Photo of Trauma Therapy and Psychedelic Integration , Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Trauma Therapy and Psychedelic Integration
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94105
Specializing in mindfulness-based and trauma-informed approaches, Diana supports individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, stress, life transitions, and feeling stuck. Through a trusting therapeutic relationship, she helps clients face their suffering with compassion and support, integrating fragmented parts of themselves into wholeness. Diana's training in Mindfulness Based Approaches including Hakomi, Somatic-based therapy, Family Constellations Therapy, and Eco Psychology allows her to trace challenges back to their source while staying present with current experiences, fostering integration and a wholeness of self.
Specializing in mindfulness-based and trauma-informed approaches, Diana supports individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, stress, life transitions, and feeling stuck. Through a trusting therapeutic relationship, she helps clients face their suffering with compassion and support, integrating fragmented parts of themselves into wholeness. Diana's training in Mindfulness Based Approaches including Hakomi, Somatic-based therapy, Family Constellations Therapy, and Eco Psychology allows her to trace challenges back to their source while staying present with current experiences, fostering integration and a wholeness of self.
(415) 236-9025 View (415) 236-9025
Photo of Jenn Torres Duran, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in San Francisco, CA
Jenn Torres Duran
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94115  (Online Only)
Change is terrifying, but it can also be beautiful. It can be difficult to navigate cultural, societal, familial, & even personal expectations to give life to your true authentic self. From navigating anxiety, working to understand your sexual/gender identity, navigating what aspects of your cultural make sense for you, depression, or even just trying to get the world to acknowledge you as the person you are - I'm so glad you haven't given up. The change you're working towards will be worth it and oh-so spectacular. I know you have the power, skills, & desire to Transform Your Story. I'm honored to help you any way I can.
Change is terrifying, but it can also be beautiful. It can be difficult to navigate cultural, societal, familial, & even personal expectations to give life to your true authentic self. From navigating anxiety, working to understand your sexual/gender identity, navigating what aspects of your cultural make sense for you, depression, or even just trying to get the world to acknowledge you as the person you are - I'm so glad you haven't given up. The change you're working towards will be worth it and oh-so spectacular. I know you have the power, skills, & desire to Transform Your Story. I'm honored to help you any way I can.
(669) 288-1417 View (669) 288-1417
Photo of New Perspectives Center for Counseling, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
New Perspectives Center for Counseling
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94107
We are a nonprofit counseling center dedicated to providing excellent therapy for adults, teens, children, couples and families. Our diverse staff can help you with a wide variety of issues, such as: depression and anxiety, emotion regulation, coping with illness, ADHD, grief, stage of life changes, couples and relationship issues, gender identity and sexuality concerns. Our affordable fees are based on your income and we offer a need-based sliding scale to help you make weekly therapy a reality. Plus we accept Medi-Cal with no co-payment!
We are a nonprofit counseling center dedicated to providing excellent therapy for adults, teens, children, couples and families. Our diverse staff can help you with a wide variety of issues, such as: depression and anxiety, emotion regulation, coping with illness, ADHD, grief, stage of life changes, couples and relationship issues, gender identity and sexuality concerns. Our affordable fees are based on your income and we offer a need-based sliding scale to help you make weekly therapy a reality. Plus we accept Medi-Cal with no co-payment!
(415) 634-1261 View (415) 634-1261
Photo of Ashley Boyer, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
Ashley Boyer
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94122
Waitlist for new clients
I understand that anxiety can control our lives and the lives of loved ones.
Hi, I am a San Francisco Bay Area Child Psychologist. I specialize in anxiety and other related concerns such as perfectionism and difficult life adjustments. In my practice, I focus on the relationship and making you and your child feel comfortable through developmentally appropriate interventions. I want to help you work through your worries and achieve your best life.
I understand that anxiety can control our lives and the lives of loved ones.
Hi, I am a San Francisco Bay Area Child Psychologist. I specialize in anxiety and other related concerns such as perfectionism and difficult life adjustments. In my practice, I focus on the relationship and making you and your child feel comfortable through developmentally appropriate interventions. I want to help you work through your worries and achieve your best life.
(628) 228-6535 View (628) 228-6535
Photo of Brigitte Knight, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Brigitte Knight
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, PPSC
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94112
I specialize in treating ADHD, anger, anxiety, depression, divorce/separation, educational needs & learning differences, grief & loss, immigration issues, trauma and life transitions.
I specialize in therapeutic services for children birth to adolescence, families & adults. I use a trauma-sensitive, strengths-based approach & believe that through the therapeutic relationship one develops the ability to make change, process past & present challenges, and learn coping skills for specific needs and overall wellness. I support and respect clients to develop goals & intentions for their wellness, at their own comfort level and pace. Upon request, I provide case coordination with other providers. I have provided therapeutic services in schools & the SF Bay Area community for over 25 years in English and Spanish.
I specialize in treating ADHD, anger, anxiety, depression, divorce/separation, educational needs & learning differences, grief & loss, immigration issues, trauma and life transitions.
I specialize in therapeutic services for children birth to adolescence, families & adults. I use a trauma-sensitive, strengths-based approach & believe that through the therapeutic relationship one develops the ability to make change, process past & present challenges, and learn coping skills for specific needs and overall wellness. I support and respect clients to develop goals & intentions for their wellness, at their own comfort level and pace. Upon request, I provide case coordination with other providers. I have provided therapeutic services in schools & the SF Bay Area community for over 25 years in English and Spanish.
(415) 366-3636 View (415) 366-3636
Photo of Jana Gottfried, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Jana Gottfried
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94110
Hello, my name is, Jana Gottfried, and I am a licensed clinical social worker. I am passionate about helping people work through issues around anxiety, depression, addiction, trauma, and life challenges. I work with people struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, issues of grief, life transitions, and issues around chronic illnesses. My therapeutic approach is with cognitive behavioral therapy because CBT gives you concrete tools to gain more control over your emotions and work through issues. I also use mindfulness, creative visualization exercises, to learn how to trust your own intuition and emotions.
Hello, my name is, Jana Gottfried, and I am a licensed clinical social worker. I am passionate about helping people work through issues around anxiety, depression, addiction, trauma, and life challenges. I work with people struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, issues of grief, life transitions, and issues around chronic illnesses. My therapeutic approach is with cognitive behavioral therapy because CBT gives you concrete tools to gain more control over your emotions and work through issues. I also use mindfulness, creative visualization exercises, to learn how to trust your own intuition and emotions.
(415) 993-4536 View (415) 993-4536
Photo of Ami E. Hartley, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Ami E. Hartley
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CAS, ATR-BC
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94117
Anxiety, self-esteem issues, addictions, co-dependency, and/or difficulty forming and maintaining relationships are incentive for seeking therapy.
People come to therapy when they feel ready. Often they have gained some insight and are consciously seeking a happier, more balanced life. Many people are aware of a need for healing narcissistic abuse from family, partners or in the work environment. The motivation it takes to make that first phone call is a major step towards positive change. My style is interpersonal, supportive, open and communicative. Most people appreciate guidance, direction and practical feedback. I encourage exploration of unconscious repetitive patterns in relationships and making changes wherever possible.
Anxiety, self-esteem issues, addictions, co-dependency, and/or difficulty forming and maintaining relationships are incentive for seeking therapy.
People come to therapy when they feel ready. Often they have gained some insight and are consciously seeking a happier, more balanced life. Many people are aware of a need for healing narcissistic abuse from family, partners or in the work environment. The motivation it takes to make that first phone call is a major step towards positive change. My style is interpersonal, supportive, open and communicative. Most people appreciate guidance, direction and practical feedback. I encourage exploration of unconscious repetitive patterns in relationships and making changes wherever possible.
(415) 319-9740 View (415) 319-9740
Photo of The Connective (formerly Wellspace SF), Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
The Connective (formerly Wellspace SF)
Marriage & Family Therapist
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94102
Our many specializations include: Gen Z and Millennials, relationship issues, self-esteem, life transitions, anxiety, depression, perfectionism + imposter syndrome, gender, racial and sexual identity, life balance, dating + relationships, career transition, body image, trauma/EMDR, pregnancy and postpartum support, grief, and OCD.
Tired of calling around? We have immediate openings! The Connective is an integrative practice of psychotherapists, certified coaches, and holistic health practitioners dedicated to a common goal: guiding, inspiring, and empowering individuals to live more authentic, fulfulling and healthy lives. From navigating personal and professional roadblocks, to achieving optimal health and wellness, our mission is to provide compassionate and strengths-based support centered on the whole person.
Our many specializations include: Gen Z and Millennials, relationship issues, self-esteem, life transitions, anxiety, depression, perfectionism + imposter syndrome, gender, racial and sexual identity, life balance, dating + relationships, career transition, body image, trauma/EMDR, pregnancy and postpartum support, grief, and OCD.
Tired of calling around? We have immediate openings! The Connective is an integrative practice of psychotherapists, certified coaches, and holistic health practitioners dedicated to a common goal: guiding, inspiring, and empowering individuals to live more authentic, fulfulling and healthy lives. From navigating personal and professional roadblocks, to achieving optimal health and wellness, our mission is to provide compassionate and strengths-based support centered on the whole person.
(415) 335-7793 View (415) 335-7793
Photo of Michelle A Birch, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
Michelle A Birch
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94114
I have specialized in two areas.  The first involves the treatment of loss, grief, trauma and the  anxiety disorders that sometimes accompany these events. With a new perspective, most people find it easier to incorporate new coping skills.  This can help you work through your feelings and losses. The second area of specialty is women's health, especially during pregnancy and the postpartum period of life. Having a newborn and the adjustment to mothering brings on many challenges. I work with women to help them cope with the changes to themselves, their bodies as well as their relationships.
I have specialized in two areas.  The first involves the treatment of loss, grief, trauma and the  anxiety disorders that sometimes accompany these events. With a new perspective, most people find it easier to incorporate new coping skills.  This can help you work through your feelings and losses. The second area of specialty is women's health, especially during pregnancy and the postpartum period of life. Having a newborn and the adjustment to mothering brings on many challenges. I work with women to help them cope with the changes to themselves, their bodies as well as their relationships.
(628) 265-8658 View (628) 265-8658
Photo of Dietmar Brinkmann, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Dietmar Brinkmann
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94114
Are you overwhelmed by emotional turmoil? Is a relationship causing you pain? Do you feel stuck in anxiety or depression? As an expert in emotional resilience and relational wellbeing, I help you get in touch with what you deeply want and uncover internal resources that have been buried. I assist you in developing communication skills to navigate the complexities of friendship, family and work. From this place of strength, we create together a safe space in therapy to experience and express the full range of human emotions so that even the most difficult experiences and traumatic events can be processed.
Are you overwhelmed by emotional turmoil? Is a relationship causing you pain? Do you feel stuck in anxiety or depression? As an expert in emotional resilience and relational wellbeing, I help you get in touch with what you deeply want and uncover internal resources that have been buried. I assist you in developing communication skills to navigate the complexities of friendship, family and work. From this place of strength, we create together a safe space in therapy to experience and express the full range of human emotions so that even the most difficult experiences and traumatic events can be processed.
(415) 639-9029 View (415) 639-9029
Photo of Victoria Jones( Heal My Vibes), Clinical Social Work/Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Victoria Jones( Heal My Vibes)
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94188  (Online Only)
HMV specializes in Anxiety, Depression, Women's issues, Grief, and Self Esteem, and can provide treatment in other areas in one's life.
Hey you! How are you feeling today? How did you feel yesterday? What about one week or one month ago? Now let me ask, how do you want to feel? Is it better than today, yesterday, a week or month ago? Or are you unsure of what has been going on lately and you need a space to figure that out? Let's be honest, life can be a real struggle, and Heal My Vibes (HMV) offers a safe space to figure this life stuff out. How that happens is by you scheduling a FREE consultation. If it's a good fit, your initial appointment will be set to chat about you and your goals for therapy.
HMV specializes in Anxiety, Depression, Women's issues, Grief, and Self Esteem, and can provide treatment in other areas in one's life.
Hey you! How are you feeling today? How did you feel yesterday? What about one week or one month ago? Now let me ask, how do you want to feel? Is it better than today, yesterday, a week or month ago? Or are you unsure of what has been going on lately and you need a space to figure that out? Let's be honest, life can be a real struggle, and Heal My Vibes (HMV) offers a safe space to figure this life stuff out. How that happens is by you scheduling a FREE consultation. If it's a good fit, your initial appointment will be set to chat about you and your goals for therapy.
(510) 617-0560 View (510) 617-0560
Photo of Alisa Huntington, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Alisa Huntington
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94109
My name is Dr. Alisa Huntington, and I've been a licensed Marriage and Family therapist for 24 years. I love facilitating self-awareness and growth. Through a variety of modalities, I give you the tools to help you be the best version of yourself. I believe each individual has the tools to help him/her/themselves, they just might need a little guidance to unveil the layers. I see people who are depressed or anxious, questioning their sexual identity, in unhappy relationships, poor relationships with family members, adoptees or birth parents who have relinquished their child, and a variety of other issues.
My name is Dr. Alisa Huntington, and I've been a licensed Marriage and Family therapist for 24 years. I love facilitating self-awareness and growth. Through a variety of modalities, I give you the tools to help you be the best version of yourself. I believe each individual has the tools to help him/her/themselves, they just might need a little guidance to unveil the layers. I see people who are depressed or anxious, questioning their sexual identity, in unhappy relationships, poor relationships with family members, adoptees or birth parents who have relinquished their child, and a variety of other issues.
(415) 687-1016 View (415) 687-1016
Photo of Vanessa Wolter, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Vanessa Wolter
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94115
What does it all mean? This is a scary question you might be asking yourself. As an existential therapist I can help you transform this question into a profound and powerful self/life exploration. When we find ourselves in an existential turning point or crisis we can feel anxious, depressed, and alone, as if no one might understand us. This is where I can come in. Together we can help ground and normalize this scary, painful experience and help “use” this opportunity as a way to let go of old patterns that don’t fit anymore so you can ultimately actualize and embody a new, more authentic and meaningful way of Being.
What does it all mean? This is a scary question you might be asking yourself. As an existential therapist I can help you transform this question into a profound and powerful self/life exploration. When we find ourselves in an existential turning point or crisis we can feel anxious, depressed, and alone, as if no one might understand us. This is where I can come in. Together we can help ground and normalize this scary, painful experience and help “use” this opportunity as a way to let go of old patterns that don’t fit anymore so you can ultimately actualize and embody a new, more authentic and meaningful way of Being.
(415) 237-9513 View (415) 237-9513
Photo of Jo Sopko, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Jo Sopko
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, RDT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94110
* ADULTS: I work with issues of loss, stress, anxiety, depression, abuse, sex addiction, spiritual guidance, and developmental life changes.* CHILDREN: I invite their stories that may be troubled due to emotional and academic issues. Through play, art and sand tray, I address issues of divorce, traumatic losses, abuse, adoption, bullying and low self esteem that may be affecting your children. * COUPLES: My passion is to help the couple find a yet unknown way to a compassionate, loving, open communicative relationship; to become vulnerable to the pain and wounds of each other's soul.
* ADULTS: I work with issues of loss, stress, anxiety, depression, abuse, sex addiction, spiritual guidance, and developmental life changes.* CHILDREN: I invite their stories that may be troubled due to emotional and academic issues. Through play, art and sand tray, I address issues of divorce, traumatic losses, abuse, adoption, bullying and low self esteem that may be affecting your children. * COUPLES: My passion is to help the couple find a yet unknown way to a compassionate, loving, open communicative relationship; to become vulnerable to the pain and wounds of each other's soul.
(415) 799-4143 View (415) 799-4143
Photo of Christina Velasco, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Christina Velasco
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94118  (Online Only)
Trauma, relationships, anxiety. I help people feel relief and deeper understanding from any and/or all of these, and whatever is coming up for you because of them. Feeling overwhelmed, stressed, run-down, in a rut or stuck are all great reasons to come to therapy. It's also okay if you're not exactly sure what's going on - but you know you want to feel better. I have a deep understanding of how our past affects our present and where patterns come from. Taking time to unpack them is a crucial step to breaking free and living the life you want - something I know that you are truly capable of.
Trauma, relationships, anxiety. I help people feel relief and deeper understanding from any and/or all of these, and whatever is coming up for you because of them. Feeling overwhelmed, stressed, run-down, in a rut or stuck are all great reasons to come to therapy. It's also okay if you're not exactly sure what's going on - but you know you want to feel better. I have a deep understanding of how our past affects our present and where patterns come from. Taking time to unpack them is a crucial step to breaking free and living the life you want - something I know that you are truly capable of.
(415) 364-8120 View (415) 364-8120
Photo of Megan Fuller O'Donnell, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Megan Fuller O'Donnell
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94118
I also utilize strengths based approaches and have a history of working with gifted and 2E (Twice Exceptional) individuals who struggle with anxiety due to high sensitivities and intensity.
Hello! I work with adolescents, parents, adults and couples. I create a safe space for individuals to explore and learn more about themselves. I aim to understand each individual's motivations and experience. I provide clients with insights that will help them get clarity about their circumstances in hopes of reducing symptoms. I provide psycho-education about the client's behavior and help them connect the links between their thoughts, feelings and actions. I utilize my clinical experience to determine what interventions and theoretical orientation makes the most sense for each individual to help support their progress.
I also utilize strengths based approaches and have a history of working with gifted and 2E (Twice Exceptional) individuals who struggle with anxiety due to high sensitivities and intensity.
Hello! I work with adolescents, parents, adults and couples. I create a safe space for individuals to explore and learn more about themselves. I aim to understand each individual's motivations and experience. I provide clients with insights that will help them get clarity about their circumstances in hopes of reducing symptoms. I provide psycho-education about the client's behavior and help them connect the links between their thoughts, feelings and actions. I utilize my clinical experience to determine what interventions and theoretical orientation makes the most sense for each individual to help support their progress.
(415) 915-2486 View (415) 915-2486
Photo of Karen Wolfe, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Karen Wolfe
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94115
Therapy with me is casual and warm, while providing you a space for direct guidance and embodied meditation practices to help you on your journey. I specialize in relationships and intimacy and support to improve communication, work through anxiety, and create a fulfilling life. I have training in both holistic East-West Psychotherapy as well as relationship and embodiment-focused life coaching. I have offices San Francisco and Oakland, CA. This holistic, embodiment-oriented psychotherapy offers individuals and couples concrete skills to tackle anxiety, depression, and relationship challenges in a safe and inviting space.
Therapy with me is casual and warm, while providing you a space for direct guidance and embodied meditation practices to help you on your journey. I specialize in relationships and intimacy and support to improve communication, work through anxiety, and create a fulfilling life. I have training in both holistic East-West Psychotherapy as well as relationship and embodiment-focused life coaching. I have offices San Francisco and Oakland, CA. This holistic, embodiment-oriented psychotherapy offers individuals and couples concrete skills to tackle anxiety, depression, and relationship challenges in a safe and inviting space.
(415) 868-4515 View (415) 868-4515
Photo of Lara Curry, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Lara Curry
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94118
My name is Lara Curry. I'm a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I've helped people struggling with anxiety, depression, alcohol use, relationship issues, and relapse prevention. I employ EMDR, Family Systems, Psychodynamic, Trauma-focused, and Solution-focused brief therapy modalities. I assume anyone seeking psychotherapy genuinely desires to help sort out the difficulties in their lives. I try to work as a co-investigator to understand the issues and help explain how they evolved and how to resolve them in an informal, caring partnership with my clients.
My name is Lara Curry. I'm a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I've helped people struggling with anxiety, depression, alcohol use, relationship issues, and relapse prevention. I employ EMDR, Family Systems, Psychodynamic, Trauma-focused, and Solution-focused brief therapy modalities. I assume anyone seeking psychotherapy genuinely desires to help sort out the difficulties in their lives. I try to work as a co-investigator to understand the issues and help explain how they evolved and how to resolve them in an informal, caring partnership with my clients.
(661) 271-6194 View (661) 271-6194
Photo of Norma Luna, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Norma Luna
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94121
I specialized in working with teens, adults and older adults experiencing anxiety, depression, loss, trauma and going through life transitions.
I'm Norma Luna, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and I invite you to call and schedule an appointment. I offer a warm and safe space where you can fully express yourself. I take a person centered, compassionate and integrative approach to therapy, incorporating mind, body and spirit. Along with understanding how culture and societal issues influence an individual.
I specialized in working with teens, adults and older adults experiencing anxiety, depression, loss, trauma and going through life transitions.
I'm Norma Luna, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and I invite you to call and schedule an appointment. I offer a warm and safe space where you can fully express yourself. I take a person centered, compassionate and integrative approach to therapy, incorporating mind, body and spirit. Along with understanding how culture and societal issues influence an individual.
(628) 277-8598 View (628) 277-8598
Photo of Olesya Anatolevna Leskel, Counselor in San Francisco, CA
Olesya Anatolevna Leskel
Counselor, LPC, MHSP, LPCC, MEd
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94115
In 12 years of being a therapist I helped people just like you to find relief from anxiety, depression, trauma, develop healthy ways of looking at yourself and connecting to others.
Do you feel alone with what you are going through ? Do you feel stuck in a situation and don't see way out? Please know, you don't have to suffer alone! The help is just a phone call way! As your therapist, I will help you feel safe, accepted, and cared for. My care and understanding is genuine, as for someone who struggled myself the strugglers of others are easy to understand. I am direct but compassionate, working hard to uncover the root of the problem rather than putting a bandage on it.
In 12 years of being a therapist I helped people just like you to find relief from anxiety, depression, trauma, develop healthy ways of looking at yourself and connecting to others.
Do you feel alone with what you are going through ? Do you feel stuck in a situation and don't see way out? Please know, you don't have to suffer alone! The help is just a phone call way! As your therapist, I will help you feel safe, accepted, and cared for. My care and understanding is genuine, as for someone who struggled myself the strugglers of others are easy to understand. I am direct but compassionate, working hard to uncover the root of the problem rather than putting a bandage on it.
(415) 702-3807 View (415) 702-3807

See more therapy options for San Francisco

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.