David Pecoraro
LMFT · 37 years' experience · Specializes in Separation Anxiety
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Your results indicate that you may be experiencing extreme separation anxiety.
Chat online with a therapist who specializes in Separation Anxiety
Based on your answers, these symptoms seem to be greatly interfering with managing the tasks and responsibilities of everyday life.
These results do not mean that you have separation anxiety, but it may be time to start a conversation with your doctor or a mental health professional. Finding the right treatment plan and working with your doctor, healthcare provider or a support person can help you feel more like you again.
This screen is not meant to be a diagnosis. Diagnosis and care of mental health conditions can be difficult. Having symptoms of separation anxiety is different than having separation anxiety. In addition, symptoms of separation anxiety can be caused by other mental health conditions, such as social anxiety, generalized anxiety, or panic disorder and you may want to take these other screens that we have available. Only a trained professional, such as a doctor or a mental health provider, can make this determination. However, by printing the results and bringing them to your doctor or therapist, you can open up the conversation.
Separation Anxiety is characterized by excessive fear or anxiety about being apart from attachment figures, such as parents, partners, or close family members. Symptoms include persistent worry about the safety of loved ones, fear of being separated, nightmares about separation, and physical symptoms like stomachaches or headaches when separation occurs or is anticipated. Individuals may avoid situations that require them to be alone or away from their attachment figures, which can impact daily life, social activities, and school or work performance.
Separation Anxiety is commonly associated with children, but it can also affect adults. Approximately 1-2% of adults experience Separation Anxiety Disorder, often linked to childhood experiences, stressful life events, or preexisting anxiety disorders. In children, Separation Anxiety Disorder affects about 4% of kids and is a normal developmental phase, though it can become problematic if it persists and impacts daily functioning.
Separation Anxiety is often treated with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which helps individuals identify and challenge anxious thoughts about separation and develop coping skills. Exposure therapy may also be used to gradually help individuals become more comfortable with separation. Online counseling offers a convenient way for both children and adults to receive therapy, learn anxiety-management techniques, and work on gradually reducing fears around separation.
Untreated Separation Anxiety can lead to ongoing emotional distress, social isolation, and difficulties in personal, academic, or work-related activities. In adults, it may contribute to relationship strain, as individuals may become overly dependent on loved ones for reassurance. Prolonged anxiety can also lead to the development of other mental health issues, such as depression or generalized anxiety disorder. Early intervention can help reduce symptoms, improve independence, and enhance quality of life.
Yes, online counseling can be an effective resource for managing Separation Anxiety. Virtual therapy provides a supportive environment to work on challenging anxious thoughts, learning coping skills, and gradually facing fears of separation. Online counseling offers flexibility, making it easier for individuals to maintain regular therapy sessions, which is especially helpful for those who may feel uncomfortable being away from their attachment figures in a traditional in-person setting.
We recommend online counseling which can be very effective at treating Separation Anxiety.
Online counseling allows you to receive care from a therapist via phone, video chat, or instant messaging. It can help address self-destructive behaviors, limiting beliefs, painful feelings, relationship issues, and more.
It is convenient for those who either cannot travel or would prefer not to meet with a therapist in-person. Starting at $65 per week, it can also be more affordable than in-person counseling and is available worldwide.
Separation Anxiety is real, common, and treatable with online counseling.
Specializes in Separation Anxiety
Stacy is an experienced, licensed Mental Health Professional who specializes in affordable online therapy offered through our partner, BetterHelp.
Get help from Stacy Brown, LPC
Online counseling allows you to receive care from a mental health practitioner via phone, video chat, or instant messaging. It is convenient for those who may have trouble getting to or would prefer not to have in-person therapy appointments. Starting at $65 per week, online counseling is generally more affordable than in-person counseling. A study by researchers at University of California, Berkeley found that online counseling can be just as effective as face-to-face therapy while being more convenient, affordable, and accessible.
4.9 stars · Offers Telehealth visits · Male · Licensed in California · FSA/HSA Eligible · Provides online counseling through BetterHelp
4.8 stars · Offers Telehealth visits · Male · Licensed in California and Missouri · Accepts Insurance · FSA/HSA Eligible · Provides online counseling through BetterHelp
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