Separation anxiety therapy for kids, teens, & young adults
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.
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 pediatric and young adult clinicians
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 and young adults 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.
Dr. Williams truly gets me and he makes me feel like I can take care of myself without having to worry about it.
An Adult client
Jun 5, 2026
Franklin Williams, LCMHC
Navigating a separation from my spouse including children. Victoria does a great job helping us work through and process this.
An Adult client
Jun 5, 2026
Victoria Coffman, LPC-A
Elise is going above and beyond to understand my daughter so she can help her in the best way possible.
Parent of an 11 year old
Jun 5, 2026
Elise McDonald, LPC
Catherine was kind, empathetic, and a great listener. She balanced hearing our thoughts as parents while also ensuring our child was heard and valued.
Parent of a 12 year old
Jun 5, 2026
Catherine Campos, LCSW
So kind and a great listener. She has great patience with him.
Parent of a 10 year old
Jun 4, 2026
Erica Richardson, LCSW
My daughter instantly connected! She’s very excited to work with her
Parent of a 13 year old
Jun 4, 2026
Brianna Doran, LMHC
Dr.Bowes is awesome and a personable provider.
An Adult client
Jun 4, 2026
Dr. Jaclyn Bowes, PsyD
My son feels that this Dr is a great fit. First session and he’s already doing the 10 finger breathing exercise while feeling overwhelmed.
Parent of an 11 year old
Jun 4, 2026
Dr. Jon Skidmore, PsyD
Great experience. It was quick and easy to access.
Parent of an 8 year old
Jun 4, 2026
Deann Harrison, PMHNP-BC
Great therapist! Made our child feel comfortable and able to express themselves.
Parent of a 14 year old
Jun 4, 2026
Aminah Todman, LCSW
No complaints, Amanda listened to what I said, have her own opinion and advice, then let me figure out how to implement it.
Parent of a 16 year old
Jun 4, 2026
Amanda Jackson, RCSWI
She was understanding and communicated very well. She made sure I didn’t have any questions and I felt supported and seen.
An Adult client
Jun 4, 2026
Dal Ibe, PMHNP
Specializes in getting to know Cohen first, he was nervous and unsure what to do... and she helped with fun interactions look forward to more with her
Parent of an 8 year old
Jun 4, 2026
Amanda Jackson, RCSWI
Luv Ms Tyra she really helps my daughter in many ways
Parent of a 13 year old
Jun 4, 2026
Tyra Rios, LMFT
It felt great discussing some issues that were a bit uncomfortable.
Parent of a 10 year old
Jun 4, 2026
Stefanie Luttrell, LPC, NCC, C-DBT
I really like Matt this was only my 2nd session but he has been really supportive and great so far and i really think that I will be sticking with him for awhile so look forward to dealing with me for the long haul lol thank you so much I really couldnt ask for someone better than him 100 percent will recommend him to anyone thank you matt
An Adult client
Jun 4, 2026
Matt Dellon, RCSWI
Ms. Cassandra was exceptional, as always. Caring, knowledgable, kind, right on the ball, always such a pleasure to see her! We feel very lucky to have her as Luka’s therapist!
Parent of a 9 year old
Jun 4, 2026
Cassandra Rikard, LMHC
Megan is the kid est most understanding therapist. She works even through technical difficulties, always with a simile and task for my kid to do while waiting for the next session. We have seen the change in our daughter and are delighted with it.
Parent of a 14 year old
Jun 4, 2026
Megan Lundy, LCSW
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.
