Anxiety Disorder Treatment

What is an Anxiety Disorder?

Fear is a natural human reaction caused by a part of the brain called the amygdala. An anxiety disorder occurs when someone has significant fears that cause distress and affect their ability to function. Genetic, biological, and environmental factors can cause an anxiety disorder.

Approximately 10% of children have an anxiety disorder.

There are different types of anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder, separation anxiety, specific phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder, social anxiety disorder, selective mutism, panic disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder.

How We Can Help Children Suffering From Anxiety

Our approach to managing Anxiety Disorder in children is holistic, combining therapeutic, medical, behavioral, and educational strategies. This integrative approach is designed to produce tangible improvements that enhance symptom relief and promote overall well-being.

We understand that every child’s personality, circumstances and experiences are unique, and our approach caters to these individual needs. We address excessive worrying, avoidance behaviors, restlessness, and somatic symptoms that disrupt their daily life.

Children who participate in our program can anticipate reduced anxiety levels, improved coping mechanisms, and a newfound sense of confidence.

Psychological Testing
To look deeper into mood regulations and other learning challenges that might contribute to your child’s anxiety.
Individual and Family Therapy
To address your concerns as a parent and to offer tools to reduce your child’s anxiety and its impact
Medical Wellness
To determine if your child’s sleep, exercise and nutritional habits help minimize or contribute to anxiety. If symptoms persist, medication may help address your child’s anxiety

How We Diagnosis Anxiety Disorders in Children

Our diagnostic process for childhood anxiety is comprehensive, gathering insights across psychological, interpersonal, academic, and developmental realms to understand the roots and impacts. Specifically, our psychologists utilize validated tools to quantify symptoms, profile manifestations, and reveal connections to related conditions. We conduct interviews focusing on developmental histories to identify risks and formative events.

These diverse data points consolidate into a conceptualization illuminating how anxiety manifests through each child’s lens – their emotion regulation, coping strategies, and core beliefs. This understanding guides tailored treatment planning focused on skill-building, addressing maladaptive thoughts, family dynamics, and lifestyle changes suited to the youth.

We pride ourselves on comprehending the contexts sustaining suffering in anxious children. Our diagnosticians empower families with knowledge, support, and solutions fitted to the child’s strengths and challenges. We address anxiety through a biopsychosocial framework seeking wellness for the whole person.

How We Develop An Anxiety Disorder Treatment Plan

Treatment plans incorporate evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), exposure training, mindfulness, and wellness techniques like nutrition, lifestyle adjustments, and stress reduction.

Medications are considered judiciously when necessary to support emotional regulation and resilience.

Families will find a clinical environment that provides support and care for children with anxiety. The interventions are customized to meet the needs of each child, helping them develop coping skills and inner strength to overcome anxiety challenges. The aim is to foster growth in all areas of a child’s life and teach effective symptom management.

Parents can expect to see positive changes in their child’s emotional regulation, coping strategies, self-efficacy, and overall resilience, leading to improved academic and social functioning and reduced anxiety.

Selective Mutism Program
Our Selective Mutism Program takes an interdisciplinary approach in treating children with selective mutism and anxiety.

Trenna Sutcliffe, MD MS FRCPC FAAP
Anxiety Disorders Behavioral Pediatrician
Medical Director, Developmental Behavioral Pediatrician
Board Certified Medical Doctor in Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics and General Pediatrics
Vickie Messick, MA BCBA
Anxiety Disorders Behavior Analyst
Behavior Team Clinical Director
Board Certified Behavior Analyst
PC-CARE Certified Provider
PRT Level 3/PRT Level 4 Initiations
Scott Lafranconi, MA LMFT
Anxiety Disorders Therapist
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist