Photo of Anahita (Ana) Kashefi, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Anahita (Ana) Kashefi
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94610
Welcome! My name is Ana and I'm a Licensed Psychotherapist, Certified Couples & Sex Therapist, and psychedelic therapist licensed in CA, UT, and CO. I specialize in ketamine and psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, depression, anxiety, relationship issues and issues unique to the creative field. My framework is relational, attachment-based and in-depth, characterized by warmth, compassion & collaboration. I will help you gather a deeper understanding of your thoughts and patterns, improve your self-worth, and live a life with purpose, meaning, and connection.
Welcome! My name is Ana and I'm a Licensed Psychotherapist, Certified Couples & Sex Therapist, and psychedelic therapist licensed in CA, UT, and CO. I specialize in ketamine and psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, depression, anxiety, relationship issues and issues unique to the creative field. My framework is relational, attachment-based and in-depth, characterized by warmth, compassion & collaboration. I will help you gather a deeper understanding of your thoughts and patterns, improve your self-worth, and live a life with purpose, meaning, and connection.
(424) 359-1552 View (424) 359-1552
Photo of Korie Vannerus, Pre-Licensed Professional in Oakland, CA
Korie Vannerus
Pre-Licensed Professional, AMFT, #117592
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94611
I work with individual women, men, couples & teens. I am particularly interested in the healing of men and women's relationships with each other, both in individual & couples work. My clients often desire to improve their relationships, communication skills, sexual intimacy, & identifying self-sabotaging patterns. Additionally, feeling stuck/misunderstood, low self-esteem, shame or anxiety may be present. My work here is often in uncovering how these issues were rooted, have function, where the strength lies, and how all are an opportunity for transformation into living a more fulfilling life. In the ways uniquely fulfilling to you
I work with individual women, men, couples & teens. I am particularly interested in the healing of men and women's relationships with each other, both in individual & couples work. My clients often desire to improve their relationships, communication skills, sexual intimacy, & identifying self-sabotaging patterns. Additionally, feeling stuck/misunderstood, low self-esteem, shame or anxiety may be present. My work here is often in uncovering how these issues were rooted, have function, where the strength lies, and how all are an opportunity for transformation into living a more fulfilling life. In the ways uniquely fulfilling to you
(831) 319-5262 View (831) 319-5262
Photo of Silver Lake Psychology--Oakland location, Psychologist in Oakland, CA
Silver Lake Psychology--Oakland location
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94612
Relationship and sexual concerns, couples therapy, anxiety, addiction, trauma, eating disorders, stress management, insomnia, women's issues, creativity, LGBTQ- welcome.
Learn how to feel more connected to yourself, others and the world around you. Therapy provides all the elements of intimacy: honest communication, vulnerability and trust. Good therapy is challenging yet warm, providing both structure and empathy for your unique experience. We are a collective of therapists with a wide range of specialties. Our intake professionals will help connect you with the right therapist for your needs. We make appointments easy, offering evenings and weekends and flexibility for creative professionals who can't make the same time each week.
Relationship and sexual concerns, couples therapy, anxiety, addiction, trauma, eating disorders, stress management, insomnia, women's issues, creativity, LGBTQ- welcome.
Learn how to feel more connected to yourself, others and the world around you. Therapy provides all the elements of intimacy: honest communication, vulnerability and trust. Good therapy is challenging yet warm, providing both structure and empathy for your unique experience. We are a collective of therapists with a wide range of specialties. Our intake professionals will help connect you with the right therapist for your needs. We make appointments easy, offering evenings and weekends and flexibility for creative professionals who can't make the same time each week.
(415) 943-1903 View (415) 943-1903
Photo of Silver Lake Psychology--Oakland location, Psychologist in Oakland, CA
Silver Lake Psychology--Oakland location
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94612
Relationship and sexual concerns, couples therapy, anxiety, addiction, trauma, eating disorders, stress management, insomnia, women's issues, creativity, LGBTQ- welcome.
Learn how to feel more connected to yourself, others and the world around you. Therapy provides all the elements of intimacy: honest communication, vulnerability and trust. Good therapy is challenging yet warm, providing both structure and empathy for your unique experience. We are a collective of therapists with a wide range of specialties. Our intake professionals will help connect you with the right therapist for your needs. We make appointments easy, offering evenings and weekends and flexibility for creative professionals who can't make the same time each week.
Relationship and sexual concerns, couples therapy, anxiety, addiction, trauma, eating disorders, stress management, insomnia, women's issues, creativity, LGBTQ- welcome.
Learn how to feel more connected to yourself, others and the world around you. Therapy provides all the elements of intimacy: honest communication, vulnerability and trust. Good therapy is challenging yet warm, providing both structure and empathy for your unique experience. We are a collective of therapists with a wide range of specialties. Our intake professionals will help connect you with the right therapist for your needs. We make appointments easy, offering evenings and weekends and flexibility for creative professionals who can't make the same time each week.
(415) 969-7850 View (415) 969-7850
Photo of Stacey Ann Spilly, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Oakland, CA
Stacey Ann Spilly
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94610
I believe healing is a multifaceted process that requires a holistic and collaborative approach. I help individuals and couples overcome challenges like anxiety, depression, relationship stress, trauma, grief and loss, or life transitions. I will listen and engage with you authentically to help build a safe and trusting alliance. I use a trauma-informed and client-centered approach to better understand your unique situation and personal goals. I believe we are mind, body, and spirit and my aim is to treat the whole person so that we can live in balance with ourselves, our environment, and feel a sense of integration.
I believe healing is a multifaceted process that requires a holistic and collaborative approach. I help individuals and couples overcome challenges like anxiety, depression, relationship stress, trauma, grief and loss, or life transitions. I will listen and engage with you authentically to help build a safe and trusting alliance. I use a trauma-informed and client-centered approach to better understand your unique situation and personal goals. I believe we are mind, body, and spirit and my aim is to treat the whole person so that we can live in balance with ourselves, our environment, and feel a sense of integration.
(510) 529-3770 View (510) 529-3770
Photo of Leighna Harrison, Psychologist in Oakland, CA
Leighna Harrison
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94612  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
My therapy focuses on stress management and relaxation techniques for Silicon Valley professional women. To address the unique pressures facing females in tech, including but not limited to: work life balance, gender and race issues in the workplace, and professional advancement, I use evidence-based practices, informed by strengths and systemic perspectives, to help decrease stress and worry, and cultivate enhanced energy, joy, and vitality.
My therapy focuses on stress management and relaxation techniques for Silicon Valley professional women. To address the unique pressures facing females in tech, including but not limited to: work life balance, gender and race issues in the workplace, and professional advancement, I use evidence-based practices, informed by strengths and systemic perspectives, to help decrease stress and worry, and cultivate enhanced energy, joy, and vitality.
(650) 667-8127 View (650) 667-8127
Photo of Julie Waters, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Julie Waters
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
13 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94609
I became a therapist after many years of diving into my own healing process and studying various healing modalities. I am a holistic therapist, meaning I attend to all aspects of wellbeing: emotional, mental, and physical as well as spiritual, cultural, and in the context of community and social systems. I treat ailments including trauma, anxiety, depression, chronic pain, and relationship issues for individuals, couples, and families. Clients who benefit from my approach are those seeking a partner in growth and self-exploration, and who are ready to put new ways of thinking and being into practice in daily life.
I became a therapist after many years of diving into my own healing process and studying various healing modalities. I am a holistic therapist, meaning I attend to all aspects of wellbeing: emotional, mental, and physical as well as spiritual, cultural, and in the context of community and social systems. I treat ailments including trauma, anxiety, depression, chronic pain, and relationship issues for individuals, couples, and families. Clients who benefit from my approach are those seeking a partner in growth and self-exploration, and who are ready to put new ways of thinking and being into practice in daily life.
(510) 560-3864 View (510) 560-3864
Photo of Elizabeth Cadd, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Elizabeth Cadd
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94611  (Online Only)
I want to help you find the love that you want -- with yourself and with others. I work with individuals and couples, focusing on bringing more love, kindness, and acceptance to your life and relationships. Individuals have worked with me to explore such things as anxiety, depression, trauma resolution, relationship worries, boundaries, and childhood wounding. I also work with couples to navigate such topics as infidelities, communication, developing intimacy, navigating trauma as a couple, transitioning from a monogamous relationship to an open one, and much more.
I want to help you find the love that you want -- with yourself and with others. I work with individuals and couples, focusing on bringing more love, kindness, and acceptance to your life and relationships. Individuals have worked with me to explore such things as anxiety, depression, trauma resolution, relationship worries, boundaries, and childhood wounding. I also work with couples to navigate such topics as infidelities, communication, developing intimacy, navigating trauma as a couple, transitioning from a monogamous relationship to an open one, and much more.
(510) 398-4923 View (510) 398-4923
Photo of Tim Henry, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Oakland, CA
Tim Henry
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94609
I have 16 years of experience helping clients with relationship issues, depression, anxiety, life transitions, divorce, boundary issues, parental challenges, grief, trauma, chronic pain, & Bipolar Disorder.
Who is driving you crazy? Your partner, your boss, your teacher, your mother? Are you feeling overwhelmed, trapped, unsatisfied? Would you like to be more assertive, establish stronger boundaries & have more satisfying relationships? Would you like to remove obstacles that are preventing you from achieving your dreams? I want to help you develop life-long patterns to sustain a richer, more gratifying life. I specialize in working with adults going through transitions relating to work, school & relationships. I love working with intelligent, creative, motivated & insightful clients.
I have 16 years of experience helping clients with relationship issues, depression, anxiety, life transitions, divorce, boundary issues, parental challenges, grief, trauma, chronic pain, & Bipolar Disorder.
Who is driving you crazy? Your partner, your boss, your teacher, your mother? Are you feeling overwhelmed, trapped, unsatisfied? Would you like to be more assertive, establish stronger boundaries & have more satisfying relationships? Would you like to remove obstacles that are preventing you from achieving your dreams? I want to help you develop life-long patterns to sustain a richer, more gratifying life. I specialize in working with adults going through transitions relating to work, school & relationships. I love working with intelligent, creative, motivated & insightful clients.
(510) 878-4379 View (510) 878-4379
Photo of Susan 'bernie' Bernstein, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Susan 'bernie' Bernstein
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94618
Feeling understood, feeling helped, and feeling supported are at the core of psychotherapy. Therapy can help when life’s challenges become too much to approach alone. Together, we can explore and understand difficult issues you are experiencing. Some common therapy goals are to understand important relationships, alleviate anxiety and depression, work through life transitions and losses, deepen self-understanding, and unlock troubling stuckness. In a safe setting with warmth and engagement, I provide an opportunity to gently move through what is bothering you most.
Feeling understood, feeling helped, and feeling supported are at the core of psychotherapy. Therapy can help when life’s challenges become too much to approach alone. Together, we can explore and understand difficult issues you are experiencing. Some common therapy goals are to understand important relationships, alleviate anxiety and depression, work through life transitions and losses, deepen self-understanding, and unlock troubling stuckness. In a safe setting with warmth and engagement, I provide an opportunity to gently move through what is bothering you most.
(510) 896-3713 View (510) 896-3713
Photo of Dr. David Shepard, Psychologist in Oakland, CA
Dr. David Shepard
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94609
I enjoy working with adults who want to live a more fulfilling life. When it comes to therapy, I like to meet people where they are at, utilizing evidence-based practices, and tailoring therapy to each individual with respect to their cultural backgrounds, and the intersecting identities that they bring into the therapeutic relationship. I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist based in California, and I work with people statewide via telehealth. I am also a Certified Sex Therapy Informed Professional and a Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional. Learn more at therapywithdrdavid.com
I enjoy working with adults who want to live a more fulfilling life. When it comes to therapy, I like to meet people where they are at, utilizing evidence-based practices, and tailoring therapy to each individual with respect to their cultural backgrounds, and the intersecting identities that they bring into the therapeutic relationship. I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist based in California, and I work with people statewide via telehealth. I am also a Certified Sex Therapy Informed Professional and a Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional. Learn more at therapywithdrdavid.com
(510) 949-3878 View (510) 949-3878
Photo of Allie Frank, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Oakland, CA
Allie Frank
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94610
Life can be hard... And we don’t have to do it alone. I work with couples and individuals ranging in issues of anxiety, depression, grief/loss, self esteem, relationships, and parenting. My own painful experiences, and the work I have done to heal, have afforded me the ability to be present and sit with people in their own pain. I have a natural inclination to seek out deep connection with people which informs my work with clients. This can help my clients to deepen connections with others, outside of the room. I work with couples to strengthen connection, deepen intimacy, and find their voice within the partnership.
Life can be hard... And we don’t have to do it alone. I work with couples and individuals ranging in issues of anxiety, depression, grief/loss, self esteem, relationships, and parenting. My own painful experiences, and the work I have done to heal, have afforded me the ability to be present and sit with people in their own pain. I have a natural inclination to seek out deep connection with people which informs my work with clients. This can help my clients to deepen connections with others, outside of the room. I work with couples to strengthen connection, deepen intimacy, and find their voice within the partnership.
(510) 661-3552 View (510) 661-3552
Photo of Noah Oderberg, Psychologist in Oakland, CA
Noah Oderberg
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94618
Are you struggling with depression, low self-confidence, or anxiety? Are you having difficulties in your relationships or at work? Are you finding it hard to cope with a loss, life transition, or illness? I have brought warmth, knowledge, and compassion to my work with individuals & couples for over 30 years as a Psychologist. My approach to psychotherapy is to create a safe environment through listening and empathy that will enable you to talk about patterns in your life that are causing you distress. My goal is to help you achieve greater life satisfaction, healthier relationships & new sources of self worth.
Are you struggling with depression, low self-confidence, or anxiety? Are you having difficulties in your relationships or at work? Are you finding it hard to cope with a loss, life transition, or illness? I have brought warmth, knowledge, and compassion to my work with individuals & couples for over 30 years as a Psychologist. My approach to psychotherapy is to create a safe environment through listening and empathy that will enable you to talk about patterns in your life that are causing you distress. My goal is to help you achieve greater life satisfaction, healthier relationships & new sources of self worth.
(510) 404-8846 View (510) 404-8846
Photo of Daniel Nathan Weiner, Psychologist in Oakland, CA
Daniel Nathan Weiner
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94618
Weiner treats individuals with anxiety (panic, worry, phobias, obsessions and compulsions), mood (depression and bipolar), sleep, impulse-control, substance use, and sexual disorders.
Daniel N. Weiner received his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the State University of New York in 1996 with fellowships at Rutgers, Brown, and Stanford Medical Schools. He served as Clinical Assistant Professor at Brown University Medical School for four years. He has been licensed as a Clinical Psychologist since 1997, and has worked in a variety of settings including an independent psychological practice, a private psychiatric hospital, and a medical practice. He is currently an Assistant Clinical Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of California, Berkeley.
Weiner treats individuals with anxiety (panic, worry, phobias, obsessions and compulsions), mood (depression and bipolar), sleep, impulse-control, substance use, and sexual disorders.
Daniel N. Weiner received his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the State University of New York in 1996 with fellowships at Rutgers, Brown, and Stanford Medical Schools. He served as Clinical Assistant Professor at Brown University Medical School for four years. He has been licensed as a Clinical Psychologist since 1997, and has worked in a variety of settings including an independent psychological practice, a private psychiatric hospital, and a medical practice. He is currently an Assistant Clinical Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of California, Berkeley.
(510) 330-2857 View (510) 330-2857
Photo of Marni Levy, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Marni Levy
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94618
I am a licensed marriage and family therapist and registered MFT Supervisor, specializing in depression, anxiety, and trauma. I offer Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy. I use a Somatic and Mindfulness based therapy approach to help clients discover what beliefs they are holding that may be narrowing their experience in the world. Together we will use our connection and relationship to support your longings, grow your passions, and heal old wounds. Going inward we clean out that which is old and no longer serving us, and moving outward to connect and create with people and pursuits which can support and nourish our True Self.
I am a licensed marriage and family therapist and registered MFT Supervisor, specializing in depression, anxiety, and trauma. I offer Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy. I use a Somatic and Mindfulness based therapy approach to help clients discover what beliefs they are holding that may be narrowing their experience in the world. Together we will use our connection and relationship to support your longings, grow your passions, and heal old wounds. Going inward we clean out that which is old and no longer serving us, and moving outward to connect and create with people and pursuits which can support and nourish our True Self.
(510) 756-2060 View (510) 756-2060
Photo of Silver Lake Psychology--Oakland location, Psychologist in Oakland, CA
Silver Lake Psychology--Oakland location
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94612
Relationship and sexual concerns, couples therapy, anxiety, addiction, trauma, eating disorders, stress management, insomnia, women's issues, creativity, LGBTQ- welcome.
Learn how to feel more connected to yourself, others and the world around you. Therapy provides all the elements of intimacy: honest communication, vulnerability and trust. Good therapy is challenging yet warm, providing both structure and empathy for your unique experience. We are a collective of therapists with a wide range of specialties. Our intake professionals will help connect you with the right therapist for your needs. We make appointments easy, offering evenings and weekends and flexibility for creative professionals who can't make the same time each week.
Relationship and sexual concerns, couples therapy, anxiety, addiction, trauma, eating disorders, stress management, insomnia, women's issues, creativity, LGBTQ- welcome.
Learn how to feel more connected to yourself, others and the world around you. Therapy provides all the elements of intimacy: honest communication, vulnerability and trust. Good therapy is challenging yet warm, providing both structure and empathy for your unique experience. We are a collective of therapists with a wide range of specialties. Our intake professionals will help connect you with the right therapist for your needs. We make appointments easy, offering evenings and weekends and flexibility for creative professionals who can't make the same time each week.
(415) 968-2338 View (415) 968-2338
Photo of Westley Rutter, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Oakland, CA
Westley Rutter
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94611
I view therapy as a collaborative relationship, seeking to form a partnership to explore your struggles, moving towards growth and healing. I am experienced in working with anxiety, depression, substance issues, grief/loss, relationship difficulties, trauma, oppression, chronic medical conditions, sexuality, eating disorders, and adoption issues. In addition to individual therapy, I work with couples, and relationships of all configurations. I am especially interested in clients who would like to incorporate Somatic Experiencing into their therapy.
I view therapy as a collaborative relationship, seeking to form a partnership to explore your struggles, moving towards growth and healing. I am experienced in working with anxiety, depression, substance issues, grief/loss, relationship difficulties, trauma, oppression, chronic medical conditions, sexuality, eating disorders, and adoption issues. In addition to individual therapy, I work with couples, and relationships of all configurations. I am especially interested in clients who would like to incorporate Somatic Experiencing into their therapy.
(415) 737-6154 View (415) 737-6154
Photo of Silver Lake Psychology--Oakland location, Psychologist in Oakland, CA
Silver Lake Psychology--Oakland location
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94612
Relationship and sexual concerns, couples therapy, anxiety, addiction, trauma, eating disorders, stress management, insomnia, women's issues, creativity, LGBTQ- welcome.
Learn how to feel more connected to yourself, others and the world around you. Therapy provides all the elements of intimacy: honest communication, vulnerability and trust. Good therapy is challenging yet warm, providing both structure and empathy for your unique experience. We are a collective of therapists with a wide range of specialties. Our intake professionals will help connect you with the right therapist for your needs. We make appointments easy, offering evenings and weekends and flexibility for creative professionals who can't make the same time each week.
Relationship and sexual concerns, couples therapy, anxiety, addiction, trauma, eating disorders, stress management, insomnia, women's issues, creativity, LGBTQ- welcome.
Learn how to feel more connected to yourself, others and the world around you. Therapy provides all the elements of intimacy: honest communication, vulnerability and trust. Good therapy is challenging yet warm, providing both structure and empathy for your unique experience. We are a collective of therapists with a wide range of specialties. Our intake professionals will help connect you with the right therapist for your needs. We make appointments easy, offering evenings and weekends and flexibility for creative professionals who can't make the same time each week.
(415) 862-1694 View (415) 862-1694
Photo of Mischa Freeman, Associate Clinical Social Worker in Oakland, CA
Mischa Freeman
Associate Clinical Social Worker, ACSW
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94618
Hi there, I’m glad you’re here. I know that looking for a therapist can be hard, especially when you’re hurting or feeling low. I may be able to help. You might feel lonely, anxious, or full of guilt…or you might not know what you feel. You may be confused about the choices you make in life, or you may feel frustrated with the unjust world you live in. Many critical thought patterns, painful feelings, and unwanted behaviors started out as survival strategies to protect us during difficult life experiences. These strategies helped us cope in the past, but can lead to conflict and suffering in the present.
Hi there, I’m glad you’re here. I know that looking for a therapist can be hard, especially when you’re hurting or feeling low. I may be able to help. You might feel lonely, anxious, or full of guilt…or you might not know what you feel. You may be confused about the choices you make in life, or you may feel frustrated with the unjust world you live in. Many critical thought patterns, painful feelings, and unwanted behaviors started out as survival strategies to protect us during difficult life experiences. These strategies helped us cope in the past, but can lead to conflict and suffering in the present.
(510) 949-3808 View (510) 949-3808
Photo of Silver Lake Psychology---Oakland location, Psychologist in Oakland, CA
Silver Lake Psychology---Oakland location
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94612
Relationship and sexual concerns, couples therapy, anxiety, addiction, trauma, eating disorders, stress management, insomnia, women's issues, creativity, LGBTQ- welcome.
Learn how to feel more connected to yourself, others and the world around you. Therapy provides all the elements of intimacy: honest communication, vulnerability and trust. Good therapy is challenging yet warm, providing both structure and empathy for your unique experience. We are a collective of therapists with a wide range of specialties. Our intake professionals will help connect you with the right therapist for your needs. We make appointments easy, offering evenings and weekends and flexibility for creative professionals who can't make the same time each week.
Relationship and sexual concerns, couples therapy, anxiety, addiction, trauma, eating disorders, stress management, insomnia, women's issues, creativity, LGBTQ- welcome.
Learn how to feel more connected to yourself, others and the world around you. Therapy provides all the elements of intimacy: honest communication, vulnerability and trust. Good therapy is challenging yet warm, providing both structure and empathy for your unique experience. We are a collective of therapists with a wide range of specialties. Our intake professionals will help connect you with the right therapist for your needs. We make appointments easy, offering evenings and weekends and flexibility for creative professionals who can't make the same time each week.
(415) 712-1543 View (415) 712-1543
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.