Child and adolescent anxiety
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Barkha ChikaraChief Medical Officer, MD (Psychiatry) from NIMHANS · Last reviewed October 2026Anxiety in children and teenagers is excessive worry or fear that is hard to control and gets in the way of school, friendships or sleep. It can look like stomach aches, tantrums or avoiding school, not only worry. It is common and responds well to therapy with parent involvement.
About 1 in 10 adults in India lives with a mental disorder (National Mental Health Survey, 2015-16). You are not alone.
At a glance
Common signs
- Excessive worry about school, health, or family
- School refusal
- Physical complaints
- Sleep disturbances
How it is usually treated
- CBT adapted for children
- Play therapy
- Parent guidance and involvement
- School collaboration
Where to start
A free pre-consultation call, then a video assessment with a psychiatrist. In danger? Call 112, or Tele-MANAS on 14416.
Book your free pre-consultation callRegistered clinicians: psychiatrists with their State Medical Council, psychologists with the Rehabilitation Council of India.
Signs
Tick any that feel familiar. This is not a diagnosis, only a clinician can assess you.
0 ticked. If these have been with you for a while, a free pre-consultation call is a good next step.
Book your free pre-consultation callHow people often describe it
- “My child worries a lot and cannot relax”
- “My child has stomach aches before school”
- “My child is scared to sleep alone”
- “My child needs constant reassurance”
Children and teens with anxiety may also notice separation anxiety, school refusal or selective mutism. If any of these sound familiar, mention them to your clinician so your plan can cover them.
When to get help soon
Get help soon if a child is refusing school or very distressed. Call Tele-MANAS on 14416 or 112 if there is any thought of self-harm.
How it is diagnosed
A psychiatrist talks with the child and parents, sometimes with the school, about what the child worries about and how it affects daily life, and checks for depression, ADHD and learning problems.
Treatment and support
- CBT adapted for children, including child-friendly exercises
- Play-based therapy for younger children
- Parent guidance, so the whole family responds in a calm and consistent way
- Working with the school
- Sleep and routine support
How Mindly helps
Mindly's psychiatrists work with the child and parents together on step-by-step plans. All care is online, by video.
Your first appointment
A psychiatrist meets the child or teenager and the parents, together and separately where helpful, and also asks about school and friendships.
Who is involved
A psychiatrist leads, a clinical psychologist can work with the child and parents, and school input is welcomed.
Between sessions
Parents get clear guidance for home, and reviews follow behaviour, mood and school life.
What to expect
- Free pre-consultation callWe take your history and details, and match you with the right clinician.
- First consultationA video call in your language, with a clinician who already has your report.
- Your planYour clinician agrees a plan with you: therapy, medicine or both, as suits you.
- Follow-up reviewsRegular check-ins, and your plan is adjusted as you recover.
- Staying wellSupport to keep you well and catch early signs of a setback.
Every Mindly plan includes a second opinion from our Chief Medical Officer, a diagnosis-first approach and regular tracking of your recovery. How Mindly care works
Book your free pre-consultation callYour privacy and confidentiality. What you share with Mindly Health stays between you and your care team. Your conversations, reports and messages are treated as confidential and shared only with the team members involved in your care, apart from the limited cases where the law requires it or someone's safety is at serious risk. Read our Privacy Policy and your rights under the Mental Healthcare Act.
Common questions
What causes anxiety in children?
Many things combine: temperament, family and school stress, exams, bullying, social media and life events. A clinician looks at what applies to your child.
Is it just a phase?
Some worries pass, but anxiety that lasts weeks, is intense or stops activities needs help.
How can parents help?
Listen without dismissing, avoid always rescuing the child from the fear, keep routines and seek advice.
Clinicians with a focus in this area
Dr. Divya GurunathanPsychiatrist - Women's Mental Health & Child Psychiatry- Dr. Barkha ChikaraCo-Founder & Chief Medical Officer, Psychiatrist
Dr. Vineet PaliFounder & COO, Psychiatrist
Ms. Janvi KhokharClinical Psychologist
Online care in your city
Every consultation is by video, from wherever you are. Choose your city to see how it works.