Anxiety Psychiatrists in San Francisco, CA

Photo of Elizabeth A Mayer, MD, Psychiatrist
Elizabeth A Mayer
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94127
For ove years I've been helping people address emotional suffering through psychotherapy and/or medication, with the aim of clarifying the source of the problems, allowing new, freer solutions . My style is direct, open and collaborative. I strive with warmth and empathy to foster a discussion where feelings and thoughts may be explored, better understood and practically managed so they'll less likely cause symptoms like sadness, anxiety, loneliness, strained relationships, or physical illness. I also specialize in addressing procrastination, problems with creativity, low self esteem, emptiness, lack of meaning and sexual concerns.
For ove years I've been helping people address emotional suffering through psychotherapy and/or medication, with the aim of clarifying the source of the problems, allowing new, freer solutions . My style is direct, open and collaborative. I strive with warmth and empathy to foster a discussion where feelings and thoughts may be explored, better understood and practically managed so they'll less likely cause symptoms like sadness, anxiety, loneliness, strained relationships, or physical illness. I also specialize in addressing procrastination, problems with creativity, low self esteem, emptiness, lack of meaning and sexual concerns.
(415) 639-9253 View (415) 639-9253
Photo of Ela Aguilar Donis, MD, Psychiatrist
Ela Aguilar Donis
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94118  (Online Only)
Ela Donis, MD is a board-certified adult psychiatrist that has been in practice for over 10 years. Dr. Donis is competent in performing thorough psychiatric assessments, differential diagnosis, prognostic assessments, genetic testing and interpretation and medication management. Other colleagues and patients have described her as knowledgeable and compassionate. Her areas of interest are PTSD, trauma associated disorders,mood disorders, and anxiety disorders.
Ela Donis, MD is a board-certified adult psychiatrist that has been in practice for over 10 years. Dr. Donis is competent in performing thorough psychiatric assessments, differential diagnosis, prognostic assessments, genetic testing and interpretation and medication management. Other colleagues and patients have described her as knowledgeable and compassionate. Her areas of interest are PTSD, trauma associated disorders,mood disorders, and anxiety disorders.
(415) 301-3198 View (415) 301-3198
Photo of Masaru Fisher, MD, Psychiatrist
Masaru Fisher
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
10 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94115  (Online Only)
The process of healing is a collaborative effort. Your role is to share with me your concerns and any issues which interfere with your or your loved one's daily life. Whether it be depression, anxiety, attention/focus or another mental heath topic, identifying the core issue is our first goal. I will then offer you my expert training and experience to recommend the best course of treatment to consider. Working together we will navigate along the healing process towards a happy, productive and satisfying quality of life.
The process of healing is a collaborative effort. Your role is to share with me your concerns and any issues which interfere with your or your loved one's daily life. Whether it be depression, anxiety, attention/focus or another mental heath topic, identifying the core issue is our first goal. I will then offer you my expert training and experience to recommend the best course of treatment to consider. Working together we will navigate along the healing process towards a happy, productive and satisfying quality of life.
(415) 689-5616 View (415) 689-5616
Photo of Blake Rawdin, MD, MPH, Psychiatrist
Blake Rawdin
Psychiatrist, MD, MPH
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94102
I work with individuals grappling with an array of psychological, emotional, and spiritual challenges, which may appear in the form of depression, anxiety, panic, insomnia, focus problems, relationship and work difficulties, for example. I also help those dealing with chronic and acute stress, such as past trauma and medical-related illness. We will collaborate to explore the psychological, biological and environmental contributors to the situation and develop an integrated treatment plan that can draw from any or all of my specialties in psychotherapy, psychopharmacology, and complementary medicine.
I work with individuals grappling with an array of psychological, emotional, and spiritual challenges, which may appear in the form of depression, anxiety, panic, insomnia, focus problems, relationship and work difficulties, for example. I also help those dealing with chronic and acute stress, such as past trauma and medical-related illness. We will collaborate to explore the psychological, biological and environmental contributors to the situation and develop an integrated treatment plan that can draw from any or all of my specialties in psychotherapy, psychopharmacology, and complementary medicine.
(415) 944-4156 View (415) 944-4156
Misha Sivia
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94102
I am a compassionate psychiatrist with extensive experience working in both nonprofits and group practice settings. I treat a wide range of psychiatric disorders with medication management as well as psychotherapy. I treat Depression, Bipolar disorder, Anxiety disorders, ADHD, OCD, Trauma, Eating disorders, and Insomnia routinely in my practice. My approach involves making an individualized treatment plan framed by evidence-based medicine in collaboration with you as a patient. Taking a collaborative approach, I consult with therapists, primary care physicians, and others if clinically indicated for assessment and treatment.
I am a compassionate psychiatrist with extensive experience working in both nonprofits and group practice settings. I treat a wide range of psychiatric disorders with medication management as well as psychotherapy. I treat Depression, Bipolar disorder, Anxiety disorders, ADHD, OCD, Trauma, Eating disorders, and Insomnia routinely in my practice. My approach involves making an individualized treatment plan framed by evidence-based medicine in collaboration with you as a patient. Taking a collaborative approach, I consult with therapists, primary care physicians, and others if clinically indicated for assessment and treatment.
(628) 345-8013 View (628) 345-8013
Photo of James Reich, MD, MPH, Psychiatrist
James Reich
Psychiatrist, MD, MPH
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94123
In my practice I have experience with a full range of anxiety disorders (including Panic, Social Anxiety disorder, OCD and PTSD) and depressive disorders (including adjustment disorders, major depression, bipolar disorders and grief); attention disorders (ADHD); and helping professionals with occupational stress.
Everyone from time to time needs a helping hand. I am experienced with professor appointments at UCSF and Stanford. I treat outpatients in person and by telepsychiatry with medication management and psychotherapy (CBT and Mindfulness). My patients tend to be talented professionals (doctors, lawyers, tech) who have done well but have hit a bump with emotional symptoms, stress, or life difficulties. I believe each patient has unique needs that must be individually assessed and addressed. When indicated I use medication. I am a good choice for someone seeking a therapist and psychiatrist in one person.
In my practice I have experience with a full range of anxiety disorders (including Panic, Social Anxiety disorder, OCD and PTSD) and depressive disorders (including adjustment disorders, major depression, bipolar disorders and grief); attention disorders (ADHD); and helping professionals with occupational stress.
Everyone from time to time needs a helping hand. I am experienced with professor appointments at UCSF and Stanford. I treat outpatients in person and by telepsychiatry with medication management and psychotherapy (CBT and Mindfulness). My patients tend to be talented professionals (doctors, lawyers, tech) who have done well but have hit a bump with emotional symptoms, stress, or life difficulties. I believe each patient has unique needs that must be individually assessed and addressed. When indicated I use medication. I am a good choice for someone seeking a therapist and psychiatrist in one person.
(415) 594-4412 View (415) 594-4412
Photo of Mark Simonds, Psychiatrist
Mark Simonds
Psychiatrist
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94111  (Online Only)
Simonds specializes in psychopharmacology, and as a generalist, he has a lot of experience treating patients with mood disorders (including Major Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Panic Disorder, and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder); trauma and reactive psychoses; pain and psychosomatic disorders; and ADHD and Developmental Disorders.
Dr. Mark Simonds is a Board-Certified general psychiatrist with training and certification in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. He has been practicing general psychiatry for about 25 years. His practice focuses on initial assessment of psychiatric conditions, treatment planning, and psychotropic medication management, typically with a one-hour initial intake and 30-minute follow-up visits. Collaboration with a psychotherapist for the best treatment outcome is welcome and encouraged
Simonds specializes in psychopharmacology, and as a generalist, he has a lot of experience treating patients with mood disorders (including Major Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Panic Disorder, and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder); trauma and reactive psychoses; pain and psychosomatic disorders; and ADHD and Developmental Disorders.
Dr. Mark Simonds is a Board-Certified general psychiatrist with training and certification in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. He has been practicing general psychiatry for about 25 years. His practice focuses on initial assessment of psychiatric conditions, treatment planning, and psychotropic medication management, typically with a one-hour initial intake and 30-minute follow-up visits. Collaboration with a psychotherapist for the best treatment outcome is welcome and encouraged
(415) 690-2438 View (415) 690-2438
Photo of Michelle Guchereau, MD, Psychiatrist
Michelle Guchereau
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
10 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94104
I am a Board-Certified Psychiatrist for adults, adolescents and children. I currently lead a diverse team of psychiatry providers and therapists at Well Coast Medical Corporation. We specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of Attention Deficient Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD/ADD), mood disorders, trauma and anxiety. We provide thorough psychiatric assessments, medications and/or psychotherapy for adults and youth. We also collaborate with other therapists to provide medication evaluations and treatment for patients who are actively in therapy elsewhere.
I am a Board-Certified Psychiatrist for adults, adolescents and children. I currently lead a diverse team of psychiatry providers and therapists at Well Coast Medical Corporation. We specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of Attention Deficient Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD/ADD), mood disorders, trauma and anxiety. We provide thorough psychiatric assessments, medications and/or psychotherapy for adults and youth. We also collaborate with other therapists to provide medication evaluations and treatment for patients who are actively in therapy elsewhere.
(415) 969-5396 View (415) 969-5396
Photo of Dr. John Connor Barnhart, MD, Psychiatrist
Dr. John Connor Barnhart
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94127
I am a UCSF and University of Pennsylvania trained psychiatrist specialized in helping you unlock your full potential. I work with adults struggling with mood, anxiety, and focus problems - as well as difficulties in relationships, career, or sense of self - who are invested in developing a deeper understanding of themselves and taking an active role in their self-improvement; those looking to get at the root causes of new or long-festering problems and committed to making positive changes to support their wellbeing.
I am a UCSF and University of Pennsylvania trained psychiatrist specialized in helping you unlock your full potential. I work with adults struggling with mood, anxiety, and focus problems - as well as difficulties in relationships, career, or sense of self - who are invested in developing a deeper understanding of themselves and taking an active role in their self-improvement; those looking to get at the root causes of new or long-festering problems and committed to making positive changes to support their wellbeing.
(415) 936-8152 View (415) 936-8152
Photo of Hendrick Soh, MD, Psychiatrist
Hendrick Soh
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94104  (Online Only)
He also completed additional behavioral training to help children with anxiety and sleep.
Hendrick Soh, MD participates in the evaluation and psychiatric medical management of children and adolescents in Los Angeles, CA. Dr. Soh is a diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and is board-certified in General psychiatry with additional specialty training in Child & Adolescent psychiatry. He completed his undergraduate education at UCLA and medical school at UC-Irvine. Dr. Soh then finished his residency training at Harbor-UCLA and his fellowship training at the UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior and the UCLA Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital.
He also completed additional behavioral training to help children with anxiety and sleep.
Hendrick Soh, MD participates in the evaluation and psychiatric medical management of children and adolescents in Los Angeles, CA. Dr. Soh is a diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and is board-certified in General psychiatry with additional specialty training in Child & Adolescent psychiatry. He completed his undergraduate education at UCLA and medical school at UC-Irvine. Dr. Soh then finished his residency training at Harbor-UCLA and his fellowship training at the UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior and the UCLA Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital.
(415) 855-7612 View (415) 855-7612
George K. Lerner, M.D.
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94102
Lerner specializes in the management of depression and anxiety, including treatment-resistant disorders.
Dr. George Lerner is a board-certified psychiatrist based in San Francisco's financial district. He specializes in the treatment of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD/ADHD) in adults. Dr. Lerner has extensive experience in treating adults who have been successful in their professional endeavors but have found attention deficit symptoms to be an impediment to achieving their full potential.
Lerner specializes in the management of depression and anxiety, including treatment-resistant disorders.
Dr. George Lerner is a board-certified psychiatrist based in San Francisco's financial district. He specializes in the treatment of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD/ADHD) in adults. Dr. Lerner has extensive experience in treating adults who have been successful in their professional endeavors but have found attention deficit symptoms to be an impediment to achieving their full potential.
(628) 277-8119 View (628) 277-8119
Photo of Lee Dockery, MD, Psychiatrist
Lee Dockery
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94111  (Online Only)
Dockery has experience treating most general adult psychiatry complaints, including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and substance use disorders.
Dr. Lee Dockery serves as a general pscyhiatry provider for Talkiatry since joining in August 2022. He is board-eligible with expected certification in fall 2022, with further addiction psychiatry board-certification expected in 2023. He has been training and practicing psychiatry since 2018. Dr. Dockery’s practice emphasizes medication management within a therapy-informed framework, utilizing skills from Acceptance and Commitment therapy, mindfulness based therapies, motivation interviewing, and supportive therapy. Typically, he offers 60-minute new visits and 30-minute follow-up visits.
Dockery has experience treating most general adult psychiatry complaints, including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and substance use disorders.
Dr. Lee Dockery serves as a general pscyhiatry provider for Talkiatry since joining in August 2022. He is board-eligible with expected certification in fall 2022, with further addiction psychiatry board-certification expected in 2023. He has been training and practicing psychiatry since 2018. Dr. Dockery’s practice emphasizes medication management within a therapy-informed framework, utilizing skills from Acceptance and Commitment therapy, mindfulness based therapies, motivation interviewing, and supportive therapy. Typically, he offers 60-minute new visits and 30-minute follow-up visits.
(415) 636-7610 View (415) 636-7610
Photo of Kirk Murphy, MD, Psychiatrist
Kirk Murphy
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94104
Murphy offers patients the benefit of accurate diagnosis using standardized diagnostic instruments; proven, manualized CBT for patients suffering from panic, phobic, obsessive-compulsive, and other anxiety disorders; and evidence-based medication treatment using meds which are free of abuse potential, show proven efficacy, and have excellent safety profiles.
Dr. Kirk James Murphy is a Psychiatrist in California who has been practicing since 1991. Dr. Murphy had the privilege of learning from global experts in human sexuality as well as mood and anxiety disorders in her UCLA residency training and then to complete his fellowship in Consultation-Liaison and Trauma Psychiatry while practicing with experts in those fields. Dr.
Murphy offers patients the benefit of accurate diagnosis using standardized diagnostic instruments; proven, manualized CBT for patients suffering from panic, phobic, obsessive-compulsive, and other anxiety disorders; and evidence-based medication treatment using meds which are free of abuse potential, show proven efficacy, and have excellent safety profiles.
Dr. Kirk James Murphy is a Psychiatrist in California who has been practicing since 1991. Dr. Murphy had the privilege of learning from global experts in human sexuality as well as mood and anxiety disorders in her UCLA residency training and then to complete his fellowship in Consultation-Liaison and Trauma Psychiatry while practicing with experts in those fields. Dr.
(628) 232-3835 View (628) 232-3835
Photo of Juliano Innocenti, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Juliano Innocenti
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94104
Juliano Innocenti is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in California who has been practicing since 2022. Juliano offers trauma-informed, patient-centered care that may include options for medication management for conditions like depression and anxiety, substance abuse, PTSD, psychotic disorders, personality disorders, adjustment disorders, OCD, hoarding, ADHD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, and Gender dysphoria. He also has experience with grief and bereavement, and can help you plan for, or come to terms with your own mortality and existential fears.
Juliano Innocenti is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in California who has been practicing since 2022. Juliano offers trauma-informed, patient-centered care that may include options for medication management for conditions like depression and anxiety, substance abuse, PTSD, psychotic disorders, personality disorders, adjustment disorders, OCD, hoarding, ADHD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, and Gender dysphoria. He also has experience with grief and bereavement, and can help you plan for, or come to terms with your own mortality and existential fears.
(628) 313-4625 View (628) 313-4625
Photo of Sara Puening, MD, Psychiatrist
Sara Puening
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94102
My areas of interest in psychiatry include anxiety disorders, women's mental health, and integrated care.
I incorporate medicine, psychology, exercise, nutrition, and sleep into my treatment plans. I believe that the patient and physician should partner together in treating health problems. My goal is to work in collaboration with patients to understand the underlying causes of distress. I take a practical approach to psychiatric treatment. I utilize evidence-based pharmacology in concert with skills-based therapies such as mindfulness and cognitive behavioral therapy. I earned my Bachelor's degree in medical dietetics at the Ohio State University. It was there that I first saw the profound link between mental and physical health.
My areas of interest in psychiatry include anxiety disorders, women's mental health, and integrated care.
I incorporate medicine, psychology, exercise, nutrition, and sleep into my treatment plans. I believe that the patient and physician should partner together in treating health problems. My goal is to work in collaboration with patients to understand the underlying causes of distress. I take a practical approach to psychiatric treatment. I utilize evidence-based pharmacology in concert with skills-based therapies such as mindfulness and cognitive behavioral therapy. I earned my Bachelor's degree in medical dietetics at the Ohio State University. It was there that I first saw the profound link between mental and physical health.
(628) 228-6869 View (628) 228-6869
Photo of Gabriel Aranovich - The Clinic, MD, Psychiatrist
The Clinic
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94109
We are a team of healthcare professionals dedicated to providing innovative treatments and personalized care. We offer psychotherapy and medication management for optimizing well-being. Our team specializes in cutting edge, evidence based treatments. We have providers who have expertise treating sleep disorders, depression, anxiety, ADHD, Bipolar Disorder and other common and complex conditions. We are a dedicated team of providers who work closely and collaboratively to provide the best care possible to our patients and their families.
We are a team of healthcare professionals dedicated to providing innovative treatments and personalized care. We offer psychotherapy and medication management for optimizing well-being. Our team specializes in cutting edge, evidence based treatments. We have providers who have expertise treating sleep disorders, depression, anxiety, ADHD, Bipolar Disorder and other common and complex conditions. We are a dedicated team of providers who work closely and collaboratively to provide the best care possible to our patients and their families.
(415) 697-3878 View (415) 697-3878
Photo of Suragbhai Gohel, MD, Psychiatrist
Suragbhai Gohel
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94102
As a psychiatrist, I am always fascinated by the courage of my patients who seek mental health treatment against the odds of personal and cultural challenges. It inspires me to help my patients achieve the best mental healthcare which we all deserve. As our mental health is impacted by a multitude of factors including biological, psychological, and social, I personalize the treatment plan for each of my patients, so they can have a better outcome to live a quality life. I have extensive experience in treating anxiety disorders, depression, OCD, PTSD, Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder, and ADHD.
As a psychiatrist, I am always fascinated by the courage of my patients who seek mental health treatment against the odds of personal and cultural challenges. It inspires me to help my patients achieve the best mental healthcare which we all deserve. As our mental health is impacted by a multitude of factors including biological, psychological, and social, I personalize the treatment plan for each of my patients, so they can have a better outcome to live a quality life. I have extensive experience in treating anxiety disorders, depression, OCD, PTSD, Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder, and ADHD.
(628) 218-7741 View (628) 218-7741
Photo of Cara Hoepner, RN, MS, CS, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Cara Hoepner
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, RN, MS, CS, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94111
I'm interested in a person's priorities, what engages them in life, and how they want to get there. I take a whole-person, root cause approach that delivers enhanced resilience and renewed feelings of wellbeing beyond "good enough”. I strive for truly well, without side effects. Integrative psychiatry offers solutions to support the complexity and sustained recovery of mood, anxiety, trauma, cognition/ADHD, and sleep-related challenges, including "treatment resistance," which may simply indicate the correct diagnosis has not been found, a biological clue has been missed, or a treatment strategy is not optimal.
I'm interested in a person's priorities, what engages them in life, and how they want to get there. I take a whole-person, root cause approach that delivers enhanced resilience and renewed feelings of wellbeing beyond "good enough”. I strive for truly well, without side effects. Integrative psychiatry offers solutions to support the complexity and sustained recovery of mood, anxiety, trauma, cognition/ADHD, and sleep-related challenges, including "treatment resistance," which may simply indicate the correct diagnosis has not been found, a biological clue has been missed, or a treatment strategy is not optimal.
(415) 527-3365 View (415) 527-3365
Photo of Satveet Khela, DO, Psychiatrist
Satveet Khela
Psychiatrist, DO
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94111  (Online Only)
Khela focuses on treating patient's with anxiety, depression, PTSD, bipolar, OCD, and other mental health issues.
Dr. Satveet Khela is a board certified physician specializing in adult psychiatry. She has been practicing since 2021. n addition to focusing on medication management, Dr Khela's practice also prioritizes a whole person approach, incorporating aspects of nutrition, lifestyle, mindfulness, and supportive or brief cognitive behavioral therapy into the treatment plan. Occasionally, Dr. Khela may believe that additional therapy is also needed and ask that you see a separate therapist to provide the best outcome. Dr. Khela received her undergraduate degree from University of California Berkeley and her medical degree from A.T. Still.
Khela focuses on treating patient's with anxiety, depression, PTSD, bipolar, OCD, and other mental health issues.
Dr. Satveet Khela is a board certified physician specializing in adult psychiatry. She has been practicing since 2021. n addition to focusing on medication management, Dr Khela's practice also prioritizes a whole person approach, incorporating aspects of nutrition, lifestyle, mindfulness, and supportive or brief cognitive behavioral therapy into the treatment plan. Occasionally, Dr. Khela may believe that additional therapy is also needed and ask that you see a separate therapist to provide the best outcome. Dr. Khela received her undergraduate degree from University of California Berkeley and her medical degree from A.T. Still.
(415) 483-0487 View (415) 483-0487
Photo of Elio Pedroso Conroy, MD, Psychiatrist
Elio Pedroso Conroy
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94115  (Online Only)
Conroy is particularly interested in working with individuals with depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, PTSD and ADHD.
Elio Pedroso Conroy, MD, located in Napa Valley, is a board-certified Adult Psychiatrist licensed in California. Dr. Conroy attended medical school in Brazil, where he is originally from. He practiced as a generalist physician for a few years in his home country strengthening his foundation in general medicine. After that, he moved to the USA and completed his psychiatry residency at Saint Elizabeth’s Hospital, Washington DC.
Conroy is particularly interested in working with individuals with depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, PTSD and ADHD.
Elio Pedroso Conroy, MD, located in Napa Valley, is a board-certified Adult Psychiatrist licensed in California. Dr. Conroy attended medical school in Brazil, where he is originally from. He practiced as a generalist physician for a few years in his home country strengthening his foundation in general medicine. After that, he moved to the USA and completed his psychiatry residency at Saint Elizabeth’s Hospital, Washington DC.
(310) 954-9735 View (310) 954-9735

See more therapy options for San Francisco

Anxiety Psychiatrists

What are the most common treatments for anxiety?

Talk therapy, particularly cognitive behavioral therapy, is the most common treatment for anxiety. Studies have shown it is equally effective as medication. Other popular forms of therapy are popular, depending on a patient’s experience. Exposure therapy, for instance, can be useful for people dealing with fears and phobias, or who have experienced traumatic events. Dialectical Behavioral Therapy may be useful for patients who need help with emotion regulation. Anxiolytic medications, like benzodiazepines, can also help with calming a person enough to focus on the skills they’ve learned, and physical exercise has been shown to help symptoms of anxiety across the board.

How long does therapy for anxiety take to work?

The amount of time needed to alleviate symptoms depends on the severity of a person’s condition. Some therapies may take 5-20 weekly sessions to show results. Anti-depressant medications typically take two to four weeks before a benefit is felt. Anti-anxiety medications are felt typically within 20-30 minutes. Medications are best used to offer a patient a better headspace in which to work on techniques learned in therapy. Exercise, improved sleep habits, and meditation are effective, but takes weeks or months to show results.

When should I seek treatment for anxiety?

Everyone feels anxious at times, but when anxiety causes disruption to your daily life, it may be time to seek help. Such disruption can be mental, physical, or both: having fear dominate your thoughts, avoiding situations or objects that bring on feelings of anxiety, or experiencing shortness of breath, sweating, dizziness, or panic attacks. When these symptoms are recurrent and distressing, it may be time to talk to someone.

How effective is treatment for anxiety?

Treatment for anxiety has been shown to be moderately to highly effective, according to a large body of psychology studies and analyses. For some people, treatment using CBT or exposure therapy alone is effective. Others respond best to a combination of medication and therapy.