Social anxiety disorder: recognition, assessment and treatment

Information for parents and carers

If your child is mature enough to make their own decisions, the health and social care team should ask them how they would like you to be involved. They should ask your child this again from time to time in case they change their mind. You should be involved in your child's assessment if possible. For more information about assessment for children see Assessment and diagnosis for children and young people.

Your child should be offered a psychological therapy called cognitive behavioural therapy ('CBT' for short) adapted for social anxiety disorder, and you may be asked to be involved with the treatment, especially if your child is young. The therapist should give you information about social anxiety disorder and discuss it with you, and support you in helping your child to get the most out of treatment. For more information see Treatment for children and young people.

If you are not able to attend all of the meetings to discuss your child's assessment and treatment, the healthcare team should give you written information.

As a parent or a carer, you may need help and support yourself. The health and social care team should offer you an assessment of your own needs, including personal, social and emotional support, emergency plans, and advice and help to get practical support. They may also provide childcare if you have any other children to allow you to be involved in your child's assessment and treatment.