Anxiety and worries, including phobias and social anxiety
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Children & Teens
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the core approaches we use at PAC Psych to help children and adolescents manage anxiety, mood, and behavior. CBT is a structured, skills-based therapy that teaches kids how their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are connected—and how small changes can make a real difference in how they feel and function.
At our child-friendly Upper West Side practice, we adapt CBT to your child’s age and learning style so it feels understandable and doable, not like schoolwork or a lecture.
What Is CBT, in Kid-Friendly Terms?
We often explain CBT to kids as “being a detective of your thoughts and actions.”
- Thoughts are the stories your brain tells you.
- Feelings are how those stories make your body and heart feel.
- Emotions are how your body shows those feelings.
- Behaviors are what you do next.
CBT helps children and teens notice those patterns, test whether the thoughts are actually true or helpful, and try out new ways of thinking and acting. Over time, they build a toolbox of coping skills they can use in everyday life—at home, at school, and with friends.
When CBT Can Help
We often explain CBT to kids as “being a detective of your thoughts and actions.”
Mood and behavior challenges tied to big emotions
Avoidance of school, activities, or anything that feels “too hard”
CBT helps children and teens notice those patterns, test whether the thoughts are actually true or helpful, and try out new ways of thinking and acting. Over time, they build a toolbox of coping skills they can use in everyday life—at home, at school, and with friends.
Contact Us to Learn MoreHow We Use CBT at PAC Psych
CBT at PAC Psych is:
Goal-oriented
We work with you and your child to set specific, realistic goals (for example, “sleep alone in my bed,” “speak up more in class,” or “have fewer arguments over homework”).Active and practical
Sessions are not just talking about problems. We teach and practice concrete skills—like calming strategies, problem-solving, and “balanced thinking”—and then try them out between sessions.Tailored to age
CBT for a 7-year-old looks different than CBT for a 15-year-old. We adjust the language, activities, and pace so it fits your child.
We often integrate CBT with other services at PAC Psych, such as Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), play therapy, or Parent Management Training, depending on your child’s needs.
What CBT Looks Like by Age
Younger Children (Ages 6–10):
CBT is woven into play, stories, and visuals. We might use feelings charts, “thought bubbles,” role-plays, games, and art to help them:
- Spot “tricky thoughts” (like “No one likes me” or “I can’t do this”)
- Practice calming skills (deep breathing, grounding, coping statements)
- Try small “brave steps” toward things they’ve been avoiding
Parents are closely involved so the skills can be reinforced at home.
Preteens and Teens:
CBT looks more like guided conversations plus experiments in real life. We help them:
- Identify thinking patterns (catastrophizing, all-or-nothing thinking, mind-reading)
- Challenge unhelpful thoughts with evidence and more balanced alternatives
- Plan and carry out “behavioral experiments” (for example, trying something new and seeing what actually happens)
- Build problem-solving skills and healthy routines around sleep, schoolwork, and social media
Teens often appreciate that CBT is straightforward, collaborative, and focused on what they want to change.
The Parent Role in CBT
Parents are an important part of successful CBT, especially for younger children. At PAC Psych, we keep you informed about the skills your child is learning, coach you on how to prompt, praise, and support practice at home, and help you respond to anxiety or big emotions in ways that align with CBT—for example, supporting brave behavior rather than avoiding triggers.
When additional support is needed, we also provide joint parent and child sessions to make sure everyone is in the same page. We we focus on giving you tools and a shared language with your child so you can work as a team.
Exposure
Gently Facing Fears
For anxiety-related concerns, CBT often includes a component called exposure, which simply means helping children and teens gradually face the situations they fear in a safe, planned way. Together, we build a “bravery ladder” of small, manageable steps, teach coping skills they can use while they practice, and celebrate progress while adjusting the plan as their confidence grows. Exposure is always collaborative and paced so your child feels supported—not pushed before they’re ready.
Is CBT Right for My Child?
CBT can be a strong option if:
- Your child can engage in back-and-forth conversation (with support)
- They are willing—at least a little—to try new strategies
- You’re open to reinforcing skills and making small changes at home
Some goals can be addressed in a short-term, focused course of CBT. More complex or long-standing difficulties may benefit from longer-term work, sometimes alongside other services like psychological testing or family therapy.
If you’re not sure whether CBT is the best fit, we can discuss your child’s situation and recommend the right combination of services within PAC Psych’s broader Child Therapy offerings.
Getting Started with CBT at PAC Psych
If you’re considering CBT for your child or teen, the first step is to schedule a consultation. We’ll talk through your concerns, explain how CBT might apply to your child’s specific challenges, and outline a plan that may include CBT alone or in combination with other services.
Ready to learn whether CBT can help your child feel more in control and confident? Contact us to schedule a consultation.