Developmental and behavioral pediatricians in the Child Anxiety Disorders Clinic at UMass Memorial Children's Medical Center in Worcester see children with generalized or specific fears and anxieties, as well as children who show separation problems often related to attending school. Children with physical symptoms (e.g., stomachaches, headaches and other unexplained pain) suspected to be related to anxiety levels are also treated.
The child and parents attend approximately six to eight sessions of treatment, with follow-up visits arranged as needed. Treatment is based on cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) principles, which emphasize the way anxious thoughts affect a child's behavior. These techniques have shown to reduce anxiety-related problems in children and teens, and are recommended nationally as the initial treatment approach for children with anxiety problems.
The clinic does not offer psychopharmacology or long-term counseling services, but evaluates the potential value of these options in children who do not respond sufficiently to CBT techniques.
Appointments and Staff
For help in choosing a physician, call 800-431-5151.
To schedule an appointment, call 774-442-3028.