CARE-LA

Frequently Asked Questions:

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Looking for Child Anxiety Therapy in West Los Angeles?

CARE-LA provides specialized therapy for children, adolescents, and families dealing with anxiety disorders in West LA and surrounding communities. We are committed to helping young people feel confident, resilient, and emotionally supported.

 

Below are answers to the most common questions parents ask when searching for child anxiety treatment in West LA and surrounding areas.

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1. How do I know if my child has anxiety or is just going through a phase?

It is normal for children to worry at times, but persistent fears, avoidance, physical complaints, sleep issues, irritability, or difficulty functioning at school or home may indicate an anxiety disorder. If symptoms last several weeks or interfere with daily life, a professional evaluation can help.

 

2. What are common signs of anxiety in children?

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Common symptoms include:

• Excessive worrying

• Stomachaches or headaches

• Trouble sleeping

• School refusal

• Separation fears

• Irritability or meltdowns

• Perfectionism

• Avoidance of social situations

• Reassurance-seeking

• Difficulty concentratin

 

Children often express anxiety through behavior rather than words.

 

3. What are signs of anxiety in teenagers?

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Teens may experience:

• Constant stress or overthinking

• Panic attacks

• Social withdrawal

• School pressure and burnout

• Difficulty sleeping

• Irritability

• Low self-esteem

• Procrastination due to fear of failure

• Physical tension

• Mood changes

 

Anxiety in teens can sometimes look like anger, isolation, or lack of motivation.

 

4. What types of anxiety disorders do you treat?

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We commonly treat:

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

• Social Anxiety

• Separation Anxiety

• Panic Disorder

• School Anxiety

• OCD-related anxiety symptoms

• Phobias

• Performance Anxiety

• Health Anxiety

• Stress-related adjustment difficulties

 

5. What is the best therapy for child anxiety?

The gold standard treatment is usually Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). CBT helps children identify anxious thoughts, build coping skills, and gradually face fears with support. Parent involvement often improves results.

 

6. Does therapy for anxiety really work for kids?

Yes. Research consistently shows that therapy can significantly reduce anxiety symptoms in children and teens. Early intervention often leads to better long-term emotional health and resilience.

 

7. How long does anxiety therapy take?

Every child is different. Some children improve in 8–12 sessions, while others benefit from longer-term support depending on symptom severity, family stress, and co-occurring concerns.

 

8. Do parents participate in therapy sessions?

Often, yes. Parent guidance is a key part of child anxiety treatment. We help parents learn strategies to support confidence, reduce accommodation of anxiety, and reinforce progress at home.

 

9. What causes anxiety in children?

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Anxiety can develop from multiple factors, including:

• Genetics

• Temperament

• Stressful life events

• Academic pressure

• Social challenges

• Family transitions

• Trauma

• Perfectionism

• Medical issues

 

Usually, anxiety is caused by a combination of factors.

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10. How do I find the best child psychologist for anxiety in West Los Angeles?

At CARE-LA, we offer comprehensive child anxiety treatment with more than 20 therapists who specialize in all facets of child psychology, adolescent therapy, and anxiety disorders. Because every child is different, we carefully match families with the therapist best suited to their child’s age, personality, and clinical needs.

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CARE-LA also has a child psychiatrist on staff, allowing families to access collaborative care when medication evaluation or psychiatric support may be appropriate. This integrated model can be especially helpful for children experiencing moderate to severe anxiety symptoms.

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11. My child refuses therapy. What should I do?

Resistance is common. We help parents introduce therapy in a non-threatening way and create a comfortable first session focused on trust and rapport. Many reluctant children become engaged once they feel understood.

 

12. Do you offer therapy for school refusal in West LA?

Yes. We work with children and teens experiencing school anxiety, school avoidance, attendance struggles, and morning distress. Treatment often includes parent coaching and school collaboration when appropriate.

 

13. Can anxiety cause stomachaches and headaches?

Absolutely. Anxiety often shows up physically in children. Common symptoms include stomach pain, nausea, headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and muscle tension.

 

14. How do I help my anxious child at home?

 

Helpful strategies include:

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• Stay calm and reassuring

• Validate feelings without reinforcing fears

• Keep routines consistent

• Encourage brave behavior

• Limit excessive reassurance

• Praise effort over perfection

• Seek professional support when needed

 

15. What if my teenager is anxious but won’t talk to me?

Many teens struggle to open up to parents while still needing support. Therapy provides a confidential, neutral space where adolescents can express concerns and build coping tools.

 

16. Do you offer therapy for social anxiety in teens?

Yes. We help adolescents who fear judgment, avoid peers, struggle with presentations, feel isolated, or experience intense self-consciousness in social settings.

 

17. Is online therapy available in CARE-LA?

Yes. We offer secure telehealth therapy for children, teens, and families throughout California when clinically appropriate. Many adolescents prefer virtual sessions.

 

18. What neighborhoods do you serve in West LA?

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We commonly serve families in:

• West Los Angeles

• Brentwood

• Santa Monica

• Pacific Palisades

• Beverly Hills

• Culver City

• Mar Vista

• Century City

• Westwood

• Venice

• Surrounding Los Angeles areas

 

19. When should I seek therapy instead of waiting it out?

Seek help when anxiety interferes with school, friendships, sleep, family life, confidence, or normal development. Early support can prevent symptoms from becoming more severe.

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20. How do I get started with child anxiety therapy in West LA?

Start by scheduling a consultation at www.care-la.com or call 424-421-CARE (2273). We learn about your child’s symptoms, strengths, developmental history, and goals, then recommend a personalized treatment plan.

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​​To schedule a consultation, press the link below.

 

​Schedule a consultation