Anxiety Psychiatrists in Virginia

Photo of Arun Paul, Psychiatrist in Virginia
Arun Paul
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Dr. Arun Paul has completed his Adult Psychiatry Residency from Jamaica Hospital and Child and Adolescent Fellowship from Elmhurst Hospital in New York. Dr. Paul has extensive experience in treating wide variety of mental health conditions including Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Psychosis, Trauma related disorders and many others. He believes in collaborative approach and individualized treatment planning to improve one's overall quality of life and functioning.
Dr. Arun Paul has completed his Adult Psychiatry Residency from Jamaica Hospital and Child and Adolescent Fellowship from Elmhurst Hospital in New York. Dr. Paul has extensive experience in treating wide variety of mental health conditions including Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Psychosis, Trauma related disorders and many others. He believes in collaborative approach and individualized treatment planning to improve one's overall quality of life and functioning.
(757) 835-3778 View (757) 835-3778
Photo of Seeta Patel, Psychiatrist in Virginia
Seeta Patel
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
McLean, VA 22101  (Online Only)
Dr. Seeta Patel is a Harvard-trained, board-certified adult psychiatrist. She provides evidence-based medication management for adults (18 years and older). She specializes in treating anxiety, depression, and trauma related concerns. She works with clients from a variety of cultural backgrounds and have seen how trauma can cause lifelong suffering. We often do not reach out until aspects of our life have already been affected in a negative way - for instance, when our relationships have fallen apart, or when we have lost a job. Reaching out for help is not a sign of weakness, but rather it is a sign of strength.
Dr. Seeta Patel is a Harvard-trained, board-certified adult psychiatrist. She provides evidence-based medication management for adults (18 years and older). She specializes in treating anxiety, depression, and trauma related concerns. She works with clients from a variety of cultural backgrounds and have seen how trauma can cause lifelong suffering. We often do not reach out until aspects of our life have already been affected in a negative way - for instance, when our relationships have fallen apart, or when we have lost a job. Reaching out for help is not a sign of weakness, but rather it is a sign of strength.
(571) 474-3261 View (571) 474-3261
Photo of Igor Pryadkin, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Virginia
Igor Pryadkin
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Ashburn, VA 20147
Life can be challenging, and it's okay to seek help when you are facing difficulties, As a dedicated certified psychiatric nurse practitioner, I'm here to provide you with compassionate and personalized care. Services I offer is Anxiety and Stress Management, Mood disorders, Trauma and PTSD counseling, Anger management, OCD & Compulsive Habits, Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder(ADHD) support, Autism spectrum guidance, Behavioral issues, Grief counseling, Insomnia Solutions, Parenting support.
Life can be challenging, and it's okay to seek help when you are facing difficulties, As a dedicated certified psychiatric nurse practitioner, I'm here to provide you with compassionate and personalized care. Services I offer is Anxiety and Stress Management, Mood disorders, Trauma and PTSD counseling, Anger management, OCD & Compulsive Habits, Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder(ADHD) support, Autism spectrum guidance, Behavioral issues, Grief counseling, Insomnia Solutions, Parenting support.
(703) 997-4626 View (703) 997-4626
Photo of Erik Frost, Psychiatrist in Virginia
Erik Frost
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Vienna, VA 22182  (Online Only)
I specialize in several clinical areas including depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, alcohol use disorder, ADHD, and psychotic disorders.
We all have solutions within us – it is a matter of learning how to tap into these solutions. The most effective way to heal is by focusing on your strengths, harness into your available resources, while getting the symptoms under control. At inspire behavioral health, we consider all treatment options available and strive to take a balanced and integrative approach. While it’s necessary to target the symptoms that lead someone to get help, but it is also important to understand that people are much more than symptoms they are experiencing.
I specialize in several clinical areas including depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, alcohol use disorder, ADHD, and psychotic disorders.
We all have solutions within us – it is a matter of learning how to tap into these solutions. The most effective way to heal is by focusing on your strengths, harness into your available resources, while getting the symptoms under control. At inspire behavioral health, we consider all treatment options available and strive to take a balanced and integrative approach. While it’s necessary to target the symptoms that lead someone to get help, but it is also important to understand that people are much more than symptoms they are experiencing.
(571) 200-1822 View (571) 200-1822
Photo of Affinity Health & Wellness, PLLC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Virginia
Affinity Health & Wellness, PLLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, FNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Alexandria, VA 22314
If you are struggling with insomnia, anxiety, panic attacks, OCD, concentration difficulties, sadness, fatigue, or depression, I would love to help you. I have found that working with clients with these symptoms are often the most thoughtful and empathetic people I have encountered during my career in healthcare. Please know, these conditions are common, and are very treatable. I offer thorough diagnostic evaluations and medication management.
If you are struggling with insomnia, anxiety, panic attacks, OCD, concentration difficulties, sadness, fatigue, or depression, I would love to help you. I have found that working with clients with these symptoms are often the most thoughtful and empathetic people I have encountered during my career in healthcare. Please know, these conditions are common, and are very treatable. I offer thorough diagnostic evaluations and medication management.
(703) 520-5215 View (703) 520-5215
Photo of Dr. Natalie Gugino, Psychiatrist in Virginia
Dr. Natalie Gugino
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Fairfax, VA 22030
Welcome to Elevated Psychiatry, I'm glad you're here! As a dual board certified psychiatrist, it is my goal to not only give you a diagnosis and treatment plan, but also to put you at ease with psychiatry. To me, seeing a psychiatrist should be no different than seeing a Cardiologist for your heart, or a physical therapist for your broken leg. You just want a better quality of life! I enjoy treating adults with depression, anxiety, panic, post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder, and sleep problems. I am also trained in psychosomatics and am very comfortable treating medically complex patients and pregnant women.
Welcome to Elevated Psychiatry, I'm glad you're here! As a dual board certified psychiatrist, it is my goal to not only give you a diagnosis and treatment plan, but also to put you at ease with psychiatry. To me, seeing a psychiatrist should be no different than seeing a Cardiologist for your heart, or a physical therapist for your broken leg. You just want a better quality of life! I enjoy treating adults with depression, anxiety, panic, post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder, and sleep problems. I am also trained in psychosomatics and am very comfortable treating medically complex patients and pregnant women.
(571) 600-6296 View (571) 600-6296
Photo of Jennifer Sims, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Virginia
Jennifer Sims
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Virginia Beach, VA 23454  (Online Only)
Ms. Jennifer Sims is a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who has over 25 years of experience in psychiatry and in a variety of settings including inpatient, academics, and outpatient. Ms. Sims received her Master’s in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing from Indiana University. She is also a Psychiatric Clinical Nurse Specialist and has an MBA. Her clinical passion is Patient-Centered Care and working in collaboration with Clients to assist them with their mental health well-being. She treats a variety of psychiatric disorders to include, depression, anxiety, and mood disorders.
Ms. Jennifer Sims is a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who has over 25 years of experience in psychiatry and in a variety of settings including inpatient, academics, and outpatient. Ms. Sims received her Master’s in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing from Indiana University. She is also a Psychiatric Clinical Nurse Specialist and has an MBA. Her clinical passion is Patient-Centered Care and working in collaboration with Clients to assist them with their mental health well-being. She treats a variety of psychiatric disorders to include, depression, anxiety, and mood disorders.
(757) 654-5093 View (757) 654-5093
Photo of Elizabeth Onyejekwe, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Virginia
Elizabeth Onyejekwe
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Woodbridge, VA 22192
I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I provide medication management for psychiatric conditions such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, Bipolar, Schizophrenia, OCD and others. I also treat mood disorders during pregnancy and post-natal.
I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I provide medication management for psychiatric conditions such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, Bipolar, Schizophrenia, OCD and others. I also treat mood disorders during pregnancy and post-natal.
(571) 701-1362 View (571) 701-1362
Photo of Robert 'Trip' Young, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Virginia
Robert 'Trip' Young
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, RN, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Henrico, VA 23233
Overcoming difficult emotions is challenging and can seem insurmountable. With daily practice and self-understanding, a calmer more fulfilling life is possible. While medication management is my primary focus, I view medication as a means to achieve the stability needed to attain your goals. Each appointment is structured to help you find the evidence based combination of medication and/or coping skills to make long term improvements. I work with adolescents and adults on issues from anxiety, depression, OCD, bipolar/mood specturm, and ADHD
Overcoming difficult emotions is challenging and can seem insurmountable. With daily practice and self-understanding, a calmer more fulfilling life is possible. While medication management is my primary focus, I view medication as a means to achieve the stability needed to attain your goals. Each appointment is structured to help you find the evidence based combination of medication and/or coping skills to make long term improvements. I work with adolescents and adults on issues from anxiety, depression, OCD, bipolar/mood specturm, and ADHD
(804) 977-2824 View (804) 977-2824
Photo of Chrystal H Doyle, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Virginia
Chrystal H Doyle
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MS, FNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Glen Allen, VA 23059  (Online Only)
I welcome clients of all ages seeking outpatient management of mental health challenges such as: ADHD, addiction, aggression, addiction, anxiety, bipolar, depression, eating disorders, insomnia, nightmares, obsessions and compulsions, PTSD, psychosis, sleep disturbance, trauma, and other concerns.
Are you looking for outpatient mental health support and medication management in your journey to feel better? Want someone who understands eating disorders, addictions, neurodivergence, and hormonal issues? Want someone willing to explore how medical reasons, like changing hormones, may be affecting your mental health? Want to feel heard and not just given a pill? Want to consider supplements? Want flexibility and access to your provider? If you’re between the ages of 12 and 55 and struggling to feel better, then I’d like to partner with you as a part of your care team.
I welcome clients of all ages seeking outpatient management of mental health challenges such as: ADHD, addiction, aggression, addiction, anxiety, bipolar, depression, eating disorders, insomnia, nightmares, obsessions and compulsions, PTSD, psychosis, sleep disturbance, trauma, and other concerns.
Are you looking for outpatient mental health support and medication management in your journey to feel better? Want someone who understands eating disorders, addictions, neurodivergence, and hormonal issues? Want someone willing to explore how medical reasons, like changing hormones, may be affecting your mental health? Want to feel heard and not just given a pill? Want to consider supplements? Want flexibility and access to your provider? If you’re between the ages of 12 and 55 and struggling to feel better, then I’d like to partner with you as a part of your care team.
(804) 336-3805 View (804) 336-3805
Photo of Augustine Ahenkorah, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Virginia
Augustine Ahenkorah
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Arlington, VA 22207
He specializes in the evaluation and treatment of mental, addictive, and emotional disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, substance-related disorders, and adjustment disorders.
Augustine is devoted to offering mental health services of the highest caliber, caring, and comprehensive to children, adolescents, and adults. Augustine has excellent clinical abilities complemented by a natural ability to connect with patients and their families. He adheres to recommendations based on evidence-based guidelines, clinical knowledge, and individual observation. He plays various roles as a PMHNP, including that of an educator and a mental health advocate. His training experiences in densely populated cities and remote, underserved places have stoked a commitment to provide quality mental health care services to all.
He specializes in the evaluation and treatment of mental, addictive, and emotional disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, substance-related disorders, and adjustment disorders.
Augustine is devoted to offering mental health services of the highest caliber, caring, and comprehensive to children, adolescents, and adults. Augustine has excellent clinical abilities complemented by a natural ability to connect with patients and their families. He adheres to recommendations based on evidence-based guidelines, clinical knowledge, and individual observation. He plays various roles as a PMHNP, including that of an educator and a mental health advocate. His training experiences in densely populated cities and remote, underserved places have stoked a commitment to provide quality mental health care services to all.
(703) 782-4407 View (703) 782-4407
Photo of Cristina Secarea, Psychiatrist in Virginia
Cristina Secarea
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Arlington, VA 22201
I am a Board Certified Adult and Forensic Psychiatrist and a Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association. I have experience in the treatment of all mental health conditions including psychotic disorders (schizophrenia and delusional disorder), mood disorders (depression and bipolar disorder), anxiety disorders, addiction disorders, ADHD, OCD, PTSD and personality disorders and a particular expertise in performing forensic evaluations (e. g. , conservatorship, guardianship, testamentary capacity, fitness for duty, worker's compensation, sexual harassment, medical malpractice).
I am a Board Certified Adult and Forensic Psychiatrist and a Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association. I have experience in the treatment of all mental health conditions including psychotic disorders (schizophrenia and delusional disorder), mood disorders (depression and bipolar disorder), anxiety disorders, addiction disorders, ADHD, OCD, PTSD and personality disorders and a particular expertise in performing forensic evaluations (e. g. , conservatorship, guardianship, testamentary capacity, fitness for duty, worker's compensation, sexual harassment, medical malpractice).
(571) 999-6994 View (571) 999-6994
Photo of Sahar Zaidi, Psychiatrist in Virginia
Sahar Zaidi
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Reston, VA 20190
I specialize in treating children (ages 5 and up) and adults, helping them overcome a wide range of mental health conditions such as mood disorders, anxiety disorders, ADHD, autism and other psychiatric disorders.
I am a child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist with the compassion to provide personalized and integrated care. I understand the importance of treating the whole person and addressing their physical, emotional, and social well-being. By honoring everyone’s unique strengths and experiences, I strive to provide comprehensive care that encompasses all aspects of their health. Utilizing evidence-based methods, my commitment is to deliver the highest quality care to each patient I work with.
I specialize in treating children (ages 5 and up) and adults, helping them overcome a wide range of mental health conditions such as mood disorders, anxiety disorders, ADHD, autism and other psychiatric disorders.
I am a child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist with the compassion to provide personalized and integrated care. I understand the importance of treating the whole person and addressing their physical, emotional, and social well-being. By honoring everyone’s unique strengths and experiences, I strive to provide comprehensive care that encompasses all aspects of their health. Utilizing evidence-based methods, my commitment is to deliver the highest quality care to each patient I work with.
(703) 991-0564 View (703) 991-0564
Photo of Hava Oaks Medical Practice, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Virginia
Hava Oaks Medical Practice
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, FNP-C
Verified Verified
Berryville, VA 22611
Her primary mental health proficiency includes; Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, Bipolar, ADHD, Schizophrenia, Eating Disorder, OCD, DMDD, ODD, and treatment for Substance Use Disorder.
Dr. Olawuyi is a Certified and Licensed Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with years of rich medical experience spanning mental, addiction, and behavioral health management across the lifespans. Dr. O', as her patients fondly refer to her, fosters empathetic therapeutic environments that stimulate warm and compassionate relationships and assist her patients in building on their core values.
Her primary mental health proficiency includes; Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, Bipolar, ADHD, Schizophrenia, Eating Disorder, OCD, DMDD, ODD, and treatment for Substance Use Disorder.
Dr. Olawuyi is a Certified and Licensed Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with years of rich medical experience spanning mental, addiction, and behavioral health management across the lifespans. Dr. O', as her patients fondly refer to her, fosters empathetic therapeutic environments that stimulate warm and compassionate relationships and assist her patients in building on their core values.
(703) 782-4139 View (703) 782-4139
Wykemia Swan
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP
Verified Verified
Alexandria, VA 22310  (Online Only)
Wkyemia Swan is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with over 10 years of nursing experience. She specializes in assisting adults and seniors who are suffering from anxiety, depression, mood disorders, insomnia, PTSD, OCD, chronic stress, fatigue, and more.
Wkyemia Swan is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with over 10 years of nursing experience. She specializes in assisting adults and seniors who are suffering from anxiety, depression, mood disorders, insomnia, PTSD, OCD, chronic stress, fatigue, and more.
(571) 620-6891 View (571) 620-6891
Photo of Dr. Weisheng Renee Mao, Psychiatrist in Virginia
Dr. Weisheng Renee Mao
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Alexandria, VA 22314
You don't know exactly how to describe it, but something feels wrong with you. You're withdrawing from friends and family. You can't relax. Sleepless nights are turning into horrible mornings and anxious evenings. You know you need help, but you're instantly overwhelmed by everything you read online. Is it your brain chemistry that's off? Do you need a new job? What exactly is psychotherapy?
You don't know exactly how to describe it, but something feels wrong with you. You're withdrawing from friends and family. You can't relax. Sleepless nights are turning into horrible mornings and anxious evenings. You know you need help, but you're instantly overwhelmed by everything you read online. Is it your brain chemistry that's off? Do you need a new job? What exactly is psychotherapy?
(703) 952-3058 View (703) 952-3058
Photo of Cory Alfers, Psychiatrist in Virginia
Cory Alfers
Psychiatrist, DO
Verified Verified
Alexandria, VA 22314  (Online Only)
Alfers has a special interest in the treatment of multiple mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, ADHD, and OCD.
Dr. Alfers is a board-certified psychiatrist specializing in adult psychiatry. He has been practicing for over 11 years. Dr. Alfers takes a comprehensive approach to patient care. He integrates biological, psychological, and environmental factors into treatment planning. He focuses on developing a meaningful therapeutic relationship and providing medication interventions for specific treatment goals. Dr. Alfers provides interpersonal psychotherapy in conjunction with medication management services. A typical follow-up visit averages 20 minutes.
Alfers has a special interest in the treatment of multiple mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, ADHD, and OCD.
Dr. Alfers is a board-certified psychiatrist specializing in adult psychiatry. He has been practicing for over 11 years. Dr. Alfers takes a comprehensive approach to patient care. He integrates biological, psychological, and environmental factors into treatment planning. He focuses on developing a meaningful therapeutic relationship and providing medication interventions for specific treatment goals. Dr. Alfers provides interpersonal psychotherapy in conjunction with medication management services. A typical follow-up visit averages 20 minutes.
(703) 783-7980 View (703) 783-7980
Photo of Mary Hart-Johnson, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Virginia
Mary Hart-Johnson
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, FNP-C, PMHNP-C
Verified Verified
Lake Ridge, VA 22192
My patients come to me with a variety of issues, including depression, anxiety, panic disorder, problems with attention and focus, work performance and academic difficulties, and relationship problems. They seek help to relieve their suffering and improve their ability to function in their daily lives. Given my education, training and experience working in Primary/Urgent Care practices as a Family Nurse Practitioner and working for 15 years in private practice as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, I am able to offer an approach to treatment that focuses on the whole person to achieve an optimum level of physical and mental health.
My patients come to me with a variety of issues, including depression, anxiety, panic disorder, problems with attention and focus, work performance and academic difficulties, and relationship problems. They seek help to relieve their suffering and improve their ability to function in their daily lives. Given my education, training and experience working in Primary/Urgent Care practices as a Family Nurse Practitioner and working for 15 years in private practice as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, I am able to offer an approach to treatment that focuses on the whole person to achieve an optimum level of physical and mental health.
(571) 777-0970 View (571) 777-0970
Photo of Nesly Hneich, Psychiatrist in Virginia
Nesly Hneich
Psychiatrist, MD, MPH, FAPA
Verified Verified
Vienna, VA 22182
Dr. Hneich is Board Certified Psychiatrist and Fellow for the American Psychiatric Association. Dr Hneich also has a second specialty in Gynecology. She has extended experience in outpatient psychiatry, Inpatient psychiatry, and OB/GYN.Dr Hneich specialize in treated of ADHD, Depression, Anxiety, Panic disorder, Bipolar disorder. Dr Hneich has special interest in working in psychosomatic medicine and women mental health issues through adulthood- pregnancy- menopause.
Dr. Hneich is Board Certified Psychiatrist and Fellow for the American Psychiatric Association. Dr Hneich also has a second specialty in Gynecology. She has extended experience in outpatient psychiatry, Inpatient psychiatry, and OB/GYN.Dr Hneich specialize in treated of ADHD, Depression, Anxiety, Panic disorder, Bipolar disorder. Dr Hneich has special interest in working in psychosomatic medicine and women mental health issues through adulthood- pregnancy- menopause.
(571) 200-7195 View (571) 200-7195
Photo of Sonja McFadden, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Virginia
Sonja McFadden
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNPBC, FNP-C
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
I AM ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS in person or virtually, with immediate openings and evening availability. I am a Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner. I care for children, teens and adults experiencing anxiety, OCD, panic, depression, ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, trauma, insomnia, grief, eating disorders, and postpartum anxiety/depression. I am Certified in Clinical Hypnotherapy/Age Regression, Trauma/Inner Child Healing, Somatic Therapy and HypnoBreathwork. I have an Advanced Certification in Obesity for Weight Management. I offer personalized treatment that address the mind, body, and spirit.
I AM ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS in person or virtually, with immediate openings and evening availability. I am a Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner. I care for children, teens and adults experiencing anxiety, OCD, panic, depression, ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, trauma, insomnia, grief, eating disorders, and postpartum anxiety/depression. I am Certified in Clinical Hypnotherapy/Age Regression, Trauma/Inner Child Healing, Somatic Therapy and HypnoBreathwork. I have an Advanced Certification in Obesity for Weight Management. I offer personalized treatment that address the mind, body, and spirit.
(757) 347-5437 View (757) 347-5437
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.