CBT for Adolescent Anxiety

Educational content only. Pediatric assessment and family involvement are often essential. See our Medical Disclaimer.

Overview

Adolescent anxiety commonly involves avoidance of school, social, or performance situations. Parental accommodation (doing things for the teen to reduce distress) can inadvertently maintain anxiety.

Why CBT helps

Graded exposures: stepwise approach to feared situations with support.
Reduce accommodation: coach parents to encourage skill use rather than avoidance.
Skills and routines: sleep, planning, and problem‑solving to support school engagement.

Journaling prompts

Exposure step I attempted today, fear 0–100 before/after, what I learned.
One thing my parent/caregiver did differently to help me practice skills was…
Tomorrow’s small step and who will support me.

Teens and caregivers can journal together; see How to Journal.

Selected readings

CBT programs for child/adolescent anxiety (e.g., Coping Cat, brief exposure‑based protocols).
Parent accommodation frameworks (SPACE model literature).

When to seek care

Persistent school refusal, panic, or functional decline require clinician support and school coordination.