An 11-year-old boy who suffered panic and anxiety during separations from his mother was successfully treated by in vivo systematic desensitization in 10 sessions. His mother was actively involved in the treatment. The manifestations of separation anxiety in school had disappeared by the end of treatment. No further problems were shown at 3-month and 15-month follow-up. The case is discussed in the context of the behavioural treatment of school refusal.