- Is your child afraid whey away from parents? – separation anxiety
- Do they have an extreme fear about something specific? – phobias
- Are they afraid of school or other places where there area a lot of people? – social anxiety
- Are they worried about the future and bad things happening? – generalized anxiety
- Do they have repeated episodes of sudden, unexpected, intense fear) – panic disorder
The CDC estimates 9.4% (5.8 million) kids had diagnosed anxiety in 2016-2019
Depression and anxiety rates have increased over time. The impact of COVID on the world has caused these rates to double in children and adolescents. Anxiety causes damage to a child’s ability to engage the world. In fear they pull back from others and activities. Each time they avoid things their avoidance is rewarded but so is their guilt and shame. These are complex ideas for children to ponder and they simplify it “I’m bad”, “no one likes me”, and “I’m not good/smart/fast (act..) enough.”
Children with anxiety are commonly misdiagnosed with ADHD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Depression, or Intermittent Explosive Disorder. It takes a skilled therapist to understand what your child’s symptoms are really communicating. Our therapists are trained to recognize the differences and go through continuing education to use the latest techniques in treating anxiety in children.
In very young children treatment often involves helping parents understand the patterns of anxiety in their child and developing a plan that works for the child and family. Some basic ways to manage anxiety symptoms often include:
- Relaxation techniques
- Getting the recommended amount of sleep each night
- participating in physical activity each day
- heating a healthy, well balanced diet
Our counselors know how to help.
Contact us if you want to learn what your child is trying to communicate and find peace in your home again. Our highly skilled and trained therapists will listen and help you understand what your child needs to get back to the kid they once were. We’ll help your son or daughter learn how to identify what they are feeling, express their needs appropriately, and learn to conquer their fear.
If you are ready to learn how we can help your child, call Psych Associates at 417-414-0333 or schedule your therapy appointment online.
Anxiety treatment can help your child.
Childhood anxiety refers to persistent worries, fears, or physical symptoms (like stomachaches or headaches) that interfere with daily life—school, friendships, sleep—for six months or more. In Springfield, MO, therapy may be helpful if your child is avoiding school, showing excessive clinginess, or regularly complaining about physical symptoms tied to worry.
Some red flags include: frequent separation anxiety beyond age norms; extreme fear of social situations; intense nervousness about tests or performance; excessive avoidance behaviors; sleep problems; restlessness or irritability; so much worry that it disrupts school or home life. If these symptoms last over six months or are disproportionate to what you’d expect, a full evaluation is recommended.
Evidence-based treatments include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), exposure therapy (gradual, supported facing of fears), acceptance & commitment therapy (ACT), and family involvement to strengthen coping strategies and reduce avoidance. In many cases, combining therapy with medication management provided by your physician may be recommended if anxiety is severe.
Many children begin to show improvements—better coping, reduced physical symptoms, less avoidance—within 4-12 weeks of regular therapy when using approaches like CBT. Full improvement may take several months, depending on severity, consistency, how well parents are involved, and whether there are co-occurring concerns (like ADHD or learning issues).
Parents and caregivers are essential. They help by reinforcing coping skills, maintaining routines, supporting exposure to fears, and providing a calm, validating environment. Schools may assist by implementing accommodations (e.g. 504 plans), communicating with therapists, easing transitions, or providing counseling support. Collaboration across home, school, and the therapist is often what leads to lasting improvement.