Treatment for Teens in California
Anxiety Treatment for Teens in California
Anxiety doesn’t just affect a teenager’s mood—it can interfere with their ability to succeed in school, form meaningful relationships, and enjoy daily life. A
At Beachside Teen, we specialize in providing personalized, compassionate care for teens facing anxiety. Our comprehensive treatment programs in Malibu, California combine evidence-based therapies, holistic approaches, and unwavering support to help your teen regain confidence, find relief, and develop the tools needed to thrive.
What Is Teen Anxiety Disorder?
Anxiety disorders are not just occasional feelings of nervousness or stress—they are chronic conditions that disrupt a teen’s emotional, physical, and social well-being.
Anxiety disorders involve persistent, excessive worry or fear about everyday situations and can lead to significant emotional distress. Teens with anxiety disorders may feel trapped in a cycle of unease and avoidance, impacting their academic performance, friendships, and family dynamics.
If left untreated, anxiety disorders can worsen over time, potentially leading to depression, substance use, or other behavioral challenges. Understanding that anxiety is a treatable condition is the first step toward empowering your teen to regain control over their life.
Signs and Symptoms of a Teen Anxiety Disorder
Recognizing the signs of anxiety in teens can be difficult, as many symptoms may be mistaken for typical adolescent behavior.
However, persistent or intense symptoms may indicate an underlying disorder. Identifying these symptoms early can help ensure your teen receives the support they need.
Emotional Symptoms
- Overwhelming fear, worry, or dread.
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions.
- Unexplained anger, irritability, or mood swings.
Behavioral Symptoms
- Avoidance of school, social events, or family gatherings.
- Repeatedly seeking reassurance.
- Engaging in compulsive or ritualistic behaviors.
Physical Symptoms
- Chronic fatigue, muscle tension, or restlessness.
- Complaints of stomach aches, headaches, or other unexplained pains.
- Trouble sleeping, including insomnia or frequent nightmares.
Types of Teen Anxiety Disorders
Teen anxiety disorders manifest in various forms, each with distinct symptoms and triggers that require specialized understanding and treatment approaches. From persistent worries to specific phobias, these conditions affect how young people navigate school, relationships, and personal growth.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder, or GAD, involves chronic worry about everyday activities and events. Teens with GAD often feel anxious about a wide range of issues, such as schoolwork, friendships, or family matters, even when there’s no apparent reason to worry.
Panic Disorder is marked by recurring and unexpected panic attacks—sudden episodes of intense fear that trigger physical symptoms like a racing heart, shortness of breath, sweating, or dizziness. These attacks can occur without warning and may cause teens to live in constant fear of another episode.
Medication-Induced Anxiety Disorder occurs when a teen experiences anxiety as a side effect of certain medications or substances. This type of anxiety is directly linked to the use of a specific drug, whether it’s a prescription medication, over-the-counter remedy, or even a recreational substance.
Teens with Unspecified Anxiety Disorders may experience symptoms that overlap multiple types of anxiety or have unique challenges that don’t align with a defined diagnosis.
SAD is characterized by a debilitating fear of being judged, embarrassed, or rejected in social settings. Teens with SAD may avoid social interactions altogether.
Our Anxiety Treatment Programs for Teens
Beachside Teen offers a range of specialized programs designed to address anxiety disorders:
- Residential Treatment Program: A safe, structured environment where teens receive around-the-clock care, therapeutic interventions, and peer support to build resilience.
- Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP): A day program providing intensive therapy and support, allowing teens to return home in the evenings for family connection.
- Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP): Flexible care designed to help teens continue their education while receiving therapy several times per week.
Each program is tailored to meet your teen’s individual needs, ensuring they feel supported and empowered throughout their recovery journey.
Tour Our Teen Anxiety Treatment Programs
How We Treat Teenage Anxiety
At Beachside Teen, we use a comprehensive and integrative approach to treating anxiety. Our team ensures each teen receives a tailored treatment plan based on their specific challenges and goals.
Our therapies include:
- Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps teens identify and challenge unhelpful thoughts, replacing them with healthier patterns.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Teaches emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness.
- Exposure Therapy: Gradual exposure to feared situations or objects to reduce avoidance behavior.
- Mindfulness Practices: Techniques like meditation and deep breathing to reduce stress and increase focus.
- Family Therapy: Provides tools for improved communication and support within the family system.
- Art and Expressive Therapies: Helps teens process emotions creatively and nonverbally.
Why Beachside?
At Beachside Teen, we believe that recovery is about more than symptom relief—it’s about restoring hope, confidence, and balance in a teen’s life.
Parents choose us because:
- Experienced and Compassionate Staff: Our team specializes in adolescent mental health, combining clinical expertise with heartfelt care.
- Holistic and Evidence-Based Therapies: We integrate proven treatments with holistic approaches to address mind, body, and spirit.
- A Safe, Nurturing Environment: Teens heal best when they feel safe, supported, and understood, and our center provides that atmosphere.
We are here to guide your teen—and your family—on the path to a brighter future.
Tja-Zsa Hower, LCSW
Primary Therapist
Last Updated on March 12, 2025
Find Help For Your Family
At Beachside, our programming meets the highest standards for quality adolescent healthcare.
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Find Anxiety Treatment for Your Teen Today
If your teen is struggling with anxiety, don’t wait to seek help. Early intervention can make all the difference.
Take the first step today. Contact us to learn more about our program or verify your insurance.
Together, we can help your teen build a brighter future.