Therapy
Help for Teen Anxiety
Tests, college pressure, group chats and packed schedules can push a teen's worry past what they can manage. Therapy teaches them how to bring it back down.
When normal stress tips over
Every teen worries about grades and friendships. Anxiety becomes a problem when it starts deciding what they do: skipping class to avoid a presentation, staying up until 2 am rechecking homework, or feeling sick every Sunday night. High achievers are often the last to be noticed, because they keep performing while they suffer.
How anxiety shows up in teens
- Stomach aches, headaches or trouble breathing before school
- Perfectionism and fear of any mistake
- Avoiding parties, sports tryouts or speaking up in class
- Constant reassurance seeking from parents
- Panic attacks
- Trouble falling asleep because of racing thoughts
What your teen learns in therapy
- 1.
How anxiety works
Understanding the body's alarm makes it less frightening.
- 2.
Calming skills
Breathing and grounding tools they can use in a classroom without anyone noticing.
- 3.
Thinking tools
Catching worst-case predictions and testing them against what actually happens.
- 4.
Facing it in steps
Gradually returning to the situations they have been avoiding.
Social media and phones
Phones can feed comparison and keep the brain switched on late at night. Therapists do not lecture teens about screens. They help your teen notice how their own use affects mood and sleep, and choose limits they will actually keep.
The parent's role
Well-meaning parents often rescue anxious teens by letting them skip what scares them. That brings relief today and more anxiety tomorrow. Your teen's therapist can coach you on supporting them while still expecting them to show up.
When it may be more than anxiety
Sometimes trouble focusing, unfinished work and constant stress point to ADHD alongside anxiety. If that question comes up, our testing team can help sort it out with an evaluation.
Therapists who see teens
Diana Cantu, MA
Licensed Psychological Associate
Bilingual Therapy for All Ages
Naim Karabanoff, MS
LPC Associate
Therapy for Kids, Teens and Adults
Maggie Johnson, M.Div., LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
Therapy for Individuals and Couples
Dr. Sunetra Martinez
Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor and Licensed School Psychologist
Therapy and Clinical Supervision
Michelle Mitchell, LMFT
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Couples, Family and Individual Therapy
Dr. Sneha Desai
Licensed Psychologist
Therapy
Kamau Richard, LPC‑S
Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor
Therapy for Individuals, Couples and Families
Torresy Smith, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor
Therapy for Teens, Adults and Athletes
Questions
How long until things improve?
Many teens notice they are coping better within a couple of months of weekly sessions, though every teen is different.
Will my teen have to talk about everything?
No. Therapy moves at their pace, and much of it is practical skill building.
Can sessions fit around school?
Yes. Evening and weekend appointments are available, in person or by telehealth.
Should I tell the school?
That is your family's choice. With your written permission, the therapist can help you plan what to share with teachers or counselors.
Help your teen feel steadier
Request an appointment online, or call or text 832-876-3232 and we will help you choose a therapist.