Child and teen therapy for anxiety and OCD in Wadsworth.

It's normal for children and teens to feel anxious sometimes. They may worry about a big test, making new friends, trying something unfamiliar, or speaking in front of the class.

But when anxiety starts keeping them from going to school, spending time with friends, sleeping independently, joining activities they used to enjoy, or simply feeling like themselves, it may be time for extra support.

Anxiety doesn't always look like worry. Sometimes it looks like avoiding school. Sometimes it's frequent stomachaches before leaving the house, or needing constant reassurance. Other times it's irritability, perfectionism, panic attacks, or pulling away from friends and activities.

Many anxious kids and teens begin organizing their lives around avoiding uncomfortable feelings. The good news? Anxiety is highly treatable, and with the right support, kids and teens learn skills they'll use for the rest of their lives.

Many parents first notice something doesn't seem quite right when their child starts asking the same questions over and over.

• "Are you sure my hands are clean?"
• "What if I accidentally make someone sick?"
• "What if I left something dangerous on?"
• "Can you promise everything is okay?"

Some children wash their hands repeatedly. Some ask for reassurance dozens of times a day. Some avoid touching certain objects or places, or confess things over and over because they're afraid they've done something wrong. Others get stuck on upsetting intrusive thoughts they desperately wish would go away. Because OCD looks so different from child to child, it is often mistaken for generalized anxiety, perfectionism or simply being a "worrier."

Common signs of OCD

• Repeatedly asking the same questions for reassurance
• Washing or cleaning excessively
• Checking things over and over
• Avoiding certain people, places or objects
• Needing things to feel "just right"
• Repeating actions until they feel complete
• Confessing harmless things repeatedly
• Spending a lot of time trying to get rid of unwanted thoughts
• Getting distressed by intrusive thoughts about germs, harm, religion, mistakes or other frightening topics

We use evidence-based treatments, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), the gold standard treatment for OCD, when appropriate. ERP helps children and teens gradually face their fears while learning they don't have to obey OCD's rules. Over time, OCD begins to lose its grip, and confidence grows.

Sessions are tailored to your child's age, personality and goals. We work collaboratively, making therapy supportive while also encouraging meaningful growth.

Parents and caregivers are an important part of the process

You know your child better than anyone. Out of love, parents naturally try to reduce their child's distress by answering repeated questions, giving reassurance, changing routines, or helping them avoid what triggers anxiety. Those responses are completely understandable, and they can unintentionally strengthen OCD over time. We'll help you understand how anxiety and OCD work, recognize compulsions that aren't always obvious, and learn practical ways to support progress at home.

Our goal is not only to help your child feel better today, but to give your family tools that keep working long after therapy ends. There is hope: OCD and anxiety are highly treatable.