Child and Teen Anxiety Therapy
I’m a PhD clinical psychologist specializing in therapy for anxiety on the Upper West Side of Manhattan.
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Does Dr. Castro offer child anxiety therapy on the Upper West Side?
Yes, I’m a clinical psychologist specializing in therapy for child anxiety, teen anxiety, and OCD with families on the Upper West Side and throughout New York City.
Many parents of anxious children feel overwhelmed by their child’s anxiety, which can disrupt daily life.
Does your child’s anxiety seem to take over, making it hard for them to enjoy activities or even get through the day? Are you constantly trying to calm your child’s worries but still can’t comfort the anxiety away?
You’re not alone. Many parents feel helpless when their child has worries or fears about things that are harmless.
Encouraging your child to relax or be brave can seem to make them feel even worse. It might seem like no matter what you do, the anxiety and fear only get worse and control more of your child and family’s life.
Like with adults, anxiety often needs more than just time to get better—it needs the right kind of help to make a lasting difference.
What kinds of anxiety does Dr. Castro help children and teens overcome?
Does Dr. Castro help with perfectionism and performance anxiety?
Yes. Dr. Castro treats perfectionism, procrastination, and performance anxiety in children, teens, and young adults, including high-achieving students whose standards have started working against them. Therapy builds concrete skills: loosening rigid rules, tolerating “good enough,” and facing avoided tasks step by step.
What techniques does Dr. Castro use for child anxiety therapy?
I use three main therapeutic strategies, each designed to address anxiety in children and teens while empowering you as a parent to support your child’s progress.
At the core of my approach is the belief that anxiety disorders can be managed effectively with the right tools and support.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a proven, evidence-based treatment that helps children and teens understand the connection between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. For anxiety, the key technique within CBT is exposure therapy, where we gradually help your child face their fears in a controlled and supportive way. Whether they’re facing separation anxiety or perfectionism, this method allows them to build confidence and reduce their anxiety over time.
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), a variant of CBT, is the gold standard for treating OCD.
Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE)
SPACE is a unique treatment focused entirely on you, the caregiver. It’s designed to help you recognize and adjust behaviors that may unintentionally reinforce your child’s anxiety.
You have an important role to play in child anxiety therapy.
By learning how to respond differently, you can help reduce your child’s anxiety and improve your family’s overall stress levels.
Coaching Approach behavior and Leading by Modeling (PCIT-CALM)
This approach combines elements of CBT and SPACE with live coaching, making it ideal for younger children (ages 3-7). Through PCIT-CALM, I work with you in real-time to guide your responses to your child’s anxiety, helping you model calm and confident behavior that your child can emulate.
All approaches are designed to be practical, hands-on, and immediately applicable in daily life. Whether we work together virtually or in person, the skills you’ll gain are ones you can use every day to feel more confident, courageous, and in control.
What results can families expect from child anxiety therapy?
Many patients and families report:
About Dr. Castro
I provide virtual and in-person child anxiety therapy on the Upper West Side and throughout New York City for kids, teens, and young adults.
Since 2016, I’ve been dedicated to helping young people navigate the challenges of anxiety and related disorders, providing them and their families with the tools and support they need.
My approach is grounded in evidence-based practices, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), refined through years of clinical experience and specialized training.
Together, we’ll work to understand the unique challenges you or your child faces and develop practical strategies to help them thrive at home, in school, and in their relationships.
Credentials:
Education:
- B.A. in Psychology and Anthropology from Wesleyan University
- Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from DePaul University
- Predoctoral Internship at Columbia University Medical Center/NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital
- Postdoctoral Fellowship at Columbia University Medical Center/NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital
- Certified PCIT therapist
Professional Experience:
- Practice focusing on children, teens, and families since 2016
- Developed and led a program to increase access to evidence-based treatments for low-income youth of color at Columbia/NYP
- Taught third-year medical students at Columbia University about ADHD and disruptive behavior disorders
- Co-founder and Executive Director of Healwise (formerly Therapy4thePeople), a nonprofit dedicated to increasing access to mental healthcare for underserved communities
Affiliations:
- American Psychological Association (APA)
- Society for Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology (APA Division 53)
- PCIT International
- New York State Psychological Association; Council member and Programming Committee Co-Chair
- International OCD Foundation
Interested in child anxiety therapy on the Upper West Side?
Schedule a free 20-minute consultation using the button below.