Takeaway: If your little one seems nervous, anxious, or on edge, it can be tough to know how best to support them. Our anxiety therapists in NJ are specially trained in supporting children, teens, and families with mental health issues–including anxiety disorders. Together, we can help your child express themselves and get the support they need to thrive.
Understanding anxiety disorders in children & teens
While it’s normal for children to experience fear or worry from time to time, it can be concerning when your little one seems to be wrapped up in anxiety more often than not.
People often use the word “anxiety” as a blanket term. However, there are many different forms of anxiety. Here are some of the most common ones.
- Generalized anxiety disorder: Symptoms include excessive worry, restlessness, difficulty concentrating, and physical symptoms like muscle tension or sleep issues.
- Panic disorder: Symptoms include sudden panic attacks, which are episodes of intense fear and worry, along with physical symptoms like a racing heart, sweating, and difficulty breathing.
- Social anxiety: Symptoms include fear of being judged by others, avoiding social situations, and physical symptoms like blushing, trembling, and sweating.
Some other mental health issues and symptoms can overlap with anxiety disorders. Kids can experience more than one at a time, or their symptoms may not fit neatly into a certain category.
Issues related to anxiety disorders include mood disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), body-focused repetitive behaviors, eating disorders, and more.
It’s okay if you’re not sure which form of anxiety your little one is struggling with, or if they even have an anxiety disorder at all. Therapy can be helpful for your child in building self-esteem, coping with life stressors, and managing big emotions whether they’re experiencing clinical anxiety or not.
Meet our top-rated therapists in NJ for anxiety
Finding the right fit is key to making anxiety therapy as effective as possible. Meet our clinicians to get a sense of who your family might work best with.
Kerri Adams
Kerri has years of experience advocating for families and providing therapy at the New York State Office of Mental Health. She enjoys teaching her clients coping skills to help them thrive even when their time in anxiety counseling is complete.
- Credentials: Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Registered Play Therapist (RPT)
- Education: Master’s Degree from New Jersey City University
- Modalities Used: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR), Play Therapy
- Specialty Areas: Autism Spectrum Disorders, Family Trauma, Mindfulness and Meditation, Perinatal Mental Health, Performance Anxiety, Sports-Related Anxiety
Christina Eromenok
Christina has experience helping children with disabilities and their families navigate complex systems. This has given her a unique ability to connect with children in families in a calming, understanding way that her clients find highly supportive during difficult times.
- Credentials: Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Registered Play Therapist (RPT)
- Education: Master’s Degree in Social Work from Fordham University
- Modalities Used: Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (T-CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR), Play Therapy
- Specialty Areas: Children with Disabilities, Navigating the Special Education Process, Trauma
Rachel Prager
Rachel has over a decade of experience supporting children and families in different settings. She is passionate about helping people overcome anxiety and other obstacles. Rachel believes that each person is the expert in themselves, and she acts as a partner in the therapeutic process.
- Credentials: New Jersey Licensed Social Worker (LSW), New York Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)
- Education: Master’s Degree in Social Work from Rutgers University
Beth Mitatov
Beth has experience supporting children in school-based settings, as well as a background in art and design which allows her to incorporate creativity into her work with families. She is passionate about making strong, supportive connections with her clients.
- Credentials: Licensed Social Worker (LSW)
- Education: Master’s Degree in Social Work from Ramapo College of New Jersey
- Specialty Areas: ADHD, Anxiety, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Grief and Loss
Veronika Midthassel
Veronika has experience helping children and families in many different settings, including within the school system. She enjoys providing counseling, social skills, and crisis intervention. Veronika recognizes that each child is unique and she is a firm believer that working with the entire family is key in helping children thrive.
- Credentials: Licensed Social Worker (LSW)
- Education: Master’s Degree in Social Work from Rutgers University
FAQs about working with an anxiety therapist in New Jersey
Is a therapist or psychiatrist better for anxiety counseling?
A therapist is a mental health professional with at least a master’s degree in a field like counseling, social work, or family therapy. They use different methods to help people identify, express, and cope with their feelings.
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who’s trained to treat mental health issues with medicine.
We recommend working with a therapist before considering a psychiatrist. We find that kids can often get relief from anxiety disorders by having a safe space to express themselves and learn new strategies to manage their emotions. If we feel that consulting with a psychiatrist could benefit your family, we’ll offer recommendations on a case-by-case basis.
What are the names of therapy for anxiety?
Our anxiety counselors are trained in several approaches that can help you and your family overcome anxiety. Depending on your family’s specific needs and goals, we may use techniques like play therapy, CBT, EMDR, sand tray therapy, and creative art therapy.
Other therapists may use different methods. The Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) also recognizes exposure therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and interpersonal psychotherapy as effective anxiety counseling methods.
What is the success rate of anxiety counseling?
There isn’t an exact number that tells us how effective anxiety therapy can be. The outcomes of therapy can depend on each child and family’s specific situation, goals, challenges, and more. However, research shows that therapy can be helpful for youth experiencing anxiety, even years after their work in therapy has ended.
We’ve also seen firsthand how helpful anxiety counseling can be. We’ve helped hundreds of families throughout our years of experience, and we’re hopeful that we’ll be able to help your family as well. Therapy can be a refuge for you and your little ones during stressful times, so we encourage you to give it a try if you’re interested.
Our therapists in NJ for anxiety can help you grow into your best self.
If you or your loved one is struggling with anxiety (or another mental illness like depression or PTSD) our team is here to help. Together, we can help you or your child get to the root of their anxiety symptoms and find real relief. Connect with us today to get started.
