Evidence-Based Support for Every Stage of Childhood

Kids and teens face real challenges: worries about school, friendships, family changes, and simply growing up. When those challenges start affecting sleep, mood, behavior, or daily functioning, it may be time for extra support. At Maryland CBT Center, our therapists specialize in evidence-based treatment for children and adolescents, helping them build the skills to cope, adapt, and thrive.

Signs Your Child May Benefit From Therapy

• Frequent worry, tearfulness, or irritability

• Difficulty separating from parents or excessive reassurance-seeking

• Avoidance of school, activities, or social situations

• Trouble falling or staying asleep

• Sudden changes in mood, energy, or behavior

• Perfectionism or intense fear of making mistakes

• Physical complaints with no clear medical cause (stomachaches, headaches)

• Meltdowns or difficulty regulating emotions

• Withdrawal from friends or family

Every child expresses distress differently. Younger children may act out or complain of physical symptoms, while teens may become withdrawn or irritable. Our first step is always understanding what's really going on beneath the behavior.

What We Treat

We work with children of all ages on a wide range of concerns, including:

• Generalized anxiety and excessive worry

• Social anxiety and performance anxiety

• Separation anxiety

• Specific phobias

• Panic attacks and panic disorder

• OCD and intrusive thoughts

• Depression and mood changes

• School avoidance and academic stress

• Behavioral challenges

• Sleep difficulties related to anxiety

• Life transitions and adjustment (new schools, family changes, grief)

Our Approach

We tailor treatment to your child's age, developmental stage, and specific needs, drawing on approaches with strong research support for young people:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) — helping children and teens identify unhelpful thought patterns and build practical coping skills

• Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) — for children and teens with OCD or specific fears, using gradual, supported practice to reduce avoidance

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) — helping older children and teens build a healthier relationship with difficult thoughts and feelings

• Parent Coaching — equipping caregivers with strategies to support their child's progress at home, since lasting change happens both in and outside the therapy room

For younger children, sessions often incorporate family-involved techniques. For teens, we focus on building trust, autonomy, and skills that fit their real lives.

The Role of Parents

Parents are a key part of the treatment process, regardless of age. Depending on your child's needs, this might look like:

• Regular check-ins to share strategies you can use at home

• Parent coaching sessions focused specifically on your child's behavioral or anxiety challenges

• Guidance on how to respond to anxiety in ways that help rather than accidentally reinforce it (a common, well-meaning pitfall for parents)

• Age-appropriate confidentiality for teens, so they have space to open up honestly, while you stay informed about progress

Why Families Choose Maryland CBT Center

• Licensed psychologists with specialized training in child and adolescent therapy

• Individualized treatment plans based on your child's age, needs, and goals

• A warm, low-pressure environment where kids and teens feel comfortable

• Evidence-based methods backed by decades of research

• In-person sessions in Bethesda, MD, or telehealth across PSYPACT states, including DC and Virginia

• A dedicated Kids Intensive Anxiety Program for children who need more concentrated support

Frequently Asked Questions

At what age can my child start therapy? There's no single minimum age. Treatment is adapted to developmental stage, and even young children can benefit from age-appropriate, play-based approaches. Reach out and we can help determine the right fit.

How do I talk to my child or teen about starting therapy? We're happy to guide you through this. In general, framing therapy as a space to build skills and feel supported, rather than something being "wrong" with them — tends to land best with kids of all ages.

Will you involve me in my child's treatment? Yes. Parent involvement looks different depending on your child's age, but we keep you informed and often provide direct coaching so you can support progress at home.

Get Started

Reach out today for a free consultation to talk about what your child or teen is experiencing and how we can help.