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The Cool Kids Anxiety Program

anxiety management program | ages 7-17

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.

Children and teens developing confidence
cbt-based
PARENT SUPPORTED
gradual exposure
CONFIDENCE & RESILIENCE

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

  • Age Range 7–17 years (child and adolescent groups available)
  • Eligibility Suitable for children and adolescents experiencing anxiety, including social anxiety, separation anxiety, and specific fears
  • Funding Options NDIS (Self and Plan-Managed), Medicare and private options available
  • Schedule On demand
  • 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

  • DURATION 10-week program
  • FORMAT Weekly 90 minute sessions for children/teens and parents
  • APPROACH CBT-based learning incorporating guided practice and real-world application
  • PARENT COMPONENT Parents attend concurrent sessions and and are supported in their role as social coaches
  • 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:

  • FACE-TO-FACE (Mascot Clinic) Structured sessions in a supportive, therapeutic environment
  • 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.

Feedback & Complaints

We are committed to providing a high standard of care and a positive experience for all individuals and families who access our services.

If something hasn’t met your expectations, we welcome your feedback. Sharing your concerns helps us understand your experience and make improvements where needed.

You are welcome to raise feedback directly with your clinician or contact our team using the form below. All feedback is taken seriously and will be responded to in a respectful and timely manner.

Book A

FREE CONSULT

Book a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation with one of our Psychologists. This is a chance to ask questions, discuss your concerns, and get guidance on the most suitable next step - whether that’s therapy, assessment, a group program, or another support option.

There is no pressure to proceed.

LET'S FIND THE RIGHT SUPPORT FOR YOU

Please fill out the form below and our team will be in touch to arrange your free 15-minute consultation with a Psychologist.