Teen Anxiety Therapy

in Portland, OR

Teen anxiety therapy helps teens manage stress, worry, and emotional overwhelm. Therapy supports healthy coping skills, self-confidence, and emotional balance during important developmental years.

Teen Anxiety Therapy

in Portland, OR

Teen anxiety therapy helps teens manage stress, worry, and emotional overwhelm. Therapy supports healthy coping skills, self-confidence, and emotional balance during important developmental years.

Teen Anxiety Therapy

Teen anxiety is on the rise nationwide, with the National Institute of Mental Health estimating that nearly 1 in 3 adolescents in the U.S. experience an anxiety disorder. Between academic pressure, social media, identity exploration, and a rapidly changing world, today’s teens face more emotional stressors than ever before. Left untreated, anxiety can disrupt school performance, friendships, family dynamics, and a teen’s sense of self-worth.

At Forest Psychological Clinic in Portland, OR, we offer specialized teen anxiety therapy designed to meet adolescents where they are. Our therapists understand the challenges that come with adolescence and provide compassionate, evidence-based treatment that helps teens gain control over their anxiety and build the skills they need to thrive. We aim to create a safe and validating space where teens feel heard, understood, and empowered to grow.

Whether your teen has been diagnosed with generalized anxiety, social anxiety, panic disorder, or is struggling silently with overwhelming worry, our team can help. We provide the tools, strategies, and support teens need to regain confidence, regulate emotions, and build resilience for the future.

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Please avoid sharing private medical history or sensitive details in this form. This questionnaire is for screening and scheduling purposes only and does not provide a diagnosis.

About Teen Anxiety

Anxiety is a normal emotion, but for many teenagers, it becomes chronic and overwhelming. Teen anxiety may manifest as excessive worry, irrational fears, panic attacks, or avoidance of situations that trigger discomfort. It can be caused by a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors.

Common types of anxiety seen in teens include generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and specific phobias. Some teens may also experience school-related anxiety, test anxiety, or anxiety related to perfectionism, identity, or family expectations. Anxiety is often accompanied by other challenges like depression, sleep issues, or substance use.

During adolescence, the brain is still developing, especially in areas related to decision-making and emotional regulation. As a result, anxious teens may struggle to articulate their feelings, cope with stress, or manage overwhelming thoughts. Therapy offers a critical opportunity to intervene early, help teens build emotional intelligence, and teach lifelong coping strategies in a supportive, nonjudgmental environment.

How to Know If Your Teen Needs Anxiety Therapy

Frequent Worrying That Feels Hard to Control

Your teen constantly overthinks school, friendships, health, or future plans and feels unable to calm down despite reassurance or logic.

Frequent Worrying That

Feels Hard to Control

Your teen constantly overthinks school, friendships, health, or future plans and feels unable to calm down despite reassurance or logic.

Perfectionism and Unrealistic Standards

They feel pressure to perform perfectly and become upset over small mistakes, often leading to procrastination or burnout.

Avoids Social Events,

Speaking, or Public Situations

Your teen avoids parties, class participation, or presentations due to fear of judgment or embarrassment, even when they want to engage.

Avoids Social Events, Speaking, or Public Situations

Your teen avoids parties, class participation, or presentations due to fear of judgment or embarrassment, even when they want to engage.

Somatic Complaints With No Clear Cause

They regularly report headaches, stomachaches, or muscle tension without medical explanation, particularly before school or social events.

Panic Attacks or Sudden Waves of Fear

They experience episodes of rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, chest pain, or dizziness accompanied by intense fear or sense of doom.

Emotional Outbursts or Withdrawal

Anxiety may show up as irritability, anger, or shutting down emotionally when overwhelmed or triggered by seemingly minor issues.

Sleep Difficulties and Restlessness at Night

Anxiety keeps them awake, leads to frequent nightmares, or causes early waking, affecting their energy, focus, and mood the next day.

Overreliance on Reassurance

or Safety Behaviors

They repeatedly seek reassurance, avoid anxiety-provoking tasks, or rely on rituals or people to feel safe.

Overreliance on Reassurance or Safety Behaviors

They repeatedly seek reassurance, avoid anxiety-provoking tasks, or rely on rituals or people to feel safe.

Negative Self-Talk and Fear of Failure

Your teen harshly criticizes themselves, doubts their worth, and expresses fear of disappointing others or being seen as a failure.

Anxiety Impacts School, Friends, or Daily Functioning

Their academic performance, friendships, extracurriculars, or family relationships are noticeably affected by anxious thoughts or behaviors.

What to Expect in Therapy

Comprehensive Teen Anxiety Assessment

We begin with a thoughtful evaluation of anxiety symptoms, stressors, coping patterns, and family dynamics to understand what’s driving your teen’s anxiety.

Collaborative & Personalized Planning

Teens are involved in setting goals and choosing strategies that matter to them, helping build trust, motivation, and a sense of ownership in the therapy process.

Developmentally Appropriate Sessions

Sessions include talk therapy, creative expression, journaling, role-play, and education, all adapted to your teen’s age, personality, and comfort level.

Evidence-Based Anxiety Treatment

Therapy uses proven approaches to help teens challenge anxious thoughts, manage physical symptoms, and gradually face fears in safe, supportive ways.

Coping Skills & Ongoing Progress Support

Teens learn practical tools for calming anxiety while progress is regularly reviewed and adjusted to ensure therapy stays effective and relevant.

Help center

Questions and Answers

Find answers to the most commonly asked questions about our services.

How do I know if my teen’s anxiety is serious enough for therapy?

If anxiety interferes with your teen’s sleep, school, relationships, or daily functioning, therapy can help. It's also valuable even if symptoms seem mild but cause distress or avoidant behavior.

What therapy methods work best for teen anxiety?

Several therapy methods are highly effective for teen anxiety, with treatment most successful when it is personalized to the individual teen’s needs, symptoms, and stage of development. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is widely considered the gold standard for anxiety treatment, as it helps teens recognize unhelpful thought patterns, manage anxious feelings, and develop practical strategies to cope with stressors. CBT is commonly used when a teen experiences an anxiety disorder, persistent anxiety symptoms, or difficulty managing daily demands.

Exposure-based techniques are often incorporated alongside CBT, particularly for teens struggling with avoidance, separation anxiety, or panic-related concerns. These approaches help teens gradually face feared situations in a safe, supportive way, reducing anxiety over time while supporting healthy reactions and confidence. Mindfulness-based strategies are also valuable, teaching teens how to stay present, regulate emotions, and avoid becoming overwhelmed by worry.

Therapy for teen anxiety also focuses on the broader context of a teen’s life. Many teens experience anxiety related to academic performance, social interactions, extracurricular activities, or pressures around identity and self esteem. When anxiety begins to interfere with sleep, physical health, or daily functioning—such as trouble sleeping, difficulty paying attention, or feeling constantly overwhelmed—therapy provides tools to restore balance and support both mental health and normal development.

For young people and young adults, effective treatment often integrates lifestyle and skill-based supports alongside therapy sessions. Encouraging enough sleep, regular physical activity, and healthy routines helps reinforce progress made in sessions. Teens are also taught to listen carefully to their internal cues, recognize when they feel overwhelmed, and practice strategies to manage anxiety before symptoms escalate.

Treatment plans are always individualized, taking into account child development, age, and whether the teen has experienced anxiety for a short period or has long-standing symptoms. While younger children may rely more on family-based approaches, teens benefit from collaborative therapy that respects autonomy while still involving caregivers when appropriate. If anxiety significantly impacts functioning, families are encouraged to seek professional support early, as timely intervention can prevent anxiety from persisting into adulthood.

At Forest Psychological Clinic, therapy for teen anxiety is tailored to help teens manage anxiety effectively, strengthen coping skills, and build resilience so they can navigate school, relationships, and life transitions with greater confidence and emotional stability.

Will my teen need medication for anxiety?

Not always. Many teens benefit from therapy alone. If symptoms are severe or persistent, we can collaborate with medical providers to explore whether medication may be helpful.

What if my teen doesn’t want to talk in therapy?

Our therapists are skilled at engaging teens through activities, humor, creativity, and a validating approach. We respect their pace while building trust and safety.

How can I support my teen while they’re in therapy?

Offer a listening ear without judgment, avoid excessive reassurance, and encourage healthy coping skills. We also provide parent guidance to strengthen family support systems.

How long does therapy take for teen anxiety?

Duration varies based on severity and engagement. Many teens see improvement within 10–16 sessions. Regular check-ins help track progress and adjust goals.

Does anxiety therapy help with school performance?

Yes. By addressing stress, perfectionism, and emotional regulation, therapy helps teens improve focus, manage deadlines, and feel more confident academically.

Is teen anxiety just a phase that will go away?

While some anxiety is developmental, persistent or escalating anxiety often requires support. Ignoring symptoms can lead to long-term issues like depression or avoidance.

What role do parents play in the therapy process?

Parents receive updates, guidance, and tools to respond helpfully to anxiety. Your support is essential, especially in encouraging follow-through and reducing accommodations.

How do I start teen anxiety therapy at Forest Psychological Clinic?

Contact us by phone or online to schedule an intake. We’ll pair your teen with a therapist who specializes in adolescent anxiety and provide a plan tailored to their needs.