About us

Welcome to Berkshire Child Anxiety Clinic.We offer a county-wide specialist service for the assessment and treatment of childhood anxiety problems among children aged 7- 12 years of age.

The clinic accepts referrals from health and education professionals who work with children (e.g. General Practitioners, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHs), school nurses.

For a full list of referrers click here.

If you are a concerned parent/ guardian of an anxious child please speak to your general practitioner or any of the professionals listed here to request a referral.

What is anxiety?

An anxiety disorder is a condition characterised by high levels of fear or worry that is getting in the way of the child's day to day life.

Common anxiety disorders include problems separating from a caregiver, difficulties in social situations (e.g. excessive worries about doing or saying something embarassing), excessive worry that is difficult to control, and fears of specific events or objects (phobias).

Common symptoms of anxiety disorders include frequent tummy aches or headaches, irritability or being easily upset, constant worrying, feelings of panic, sleeping problems, frequent reassurance seeking, muscle tension and concentration problems.

Anxiety Disorders are among the most common emotional and behavioural difficulties experienced by young people. They often persist and are sometimes associated with other difficulties in later life. They can interfere with children's social, academic and home life. It is important that anxious children be provided with help in overcoming their difficulties.

Who we treat

Berkshire Child Anxiety Clinic accepts referrals from health and education professionals who work with children across East and West Berkshire (e.g. general practitioners, child and adolescent mental health services, paediatricians). For a full list of referrers click here.

We are able to offer assessment to children aged 7-12 years of age. If the child meets diagnostic criteria for an anxiety disorder, and this is the main problem they are currently experiencing, we offer treatment. Worries or anxiety about a real life situation, such as bullying or family breakup might not meet the criteria for an anxiety disorder.

We are unable to accept children who have Autistic Spectrum Disorders or Learning Difficulties. We can, however, accept referrals for children with specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia or dyspraxia if they have clinically significant anxiety which is interfering in their everyday life.

Parents and referrers are welcome to contact the clinic if they wish to discuss whether a referral is appropriate. Please phone or email.