The general whirlwind of being a teenager in 2025? It’s a lot. Teen anxiety in Seal Beach can take a toll on your teen’s daily life—and your peace of mind as a parent. But here’s the good news: help is available, right here in your own backyard, from local therapists who understand the unique struggles teens and tweens face in Southern California.
At Coastal Therapy and Wellness, we offer therapy from our Seal Beach and Manhattan Beach offices, and virtually across California. Our Seal Beach team specializes in helping teens move from overwhelmed to more confident and equipped—using approaches that are both research-based and genuinely human.
Let’s break down how therapy can actually help, what anxiety might look like in teens, and what you can do today—even before scheduling a session.
Understanding Teen Anxiety
Teenagers don’t always come out and say, “I’m anxious.” (Wouldn’t that be nice?) Instead, anxiety often shows up in ways that are easy to miss—or easy to chalk up to “just being a teen.”
Common signs of anxiety in teens include:
- Withdrawing from friends or family
- Trouble sleeping or eating
- Excessive worry about grades, social situations, or the future
- Irritability or restlessness
- Physical symptoms like stomachaches, headaches, or fatigue
- Avoiding school or certain activities
Anxiety in teens is more common than many realize. According to the Anxiety & Depression Association of America, about 1 in 3 adolescents struggles with anxiety. That’s a big number.
On top of that, teens today face a lot: social media pressure, school lockdown drills, pandemic disruptions, and nonstop academic stress. It’s no wonder many of them feel overwhelmed.
While some anxiety is a normal part of growing up, it becomes a concern when it starts interfering with school, friendships, or your teen’s sense of self.
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone—and it might be time to reach out. Our teen therapy services in Seal Beach are designed to support teens through this tough stage of life, helping them build confidence, learn tools to manage anxiety, and feel more like themselves again.
How Therapy Helps Teens with Anxiety
So what can therapy actually do for a teen with anxiety? (Spoiler: we don’t just talk about feelings for 45 minutes and send them home.)
At Coastal Therapy and Wellness in Seal Beach, therapy is:
🧑🤝🧑 Collaborative:
We meet teens where they are. Therapy isn’t forced—it’s a space for them to feel safe, seen, and supported.
🧰 Tool-Based:
Teens learn real-world coping strategies like grounding techniques, thought reframing, and ways to challenge anxious thinking. These tools often help teens not only feel better now but also become better equipped for future challenges. Think of it as emotional driver’s ed—but without the parallel parking.
💬 Emotionally Supportive:
We help teens name what’s going on internally so they don’t feel like they’re just “crazy” or “too sensitive.”
🧠 Behaviorally-Oriented:
When appropriate, we use evidence-based therapies like CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) or DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) to help rewire anxious responses.
🎨 Creative and Flexible:
Some of our therapists incorporate art therapy, mindfulness, EMDR, or movement into sessions—depending on what best supports your teen.
We also support parents in understanding how to help their teen without accidentally reinforcing anxious patterns. Therapy isn’t just for the teen—it’s for the whole system that surrounds them.
Finding the Right Teen Therapist in Seal Beach
Finding a therapist your teen actually connects with can feel overwhelming—especially when you’re already worried.
Here’s what to look for in a teen therapist:
✅ Experience with Teens – Teens aren’t mini adults. They need someone who knows how to talk to them without talking down to them.
✅ Specialized Training – Look for therapists who specialize in anxiety, adolescent development, CBT, DBT, or art therapy.
✅ Relational Fit – Teens are more likely to engage if they feel understood and not judged. If the therapist reminds them of their least favorite teacher, it’s a no-go.
✅ Parent Collaboration – A therapist who keeps parents appropriately involved—without making the teen feel like therapy is just another report card.
At Coastal Therapy and Wellness, our Seal Beach team includes therapists who get teens—and actually enjoy working with them. We offer free consult calls to help families find the right fit.
Self-Care Tips for Anxious Teens (and Their Parents)
While therapy is a powerful step, there are also things you can try today to support your teen’s emotional well-being:
🧘♀️ Practice Micro-Moments of Calm
A deep breath. A short walk. A “no phones at dinner” rule. Small changes help regulate overwhelmed nervous systems.
📵 Limit Doomscrolling
Encourage breaks from social media—especially around bedtime. Bonus points if you model screen-free intervals too (yes, even during your nightly scroll).
📜 Create a Worry Journal
Writing down worries can help teens get them out of their head and onto paper.
🏃♂️ Move Together
Go for a walk or try a short stretch video together. Movement reduces anxiety and builds connection.
🪖 Validate Before Fixing
A simple “That sounds really hard” goes a long way. Teens often want to feel heard before being offered solutions.
Even small shifts at home—like modeling calm, showing up emotionally, or sticking to routines—can make a big difference.
You’re Not Alone: Therapy as Connection
Therapy isn’t just about managing symptoms—it’s about helping teens build stronger relationships with themselves and with others. It’s about reminding them they don’t have to figure everything out alone (even if they act like they want to).
In Orange County, our Seal Beach therapists offer expert care for everything from trauma to depression. Whether your teen is struggling with anxiety, identity, school stress, or relationships—we’re here to help them build resilience and confidence.
And if you’re located elsewhere? We also support teens and families virtually throughout California—because your zip code shouldn’t limit your access to care.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Whether your teen is crying in their room, lashing out, or quietly holding it all in, therapy can help. And we’re ready to meet them where they’re at.
Whether you’re located in Seal Beach, Manhattan Beach, or elsewhere in California, our team is here to support you.
Finding the right therapist for your teen can make all the difference. Our compassionate and experienced team of therapists includes clinicians who specialize in working with teens and understand the unique challenges they face today.
Want to explore if we’re the right fit? Reach out to us today—we’d love to help.