The Cool Kids Anxiety Program
Practical Skills for Managing Anxiety and Facing Fears
The Cool Kids Anxiety Program is a widely used, evidence-informed intervention grounded in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), designed to support children and adolescents in managing anxiety and building confidence.
This structured, skills-based program equips young people and their families with practical tools to understand how anxiety impacts thoughts, feelings, and behaviours, and to respond in more flexible and effective ways.
Through guided sessions, participants are supported to face fears gradually, build coping strategies, and apply these skills across home, school, and everyday situations. Parents are actively involved throughout the program, supporting the reinforcement of skills beyond the clinic.
Why This Program Matters
Anxiety is a common experience for many children and adolescents and can impact school participation, friendships, confidence, and daily functioning.
This program provides a structured, step-by-step approach to understanding and responding to anxiety, supporting young people to gradually face fears, build confidence, and develop skills that can be used in everyday life.
Parent Involvement
Parent involvement is a core component of the program. Parents attend sessions alongside their child and are supported with practical strategies to reinforce progress, guide gradual exposure, and support anxiety management at home. This collaborative approach supports consistency across environments and encourages the application of skills in everyday situations.
Program Details
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Age Range 7–17 years (child and adolescent groups available)
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Eligibility Suitable for children and adolescents experiencing anxiety, including social anxiety, separation anxiety, and specific fears
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Funding Options NDIS (Self and Plan-Managed), Medicare and private options available
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Schedule On demand
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get started Contact our team to learn more, discuss suitability, and secure a place in the next group
Who This Program May Be Suitable For
This program may be a good fit if your child or teen:
- Experiences excessive worry, fears, or avoidance
- Struggles with separation anxiety, social anxiety, or specific fears
- Avoids situations such as school, social activities, or new experiences
- Finds it difficult to cope with uncertainty or change
- Would benefit from structured, practical strategies to manage anxiety
- Has a diagnosis of an anxiety disorder or significant anxiety symptoms
Skills Developed
Participants develop practical, evidence-based skills across key areas:
Understanding Anxiety
- Recognising how anxiety affects thoughts, feelings, and behaviours
- Identifying physical signs of anxiety
- Building awareness of triggers
Thinking Skills
- Developing more flexible and realistic thinking
- Challenging unhelpful thought patterns
- Building confidence in managing worries
Coping and Regulation
- Learning relaxation and calming strategies
- Problem-solving skills
- Managing uncertainty and emotional responses
Facing Fears and Building Confidence
- Gradual exposure using “stepladder” approaches
- Increasing independence over time
- Building confidence through supported real-world practice
What Makes This Program Different
- Evidence-informed CBT program used internationally
- Structured, step-by-step approach to managing anxiety
- Strong focus on gradual exposure and real-world application
- Active parent involvement to support skill development
- Adaptations available for neurodivergent children
- Practical tools that can be used across school, home, and community settings
What You Can Expect
This program is designed to support children and adolescents to:
- Reduce experiences of anxiety and avoidance
- Build confidence in facing feared situations
- Develop coping and emotional regulation skills
- Increase independence in everyday activities
- Strengthen resilience and problem-solving abilities
Program Structure
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DURATION 10-week program
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FORMAT Weekly 90 minute sessions for children/teens and parents
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APPROACH CBT-based learning incorporating guided practice and real-world application
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PARENT COMPONENT Parents attend concurrent sessions and and are supported in their role as social coaches
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PRACTICE BETWEEN SESSIONS Weekly tasks to support the application of skills in everyday situations
Research and Evidence
The Cool Kids Anxiety Program is supported by extensive international research and clinical trials. Research has shown:
- Up to 85% of participants no longer meet criteria for their primary anxiety disorder following completion
- Significant reductions in anxiety symptoms and avoidance behaviours
- Improved coping skills, confidence, and emotional regulation
- Increased confidence in managing feared situations
- Long-term maintenance of treatment gains over time
The program has been implemented across multiple countries and settings, with strong evidence supporting its effectiveness for children and adolescents with a range of anxiety presentations. This body of research highlights the value of structured, CBT-based approaches in supporting children and adolescents experiencing anxiety. Outcomes may vary depending on individual factors, and participation does not guarantee specific results.
Delivery Options
This program is available through flexible delivery options:
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FACE-TO-FACE (Mascot Clinic) Structured sessions in a supportive, therapeutic environment
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SCHOOL-BASED DELIVERY Available in selected settings to support generalisation of skills
Finding the Right Support
We understand that seeking support for anxiety can feel challenging at times. Our team is here to guide you through the process, helping you understand your child’s needs and determine whether the Cool Kids Anxiety Program is the right fit, or recommend the most appropriate support option.
Ready to support your child or teen in managing anxiety and building confidence?
Contact our team to learn more or secure a place in the next Cool Kids Anxiety Program.