Evidence-based Tools and Techniques for Helping Anxious Youth
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Anxiety is the most common mental health concern facing children and adolescents today, and it’s getting worse.
Overview
As a provider, you won’t just occasionally encounter anxiety. You’ll see it every day. To show up effectively, you need more than basic knowledge and good intentions. You need a solid foundation and a toolkit that actually works.
This practical, no-fluff training is designed to give you both.
Designed by psychologist Dr. Ashley Smith, who has spent over 20 years specializing in pediatric anxiety, this session moves beyond textbook definitions to help you truly understand anxiety from the inside out. You’ll learn the brain science behind anxiety in a way that’s clear and easy to explain to young clients. You’ll also explore a flexible, real-world framework for case conceptualization and treatment planning.
Most importantly, you’ll walk away with a menu of concrete, evidence-based interventions spanning four categories: relaxation strategies, mindfulness tools, cognitive techniques, and behavioral interventions. You’ll learn how and when to use a variety of specific techniques. You’ll learn what works, how to teach it, when to skip it, and how to keep kids and teens engaged in the process.
Whether you’re new to working with anxious youth or just need a refresh, this training will leave you feeling more confident, competent, and ready to help.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this seminar, participants will:
- Explain the neurobiological underpinnings of anxiety in children and teens, including the roles of the amygdala and prefrontal cortex.
- Differentiate between supportive and unhelpful caregiver responses to youth anxiety.
- Demonstrate at least three evidence-based intervention techniques from each of the following domains: relaxation, mindfulness, cognitive, and behavioral.
- Apply a decision-making framework to select and sequence anxiety interventions based on individual client needs and treatment goals.
Tuition
- $80 – Registration Fee
- $60– Alumni, Field Instructor, FFL, Current Adelphi University School of Social Work Adjunct Rate
- $45 – Veterans Rate
- Free with Promo Code – Current Adelphi University Students
Faculty Bio
Dr. Ashley Smith
Dr. Ashley Smith is a licensed clinical psychologist and recognized expert in anxiety and related disorders. She earned her PhD in clinical psychology from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2007 and completed her predoctoral internship at Children’s Mercy Hospital. She then joined Omaha Children’s Hospital, where she helped develop their dedicated anxiety services, before transitioning to a senior staff psychologist role at a nationally recognized anxiety specialty center in Kansas City.
In 2017, Dr. Ashley established a successful private practice, where she provided evidence-based treatment for anxiety and OCD until 2025, when she shifted her focus to speaking, teaching, and writing. She is an adjunct faculty member at Kansas City University and has extensive experience providing education, supervision, and consultation to mental health professionals at various levels of training.
Dr. Ashley has authored numerous publications, including peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, and online educational content, as well as two books: Childhood Anxiety Disorders and The Way I See It: A Psychologist’s Guide to a Happier Life. A long-time member of the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, she was honored with their Special Recognition Award for public outreach.
She regularly presents workshops and trainings at both local and national levels. Her work focuses on the practical application of cognitive behavioral therapy, positive psychology, and applied neuroscience to improve clinical outcomes for individuals struggling with anxiety. This commitment to expanding access to evidence-based psychological tools led to the creation of Peak Mind: The Center for Psychological Strength, which she co-founded in 2019.
Credentialing Information
Successful completion for the award of approved continuing education credits requires attendance at the entire training/workshop and submission of a completed evaluation form.
CEs: 3
See full credentialing information and CEUs.
Cancellation Policy
Unfortunately, we cannot provide refunds for cancellations made seven working days or fewer before the event for any reason—or for no-shows. We can provide credit towards a future workshop up to 24 hours before the event. After that, no credit will be issued.
Accessibility Statement
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Adelphi University require that all events be accessible. To request a reasonable accommodation, please contact the event host identified on the event webpage; please allow for a reasonable time frame. The event host, when necessary, will collaborate with the Student Access Office.