinking, or viewing screens within an hour of bedtime can all disrupt your child’s sleep and worsen their anxiety symptoms.

Demonstrate self-compassion. Forgive yourself when you make mistakes, and don’t get caught up in doing everything perfectly. Make it clear that, although you have flaws, you can still overcome adversity. Avoid making negative comments about your own body, though, since this can lead to poor self-image and body shaming.

Keep things in perspective. Discuss the rational and irrational responses to the challenges that arise in your lives, whether they are related to work, finances, social relationships, or general life concerns. Acknowledge that certain circumstances can be anxiety-provoking but put them into the proper perspective to avoid having these feelings blown out of proportion and creating further anxiety.

Tip 3: Practice relaxation techniques with your teen
Practicing relaxation techniques can ease tension, calm the nervous system, and help your teen manage stress and anxiety.

Offer to practice techniques with your teen. Try a meditation exercise such as mindful breathing together. This consists of focusing on your breathing and bringing attention to the present moment. Have your teen close their eyes and breathe slowly in and out. While they breathe, they can scan their body for areas of tension. They can then visualize a feeling of warmth and comfort to ease the discomfort in these areas.

Practice turning off cell phones and tuning into a “happy place.” Your teen can summon up a specific memory or situation that makes them feel calm, secure, and content. This might be associated with spending time on the beach, for example, a vacation spot that was peaceful, or being surrounded by nature. Using visualization of beautiful images or pleasant sounds is an ideal way to tap into this state of relaxation.

Encourage them to experiment with other practices. Teens may also enjoy exploring various types of yoga, meditation, guided imagery, and other relaxation techniques on their own.

Look for signs of unhealthy coping mechanisms. Some habits, such as self-medicating anxiety with alcohol and drugs, may be especially enticing to teens. However, this can be a recipe for worsening mental health issues. Aim to steer your teen away from these unhealthy coping strategies and direct them toward healthier ways to manage anxiety.

Tip 4: Encourage healthy social media use
Since studies reveal both its beneficial and harmful effects, having discussions with children about the pros and cons of social media is a good place to start.

Instead of simply trying to force your child to put their phone away—which may only add to their anxiety—there are more positive steps you can take:

Set a good example to your child by limiting your own screen time and involvement with social media.
Encourage your child to socialize more with friends in person and participate in creative activities rather than focus on the number of “likes” their social media posts attract.
Set aside a designated time when the whole family is screen-free from phones and computers. This can be a daily activity for a short period of time, or over a weekend when you’re occupied with family activities.
Remind teens especially that the images they see on social media are often digitally altered and not an accurate representation of real-life. Similarly, posts about parties or events they weren’t invited to are often made to look more fun than they really were.
Encourage your child to cut ties with those who post negative comments about them and urge them to be responsible when posting comments about others. Teens especially can be impulsive and not realize the content they’re sharing may be hurtful or inappropriate.
Tip 5: Build your teen’s self-esteem
To help build your teen’s self-esteem, highlight their strengths instead of their weaknesses. Rather than focusing on their anxiety, you can emphasize their positive attributes. It can be as simple as complimenting your teen on their thoughtfulness, kindness, or consideration of others.

Your teen may also have strong intellectual or character traits that make them stand out as individuals. Point out that their uniqueness is something to be celebrated as opposed to feeling as if they don’t fit in.

Acknowledge their abilities. If your teen does well on an exam or school assignment, you can do more than just praise them. You can also remind them about the amount of time they devoted to study and preparation. This will show them the value of their effort to succeed rather than always worrying about the outcome.

Encourage hobbies. If your teen has a particular interest or aptitude, such as art, music, or athletics, help them nurture that area of their life. Showing how proud you are and acknowledging the rewards of their dedication will bolster their confidence. Mastering any type of skill will build self-esteem and divert attention away from their anxiety. Remember, this is not about trying to be perfect; the goal is to extend their best effort to succeed based on their abilities.

Reframe setbacks. If a setback occurs, reassure your teen that this is not a failure but a learning experience that will help them overcome future obstacles. Talk to them about what they could change the next time around to have a better outcome. They’ll feel more empowered as they take control of the situation.

Be aware of the expectations you set. Teens can often feel overwhelmed by high expectations and the pressure to succeed. Keeping goals realistic can help guide them towards academic improvement without adding to their anxieties about grades and test scores.

Show them the value of helping others. Becoming involved in worthwhile activities that help others can boost a teen’s self-esteem and be a productive, healthy distraction from their anxiety. Encourage them to look for volunteer opportunities in the community for causes they’re passionate about. Joining a group or club with other teens who share their interests can also improve social skills and provide a sense of belonging

Tip 6: Learn how to help a teen having a panic attack
Panic attacks can be extremely frightening, both for children to experience and parents to observe. The onset often occurs during adolescence, but it may start during childhood, as well. These episodes can last as long as 10 to 15 minutes, with a variety of symptoms, such rapid heartbeat, sweating, chest pain, dizziness, and feelings of choking.

You can educate your teen about panic attacks so they understand more about why they occur—and reassure them that even though the physical sensations may be scary, they are not harmful or life-threatening. For example, you can explain to them that the tightness in their chest isn’t a heart attack, but rather just a passing discomfort. Misinterpreting that discomfort simply fuels the panic.

You can also assist your child or teen while they are having a panic attack. Being a comforting presence and expressing empathy is a key factor. Remind them that the panic attack will be over in a few minutes, and try to shift the focus to more pleasant diversions. Engaging in exercise, playing games, watching TV, or doing breathing and relaxation techniques or other things they enjoy can help.

Kids may try to avoid certain situations, such as going to school or leaving home out of fear of having a panic attack. But encouraging your child to continue their daily routines connected with school and social activities can help ensure the fear of a panic attack will not interfere with their normal development.

When to seek professional help
If you do not see sufficient improvement in your teen’s anxiety, it may be time to seek additional support from a professional counselor or therapist.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is most commonly recommended for treating anxiety in children and teens, and it can be done either in-person or virtually through online therapy platforms. Cognitive behavioral therapy works by changing the way your child thinks in order to modify their dysfunctional behaviors and emotions. The treatment works best when you find the most suitable therapist for your teen.

Medication can also be used for treating anxiety in teenagers. Serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a type of antidepressant most often prescribed for this purpose. Anti-anxiety medications may also be used for children and teens who have more severe forms of anxiety that disrupt their daily functioning.

Even when medication is necessary, it’s often recommended that kids and teens also pursue CBT and develop their coping skills in order provide a long-term solution to their anxiety issues.

Anxiety and teens
Adolescence is a time of big changes, and many teens find that feelings of anxiety further complicate whatever they’re going through. Intense social anxiety can make it harder for them to fit in, and panic attacks might lead them to self-isolation.

However, no matter what form anxiety takes, it can be managed in many ways. As a parent, you can play a key role in showing your child the way forward. When you help them build resilience and self-confidence, your teen will recognize their ability to problem-solve on their own.

6 ways you may help your teen manage anxiety
Being a teenager isn’t easy. It’s a huge growth period — physically and emotionally. And teens are under a tremendous amount of pressure, from school and sports to social media and sexual identity.

Many people may have experienced at least some anxiety at one time or another. At times, anxiety may be considered a healthy emotion. However, when your thoughts become intrusive and “what-if” worries start to affect your daily activities like job, school or relationships, you may have an anxiety disorder. About 32% of all teens have some sort of anxiety disorder, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.1  The good news? There are treatments that work, says Gail Saltz, M.D., a clinical associate professor of psychiatry at the New York Presbyterian Hospital Weill-Cornell School of Medicine in New York City and the host of the “How Can I Help?” podcast.

These treatments start with support from parents or other adults in their life, says Saltz. “In addition to helping kids in their day-to-day life, you can help your teens access treatment if they’re overwhelmed by anxiety,” she explains.

Why are teenagers anxious?
Teenagers have been getting more anxious for a while, notes Rob Gent, Ph.D., chief clinical officer at Embark Behavioral Health, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona. Here are some reasons for that, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).2

Parents’ high expectations
Many teens are spread thin between school, sports and extracurricular activities, says Gent. A 2022 study by the American Psychological Association (APA) showed that rising parental expectations are leading to perfectionism in their college-age kids.3  According to one of the lead researchers: “Young people internalize parental expectations and depend on them for their self-esteem. And when they fail to meet them, as they invariably will, they’ll be critical of themselves for not matching up. To compensate, they strive to be perfect.”

An uncertain world
Your teenager is likely aware of potential threats in the world, from school shootings to deadly viruses, even if they’re not talking about it.2  When an alarming event is in the news, consider discussing it with them. One way to start is to ask whether or not their friends have been talking about the event. This may open the door to ask about their thoughts and feelings, as well as how their friends are processing it. And it’s an opportunity to ask questions about what they’ve heard on social media and in the news.

The influence of social media
Many of today’s teens are glued to their phones 24/7, says Gent, which can make them feel constantly “on.” It also can take a toll on self-esteem. A 2020 study found that teens who got fewer “likes” on social media reported feeling more depressed and anxious.4

Consider talking to your teen regularly about social media. Ask how they use it — are they mostly sharing updates with friends, are they following celebrities/influencers or are they looking for advice? How do they feel when they’re using it — are they inspired or are they envious?

How you may help lower your teenager’s anxiety levels
Consider these ways that may help your teen feel calmer, more confident and in control.

Scale down their schedule
If your teens seem overwhelmed, help them find out where they can reduce the pressure. Brainstorm together to figure out what activities to cut from a busy schedule, says Dr. Saltz. It doesn’t matter if it’s a sport, a club or social engagement — they don’t have to do it all. “Be clear that you’re not asking them to be ‘the best.’ You’re asking them to do their best and simply try,” she adds.

Help them gain a sense of control
This includes making sure they get enough sleep and physical activity. And helping them get organized. Sometimes anxiety can come from a lack of organization. When kids feel out of control and can’t focus, even tiny things can throw them for a loop. “Teach them how to use a planner so that they can write down what needs to be done and when,” suggests Dr. Saltz. It can help them feel more in charge of their lives.

Stay on top of their screen time
“The most loving thing you can do for your child is to give them boundaries,” says Gent. He advises taking breaks from cellphones. It’s especially important to power down in the evening because it can affect sleep. The AAP recommends that you turn off phones completely an hour before bedtime and recharge the devices overnight outside kids’ bedrooms. This way, they won’t be woken up by message alerts and tempted to get back on their phone when they should be resting.

Be available to your teen
Take time to talk about your teenager’s feelings and answer questions, says Dr. Saltz. Ask teens what they’re worried about. Let them open up about their concerns and help them figure out ways to manage them. Listen carefully and respectfully, without judgment and without minimizing their very real anxieties.

Know the signs of anxiety
Sometimes your teen will come to you and let you know that they’re anxious. But oftentimes, they won’t. “They may not even recognize that’s what they’re experiencing,” says Gent. Look for the following clues2 :

They seem overly worried about parts of their daily routine, such as eating or getting dressed
They seem more irritable
They avoid activities they once liked, such as going to class or hanging out with friends
Their grades drop
They have trouble sleeping, paying attention or studying
They’re drinking or doing drugs
They frequently complain that they’re tired, or they have a headache or stomachache
If you see any of these signs, consider making an appointment with your child’s health care provider.

Get your teenager help if they need it
Many teens may be anxious, but 80% of kids with anxiety never get help, according to a 2018 report by the Child Mind Institute.5  If all that anxiety has disrupted your child’s ability to get to school or have a social life, then it may be time for treatment, stresses Dr. Saltz.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be helpful in many cases. CBT focuses on changing negative thought patterns, relaxation strategies such as deep breathing and positive self-talk. Additionally, medication, like a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), can be another tool in some circumstances. An SSRI is a type of antidepressant that also treats anxiety. A combination of these treatments helps about 80% of children with anxiety disorders.2

Remember: An anxiety disorder can be treated. Your child’s provider may be able to help you find a therapist. Or you can also go to the American Psychological Association’s psychologist locator tool. With treatment, along with your help and support, your child may learn to cope with their anxiety.

An Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is generally considered highly worth it for those whose mental health symptoms disrupt daily functioning but who do not require 24/7 supervision. It offers a critical middle ground: structured clinical support without the severe restrictions of inpatient hospitalization.When an IOP is Worth ItModerate to Severe Symptoms: You need more support than a standard weekly therapy session, such as help managing severe depression, anxiety, trauma, or dual-diagnosis conditions.Maintaining Responsibilities: You need a structured routine—often 3 to 5 days a week for several hours a day—but still need to attend to work, school, or family obligations.Preventing Crisis: It serves as an excellent step-down from residential treatment or a way to avert inpatient hospitalization.Cost-Effective: Without the cost of overnight stays, IOPs are significantly more affordable than full hospitalization or residential care.Pros and Cons at a GlanceAdvantagesConsiderationsComprehensive Care: Access to a multidisciplinary team (group/individual therapy, psychiatry, medication management).Time Commitment: The schedule can be demanding, typically requiring 9 to 15 hours per week.Real-World Application: You get to practice new coping skills in your real-life environment rather than a completely isolated facility.Strict Participation: Programs often mandate attendance, meaning you must be ready to fully engage in group settings.Community Support: Group therapy helps build a strong peer support network.Insurance Dependency: Coverage varies widely by provider, though most major insurance plans offer some level of coverage.How to Evaluate Your OptionsWhen weighing if an IOP is the right fit, you can review specific programs, treatment philosophies, and insurance coverages through platforms like Charlie Health or Ellie Mental Health.

A Teen Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is generally worth it if a teen requires more structure than traditional weekly therapy but does not need 24/7 residential care. It provides a vital bridge that helps adolescents manage severe mental health or substance use challenges while maintaining their normal school and family routines.Whether it is the right fit depends on a few key factors:Why Teen IOP is Worth ItSkill Building: Programs typically utilize evidence-based therapies (like CBT or DBT) to teach practical coping and emotional regulation skills.Peer Connection: Group settings allow teens to co-regulate and build community with others facing similar struggles, reducing isolation.Family Involvement: Most robust IOPs require family therapy sessions, which help repair communication and align the home environment with the teen's recovery.Flexibility: It avoids the disruption and potential stigma of taking a leave of absence from school or completely removing the teen from their support system.Potential DrawbacksTime Commitment: It usually requires attending sessions 3 to 5 days a week, for 3 to 4 hours a day, which can conflict with extracurriculars or heavy academic loads.Not Enough for Acute Crises: If the teen is an immediate danger to themselves or others, a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) or residential inpatient care is usually required.Requires Self-Management: Since they go home in the evenings, teens must be motivated enough to apply the skills they learn in the real world