Separation Anxiety Disorder Treatment
The summer is waning – it’s almost time for autumn to roll around again, which means school will be starting soon. While most children look forward to this time so they can see their friends and enjoy various school activities, this can be a period of major anxiety for some school-aged children. These kids are extremely unwilling to leave home or be away from major attachment figures such as parents, grandparents, or older siblings. The beginning of the new school year is often seen as a threat to them, resulting in elevated anxiety levels and possible school-related disorders, such as separation anxiety disorder and school refusal.
In some cases the separation anxiety and school refusal follow an infection or illness or can come after an emotional trauma such as a move to another neighborhood or the death of a loved one. The anxiety generally occurs after the child has spent an extended time with their parent or loved one, perhaps over summer break or a long vacation.
Anxiety Definition
A teen or child is said to be suffering from a separation anxiety disorder if they show excessive anxiety related to the separation from a parent or caregiver or from their home, or if they exhibit an inappropriate anxiety about this separation as related to their age or stage of development. School refusal and separation anxiety are not the same: school refusal is not an “actual” diagnosis, instead it is a result of the child or teen having a separation anxiety disorder, panic disorder, post traumatic stress disorder, or social phobia, among other diagnoses.
Separation Anxiety Physical Symptoms
Children with separation anxiety have symptoms which can include:
- Excessive worry about potential harm befalling oneself or one’s caregiver
- Demonstrating clingy behavior
- Avoiding activities that may result in separation from parents
- Fearing to be alone in a room or needing to see a parent at all times
- Difficulty going to sleep, fear of the dark, and/or nightmares
- Trembling
- Headaches
- Stomachaches and/or nausea
- Vomiting
A child who exhibits three or more of these symptoms for more than four weeks is likely to be suffering from a separation anxiety disorder.
Treatment for School Refusal and Separation Anxiety
When treating a child with separation anxiety and school refusal, our therapists in Delray Beach, FL and also across the United States via teletherapy, try to help the child learn to identify and change their anxious thoughts. They teach coping mechanisms that will help the child respond less fearfully to the situations that produce their anxiety. This can be done through role-playing or by modeling the appropriate behavior for the child to see. Medication is sometimes appropriate in severe cases of separation anxiety. Additionally, the therapist encourages child to use positive self-talk and parents help with this therapy by actively reinforcing positive behaviors and rewarding their child’s successes.
Looking for immediate help?
Contact Us Today for a Confidential Assessment.
Call 561-496-1094 or
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What We Treat
Other addictions and disorders
Types of Therapy
The Center offers cutting edge therapy designed to get you on the road to a speedy recovery. We will help you to learn how to live your daily life free from the fears or compulsions that inhibit you or your child’s ability to complete each day’s tasks.
More Ways to Get Help Now
The Center offers cutting edge therapy designed to get you on the road to a speedy recovery. We know that you can’t always make it into our office for your session. Which is why we now provide teletherapy. You can get support from the comfort of your own home. We offer cognitive behavior therapy, psychodynamic psychotherapy, mindfulness meditation, group therapy, and medication. Depending on your needs, here’s how you can get help now:
Online or Phone Therapy
For individuals around the country or those wanting help from the comfort of your own home, we offer therapy via Facetime, Skype or phone.
In Person Treatment
We have professionals available 7 days a week. Our offices are conveniently located in the Boca/Delray area.
Intensive Outpatient Programs
For those who prefer a more short-term approach we offer intensive sessions for individuals or groups. Perfect for those with a less flexible work schedule.
When it comes to anxiety or mood disorders we specialize in treating the whole person, not just your symptoms. In all of our programs your comfort, privacy and long-term success are paramount.
Looking for immediate help?
Contact Us Today for a Confidential Assessment.
Call 561-496-1094 or
Hi I have a question,
My cild is extremely afraid in college. Although we live in a big city, and her college is in a small town, she has trouble fitting in with her peers and feeling comfortable around them. Despite having many people around her she is convinced none of them really care about her and therefore feels extremely lonely and left behind. Im not sure if she has anxiety disorder or what but she doest know how to fix it.
Hi i need some help. I graduated high school last year and was planning on going to a college about 2 hours away. I had to go in the summer because my SAT scores weren’t high enough, but two of my best friends had to do that as well so i thought it would be okay. The weekend we moved in was fun for the first two nights. then my parents left the third night and as i was getting ready for bed i started feeling sick and started having a panic attack out of no where. I had never had one before and this was new to me. They kept happening so i decided to come home with my parents. I kept having them throughout the summer and it was the most terrifying this i ever went through. Part of me has wanted to try to go off again with my friends and live my college years and i’m getting on medicine for my anxiety now. I really want to go back with my 3 best friends and live in a really nice apartment and go to school for a esthetician program where they go to school. I’m not sure what the best decision for me is. All i know is i don’t want to regret not going. My parents think it would be good for me and think since i’m on medicine it won’t happen again but i’m so scared but excited at the same time. Any advice?
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Hi Michelle,
Yes, we recently began treating internationally. Please contact us through the contact page to learn more about the options available.
Any suggestions for students who are isolated at school because of the pandemic? Colleges do not seem to be doing a particularly good job welcoming them and assisting with the transition!
Hi Christine, Please contact us through the contact page for the options and support available for these students
Very Informative post. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us.
Teen Counselor California