August brings change—and with it, a wave of emotions. As families shift from summer to school-year routines, anxiety and overwhelm often surface. Whether you're a parent, partner, or simply navigating a stressful season, we hope this edition offers helpful tools to feel more grounded—and less alone.
We have an exciting announcement here at Light On Anxiety. We are pleased to share that we will be accepting UnitedHealthcare this Fall, in addition to our current insurance partners—BCBS (PPO, Blue Choice, MyBlue Plus) and Aetna. At Light On Anxiety, our mission is to provide effective, evidence-based treatment for anxiety. By broadening our insurance partnerships, we aim to make high-quality care more accessible to those who need it most.
Warmly,
Dr. Debra Kissen
In This Issue:
Back-to-School, Without the Meltdowns: Transitioning into the school year doesn’t have to be chaos. These 5 therapist-backed tips help ease anxiety, build confidence, and create a smoother start for your child—and for you.
ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder) or Picky Eating? How to Tell the Difference: Learn what sets ARFID apart from typical mealtime battles, why early support matters, and how CBT tools can help kids feel safer and more confident around food.
Medication as Support, Not a Last Resort: When anxiety, OCD, or depression feels overwhelming, medication can be a powerful tool—not a failure. Here’s how it works to support the version of you that you want to show up as.
Dr. Kissen Shares 4 Tips on How to Respond with Compassion and Calm: If you’re stuck in a loop of “Is this love or just my anxiety?”—you’re not alone. Learn how to shift unhealthy communication patterns and understand the signs of Relationship OCD.
What the TikTok trend "Crashing Out" Really Means (and how to help): When kids say they’re shutting down or “crashing,” it’s usually emotional overload—not laziness. Learn how to respond with compassion and calm.
NEW! United Healthcare Coming This Fall: We’re expanding access! Starting this fall, Light On Anxiety will be in-network with United Healthcare—making it even easier for more people to access expert care with less stress.
Easing the Back-to-School Jitters: 5 Therapist-Backed Tips
Back-to-school season is upon us. While exciting, it can also trigger stress, anxiety, and emotional overwhelm for both kids and parents. Our guide on Adjustment Disorder and the back-to-school transition shares 5 practical tips to ease the shift, boost confidence, and create a smoother start to the year. With the right tools, you can turn this stressful season into a powerful opportunity for growth and connection.
When Mealtime Becomes Stressful: What Parents Should Know About ARFID
Curious about whether your child’s picky habits might be more than a phase? Discover how ARFID— an often misunderstood eating disorder—differs from typical picky eating and why early recognition matters. Learn how therapeutic strategies like cognitive-behavioral therapy can help ease anxiety around food and restore both nutrition and peace of mind.
When Anxiety Feels Heavy, Medication Can Lighten the Load
Medication isn’t about changing you—it’s about giving your brain the support it needs to function at its best. When anxiety, depression, or OCD start to feel overwhelming, the right medication can ease the weight so you can focus on work, relationships, and actually enjoying life. Think of it as one more tool that helps you show up as the version of yourself you want to be.
Is It ROCD… or Just a Rough Patch? Here’s How to Tell
Ever feel like you and your partner are speaking two totally different languages? Learn how to flip those frustrating communication patterns—no couples therapy required (yes, really!). And if you’ve been stuck wondering “Is this true love… or just my anxiety talking?” we’ll help you spot the difference between Relationship OCD and a not-so-great relationship. Dive in and discover how to quiet the doubt and bring back the fun.
TikTokers Say "Crashing Out" - Here is the Translation and Tools to Help
If your child keeps saying they’re “crashing out,” it can feel scary and leave you wondering what’s really going on. The truth is, this phrase often signals emotional overload—not laziness or drama—and learning how to respond can make a huge difference. In this blog, you’ll uncover what “crashing out” really means and the steps you can take to help your child feel safe, supported, and understood.
NEW! Light On Anxiety Will be In-Network With United Healthcare This Fall
Light On Anxiety is excited to share some big news—starting this Fall, we’ll be accepting United Healthcare! This means even more individuals and families will have access to our expert, evidence-based care for anxiety, OCD, depression, and beyond. We’re thrilled to make it easier for you to get the support you need, with less stress around coverage. Stay tuned for more details as we get closer to launch!
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