School refusal and academic anxiety affect a growing number of children and teens in New York City. According to research compiled by the American Academy of Pediatrics, approximately 5–15% of children experience school refusal at some point during their school years. In the competitive and high-pressure environment of NYC schools, academic stress can exacerbate avoidance behaviors, leading to declining performance, social isolation, and emotional distress.
At Mount Behavioral Health, we provide evidence-based therapy for school refusal and academic anxiety, helping children regain confidence, reduce avoidance, and thrive in both academic and social settings.
School refusal is when a child consistently avoids attending school due to emotional distress, which may include anxiety, fear, or depression. It differs from truancy because the child is reluctant to go to school rather than being defiant or seeking to skip classes.
School refusal is often linked to underlying emotional issues:
Academic anxiety is characterized by excessive worry about school performance, which can manifest as test anxiety, procrastination, or fear of failure. In NYC, high academic standards and large class sizes may amplify these challenges.
Symptoms include:
According to APA research, early intervention for academic anxiety improves both mental health outcomes and academic achievement, highlighting the importance of timely therapy.
CBT is one of the most effective treatments for school refusal and anxiety. Children learn to:
At Mount Behavioral Health, CBT sessions are tailored to NYC students, considering urban stressors and school-specific pressures.
Parental involvement is crucial in supporting children with school refusal. Parents learn to:
Mount Behavioral Health works closely with NYC schools to:
Gradual re-entry helps children return to school in manageable steps, starting with partial days or specific classes, then progressing to full attendance.
Techniques like deep breathing, guided imagery, and mindfulness exercises help children manage anxiety and regulate emotions.
Parents can take proactive steps to reduce school refusal and academic anxiety:
For more guidance, see the CDC’s resources on child anxiety and school mental health.
Children in New York City face unique challenges that can exacerbate school refusal:
Mount Behavioral Health’s services are accessible across all boroughs — Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, Bronx, and Staten Island — providing individualized support tailored to NYC families.
Ethan, a 10-year-old from Manhattan, developed severe school refusal after being bullied. Through CBT, parent coaching, and collaboration with his school, Ethan gradually returned to school full-time, regained confidence, and improved academically within four months.
Q: How do I know if my child’s avoidance is school refusal or truancy?
A: Children with school refusal want to avoid school due to emotional distress, whereas truancy often involves defiance or seeking to skip school.
Q: Can school refusal lead to long-term academic problems?
A: Yes. Untreated school refusal may result in chronic absenteeism, academic decline, and social isolation.
Q: How long does therapy take?
A: Many children benefit from 12–20 weekly sessions, but the duration depends on individual needs.
Q: Are there NYC-specific programs that support school attendance?
A: Yes. Schools often provide counseling, IEPs, and accommodations, which therapists can coordinate with for effective support.
By combining individual therapy, parental coaching, and school collaboration, children overcome avoidance, reduce anxiety, and achieve academic and social success.
School refusal and academic anxiety are challenging, but with early intervention, expert support, and consistent strategies, children can regain confidence, reduce stress, and thrive in school and life.
