Find a Therapist for Anxiety

Optimal mental health is a journey, not a destination. We understand that when we find ourselves or our loved ones with symptoms that make life difficult or impossible to manage, seeking help is the first and most important step. We want to educate and raise awareness for individuals and families and help them take the appropriate next steps to get care without stigma. Where you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of anxiety or has a diagnosed anxiety disorder with worsening symptoms, a combination of interventions can be that first step.

Let’s debunk stigma and explain anxiety disorders and how therapy can provide relief. At Apogee Behavioral Medicine, we have healthcare professionals, from psychiatrists to therapists who work in parallel to relieve the symptoms and treat anxiety disorders.

Anxiety is a “normal” part of most people’s lives and plays an important role. Physiological and psychological responses to stress characterize anxiety and may include increased heart rate, sweating, bodily tension, and sleep disturbance. Anxiety can help us avoid and escape dangerous situations; however, when the symptoms are persistent and not rooted in actual danger, it can become a disorder.

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, which is the standardized definition and treatment guide for mental health professionals in the United States, an Anxiety Disorder is defined as, Excessive anxiety and worry (apprehensive expectation), occurring more days than not for at least 6 months, about a number of events or activities (such as work or school performance).  Anxiety disorders can be generalized, can present in specific phobias or specialized fears, or appear in panic attacks. This outlines another critical dimension to diagnosing and treating anxiety, which is the duration of the elevation of symptoms and the frequency of events related to it.

Who treats anxiety? Psychologists, therapists, and psychiatrists are all mental health professionals who can treat anxiety in different ways and who often work together. Psychologists often have advanced degrees, whereas therapists usually have a master’s degree and accreditation from a state with hours of experience. Not all psychologists work as therapists; many study human behavior as researchers, professors, and authors. Psychiatrists are doctors who undergo traditional medical training and as such can prescribe medications.

Depending on the type of anxiety disorder a patient is diagnosed with, treatment may include prescription medication, lifestyle changes, and therapy. In cases where a patient prefers to forgo medications, a therapeutic plan of action is taken. Therapy combats symptoms of anxiety by helping individuals understand and recognize their triggers, thoughts, and behaviors. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, one form of therapy used in the treatment of anxiety, helps people challenge and address persistent thought patterns and transform them into more productive ones. Other techniques involve gradual exposure to triggers to teach new coping skills over time. Therapy also teaches relaxation techniques, mindfulness, and stress management.

The treatment of anxiety varies because each person is unique. We are patient-focused at Apogee Behavioral Medicine. We first perform an in-depth evaluation of an individual’s physical and psychological condition and genetics along with an inventory of their life experience. We believe in patient-centered planning, and our team of psychiatrists and therapists work with patients and families to find the appropriate medical and therapeutic intervention. Integrating therapy with medical interventions starts with the right plan.

We work with patients to identify their goals. Whether that is reducing panic attacks, abatement of specific fears, or developing better responses to persistent worry, both our trained psychiatrists and our therapists work towards achieving the goals of a patient plan. We are working for you, which is important for our patients and those seeking anxiety therapy to understand.

So you have a plan; what is next? The details of aligning your treatment and strategy are essential logistics. Consider whether you are more comfortable with in-office visits or virtual, zoom, or phone calls; these are modern options for treatment that are especially helpful for those suffering from anxiety that can reduce mobility. There is also the practical consideration of whether insurance covers your treatment. Most major insurance providers partner with Apogee Behavioral Medicine.

Where we have a patient-centered plan and a proper integration of therapy and medical interventions, there is still one big consideration for patients—finding the right therapist. Our experiences are different, our personalities are different, and who we feel more or less comfortable around is personal. If you think a therapist is not a right fit, you are within your right to move on. Therapy works to treat anxiety and other mental disorders in a container of trust and cooperation. It may take time to find the right fit. At Apogee Behavioral Medicine, we understand and attempt to align our patient preferences with the right provider. Still, we know it can be a process, and comfort and trust are paramount.