WORRIED ABOUT YOUR TEEN, OR FEELING OVERWHELMED YOURSELF?
Teen Anxiety & Stress Therapy in Toronto
School, friendships, social media and big decisions about the future can add up quickly for teens. Learn how anxiety and stress can show up, how our clinicians help teens build practical coping skills, and how parents can be involved.
Signs A Teen May Be Struggling
Some stress is a normal part of growing up. Anxiety becomes a concern when it's frequent, hard to shake or starts getting in the way of school, friendships or family life. Parents and teens often notice:
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Constant worry about grades, tests, deadlines or the future
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Avoiding school, social plans, sports or activities they used to enjoy
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Stomach aches, headaches or trouble sleeping, especially before schoolSigns a teen may be struggling
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Irritability, tearfulness or meltdowns that seem bigger than the situation
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Needing a lot of reassurance, or getting stuck on "what if" thoughts
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Pulling away from friends or spending more time alone or online
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Perfectionism, procrastination or freezing up on schoolwork
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Panic attacks, or a fear of having one
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If this sounds familiar, therapy can help your teen understand what's happening and learn ways to manage it.
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We see teens and adults in person near Yonge and Eglinton, and virtually across Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.
TEEN ANXIETY & STRESS
What We Help With:
School Stress & Performance Pressure
Exams, workload, perfectionism, procrastination and worries about university or the future
Social Anxiety & Friendships
Fear of judgment, feeling left out, social media pressure and difficulty speaking up in class or with peers
Worry, Panic & Physical Symptoms
Constant "what ifs," panic attacks, and stress that shows up as stomach aches, headaches or sleep problems
Transitions and Big Life Changes
Starting high school, changing schools, family changes, and preparing for university and life after high school
How We Help
Therapy with teens is practical and collaborative. Sessions focus on skills your teen can use right away at school, at home and with friends.
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Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT): the most researched treatment for anxiety in teens. Your teen learns to notice anxious thoughts, test them out and respond differently.
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Gradual exposure: step by step, facing the situations anxiety has been avoiding, at a pace that feels manageable.
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Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) skills: tools for managing big emotions, stress and conflict, taught one-on-one with your teen's clinician.
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Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT): helping teens make room for uncomfortable feelings while still doing what matters to them.
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How parents are involved: Parents usually join part of the first session to share background and goals. After that, most sessions are one-on-one with your teen, so they have a space of their own. With your teen's agreement, your clinician can check in with you periodically and share ways to support them at home without increasing anxiety.
TEEN ANXIETY & STRESS
Frequently Asked Questions
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How do I know if it's normal teen stress or anxiety? Stress usually rises and falls with specific events, like exams. Anxiety tends to stick around, feels hard to control and starts affecting sleep, school, friendships or family life. If you're unsure, an initial session can help sort it out.
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Will you tell me what my teen talks about in therapy? What teens share in therapy is kept confidential, which helps them open up. Your clinician will explain the limits at the start, including that safety concerns are always shared. With your teen's agreement, you'll get general updates and ideas for supporting them at home.
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Does my teen need my consent to start therapy? In Ontario, there's no fixed age for consenting to therapy. It depends on whether a young person understands what therapy involves. Most teens start with a parent's involvement, and your clinician can talk through the details.
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What if my teen doesn't want to go? That's common. It often helps to frame the first session as a chance to check it out, with no commitment. Clinicians who work with teens are used to building trust gradually.
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Can therapy help with school accommodations? Yes. A registered psychologist can assess anxiety and provide documentation for school accommodations when it's needed. If learning or attention concerns are also involved, a psychoeducational assessment may be the best fit.
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How long does therapy take? It varies. Many teens notice meaningful change within 8 to 16 sessions of CBT, while others benefit from longer support through a stressful period.
In-Person, Video, or Phone Sessions - Whatever Works Best For You
We provide in-person services in Toronto and virtual assessment services across Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick. Appointments are available by secure video, telephone, or in person, allowing you to access mental health care in the format that works best for you.
THE INTAKE PROCESS
How it works
