Anxiety Psychiatrists in Chicago, IL

Photo of Shumeka Hill, PMHNP, FNP-BC, CPNP-AC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Shumeka Hill
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, FNP-BC, CPNP-AC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60629  (Online Only)
I specialize in addressing depression, anxiety, life transitions, and relationship difficulties.
Relationship problems, struggles at work, and life events can challenge our ability to cope and ultimately to thrive in life. Patterns may emerge in your life that are confusing, that make you feel stuck, uncertain, and conflicted. Life transitions can tax our internal resources, and we may find ourselves lacking in fulfillment and happiness. Above all, I strive to support my clients to increase their life satisfaction, reduce their suffering, and strengthen their relationships and capacity for joy.
I specialize in addressing depression, anxiety, life transitions, and relationship difficulties.
Relationship problems, struggles at work, and life events can challenge our ability to cope and ultimately to thrive in life. Patterns may emerge in your life that are confusing, that make you feel stuck, uncertain, and conflicted. Life transitions can tax our internal resources, and we may find ourselves lacking in fulfillment and happiness. Above all, I strive to support my clients to increase their life satisfaction, reduce their suffering, and strengthen their relationships and capacity for joy.
(312) 313-1527 View (312) 313-1527
Photo of Tj Thurlow, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Tj Thurlow
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60645  (Online Only)
My areas of specialty include, management of LGBTQIA + mental health, bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, OCD, substance use treatment, and PTSD.
Finding mental health help can be daunting. Clients seeking my support have varied concerns when the come to see me. I believe that understanding the needs of the patient starts by getting to know what brought them to my office. I think it's important for both the client and myself to build a plan together based on personal experience and evidence based care. The goal I have for my clients is to understand the plan of care and have the confidence to take the next steps to achieve success and improvement in their lives.
My areas of specialty include, management of LGBTQIA + mental health, bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, OCD, substance use treatment, and PTSD.
Finding mental health help can be daunting. Clients seeking my support have varied concerns when the come to see me. I believe that understanding the needs of the patient starts by getting to know what brought them to my office. I think it's important for both the client and myself to build a plan together based on personal experience and evidence based care. The goal I have for my clients is to understand the plan of care and have the confidence to take the next steps to achieve success and improvement in their lives.
(224) 505-1557 View (224) 505-1557
Photo of Crystal Turner, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Crystal Turner
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60640
Hi! My name is Crystal Turner. I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who treats adults 18 and older. I treat various mental health conditions including trauma. mood disorders, depression, and anxiety. My approach is compassionate and inclusive. I incorporate education into my approach as I know well-informed patients have better outcomes. I also incorporate holistic approaches to integrate into care. I commonly work with people with history of trauma, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and psychosis.
Hi! My name is Crystal Turner. I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who treats adults 18 and older. I treat various mental health conditions including trauma. mood disorders, depression, and anxiety. My approach is compassionate and inclusive. I incorporate education into my approach as I know well-informed patients have better outcomes. I also incorporate holistic approaches to integrate into care. I commonly work with people with history of trauma, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and psychosis.
(872) 267-9590 View (872) 267-9590
Photo of Victoria Nee, MD, Psychiatrist
Victoria Nee
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60602
Are you concerned your psychiatrist might diagnose & prescribe medication ("match the pill to the ill") without addressing root causes of your problem? Most psychiatrists don't look at the brain as part of the body & don't think about underlying conditions such as inflammation, an unhealthy gut, high toxin load, food sensitivities, or "out-of-whack" hormones (to name just a few). These conditions don't just affect your body, but also affect your brain, resulting in depression, anxiety, insomnia, "brain fog" & other psychological symptoms. Medication can work spectacularly well, but often doesn't, if the body is too imbalanced.
Are you concerned your psychiatrist might diagnose & prescribe medication ("match the pill to the ill") without addressing root causes of your problem? Most psychiatrists don't look at the brain as part of the body & don't think about underlying conditions such as inflammation, an unhealthy gut, high toxin load, food sensitivities, or "out-of-whack" hormones (to name just a few). These conditions don't just affect your body, but also affect your brain, resulting in depression, anxiety, insomnia, "brain fog" & other psychological symptoms. Medication can work spectacularly well, but often doesn't, if the body is too imbalanced.
(312) 634-6867 View (312) 634-6867
Photo of Matthew Richard Mills, MD, Psychiatrist
Matthew Richard Mills
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60657
Mills primarily works with patients who struggle with depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder and ADHD.
Matthew R. Mills, M.D., is a licensed, private-practice psychiatrist located in the Lakeview Neighborhood of Chicago. Dr. Mills is Board Certified by The American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Dr. Mills completed his undergraduate training at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, earned his Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) from the Medical College of Wisconsin, and is a 2006 graduate of the Psychiatry Residency and Training Program at the University of Illinois Medical Center.
Mills primarily works with patients who struggle with depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder and ADHD.
Matthew R. Mills, M.D., is a licensed, private-practice psychiatrist located in the Lakeview Neighborhood of Chicago. Dr. Mills is Board Certified by The American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Dr. Mills completed his undergraduate training at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, earned his Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) from the Medical College of Wisconsin, and is a 2006 graduate of the Psychiatry Residency and Training Program at the University of Illinois Medical Center.
(312) 380-0889 View (312) 380-0889
Photo of Maya Ramic, MD, PhD, Psychiatrist
Maya Ramic
Psychiatrist, MD, PhD
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60631  (Online Only)
As a general psychiatrist, I provide treatment for patients 18 years of age and older, mostly for conditions of depression, anxiety, mood dysregulation and psychosis. While I am dedicated to providing care to a general psychiatric population, I feel uniquely privileged in providing care to individuals coping with parenting and marital stressors. Each individual is unique with a specific set of life circumstances. I see an individual’s relationship with self as the foundation of all life experiences, and key for healing and moving forward.
As a general psychiatrist, I provide treatment for patients 18 years of age and older, mostly for conditions of depression, anxiety, mood dysregulation and psychosis. While I am dedicated to providing care to a general psychiatric population, I feel uniquely privileged in providing care to individuals coping with parenting and marital stressors. Each individual is unique with a specific set of life circumstances. I see an individual’s relationship with self as the foundation of all life experiences, and key for healing and moving forward.
(872) 259-4679 View (872) 259-4679
Photo of Rebecca Gilfillan, MD, Psychiatrist
Rebecca Gilfillan
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60613
Dr. Rebecca Gilfillan is a board certified psychiatrist, with expertise in a wide variety of psychiatric disorders, including depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, and personality disorders. She received her psychiatric training at Northwestern Memorial Hospital and is currently an attending psychiatrist and the psychiatric medical student site director at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center. She has a strong background in both medication management and psychotherapy, and believes in tailoring treatments to the individual, considering holistic and lifestyle changes equally as important as medications.
Dr. Rebecca Gilfillan is a board certified psychiatrist, with expertise in a wide variety of psychiatric disorders, including depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, and personality disorders. She received her psychiatric training at Northwestern Memorial Hospital and is currently an attending psychiatrist and the psychiatric medical student site director at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center. She has a strong background in both medication management and psychotherapy, and believes in tailoring treatments to the individual, considering holistic and lifestyle changes equally as important as medications.
(773) 345-7335 View (773) 345-7335
Photo of Sherann Ivy - Sunshine Psychiatry, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Sunshine Psychiatry
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60612
*****NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS**** Whether you need psychiatric evaluation and treatment for addiction, anxiety, depression, a mood disorder, ADHD, PTSD, or another mental health problem, as your provider, my goal is to help you get the solutions that will let you feel better soon. The belief in giving help with deep caring, and my style of listening, form the soul of my practice today. I see all patients as unique in their own way, and I value the privilege of giving the best care that my private practice in psychiatric medicine can provide.
*****NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS**** Whether you need psychiatric evaluation and treatment for addiction, anxiety, depression, a mood disorder, ADHD, PTSD, or another mental health problem, as your provider, my goal is to help you get the solutions that will let you feel better soon. The belief in giving help with deep caring, and my style of listening, form the soul of my practice today. I see all patients as unique in their own way, and I value the privilege of giving the best care that my private practice in psychiatric medicine can provide.
(708) 367-3780 View (708) 367-3780
Photo of Robert Noonan, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Robert Noonan
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60614
Although I prescribe psychiatric medications such as antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, mood stabilizers, and ADHD medications, it does not mean that I believe medications will help everyone or solve all problems.
Hello, my name is Brian Noonan, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. I am Licensed in Arizona, California, Colorado, D.C., Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, New York, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, and Washington State. I have experience in outpatient clinics, inpatient hospitals, and telehealth, as well as an instructor for Seattle University’s Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner program. Education: Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN; University of Georgia, Athens, GA, Psychology, BA
Although I prescribe psychiatric medications such as antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, mood stabilizers, and ADHD medications, it does not mean that I believe medications will help everyone or solve all problems.
Hello, my name is Brian Noonan, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. I am Licensed in Arizona, California, Colorado, D.C., Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, New York, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, and Washington State. I have experience in outpatient clinics, inpatient hospitals, and telehealth, as well as an instructor for Seattle University’s Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner program. Education: Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN; University of Georgia, Athens, GA, Psychology, BA
(872) 253-7409 View (872) 253-7409
Photo of Devika Patel, PMHNP, FNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Devika Patel
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, FNP
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60631
I am currently accepting new patients**** I have been providing excellent care for over 5 years with great compassion.  I provide psychiatric evaluations and medication management for patients 7 years and older with Anxiety Disorders, Depression, ADHD, Mood disorder, PTSD, Opioid Use Disorder, and other mental health problems.  I treat each patient as an individual and work together in developing treatment plans. I spend the time needed with each patient to get to know them and understand the source of their struggles.
I am currently accepting new patients**** I have been providing excellent care for over 5 years with great compassion.  I provide psychiatric evaluations and medication management for patients 7 years and older with Anxiety Disorders, Depression, ADHD, Mood disorder, PTSD, Opioid Use Disorder, and other mental health problems.  I treat each patient as an individual and work together in developing treatment plans. I spend the time needed with each patient to get to know them and understand the source of their struggles.
(224) 386-3252 View (224) 386-3252
Photo of Dustin Husemann, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Dustin Husemann
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60632
Hello, my name is Dustin Husemann I have been practicing as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner for the past 4 years. I take a patient-centered approach to developing a comprehensive treatment plan for a wide variety of patient populations. I am proficient in diagnosing and medication management by using Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness-Based, and Supportive. I work with a wide variety of Clients, military, service people, and LGBQTIA+. I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, ADHD, mood disorders, and sleep disorders.
Hello, my name is Dustin Husemann I have been practicing as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner for the past 4 years. I take a patient-centered approach to developing a comprehensive treatment plan for a wide variety of patient populations. I am proficient in diagnosing and medication management by using Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness-Based, and Supportive. I work with a wide variety of Clients, military, service people, and LGBQTIA+. I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, ADHD, mood disorders, and sleep disorders.
(708) 797-2796 View (708) 797-2796
Photo of Sarah Tisser, PMHNP , Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Sarah Tisser
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60655
Sarah Tisser was born and raised in France and lived in Israel for 10 years. She is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who is qualified to diagnose, treat, and prescribe medication for children and adults. She has experience treating all psychiatric disorders, including perinatal mental health: She is PSI certified. Sarah also treats patients with sexual dysfunction due to anxiety and depression, and would adjust medications to avoid sexual side effects. She sees clients aged 6 years and up.
Sarah Tisser was born and raised in France and lived in Israel for 10 years. She is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who is qualified to diagnose, treat, and prescribe medication for children and adults. She has experience treating all psychiatric disorders, including perinatal mental health: She is PSI certified. Sarah also treats patients with sexual dysfunction due to anxiety and depression, and would adjust medications to avoid sexual side effects. She sees clients aged 6 years and up.
(708) 719-6273 View (708) 719-6273
Photo of Shoaib Memon, MD, Psychiatrist
Shoaib Memon
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60602
My clinical specialties include working with adults, families and couples experiencing Anxiety, Depression, ADHD / ADD, Stress, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Self Esteem, Life Transition, Loss & Grief, Relationship Issues, Anger and Trauma & PTSD.
Are you feeling lost and uncertain about the way your life is going? Do you feel alone or stuck in your situation? Are you struggling with feelings of stress, anxiety or depression? In order to effectively treat emotional problems and life challenges, it is important to find a psychiatrist in Chicago that can meet your needs. My first goal when meeting with you is to establish a genuine and collaborative connection. This will serve as the foundation for the work necessary to deal with daily feelings, understand experiences, and make positive changes to your life. We will work together to develop a plan to help you heal and grow.
My clinical specialties include working with adults, families and couples experiencing Anxiety, Depression, ADHD / ADD, Stress, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Self Esteem, Life Transition, Loss & Grief, Relationship Issues, Anger and Trauma & PTSD.
Are you feeling lost and uncertain about the way your life is going? Do you feel alone or stuck in your situation? Are you struggling with feelings of stress, anxiety or depression? In order to effectively treat emotional problems and life challenges, it is important to find a psychiatrist in Chicago that can meet your needs. My first goal when meeting with you is to establish a genuine and collaborative connection. This will serve as the foundation for the work necessary to deal with daily feelings, understand experiences, and make positive changes to your life. We will work together to develop a plan to help you heal and grow.
(312) 800-1521 View (312) 800-1521
Photo of Stacey M Schulte, MSN, AGPCNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Stacey M Schulte
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, AGPCNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60657
I am currently accepting new patients! I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I provide psychiatric medication management services for clients who are 6-99 years old. I specialize in treating ADHD, depression, anxiety, mood disorders, and women's mental health issues. I understand that life changes bring anxiety, and affect sleep, your appetite, and your work and social life. I would like to work with you to find solutions to make life better.
I am currently accepting new patients! I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I provide psychiatric medication management services for clients who are 6-99 years old. I specialize in treating ADHD, depression, anxiety, mood disorders, and women's mental health issues. I understand that life changes bring anxiety, and affect sleep, your appetite, and your work and social life. I would like to work with you to find solutions to make life better.
(872) 233-4576 View (872) 233-4576
Photo of Elizabeth Adekoya (Now Accepting New Patients), PMHNP, BC, FPA, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Elizabeth Adekoya (Now Accepting New Patients)
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC, FPA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60611
Hi there, I'm Elizabeth. Do you suffer from persistent sadness? Are you struggling to find joy in your day to day life? Or do you find yourself constantly worrying, afraid or anxious? Are you in search of a provider that is both compassionate and adequately skilled to help you treat and manage your symptoms? I am a Psychiatric Mental health Nurse Practitioner and help adult individuals with mood disorders and other mental/psychiatric disorders. I am compassionate about helping you manage your depression, anxiety, ADHD and any other comorbidities.
Hi there, I'm Elizabeth. Do you suffer from persistent sadness? Are you struggling to find joy in your day to day life? Or do you find yourself constantly worrying, afraid or anxious? Are you in search of a provider that is both compassionate and adequately skilled to help you treat and manage your symptoms? I am a Psychiatric Mental health Nurse Practitioner and help adult individuals with mood disorders and other mental/psychiatric disorders. I am compassionate about helping you manage your depression, anxiety, ADHD and any other comorbidities.
(872) 252-7686 View (872) 252-7686
Photo of Richard P. Harris, MD, Psychiatrist
Richard P. Harris
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60601
What are your symptoms? Anxiety, fatigue, avoidance, sleeplessness, back pain, procrastination, loneliness, anger outbursts..... All symptoms are experiences of pain (dis-ease) and/or ineffective behavior. Symptoms will occur when your "operating system" is overtaxed. My treatment approach focuses on reducing your symptoms and developing more strength and flexibility in your overall managing system, e.g., how you characteristically feel and act in the world. Due to known and as yet unknown problematic side effects of all prescription drugs, I use much safer and ultimately more powerful methods for symptom relief, prevention of recurrence and enduring health.
What are your symptoms? Anxiety, fatigue, avoidance, sleeplessness, back pain, procrastination, loneliness, anger outbursts..... All symptoms are experiences of pain (dis-ease) and/or ineffective behavior. Symptoms will occur when your "operating system" is overtaxed. My treatment approach focuses on reducing your symptoms and developing more strength and flexibility in your overall managing system, e.g., how you characteristically feel and act in the world. Due to known and as yet unknown problematic side effects of all prescription drugs, I use much safer and ultimately more powerful methods for symptom relief, prevention of recurrence and enduring health.
(312) 313-2161 View (312) 313-2161
Photo of Melissa Vitale, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Melissa Vitale
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60642
Melissa Vitale is currently accepting new patients. Melissa Vitale is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She provides general psychiatric services for adult patients who are experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, or thought disorders such as schizophrenia. For every new patient, Melissa provides a comprehensive initial psychiatric assessment, and offers subsequent mental health treatment including medication management and individual psychotherapy.
Melissa Vitale is currently accepting new patients. Melissa Vitale is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She provides general psychiatric services for adult patients who are experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, or thought disorders such as schizophrenia. For every new patient, Melissa provides a comprehensive initial psychiatric assessment, and offers subsequent mental health treatment including medication management and individual psychotherapy.
(312) 313-7813 View (312) 313-7813
Photo of Michael Bonifacio, APRN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Michael Bonifacio
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60647
Michael G. Bonifacio is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Illinois. Michael strongly believes in a people-centered, compassionate, and holistic approach to mental healthcare. With more than two decades of experience as a healthcare professional, he leverages his comprehensive skill set to devise treatment plans with his clients that foster understanding, personal growth, and long-lasting positive outcomes. Michael specializes in depression, anxiety, ADHD, and mood disorders. Outside of work, Michael enjoys cooking, traveling, and practicing aikido.
Michael G. Bonifacio is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Illinois. Michael strongly believes in a people-centered, compassionate, and holistic approach to mental healthcare. With more than two decades of experience as a healthcare professional, he leverages his comprehensive skill set to devise treatment plans with his clients that foster understanding, personal growth, and long-lasting positive outcomes. Michael specializes in depression, anxiety, ADHD, and mood disorders. Outside of work, Michael enjoys cooking, traveling, and practicing aikido.
(773) 830-6605 View (773) 830-6605
Photo of Marc Sandrolini, MD, Psychiatrist
Marc Sandrolini
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60641
He specializes in mood and anxiety disorders, psychosis, obsessive-compulsive disorders, ADHD, trauma, personality disorders, and autistic spectrum disorders.
Dr. Marc Sandrolini is a Psychiatrist in Illinois who has been practicing since 1996. Dr. Sandrolini attended medical school at Rush Medical College in Chicago and completed his residency in adult psychiatry at the University of Illinois Hospital. He then completed a fellowship in child and adolescent psychiatry at Yale University. Dr. Sandrolini understands that effective treatment starts with a conversation. Dr. Sandrolini helps his patients feel heard, accepted, and understood, so that they can feel comfortable sharing difficult details and sensitive concerns.
He specializes in mood and anxiety disorders, psychosis, obsessive-compulsive disorders, ADHD, trauma, personality disorders, and autistic spectrum disorders.
Dr. Marc Sandrolini is a Psychiatrist in Illinois who has been practicing since 1996. Dr. Sandrolini attended medical school at Rush Medical College in Chicago and completed his residency in adult psychiatry at the University of Illinois Hospital. He then completed a fellowship in child and adolescent psychiatry at Yale University. Dr. Sandrolini understands that effective treatment starts with a conversation. Dr. Sandrolini helps his patients feel heard, accepted, and understood, so that they can feel comfortable sharing difficult details and sensitive concerns.
(872) 278-2174 View (872) 278-2174
Photo of Kimberly E. Merenkov, MD, Psychiatrist
Kimberly E. Merenkov
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60601
My expertise is in anxiety disorders such as panic, generalized anxiety, and social anxiety.
As a Chicago Psychiatrist in private practice, I provide an integrated, goal oriented psychotherapy and medication approach (when appropriate) for those challenged by anxiety spectrum disorders, depression, medical problems, as well as work and personal relationship stress. I an an Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Northwestern University Medical School and an Affiliated Physician at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Honored in "Top Doctor" List in Chicago Magazine, January 2024, 2022, 2021, as well as "Exceptional Women in Medicine," Castle Connolly Medical, LTD, in Chicago Magazine, May 2021.
My expertise is in anxiety disorders such as panic, generalized anxiety, and social anxiety.
As a Chicago Psychiatrist in private practice, I provide an integrated, goal oriented psychotherapy and medication approach (when appropriate) for those challenged by anxiety spectrum disorders, depression, medical problems, as well as work and personal relationship stress. I an an Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Northwestern University Medical School and an Affiliated Physician at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Honored in "Top Doctor" List in Chicago Magazine, January 2024, 2022, 2021, as well as "Exceptional Women in Medicine," Castle Connolly Medical, LTD, in Chicago Magazine, May 2021.
(312) 612-6154 View (312) 612-6154
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.