Emora Health Logo

Online social anxiety therapy for kids, teens, and parents

Evidence-based therapy that helps kids connect with confidence.

Support for social phobia, fear of judgment, and social avoidance in children, teens, and parents.

Insurance accepted. Appointments often available within days.

Covered by insurance · Licensed specialists · Start within 48 hours

Check availability

Covered by insurance · Licensed specialists · Start within 48 hours

young woman
person using laptop
girl using phone
kid playing with paint
4.94
10k+ satisfied kids,
teens, & families
Insurance providers Emora accepts

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.

A close-up portrait of a young boy with short hair and freckles, looking down with a contemplative expression in a softly lit indoor setting. He appears to be deep in thought.A young girl with long, light brown hair sits at a desk, concentrating while writing or drawing and resting her chin in her hand. She appears focused and thoughtful, likely in a classroom or study environment.A young boy wearing a blue and white striped shirt sits on a sofa, looking down intently at something in front of him. An adult's hands are gently placed on his leg, suggesting a supportive and comforting interaction in a relaxed indoor setting.
hand icon

Fear of judgment

Intense worry about being embarrassed, rejected, or negatively evaluated in social situations.

star icon

Social avoidance

Avoiding parties, group activities, or speaking in class to escape anxiety.

calendar icon

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.

Learn More

Common signs of social anxiety by age

Symptoms look different at every stage of development.

A young girl with reddish-brown hair rests her head on her arms on a table, looking directly at the viewer with a subdued and thoughtful expression. She is in an indoor setting, possibly a classroom, with a blurred figure seated at a desk in the background.
  • 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.

Take the GAD-7 Screening
A thoughtful young girl with curly hair and glasses, wearing denim overalls, sits on a couch with an adult man who has dreadlocks and a beard. The man attentively looks at the girl, gently holding her knee, as she leans her head on her hand with a pensive expression, suggesting a serious conversation or comforting moment.

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
A smiling teen sits at a table, looking happily at a laptop with one hand touching their forehead. A glass of water is visible next to them in an indoor setting.

Why families choose Emora

Specialized pediatric anxiety care vs. general providers.

Emora Health Logo

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 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

Double Semi Shape
Leaf Shape

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.

Find Care
young girl smiling

Frequently asked questions

What parents 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.

She was just really nice and I appreciated that.

Parent of a 13 year old

Sep 4, 2026

Quote icon
Megan Lundy
Provider:

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

Quote icon
Elsie Peña
Provider:

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

Quote icon
Eduardo Santana
Provider:

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

Quote icon
Dr. Liz Nitsch
Provider:

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

Quote icon
Dr. Apree Clicque
Provider:

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

Quote icon
Shannon Anes
Provider:

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

Quote icon
Danielle Abali
Provider:

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

Quote icon
Melinda Labbe
Provider:

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

Quote icon
Paola Bezek
Provider:

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

Quote icon
AJ Briggs
Provider:

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

Quote icon
Catherine Campos
Provider:

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

Quote icon
Elise McDonald
Provider:

Elise McDonald, LPC

Salem loves the session today. She really loved the grounding activity and drawing.

Parent of an 11 year old

Sep 4, 2026

Quote icon
Charricka Hewitt
Provider:

Charricka Hewitt, LPC-A

Very helpful with easing into this new chapter & getting to know one another.

Parent of a 12 year old

Sep 4, 2026

Quote icon
Katia Torres
Provider:

Katia Torres, LCSW

Dal is amazing! She was able to assist my child with growth and ways to overcome obstacles, and comforting throughout our session. We both feel seen and heard. She is truly helping me and my daughter through her journey.

Parent of a 15 year old

Sep 4, 2026

Quote icon
Dal Ibe
Provider:

Dal Ibe, PMHNP

Dr. Apree was patient and communicate effectively.

Parent of a 6 year old

Sep 4, 2026

Quote icon
Dr. Apree Clicque
Provider:

Dr. Apree Clicque, PsyD

Amanda listened to all my concerns and really took the time to get to know my child and to know what we were expecting out of his sessions, I feel she will be a good fit.

Parent of an 8 year old

Sep 4, 2026

Quote icon
Amanda Mooney-Moss
Provider:

Amanda Mooney-Moss, LPC-S

Tameka Johnson was wonderful. She very nice and makes you feel comfortable, almost like your speaking to an old friend with great advise.

Parent of a 13 year old

Sep 4, 2026

Quote icon
Tameka Johnson
Provider:

Tameka Johnson, LPC

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.

Find a clinician
Kid smiling confidently wearing a superhero costume

Free screening: Child & teen anxiety screening (SCARED)

41 questions with a dedicated social anxiety subscale score, plus panic, worry, separation, and school anxiety. Takes about 5 minutes; results are immediate and private.

All mental health assessments

Take the screener