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HealthInfo Canterbury

Getting help for my teen with anxiety

There are lots of things you can do to help an anxious teenager or young person.

GP

Talk to your GP or practice nurse first. Reassure your teenager that it is confidential, and they can attend with you or on their own if they prefer. If necessary, your GP can arrange more specialised assessment and treatment.

Counselling and social support

These organisations can provide counselling for teenagers or family members. They also provide parenting courses and one to one parenting support.

Right Service Right Time can help you find the most appropriate services. For more information, phone (03) 378‑2782 or 027‑654‑7788, email info@rightservice.org.nz or visit the website.

Family talking therapy

It’s important to consider the whole family when a teenager has anxiety. If a parent is anxious, stressed or unhappy, their teenager will probably have difficult emotions to manage. Getting help for the parent’s problem will also help the teenager’s anxiety.

Talking therapy might involve:

It focuses on:

School support

The Ministry of Education lists services that can help your teenager at school.

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Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Page created December 2019.

Page reference: 643670

Review key: HIAXY-53690