--- title: CBT An Effective Anxiety Treatment For Teens date: 2017-05-02T22:44:31Z modified: 2025-02-02T21:21:23Z permalink: "https://drsarahallen.com/anxiety-treatment-for-teens/" type: post status: publish excerpt: "" wpid: 186677 categories: - Anxiety - Parenting - Uncategorized featured_image: "https://drsarahallen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/cbt-teens.jpeg" author: Dr. Sarah Allen --- ![](https://drsarahallen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/cbt-teens.jpeg) A study published in the _Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry_ found that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an effective anxiety treatment for teens, either alone or in combination with the antidepressant sertraline (Zoloft). “The results of this study provide further evidence of the benefits of cognitive behavioral therapy and SSRI medication, alone or in combination, for treating clinically significant anxiety in children and adolescents”, said the study’s author, Dr. John Piacentini of the University of California. Our kids live in an area where there is a high level of achievement, both academic and sports-related, and this brings a lot of stress in to their lives. I have been using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques with teens and adults for the last 20 years for anxiety issues relating to test and performance anxiety, social anxiety as well with people who describe themselves as general worriers. I find it by far the most useful treatment for anxiety. CBT teaches why anxiety happens and gives you tools for dealing with symptoms which helps you feel more in control of your anxiety. Medication can be beneficial in reducing severe anxiety to a level that someone can take on board how to use these techniques and coping strategies and over time, medication can be reduced or stopped as the person feels less anxiety. All medications have some side effects and it is better to learn to use CBT techniques that empower you to manage and reduce your worries. Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health issue in children and adolescents. It is often overlooked but anxiety can significantly impair children’s school, social, and family functioning. Also, if untreated, anxiety can increase the risk of experiencing depression, substance abuse, as well as occupational difficulties in adulthood. [![](https://drsarahallen.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/CBT-Anxiety-1024x536.jpeg) ](https://drsarahallen.com/cbt-for-anxiety-what-it-is-and-how-it-works/)For a more in depth discussion about anxiety treatment that works for all ages read: [CBT For Anxiety: What It Is & How It Works](https://drsarahallen.com/cbt-for-anxiety-what-it-is-and-how-it-works/). ### To find out more about coping with anxiety and worrying download my free booklet [Simple Steps To Overcome Anxiety & Worrying](https://drsarahallen.com/anxiety-counseli…/free-anxiety-book/) use the sign up form below the book. When clients first come in to see me, the main concerns that come up again and again are: 1. How can I feel less stressed, angry and overwhelmed? 2. What should I do if I feel panicky? 3. How can I stop worrying about everything on my “to do” list…. **So I put together a booklet with some strategies I am always giving to my clients to help them begin to feel less anxiety and to worry less.** [![](https://drsarahallen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Anxiety-and-Worry-3d1-237x300-1.png) ](https://drsarahallen.com/anxiety-counseling/free-anxiety-book/)I hope that you will find it helpful too. Add your first name and email address in the booklet download box below and you will be sent the steps to download your FREE book. Please let me know if you have any questions after reading the booklet. Also, if you would like to read more, I have several [blog posts ](https://drsarahallen.com/category/anxiety/)on my blog about anxiety and other issues that can affect the way you feel. ### If you have any concerns that your teenager has an anxiety disorders contact me at [847 791-7722](tel:8477917722) or on the form below. ![Dr. Sarah Allen](https://drsarahallen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Asset-1@2x-809x1024.jpg) ## If you have any questions, or would like to set up an appointment to work with me and learn how to reduce anxiety, please contact me at [847 791-7722]() or on the form below. _If you would like to read more about me and my areas of specialty, please visit [Dr. Sarah Allen Bio](https://drsarahallen.com/about-dr-sarah/)._ _Dr. Allen’s professional licenses only allows her to work with clients who live in IL, FL & the UK and unfortunately does not allow her to give personalized advice via email to people who are not her clients._ Dr. Allen sees clients in person in her [Northbrook, IL office](https://drsarahallen.com/office-directions-1363-shermer-northbrook/) or [remotely via video or phone. ](https://drsarahallen.com/telephone-online-sessions/) [Remote Counseling](https://drsarahallen.com/telephone-online-sessions/) [In Person Appointments In Northbrook, IL](https://drsarahallen.com/contact/) Δ document.getElementById( "ak_js_10" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); ![](/wp-content/themes/utopian/assets/images/wall.png) ## What Can I Read That Helps Me While I Am Waiting For My First Appointment With Sarah? Download this free booklet to gain valuable insights and practical strategies for managing anxiety and worrying. ![](https://drsarahallen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Anxiety-and-Worry-3d1.png) - [ ![](https://drsarahallen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Dr.-Sarah-Allen-Northrook-Therapist-Focuses-On-Reducing-Anxiety-e1492211628376.jpg) ](https://drsarahallen.com/northbrook-therapist-helps-depression-anxiety-in-chicago-northshore/) ### [ Northbrook Therapist Helps Depression And Anxiety In Chicago Northshore ](https://drsarahallen.com/northbrook-therapist-helps-depression-anxiety-in-chicago-northshore/) [VIEW MORE](https://drsarahallen.com/northbrook-therapist-helps-depression-anxiety-in-chicago-northshore/) By Dr. Sarah Allen - [ ![](https://drsarahallen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Holiday-Stress-Management.jpg) ](https://drsarahallen.com/?p=186651) ### [ Tips For A Happy and Less Stressful Holiday Part One: Lower Your Expectations ](https://drsarahallen.com/?p=186651) [VIEW MORE](https://drsarahallen.com/?p=186651) By Dr. Sarah Allen - [ ![](https://drsarahallen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Make-Time-For-Yourself-2.jpg) ](https://drsarahallen.com/?p=186659) ### [ Tips For A Happy and Less Stressful Holiday – Part Two: Make Time To Look After Yourself ](https://drsarahallen.com/?p=186659) [VIEW MORE](https://drsarahallen.com/?p=186659) By Dr. Sarah Allen ## As featured in [ ![](https://drsarahallen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/O_The_Oprah_Magazine.svg) ](https://drsarahallen.com/media) [ ![](https://drsarahallen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/bbc-logo-red-e1711144655268.jpg) ](https://drsarahallen.com/media) [ ![](https://drsarahallen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Glamour-Logo.svg.png) ](https://drsarahallen.com/media) [ ![](https://drsarahallen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/layer1@2x.png) ](https://drsarahallen.com/media) [ ![](https://drsarahallen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Readers-Digest-Logo.svg) ](https://drsarahallen.com/media) [ ![](https://drsarahallen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/redbook-logo.png) ](https://drsarahallen.com/media) [ ![](https://drsarahallen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/psychologist-brand-title.svg) ](https://drsarahallen.com/media) [ ![](https://drsarahallen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Womans-world-logo_29.webp) ](https://drsarahallen.com/media) ### Empowered to Combat Anxiety. Dr. Allen has helped me through several difficult times. She has taught me tools to use to combat anxiety which is something I have dealt with my whole life. She has empowered me and given me strength that I didn’t know I had. I am so thankful! #### Beth R. ### Excellent Therapist! Dr. Allen is a colleague of mine and she is an excellent therapist. She is warm, caring, and exceptional at her work. I refer clients to Dr. Allen and I highly recommend her if you are looking for a top notch therapist. #### Jodi Petchenik, LCSW ### Dr. Allen Helped Me to Feel More Empowered Dr. Allen has really helped me find my own voice. When I began therapy I would swing between being passive and doing whatever other people wanted me to do to being angry and frustrated. I have been on antidepressants for quite a few years but it wasn’t really working. Through therapy I have learned to listen to my own needs and to speak up. I used to worry that people wouldn’t like me if I didn’t agree with them but when Dr. Allen gave me the support I needed I challenged my fears. I spend a lot less time feeling angry and depressed now and I have really widened my social network. This is how I have always wanted to be but didn’t know how to get there. Dr. Allen has a very reassuring manner and makes you challenge yourself but by using small steps so you feel ready to do it. I have really come out of my shell and would recommend anyone who is feeling depressed to come and talk with her. #### Rebecca F. ### Worrier No More. I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t a worrier and when my doctor suggested therapy instead of an antidepressant I didn’t think it could really help. I was totally wrong. I don’t spend so much time worrying about the “what ifs” now and concentrate on working on things that are in my control to change in the “here and now” rather than in the past or future. I spend much less time in my head worrying about everything and now have useful strategies to deal with many situations at home and at work. Life is much less stressful and I find myself teaching people I manage at work the strategies Dr. Allen taught me. #### Marcia B. ### Worry & Panic Attacks Transformed by Dr. Allen Last year I was so crippled by anxiety and panic attacks and I didn’t believe that anything or anyone would be able to help me. Since seeing you my life has changed forever and I am finally turning into the person that I always wanted to be…and the person I never thought I could be. You will be the person I call if I start to feel that way again. #### Wendy T. ### Trusted & Knowledgeable Therapist. When I need to refer any of my patients for talk therapy I immediately think of Dr. Allen as she is wonderful at helping people with severe and complex issues really get to the root of their problems. She is very caring and knowledgeable and I have found her extensive experience really helps people to change their lives for the better. #### Dr. Teresa Poprawski ## Topics **Categories:** [Anxiety](https://drsarahallen.com/category/anxiety/), [Parenting](https://drsarahallen.com/category/parenting/), [Uncategorized](https://drsarahallen.com/category/uncategorized/)