Teen Anxiety Treatment in San Mateo County

Evidence-based therapy for teens struggling with anxiety. Flexible outpatient programs designed for lasting results.

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A caring therapist in San Mateo County talking to a teen about managing anxiety in an outpatient therapy session.

Helping Teens Overcome Anxiety in San Mateo County

Anxiety is one of the most common mental health challenges in teenagers, affecting nearly 30% of adolescents. While some anxiety is normal, persistent and overwhelming worry can interfere with school, friendships, and everyday life.

At Guide Behavioral Health, we provide specialized outpatient anxiety treatment to help teens understand their anxiety, develop coping strategies, and regain confidence. Our Menlo Park location serves families across San Mateo County, including Burlingame, Foster City, San Carlos, and Redwood City.

The Effects of Anxiety on Teens

When left untreated, anxiety can make daily life overwhelming. Teens experiencing anxiety may struggle with:

  • Fear of social situations or speaking in class.

  • Avoidance of school or withdrawal from activities.

  • Panic attacks or constant nervousness.

  • Sleep issues and physical symptoms like nausea and headaches.

If your teen’s anxiety is interfering with their life, professional support can help. Get started with a consultation today to explore treatment options.

Recognizing the Signs of Teen Anxiety

Anxiety in teens can look different from normal stress, and early intervention is key to preventing long-term struggles. Common signs include:

  • Excessive worry about school, relationships, or performance.

  • Avoidance of social interactions or reluctance to participate in activities.

  • Frequent irritability or restlessness.

  • Physical symptoms such as headaches, stomach aches, or muscle tension.

  • Difficulty concentrating or racing thoughts.

If you notice these symptoms in your teen, it’s time to seek support. Learn more about our teen mental health programs.

Our Evidence-Based Approach to Anxiety Treatment

At Guide Behavioral Health, we use proven therapies to help teens develop healthy ways to manage anxiety:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Anxiety

CBT helps teens identify and reframe negative thought patterns that fuel their anxiety.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for Emotional Regulation

DBT focuses on mindfulness, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness to help teens manage emotions.

Family Therapy for Lasting Support

We involve families in the healing process, teaching parents how to support their teen’s progress at home.

Mindfulness and Stress-Reduction Techniques

From guided breathing exercises to meditation, mindfulness helps teens develop resilience and emotional balance.

Learn more about our evidence-based therapy options.

Flexible Outpatient Anxiety Treatment in San Mateo County

At Guide Behavioral Health, we offer two levels of outpatient care to ensure teens get the right level of support:

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

  • 12 hours of weekly therapy (after-school sessions from 4:00–7:00 PM, 3–4 days per week).

  • Blends group, individual, and family therapy for comprehensive care.

  • Perfect for teens who need structured support while staying engaged with daily life.

Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)

  • 30 hours of therapy per week (Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–3:00 PM).

  • A higher level of care for teens struggling with severe anxiety.

  • Offers stabilization without requiring inpatient treatment.

Not sure which program is best for your teen? Contact us to discuss options.

Serving San Mateo County and Surrounding Areas

Guide Behavioral Health’s Menlo Park treatment center provides evidence-based teen anxiety treatment for families in:

  • San Mateo

  • Burlingame

  • Foster City

  • San Carlos

  • Redwood City

  • Other nearby communities

Our treatment center location makes it easy for families across San Mateo County to access specialized adolescent mental health care.

Why Choose Guide Behavioral Health for Teen Anxiety Treatment?

  • Specialized Adolescent Care – We focus exclusively on teen mental health.

  • Evidence-Based Therapies – We use CBT, DBT, and mindfulness to create lasting results.

  • Family Involvement – Parents play a crucial role in their teen’s recovery journey.

  • Flexible Outpatient Programs – Teens receive expert care without leaving home or school.

  • Conveniently Located – Serving San Mateo County and the surrounding Bay Area.

A therapist in San Mateo County working with a teenage boy on anxiety management techniques during an outpatient session.

Take the First Step Toward Healing Teen Anxiety

Anxiety shouldn’t hold your teen back from living a full life. With the right treatment, they can build confidence, develop coping skills, and find peace of mind.

FAQ: Teen Anxiety Treatment in San Mateo County

  • Teen anxiety can show up as persistent worry, avoidance of social situations, trouble sleeping, irritability, difficulty concentrating, or physical symptoms like stomach aches and headaches. If these symptoms are affecting school performance, friendships, or daily activities, professional treatment may be necessary. At Guide Behavioral Health, we offer specialized anxiety treatment for families in San Mateo County and the surrounding Bay Area.

  • We use evidence-based therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to help teens reframe negative thoughts, develop healthy coping strategies, and build emotional resilience. We also incorporate mindfulness techniques and stress management tools, which research shows can significantly reduce anxiety symptoms. Learn more about these approaches in our Mindfulness and Yoga for Teen Mental Health blog post.

  • Yes, our programs support teens struggling with social anxiety, test anxiety, school avoidance, and panic attacks. Through a combination of individual and group therapy, teens develop the confidence and skills to manage these challenges in a supportive, structured setting.

  • Our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) provides structured therapy sessions after school, allowing teens to stay engaged in daily life while receiving support. For those who need a higher level of care, our Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) offers daytime treatment Monday–Friday from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Both programs focus on helping teens develop long-term coping skills while remaining connected to home and school.

  • The length of treatment depends on the severity of symptoms and each teen’s individual progress. Our IOP program usually lasts 4–6 weeks, while PHP may last longer depending on the level of care required. Our team customizes treatment plans to ensure each teen gets the support they need.

  • Our treatment center is in Menlo Park, just a short drive from cities throughout San Mateo County, including Redwood City, Burlingame, and Foster City. Learn more about our location and how we serve the surrounding area.

  • Yes, untreated anxiety can contribute to depression, self-harm, and substance use as teens look for ways to cope with distressing emotions. If you’re worried about your teen, explore our Teen Depression Treatment and Teen Substance Use Treatment pages for additional resources.

  • Encourage slow breathing exercises and grounding techniques to help your teen manage panic attacks in the moment. Professional therapy can equip them with long-term tools to prevent and reduce the frequency of attacks. Learn more in our Understanding Teen Anxiety blog post.

  • The first step is scheduling a consultation with our team. We provide insurance verification and personalized intake assessments to determine the right treatment approach for your teen. Visit our Get Started page to begin the process today.