We recognized our 11 yo DS had anxiety when he was @4. At different times, it has increased to the point where it was life-impacting. We've seen psychologists, psychiatrists, OTs and partiicpated in anxiety research at NIH. He's learned all sorts of tools and techniques to help him control it but, at times, it controls him. It's really hard for younger kids to utilize learned strategies when they're in the midst of it. In third grade, DS had a really poor fit with a general ed teacher and his anxiety spiraled out of control. That's when we turned to medication (Prozac). He was on it for about 9 months, was able to get his anxiety back into control and hasn't needed it since.

Having been through all this, I would encourage you not just to look for a counselor for your DS but also someone who can help you learn to help him. It can be a fine line between supporting your DS as he works through this challenge and enabling/reinforcing his anxiety. I would suggest you contact the Ross Center http://www.rosscenterdc.com/services/child-and-adolescent-treatment-program/ for assistance. They have some fabulous providers. I also heard they opened a new center in Alexandria but couldn't find anything about it (I could be wrong). Good luck!

Georgia DeGangi in Kensington. She specializes in kids with anxiety, and is very experienced. K

For the PP in NWDC (OP, these might be good resources to get you started. They might be able to recommend someone in your area):

You could try Bonnie Zucker in Rockville (authored Anxiety-Free Kids: An Interactive Guide for Parents and Children) or DuPont Clinical Associates in Rockville (father and two daughters in practice who co-authored The Anxiety Cure for Kids: A Guide for Parents). If you don't find a good fit in either place, you could ask for recs that might be better (e.g., closer to home). We are in NWDC and couldn't make it out to Dr. Zucker's office but they gave us a rec for a great therapist much closer to home.

Good luck everyone!

Allison Rishty is in Bethesda and she is wonderful! 301-512-3524

OP here, my kid is 5 and we live in Alexandria. Thanks in advance. We're really having trouble with basic things and it seems to be getting worse, not better.

NP: Also interested in recommendations. Would prefer a female therapist in NWDC/Bethesda. Anxiety focuses specifically on living up to perceived expectations.

What age?

I really like Scott Hyken, who has offices in both McLean and Bethesda. He's been seeing my son for almost a year. But, I think his speciality is older kids, teens, young adults.

Does anyone have a recommendation for a therapist/psychologist/social worker or psychiatrist that is especially good dealing with anxiety in kids? Thanks.