Anxiety and OCD Therapy for Children and Teens
The Maryland Anxiety Center in Towson, Maryland, provides care for children and adolescents with anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and related concerns. Our approaches include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and parent-focused Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE).
Recognizing Anxiety and OCD in Children and Teens
Some childhood worries and fears are part of growing up. It is also important to recognize when anxiety may require professional support.
Watching a child struggle emotionally can be difficult. Parents naturally want to comfort and protect their children, whether they are frightened by loud noises, worried about school, or afraid of being judged by peers. Understanding these concerns can help families take the next step toward appropriate care.
What are Signs Your Child May Need Support?
Anxiety and OCD can affect schoolwork, classroom participation, and daily routines. Parents may notice concerns such as:
- Repeated questions or frequent requests for reassurance.
- Spending excessive time checking, rereading, or rewriting assignments.
- Difficulty attending school or participating in class.
- Distressing, unwanted thoughts or repetitive behaviors intended to prevent something bad from happening or reduce discomfort.
These concerns are worth discussing with a clinician who can evaluate your child’s needs.
Read more about recognizing school-related anxiety and OCD.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Children and Teens
CBT helps children and teens explore how their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors connect. It supports learning different ways to evaluate situations and respond to anxiety and emotional distress.
Children practice skills during appointments and continue working on them between sessions.
Learn more about cognitive behavioral therapy.
Parent Support Through SPACE
Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE) is an evidence-based, parent-focused approach for childhood anxiety, OCD, and related problems.
Parents and caregivers are the primary participants in SPACE sessions. They learn supportive ways to respond to their child’s anxiety and gradually reduce accommodations that can reinforce anxious behaviors.
Learn more about SPACE treatment at The Maryland Anxiety Center.
What to Expect When Seeking Care for Your Child
A brief phone screening helps determine whether the practice’s services are a suitable match for your child or teen before an initial evaluation is scheduled.
During the evaluation, the clinician explores your child’s concerns and relevant history. You can ask questions and discuss what has brought your family to seek care.
Afterward, the clinician explains the assessment findings, recommended treatment, and reasons for the recommendation. You and your clinician work together on a plan tailored to your child’s needs.
Experience in Child and Adolescent Anxiety Therapy
Casey Anderson, LCPC, has advanced training in CBT for child and adolescent anxiety and in SPACE. His professional experience includes working with children and families in clinical and school settings.
Learn about Casey’s background and training
Frequently Asked Questions
What approaches does Maryland Anxiety Center use for childhood anxiety and OCD?
Our approaches include CBT for children and teens and parent-focused SPACE treatment. Following an assessment, your clinician will explain the recommended approach and how it relates to your child’s needs.
Can parents receive support if their child finds therapy participation difficult?
Yes. SPACE works primarily with parents and caregivers and can provide a way to address childhood anxiety when a child struggles to participate in individual therapy. A clinician can help determine whether it is an appropriate option for your family.
What happens when I contact the practice about my child?
You will have a brief phone screening to discuss whether the services offered are an appropriate match. If so, an initial evaluation is scheduled to better understand your child’s concerns and guide treatment planning.
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The Maryland Anxiety Center was founded by Andrea G. Batton, LCPC with a vision of creating a practice where clinicians and staff work cohesively and collaboratively with patients to provide optimal psychological care. The Maryland Anxiety Center specializes in the treatment of anxiety and related disorders from a cognitive behavioral perspective, the gold-standard and most effective treatment for such conditions.