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Teen Anxiety, Worry & Panic: Understanding What’s Going On
Teen Anxiety, Worry & Panic Support
Assessment Information Sheet – HarbourLight Psychology Melbourne
Teen Anxiety, Worry & Panic: Understanding What’s Going On
Feeling anxious at times is a normal part of being a teenager. School demands, friendships, family changes, social media, and uncertainty about the future can all trigger worry. For some teens, however, anxiety becomes more intense or persistent and starts to interfere with daily life.
Teen anxiety can show up in different ways, including ongoing worry, panic attacks, fears of specific situations, separation anxiety, social anxiety, or difficulties sleeping due to an overactive mind. These experiences are not a personal weakness or something to be ashamed of. They reflect how a young person’s nervous system responds to stress and perceived threat.
At HarbourLight Psychology, we support adolescents using evidence based, developmentally appropriate approaches. Our aim is to support teens to understand what’s happening in their body and mind, build coping skills, and develop greater confidence in everyday life over time.
Anxiety can look different for each young person.
Common Signs of Anxiety in Teens
Thoughts & Worries
- • Ongoing worry about school, performance, friendships, health, or safety
• Repetitive “what if” thinking that is hard to switch off
• Fear of embarrassment, judgment, or making mistakes
Physical & Emotional Signs
- • Racing heart, shortness of breath, dizziness, nausea, or shaking
• Feeling tense, restless, irritable, or easily overwhelmed
• Difficulty falling or staying asleep due to worry
Behavioural Changes & Panic Attacks
- • Avoiding school, social situations, sleepovers, or specific places
• Seeking frequent reassurance from parents or carers
• Withdrawal from activities previously enjoyed
• Sudden surges of intense fear or discomfort
• Strong physical symptoms that peak quickly and then settle
• Ongoing worry about having another panic attack
A teen may experience one or several of these common signs.
Therapy Process for Teen Anxiety & Panic
Therapy provides a structured, supportive space for teens to make sense of anxiety and learn practical ways to manage it.
Our psychologists work collaboratively with young people and, where appropriate, their parents or carers. Therapy is tailored to the teen’s age, developmental stage, and individual needs.
What to expect:
Initial Session:
A psychologist meets with the teen (and parents/carers as appropriate) to understand concerns, strengths, and goals.
Assessment & Check ins:
Questionnaires or screening tools may be used to understand anxiety patterns and track progress.
Ongoing Sessions:
Sessions focus on understanding anxiety responses, building coping skills, and gently reducing avoidance.
Review & Planning:
Progress is reviewed regularly and strategies are adjusted as needed.
Duration: Varies depending on individual needs
Cost: Medicare rebates may be available with a GP Mental Health Care Plan. Private health insurance or NDIS support may be available depending on your circumstances. Please confirm with your provider or case manager.
Wait time: Current wait times are typically around 1–2 weeks
How Therapy May Support Teens
Therapy may help teens to:
• Understand how anxiety and panic work in the body
• Develop skills to help manage physical anxiety symptoms
• Gradually reduce avoidance of feared situations where appropriate
• Support improvements in sleep affected by worry or fear
• Support the development of confidence, independence, and emotional regulation
• Support improvements in communication with parents and carers
Support is paced carefully and focuses on building a sense of safety and capability rather than forcing change.
Approaches Commonly Used
Therapy draws on well-established psychological approaches commonly used in general practice, including:
• Psychoeducation: Learning how anxiety works and why symptoms occur
• Cognitive Behavioural Strategies (CBT informed): Identifying and responding differently to anxious thoughts and avoidance patterns
• Skills Based Strategies: Breathing, grounding, emotional regulation, and problem-solving skills
• Gradual Exposure (when appropriate): Supporting teens to slowly face feared situations in a supported way
• Acceptance Based Strategies: Helping teens make room for anxious feelings while staying engaged in valued activities
Where appropriate, we can liaise with schools or GPs to support consistent care.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I know if my teen’s anxiety needs support?
If anxiety is ongoing, causes significant distress, or interferes with school, sleep, friendships, or family life, professional support may be helpful.
Is anxiety normal in teenagers?
Yes. Some anxiety is expected during adolescence. Therapy is recommended when anxiety becomes persistent or limiting.
What if my teen doesn’t want to talk?
Many teens are unsure at first. Sessions are paced gently and focus on building rapport and trust.
Can panic attacks be treated?
Therapy can help teens understand panic attacks and explore ways to respond to symptoms over time.
Will parents be involved?
Parent involvement is discussed collaboratively and depends on the teen’s age, needs, and preferences.
When to Seek Urgent Support
If a teen expresses thoughts of self-harm, suicide, or is at immediate risk, urgent support is important. Please contact your GP, local emergency services, or a crisis service such as Lifeline (13 11 14).
Why Choose HarbourLight Psychology?
- • Registered psychologists experienced in working with teens
• Evidence based, developmentally informed care
• Warm, non judgmental approach
• Medicare and private options available
• Flexible appointment times, including after school and telehealth
• Location: Melbourne / East Melbourne
Get Started
If anxiety or panic is affecting your teen’s wellbeing, support is available.
HarbourLight Psychology – supporting young people to feel safer, more confident, and more in control.
Feel understood. Find your way forward.
Get in touch for any questions so we can start working together. Call 03 8594 0423 or message below
