Photo of Joy Meek, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Mason County, WA
Joy Meek
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, MSW, CDPT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Shelton, WA 98584  (Online Only)
The goal of treatment is to provide outpatient mental health services, which eliminate or substantially reduce communication and/or social/ cultural barriers. My treatment encourages the involvement of natural support systems available to individuals and families. The goal is the client should live in the community as least restrictively as possible an environment, with minimal Dependance on public safety and acute care resources. To enable patients to establish or maintain appropriate residences and or to advert crisis and re-hospitalization or more restrictive levels of care. The client has the right to refuse treatment.
The goal of treatment is to provide outpatient mental health services, which eliminate or substantially reduce communication and/or social/ cultural barriers. My treatment encourages the involvement of natural support systems available to individuals and families. The goal is the client should live in the community as least restrictively as possible an environment, with minimal Dependance on public safety and acute care resources. To enable patients to establish or maintain appropriate residences and or to advert crisis and re-hospitalization or more restrictive levels of care. The client has the right to refuse treatment.
(360) 252-9313 View (360) 252-9313

Online Therapists

Photo of Jenny Gerow -Golden Embers Therapy, Counselor in Mason County, WA
Jenny Gerow -Golden Embers Therapy
Counselor, LMHCA
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98103
Are you feeling overwhelmed by habits and mindsets that you can't seem to get out of? Have you tried all the techniques but still can't seem to shake the anxious thoughts that invade your mind? Do you often find yourself triggered from a past experience or relationship that keeps surfacing and stopping you in your tracks? Do you continue to return to relationship patterns and relationship choices that you told yourself you would never engage in again? Do you struggle with self worth and body image? Do you feel overall stuck and like there is deeper work that needs to be done?
Are you feeling overwhelmed by habits and mindsets that you can't seem to get out of? Have you tried all the techniques but still can't seem to shake the anxious thoughts that invade your mind? Do you often find yourself triggered from a past experience or relationship that keeps surfacing and stopping you in your tracks? Do you continue to return to relationship patterns and relationship choices that you told yourself you would never engage in again? Do you struggle with self worth and body image? Do you feel overall stuck and like there is deeper work that needs to be done?
(206) 489-3122 View (206) 489-3122
Photo of Caroline Wartman, Counselor in Mason County, WA
Caroline Wartman
Counselor, MA, LMHCA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bothell, WA 98011
An turas is Irish for the journey. It is an honor to join you on your path toward healing and wholeness, integration, and healthy relationships with yourself and others. There are many things that can bring us to counseling - stress and anxiety, life transitions, relational challenges, experiences of trauma or loss, and a desire to live in more authentic and meaningful ways.
An turas is Irish for the journey. It is an honor to join you on your path toward healing and wholeness, integration, and healthy relationships with yourself and others. There are many things that can bring us to counseling - stress and anxiety, life transitions, relational challenges, experiences of trauma or loss, and a desire to live in more authentic and meaningful ways.
View
Photo of Shannan J Ross, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Mason County, WA
Shannan J Ross
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Roy, WA 98580  (Online Only)
Have you been overwhelmed, anxious or depressed by life issues during the last two years, or maybe even longer? Have you encountered events in your life that have caused crisis and loss of what to do? Are you going through a divorce and unsure how to navigate the process of being a single parent? Are you experiencing challenges in parenting a child with ADD/ADHD? Are you encountering challenges in parenting a teen? Are you experiencing grief/loss due to loss of a relationship or death of a loved one? Are you experiencing chronic health issues that have left you feeling depressed, anxious, overwhelmed? Are you a first responder?
Have you been overwhelmed, anxious or depressed by life issues during the last two years, or maybe even longer? Have you encountered events in your life that have caused crisis and loss of what to do? Are you going through a divorce and unsure how to navigate the process of being a single parent? Are you experiencing challenges in parenting a child with ADD/ADHD? Are you encountering challenges in parenting a teen? Are you experiencing grief/loss due to loss of a relationship or death of a loved one? Are you experiencing chronic health issues that have left you feeling depressed, anxious, overwhelmed? Are you a first responder?
(253) 525-5207 View (253) 525-5207
Photo of Emily Patterson, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Mason County, WA
Emily Patterson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98112  (Online Only)
I enjoy working with adults as they navigate life transitions, anxiety, depression, work-life balance, spirituality, questions of identity, school or job challenges, relationship and dating struggles, divorce, complex trauma, cultural shock/cultural integration (expat issues), parenting support, and attachment issues.
I believe in supporting my clients in their desire to find more wholeness, aliveness, acceptance, and peace within themselves. Using multiple modalities such as IFS, EMDR, AEDP, mindfulness and somatic techniques, and person-centered therapy, I will help you in navigating life transitions, doubt, grief, anxiety, overwhelm, and fear. I rely on holistic practices and tools to help you increase self compassion, expand your capacity to feel and sit with the harder seasons of life, develop both skills to manage the many stressors of life, and make room for more joy, trust, intuition, and deep connection to others.
I enjoy working with adults as they navigate life transitions, anxiety, depression, work-life balance, spirituality, questions of identity, school or job challenges, relationship and dating struggles, divorce, complex trauma, cultural shock/cultural integration (expat issues), parenting support, and attachment issues.
I believe in supporting my clients in their desire to find more wholeness, aliveness, acceptance, and peace within themselves. Using multiple modalities such as IFS, EMDR, AEDP, mindfulness and somatic techniques, and person-centered therapy, I will help you in navigating life transitions, doubt, grief, anxiety, overwhelm, and fear. I rely on holistic practices and tools to help you increase self compassion, expand your capacity to feel and sit with the harder seasons of life, develop both skills to manage the many stressors of life, and make room for more joy, trust, intuition, and deep connection to others.
(360) 342-9231 View (360) 342-9231
Photo of Puget Sound Psychotherapy & Psychiatry, Counselor in Mason County, WA
Puget Sound Psychotherapy & Psychiatry
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98112
We are taking new clients for both in-person & telehealth! We are a group private practice offering therapy & psychiatric services. We have four main areas of expertise: 1) Adult individuals facing a wide variety of difficulties including anxiety, trauma, and depression. 2) We have child, teen, and family therapist experts to assist in both kids as well as help with parenting difficulties, difficult transitions like divorce and death 3) We specialize in helping people have more satisfying relationships from adult children & their parents to all kinds of couples. 4) We provide psychiatric support & medication management.
We are taking new clients for both in-person & telehealth! We are a group private practice offering therapy & psychiatric services. We have four main areas of expertise: 1) Adult individuals facing a wide variety of difficulties including anxiety, trauma, and depression. 2) We have child, teen, and family therapist experts to assist in both kids as well as help with parenting difficulties, difficult transitions like divorce and death 3) We specialize in helping people have more satisfying relationships from adult children & their parents to all kinds of couples. 4) We provide psychiatric support & medication management.
(206) 855-5920 View (206) 855-5920
Photo of Shelly Huffman, LMHC, LCPC, LLC, Counselor in Mason County, WA
Shelly Huffman, LMHC, LCPC, LLC
Counselor, MA, LMHC, LCPC, LLC
Verified Verified
I use Somatic Experiencing, effective for depression & anxiety, chronic pain, issues of abuse, trauma, PTSD.
Clients who work with me feel empowered and reassured on their first visit, and they continue with me, because they notice changes happening. For the past 20 years, I've worked in private and group practices, providing counseling and other services to people from many different walks of life. I help people re-evaluate, become closer to a loved one, process difficult decisions or transitions and grieve significant losses. I enjoy helping people become more truthful about themselves and live with integrity. I fiercely protect the privacy and confidentiality of my clients and provide a private, safe setting for our work together.
I use Somatic Experiencing, effective for depression & anxiety, chronic pain, issues of abuse, trauma, PTSD.
Clients who work with me feel empowered and reassured on their first visit, and they continue with me, because they notice changes happening. For the past 20 years, I've worked in private and group practices, providing counseling and other services to people from many different walks of life. I help people re-evaluate, become closer to a loved one, process difficult decisions or transitions and grieve significant losses. I enjoy helping people become more truthful about themselves and live with integrity. I fiercely protect the privacy and confidentiality of my clients and provide a private, safe setting for our work together.
(206) 984-3013 View (206) 984-3013
Photo of Jessica May Christie, Counselor in Mason County, WA
Jessica May Christie
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98107  (Online Only)
Anxiety, depression, relational issues, marital counseling, and parenting are all within my area of expertise.
At times in life we all get stuck and come to places where change is necessary. I aim to create with my clients a space where we listen to what your thoughts, feelings and symptoms are telling you about your story. I believe that we are built for relationship, that both our greatest wounds and deepest healing occur within relationship. Together we will explore the patterns that emerge in therapy, and how old ways of relating are being recreated in present day. I believe therapy in a mutual work and that the answers to your healing are within you and the relationship we build.
Anxiety, depression, relational issues, marital counseling, and parenting are all within my area of expertise.
At times in life we all get stuck and come to places where change is necessary. I aim to create with my clients a space where we listen to what your thoughts, feelings and symptoms are telling you about your story. I believe that we are built for relationship, that both our greatest wounds and deepest healing occur within relationship. Together we will explore the patterns that emerge in therapy, and how old ways of relating are being recreated in present day. I believe therapy in a mutual work and that the answers to your healing are within you and the relationship we build.
View
Photo of Cascades Wellness Center, Psychologist in Mason County, WA
Cascades Wellness Center
Psychologist, PsyD, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98103
Areas of treatment: psychological testing/evaluation, stress, life balance, relationship issues, men's health, anxiety/depression, loss, and multicultural counseling.
We are committed to restoring you to your best. Using an individualized, client-centered approach, we work with you to identify strengths and deepen relationships for sustainable and holistic change. At Cascades Wellness Center, our team offers extensive experience as well as a holistic approach to mental health and wellness. Through awareness, compassion, and acceptance, we work with our clients to return you to the life you want and deserve. For us, therapy is not about fixing what is wrong, but about recapturing your capacities to increase your overall health, well-being, and sense of connection in the world.
Areas of treatment: psychological testing/evaluation, stress, life balance, relationship issues, men's health, anxiety/depression, loss, and multicultural counseling.
We are committed to restoring you to your best. Using an individualized, client-centered approach, we work with you to identify strengths and deepen relationships for sustainable and holistic change. At Cascades Wellness Center, our team offers extensive experience as well as a holistic approach to mental health and wellness. Through awareness, compassion, and acceptance, we work with our clients to return you to the life you want and deserve. For us, therapy is not about fixing what is wrong, but about recapturing your capacities to increase your overall health, well-being, and sense of connection in the world.
(206) 258-7498 View (206) 258-7498
Photo of Kaitlyn Lindsay, Counselor in Mason County, WA
Kaitlyn Lindsay
Counselor, MA, LCMHC, LMHC
Verified Verified
Fircrest, WA 98466  (Online Only)
Please EMAIL to discuss openings and availability. As a clinician I understand the importance of the counseling relationship as a foundation for growth and healing. By using a mix of cognitive behavioral therapy and the real time relationship in the counseling space, I work to treat perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, life transitions, and role/identity transformations. Additionally I work with adults alongside many other life transitions, offering challenges and support to enhance a happy and healthy life.
Please EMAIL to discuss openings and availability. As a clinician I understand the importance of the counseling relationship as a foundation for growth and healing. By using a mix of cognitive behavioral therapy and the real time relationship in the counseling space, I work to treat perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, life transitions, and role/identity transformations. Additionally I work with adults alongside many other life transitions, offering challenges and support to enhance a happy and healthy life.
(802) 810-8833 View (802) 810-8833
Photo of Becca Leitman Psychotherapy, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Mason County, WA
Becca Leitman Psychotherapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, CMHS
Verified Verified
12 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98107
Hello, my name is Becca Leitman, and I am an Adoption, Grief and Loss specialist, offering individualized and family counseling services. I have over ten years of experience working with children, adolescents and families formed through domestic and international adoption and foster care. I provide caring, specialized treatment in: adoption/foster care issues, birth family relationships and their subsequent reunions, children of divorce, trauma recovery, depression, sexual abuse, grief and loss, identity struggles, anxiety, anger management, and cross-cultural adjustments. I treat each client with deep empathy, and approach therapy from a psychodynamic and interpersonal therapeutic lens.
Hello, my name is Becca Leitman, and I am an Adoption, Grief and Loss specialist, offering individualized and family counseling services. I have over ten years of experience working with children, adolescents and families formed through domestic and international adoption and foster care. I provide caring, specialized treatment in: adoption/foster care issues, birth family relationships and their subsequent reunions, children of divorce, trauma recovery, depression, sexual abuse, grief and loss, identity struggles, anxiety, anger management, and cross-cultural adjustments. I treat each client with deep empathy, and approach therapy from a psychodynamic and interpersonal therapeutic lens.
(845) 478-1094 View (845) 478-1094
Photo of Mandi Woolsey, Counselor in Mason County, WA
Mandi Woolsey
Counselor, LMHCA, MAEd
Verified Verified
Edmonds, WA 98026  (Online Only)
What a rough ride it's been over the last several years....a real doozy! There are so many people struggling with feelings of overwhelm, stress, anger/rage, grief, disillusion, lack of trust, lack of safety, hopelessness, loneliness, anxiety....you name it! We all feel it at times but sometimes it gets to be too much for us to handle on our own. We need to process our feelings, be heard, be seen, connect, and find our way through this maze of life. Does this sound like you? NO shame in that. We are human.
What a rough ride it's been over the last several years....a real doozy! There are so many people struggling with feelings of overwhelm, stress, anger/rage, grief, disillusion, lack of trust, lack of safety, hopelessness, loneliness, anxiety....you name it! We all feel it at times but sometimes it gets to be too much for us to handle on our own. We need to process our feelings, be heard, be seen, connect, and find our way through this maze of life. Does this sound like you? NO shame in that. We are human.
(425) 222-2147 View (425) 222-2147
Photo of Justine Joslyn in Mason County, WA
Justine Joslyn
MA
Verified Verified
Bainbridge Island, WA 98110  (Online Only)
Hello! Since 2007, I have helped couples & families with communication and connection, using coaching, mediation & reconciliation. I also assist individuals recover from depression, anxiety, trauma, addiction & ADHD/ADD, with support through transitions such as divorce, loss, abuse recovery & existential or spiritual awakening. My style is flexible and tailored to your preferences, balancing compassion with real results. You'll learn skills that re-connect you with your wise inner guidance, creating steady, calm confidence & energizing you to make smart, bold moves towards your life, career & creative goals.
Hello! Since 2007, I have helped couples & families with communication and connection, using coaching, mediation & reconciliation. I also assist individuals recover from depression, anxiety, trauma, addiction & ADHD/ADD, with support through transitions such as divorce, loss, abuse recovery & existential or spiritual awakening. My style is flexible and tailored to your preferences, balancing compassion with real results. You'll learn skills that re-connect you with your wise inner guidance, creating steady, calm confidence & energizing you to make smart, bold moves towards your life, career & creative goals.
(360) 946-0941 View (360) 946-0941
Photo of Jennifer Davies, Counselor in Mason County, WA
Jennifer Davies
Counselor, LMHCA, EMDR, MA
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Gig Harbor, WA 98332
Healing often begins in the presence of another who can bear witness to the hurt and heartache endured. No one should have to walk the road of depression, anxiety, and trauma alone. I work collaboratively with clients to provide therapeutic services that best meet client's goals. I work primarily with adults dealing with trauma, anxiety, depression, and relationship challenges.​ As a licensed mental health counselor associate (LMHCA), I provide a safe and confidential environment of unconditional acceptance for every client.
Healing often begins in the presence of another who can bear witness to the hurt and heartache endured. No one should have to walk the road of depression, anxiety, and trauma alone. I work collaboratively with clients to provide therapeutic services that best meet client's goals. I work primarily with adults dealing with trauma, anxiety, depression, and relationship challenges.​ As a licensed mental health counselor associate (LMHCA), I provide a safe and confidential environment of unconditional acceptance for every client.
(253) 352-3022 View (253) 352-3022
Photo of Tayler McCrorie, Counselor in Mason County, WA
Tayler McCrorie
Counselor, MA, LMHC, CMHS
Verified Verified
Port Angeles, WA 98362  (Online Only)
Maybe you’ve asked yourself what’s wrong with you. Maybe you're are at a crossroads. You’re overwhelmed and trying your best, but the pressure is huge. Sometimes our usual ways of coping stop working or aren't giving us what we need anymore. This can affect us through tension in our work and home, tiredness, or worry about ourselves and what's next. My favorite clients are those who are seeking greater self-understanding and acceptance, are wanting closer relationships, and who want to explore new ways of approaching life. I like helping clients work outside of the boxes they arrive in and believe in themselves, one step at a time.
Maybe you’ve asked yourself what’s wrong with you. Maybe you're are at a crossroads. You’re overwhelmed and trying your best, but the pressure is huge. Sometimes our usual ways of coping stop working or aren't giving us what we need anymore. This can affect us through tension in our work and home, tiredness, or worry about ourselves and what's next. My favorite clients are those who are seeking greater self-understanding and acceptance, are wanting closer relationships, and who want to explore new ways of approaching life. I like helping clients work outside of the boxes they arrive in and believe in themselves, one step at a time.
View
Photo of Heather Lee Taylor-Zimmerman in Mason County, WA
Heather Lee Taylor-Zimmerman
PhD
Verified Verified
Tumwater, WA 98512
During a time of technological addiction, anxiety, depression and fear, art and nature heal.
I am passionate about helping clients heal and transform through an eco-art therapeutic approach that combines art, nature and play. Working and playing in a natural setting, I offer a variety of mediums to encourage growth, both indoors and out. This allows an emergent and imaginative approach to therapy that adapts to fit the unique needs of each individual, couple, family and group. Moving from sand tray to clay, collage to art journaling, clients can walk outdoors on paths that meander past waterways and through old growth forests. With labyrinths, meditative walks and an enormous sound chamber, I offer many creative outlets.
During a time of technological addiction, anxiety, depression and fear, art and nature heal.
I am passionate about helping clients heal and transform through an eco-art therapeutic approach that combines art, nature and play. Working and playing in a natural setting, I offer a variety of mediums to encourage growth, both indoors and out. This allows an emergent and imaginative approach to therapy that adapts to fit the unique needs of each individual, couple, family and group. Moving from sand tray to clay, collage to art journaling, clients can walk outdoors on paths that meander past waterways and through old growth forests. With labyrinths, meditative walks and an enormous sound chamber, I offer many creative outlets.
(360) 926-7245 View (360) 926-7245
Photo of Mary Howland, Marriage & Family Therapist in Mason County, WA
Mary Howland
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFTA
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98112
I am currently accepting new clients in my practice. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, stress and overwhelm, or are wishing to grow and develop in ways that will help you meet your goals, I'm here to help. As a therapist, it is a privilege to walk these journeys of healing and self-discovery with my clients. My clients find my approach to be warm and supportive, while also finding that I challenge their thinking and behavior in ways that help them see and initiate the change they desire. I work with teens, adults, and romantic partnerships, and offer a free 20 minute phone consultation to all prospective client.
I am currently accepting new clients in my practice. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, stress and overwhelm, or are wishing to grow and develop in ways that will help you meet your goals, I'm here to help. As a therapist, it is a privilege to walk these journeys of healing and self-discovery with my clients. My clients find my approach to be warm and supportive, while also finding that I challenge their thinking and behavior in ways that help them see and initiate the change they desire. I work with teens, adults, and romantic partnerships, and offer a free 20 minute phone consultation to all prospective client.
View
Photo of Seattle Counseling and Wellness, Psychologist in Mason County, WA
Seattle Counseling and Wellness
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98105
Our clinicians have expertise in working with a wide range of individuals, from toddlers to seniors, dealing with the many life struggles that we face, including life transition, mood disorders, adjustment, anxiety, gender issues, sexuality, parenting, school issues, emotional disturbance, racial identity, relationship issues, perfectionism, workaholism.
Sometimes life poses challenges, and we need some extra support to get us through. Are you wanting to make improvements in your relationship? Or maybe with yourself? Are you feeling overwhelmed? Depressed? Stuck? Therapists at SCAW bring a diverse range of academic and clinical training to their work with adults, teens, and children (ages 2+). We provide individual and couples counseling, psychological testing, parent training, PCIT, and play therapy.
Our clinicians have expertise in working with a wide range of individuals, from toddlers to seniors, dealing with the many life struggles that we face, including life transition, mood disorders, adjustment, anxiety, gender issues, sexuality, parenting, school issues, emotional disturbance, racial identity, relationship issues, perfectionism, workaholism.
Sometimes life poses challenges, and we need some extra support to get us through. Are you wanting to make improvements in your relationship? Or maybe with yourself? Are you feeling overwhelmed? Depressed? Stuck? Therapists at SCAW bring a diverse range of academic and clinical training to their work with adults, teens, and children (ages 2+). We provide individual and couples counseling, psychological testing, parent training, PCIT, and play therapy.
(206) 922-4437 View (206) 922-4437
Photo of Jessica Berg, Counselor in Mason County, WA
Jessica Berg
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Woodinville, WA 98077
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with 18 years experience in the counseling field. I offer support and tools for change for all who struggle with painful emotions and damaging behaviors, with a specialty in helping women and teen girls overcome anxiety, depression, eating disorders, christian faith struggles, and relationship problems/boundaries. I will support you using the best counseling approach for your needs while encouraging your faith as a fundamental tool for healing. In the end, my hope is to help you find healing and wholeness, so you can continue to thrive beyond time spent in counseling.
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with 18 years experience in the counseling field. I offer support and tools for change for all who struggle with painful emotions and damaging behaviors, with a specialty in helping women and teen girls overcome anxiety, depression, eating disorders, christian faith struggles, and relationship problems/boundaries. I will support you using the best counseling approach for your needs while encouraging your faith as a fundamental tool for healing. In the end, my hope is to help you find healing and wholeness, so you can continue to thrive beyond time spent in counseling.
(425) 441-3837 View (425) 441-3837
Photo of Calming Connections Counseling, Counselor in Mason County, WA
Calming Connections Counseling
Counselor, MA, LMHCA
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Snohomish, WA 98296  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I have experience working with individuals, couples, and families dealing with: anxiety, depression, interpersonal relationship issues, life transitions, grief and loss, history of trauma, pregnancy issues (conception struggles, pregnancy loss) postpartum issues (birth trauma, postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, breastfeeding support).
My goal is to create a safe, empathetic, and non-judgmental space in an effort to empower my clients so they can begin to heal and work towards personal growth. I believe in providing compassionate care for all of life's experiences to everyone. I enjoy working with individuals, couples, families, adolescents and children. I hold certifications as a lactation educator and postpartum doula in addition to my counseling license.
I have experience working with individuals, couples, and families dealing with: anxiety, depression, interpersonal relationship issues, life transitions, grief and loss, history of trauma, pregnancy issues (conception struggles, pregnancy loss) postpartum issues (birth trauma, postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, breastfeeding support).
My goal is to create a safe, empathetic, and non-judgmental space in an effort to empower my clients so they can begin to heal and work towards personal growth. I believe in providing compassionate care for all of life's experiences to everyone. I enjoy working with individuals, couples, families, adolescents and children. I hold certifications as a lactation educator and postpartum doula in addition to my counseling license.
(425) 341-3552 View (425) 341-3552

See more therapy options for Mason County

Anxiety Therapists

What are the most common treatments for anxiety?

Talk therapy, particularly cognitive behavioral therapy, is the most common treatment for anxiety. Studies have shown it is equally effective as medication. Other popular forms of therapy are popular, depending on a patient’s experience. Exposure therapy, for instance, can be useful for people dealing with fears and phobias, or who have experienced traumatic events. Dialectical Behavioral Therapy may be useful for patients who need help with emotion regulation. Anxiolytic medications, like benzodiazepines, can also help with calming a person enough to focus on the skills they’ve learned, and physical exercise has been shown to help symptoms of anxiety across the board.

How long does therapy for anxiety take to work?

The amount of time needed to alleviate symptoms depends on the severity of a person’s condition. Some therapies may take 5-20 weekly sessions to show results. Anti-depressant medications typically take two to four weeks before a benefit is felt. Anti-anxiety medications are felt typically within 20-30 minutes. Medications are best used to offer a patient a better headspace in which to work on techniques learned in therapy. Exercise, improved sleep habits, and meditation are effective, but takes weeks or months to show results.

When should I seek treatment for anxiety?

Everyone feels anxious at times, but when anxiety causes disruption to your daily life, it may be time to seek help. Such disruption can be mental, physical, or both: having fear dominate your thoughts, avoiding situations or objects that bring on feelings of anxiety, or experiencing shortness of breath, sweating, dizziness, or panic attacks. When these symptoms are recurrent and distressing, it may be time to talk to someone.

How effective is treatment for anxiety?

Treatment for anxiety has been shown to be moderately to highly effective, according to a large body of psychology studies and analyses. For some people, treatment using CBT or exposure therapy alone is effective. Others respond best to a combination of medication and therapy.