Personalized care.
Strength for Today.
Skills for Tomorrow.
When your child or teen is struggling with anxiety, OCD or another mental health challenge, finding the right support can make all the difference. Our highly-trained, experienced psychologists specialize in child anxiety therapy, OCD treatment, and adolescent mental health care, providing the most current, evidence-based treatments available. In addition to anxiety and OCD, we treat a wide range of childhood and adolescent concerns, including ADHD, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), depression, school-related anxiety and stress, social challenges, behavioral concerns, family conflict, and life transitions. We see families in person at our Bala Cynwyd office, serving the Main Line and the greater Philadelphia region, and by telehealth to 43 states.
Families choose AATC not only for our clinical expertise but also for our warm, engaging, and personalized approach to child and adolescent therapy. Every treatment plan is tailored to your child’s developmental level, strengths, needs, and goals. Because anxiety and OCD are our specialty, we understand exactly how these conditions develop, what keeps them going, and, most importantly, what helps children overcome them. Your child or teen will receive structured, targeted, and compassionate care helping them build the skills they need to navigate anxiety, OCD, and other challenges while spending less time in therapy overall.
We provide individualized care for children ages 3-18 years and young adults including:
- Individual outpatient therapy
- Intensive outpatient therapy options
- Telehealth services (virtual therapy available to over 40 states)
- Parent coaching and family-based therapy
- Group therapy
We specialize in evidence-based treatments that have been extensively researched and proven effective including:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Habit Reversal Training (HRT)
- And more (visit our treatment page for a full list of treatments we offer)
Research shows that these approaches can significantly reduce anxiety and other emotional and behavioral challenges, often within a relatively short period of time.
Anxiety, OCD Treatment and General Therapy for Children (Ages 3 to 12)
Anxiety and OCD can appear in young children as excessive worries and fears, frequent physical complaints like stomachaches or headaches, difficulty sleeping, school refusal or avoidance of other activities, irritability, challenging behaviors, difficulty separating from a parent, or repetitive rituals that interfere with daily life. We help children with the full range of anxiety disorders and related challenges including separation anxiety, school avoidance, specific phobias and fears, social anxiety and shyness, perfectionism, worry and stress, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs). We help kids with general child mental health, social, emotional and behavioral concerns, too.
With younger children, we make therapy playful and fun, so they feel excited to engage, while teaching developmentally-appropriate CBT skills. Parent support and coaching is often an important part of treatment so you can reinforce at home the strategies your child is learning in therapy. Catching and treating anxiety early in childhood can prevent your child’s symptoms from escalating into lifelong struggles.
Anxiety, OCD Treatment and General Therapy for Teens (Ages 13 to 18)
Teenagers face pressures from school, friendships, performance and identity. We treat adolescents for the full range of anxiety disorders and related challenges including social anxiety and shyness, panic attacks and panic disorder, fears and phobias, school-related anxiety, perfectionism, health anxiety, generalized anxiety and worry, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and body focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs). We help with general adolescent concerns and life stressors, too.
With teens, we prioritize building trust, rapport and authentic connection. Our sessions are interactive, motivating, and skill-focused, drawing on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, DBT, ACT and exposure-based approaches, so teens learn essential strategies and apply them with confidence as they navigate the unique challenges of adolescence.
Anxiety, OCD Treatment and General Therapy for Young Adults (Ages 18+)
Young adulthood is often marked by major life transitions, increased independence, and new academic, career, and relationship demands. These changes can amplify anxiety, OCD, panic and related concerns, particularly during transitions to college or the workforce. Our psychologists provide specialized, evidence-based treatment for anxiety disorders, OCD, panic disorder, BFRBs and related concerns, while also helping young adults navigate the challenges of emerging adulthood.
Treatment may focus on building effective coping strategies, increasing confidence, and developing the skills needed to manage anxiety while pursuing personal, academic, and professional goals. Because many of our psychologists have the authority to practice via telehealth in over 40 states through PSYPACT, we can support young adults even if they attend college in a different state from where they live, allowing a seamless transition back and forth during treatment.
Conditions We Treat
We treat the full range of anxiety, OCD and related conditions in children, teens and young adults.
- Generalized Anxiety
- Health Anxiety
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), including all subtypes and complex OCD
- Panic Attacks/Panic Disorders
- PANS/PANDAS
- Perfectionism
- Separation Anxiety
- School Avoidance
- Social Anxiety/Shyness
- Specific Phobias and Fears including emetophobia (vomit), weather and storms, needles, insects, animals
- Test Anxiety
- Worry and Stress
- Body Dysmorphic Disorder
- Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBs)/Habit Disorders including Compulsive Hair Pulling (Trichotillomania) and Skin Picking (Excoriation)
- Misophonia (Intolerance of Sounds)
- Tourette Syndrome and Tic Disorders
- ADHD
- Adjustment Issues
- Anger Management
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)
- Behavior Challenges (noncompliance, oppositional behavior)
- Depression/Mood Issues
- Eating Disorders
- Emotion and Behavior Regulation Difficulties
- Gender and Sexual Identity
- Neurodivergence
- Parent-Child Conflict
- Parent Coaching
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Sleep Difficulties
- Social Skills
- Sports Anxiety/Performance/Injury
- Stress Management
- Teen Issues
Getting Started: Our Process
Taking the first step can feel overwhelming, and we’re here to make the process as simple and supportive as possible.
First, contact us by phone or through our online contact form.
- We will respond via phone or email within 1-2 business days.
- We offer a free 15-minute phone consultation to learn more about your concerns, answer your questions, and help you determine if treatment is right for your child.
Next, you and your child will begin with an initial intake appointment with Dr. Lori Kasmen, Director of our Child and Adolescent Services.
- During this appointment, Dr. Kasmen will take the time to understand your child’s strengths, challenges, and goals, clarify the nature of your concerns, and recommend the most appropriate treatment approach.
- Dr. Kasmen will take great care to match your child with the psychologist whose expertise, personality, and treatment style best fit your child’s unique needs. This personalized approach gives families confidence that they’re starting with the right therapist—without the uncertainty and frustration of trying multiple providers before finding the right fit.
Our goal is to make therapy as accessible and convenient as possible:
- We offer after-school, evening, and weekend (Saturday and Sunday) appointments.
- We offer in-person therapy in our Bala Cynwyd office, secure telehealth (virtual) sessions, or hybrid options.
- We’ll work with your family’s schedule so your child can receive high-quality, evidence-based care without missing school if that is your preference.
Specialized Experts. Evidence-Based Care.
Too often, we hear, “we’ve tried therapy and it didn’t work.” When it comes to treating child and adolescent anxiety, OCD, and related mental health concerns, specialized training and experience matter. Working with a highly-trained, licensed psychologist ensures your child receives a thorough, accurate evaluation and the most current and effective, evidence-based techniques. Our psychologists are trusted leaders in child anxiety therapy, OCD treatment, and adolescent mental health care. Because we understand how anxiety works, we know how to create a safe, supportive environment where children and teens feel comfortable, understood, and ready to engage in therapy. Just as you would choose a specialist for a specific health concern, choose a highly trained specialist to help your child overcome anxiety and OCD with the most expert, evidence-based care.
A Collaborative Approach to Your Child’s Care
We are honored to be entrusted with your child’s care and we deeply value establishing warm, collaborative relationships with our clients and their families. Parental and caregiver involvement often play an important role in a child’s treatment, specifically as it relates to reinforcing strategies at home that your child is learning in therapy. Depending on your child’s unique needs, we may ask you to briefly participate during sessions, or to be actively involved throughout.
When appropriate (and with your permission), we will also collaborate with others involved in your child’s care, from school counselors and teachers, to pediatricians, psychiatrists and other support people.
If your child or teen is hesitant or resistant to engage in therapy, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We are happy to discuss this with you and help you determine the best course of action for your family. Research also shows that parent-focused interventions can be highly effective, even when a child or teen is not ready or willing to participate directly in therapy.
For more information about our therapy options for children and teenagers, or to request a return call, please contact us or call 610-667-6490, ext. 21.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age do you begin treating children?
We work with children ages 3 to 18, and with young adults.
How is therapy for a young child different from therapy for a teen?
With younger children, we make therapy playful and fun, and parent coaching is often part of the work. With teens, we prioritize trust and authentic connection, and sessions focus on skills they can apply with confidence on their own. Regardless of age, therapy is based on research-backed approaches (e.g., CBT) provided in a developmentally-appropriate way.
Are parents involved in treatment for children and teens?
Yes. Parental and caregiver involvement often plays an important role, specifically in reinforcing at home the strategies your child is learning in therapy. Depending on your child’s needs and age, we may ask you to briefly participate during sessions, or to be actively involved throughout.
Will you work with my child’s school or other providers involved in my child or teen’s care?
Yes. When appropriate, and with your permission, we are happy to collaborate with school counselors, teachers, pediatricians and other providers involved in your child’s care.
Do you offer virtual sessions for children and teens?
Yes. We offer teletherapy, and after school, evening and weekend (Saturday and Sunday) appointments are available in person or virtually. Many of our psychologists are authorized via PSYPACT to provide telehealth to clients in 43 participating states.
How long does treatment usually take for a child or teen?
Research indicates that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is highly-effective in reducing anxiety and other challenges, often within a short time frame. Your clinician will discuss the expected course of treatment at the initial evaluation.
What do you treat besides anxiety and OCD?
While anxiety disorders and OCD are our specialty, our psychologists are also experts in treating the full range of child and adolescent challenges, including ADHD, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), emotional and behavioral difficulties, neurodivergence, depression, school-related stress, social difficulties, and family and adjustment issues.
How do I get started with treatment for my child or teen?
Reach out by phone or contact form. We respond within 1-2 business days via phone or email, and offer a free 15-minute phone consultation, followed by an initial evaluation with Dr. Lori Kasmen, Director of our Child and Adolescent Services.