Anxiety Medication for Teens in Texas
At Mind Works, we provide specialized anxiety evaluation, medication management, and therapy for teens ages 13–17 across San Antonio, Schertz, Westover Hills, and New Braunfels. Our pediatric-focused clinical team works closely with your teen, and with you, to create a treatment plan that’s safe, evidence-based, and built around your child’s specific needs.
Adolescent Psychiatry & Medication Management
At Mind Works, we provide pediatric-focused psychiatric care tailored to children and adolescents, offering comprehensive evaluation, safe prescribing, and ongoing, session-based medication management individualized to each teen’s needs. We guide and support families through anxiety treatment and ensure adequate time to address questions and concerns. Our team brings decades of combined pediatric mental health experience and recognized accreditations to deliver high-quality, coordinated care. We prioritize respect, understanding, and nonjudgmental support to create a safe environment for recovery.
Start Your Child’s Healing Journey in 3 Easy Steps
You can start your child’s healing journey in just three easy steps starting today. First, be sure to reach out to our team. We can answer any questions you may have about our services and can ensure you know what to expect. After you submit your intake forms, your child will be able to move forward with therapy sessions right away.
1. Get in Touch
Get started with Mind Works by filling out our simple contact form online or giving us a call.
2. Complete Intake Process
Submit all required paperwork so we can better understand your child’s history and needs.
3. Begin Treatment
Meet your child’s provider to establish a treatment plan and begin play therapy sessions.
What Sets Mind Works Apart?
Specialized Pediatric & Adolescent Expertise
Our team is specially trained and qualified to treat behavioral health concerns in children and teens, from ages 3 to 17. This includes intellectual disabilities as well as learning disorders, allowing us to effectively treat teens from every walk of life.
Evidence-Based Therapies for Bipolar Disorder
Our team uses a range of evidence-based therapeutic techniques, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and solutions-focused therapy.
Strategic, Session-Based Treatment Planning
Our team is dedicated to helping children and teens develop individualized treatment plans that evolve based on session-based goals. This approach ensures tailored care that adapts to each child’s progress.
Collaborative Care Across Therapy, Assessments & Medication Management
Our integrated team comes together to provide the absolute best care for your child, sharing key information and working cooperatively to establish a comprehensive treatment plan.
Family Partnership & Parent Education
We partner with families by offering educational resources and workshops that empower parents to support their child’s wellness journey.
Consistency, Continuity & High-Quality Clinical Oversight
Our commitment to clinical oversight guarantees consistent, high-quality care through regular supervision and ongoing staff training, leading to optimal outcomes for our clients.
When Is Anxiety Medication Recommended for Teens?
Not every teen with anxiety needs medication. For many, therapy alone, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), produces meaningful, lasting results. Medication becomes part of the conversation when:
- Anxiety is significantly interfering with school, social life, or daily functioning
- Panic attacks are frequent or disabling
- Therapy is underway but progress is slow or stalled
- Symptoms are severe enough that the teen struggles to engage in therapy
- Anxiety and depression are occurring together
Launch Your Child’s Healing Journey in Three Simple Steps
1. Get in Touch
Get started with Mind Works by filling out our simple contact form online or giving us a call.
2. Complete Intake Process
Submit all required paperwork so we can better understand your child’s history and needs.
3. Begin Treatment
Meet your child’s provider to establish a treatment plan and begin play therapy sessions.
Choose the best entry point for your child’s care journey:
Assessment
(5 Step Process)
Our psychologists and psychometricians work with your family to ensure an accurate diagnosis.
We’ll begin by asking you questions about your child, what potential behavioral problems they may have, and what you believe the goals for their treatment should be. We will also provide a questionnaire and other intake documents.
We offer developmental, educational, and psychological tests to better understand your child’s needs.
A psychometrist and psychologist will analyze the results, providing a summary of any findings and diagnoses.
We’ll provide you with a list of recommendations for your child’s care, which can include therapy, medication, and/or medical referrals.
We’ll discuss your child’s results and options for moving forward. Once we’ve finalized the plan, we’ll quickly transition your child to the next steps.
Therapy
(6 Step Process)
We provide evidence-based play and talk therapy to help children and teens heal, grow, and thrive.
We’ll take time to learn your concerns and your child’s needs. Together, we’ll set treatment goals and expectations.
These first weeks of therapy are foundational for getting to know one another and building trust with you and your child.
We call this the “Working Stage” of the process. At this point, it’s common to see resistance and an increase in poor behavior.
During the “Growing Stage,” children start to develop coping skills as they figure out healthier ways to manage behavior, express emotions, and heal.
Children are encouraged to practice their new coping mechanisms. During this stage, they are often better self-regulated and more resilient.
As your child reaches new heights of independence, the time comes to celebrate their readiness to continue this journey with their newfound skills!
Medication Management
(4 Step Process)
We offer medication management services to help reduce problematic symptoms and improve treatment outcomes.
We’ll gather a detailed history of your child’s mental health concerns and discuss if medication management is right for your child.
A medication management provider will meet with you and your child and collaborate to develop a comprehensive medication treatment plan.
We will hold periodic check-ins to evaluate the effectiveness of your child’s medication regimen and make adjustments as needed to promote their optimal well-being.
Once your child shows consistent improvement and stabilization, we will gradually shift our focus to helping reduce medication dependence and emphasizing other non-pharmacological interventions.
We’ll discuss your child’s results and options for moving forward. Once we’ve finalized the plan, we’ll quickly transition your child to the next steps.
Begin Your Child’s Success Story With Child Counseling at Mind Works
Ready to get started or have more questions for our team before moving forward? Give us a call or fill out a simple form online to start the journey toward your child’s thriving future.
Treatment Options for Your Child at Mind Works
Comprehensive Evaluation
Before any medication is recommended, your teen undergoes a thorough evaluation, medical history, behavioral assessment, and clinical interview, to understand the full picture. We look at what kind of anxiety your teen is experiencing, whether depression or another condition is also present, and what’s already been tried. Medication, if indicated, is never a first guess.
Medication Management
Our psychiatric nurse practitioners and psychiatrists specialize in pediatric prescribing. We start at the lowest effective dose, titrate gradually, and schedule frequent check-ins, especially in the first few weeks of a new medication, so nothing gets missed. Parents are part of every step: you’ll know exactly what your teen is taking, why, and what to watch for.
Evidence-Based Therapy
Every teen at Mind Works receives therapy alongside any medication plan. We use cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) as the primary approach for teen anxiety, with trauma-focused adaptations when needed. CBT builds the skills your teen needs to manage anxiety long after treatment ends and medication creates the stability for that work to happen.
Parent Partnership
You are not a bystander in this process. At Mind Works, parents are involved from evaluation through treatment. You’ll receive regular updates, guidance on what to watch for at home, and direct access to your teen’s care team when something changes.
How Anxiety Medication Fits Into Treatment
Medication management is a crucial part of any anxiety treatment plan. Anti-anxiety medications are often used in conjunction with psychotherapy, mainly to reduce and control negative symptoms so your teen can focus on recovery and develop long-term coping skills. Not every child or teen will need anti-anxiety medications, but when used correctly, they can bring relief and stability to an otherwise struggling teen.
When Medication May Be Recommended
Medication is most often recommended for teens whose anxiety is inhibiting them from functioning in daily activities, such as school and their social life. Anxiety medication for teens is also used when they experience severe symptoms of anxiety, such as panic attacks.
Medication Is One Part of a Larger Treatment Plan
If your child needs medication, we will work with you to ensure that the medication process is as safe as possible. Needing medication doesn’t mean your teen is weak or that you’re a bad parent. Medication is simply a tool to aid in the healing process and can make a significant difference in the comfort of your teen. You will be involved in each step of the way, including having the ability to review a full medication guide, so you’ll know what to expect moving forward.
Knowing When It’s Time to Seek Help for Your Child
It’s normal for your teen to experience anxiety here and there. However, it becomes a concern when it begins to interfere with their daily life. If your teen has a noticeable decline in physical health, stops participating in social activities, struggles in school, or has frequent panic attacks, it’s time to seek help from a professional.
Types of Commonly Used Anxiety Medication for Teens
There is a wide range of FDA-approved anxiolytic medications used in the treatment of severe anxiety or an anxiety disorder. Some are on-label, which means they are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat anxiety. Off-label refers to other types of medication that may be used in conjunction to treat the symptoms of anxiety, but are not designed to treat anxiety as a whole.
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
SSRIs are one of the most commonly prescribed antidepressant medications, used to treat anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders. SSRIs work by targeting serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps brain cells pass messages to each other. Examples include fluoxetine (Prozac), fluvoxamine (Luvox), citalopram (CeleXA), paroxetine (Paxil), and sertraline (Zoloft).
Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)
SNRIs are another type of medication used to treat anxiety. They work by increasing the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. This is done by blocking or delaying the reuptake of these neurotransmitters by the nerves. Some examples include venlafaxine (Effexor) and duloxetine (Cymbalta).
Short-Term or Situational Medications
These types of medications slow down the nervous system by telling your brain to release a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). It’s often used as a short-term way to help relax the body and reduce anxiety symptoms.
In some cases, short-term medications such as benzodiazepines may be considered. This could include lorazepam (Ativan) or clonazepam, depending upon a child’s unique situation. In other cases, options such as antihistamines like hydroxyzine or non-addictive medications like buspirone may be prescribed.
How Anxiety Medications Work in the Brain
Understanding Neurotransmitters
Anxiety medications work by helping to balance neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin and norepinephrine. This can help to improve emotional regulation, improve mood, and reduce anxiety symptoms.
How We Monitor Your Teen's Medication
Each teen is different and has unique needs. A one-size-fits-all treatment approach will not work. Instead, we use data gathered during your teen’s consultation and assessments to create a custom-tailored treatment plan. These plans are subject to frequent adjustments as needed, ensuring that your teen always gets the most effective treatments.
Mind Works offers outpatient treatment for children and teens in 1-hour-per-week sessions. Typical plans have 12 or more sessions, depending on individual needs.
Common Side Effects of Anxiety Meds for Teens
- Drowsiness
- Sleepiness
- Stomachaches
- Changes in appetite
Rare but Serious Side Effects
- Suicidal thoughts
- Mood changes
- When to contact your healthcare provider
Medication Monitoring & Adjustment
Adolescent psychiatry is different from that of adults, as a child’s brain is still growing and changing. As a result, great care is taken to ensure the type of medication and dosages used are safe and appropriate for your child. Check-ins are frequent with our licensed psychiatrists and nurse practitioners to ensure your teen’s well-being. We will help you and your teen get into the routine of safely using medications as directed.
Please note that it can take up to 6 weeks for a medication to cause noticeable differences. Adjustments may take time, but they are necessary for finding the correct dosage or combination of medications.
What Parents Should Expect Over Time
Ideally, parents can expect noticeable progress and improvements in their children’s mental health over time. Frequent check-ins with their medical provider can help ensure progress.
Setting Goals That Support Long-Term Progress
Throughout treatment, our providers will help you and your teen set goals. Big goals are often broken down into smaller and more achievable goals. This prevents your teen from becoming discouraged or burning out, which renders treatment ineffective. Goals are not just for your teen, but yourself as well, to help improve relationships and encourage healthy habits.
What to Expect From the First Medication Session
Parent-Only Intake & Evaluation
The first session is the intake session, which is designed for parents only. Here you will meet your child’s therapist to discuss and define the counseling relationship. Your therapist will gather information about your child’s biological, psychological, and social history, and how this is impacting your current situation. You and your therapist will also discuss treatment goals moving forward and begin setting up appointments for your child.
Ongoing Collaboration With Caregivers
Our goal is to help you feel supported and understood. At Mind Works, we strive to include parents as partners in the process. We will set up a feedback session over the next 5-8 weeks where you and your therapist can discuss progress, ongoing treatment goals, and provide parental guidance and support.
Therapy Alongside Medication
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Anxiety
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can be a helpful tool in treating anxiety because it can help young people recognize negative thought and behavior patterns. At that point, they can begin to replace negative patterns with more positive patterns.
Why Psychotherapy Improves Medication Outcomes
Psychotherapy can improve medication outcomes by providing the tools necessary for young people to manage their anxiety symptoms moving forward. It also helps to get to the root cause of anxiety and other mental health conditions.
When to Seek Professional Help for Teen Anxiety
Signs Your Teen May Need Medication Support
It’s normal for your teen to experience anxiety here and there. However, it becomes a concern when it begins to interfere with their daily life. If your teen has a noticeable decline in physical health, stops participating in social activities, struggles in school, or has frequent panic attacks, it’s time to seek help from a professional.
Anxiety Medication Management for Teens Across San Antonio
Mind Works serves families throughout Greater San Antonio and the surrounding region.
We currently have five locations across the area:
- San Antonio North (UTSA)
- San Antonio Hollywood Park
- San Antonio Westover Hills
- Schertz
- New Braunfels
Whether you’re searching for teen anxiety treatment in San Antonio, adolescent anxiety medication in Schertz, or mental health care for your teen in New Braunfels, our Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners and clinical team are here. We accept most major commercial insurance plans, including Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Humana, Optum, United, Tricare, and others. Call to verify your plan.
Meet Our Expert Team
Our team of mental health care professionals is ready and waiting to help you and your loved ones find peace and healing.
Shawna Torres
LCSW
Keeley Armes
LPC, TF-CBT
Robert Wilcox
LPC
Ashley Briggs
APRN-CNP, PMHNP-BC
Cheryl D. Kelley
LPC, Assessments
Lydia Ehrmann
LMFT
Contact Mind Works Today to Set Your Child on a Path to Success
If you have questions, concerns, or want to start your teen on the path to recovery, contact us today. You don’t need to fear judgment or stigma from our compassionate and caring team. Our staff is standing by to help.
Frequently Asked Questions About Anxiety Medication for Teens
Yes. Antidepressants are an effective way to help adolescents struggling with mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety. SSRIs have been tested in this age group and thus used most for them. At Mind Works, we refer to organizations such as the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP), which provide guidance on safe prescription and monitoring of symptoms.
However, all medications can be dangerous if used incorrectly or not as directed by a doctor. Children and teens utilizing antidepressants must be monitored carefully, as negative side effects are possible.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most commonly prescribed anti-anxiety medication for teens. Some of the medications most commonly prescribed to teens are fluoxetine, sertraline, paroxetine, and escitalopram (Lexapro). Your teens’ treatment team will work closely with them and you to find the right medication.
Yes. There is no minimum age cutoff for anxiety medication in adolescents. Several SSRIs are FDA-approved for use in children as young as 7–8; others are used in teens based on substantial clinical evidence. Younger teens are evaluated more thoroughly, started on lower doses, and monitored more closely. If your 13, 14, or 15-year-old is significantly impaired by anxiety, medication may be an appropriate part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
Ages 13–14: Thorough evaluation, conservative starting doses, frequent early check-ins. The clinical bar for prescribing is high at this age, which is appropriate.
Ages 15–16: Mid-adolescence is when anxiety often becomes most clinically significant. SSRIs are well-studied at this age and have a strong safety record with proper monitoring.
Age 17: Treatment decisions are similar to older teens. We also begin discussing the transition to adult care if relevant to your teen’s situation.
SSRIs are currently the only anti-anxiety medications that have been extensively tested for safety and efficacy in adolescents. That’s why they are considered the safest option when medicating children and teens for anxiety.
Daily long-term medications, such as SSRIs, may take up to 2 to 6 weeks to take full effect.
The side effects of anti-anxiety medications like SSRIs and SNRIs range in severity depending on the specific drug. However, some can expect to experience minor side effects, such as:
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Excessive sweating
- Headache
- Nausea
- Drowsiness / Fatigue
- Constipation
- Insomnia
- Loss of appetite
In rare cases, serious side effects can occur, including an increased risk or worsening of suicidal thoughts and self-harm. It’s important to check in with your teen often to see how they feel and listen closely to their doctors and care team.
Anti-anxiety medication may also cause withdrawal symptoms in your teen if they suddenly stop taking it. Psychiatric medications of all types must be weaned off slowly to be safe. Some withdrawal symptoms include:
- Vivid nightmares or dreams
- Nausea/vomiting
- Dizziness
- Burning, tingling, or shock-like sensations
- Flu-like symptoms, such as head and body aches, sweating, and fatigue
Your teen should never suddenly stop taking psychiatric medication without first speaking to a psychiatrist or their primary care doctor.
Yes, anxiety medication can dramatically help reduce panic attacks by helping to calm the nervous system and improve emotional regulation.
Some potential side effects of SSRIs and SNRIs in teens may include nausea, headaches, trouble sleeping, sweating, changes in appetite, and fatigue.
SSRIs are the most commonly prescribed first-line option for teen anxiety — sertraline (Zoloft), fluoxetine (Prozac), and escitalopram (Lexapro) are most frequently used. The right choice depends on your teen’s specific anxiety disorder, whether depression is also present, their age and weight, and how they’ve responded to prior treatments. There is no universal best, only what fits your teen’s specific clinical picture.
Success Stories
“Highly recommend Mind Works. I am a clinician in Illinois and needed to find a clinic in Texas that could provide services to my client that was moving. This is no easy feat to do across the United States. Mind Works was fabulous to work with from the very beginning. Coordination of care was 5 stars and my “previous” client is very happy with their new counselor. Thank you very much for going above and beyond during this difficult time so many other counseling offices are facing. I appreciate all the help and coordination you offered my client!”
“I have known the owners for over 8 years and have taken a family member to Mind Works. Therefore, I can speak of them both personally and professionally. There truly is no better place for this service, especially for children and young adults. On the personal level, I know how much they truly care about everyone they meet. On a professional level, the entire staff is a reflection of the dedication to helping others and competence that gets results that the owners exude. During the incredibly trying time of this pandemic and the fear and anxiety it has caused many people, we are incredibly blessed to have Mind Works available to support.”
“The front desk staff is kind and courteous and helped me find the right therapist for my child. When I met my therapist she was kind and explained the process to me. I love that she included me in the play therapy process and helped me understand how to help my child. Thankful for the therapists at Mind Works!”
“Mindworks is the leader in child centered play therapy and collaborative care in San Antonio and surrounding areas. Their focus is solely on the mental health of children and teenagers. Each clinician at all four locations is seasoned, knowledgeable, experienced, and capable. Parents trust that their child is going to get the treatment and services they need and deserve.
I thoroughly enjoyed working as a clinician at Mindworks. The support and leadership is consistent and outstanding. Unlike any other job that I have had, leadership and clinicians work together to cultivate an awesome work environment.”