When severe anxiety and related disorders take over your teen’s life, it can feel overwhelming for your whole family. You may worry about their well-being, their relationships, and what the future holds. But you are not alone in this. At WayPoint Academy, your son or daughter can find the specialized teen anxiety treatment they need in a safe and supportive environment. With highly qualified therapists guiding them, your teen will develop tools to manage their challenges, rebuild their confidence, and rediscover the ability to thrive in daily life—giving you hope for a brighter future together.
Teen Anxiety Treatment: Student Profile
You’ve worked hard to support your teen, who may appear to be thriving in many areas of their life while silently battling severe anxiety. These aren’t “troubled youth” or teens struggling with behavioral issues; instead, they are teens who work tirelessly to appear “normal” to the outside world while their anxiety takes a significant toll beneath the surface. Friends and extended family may be shocked to learn about the challenges your teen faces and your decision to seek residential care. With specialized teen anxiety treatment, your teen can receive the support they need to address the struggles that often become most visible at home, where they feel safe enough to express their inner challenges.
Common Challenges We Address
Adolescents who suffer from anxiety may manifest their struggles in a variety of ways. As a parent, you are likely seeking a specialized approach because your child has been struggling in many of the following ways:
Anxiety-Related Behaviors
- School Refusal: Many of our students experience overwhelming stress that impacts their ability to attend or remain engaged in school.
- Social Withdrawal: We often see teens who spend excessive time alone, frequently retreating to their rooms and avoiding social interactions.
- Relationship Difficulties: Many struggle with maintaining healthy connections with parents, peers, and siblings.
- Internal Struggles: Rather than expressing anger outwardly, these teens tend to internalize their negative emotions and engage in harsh self-criticism.
Skill Development Needs
- Emotional Regulation: We help teens who struggle with managing stress and controlling intense emotions effectively.
- Self-Advocacy: Many of our students need support in learning to express their needs and seek help appropriately.
- Problem-Solving: We work with teens who face challenges in navigating setbacks and finding solutions to difficulties.
- Communication: Many struggle with clearly expressing their thoughts and emotions.
Frustration Management: We help students who become easily overwhelmed when facing challenges.
Executive Functioning Support
Teens with executive functioning challenges may experience issues in areas such as:
- Task Initiation: Procrastinating or avoiding tasks altogether.
- Sustained Focus: Difficulty staying focused and completing tasks.
- Perseverance: Struggling to follow through on goals.
- Emotional Regulation: Difficulty managing or controlling intense emotions.
Daily Living Challenges
- Task Completion: Many students struggle with finishing assignments or managing essential daily responsibilities.
- Digital Dependency: We frequently work with teens who rely heavily on social media and electronic devices as escape mechanisms from real-world challenges.
Physical and Sensory Manifestations
Many of our students experience anxiety through:
- Emotional Outbursts: Particularly when coping mechanisms are challenged
- Physical Symptoms: Including G.I. distress, migraines, and unexplained illnesses
- Sensory Issues: Including heightened sensitivity to noise, foods, or textures
Is it normal teenage behavior or is it something else? These assessments may help you know how much your teen's and family's life are being affected by anxiety.
Waypoint Academy: Specialized Treatment for Teen Anxiety
At Waypoint Academy, we understand the profound impact that anxiety can have on a teenager's life. We specialize in helping teens navigate the challenges of anxiety and its co-occurring conditions. Through evidence-based therapies, structured support, and family involvement, we guide teens in replacing avoidance with action, building confidence, and developing long-term resilience. Our comprehensive approach includes therapy, academics, life skills training, and recreational activities, all tailored to meet the unique needs of each student.
Our program is specifically designed to address the unique challenges of:
Severe Anxiety
We provide comprehensive, evidence-based therapies to help teens overcome debilitating anxiety that interferes with daily life. Core therapies include Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), integrated into therapy sessions, academics, and daily life, alongside CBT, DBT, and ACT. Individualized treatment plans, a structured environment, family involvement, and the Mindful Completion Model (MCM) help teens replace avoidance with purposeful action and build long-term success. Explore how our specialized approach helps teens overcome severe anxiety and rediscover confidence and joy in their everyday lives.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Our therapists help teens break free from obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors through a comprehensive approach. Gradual exposure to anxiety triggers and prevention of compulsive behaviors build distress tolerance and healthier coping skills. Additional CBT, DBT, and ACT therapies support symptom management and value-driven focus. The program also includes academic support, life skills training, and recreational activities, fostering holistic, long-term success. Learn how our tailored OCD treatment empowers teens to reclaim control over their lives and build a brighter future.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
WayPoint Academy specializes in treating Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) in teens with a comprehensive residential program that combines evidence-based methods with a personalized approach. WayPoint provides a safe and nurturing environment where your teen can focus on recovery, away from the triggers and distractions of everyday life. Teens benefit from relaxation techniques, skill-building activities, a supportive environment, medication management, family therapy, and holistic wellness practices for lasting recovery. WayPoint is dedicated to empowering teens to overcome anxiety and embrace life with courage. Learn how you can help your teen heal.
Social Anxiety
Is your teen's social anxiety holding them back from enjoying friendships, school, and life? At WayPoint Academy, we offer a transformative residential treatment program specifically designed for teens with Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD). Our program utilizes a proven approach that combines Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy with a supportive and structured environment to help teens overcome their anxieties. We focus on addressing the root causes of social anxiety and equip teens with long-term coping mechanisms through a variety of evidence-based therapies, including individual therapy, group sessions, and family support. Don't let social anxiety limit your teen's potential. Uncover how WayPoint Academy empowers teens to overcome social anxiety and thrive in ways you never thought possible.
Panic Attacks / Panic Disorder
At WayPoint Academy, we offer specialized panic attack treatment designed to empower teens to manage their anxiety effectively and live a fearless life. Our comprehensive program addresses the underlying causes of panic attacks using evidence-based techniques that help teens gradually confront their triggers in a safe, controlled environment. We provide a supportive environment that addresses your teen's emotional, physical, academic, and social well-being. Through individual and family therapy sessions, we equip your family with the tools to understand your teen's struggles and provide the necessary support for a successful recovery. Struggling to find answers for your teen? Don’t wait—discover solutions that have changed lives today.
School Refusal/School Anxiety
We work with teens to address anxieties related to school, helping them return to a positive learning environment. We help teens with school refusal through a personalized, evidence-based approach that addresses the root cause of avoidance. Through our approach, we reduce fears and avoidance behaviors. We also focus on building executive functioning skills like time management to manage academic pressures. Our program offers individualized academic support in a safe, supportive environment, with family involvement through therapy and parent education. Our teachers work with the students and their therapists to create an education plan that promotes their educational success. Discover how our comprehensive approach can help your teen overcome school refusal and regain confidence in their education and future.
Autism and Anxiety
WayPoint offers a specialized program that provides personalized autism and anxiety treatment tailored to your teen's unique strengths and struggles. Our supportive environment addresses anxiety triggers such as social struggles, sensory sensitivities, and executive functioning difficulties. Your teen will benefit from structured routines, calming spaces, and guidance to build critical skills like communication, organization, and self-advocacy. Through tailored therapies and other coping skills taught by experts, your teen will gain tools to manage their anxiety and embrace their unique potential. WayPoint’s program will empower your teen to overcome challenges, grow in confidence and resilience, and prepare for a brighter future. Find out how WayPoint’s program supports your teen in navigating challenges with autism and anxiety.
Depression and Anxiety
We address the complex interplay between depression and anxiety, providing comprehensive treatment for both conditions. Our evidence-based approach encourages purposeful action. In a safe, structured environment, teens engage in therapy, accredited academics, life skills training, physical fitness, and recreational activities. Families are actively involved through weekly therapy, education, and support groups. Our goal is to help teens build coping skills, confidence, and resilience to thrive. Help your teen take the first step toward healing.
Agoraphobia
We offer specialized treatment to help teens with agoraphobia regain confidence and independence. Our approach includes therapy, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy, combined with anxiety management techniques and medication when needed. In a safe, structured environment, teens gradually face feared situations while building coping skills through academics, life skills, fitness, and recreation. Family support is integral to success, and our goal is to help teens overcome avoidance, manage anxiety, and transition back to their daily lives. Explore how our tailored program helps teens conquer agoraphobia, empowering them to regain control and live with greater freedom and confidence.
Technology Addiction That Leads to Anxiety
We understand that technology overuse and addiction can significantly increase anxiety in teens, disrupting their daily lives and overall well-being. We provide specialized tech addiction treatment that addresses the underlying causes of this anxiety. Our approach includes a safe, secluded environment that minimizes triggers and stressors, allowing teens to gradually face their fears. We utilize various therapeutic methods, matching the right intervention to each student's unique needs, to increase distress tolerance and build emotional resilience. In addition, we also help teens develop healthier habits and build emotional resilience. We also recognize the importance of family support in the recovery process. Find out how our program helps teens break free from technology addiction, restore balance, and build healthier, more fulfilling habits for the future.
Beyond Anxiety, We Offer Comprehensive Care:
While our expertise lies in treating anxiety disorders, Waypoint Academy also offers specialized support for a wide range of adolescent mental health concerns. Our experienced team addresses concerns ranging from ADHD and autism to depression, trauma, and behavioral issues. With a holistic and personalized approach, we help teens navigate their unique struggles and build a foundation for long-term growth and success.
Contact Waypoint Academy today to learn more about how our specialized programs can help your teenager.
In addition to helping teens with anxiety, WayPoint helps teens who also struggle with:
- ADHD, Executive Dysfunction, & Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD)
- Addiction, Drug Abuse, Substance Abuse
- Adoption Issues
- Anger Issues
- Anxiety
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Level 1
- Behavior Issues / Out-of-control behaviors
- Behavioral addiction
- Cutting & Self Harm
- Divorce Conflict
- Depression
- Eating Disorders, Body Image Issues
- Lack Of Motivation
- Learning Disabilities
- Lying & Manipulation
- Mood Disorders
- Non-Verbal Learning Disorder (NLD)
- Oppositional Defiance Disorder (ODD)
- Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)
- Personality Disorders
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Process Addiction
- Relational Issues
- Risky Behaviors
- Risky/Harmful Sexual Behaviors
- School Failure
- Screen Addiction
- Self Esteem Issues
- Social Skills Challenges
- Technology Addiction
- Trauma
- And more...
Exclusionary Guidelines for Admission at WayPoint Academy
WayPoint Academy is a specialized residential treatment center designed to meet the unique needs of our students. While we provide comprehensive care for a wide range of behavioral and mental health challenges, there are specific situations and conditions that we are unable to accommodate. These include:
- Physical aggression: Students who exhibit physical aggression towards peers or staff.
- Active psychosis or Untreated Mental Health Crisis: Students currently experiencing untreated psychosis or amid an unmanaged mental health crisis.
- Active suicidal behaviors: While we can support students with passive suicidal ideation, we are unable to accommodate those actively engaging in suicidal behaviors.
- ASD Level 2 or 3: We specialize in treating students with Level 1 Autism and are unable to provide the necessary support for those with more intensive needs associated with Levels 2 or 3.
- Sexually Acting Out: Students engaging in sexual behaviors that present a safety risk to themselves or others.
We believe in the importance of matching students to a treatment environment that can fully meet their needs. If your teen’s challenges fall outside our scope of care, we are happy to provide referrals to other resources that may better serve your family.
Common Co-Occurring Disorders in Teens at WayPoint Academy
Teens struggling with severe anxiety disorders often face additional challenges from co-occurring mental health conditions. These overlapping disorders can complicate their ability to manage daily life, relationships, and responsibilities. At WayPoint Academy, we understand the importance of addressing these co-occurring conditions to provide comprehensive, individualized care for each student.
Some of the most common co-occurring disorders in teens struggling with severe anxiety include:
- Depression and Major Depressive Disorder: Many teens with anxiety also experience persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or a lack of motivation, which can further impact their ability to engage with school, family, and peers.
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (Level 1): Often referred to as high-functioning autism, this condition can present additional social and communication challenges for teens already grappling with anxiety.
- Nonverbal Learning Disorders: Teens with these disorders may struggle with interpreting social cues, understanding abstract concepts, or organizing their thoughts, adding another layer of complexity to their daily lives.
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Teens with ADHD may face difficulties with focus, impulsivity, or organization, which can exacerbate feelings of stress and overwhelm.
- Trauma: Past experiences of trauma can heighten anxiety symptoms, leading to hypervigilance, avoidance behaviors, or emotional dysregulation.
By addressing these co-occurring conditions alongside anxiety disorders, WayPoint Academy helps teens gain the skills and tools they need to thrive. Our team works closely with students and their families to ensure a holistic and compassionate approach to care.
If your teen's anxiety is significantly impacting their daily life, don't hesitate to seek professional help. Early intervention with evidence-based treatment options can make a world of difference. In the next section, we'll explore effective strategies to help your teen manage and overcome generalized anxiety disorder.
Backed by The Joint Commission which ensures programs adhere to the highest quality of clinical and medical practices.
Designated as a NATSAP Research Program, showing our commitment to well-researched practices in our program.
Full member of the National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs (NATSAP), which ensures regulation of programs that serve children and adolescents.
This program is proud to be Cognia Accredited. Cognia provides accreditation to schools that have earned recognition for their reputation and high educational standards.
WayPoint Academy is fully licensed in the state of Utah.
Waypoint Academy is a certified Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), allowing us to welcome and support international students.
Full Member of the International OCD Foundation, which ensures our staff has access to the most up-to-date OCD treatment practices and research.
Founding member of Choose Mental Health, guiding families with questions about mental health.
Contact WayPoint Academy today to learn how our specialized anxiety treatment program can guide your teen towards a brighter, more fulfilling future.