Teen Anxiety Is on the Rise — Here’s How Therapy Can Help
Teen anxiety is more than just a phase—it’s becoming a serious and widespread issue.
From academic pressure and social comparison to overstimulation and global uncertainty, today’s teens are navigating a world that feels heavier than ever. While some stress is a normal part of development, chronic anxiety can affect sleep, focus, confidence, and even physical health. Fortunately, therapy provides a supportive space for teens to better understand their anxiety and learn how to manage it in ways that feel empowering. This blog explores the deeper roots of teen anxiety and the meaningful role therapy can play in helping teens feel more in control.
Table of Contents
Why Is Teen Anxiety on the Rise?
Teenagers today are growing up in a world that’s fast-paced, highly visible, and often overwhelming. Between constant academic demands, the pressure to perform on social media, and exposure to global crises, it’s no surprise that many teens feel anxious—sometimes constantly.
Unlike past generations, today’s adolescents rarely get a break from external stressors. Phones buzz with notifications at all hours, grades are tied to future college and career paths, and even casual scrolling can lead to comparisons that chip away at self-esteem. Add to that the lingering impacts of the pandemic—social isolation, disrupted routines, and uncertainty about the future—and you have a perfect storm for rising teen anxiety.
In places like Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, El Segundo, and the rest of the South Bay area, many teens appear “high-functioning” from the outside, but inside they may be struggling with racing thoughts, pressure to be perfect, or the fear of letting others down. This disconnect between what others see and how they truly feel can be isolating—and often leads teens to suffer in silence.
How Teen Anxiety Shows Up Today
Teen anxiety isn’t always obvious. While some teens express nervousness or panic, others might seem irritable, distracted, or emotionally checked out. They may avoid schoolwork, withdraw from friends, or lash out without knowing why.
Physical symptoms are also common. Headaches, stomachaches, muscle tension, and sleep problems can all be signs of anxiety—especially when there’s no clear medical cause. Even simple tasks like finishing homework, showing up to a social event, or answering a message can start to feel overwhelming. Some teens become perfectionistic, constantly pushing themselves to do better. Others freeze up or procrastinate, afraid of making a mistake. These behaviors are often misread as laziness or defiance, when they’re really signs of inner distress.
Therapy for teens creates a safe space to unpack what anxiety looks like for them—and why it’s there. With support, teens begin to recognize their patterns, reconnect with themselves, and learn healthier ways to cope.
When Anxiety Becomes More Than Just Stress
It’s normal for teens to feel stressed sometimes. A big test, a tough conversation, or trying something new can all trigger temporary anxiety. But when those feelings start to take over—day after day—it may be time for extra support.
Chronic anxiety often shows up as:
Trouble sleeping or winding down at night
Feeling tense or “on edge” most of the time
Avoiding people, places, or situations that once felt easy
Physical symptoms like nausea, chest tightness, or racing heart
Constant worry, even when things seem fine
What makes anxiety more than just stress is the way it sticks. Instead of passing with time, it lingers—and starts to interfere with daily life. For many teens, it can feel like there’s no “off switch.”
That’s where therapy can help. By working with a teen therapist who understands anxiety, teens can learn to slow down their racing thoughts, understand their triggers, and reconnect with a sense of safety in their bodies and minds.
How Therapy Helps Teens Manage Anxiety
Therapy gives teens more than just a space to vent—it offers a path forward. With the right support, teens begin to understand what’s happening beneath the surface of their anxiety and develop tools to manage it in ways that feel doable.
For some, that means learning how to notice early signs of stress before it spirals. For others, it means untangling perfectionism, social pressure, or the fear of disappointing others. In therapy, teens get to slow down, feel heard, and explore what anxiety feels like in their minds and bodies—without judgment.
Over time, this self-awareness builds confidence. Teens begin to recognize their triggers, communicate more clearly, and respond to stress with greater flexibility. They also discover that they don’t have to navigate anxiety alone.
Therapy for teen anxiety isn’t one-size-fits-all. Some teens thrive with structure and clear coping strategies. Others benefit from creativity, movement, or simply being in a calm space where they don’t have to explain everything. The therapeutic relationship becomes a foundation—a steady, supportive presence as they learn to feel more grounded and in control.
Approaches to Teen Anxiety in Therapy
Just like anxiety shows up differently for each teen, the way it’s treated should be just as personalized. That’s why therapists often draw from a mix of approaches, depending on what feels helpful, supportive, and sustainable for the teen.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most widely used methods for anxiety. It helps teens identify anxious thoughts and practice new ways of responding. CBT can be especially effective for those who benefit from structure, routines, and practical tools. That said, some teens may find the homework-like feel of CBT overwhelming or off-putting, especially if they’re already feeling burnt out from school.
Mindfulness-based approaches help teens slow down, tune into the present moment, and build awareness of what’s happening internally—without judgment. This can be grounding, especially for teens who tend to overthink or disconnect from their emotions.
EMDR therapy is often used for teens whose anxiety is tied to past experiences, even if they can’t name a specific trauma. EMDR helps the brain and body process stored fear, making it easier to respond to current situations with more calm and clarity. While some teens find EMDR surprisingly relieving, others may need time to build trust and readiness before going into deeper work.
Somatic therapy focuses on the body’s response to stress—helping teens understand where anxiety lives physically and how to release it through movement, breath, or sensory input. This can be a great option for teens who have trouble verbalizing what they feel.
Therapy for anxious teens isn’t about forcing one method. It’s about finding what helps each individual feel safe, empowered, and understood—whether that’s a structured plan, creative expression, body-based work, or a combination of all three.
Supporting an Anxious Teen at Home
Parenting an anxious teen can feel like walking a tightrope. You want to help—but not push. Comfort—but not coddle. Understand—but not overwhelm. It’s a balancing act that can leave caregivers feeling confused or helpless, especially when nothing seems to work.
The good news is that even small shifts in how you respond can make a big impact. Creating a calm, validating home environment gives teens a sense of safety—both emotionally and physically. That means making space for their feelings without rushing to fix them, and showing up consistently, even when they don’t know how to ask for support.
Try to:
Gently name what you’re noticing: “I can see today felt really heavy.”
Offer choice instead of pressure: “Would it help to talk, or just sit together for a bit?”
Normalize rather than minimize: “It makes sense that your body feels tense when so much is going on.”
Respect their pace, especially when it comes to talking about therapy or challenges
Supporting an anxious teen doesn’t mean having all the answers—it means staying connected, even when things feel hard. And when therapy becomes part of the picture, knowing they’re not facing it alone—at home or in the counseling room—can make all the difference.
Finding the Right Teen Therapist
Finding the right therapist for a teen isn’t just about credentials—it’s about connection. Teens are more likely to engage in therapy when they feel comfortable, respected, and understood. That’s why it’s important to involve them in the process whenever possible.
Explore therapist websites together. Notice who they gravitate toward based on tone, approach, or even something as simple as a photo. Some teens may prefer someone calm and quiet, while others do best with a therapist who brings humor, creativity, or structure into the room.
It also helps to look for someone who specializes in therapy for teen anxiety or adolescent mental health. A therapist who understands the developmental stage your teen is in—and the pressures they face—can tailor sessions in ways that feel age-appropriate and supportive.
The right fit can make all the difference. When teens feel safe, seen, and not judged, therapy becomes less of a task and more of a resource. Whether they’re just beginning to open up or already asking for help, starting with the right person sets the foundation for meaningful growth.
Until next time, don’t forget to take care of yourself.
– – Catherine Alvarado, LMFT
About the Author
Catherine Alvarado, LMFT is a licensed psychotherapist, EMDR Certified Therapist, and Consultant-in-Training (CIT) in Redondo Beach, CA. Beyond the pages of the blogs, Catherine Alvarado, LMFT & Associates offers in-person and virtual therapy services for adolescents and teens of Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, El Segundo, and the rest of the South Bay area.
If you are experiencing distress, reach out today to schedule a free phone consultation.
