​Welcome to the Anxiety Treatment Center of Greenwich. The center was founded by Jill Vaughan Tesei and Maryellen Pachler Kennell and specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of anxiety disorders in children and adolescents. 

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Anxiety is the number one mental health problem in America, and affects 1 in 8, or 13%, of our youth. Anxiety disorders are characterized by persistent, irrational and overwhelming worry and fear. Symptoms can vary from patient to patient, but often include irritability, sleeplessness, jitteriness, as well as physical symptoms such as headaches and stomachaches. Ultimately they can cause significant distress and affect how the brain operates, impairing social, academic, and family functioning. This can prevent children from making friends, maintaining relationships or participating in school, social and extracurricular activities.



While feeling ashamed, afraid, alone and angry are common reactions to anxiety, research shows that, if left untreated, children with anxiety disorders are likely to also develop additional anxiety disorders, predilection to substance abuse, depression, and other mental illnesses. Anxiety disorders can co-occur with other psychiatric disorders such as depression, eating disorders, and ADHD.



Thankfully there are several options and approaches to treating and alleviating the symptoms associated with anxiety, especially if diagnosed early. If you’ve recognized these symptoms or characteristics in your children, please call The Anxiety Treatment Center of Greenwich at 203.769.1365 to learn more.