At NY Mental Health Center (NYMHC), we understand how heartbreaking it can be to watch your teenager struggle with anxiety. You may notice them withdrawing from activities they used to enjoy, overwhelmed by school demands, or avoiding social situations. Anxiety in adolescents is common—but that doesn’t make it any less distressing. The good news is: help is available, and therapy can make a real difference.
Understanding Teen Anxiety
Adolescence is a time of enormous change—physically, socially, and emotionally. It’s normal for teens to feel stress, but when that stress becomes persistent, excessive, or interferes with daily life, it may be an anxiety disorder.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, nearly one in three adolescents will experience an anxiety disorder. Symptoms may include constant worrying, irritability, restlessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, sleep problems, or even physical symptoms like headaches and stomachaches. Left unaddressed, anxiety can impact academic performance, relationships, and overall well-being.
How Therapy Can Help
At NYMHC, we specialize in evidence-based therapies for teens, helping them not only manage anxiety but also build long-term emotional resilience. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective treatments for adolescent anxiety. It helps teens identify unhelpful thought patterns and replace them with more balanced, constructive ways of thinking and reacting. CBT has been shown to significantly reduce symptoms in teens with generalized anxiety, social anxiety, and panic disorder (James, James, Cowdrey, Soler, & Choke, 2015).
In addition to CBT, we may incorporate mindfulness practices, exposure therapy, and skills from Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to support emotional regulation. Every teen is different, which is why we develop a personalized treatment plan based on their needs, strengths, and goals.
Supporting Your Teen at Home
Therapy works best when it’s supported by a caring, understanding home environment. Here are a few ways you can help:
- Open the conversation: Let your teen know you’re there to listen without judgment. Avoid minimizing their feelings or trying to “fix” them—just being present can make a powerful difference.
- Model calm behavior: Teens often take emotional cues from their caregivers. Practicing your own coping skills can help set a positive example.
- Promote healthy routines: Encourage regular sleep, physical activity, and nutrition—all of which can help regulate mood and reduce anxiety.
- Respect their privacy, but stay involved: It’s important to give teens space while remaining engaged. Ask how therapy is going and show ongoing interest in their progress.
Parental involvement is a critical factor in treatment success. In fact, family-based interventions—where parents and teens work together in therapy—have been shown to enhance outcomes for anxious adolescents (Ginsburg, Silverman, & Kurtines, 1995).
Why Choose NYMHC
At NYMHC, we work with teens and their families every day. Our therapists are experienced, compassionate, and trained in developmentally appropriate approaches to adolescent mental health. We offer both in-person and teletherapy options, making care more accessible and flexible for busy families. Many of our providers also offer bilingual services and culturally sensitive care.
If your teen is struggling with anxiety, you are not alone—and neither are they. Early intervention can make all the difference. Reach out today to schedule a consultation. Let’s work together to help your teen feel calmer, more confident, and in control of their future.
References
Ginsburg, G. S., Silverman, W. K., & Kurtines, W. M. (1995). Family involvement in treating children with phobic and anxiety disorders: A look ahead. Clinical Psychology Review, 15(5), 457–473. https://doi.org/10.1016/0272-7358(95)00023-Y
James, A. C., James, G., Cowdrey, F. A., Soler, A., & Choke, A. (2015). Cognitive behavioural therapy for anxiety disorders in children and adolescents. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2015(2), CD004690. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD004690.pub4