Child & Teen Anxiety & OCD Therapy

Childhood anxiety doesn't always look like "worry." It looks like a child refusing to go to school, a teen stuck in a loop of "checking" and "perfectionism," or a family that has shrunk its world to avoid a meltdown. At PPG, we don’t just "talk" about anxiety—we give your child the tools to outsmart it. We help your family move from a state of avoidance to a state of brave, active living.

Our approach

The Insight

We help your child (and you) understand the "Anxiety Monster." We externalize the worry, helping the child see that the "sticky thoughts" or the "scary feelings" are just false alarms from a noisy brain. Understanding the mechanics of anxiety takes away its mystery and its power.

The Action

We utilize "Exposure" in a way that is safe and supportive. Whether it’s facing a social fear or resisting an OCD compulsion, we don’t push—we partner. We build a "Bravery Ladder," helping your child take small, successful steps toward the things they’ve been avoiding.

Clinical methods

CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)

The gold standard for identifying the "bossy thoughts" and replacing them with "brave thoughts."

ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention)

The specialized, protocol-driven treatment for Pediatric OCD. We help kids learn they can handle the "uncomfortable feeling" without having to do the ritual.

The SPACE Protocol

A unique, parent-based program (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) that helps parents reduce the "accommodations" that accidentally keep anxiety growing.

Play-Based Exposure

For younger children, we use games and creative play to practice being "brave" in low-stakes environments.

How specialties work together at PPG

The PPG Difference: Anxiety is a family affair. If your child is struggling, your marriage or your own stress levels are likely feeling the heat.

"At PPG, your child’s therapist can consult with our in-house couples therapists or adult specialists. We ensure the parents are supported just as much as the child, creating a unified 'shield' against the anxiety cycle."

Your team

Meet our specialists in this area

Valerie Scelsa, PhD

Valerie Scelsa, PhD

Licensed Clinical Psychologist

As an anxiety and OCD specialist and family systems clinician, Dr. Scelsa integrates gold-standard ERP, CBT, and parent-led SPACE frameworks to guide youth, young adults, and parents through phobias, obsessive-compulsive loops, and behavioral challenges.

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Jessica Duffy, LCSW

Jessica Duffy, LCSW

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

As an integrative clinical social worker specializing in youth and adult empowerment, Jessica Duffy utilizes tailored CBT, ACT, and relationship frameworks to support families and couples navigating ADHD, acute anxiety, and complex life transitions.

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Megan Sedita, PsyD

Megan Sedita, PsyD

Licensed Clinical Psychologist

As a compassionate trauma and relational clinician, Dr. Sedita utilizes evidence-based CBT, DBT, and Gottman frameworks to help individuals and couples safely process complex stress, regulate intense emotions, and restore intimacy.

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Emily Mudge, LCSW

Emily Mudge, LCSW

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

As an integrative psychotherapist and parent coach, Emily Mudge combines child behavior therapy with structured parenting frameworks to help families master emotional resilience, break old patterns, and cultivate intentional connections.

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Lily Brown, PhD

Lily Brown, PhD

Clinical Psychologist, Postdoctoral Resident

Combining evidence-based therapies with a collaborative, relational style, Dr. Brown supports individuals navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, and life’s transitions.

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Melissa Klay, PhD, LCAT, ATR-BC

Melissa Klay, PhD, LCAT, ATR-BC

Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Director of Art Therapy Program

A dual-licensed psychologist, board-certified art therapist, and tenured professor utilizing 25+ years of mastery to treat complex trauma, childhood anxiety and behavioral challenges, eating disorders, and emotional dysregulation.

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Kate Testa, MA

Kate Testa, MA

Art Therapist in Residence

Utilizing creative art therapy to help children and adolescents process big emotions, build confidence, and safely navigate learning and behavioral differences.

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