Teen & School Anxiety Therapy in Ohio

Online sessions for teens and their parents, anywhere in Ohio. Daytime appointments on Mondays & Fridays.

Does this sound familiar?

Maybe your teen:

  • Has stomachaches or headaches before school, but feels fine on weekends

  • Melts down over homework or shuts down completely

  • Has started missing more school than you're comfortable with

  • Seems irritable, withdrawn, or lacking motivation

  • Worries constantly about grades, friends, or what others think

  • Is avoidant of school related activities

  • Is in online school or homeschool and still struggling to keep up

You're not overreacting, and you're not doing it wrong. School anxiety is common, and it's very treatable.

Ohio therapist Bree Ruoff smiling while playing a block-stacking game, a playful way to build coping skills

How therapy can help

We'll work together to figure out how to best help your child. We determine triggers and set goals. Whether it’s increased confidence related to school or improving attendance, your child will learn real tools to help them succeed.

Using CBT and emotional regulation skills, we'll:

  • Identify triggers. Pinpoint what's driving the avoidance: academic pressure, social worries, or something else.

  • Build coping skills. Real life tools for the racing thoughts and physical symptoms.

  • Take gradual steps. Ease back toward school at a pace that's challenging but doable.

  • Coordinate with school. Advocacy and communication with the school, as needed.

Parents are part of this too. You're not just leaving your kid to chat for an hour each week. I'll help you understand what's driving the behaviors and how to respond at home in a way that helps instead of accidentally reinforcing the anxiety.

Pink zinnias growing along a quiet Ohio road at sunset

Who I work with

I work with:

  • Teens (or young adults) dealing with school anxiety, school avoidance or school refusal

  • Students in online school, homeschool, or flexible schedules

  • College students navigating anxiety and big transitions

  • Parents who want coaching and at-home strategies

Sessions are during the day, so this works best for students with flexible or online schedules.

What online sessions look like

All sessions are held by secure video using Sessions Health, so you can join from home, your car on a lunch break, or anywhere private in Ohio. No commute, no waiting room.

  • When: Daytime sessions on Mondays & Fridays

  • Length: About 60 minutes

  • First step: A free consult call to see if we're a good fit

Insurance & fees

  • In-network: Aetna, Medical Mutual (more to come)

  • Also accepted: OhioHealth EAP

  • Self-pay: $150 per session, with a sliding scale available

Not sure about your coverage? Reach out and I'm happy to help you!

Bree Ruoff with the Wild Blooms Wellness team outdoors in Ohio

Hi, I'm Bree

I'm a Licensed Independent Social Worker - Supervisor (LISW-S) who has spent 11+ years working in schools and helping kids and teens untangle anxious thoughts. I know what school avoidance looks like from the inside, and I know how exhausting it can be for the whole family. I am offering online therapy sessions through Wild Blooms Wellness.

Bree Ruoff, LISW-S, online therapist in Ohio, standing outdoors

Common questions

Is this anxiety, or is my teen just trying to get out of school?
It's often anxiety. Avoidance brings short-term relief, which makes the anxiety stronger over time. We'll look at what's really going on.

Do parents join sessions?
Often, yes. Parent involvement is one of the biggest factors in helping school avoidance- or any behavior- improve.

Can you talk with my teen's school?
Yes, with your permission. I can help coordinate supports and advocate for what your teen needs.

What happens in the first session?
We'll talk about what's bringing you in, what you'd like to change, and how we'll work toward it.

School doesn't have to feel this hard.
Book a free consult and let's talk about what your teen needs.

If this is an emergency or you're in a mental health crisis, please call or text 988, or call 911.