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Best Anxiety Books for Teens

Headshot of Sandra Calzadilla, LMHC

Author: Sandra Calzadilla, LMHC

Headshot of Sandra Calzadilla, LMHC

Sandra Calzadilla LMHC

Sandra, with 18 years of expertise, empowers individuals and couples on their healing journey. Specializing in trauma therapy, she integrates evidence-based techniques for holistic well-being.

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Meera Patel, DO

Medical Reviewer: Meera Patel, DO Licensed medical reviewer

Meera Patel, DO

Meera Patel DO

Dr. Patel has been a family physician for nearly a decade. She treats and evaluates patients of all ages. She has a particular interest in women’s mental health, burnout, anxiety, and depression.

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Published: May 23, 2023

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Anxiety is challenging at any age, but for teenagers, it’s especially difficult to navigate. In a culture that can be overwhelming with the constant saturation of overstimulation, social media, and normal hormonal changes, adding anxiety to the mix can be paralyzing. Teen anxiety can look like negative self-talk, sudden shyness, avoiding activities that once brought happiness, and/or reckless behaviors.

The important thing to remember is that, for teens dealing with anxiety (and their parents), there are resources and guidance out there from folks who know what you are going through.

Journals & Workbooks to Help With Anxiety

One soothing way for teens to work through anxiety is to use a workbook. Workbooks contain useful information, helpful examples, specific exercises, worksheets, and tips to help you work through bouts of anxiety. Just as different situations present different anxiety reactions, the workbooks are each a little different and offer many different methods to tackle anxiety.

Yes I Have Anxiety: Deal. With. It. By Nicole Stephan1. Yes I Have Anxiety: Deal. With. It. 

A perfect way to bridge the gap between social media and self care, Yes I Have Anxiety: Deal. With. It. is full of activities and creative prompts, making it an excellent place to start when looking for a workbook to help redirect anxious thoughts. It’s also a Tik-Tok sensation—Author Nicole Stephan shares her process during writing the book and encourages readers to interact with her and others with the hashtag #yesihaveanxiety. It’s a safe place for teens to express how they feel with people their own age dealing with similar struggles.

Put Your Worries Here: A Creative Journal for Teens with Anxiety (The Instant Help Guided Journal for Teens Series) by Lisa M. Schab LCSW2. Put Your Worries Here: A Creative Journal for Teens with Anxiety

This highly-rated workbook geared toward resolving teen angst is full of prompts focused on art, poetry, music, and creative writing. Recommended by therapists, this workbook has practical prompts that today’s youth can relate to, such as having too many tabs open in one’s mind and how to close them, or how to write a “break up“ letter to your anxiety. Author Lisa M. Schab has written seventeen highly acclaimed self-help workbooks and journals with a focus on children and teenagers.

Gratitude Journal for Teens: Prompts to Cultivate a Habit of Awareness and Improve Well-being by Scarlet Paolicch3. Gratitude Journal for Teens: Prompts to Cultivate a Habit of Awareness and Improve Well-being 

Cultivating gratitude is a habit that is helpful at any age and this workbook is a wonderful experience for teens! This journal offers techniques that help with focusing on gratitude and positivity, resulting in greater happiness, better school performance, improved relationships, and higher self-esteem. Each prompt is formatted to help center and focus on feeling your feelings, as well as ways to find gratitude in the moment. Visually appealing, with colorful fonts and fun emojis, pre-teens and teens will enjoy the positive message that feeling their feelings is okay, while learning how to deal with those feelings.

My Anxious Mind4. My Anxious Mind: A Teen’s Guide to Managing Anxiety and Panic

This self-help book for teens encourages them to imagine what their lives would look like with less anxiety. What exactly would be different? How would they be different? Would they be happier? Asking those questions and getting curious about the answers is an important step in building a less anxious lifestyle, especially as a young person. My Anxious Mind promotes cognitive and behavioral strategies that can be used to tackle stress and anxiety head-on. It also provides tips for teens to handle panic attacks, utilize diet and exercise to feel better, and determine (with their doctor and parents) whether medication is the right choice for them.

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CBT-Specific Books & Workbooks on Anxiety for Teens

Defined as a type of psychotherapeutic treatment that helps people learn how to identify and change destructive or disturbing thought patterns that have a negative influence on behavior and emotions, Cognitive Behavior Therapy has been shown to have a positive impact on those struggling with anxiety.

The following books are a fantastic place to start exploring CBT:

The Anxiety Toolkit for Teens: Easy and Practical CBT and DBT Tools to Manage your Stress Anxiety Worry and Panic (Life Skills, Mental Health and Wellness Books For Teenagers) by Teen Thrive5. The Anxiety Toolkit for Teens: Easy and Practical CBT and DBT Tools to Manage your Stress Anxiety Worry and Panic 

A highly rated book on the matter, it states there are proven methods to deal with teen anxiety (like CBT and DBT techniques) with long-lasting results.

“One of the things I love about this book is how useful it can be to every teen — even if you don’t have a diagnosis of an anxiety disorder. It provides instructions for many different tools that have been proven to help manage anxiety and are easy to try.” – Ehrin Weiss, Ph.D.

Feeling Better: CBT Workbook for Teens: Essential Skills and Activities to Help You Manage Moods, Boost Self-Esteem, and Conquer Anxiety (Health and Wellness Workbooks for Teens) by Dr. Rachel L. Hutt6. Feeling Better: CBT Workbook for Teens: Essential Skills and Activities to Help You Manage Moods, Boost Self-Esteem, and Conquer Anxiety 

Clear and concise, this workbook is loaded with activities that teens and parents are raving about. From the bright, colorful cover, to the easy-to-understand, informative text, Feeling Better is a powerful tool to have in your arsenal for managing anxiety.

Anxiety Relief for Teens: Essential CBT Skills and Mindfulness Practices to Overcome Anxiety and Stress by Regine Galanti, PhD7. Anxiety Relief for Teens: Essential CBT Skills and Mindfulness Practices to Overcome Anxiety and Stress

Breaking down what type of anxiety your teen is struggling with and finding the best way to approach them is the hallmark of this book.  Opening with the Anxiety Quiz, your teen can determine if they have social anxiety, a phobia, panic disorder, or a different form of anxiety, and the unique ways to handle each in the most effective way.

Social Anxiety Relief for Teens: A Step-by-Step CBT Guide to Feel Confident and Comfortable in Any Situation by Dr. Bridget Walker8. Social Anxiety Relief for Teens: A Step-by-Step CBT Guide to Feel Confident and Comfortable in Any Situation 

This book provides a simple, five-step program to help teens free themselves from fear and uncertainty through cognitive behavioral therapy. Reviewers rave over the easy-to-understand text and how many of the stories resonate with the reader.

The shyness & social anxiety workbook for teens9. The Shyness and Social Anxiety Workbook for Teens: CBT and ACT Skills to Help You Build Social Confidence

This therapist-recommended book, The Shyness and Social Anxiety Workbook For Teens, knows that shyness and social anxiety are not things you can simply wish away. It takes concerted effort to learn how to relax and feel confident in the world. But remember, you are not alone. Most likely, you have friends and family who have felt the exact same way.

This book will help you become more comfortable in social situations and learn how to enjoy your life instead of worrying about what you are going to say next. The worksheets, tools, and exercises in The Shyness and Social Anxiety Workbook guide readers on how to handle awkward situations, make more authentic connections, and speak up for yourself when you need to.

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Charlie Health – Therapy Once Per Week Isn’t Always Enough. Charlie Health’s virtual intensive mental health program includes curated groups, individual therapy, and family therapy for teens and adults with serious mental health issues. Insurance accepted. Learn More

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Books on Mindfulness for Anxious Teens

Mindfulness is a mental state achieved by focusing one’s awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one’s feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations. Cultivating a practice of mindfulness can be achieved with a little bit of guidance resulting in a payoff in peace of mind.

The Mindfulness Journal for Teens: Prompts and Practices to Help You Stay Cool, Calm, and Present by Jennie Marie Battistin MA, LMFT10. The Mindfulness Journal for Teens: Prompts and Practices to Help You Stay Cool, Calm, and Present 

This journal offers teenage survival skills and ways to practice the pause, helping the mind to not get overwhelmed by using specific mindfulness techniques for anxiety. Filled with simple breathing exercises, easy meditations, and dozens of writing prompts to add to your daily routine all combine to make a powerful weapon against anxiety.

Mindfulness for Teen Anger: A Workbook to Overcome Anger and Aggression Using MBSR and DBT Skills by Mark C. Purcell & Jason R. Murphy, MA11. Mindfulness for Teen Anger: A Workbook to Overcome Anger and Aggression Using MBSR and DBT Skills

Breaking down the differences in healthy and unhealthy anger is the first step to overcoming it and making better choices. With an emphasis on cultivating compassion, this book leans into relationship skill-building with lessons that carry on well into adulthood.

The Self-Compassionate Teen: Mindfulness and Compassion Skills to Conquer Your Critical Inner Voice by Karen Bluth, PhD12. The Self-Compassionate Teen: Mindfulness and Compassion Skills to Conquer Your Critical Inner Voice

Oh, the critical inner voice—we all have it; however, for some people (perhaps especially teens), it can be incredibly harsh and critical. This book serves as an excellent guide on self-compassion and how it can decrease stress, anxiety, and depression. Engaging, straightforward, and practical, the author backs her tactics with the interesting neuroscience on how the techniques provide positive results.

5-Minute Mindfulness Meditations for Teens by Dr. Nicole Libin13. 5-Minute Mindfulness Meditations for Teens 

Easy-to-implement exercises to keep the attention of even the most distracted teen, this book offers a way to deal with thoughts and feelings that can feel overwhelming and unmanageable. Eye-catching fonts and colorful charts are also an added plus!

Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before14. Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before?

Dr. Julie Smith’s Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before offers everyday tips and tools to help you deal with the ups and downs, including anxiety. Pulling from her years of experience as a clinical psychologist, Smith helps readers take charge of their mental health. She shares therapy “secrets,” expert advice, and powerful coping mechanisms that are all aimed at helping you become resilient, build confidence, stay motivated, and learn to forgive yourself. Why Has Nobody Told Me makes the case for why mental well-being is just as important as physical well-being.

First-Hand Accounts From Teens & Young Adults With Anxiety

Anxiety can make your teen feel isolated and misunderstood. It’s important for them to know that what they are dealing with is not singular to them. The following books are firsthand accounts of teenagers living with anxiety and their experiences:

Anxiety Insights: What Gets to Us and What Gets Us Through by Lori Maney Lentini & Dr. Nicole Lentini15. Anxiety Insights: What Gets to Us and What Gets Us Through 

Written by a loving mother chronicling her daughter’s severe anxiety and depression and how they dealt with it together, it’s a powerful tale of those with these challenges and the people that love them. Anxiety Insights covers a tough topic that is written in such a way that is both relatable and encouraging.

Finding Audrey by Sophie Kinsella16. Finding Audrey 

While fictional, this upbeat novel is a fun mix of comedy, romance, and psychological recovery. The main character, Audrey, is a fourteen-year-old who struggles with anxiety from being bullied. Her journey with that and her triumphant tale are excellent; you can’t help but cheer for Audrey. Overall, Finding Audrey is a wonderful YA read with a relatable main character and her heartwarming adventure.

In Conclusion Don't Worry About It17. In Conclusion, Don’t Worry About It

In Conclusion, Don’t Worry About It was written by starring Gilmore Girls actor and bestselling author, Lauren Graham. She uses the book as a space to reflect on the stress of growing up, pursuing a career in acting, and being more mindful about her definition of success. “Whatever path you choose,” she says, “whatever career you decide to go after, the important thing is that you keep finding joy in what you’re doing, especially when joy isn’t finding you.” Readers, ranging from teens to older fans should consider this hilarious, relatable memoir a road-map to a happier, less anxiety-stricken life.

Getting Help for Your Teen

These books, workbooks, and journals are a great starting point when embarking on the journey to wellness and calming the anxiety. While not a replacement for teen counseling, they can act as a supplement to any anxious teen’s treatment plan. Finding the right therapist for your teen can be a daunting task, but using an online therapist directory can be a great place to start, where you can sort by experience and insurance coverage. Remember, you’re not alone! Help and hope are out there.

Additional Resources

To help our readers take the next step in their mental health journey, Choosing Therapy has partnered with leaders in mental health and wellness. Choosing Therapy is compensated for marketing by the companies included below.

Neurological Testing

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TeenCounseling (ages 13 -19) – Help your child thrive with professional counseling. Get matched with a licensed therapist who specializes in teens. Discuss your child’s issues and situation. When you approve, the therapist is connected with your child. The therapist interacts with your child over text, phone, and video. Starting for as little as $65 per week. Get Started

DBT-Focused Therapy For Teens

Charlie Health’s virtual intensive mental health program includes curated groups, individual therapy, and family therapy for teens and adults with serious mental health issues. Insurance accepted. Learn More

Eating Disorders and Teenagers

Equip – Worried your child might have an eating disorder? It can be overwhelming when your child is showing eating disorder red flags, but you can help. In fact, your help may be critical to getting them the right treatment. Learn more about the signs of eating disorders and what to do if you’re concerned. Explore Equip’s free guide.

For Further Reading

  • Teen Counseling Service Review
  • Best Books on Parenting Teens
  • Mental Health America
  • National Alliance on Mental Health
  • MentalHealth.gov

Best Options for Online Therapy for Teens

Best Options for Online Therapy for Teens

With so many truly amazing online therapy options for teens, choosing one can be difficult. Some of the most important factors to consider before selecting a company are your budget, who takes your insurance, which ones can answer your questions, and most importantly, who your teen likes the best. Supporting and listening to your teen is crucial for a successful therapy experience.

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Best Online Therapy Services of 2025: Our Firsthand Experiences & Recommendations

Best Online Therapy Services

There are a number of factors to consider when trying to determine which online therapy platform is going to be the best fit for you. It’s important to be mindful of what each platform costs, the services they provide you with, their providers’ training and level of expertise, and several other important criteria.

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We regularly update the articles on ChoosingTherapy.com to ensure we continue to reflect scientific consensus on the topics we cover, to incorporate new research into our articles, and to better answer our audience’s questions. When our content undergoes a significant revision, we summarize the changes that were made and the date on which they occurred. We also record the authors and medical reviewers who contributed to previous versions of the article. Read more about our editorial policies here.

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