What is anxiety, and how does it show up in teens?

Feeling anxious is a natural emotion, but living with anxiety as a mental health condition can feel overwhelming, and it’s something that deserves understanding, support, and personalized treatment. If your teen’s worry and stress are inhibiting their ability to function day-to-day, they might have an anxiety disorder. 

About 31.9% of teens (ages 13-18) experience anxiety disorders. For some, it shows up as panic attacks or social anxiety. If you think your teen might be struggling with an anxiety disorder, your family is not alone. 

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Signs your teen may benefit from professional anxiety treatment

• They have been withdrawing from academic responsibilities, extracurriculars, or social connections that your teen used to enjoy.

• They are having continuous trouble sleeping, eating, or both, often without a clear cause.

• They are experiencing frequent physical complaints, like headaches, stomachaches, or nausea, with no medical explanation.  

• They are seeking constant reassurance, feeling emotionally overwhelmed, or having a hard time calming down once upset. 

Anxiety looks different in teens than it does in adults. For teens it might be caused by stress from schoolwork, family issues, friendship challenges, or postgraduation plans. There is no one certain cause of anxiety, and that’s why each treatment should be personalized. 

What are the most effective anxiety treatments for teens?

• Psychotherapy (ACT, CBT, PBT)

Process-based therapy (PBT) uses clinically proven tools like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) to help teens manage their anxiety. These therapies focus on understanding thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, and on teaching your teen new ways to cope. It’s important to note that, at this moment, it’s not a standalone approach by clinical guidelines.

• Individual vs. group psychotherapy

Group therapy and individual therapy can both be beneficial for helping teens manage their anxiety. A Teen Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) combines both types of therapies guided by licensed clinical therapists, psychiatrists, and Client Care Techs. 

• Importance of personalization

Anxiety symptoms are not caused by one specific thing, nor does one-size-fits-all treatment work. Treatment programs such as a Teen Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) can provide individualized and structured support crafted to fit the needs of your teen. 

• Medication when appropriate

In some cases, a mental health professional may recommend medication to help your teen regulate their symptoms and make other therapies more effective. 

While there is not one best treatment for anxiety, it’s important as caregivers to understand what options are available. You are not alone in trying to find the best ways to support your teen!

At Lightfully Teen, our compassionate experts understand the unique issues teens face and are ready to address the underlying causes of your teen’s anxiety. They can help your family understand how to help your teen manage their anxiety. Our clinical experts can also work with your teen to develop thoughts and behaviors to help them live a more balanced and fulfilling life. 

How Lightfully supports teen anxiety treatment in California

Our clinical model, Precision Care Model (PCM), allows our team of professionals to personalize each treatment plan to fit the needs of your teen. Your teen is more than just their anxiety disorder, and Lightfully’s treatment plans are tailored to their symptoms. 

Our mental health professionals use PBT and various interventions to help your teen process and understand their anxiety. Lightfully’s clinicians can help your teen work through the four core processes that can contribute to their anxiety: 

• Difficulty with emotions 
• Difficulty with thoughts 
• Difficulty with behaviors 
• Difficulty with relationships 

How to support your teen at home

While anxiety disorders can be a serious condition that needs professional support, there are things you can do at home to support your teen. 

• Encouraging open dialogue
• Avoiding judgment or pressure
• Supporting treatment goals
• Practice calming tools together (such as breathing, gratitude, or journaling) 
• Helping build a consistent routine (sleep, meals, movement) 
• Reminding them of their strengths and progress 
• Creating a safe space to talk and listen 

Getting professional treatment for anxiety for your teen can shift the trajectory of their life. Studies show early treatment for anxiety in adolescents can make a significant impact in their lives. 

Your family does not have to manage your teen’s anxiety alone — Lightfully’s credible clinicians are ready to help. Our deeply compassionate experts use evidence-based, clearly defined, data-driven treatment approaches to provide whole-person-centered care to your teen. 

Change is possible. If your teen needs professional anxiety treatment in California, reach out to our Admissions Concierge Team. We’ll take the next steps together, helping your teen work toward the fullest, brightest version of themselves.