Anxiety Therapy for Children & Teens in Westchester, NY
- Caitlin McNally, LCSW
- Oct 3
- 3 min read
Updated: Nov 9
Many children and teens struggle with anxiety, and as a parent, it can be hard to know how to help. According to the CDC (2022–2023),
11% of children ages 3 to 17 have a diagnosed anxiety disorder — and that only counts those who have received a formal diagnosis. In reality, even more children may be quietly struggling without support.
It’s no surprise, then, that anxiety is one of the most common challenges children and teens face today. You may have noticed it in children around you — persistent worries, difficulty at school, problems sleeping, or trouble completing tasks. Anxiety doesn’t just affect the child, it can leave the entire family feeling overwhelmed.
If you’re a parent in Westchester, NY, and you’re concerned about your child’s anxiety, I’m here to help. With the right support and tools, children and teens can learn to manage anxiety and feel more confident in their daily lives.
In this guide, I’ll explain:
What anxiety looks like in children and teens
How therapy can help
Ways parents can support their children at home
Why finding a local therapist in northern Westchester can make a difference
What Anxiety Looks Like in Kids and Teens
Everyone feels nervous or jittery sometimes — that’s a normal part of life. Anxiety only becomes a problem when it begins to dominate a child’s thoughts, feelings, or behavior.
Common signs of anxiety in children and teens include:
Constant worry or racing thoughts (e.g., “What if you don’t come home from your work trip?”)
Worries that seem extreme or don’t match the situation (e.g., “If I don’t get all A’s, I won’t have a future.”)
Avoiding people, places, or activities (e.g., refusing to go to a birthday party)
Difficulty concentrating or completing tasks
Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep
Physical complaints such as stomachaches, headaches, or fatigue without a medical cause
Irritability, meltdowns, or tantrums
If you’ve noticed these signs in your child for several weeks or months, it may be time to consider professional support.
How Therapy Helps Children and Teens Manage Anxiety
Therapy provides a safe, supportive space where children and teens can share their thoughts and feelings. It also helps them understand why anxiety is a normal emotion and learn strategies to cope with it.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps children identify anxious thoughts, evaluate the evidence, and replace them with more balanced thinking.
Mindfulness techniques: Simple strategies to calm the body and mind in stressful situations.
Solution-focused strategies: Tools to build confidence by focusing on strengths and small successes.
How to identify and understand their feelings
Techniques to calm their body during anxious moments
Skills to manage school stress, peer challenges, and family changes
Confidence to face situations they may have been avoiding
The goal isn’t to eliminate anxiety entirely — it’s to help children and teens feel capable of handling life’s challenges without being overwhelmed by worry.
Supporting and Empowering Parents
You know your child best, and parent involvement is essential. Children usually spend about an hour per week in therapy — the rest of their time is at school, with friends, or at home with you. Communication about concerns and progress is key.
Guidance on responding to anxious behaviors
Strategies for building routines that reduce stress
Tools for encouraging independence
A safe space to process your own concerns about your child’s wellbeing
Why Work with a Local Therapist in Northern Westchester
Choosing a therapist near your home can make the process easier and less stressful. I work with children, teens, and families throughout Mount Kisco, Bedford, Katonah, Somers, Chappaqua, Armonk, and surrounding northern Westchester towns.
Being local also means I understand the unique pressures kids and teens here face — from academic expectations to competitive extracurriculars. This insight helps me connect with young clients and offer strategies that fit into their daily routines.
Get Started with Anxiety Therapy in Westchester
If your child or teen is struggling with anxiety, reaching out for help is a powerful first step. Therapy provides both children and parents with tools to navigate worry with confidence and calm.
I offer in person anxiety therapy for children and teens in Mount Kisco, supporting families across Westchester. Together, we can help your child feel more secure, resilient, and ready to enjoy life again.
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