Over 70% of children recover from anxiety with school-based mental health support

More than 7 out of 10 young people are overcoming anxiety with help from Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust’s school-based mental health teams. 
 
Anxiety is one of the fastest-growing reasons families each out for help, and in Kent and Medway they are offered digital therapy that provides support when most needed, alongside help from trained professionals. 
 
This approach is seeing young people overcome anxiety and feel more like themselves again. 71.4% of children aged 5 to 12 were considered recovered after the 7-week course, while 77% of teenagers no longer met the criteria for social anxiety disorder. 
 
Sara Boorman, Interim Service Director for Children’s Mental Health and All Age Eating Disorder Services at Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust, said: “When you live with anxiety things that many of us take for granted, like going to school or seeing friends, can feel incredibly hard. It can affect whole families too, especially when parents or carers see their child struggling and want to know how best to help. 
 
“These digital treatments mean our teams can offer support where young people feel comfortable, at a time that they most need it, while still having regular contact with therapists. The results are really encouraging, but what matters most is seeing children regain their confidence and get back to the everyday things they enjoy.” 
 
OSI (Online Support and Intervention) has been available since 2023 for children aged 5 to 12. It helps parents deliver Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) strategies at home with their child, supported by a therapist, without needing formal CBT training. 
 
In 2025, OSCA (Online Social Anxiety Cognitive Therapy for Adolescents) was introduced for 13 to 18 year olds. They work through activities tailored to their specific concerns over about 13 weeks, with a therapist releasing content and providing weekly support calls. 
 
Both programmes give families greater flexibility over when and where they access help, while making sure children and young people continue to have regular professional support. 
 
More than half of schools across the county are currently supported by these teams, with 100% coverage expected by 2030.  They support children and young people with issues including low mood, worry and anxiety, low self-esteem/confidence and behaviour.