Photo of David J Dean, MSW, LSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
David J Dean
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LSW
Verified Verified
New Castle, PA 16101
I address all issues from the perspective of a person's environment. We all exist in the context of a family, a community and a culture. In therapy we often find that there is nothing wrong with us, depression, anxiety, etc., are not innate dysfunctions but rather result from conflict that arises in our environment. I like to help individuals, couples and families learn about these environments to better navigate them as well as learn about themselves and what it means to be who they are in the context of their environment.
I address all issues from the perspective of a person's environment. We all exist in the context of a family, a community and a culture. In therapy we often find that there is nothing wrong with us, depression, anxiety, etc., are not innate dysfunctions but rather result from conflict that arises in our environment. I like to help individuals, couples and families learn about these environments to better navigate them as well as learn about themselves and what it means to be who they are in the context of their environment.
(724) 227-0012 View (724) 227-0012
Photo of Rebecca de Vries - Rebecca S. de Vries, PhD, LLC, PhD, LPC, NCC, BC-TMH, Licensed Professional Counselor
Rebecca S. de Vries, PhD, LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC, NCC, BC-TMH
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
New Castle, PA 16101  (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
I want to help with your problem(s) but also your life in the future. We’ll focus on what’s currently interfering with your daily life. Success requires you to make changes, set short term goals, prioritize, and develop long term goals. CHANGE requires an open mind regardless of your issues, needs, or goals. Independent of what you want and why. Change is not easy, the process is not steady, and will likely include setbacks. Long term change requires modifying your thoughts such as the interactions of feelings and logic.
I want to help with your problem(s) but also your life in the future. We’ll focus on what’s currently interfering with your daily life. Success requires you to make changes, set short term goals, prioritize, and develop long term goals. CHANGE requires an open mind regardless of your issues, needs, or goals. Independent of what you want and why. Change is not easy, the process is not steady, and will likely include setbacks. Long term change requires modifying your thoughts such as the interactions of feelings and logic.
(878) 313-2176 View (878) 313-2176

Online Therapists

Photo of Michael F Dunbar, MA , LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Michael F Dunbar
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA , LPC
Verified Verified
Wexford, PA 15090
Trained in CBT, REBT, Gestalt, Rogerian, and numerous other therapies, his clinical experience includes Divorce, Extramarital Affairs, Bipolar Disorder, Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, Addiction Issues, Codependency, OCD, Career, Marriage, and Family needs.
Michael is a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC) and Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) receiving his Masters Degree in Marriage and Family Counseling from Geneva College in Beaver Pennsylvania. Mike offers holistic counseling services for those struggling to find balance on a spiritual, emotional or cognitive level.
Trained in CBT, REBT, Gestalt, Rogerian, and numerous other therapies, his clinical experience includes Divorce, Extramarital Affairs, Bipolar Disorder, Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, Addiction Issues, Codependency, OCD, Career, Marriage, and Family needs.
Michael is a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC) and Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) receiving his Masters Degree in Marriage and Family Counseling from Geneva College in Beaver Pennsylvania. Mike offers holistic counseling services for those struggling to find balance on a spiritual, emotional or cognitive level.
(412) 528-6057 View (412) 528-6057
Photo of Samone Oliveros-Williams, LCSW, MSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Samone Oliveros-Williams
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Pittsburgh, PA 15221
I have extensive experience and training in working with children, teens, and families who have experienced trauma, behavioral challenges, and OCD and Anxiety disorders.
Having been in the mental health realm for 12+ years now, I have learned that in life there can be great hurt, loss, and suffering but there is also great healing, hope, and joy. We all have a story we were made to tell. We were all made to heal and thrive in relationships. Each person's story is different but each person's story is full of strength, and courage. I'd like to walk with people on their road to healing and better health. I aim to help find resources of comfort, coping, and support. I hope to bring warmth, humor, and practical skills to help clients on their way, and help you lighten whatever burden you are carrying.
I have extensive experience and training in working with children, teens, and families who have experienced trauma, behavioral challenges, and OCD and Anxiety disorders.
Having been in the mental health realm for 12+ years now, I have learned that in life there can be great hurt, loss, and suffering but there is also great healing, hope, and joy. We all have a story we were made to tell. We were all made to heal and thrive in relationships. Each person's story is different but each person's story is full of strength, and courage. I'd like to walk with people on their road to healing and better health. I aim to help find resources of comfort, coping, and support. I hope to bring warmth, humor, and practical skills to help clients on their way, and help you lighten whatever burden you are carrying.
(412) 801-7133 View (412) 801-7133
Photo of Demarquis Clarke - The Center for Relational Change, LMFT, LCSW, LPC
The Center for Relational Change
LMFT, LCSW, LPC
Verified Verified
Pittsburgh, PA 15218
The Center for Relational Change is Pittsburgh's premier family therapy practice. Our clinicians are skilled, caring, insightful licensed therapists helping individuals, couple and families work through issues of self-worth, depression, anxiety, childhood trauma and abuse, and more. We work with everyone, regardless of race, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, etc. If you, your partner and/or family are having a difficult time healing from past issues, working through present concerns or want to maintain a healthy future, the Center is a great place to begin investing in yourself and your relationships.
The Center for Relational Change is Pittsburgh's premier family therapy practice. Our clinicians are skilled, caring, insightful licensed therapists helping individuals, couple and families work through issues of self-worth, depression, anxiety, childhood trauma and abuse, and more. We work with everyone, regardless of race, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, etc. If you, your partner and/or family are having a difficult time healing from past issues, working through present concerns or want to maintain a healthy future, the Center is a great place to begin investing in yourself and your relationships.
(412) 903-3742 View (412) 903-3742
Photo of Jannette Travali, MSCP, MPH, MS, NCC/LPC, RDN/LDN, CEDS, Licensed Professional Counselor
Jannette Travali
Licensed Professional Counselor, MSCP, MPH, MS, NCC/LPC, RDN/LDN, CEDS
Verified Verified
Seven Fields, PA 16046
DISORDERED EATING (Sprectur: Anorexia, Bulimia, Binge Eating, AFRID, PICA, Body Image Distortion, Orthorexia) SAFETY/IDENTITY/RELATIONSHIPS (PTSD, Trauma/Acute Abuse, Bullying, Self-Harm, Suicidality, Grief, LGBTQIA+) MOOD COMPONENTS (Anxiety, OCD, Depression, Bipolar) MEDICAL LAYERS (Food Allergies/Autoimmune/Metabolic) CORE GROUNDING (Spiritual &/or Faith).
I am a Psychotherapist, Nutrition Therapist & Exercise Physiologist. With the Client/Therapist Relationship at CORE, I provide Individualized, Integrative Care: Eating Disorders, Trauma, Mood, Relationships, Transitions -acknowledging & encouraging growth of diverse values &/or needs, I use an Eclectic Therapeutic Approach –including Person-Centered, Mindfulness, Expressive (art, music, movement, writing), Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), CBT, RO-DBT, Existential, Narrative, EMDR, Gestalt, Motivational Interviewing, Positive Psychology, Nutrition Therapy –Intuitive Eating/HAES (Health at Any Size) & Medical Nutrition Therapy.
DISORDERED EATING (Sprectur: Anorexia, Bulimia, Binge Eating, AFRID, PICA, Body Image Distortion, Orthorexia) SAFETY/IDENTITY/RELATIONSHIPS (PTSD, Trauma/Acute Abuse, Bullying, Self-Harm, Suicidality, Grief, LGBTQIA+) MOOD COMPONENTS (Anxiety, OCD, Depression, Bipolar) MEDICAL LAYERS (Food Allergies/Autoimmune/Metabolic) CORE GROUNDING (Spiritual &/or Faith).
I am a Psychotherapist, Nutrition Therapist & Exercise Physiologist. With the Client/Therapist Relationship at CORE, I provide Individualized, Integrative Care: Eating Disorders, Trauma, Mood, Relationships, Transitions -acknowledging & encouraging growth of diverse values &/or needs, I use an Eclectic Therapeutic Approach –including Person-Centered, Mindfulness, Expressive (art, music, movement, writing), Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), CBT, RO-DBT, Existential, Narrative, EMDR, Gestalt, Motivational Interviewing, Positive Psychology, Nutrition Therapy –Intuitive Eating/HAES (Health at Any Size) & Medical Nutrition Therapy.
(724) 320-1816 View (724) 320-1816
Photo of Derek Oberlander, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Derek Oberlander
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Clarion, PA 16214
What we think, affects how we feel, which influences the way that we behave! My name is Derek and I am passionate about helping people to recover and regain from the issues that they are facing today so that they can thrive. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with a Master of Arts degree in Professional Counseling. I have over nine years of counseling experience working on a variety of issues that people may be struggling with to include addictions, adjustment issues, anxiety, depression, family conflict, infidelity, loss and grief, relationship issues, and trauma/PTSD.
What we think, affects how we feel, which influences the way that we behave! My name is Derek and I am passionate about helping people to recover and regain from the issues that they are facing today so that they can thrive. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with a Master of Arts degree in Professional Counseling. I have over nine years of counseling experience working on a variety of issues that people may be struggling with to include addictions, adjustment issues, anxiety, depression, family conflict, infidelity, loss and grief, relationship issues, and trauma/PTSD.
(814) 531-8131 View (814) 531-8131
Photo of Stephanie Wijkstram - Counseling and Wellness Center of Pittsburgh, LPC , PhD, LMFT, LCSW, Licensed Professional Counselor
Counseling and Wellness Center of Pittsburgh
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC , PhD, LMFT, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Greensburg, PA 15601
We specialize in anxiety, anger, ADHD, behavioral disorders, depression, mood disorders, cognitive disorders, substance abuse issues, trauma, relationship issues, family and marriage counseling and many more.
We provide counseling services to individuals, couples and families through Western Pennsylvania. Whether you are seeking treatment as an individual adult, a child, or teen, our multi-specialty approach will support your goals of resolving emotional, psychological, and relationship issues. For couples and families, our mental health specialists are experts in supporting your relationship as you gain greater friendship, intimacy, and communication barriers.
We specialize in anxiety, anger, ADHD, behavioral disorders, depression, mood disorders, cognitive disorders, substance abuse issues, trauma, relationship issues, family and marriage counseling and many more.
We provide counseling services to individuals, couples and families through Western Pennsylvania. Whether you are seeking treatment as an individual adult, a child, or teen, our multi-specialty approach will support your goals of resolving emotional, psychological, and relationship issues. For couples and families, our mental health specialists are experts in supporting your relationship as you gain greater friendship, intimacy, and communication barriers.
(878) 213-4810 View (878) 213-4810
Photo of Jan Lorraine Lee - Jan Lee Hypnosis, RN
Jan Lee Hypnosis
RN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Tarentum, PA 15084
My clients sometimes don't know what else to do. They may have tried traditional interventions. They have anxiety, grief, pain, phobias, addictions, eating disorders. They may have heard about hypnosis but aren't sure what it is. They may be LGBTQ & find a society that won't embrace who they are. Most often, my clients feels lost, out of sync and want to feel better, think better and live better. They want to know how to take this tool of Hypnosis out of their "toolbox" & use it for life. They believe in mind over matter. They have the courage to ask for help.
My clients sometimes don't know what else to do. They may have tried traditional interventions. They have anxiety, grief, pain, phobias, addictions, eating disorders. They may have heard about hypnosis but aren't sure what it is. They may be LGBTQ & find a society that won't embrace who they are. Most often, my clients feels lost, out of sync and want to feel better, think better and live better. They want to know how to take this tool of Hypnosis out of their "toolbox" & use it for life. They believe in mind over matter. They have the courage to ask for help.
(878) 216-0080 View (878) 216-0080
Photo of Don Laird - eTalkTherapy, LLC, NCC, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
eTalkTherapy, LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, NCC, LPC
Verified Verified
Wexford, PA 15090  (Online Only)
Are you feeling anxious, depressed, or alone? Do relationship problems have you feeling frustrated or stuck? Are you experiencing burnout or fatigue in life or at work? Maybe all the above? Our caring and professional therapists are here to help you starting today. eTalkTherapy provides affordable, private, convenient, and quality counseling from experienced and licensed mental health therapists. If you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, loss of meaning, relationships or just need to talk, we are here to listen. Schedule a free phone consultation or your first appointment today.
Are you feeling anxious, depressed, or alone? Do relationship problems have you feeling frustrated or stuck? Are you experiencing burnout or fatigue in life or at work? Maybe all the above? Our caring and professional therapists are here to help you starting today. eTalkTherapy provides affordable, private, convenient, and quality counseling from experienced and licensed mental health therapists. If you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, loss of meaning, relationships or just need to talk, we are here to listen. Schedule a free phone consultation or your first appointment today.
(878) 206-1994 View (878) 206-1994
Photo of Deanna Kulcsar, LPC, NCC, MA MFT, Licensed Professional Counselor
Deanna Kulcsar
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC, MA MFT
Verified Verified
Greensburg, PA 15601
Are you waking up in the morning thinking "This is not what I signed up for!" Do you feel overwhelmed or anxious? Are you struggling coming to terms with a traumatic event or wrestling with where life has put you? Perhaps you are looking for a deeper sense of self and want to experience growth towards a life that feels authentic. My love for therapy grew out of the idea that our experiences shape our beliefs about ourselves and others. Sometimes these beliefs are helpful... and sometimes not. One of the goals of therapy can be to recognize your own beliefs and understand how they impact your thoughts and feelings.
Are you waking up in the morning thinking "This is not what I signed up for!" Do you feel overwhelmed or anxious? Are you struggling coming to terms with a traumatic event or wrestling with where life has put you? Perhaps you are looking for a deeper sense of self and want to experience growth towards a life that feels authentic. My love for therapy grew out of the idea that our experiences shape our beliefs about ourselves and others. Sometimes these beliefs are helpful... and sometimes not. One of the goals of therapy can be to recognize your own beliefs and understand how they impact your thoughts and feelings.
(267) 662-2772 View (267) 662-2772
Photo of Aryn Smeltzer, LMSW, Pre-Licensed Professional
Aryn Smeltzer
Pre-Licensed Professional, LMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Canonsburg, PA 15317  (Online Only)
I have also worked with clients who struggle with hoarding, anxiety, loss/grief, family transition and many other areas.
My name is Aryn Smeltzer and I am the owner of Healing with Hope LLC! Sometimes life is hard and just plain messy, and we just need someone who can listen, guide, challenge and support us in our life journey. It is my passion to walk this journey with you as you navigate the stressors, traumas and unexpected turns that life can throw at you. Your experiences are unique to you. I desire our therapeutic relationship to be collaborative as we work together to create interventions that spark growth and ultimately, healing.
I have also worked with clients who struggle with hoarding, anxiety, loss/grief, family transition and many other areas.
My name is Aryn Smeltzer and I am the owner of Healing with Hope LLC! Sometimes life is hard and just plain messy, and we just need someone who can listen, guide, challenge and support us in our life journey. It is my passion to walk this journey with you as you navigate the stressors, traumas and unexpected turns that life can throw at you. Your experiences are unique to you. I desire our therapeutic relationship to be collaborative as we work together to create interventions that spark growth and ultimately, healing.
(717) 973-8221 View (717) 973-8221
Photo of Khalida Sethi, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Khalida Sethi
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Pittsburgh, PA 15203
We would understand to notice anxiety and anxiousness without judging it.
My ideal client would be ready for a challenge. Someone who wants their worldview expanded, prepared to find internal and external connection with the world. My ideal client would be someone who also wants their race, sexuality, or gender affirmed by their clinician.
We would understand to notice anxiety and anxiousness without judging it.
My ideal client would be ready for a challenge. Someone who wants their worldview expanded, prepared to find internal and external connection with the world. My ideal client would be someone who also wants their race, sexuality, or gender affirmed by their clinician.
(412) 900-4852 View (412) 900-4852
Photo of Jessica K Dombkowski, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Jessica K Dombkowski
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
Erie, PA 16506
I have years of experience working with patients who suffer from chronic mental illness including mood disorders, personality disorders, thought disorders and psychosis as well as anxiety, stress, grief and loss and relationship concerns.
Making the decision to begin therapy takes courage, and finding the right therapist is an important step in the healing process. I seek to help my clients achieve more fulfilling and balanced lives by offering a warm, accepting and nonjudgmental environment. I provide individual and group therapy to adolescents and adults with diverse backgrounds and concerns. Whether you are looking for strategies to manage new life situations, wish to improve your relationships with others, suffer from chronic mental illness, or seek to increase your overall well-being, I offer a safe environment to explore your concerns.
I have years of experience working with patients who suffer from chronic mental illness including mood disorders, personality disorders, thought disorders and psychosis as well as anxiety, stress, grief and loss and relationship concerns.
Making the decision to begin therapy takes courage, and finding the right therapist is an important step in the healing process. I seek to help my clients achieve more fulfilling and balanced lives by offering a warm, accepting and nonjudgmental environment. I provide individual and group therapy to adolescents and adults with diverse backgrounds and concerns. Whether you are looking for strategies to manage new life situations, wish to improve your relationships with others, suffer from chronic mental illness, or seek to increase your overall well-being, I offer a safe environment to explore your concerns.
(814) 703-4082 View (814) 703-4082
Photo of Sara Makin - Makin Wellness | Online Therapy & Counseling, MSEd, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Makin Wellness | Online Therapy & Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor, MSEd, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Pittsburgh, PA 15222  (Online Only)
We are welcoming new clients now & can help schedule your first session within a few business days with one of our expert providers at Makin Wellness! Do you worry all the time? Is it hard for you to turn your thoughts off? Would you like to enjoy the present moment, but feel like it's impossible because you are so focused on the future or past? So many people live their lives filled with negative thoughts, traumas & depression that eventually affect their work, relationships, and even health. They are unsure of how to let go of their troublesome thoughts or have tried things that made their problems even worse.
We are welcoming new clients now & can help schedule your first session within a few business days with one of our expert providers at Makin Wellness! Do you worry all the time? Is it hard for you to turn your thoughts off? Would you like to enjoy the present moment, but feel like it's impossible because you are so focused on the future or past? So many people live their lives filled with negative thoughts, traumas & depression that eventually affect their work, relationships, and even health. They are unsure of how to let go of their troublesome thoughts or have tried things that made their problems even worse.
(412) 866-2926 View (412) 866-2926
Photo of Megan Pritchard, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Megan Pritchard
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Pittsburgh, PA 15203
Are you experiencing symptoms related to anxiety or depression and want a better understanding of yourself and your relationships? Are you motivated for therapy and open to the challenges and rewards that therapy provides?
Are you experiencing symptoms related to anxiety or depression and want a better understanding of yourself and your relationships? Are you motivated for therapy and open to the challenges and rewards that therapy provides?
(412) 361-9468 View (412) 361-9468
Photo of Elise M. Vandamia - Psychotherapy, EdD, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Psychotherapy
Licensed Professional Counselor, EdD, LPC
Verified Verified
Oakdale, PA 15071
I have an extensive history in treating anxiety, trauma, depression, emotional instability, behavior modification, and improving family dynamics with a multi-modal approach.
Regardless of the pressing issue, most people struggle through transitions and adjustments in life. My goal is to provide professional quality treatment in the comfort of your own space in a manner that fosters growth, wellness, and positive thinking toward living a productive healthy life and stabilizing emotional distress.
I have an extensive history in treating anxiety, trauma, depression, emotional instability, behavior modification, and improving family dynamics with a multi-modal approach.
Regardless of the pressing issue, most people struggle through transitions and adjustments in life. My goal is to provide professional quality treatment in the comfort of your own space in a manner that fosters growth, wellness, and positive thinking toward living a productive healthy life and stabilizing emotional distress.
(412) 424-6928 View (412) 424-6928
Photo of Alexandra Major, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Alexandra Major
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Indiana, PA 15701
If you are looking for a therapist who can help you feel more in control of your life and your emotions, you are at the right place. I have experience working with people suffering from anxiety, depression, and difficult life transitions. Getting to know yourself deeper is a primary goal of therapy, as it will allow you to figure out what you might need in life: your relationships, work life, hobbies. You will discover healthy ways to cope with things outside of your control, instead of using self-destructive ways. I will assist you by offering a space free of judgment and stigma.
If you are looking for a therapist who can help you feel more in control of your life and your emotions, you are at the right place. I have experience working with people suffering from anxiety, depression, and difficult life transitions. Getting to know yourself deeper is a primary goal of therapy, as it will allow you to figure out what you might need in life: your relationships, work life, hobbies. You will discover healthy ways to cope with things outside of your control, instead of using self-destructive ways. I will assist you by offering a space free of judgment and stigma.
(724) 201-3808 View (724) 201-3808
Photo of Mandy Orvosh, MA, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Mandy Orvosh
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Indiana, PA 15701
You are not alone. Reaching out for help takes courage and is evidence of strength! Do you feel overwhelmed or stuck - in a relationship, a job, or a situation that causes you stress, anxiety, or dissatisfaction? Life can be challenging at times, but there is hope for real and lasting change. You do not have to walk through your hurts and struggles on your own. We will work together to identify barriers to change and lifestyle changes necessary for healing and transformation. We will focus on long-term solutions, not temporary quick fixes.
You are not alone. Reaching out for help takes courage and is evidence of strength! Do you feel overwhelmed or stuck - in a relationship, a job, or a situation that causes you stress, anxiety, or dissatisfaction? Life can be challenging at times, but there is hope for real and lasting change. You do not have to walk through your hurts and struggles on your own. We will work together to identify barriers to change and lifestyle changes necessary for healing and transformation. We will focus on long-term solutions, not temporary quick fixes.
(724) 471-5561 View (724) 471-5561
Photo of Jonelle Hanawalt, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Jonelle Hanawalt
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Greensburg, PA 15601
My ideal client is someone willing to take a chance and seek counseling, showing courage in taking that first step. They should be ready to put effort into their sessions, be introspective, and honest about their thoughts and feelings. Counseling requires effort beyond the weekly hour; it involves working between sessions too. I've successfully worked with individuals facing depression, anxiety, and ADHD, and couples with communication issues. Using Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), I help clients explore how their past affects their current functioning, enabling them to process both small and significant traumas.
My ideal client is someone willing to take a chance and seek counseling, showing courage in taking that first step. They should be ready to put effort into their sessions, be introspective, and honest about their thoughts and feelings. Counseling requires effort beyond the weekly hour; it involves working between sessions too. I've successfully worked with individuals facing depression, anxiety, and ADHD, and couples with communication issues. Using Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), I help clients explore how their past affects their current functioning, enabling them to process both small and significant traumas.
(724) 577-5251 View (724) 577-5251

See more therapy options for Lawrence County

Anxiety Therapists

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.