CBT, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, is usually provided over a number of outpatient once-weekly psychotherapy sessions. In CBT treatment with a psychotherapist, a child who is struggling with anxiety might explore the thoughts and behaviors connected with their anxious feelings. CBT also focuses on building coping skills that will help children manage their fears and worries. You can read more about CBT here. Your pediatrician may be able to refer you to an outpatient therapist who practices CBT or may be able to provide information that will help you find CBT for your child.

A key component to anxiety is the physical symptoms that accompany it, commonly referred to as the “fight or flight response.” Heart rate increases and breathing becomes shallow. Stress hormones may cause acutely anxious people to sweat or shake. These physical symptoms, which can be uncomfortable or scary, can feed into a worsening cycle of anxious thoughts, emotions, and physical symptoms. Meditation practice can help a child learn how to calm the physical sensations and worried thoughts that go along with anxiety. There are many different ways to practice meditation. In general, meditation tends to focus on practicing deep breathing patterns and focusing the mind in the present moment. You may be able to introduce meditation to your child on your own, or you may want to find a professional, such as a psychotherapist, who is able to integrate meditation practice into therapy sessions. You can read more about meditation with children here.

Biofeedback is a type of treatment usually provided in a small number of outpatient sessions, in which sensors are placed on the patient’s body to track physical processes such as heart rate and breathing. Patients watch visual depictions of their physical responses on screens in the treatment room and learn to regulate their physical responses in real time. Biofeedback has been found helpful for treating children with anxiety, stress, headaches, and other conditions. You can read more about how the Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin uses biofeedback here.

Sometimes when children have severe anxiety or when their anxiety is combined with depression or other mental health disorders, providers will prescribe medication as one component of the treatment plan. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), a type of antidepressant medication, are sometimes prescribed for children and teens with severe anxiety. You can read a bit more about medication for the treatment of childhood anxiety here. If you think your child might benefit from any type of medication, please consult with your primary medical provider.