Online separation anxiety therapy for kids, teens, and parents
Evidence-based therapy that helps kids feel safe and confident, even apart.
Support for school refusal, clinginess, sleep difficulties, and fear of being away from caregivers.
Insurance accepted. Appointments often available within days.
Covered by insurance · Licensed specialists · Start within 48 hours
Covered by insurance · Licensed specialists · Start within 48 hours
teens, & families
Separation anxiety, at a glance
4%
of children meet criteria for separation anxiety disorder
#1
most common anxiety disorder in children under 12
80%
of kids improve with evidence-based therapy
Understanding separation anxiety
When fear of being apart goes beyond a normal developmental phase.
School refusal
Refusing to attend school due to fear of being away from a parent or caregiver.
Sleep disturbance
Difficulty falling asleep alone, nightmares about separation, or insisting on sleeping with parents.
Separation anxiety is normal in toddlers, but when it persists past age 6 or intensifies, it may be separation anxiety disorder. Children experience persistent distress about being away from caregivers that interferes with school, sleep, and social activities.
A licensed clinician evaluates whether your child's distress goes beyond typical attachment and considers overlapping conditions like generalized anxiety or school avoidance.
Excessive worry
Persistent fear that something bad will happen to a parent or caregiver while apart.
Separation anxiety is normal in toddlers, but when it persists past age 6 or intensifies, it may be separation anxiety disorder. Children experience persistent distress about being away from caregivers that interferes with school, sleep, and social activities.
A licensed clinician evaluates whether your child's distress goes beyond typical attachment and considers overlapping conditions like generalized anxiety or school avoidance.
Common signs of separation anxiety by age
Symptoms look different at every stage of development.
Young Children (4-7)
Clinginess at drop-off
Frequent meltdowns
Refusing to sleep alone
Stomachaches before school
School-Age (8-12)
Refusing to go to school
Calling or texting parents constantly
Worrying a parent will get hurt
Difficulty staying at friends' houses
Teens (13-17)
Avoiding sleepovers or camps
Excessive checking in
Physical symptoms before separation
Difficulty transitioning to independence
Young Adults (18–25)
Difficulty leaving home for college
Excessive homesickness
Avoiding travel or new experiences
Ongoing reliance on daily parent contact
Could it be separation anxiety?
Take a quick, clinically validated screening to better understand your child's symptoms.
GAD-7 Anxiety Screening
The GAD-7 is a brief, clinically validated tool used by healthcare providers to screen for generalized anxiety disorder. It takes about 2 minutes and can help you understand whether your child's worry may benefit from professional support.
This screening is not a diagnosis. A licensed clinician reviews the results and recommends next steps.
How separation anxiety therapy helps
Evidence-based strategies for building independence and reducing distress.
- Teaches coping strategies for separation distress
- Builds confidence through gradual exposure
- Gives parents tools to avoid accommodation
- Addresses school refusal with a structured plan
- Reduces physical symptoms like stomachaches
Why families choose Emora
Specialized pediatric anxiety care vs. general providers.
Other providers
Licensed clinicians for kids, teens, and parents
Generalist providers
Evidence-based CBT and exposure therapy
One-size-fits-all approaches
Parent-inclusive therapy model
Limited parent involvement
Virtual sessions from your child's safe space
Anxiety-provoking office visits
Insurance accepted
Insurance not always accepted
Built-in screening and progress tracking
Limited progress visibility
Get started in minutes
Three simple steps to connect with the right clinician.
- 1
Share what's going on
Answer a few questions about symptoms and goals.
- 2
Verify coverage
See insurance estimates and available times.
- 3
Start sessions
Meet your clinician and begin building skills.
Frequently asked questions
What parents ask most about separation anxiety therapy.
Real stories of growth
Every session is rated by parents. Our therapists maintain a 4.9+ average, because results matter.
I had a really good therapy session yesterday. I felt comfortable, heard, and supported throughout the entire session. It was a positive experience, and I appreciated having a safe space to talk openly without feeling judged. I left the session feeling better and more encouraged. I’m looking forward to continuing my sessions.
An Adult client
Sep 5, 2026
Analinda Rice, LMFT-Associate
Catherine was insightful and engaging. Appreciate the time she took getting to know our family and connecting us to a therapist.
Parent of a 13 year old
Sep 5, 2026
Catherine Campos, LCSW
Great recommendations to help me have a better communication with my wife , thank You so much !!
An Adult client
Sep 5, 2026
Paola Oseguera, LPC
It was good like someone understanding me
Parent of a 10 year old
Sep 5, 2026
Jasmine Eubanks, LPC
Dr. Apree addressed our fears and concerns regarding our daughter’s evaluation. She is so thoughtful. I feel like our daughter will have a ton of support.
Parent of a 15 year old
Sep 4, 2026
Dr. Apree Clicque, PsyD
She was amazing my son loved her and she made us feel heard!!
Parent of a 14 year old
Sep 4, 2026
Elizabeth Lopez, LCSW
She was just really nice and I appreciated that.
Parent of a 13 year old
Sep 4, 2026
Megan Lundy, LCSW
Another wonderful session. I feel truly blessed with Elsie. She is extremely an amazing person.
Parent of a 12 year old
Sep 4, 2026
Elsie Peña, LPC
Eduardo was an amazing Therapist. I felt the great vibe and connection with him on our 1st visit. I’m really looking forward to seeing him again and our progress we’ll make throughout the Journey. I would rate him a 10/10 and would recommended him to anyone.
An Adult client
Sep 4, 2026
Eduardo Santana, LCSW
It’s hard for me describe my inner experience. I still felt heard and seen though I struggled during our call. I felt emotionally supported and reassured. I feel hopeful that this was a step in the right direction.
An Adult client
Sep 4, 2026
Dr. Liz Nitsch, PsyD
Dr. Clicque makes me feel very comfortable and supported during our sessions. I feel that she creates a safe, nonjudgmental environment where I can openly express my thoughts and feelings. She is attentive, understanding, and genuinely listens to me. I feel that her approach has made it easier for me to feel comfortable opening up.
An Adult client
Sep 4, 2026
Dr. Apree Clicque, PsyD
I love how the provider made me feel comfortable, accepted, and heard. Did not rush me off, listened and provided great feedback.
An Adult client
Sep 4, 2026
Shannon Anes, PMHNP
Daniel focused on my daughter‘s strengths and was very tactful in leading the conversation about medication and diagnosis in front of my child.
Parent of a 10 year old
Sep 4, 2026
Danielle Abali, RCSWI
I like that she listens to my son. She also gives him things to think about in regard to his actions and how he feels about consequences of his actions. She really does give him opportunity to think it through and understand how he could have handled things.
Parent of a 10 year old
Sep 4, 2026
Melinda Labbe, LMHC
Paola was wonderful, extremely empathetic and showed genuine care. Never rushed for me to speak and really took in what I was saying. Made me feel very at ease.
An Adult client
Sep 4, 2026
Paola Bezek, RCSWI
Good tempo and pace so far. AJ had some good probing questions for both Nadia and myself that made the session feel worthwhile. It was our first therapy session so there was some healthy amount of awkwardness but it felt needed and productive.
Parent of a 12 year old
Sep 4, 2026
AJ Briggs, LCSW
Catherine is very kind and empathetic. She listens carefully, takes the time to understand your situation, and genuinely tries to connect with you in order to find the best possible support and help. I truly appreciate her patience, compassion, and willingness to help.
An Adult client
Sep 4, 2026
Catherine Campos, LCSW
Elise is the sweetest. My daughter is new to online therapy so she is a bit hesitant at times. Elise is patient with her and moves at my daughters pace. I enjoy her talks as well and have learned several positive ways to help my daughter when she is struggling with big emotions.
Parent of an 8 year old
Sep 4, 2026
Elise McDonald, LPC
Separation anxiety does not define your child
Structured, developmentally informed therapy can help build skills that last.
Not sure where to start? Book a clinical matching session.
Free screening: Child & teen anxiety screening (SCARED)
41 questions with a dedicated separation anxiety subscale score, plus panic, worry, social, and school anxiety. Takes about 5 minutes; results are immediate and private.