Anxiety Treatment for Children and Teens
Anxiety Treatment that Works
When it comes to addressing anxiety in children and teenagers, evidence-based treatments are crucial for providing effective support. Dr. Charissa Chamorro uses evidence-based treatments that have been found to be highly effective in treating anxiety in children and teenagers. She integrates her warm and compassionate approach with a range of strategies to foster improved coping abilities, emotion regulation, and greater self-confidence. Dr. Chamorro knows that every child’s experience with anxiety is unique. She works closely with families to determine where anxiety is getting in the way and how treatment can help.
Dr. Chamorro is dedicated to helping improve the lives of children and teens who struggle with anxiety. In addition to her work in private practice, she is the Course Director for the Anxiety, OCD, and Tics Fellowship Training Program at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai where she teaches and supervises psychiatry fellows in evidence-based treatments for anxiety, OCD, and related issues. She is also on the Medical Review Board for Parents Magazine where she reviews and edits articles to ensure that parents are accessing accurate and high-quality information.
Three prominent evidence-based approaches for anxiety in children and teens are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Coping Cat, which is a structured CBT-based program designed for youth by Dr. Philip Kendall, and SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) which is a program designed for parents by Dr. Eli Lebowitz at Yale University. These interventions have shown significant success in helping young individuals develop the necessary skills to manage and overcome their anxiety. Dr. Chamorro is a highly skilled provider of these treatments, and she works with families to determine which approach will be most effective for the family.
CBT for Children and Teens
CBT for children and teens focuses on identifying and challenging unhelpful thoughts and behaviors that contribute to anxiety. Through a collaborative and supportive therapeutic relationship, CBT empowers young individuals to understand the connections between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. By learning to reframe negative thoughts and engage in adaptive coping strategies, children and teens gain the tools to navigate anxiety-provoking situations with greater confidence and resilience.
Coping CAT for Children and Teens
Coping Cat, a structured CBT program, offers a specialized approach for addressing anxiety in children and adolescents. It provides a framework for teaching anxiety management skills through the use of cognitive restructuring, gradual exposure, problem-solving, and relaxation techniques. By systematically addressing fears and teaching coping strategies, Coping Cat helps young individuals confront their anxieties in a controlled and supportive environment, empowering them to overcome their fears and build self-efficacy.
SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) Treatment for Children
SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) Treatment is an evidence-based approach that empowers parents to effectively support their anxious children. By cultivating a compassionate and accepting atmosphere, parents create a safe space for their children to express their fears. Through active listening and validation, parents promote emotional resilience and reduce anxiety. They also learn to encourage their child's autonomy, gradually exposing them to anxiety-provoking situations while offering guidance and support. By modeling self-care and healthy coping strategies, parents create a positive family environment that fosters independence, emotional regulation, and overall well-being in their children.
What does anxiety look like in children and teens?
Anxiety disorders in children and teens can manifest in various ways. For younger children, symptoms may include excessive worrying, clinginess, fear of separation, or fear of specific situations or objects. They may also experience physical symptoms such as stomachaches or headaches. In teenagers, anxiety disorders can be characterized by persistent feelings of unease, irritability, difficulty concentrating, avoidance of social situations, and excessive self-consciousness. Sleep disturbances, changes in appetite, and physical tension are also common indicators. It's important to recognize these signs and provide support and appropriate interventions to help children and teens manage their anxiety effectively.
What is an Anxiety Disorder?
Anxiety disorders are a group of mental health conditions characterized by excessive and persistent worry or fear. They can significantly impact a child’s social, emotional, and academic functioning as well as their overall well-being.
Types of Anxiety Disorders:
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): People with GAD experience chronic anxiety and excessive worry about various aspects of life.
Panic Disorder: Panic disorder involves recurrent and unexpected panic attacks, accompanied by intense physical and psychological symptoms.
Social Anxiety Disorder: Social anxiety disorder is characterized by a fear of social situations and a persistent concern about being embarrassed or humiliated.
Separation Anxiety Disorder: Separation anxiety disorder is characterized by an intense fear of being separated from parents or loved ones, or fear that something bad will happen to certain family members.
Specific Phobias: Specific phobias involve intense fear and avoidance of specific objects, situations, or activities.
What causes an anxiety disorder?
While the exact causes of anxiety disorders are not fully understood, they can result from a combination of genetic, environmental, and neurochemical factors.
Dr. Charissa Chamorro works with families to determine the factors causing and maintaining anxiety, and collaborates with them to develop an effective treatment approach that will address anxiety and facilitate improved coping and resilience.
Reach out today to schedule a consultation call and learn more about how treatment can help.
