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.
Separation anxiety, at a glance
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.
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.
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.
Excessive worry
Persistent fear that something bad will happen to a parent or caregiver while apart.
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.
Courtney made my child feel comfortable and she looks forward to meeting with her again.
Parent of an 11 year old
5 hours ago
Courtney Trejo, LPC-Associate
Very easy to talk to, great listener and did not feel rushed at all
Parent of a 13 year old
7 hours ago
Runako Richardson, PMHNP
Chely was very down to earth and friendly, she gathered a lot of information from both myself and my son to map out a plan. There was no judgement at all. I'm really looking forward to seeing Greyson work through things and develop emotional regulation and resilience.
Parent of a 10 year old
10 hours ago
Chely Craig, LCSW-A
Friendly and easy to work with
Parent of a 12 year old
10 hours ago
Amanda Rodriguez, LPC-A
Runako made my daughter feel comfortable sharing.
Parent of a 9 year old
12 hours ago
Runako Richardson, PMHNP
Happy with the session. Provides a foundation to build on. Other than a technical hiccup, good session.
Parent of a 12 year old
12 hours ago
Tlexia Victor, LPC-A
She asked questions and kept my son interested.
Parent of a 16 year old
13 hours ago
Leah Medina, PMHNP, FNP
Leah is very attentive and informative!!
Parent of an 8 year old
13 hours ago
Leah Medina, PMHNP, FNP
She’s the best! So impactful thoughtful and kind.
An Adult client
14 hours ago
Caroline Schwenke, LPC-Associate
After going back and forth between different options and not knowing if our child would open up to a specialist, I'm so glad we found Emora! Excited to see what the future holds for our daughter.
Parent of a 13 year old
16 hours ago
Shemise Michael, LPC
Great to hear our child decided to open up about her feelings and get the help she needs. First session was a success and looking forward to seeing the progress she makes.
Parent of a 13 year old
16 hours ago
Shemise Michael, LPC
My son loves talking to her, the best time of the week. Awesome and caring doctor!
Parent of an 11 year old
18 hours ago
Dr. Nacona Bunker, PsyD
Just the best! We love her! Very patient and caring.
Parent of an 11 year old
18 hours ago
Dr. Nacona Bunker, PsyD
Great communication and constructive coping skills for all involved were helpful.
Parent of an 11 year old
19 hours ago
Maliya Smith, LPC
Lisa is really sweet and her capability of understanding is amazing.
Parent of a 16 year old
1 day ago
Lisa Raigeluw, LCSW
Morgan was very easy to talk to. She was very knowledgeable in my situation and offered valuable advice.
An Adult client
1 day ago
Morgan Williams, LPC
We shared our art and that was nice
Parent of a 13 year old
1 day ago
Joy Steiner, LCSW
Sarah is very easy to talk with.
Parent of an 11 year old
1 day ago
Sarah Newton, LMSW
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.