Online social anxiety therapy for kids, teens, & young adults
Evidence-based therapy that helps kids connect with confidence.
Support for social phobia, fear of judgment, and social avoidance in children, teens, and young adults.
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
Social anxiety, at a glance
5-10%
of children and teens meet criteria for social anxiety disorder
Ages 8-15
is the typical age of onset for social anxiety
75%
of youth with social anxiety respond well to CBT
Understanding social anxiety
When shyness becomes something more.
Fear of judgment
Intense worry about being embarrassed, rejected, or negatively evaluated in social situations.
Social avoidance
Avoiding parties, group activities, or speaking in class to escape anxiety.
Social anxiety disorder goes beyond ordinary shyness. It is a persistent fear of social situations where a child feels they will be judged, embarrassed, or humiliated. It can significantly limit friendships, school participation, and daily functioning.
A licensed clinician distinguishes between normal developmental shyness and clinical social anxiety by evaluating the severity, duration, and impact on your child's daily life.
Physical symptoms
Blushing, sweating, trembling, nausea, or racing heart in social settings.
Social anxiety disorder goes beyond ordinary shyness. It is a persistent fear of social situations where a child feels they will be judged, embarrassed, or humiliated. It can significantly limit friendships, school participation, and daily functioning.
A licensed clinician distinguishes between normal developmental shyness and clinical social anxiety by evaluating the severity, duration, and impact on your child's daily life.
Common signs of social anxiety by age
Symptoms look different at every stage of development.
Young Children (4-7)
Refusing to speak to adults
Hiding behind parents
Crying before social events
Difficulty with unfamiliar children
School-Age (8–12)
Avoiding answering questions in class
Eating alone at lunch
Dreading group projects
Few or no close friendships
Teens (13-17)
Skipping school for social reasons
Refusing to attend parties
Intense fear of embarrassment
Physical symptoms: blushing, trembling
Young Adults (18-25)
Avoiding job interviews
Difficulty in college classes
Social isolation despite wanting connection
Using avoidance as primary coping strategy
Could it be social 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 symptoms may benefit from professional support.
This screening is not a diagnosis. A licensed clinician reviews the results and recommends next steps.
How social anxiety therapy helps
Evidence-based strategies for building social confidence and reducing avoidance.
- Challenges negative thoughts about social situations
- Builds confidence through gradual social exposure
- Develops assertiveness and conversation skills
- Manages physical anxiety symptoms
- Supports healthy friendship development
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 reduce initial social anxiety barriers
In-person visits that intensify social fear
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 social anxiety therapy.
Real stories of growth
Every session is rated by parents. Our therapists maintain a 4.9+ average, because results matter.
Easy to talk to. I can see being with her long term.
An Adult client
Aug 12, 2026
Alejandra Lopez, LPC
Elise does a phenomenal job working with our daughter and helping her with her anxiety.
Parent of an 11 year old
Aug 12, 2026
Elise McDonald, LPC
We totally enjoyed our session with Mrs. Williams she’s very understanding and down to earth.
An Adult client
Aug 12, 2026
Morgan Williams, LPC
Listens well. Helped me understand causes of why I am feeling anxious. Helped me come up with a plan for healthy communication.
An Adult client
Aug 12, 2026
Melinda Labbe, LMHC
Carter enjoyed his session and he started he feels refreshed.
Parent of an 11 year old
Aug 12, 2026
Naturee Hutchinson, LPC-A
Mr Michael relates well with my grandson. He is very patient and has an easy-going manner.
Parent of an 11 year old
Aug 11, 2026
Michael Osborne, LMHC
Dr Bunker was super patient and was able to engage my son very well!
Parent of a 9 year old
Aug 11, 2026
Dr. Nacona Bunker, PsyD
Thank you for another great therapy session!!!
Parent of a 13 year old
Aug 11, 2026
Crystal Wilson, LPC-Associate
I feel like Elizabeth really listened to me and she tried to get to know a lot about me in a short time.
An Adult client
Aug 11, 2026
Elizabeth Bussler, RCSWI
It was a very insightful session. I felt heard and it was a positive experience for me overall. I was nervous about this session initially but so glad that I attended.
An Adult client
Aug 11, 2026
Vivian France, LCMHC
Felt listened too and excited to continue with her
An Adult client
Aug 11, 2026
Pamela Espinoza, LPC
For the first intake session Richard made me feel absolutely comfortable and honestly felt like we had been working together for multiple sessions right from the start and I would recommend him to anybody just getting into therapy for the first time or definitely for the first time in a while
An Adult client
Aug 11, 2026
Richard Reyes, LPC-Associate
Easy to share. Daughter felt comfortable
Parent of a 13 year old
Aug 11, 2026
Catherine Campos, LCSW
I love today’s therapy session! It was wonderful 🙌🏽 I am so happy to she her on Mondayyy !!!
Parent of an 11 year old
Aug 11, 2026
Tiffany Potwin, LMHC
Ethan told me at dinner tonight that they are working on a chart of what makes him 'him' to better learn how to self advocate for himself. He's made a lot of progress already!
Parent of a 15 year old
Aug 10, 2026
MaryBeth Borreca, LCMHC, LMHC
Jennifer was warm, friendly, and took the time to listen to my 12-year-old's needs and concerns. The entire process was easy, efficient, and incredibly helpful. We had a very positive experience.
Parent of a 12 year old
Aug 10, 2026
Jennifer Guzman, LPC
Shannon is awesome. She’s kind, empathetic knowledgeable and so much more. I appreciate her immensely. So grateful for her.
An Adult client
Aug 10, 2026
Shannon Anes, PMHNP
My son and I really appreciate the understanding and compassion shown to us.
Parent of a 10 year old
Aug 10, 2026
Carrie Colson, PMHNP
Social 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.
