Many babies and toddlers go through a normal stage of separation anxiety and outgrow it, usually by around age 2. Separation anxiety disorder is different: the fear of being away from home or loved ones is more intense, lasts longer and gets in the way of school, sleep or everyday routines. It is more commonly seen in children, but it can also affect adults.
At The Anxiety Treatment Center of Greenwich, we treat separation anxiety as part of our specialized care for children, teens and adults, and we work closely with families along the way. You can read about other signs and types of anxiety on our Understanding Anxiety page.
Separation anxiety can look different at every age, and it can resurface during stressful periods. Signs may include:
Extreme upset when it’s time to say goodbye to a parent or caregiver, or when a separation is coming up.
Persistent worry that something bad will happen to a parent or caregiver while you’re apart.
Reluctance or refusal to go to school, not wanting to sleep without a caregiver nearby, or nightmares.
Recurring headaches, stomachaches or other complaints, especially before school or other separations.
When a child struggles to separate, the whole family often feels it. Family members may adjust routines or avoid certain situations to accommodate anxiety-related distress, which is completely understandable when you’re trying to help a child you love.
That’s why parent guidance is part of our work with children and teens. We coach parents as “anxiety coaches” so new skills are reinforced at home. If your child speaks freely at home but goes quiet at school, you may also want to read about selective mutism. If worries reach well beyond separation, learn about generalized anxiety disorder.
When separation anxiety persists or is severe, help is available. Approaches can include counseling for parents and children, family involvement and education, and, in some cases, medication.
As a Greenwich, CT practice focused on anxiety, we take a personalized, evidence-based approach centered on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), with gradual exposure in a safe, supportive environment and close work with parents. When appropriate, care can include careful, collaborative medication support. Learn more about our treatment and therapy options.
A few simple steps help us get to know your family.
Treatment is designed around age, symptoms and goals, and for children we often work closely with parents.
Separation anxiety is a normal developmental stage for babies and toddlers and usually eases by around age 2. If severe separation anxiety continues past that age, it’s worth having it evaluated.
Yes. Separation anxiety is more commonly seen in children, but it can also affect adults. We provide care for adults as well as children and teens.
For children and teens, we often work closely with parents, coaching them as “anxiety coaches” to reinforce skills and support progress at home.
We don’t bill insurance directly, but we encourage you to explore your out-of-network benefits. Our services are generally reimbursed by health savings accounts.
If separations have become a daily struggle, you don’t have to figure it out alone. Call our office at (203) 769-1365 or reach out through our contact page.
We provide expert diagnosis and evidence-based treatment for anxiety disorders in children, adolescents, and adults—helping individuals and families move forward with clarity and confidence.
© 2026 All Rights Reserved | Anxiety Treatment Center of Greenwich | Privacy Policy | Terms and Conditions
Website design and marketing by J Curve Advertising
