Therapist For Anxiety
If you struggle with anxiety, you are not alone. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), anxiety disorders are some of the most common mental illnesses in the US, with over 40 million adults impacted.
Anxiety disorders like generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) can come with distressing physical, mental, and emotional symptoms. However, anxiety is often treatable. When seeking a therapist for anxiety, looking for specific qualities, credentials, and techniques can allow you to find the most suitable professional for your needs.
Understanding anxiety
Anxiety can be defined as excessive worrying, stress, and fear. While everyone may experience anxiety at specific points, some people could find that anxiety causes difficulties in daily functioning.
When anxiety symptoms impact your day-to-day life and mental health, you may be experiencing an anxiety disorder. The field of psychology tells us there are various types of anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, specific phobias, and others.
- Sleep disturbances
- A change in appetite or eating habits
- High blood pressure
- Rapid heart rate
- Shortness of breath
- Sweating
- Racing thoughts
- Shakiness
- Digestive issues
Anxiety symptoms are highly treatable and may be reduced through support from a mental health professional or therapist. However, knowing which types of therapy are often used to treat these anxiety symptoms can be beneficial.
Is there a therapist for anxiety disorder?
Most mental health providers and therapists are qualified to treat anxiety or anxiety disorders. However, some therapists may specialize in therapy for this specific condition. Therapists specializing in anxiety therapy might have taken courses in the subject or have years of experience in standard methods used to treat anxiety.
Searching for an anxiety therapist
There are various types of anxiety therapists, each with different backgrounds and qualifications. Choosing the right therapist to address your anxiety can be important for treatment success. Consider the following nine factors when looking for a therapist specializing in anxiety.
Insurance coverage and cost
If you have health insurance, start your search for a mental health provider and therapist with your insurance company. Doing so may help you reduce the out-of-pocket cost of therapy, as insurance companies can refer you to an in-network therapist your policy covers. Note that not all insurance providers cover anxiety treatment. Moreover, the cost of sessions can vary from one therapist for anxiety to another, but insurance may help you save money on therapy sessions.
Talk to your insurance company to find out what type of mental health therapists or therapy they cover. Many insurance companies may only cover a certain number of therapy sessions each year, so it can be beneficial to know your limits with therapists. In addition, some insurance providers might not cover couples or family therapy, including short visits to therapists, without a medical reason. Make sure to clarify these details before visiting a therapist to avoid unexpected costs.
If you don't have insurance for anxiety treatment, ask the therapist about the cost they charge per therapy session and any late or cancellation fees. You can also ask if they offer a sliding scale therapy option, which includes different session costs for anxiety depending on the individual's income.
Medication and diagnosis
If you are seeking medication or an official anxiety diagnosis, it can be beneficial to note that some therapists may be unable to offer them. Psychologists, licensed therapists, counselors, and social workers cannot write prescriptions in most states. While they may treat you with different therapy techniques, psychiatrists and other medical doctors are the only types of providers that can prescribe therapeutic medication for anxiety and other mental health disorders. Although a therapist or psychologist can offer diagnoses, some may choose not to or are unable to, due to the policies of the company for whom they work, such as some online therapists.
Area of mental health they specialize in
While licensed therapists and other mental health professionals can treat several mental health conditions or challenges, many have a few areas in which they specialize.
If you are experiencing anxiety, finding a therapist for anxiety may suit you more than finding a therapist experienced in other areas of mental health. Anxiety therapists may have distinct strategies for helping those experiencing anxiety, which could offer advantages over a more general type of therapy.
Credentials
Many professionals offer advice and coaching services, but not all are licensed to offer therapy, especially for anxiety. For example, personal coaches, religious leaders, and support group leaders may advertise counseling but actually offer coaching. They may have some training or positive advice to offer, but not be licensed to provide anxiety therapy.
However, ensure any individual you visit for mental health therapy has to have a therapy license to practice in their state and the proper educational background and experience. Receiving advice from someone without a therapy license may subject you to unethical or incorrect advice or treatment. You can contact the therapist's state licensing board to report unethical treatment or therapy practice without a therapy license.
Availability
While it could show that a therapist for anxiety is popular if they have a waitlist, it may not benefit you if you have to wait weeks or months to get a therapy appointment. Instead, consider looking for providers with an open schedule who can offer support at the time that works for you. You may be able to find quicker therapy appointments by using services like online therapy. Online therapy services for anxiety are as effective as in-person therapy. Just like in-person, your anxiety therapist will still explore your thoughts and feelings, with the added benefit of flexibility.
Communication
Some therapists or mental health professionals are strict about only being available to their client or patient when they are at an appointment. Other therapists may not mind being contacted by phone or email in between therapy appointments when they're needed.
Online therapy
If you like the idea of being able to speak to a therapist for anxiety when you need it instead of waiting for an appointment, let your prospective therapist know. You could also benefit from an online therapy platform that allows you to do so.
Location
You can check your therapist's location online when you search for a therapist. Looking for a therapist that is in your area may be the most beneficial. Different areas are likely to have varying ranges of therapy session rates and different types of mental health therapists. So if you are able to drive to a less crowded area, you might find more affordable therapists outside a larger city limits. You might also have more options for sliding scale or low-income providers that offer financial aid. In addition, pay attention to where the therapist's office is located. Consider how traffic might look before therapy and whether you have time with your other responsibilities to make your appointment.
Comfort level
When you find an anxiety therapist, it may benefit you most to feel comfortable with the therapist. If you are uncomfortable with the therapist, you may struggle to trust them or be vulnerable during therapy. Let your therapist know if you're having doubts. You may be able to devise a plan with the therapist to help increase your comfort. However, if the feeling persists, it may benefit you to find a new provider.
Therapy for anxiety
Many types of therapy can be used when treating anxiety. Before you start anxiety therapy sessions with a therapist, find out what approach the therapist or mental health professional takes in addressing anxiety. Some therapists may use a combination of therapeutic approaches. Common types of therapy for anxiety can include the following.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
CBT, a form of therapy, focuses on the client's thoughts and behavioral patterns. Specifically, it targets how thoughts and beliefs can impact how one reacts to certain situations. Through talk therapy like CBT, the clients can learn healthy coping mechanisms for anxiety, partake in therapeutic worksheets and exercises, and identify ways to challenge anxious thought patterns.
Exposure therapy
Exposure therapy may help individuals with mild or extreme anxiety to overcome triggers that make them anxious. By slowly exposing the individual to circumstances that trigger anxiety in a controlled environment, a therapist can help to guide the patient through their thinking. Through exposure therapy, individuals must confront their anxiety head-on and learn skills to manage triggers as they arise in the real world. In some cases, exposure therapy may be uncomfortable for clients. If you experience this, you should talk to your therapist.
EMDR therapy
EMDR is a modern treatment often used by therapists to support clients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, it can also be used for the treatment of anxiety disorders. EMDR stands for eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy. During the session, a therapist can use bilateral stimulation exercises, such as waving their finger in front of the client's eyes or using harmless hand buzzers to help them reprocess memories that may contribute to their symptoms. Your therapist will also help you identify specific goals for treatment and monitor your responses.
If you are experiencing trauma, support is available. Please see our Get Help Now page for more resources.
Therapeutic medication
Some medications may help those with anxiety disorders reduce distressing physical or emotional symptoms while they work through therapy. A doctor specializing in psychiatry may be able to give you more information about medications relating to mental health conditions. Consult with a doctor before changing, stopping, or starting any medication. It’s important to note that a therapist cannot prescribe medication. Therapists focus more on talk therapy and do not prescribe medicine.
Biofeedback therapy
Biofeedback therapy shows clients their body's physical responses to anxiety and stress. In sessions, they are connected to machines showing their blood pressure, heart rate, and brain waves, among other vitals. They can watch their vitals as they respond to certain stimuli or talk to their therapist. After seeing these changes, they may better understand how their body is connected to their mind. They can learn techniques in session and watch their vitals return to normal, showing how anxiety reduction techniques function.
Mental health therapy for anxiety disorder
Anxiety disorders can be manageable or treatable with support from a mental health professional like a therapist. There are many forms of anxiety treatment and patients can vary in what they find effective and helpful. If you struggle to find a provider or therapist who meets your criteria for therapy, such as cost, distance, resources, or availability, you might also consider internet-based anxiety therapy through a platform like BetterHelp, which offers many licensed therapists specializing in anxiety disorders.
Effectiveness of an online therapist for anxiety
Studies show that online therapy is as effective as in-person therapy for common mental health conditions like anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, and chronic stress. In addition, online forms of treatment can be more cost-effective, as therapists do not have to pay for an office and may cut down costs like transportation, mail, or office maintenance. You can also choose between phone and video chat to get in touch with your therapist; or live chat sessions with your provider. In some cases group therapy may also be an option, allowing you to connect with others who experience anxiety. Group sessions are supervised by a licensed therapist, who ensures you make the most of the experience. With a flexible and client-focused platform, online therapists ensure that you can find the care you seek.
Takeaway
What therapy is best for an anxiety disorder?
Cognitive behavioral therapy is often considered the gold standard option in treating anxiety disorders. In cognitive behavioral therapy, patients learn how to reduce anxiety through cognitive restructuring. This therapeutic technique, administered by licensed therapists, involves identifying negative or anxious thoughts and replacing them with more productive ways of thinking. Moreover, research suggests that incorporating interpersonal skills into the treatment approach for anxiety may enhance the benefits of CBT.
What makes an effective therapist for anxiety?
An effective anxiety therapist chooses a therapeutic treatment method that has been proven to work. This is often particularly cognitive behavioral therapy, which involves challenging negative thought patterns that may contribute to one's anxiety symptoms and unhelpful coping strategies. Treatment may also include approaches such as acceptance and commitment therapy. An effective anxiety therapist also understands and communicates that therapy isn’t a quick fix; the therapist can create a balance where the clients are encouraged to challenge themselves without being overwhelmed. You can also consider the following criteria when looking for an effective therapist:
- Experience with anxiety disorders
- Specialized training in therapeutic techniques for anxiety treatment
- Comfortable communication style for someone with anxiety
- Professional credentials and licenses for anxiety treatment
- Positive reviews or referrals from previous patients who have anxiety
- Availability and scheduling flexibility in case you have sudden anxiety attacks
What are the types of mental health therapy for anxiety?
Dozens of therapy models have been developed to treat various mental health struggles, like anxiety.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Acceptance and commitment therapy
- Psychodynamic therapy
Other popular therapy models include mindfulness-based therapy and interpersonal therapy. Exposure therapy may be utilized by therapists to develop systematic desensitization to objects or situations that cause panic attacks or intense feelings of anxiety, such as a fear of public speaking.
What should I not tell my anxiety therapist?
Therapy should be a safe space where you feel comfortable sharing candidly about your thoughts and experiences. If you’re constantly feeling anxious about sharing intimate details of your life with your therapist, it may be time to switch to a therapist who makes you feel more comfortable. It is not productive to tell your therapist lies. While your therapist wants to gain a deeper understanding of you, it’s usually not helpful to walk them through each moment of your everyday life. Make sure you allow time to talk through important events and how your anxiety fared throughout the week.
How do you know if an anxiety therapist is good for me?
The relationship you have with your therapist has a significant impact on the effectiveness of your treatment. A therapist who’s a good fit for you will utilize different therapeutic techniques during your therapy sessions until they land on an approach that works best for your needs. It's reasonable to expect that most therapists who specialize in anxiety will be familiar with evidence-based approaches for anxiety, such as mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy, exposure therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy.
There is also a practical side to finding an effective therapist who can facilitate the right type of therapy for your needs. For example, the right therapist for you may need to be affordable, and having compatible schedules may also be a factor when deciding. When seeing a new therapist, you will likely establish treatment goals and have an opportunity to ask questions about their approach and treatment plan. For example, if your therapist specializes in CBT, they will likely use cognitive behavioral techniques such as cognitive restructuring to challenge negative thinking patterns. It may take a couple of sessions to gauge whether your therapist is a "good therapist" for you, as far as building trust and comfort level talking about certain matters. However, if you don't feel comfortable with your therapist after a few sessions, you may want to consider seeing someone else. The reasoning for this is that research suggests one of the key factors influencing the outcome of treatment lies in the relationship between client and therapist. Another consideration involves observing whether your symptoms are improving and are interfering less with your overall functioning.
What is the best way to treat anxiety naturally?
A number of healthy, therapeutic coping strategies can help in reducing anxiety and encouraging emotional regulation. Although it is best to make a visit to your therapist and get proper therapy, the following are natural ways to cope with anxiety.
- Engage in physical activity to direct your mind away from anxious thoughts and increase chemicals in the brain that promote relaxation, such as serotonin.
- Reduce or eliminate your consumption of tobacco and alcohol.
- Practice mindfulness-based interventions, such as meditation.
- Eat a nutrient-dense diet and stay well hydrated.
- Sleep early and practice positive thinking; deviate from thoughts that trigger your anxiety
- Practice deep breathing exercises to manage anxiety
- Engage in yoga sessions, which are known to help with anxiety
- Drink chamomile or lavender tea, which are well-known natural remedies for anxiety
What are the six types of anxiety disorders?
The DSM-5 outlines 11 types of anxiety disorders:
- separation anxiety disorder
- selective mutism
- a specific phobia
- social anxiety disorder
- panic disorder
- agoraphobia
- generalized anxiety disorder
- anxiety caused by substance or medication use
- anxiety caused by another medical condition
- specified anxiety disorder
- unspecified anxiety disorder
Obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder used to be included in the category of anxiety disorders but were moved to their own categories in the most recent update of the DSM.
What are the 4 coping skills for anxiety?
A number of coping techniques can help when someone feels anxious. Four of the most popular therapy approaches that therapists usually recommend:
- Progressive muscle relaxation involves tensing and relaxing your muscles. This muscle tension and release process has been shown to help individuals struggling with anxiety and stress.
- Challenging cognitive distortions involves identifying and mentally disputing negative thinking that is contributing to your anxiety.
- Grounding exercises can be used to help you focus on the present moment and include strategies such as the 5-4-3-2-1 method.
- Meditation can help you examine your thoughts from a different angle or simply clear your mind.
What makes an unethical therapist for anxiety?
According to the American Psychological Association, therapists administering therapy may be behaving unethically if they:
- have relationships with clients that may impact therapy, or ever have sexual relationships during treatment or within two years following.
- break concealment protocol.
- do not ask for informed consent at the start of therapy.
- provide therapy in areas they are not trained in.
- inaccurately bill clients or insurance providers.
- end the therapeutic process without explanation or reason.
- provide false information regarding the outcomes of anxiety treatments
- use harmful therapy treatments for anxiety
An ethical anxiety therapist focuses on what’s in their patients’ best interests. For example, if they notice their clients struggling to connect or unable to make progress in their daily life, they may recommend the client utilize an available therapist directory to choose another therapist within their own practice or a different therapy practice.
When considering potential therapists, it's helpful to check that the professional in question has the appropriate credentials to provide mental health services. Some professionals may neither be licensed to practice in your state nor have the required educational background. Clinical social workers and other licensed therapists have at least a master's degree, for example.
Can cognitive behavioral therapy help with severe anxiety and depression?
Research has shown that cognitive behavioral therapy is one of the most effective treatment methods that therapists use for severe anxiety and depression. This type of therapy includes several core components that can help patients overcome anxiety and depression.
- Behavioral activation involves engaging in actions that will positively influence your mood or mental health. For example, someone struggling with depression might participate in a hobby that will increase feelings of happiness and peace.
- Cognitive restructuring, often considered the fundamental component of CBT, involves identifying negative, unhelpful thoughts and replacing them with more productive thoughts.
- Problem-solving occurs when patients identify specific problems they’re facing in their real life and create or discover solutions to cope with the issues.
- Relaxation includes mindfulness-based approaches that help reduce stress.
One factor when considering therapy is that many mental health counselors, such as a licensed professional counselor, cannot prescribe medication. While one may seek treatment with a licensed clinical social worker or a licensed clinical psychologist, only professionals who have gone to medical school have the credentials to diagnose a condition. However, many therapists refer clients to a primary care physician or psychiatrist to coordinate a treatment plan if they perceive your symptoms and condition might benefit from the use of medication.
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