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Teenage anxiety treatment in Los Angeles

Anxiety can show up in your teen in many ways: physical symptoms or even total withdrawal from friends and school. As a parent, you want to understand what’s happening, but you also need someone who can help guide your family through it. That’s where we come in. At Key Healthcare, we offer teenage anxiety treatment that’s backed by evidence-based therapies and proven outcomes. Speak to our experts today to find out how we can support your family.

When the feeling of anxiety is crippling and interfering with day-to-day activities, or if it doesn’t go away with time, then it could mean your child is suffering from an anxiety disorder.

Medically Reviewed By Dr. Elnaz Mayeh PhD, LMFT

18 min read

Updated July 18, 2025

Is My Teen Just Stressed Or Is It an Anxiety Disorder?

Every teen goes through ups and downs. A little stress from school or social situations is expected. But if your teen seems overwhelmed more often than not or avoids things they once enjoyed, there may be something deeper going on. What you’re seeing might be more than just stress; it could be an anxiety disorder.

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is diagnosed when your child experiences excessive, hard-to-control worry on most days for at least six months. This kind of anxiety can show up as constant concerns about school, health, friendships, or even the future.

Anxiety Symptoms in Teens

To meet the diagnostic criteria, your teen must also show at least three of the following anxiety symptoms:

Feeling restless or constantly on edge
Getting tired easily or having low energy
Trouble focusing or feeling like their mind is blank
Muscle tightness, aches, or tension
Difficulty falling or staying asleep

These symptoms often accompany physical symptoms, such as stomachaches, headaches, a racing heart, or dizziness. Your teen might not always tell you what they’re feeling, but you might notice them pulling away from family or seeming anxious for no clear reason.

At Key Healthcare, we specialize in adolescent mental health and offer evidence-based treatments designed specifically for teens. With the right support, your teenager can regain a sense of control.

If you’ve been wondering whether what your teen is going through is normal, trust your instincts. You know your teenager best, and if something feels off, we’re here to help you treat anxiety with compassion and care.

How Common Are Anxiety Disorders in Teens?

If you’re worried that your teen may be dealing with anxiety, you’re not alone. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, nearly 1 in 3 adolescents in the U.S. has experienced an anxiety disorder at some point in their lives. That’s a staggering number, and it shows just how many families are quietly facing the same struggles you are right now.

And while these numbers are high, what’s even more concerning is this: According to the WHO, only about 1 in 4 people with anxiety receive treatment. That means most teens are silently dealing with these overwhelming emotions without the help they truly need. Often, it’s not because their families don’t care, it’s because they don’t realize how treatable anxiety is.

At Key Healthcare, we’re here to change that. We specialize in helping teens understand what they’re going through and begin to feel like themselves again with the support of professionals who truly care.

Help Your Teen Find Relief from Anxiety

If your teen is struggling with anxiety, Key Healthcare offers specialized treatment tailored to their unique needs. Our compassionate team provides evidence-based therapies and a supportive environment to help teens manage symptoms, build confidence, and regain control of their lives. Contact us today to learn more and start the healing journey.

What Causes Anxiety in Teenagers?

When your teen is overwhelmed, it’s natural to wonder what’s causing it. The truth is, there isn’t just one reason. A mix of biological, emotional, and environmental factors can shape anxiety. Understanding these causes can help you identify early warning signs and take the necessary steps to support your child before the situation worsens.

Brain Development and Hormones

During the teenage years, your child’s brain undergoes significant changes. The amygdala, which handles emotions like fear and worry, is especially active. Meanwhile, the prefrontal cortex, which plays a crucial role in decision-making and reasoning, continues to mature. This mismatch can make anxious feelings feel bigger and harder to control, even if they don’t fully understand why they feel that way.

Genetics and Family History

If anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions run in your family, your teen may be more vulnerable. That doesn’t mean they’re destined to struggle, but it does mean you’ll want to be more mindful of the signs, so you can act early if needed.

Trauma and Stressful Situations

Big life changes or painful experiences like bullying, abuse, losing a loved one, or even moving to a new school can all become triggers for anxiety. These events can be traumatic and shake your teen’s sense of safety and stability, sometimes long after the situation has passed.

Medical Conditions

Sometimes, physical health can play a hidden role in anxiety. Thyroid issues, hormone imbalances, or even vitamin deficiencies may worsen symptoms. If your teen’s anxiety seems sudden or severe, it’s always worth checking in with a healthcare provider to rule out underlying medical conditions.

Environmental and Social Pressures

You’ve probably noticed the immense pressure that teens face today. From academic expectations to social media usage, peer comparison, and the fear of disappointing others, it’s a lot. These external pressures can easily turn into negative thoughts or self-doubt if your teen doesn’t have the right tools to cope.

Types of Anxiety Disorders in Children and Teens

Every teenager experiences fear or nervousness at times. But when those feelings start to take over your teenager’s day-to-day life, it could be a sign of something more serious. There are several types of anxiety disorders in children and teens, each with its own set of symptoms.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

If your teen seems to worry about everything from school performance and friendships to the future and things happening in the world, you’re likely seeing signs of generalized anxiety disorder. These worries may seem irrational to you, but they feel very real to them. You might notice physical symptoms like stomachaches, headaches, trouble sleeping, or just a constant sense that something’s wrong.

This type of anxiety isn’t always linked to any actual danger, but the emotional toll is very real. Left unaddressed, it can limit your teen’s ability to enjoy life or feel confident in everyday situations.

Social Anxiety Disorder

Teens with social anxiety disorder often feel like everyone is watching and judging them. They may dread raising their hand in class, attending social events, or even eating in front of others. This fear can grow into isolation and have lasting effects on self-esteem, especially in young people already struggling with body image or peer comparison.

Panic Disorder

Panic attacks can come on suddenly, sometimes with no warning. Your teen might describe it as feeling like they can’t breathe or like they’re losing control. These episodes often include symptoms like a racing heart, chest pain, sweating, and dizziness. When these attacks happen more than once, your teen may begin to worry constantly about the next one, what’s known as excessive worry, which becomes a cycle that’s hard to break without support.

Panic disorder is especially difficult because the fear of future attacks can lead teens to avoid situations altogether, limiting their ability to function normally in school or social life.

Separation Anxiety Disorder

You might think of separation anxiety as something that only affects younger children, but many teens feel intense distress when they’re away from home or the people they trust. They might resist going to school or experience overwhelming fear about something bad happening to you or themselves.

This can be incredibly tough for both you and your child, especially when you’re not sure how much is typical teen emotion and how much might signal an anxiety disorder that needs more help.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Suppose your teen seems stuck in rituals, such as washing their hands repeatedly, checking things excessively, or counting objects before leaving a room. In that case, they may be exhibiting signs of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. These behaviors often stem from intrusive thoughts and a deep-seated need to prevent something bad from happening.

Though your teen might recognize these behaviors as irrational, the fear feels real and overwhelming. OCD often causes a high level of distress and can take over your teen’s daily routine.

Phobias and Agoraphobia

Some teens develop specific phobias, which are intense fears about particular objects or situations, such as spiders, flying, or medical procedures. Others may experience agoraphobia, which involves the fear of being in places where escape might be difficult. This could include crowded spaces like malls or even school hallways.

Over time, this fear may cause your teen to avoid more and more places until it becomes hard for them to leave home at all. If your child is avoiding everyday activities or places they once enjoyed, it’s a strong sign that it’s time to seek professional help.

While these conditions vary, they all share one thing: they can be incredibly overwhelming for your teen and deeply painful for you to watch. But with early recognition and evidence-based treatments, healing is possible.

Our goal in developing Key Healthcare was to create programs that gave teens the guidance they needed to draw on their strengths and realize their potential to live fulfilling happy lives. Based on our own experiences, we believe that everyone has the ability to change if given the proper structure and connection

Ryan Blivas & Evan Powell

Founders of Key Healthcare

When to Seek Professional Help for Mental Health Care

Many parents wait, hoping things will improve on their own. But untreated anxiety can get worse over time. If you notice your teen struggling for more than a few weeks, or if they are experiencing suicidal thoughts, it’s time to seek help from a qualified mental health professional.

A Masters level therapist or psychiatrist will typically conduct a physical examination, review the patient’s family history, and conduct interviews to rule out other potential conditions. Anxiety cannot be diagnosed with a single test, but through a full assessment, an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan can be created.

You may feel nervous about this step, but providing your teen with the support they need can change their life.

Teenage Anxiety Treatment at Key Healthcare

Our teenage anxiety treatment programs are designed specifically for adolescents. We treat the whole person, not just the symptoms, with compassion and evidence-based care.

Teen Residential Treatment Program

In our 45 to 60-day residential program in Los Angeles, teens receive round-the-clock support in a safe, home-like environment.

Therapies include:

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to challenge irrational thoughts
Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) for emotional regulation
Family therapy to improve communication and rebuild trust
Art, music, and recreational therapy to heal through expression

Your teenager may also receive academic support to stay on track with school while they heal.

Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)

Our PHP runs five days a week, eight hours a day. It’s ideal for teens who need intensive treatment but can return home in the evenings. Your teen will work on developing coping strategies and managing symptoms in a structured yet non-residential setting.

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

The IOP offers nine hours of therapy per week and is designed for teens who are transitioning out of more intensive programs or need extra support while staying at home. This level of care teaches teens how to manage stress and maintain progress in real-world settings.

Dual Diagnosis Care for Substance Abuse

It’s common for teens with anxiety to turn to substances to cope. Our clinicians specialize in dual diagnosis care, addressing both anxiety and substance abuse at the same time. This ensures your teen not only recovers but also stays on the right path in the long term.

Support Beyond Therapy

We also teach teens relaxation techniques, healthy lifestyle habits, and self-care skills. Learning to reduce anxiety through breathwork, exercise, and sleep routines is a key part of lasting recovery.

Why Families Choose Key Healthcare

When your child is hurting, you want a team that understands how to help—not just treat. At Key Healthcare, we specialize in adolescent psychiatry, trauma recovery, and dual diagnosis. We don’t just help teens cope. We help them grow.

From the first call to the final session, we partner with you and your teen every step of the way.

Our staff includes:

Master level therapists and psychiatrists
Academic coordinators to support school success
Program mentors who inspire hope and healing
Dedicated care coordinators to help your family navigate the process

Worried about costs? We’ve got you. Key Healthcare works with most major insurance providers, and up to 100% of treatment costs may be covered, depending on your plan.

It might feel like a big step, but remember why you're here—you’re looking for a way forward.

FAQ

What are some common symptoms of anxiety in teens?

Look for signs like irritability, trouble sleeping, withdrawal from friends, complaints of headaches or stomachaches, and difficulty concentrating in school. Some teens also experience chest pain, trembling, or dizziness during episodes of intense fear. If left untreated, these symptoms can escalate and affect their academic performance and emotional well-being.

Is it just a phase? Should I wait it out?

While anxiety can sometimes be a normal part of growing up, if it begins to interfere with your teen’s daily life, school, or relationships, it’s more than a phase. Many teens experience anxiety at some point, but when it persists, it may indicate a diagnosable mental illness that needs attention. The sooner you seek professional help, the better your child’s chance of long-term recovery.

Can teens really recover if they feel anxious all the time?

Teens can heal and grow with the right support. Studies and clinical trials have shown that teens respond well to therapies that address both emotional and behavioral aspects of anxiety. When the behavioral component of anxiety is properly treated—like avoidance or compulsive behaviors—alongside emotional symptoms, the outcome is often very positive.

How is anxiety diagnosed in an anxious child or teen?

There’s no single test for diagnosing anxiety. A qualified mental health professional will usually conduct interviews, review symptoms, and may run a physical examination to rule out underlying medical conditions. Clinicians follow the criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. In some cases, additional screening tools from organizations like the Anxiety Disorders Association may be used.

What if my teen doesn’t want therapy?

That’s common. Teens find it difficult to express emotions or open up to strangers at first. That’s why our therapists take time to build trust with each anxious child. We’ve seen how patience and connection can transform resistance into engagement. As part of our care, we also help parents understand how to support and manage child anxiety at home without pressure or conflict.

Are there self-help relaxation techniques for anxiety?

Self-help strategies can complement therapy. Mindfulness, breathing exercises, and healthy routines can all help reduce anxiety. These methods are especially helpful when the source of worry isn’t based on actual danger but perceived fear. Apps and online resources from respected organizations such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness can also be helpful. Just keep in mind, these tools work best when combined with professional treatment.

What increases the risk of teen anxiety?

Several factors can lead to an increased risk of anxiety, including family history, trauma, academic pressure, and concerns related to body image or social media usage. Teen girls and boys alike are affected, especially in environments with high expectations or limited emotional support. According to the Mental Health Services Administration, early intervention is key to preventing escalation into more severe issues.

Sources

Munir, S., & Takov, V. (2022). Generalized Anxiety Disorder. In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing.

National Institute of Mental Health. (2017). Any anxiety disorder. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health

World Health Organization. (2023, September 27). Anxiety disorders.

Request a Call

Is your teen struggling with mental health or substance use challenges?

Request a confidential call today – our team will walk you through the admissions process, treatment options, costs, and what to expect. Reaching out is a powerful first step toward a healthier future for your teen and your family.

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Insurances we Accept

Key Healthcare works with a majority of health insurance providers and depending on your plan, 100% of the costs may be covered. Verify your insurance to get more information about your coverage.

Supporting Your Teen Through Anxiety: Start Healing Today at Key Healthcare

Anxiety can take a toll on your teen’s life, but with the right help, healing is possible. Anxiety disorders often follow stressful events and may arise even when there’s no actual danger. Some teens are at a higher risk due to genetic factors, medical conditions, or environmental pressures.

At Key Healthcare, we use evidence-based treatments backed by randomized controlled trials to guide your care. Our team helps both teens and parents manage anxiety with compassion and proven tools.

You don’t have to wait. Your teen deserves relief and a healthier future.

Contact Key Healthcare today to begin your teen’s healing journey.

Check Insurance

Structure, support, and a path forward. See how programs at Key Healthcare help teens thrive.

Take the first step by verifying your insurance today and finding out what coverage options are available for your family. Our team will review your benefits and help you understand how to access the care your teen needs.

Medical Reviewer

Dr. Elnaz Mayeh PhD, LMFT

As Executive Director, Dr. Mayeh is dedicated to maintaining Key Healthcare’s reputation as a premier adolescent treatment center, fostering a stable and supportive environment for both clients and staff. Her leadership focuses on clinical integrity, staff development, and creating a culture of compassion and growth.