Photo of Tim Skipworth, Marriage & Family Therapist in Puyallup, WA
Tim Skipworth
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MHP, LMFT
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Puyallup, WA 98374  (Online Only)
Anxiety, depression, trauma, and relational conflict can weigh on us and interfere with our day-to-day functioning. Those of us who come to therapy are often needing someone to process experiences with so these problems don't rob us of joy. You deserve to have a space to process your experiences without judgment or simply being told what you want to hear. You deserve authenticity and compassion. If you are feeling overwhelmed with personal mental health challenges or relationship issues, I want to help you find peace and happiness.
Anxiety, depression, trauma, and relational conflict can weigh on us and interfere with our day-to-day functioning. Those of us who come to therapy are often needing someone to process experiences with so these problems don't rob us of joy. You deserve to have a space to process your experiences without judgment or simply being told what you want to hear. You deserve authenticity and compassion. If you are feeling overwhelmed with personal mental health challenges or relationship issues, I want to help you find peace and happiness.
(253) 600-2496 View (253) 600-2496
Photo of Bethany Sutton, Marriage & Family Therapist in Puyallup, WA
Bethany Sutton
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Puyallup, WA 98371
Waitlist for new clients
I have clinical experience treating anxiety, depression, grief/loss, and trauma.
Everyone is worthy of love and belonging. I am committed to creating a safe space for my clients no matter their background, story, or identity. I believe that each client is unique and deserves to be heard. Therapy is a collaborative process. My role is to meet you where you are and guide you toward healing. I will respect and honor your story and help you move through the pain to find new beginnings.
I have clinical experience treating anxiety, depression, grief/loss, and trauma.
Everyone is worthy of love and belonging. I am committed to creating a safe space for my clients no matter their background, story, or identity. I believe that each client is unique and deserves to be heard. Therapy is a collaborative process. My role is to meet you where you are and guide you toward healing. I will respect and honor your story and help you move through the pain to find new beginnings.
(253) 499-8871 View (253) 499-8871
Photo of Anne M Eugenio, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Puyallup, WA
Anne M Eugenio
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, LMFTA
Verified Verified
Puyallup, WA 98373
I help individuals, families, and couples create or restore secure secure bonds in family and intimate relationships. Relational counseling means that my relationship with you, my client, will be our best, most important tool for your healing. Before anything else, we will establish safety, trust, and connection. Then together we will uncover the path of healing for your mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. I also help those coping with the effects of anxiety and depression.
I help individuals, families, and couples create or restore secure secure bonds in family and intimate relationships. Relational counseling means that my relationship with you, my client, will be our best, most important tool for your healing. Before anything else, we will establish safety, trust, and connection. Then together we will uncover the path of healing for your mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. I also help those coping with the effects of anxiety and depression.
(253) 303-5880 View (253) 303-5880
Photo of Bridget StJohn Therapy, LLC, Marriage & Family Therapist in Puyallup, WA
Bridget StJohn Therapy, LLC
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Puyallup, WA 98371
Often, when we feel blocked by experiencing overwhelming negative thoughts and emotions, it can make one feel trapped with no way out. Anger, frustration, sadness and worry can easily pound down confidence and push away people we care about in our lives. My passion is helping you break free from what I call the "dictatorship" of anxiety, anger, depression, past hurts, and work with you to find your personal strength to start living your life on your terms and strengthen connections with others.
Often, when we feel blocked by experiencing overwhelming negative thoughts and emotions, it can make one feel trapped with no way out. Anger, frustration, sadness and worry can easily pound down confidence and push away people we care about in our lives. My passion is helping you break free from what I call the "dictatorship" of anxiety, anger, depression, past hurts, and work with you to find your personal strength to start living your life on your terms and strengthen connections with others.
(206) 202-9754 View (206) 202-9754
Photo of Jose Torres-Oyama, Marriage & Family Therapist in Puyallup, WA
Jose Torres-Oyama
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Puyallup, WA 98373
I have a passion for working with couples and individuals experiencing a myriad of difficult life circumstances including issues related to communication, relationships, infidelity, sex, intimacy, anxiety, trauma, depression, and adjusting to significant life changes.
The Mindful Kaizen was created because I know life can present extremely challenging situations. It can feel like there is little to no hope that things will change. To encounter difficult times and feel unsure of where or who to turn to can feel overwhelming. If you are reading this, you have already taken a huge step toward making a change. Whether you are experiencing internal distress or distress in your relationships, I am here to help you work toward building your desired future one step at a time. Together, let's make this a mindful kaizen.
I have a passion for working with couples and individuals experiencing a myriad of difficult life circumstances including issues related to communication, relationships, infidelity, sex, intimacy, anxiety, trauma, depression, and adjusting to significant life changes.
The Mindful Kaizen was created because I know life can present extremely challenging situations. It can feel like there is little to no hope that things will change. To encounter difficult times and feel unsure of where or who to turn to can feel overwhelming. If you are reading this, you have already taken a huge step toward making a change. Whether you are experiencing internal distress or distress in your relationships, I am here to help you work toward building your desired future one step at a time. Together, let's make this a mindful kaizen.
(253) 518-3980 View (253) 518-3980
Photo of Karen Beth Acheson, Psychologist in Puyallup, WA
Karen Beth Acheson
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Puyallup, WA 98374  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Greetings and welcome. I'm Dr. Karen Beth Acheson, Ph.D., and I have over 20 years of experience bringing warmth, compassion, and a sense of humor to help empower people to make healthy changes in their lives. My primary focus is adult psychotherapy. My style is down-to-earth; I draw from humanistic, psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral & mindfulness-based therapies. My specialty areas include: Depression; Bipolar (manic) Depression; Anxiety; Trauma (including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder); and Emotional/Sexual/physical Abuse. Also, I am now blending my lifelong passion for animals, including a B.S. in Animal Science, with
Greetings and welcome. I'm Dr. Karen Beth Acheson, Ph.D., and I have over 20 years of experience bringing warmth, compassion, and a sense of humor to help empower people to make healthy changes in their lives. My primary focus is adult psychotherapy. My style is down-to-earth; I draw from humanistic, psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral & mindfulness-based therapies. My specialty areas include: Depression; Bipolar (manic) Depression; Anxiety; Trauma (including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder); and Emotional/Sexual/physical Abuse. Also, I am now blending my lifelong passion for animals, including a B.S. in Animal Science, with
(253) 215-6726 View (253) 215-6726
Photo of Regan Rodriguez Therapy, PLLC, Pre-Licensed Professional in Puyallup, WA
Regan Rodriguez Therapy, PLLC
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, LMFTA
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Puyallup, WA 98373  (Online Only)
I also enjoy working with clients struggling with anxiety, stress/burnout, ADHD, body-image, and childhood trauma.
Hello and welcome! The most important aspect of therapy is the positive relationship between therapist & client that fosters respect, trust & open communication.  It's my intention to create a supportive & collaborative environment where we can work together to find the best way to address your needs in this journey. I encourage change by providing alternative perspectives & creating collaborative plans to help you achieve your goals.  I strive to foster respect for each client & their unique belief & value systems, & I believe that my clients are the experts of their own lives & my role as a therapist is a gentle guide.
I also enjoy working with clients struggling with anxiety, stress/burnout, ADHD, body-image, and childhood trauma.
Hello and welcome! The most important aspect of therapy is the positive relationship between therapist & client that fosters respect, trust & open communication.  It's my intention to create a supportive & collaborative environment where we can work together to find the best way to address your needs in this journey. I encourage change by providing alternative perspectives & creating collaborative plans to help you achieve your goals.  I strive to foster respect for each client & their unique belief & value systems, & I believe that my clients are the experts of their own lives & my role as a therapist is a gentle guide.
(253) 900-2228 View (253) 900-2228
Photo of Heidi Halsey, Marriage & Family Therapist in Puyallup, WA
Heidi Halsey
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Puyallup, WA 98373  (Online Only)
Experience includes- individuals, teens, adults, couples & families in areas such as marriage, divorce, blending families, substance abuse, affairs, grief, depression, anxiety, communication, issues arising from various family stage transitions, childhood issues, abuse, suicidality, work and extended family issues, PTSD, ADHD & Deafness.
ONLY TELE THERAPY - THIS WEEK. Live stream video sessions for everyone in Washington State. Register & schedule, 24 hours a day at www.heidihalsey.com. I have appointments Monday - Saturday & have openings this week. I am not a therapist who just says "uh huh", "uh-huh" and "I'll see you next week". I will ask questions to find the root of what you want to change or understand. I make suggestions & teach skills as a respectful professional while maintaining your confidentiality. My website www.heidihalsey.com has a lot of information about how I work and what insurances I accept. I have lots of experience mediating parenting plans.
Experience includes- individuals, teens, adults, couples & families in areas such as marriage, divorce, blending families, substance abuse, affairs, grief, depression, anxiety, communication, issues arising from various family stage transitions, childhood issues, abuse, suicidality, work and extended family issues, PTSD, ADHD & Deafness.
ONLY TELE THERAPY - THIS WEEK. Live stream video sessions for everyone in Washington State. Register & schedule, 24 hours a day at www.heidihalsey.com. I have appointments Monday - Saturday & have openings this week. I am not a therapist who just says "uh huh", "uh-huh" and "I'll see you next week". I will ask questions to find the root of what you want to change or understand. I make suggestions & teach skills as a respectful professional while maintaining your confidentiality. My website www.heidihalsey.com has a lot of information about how I work and what insurances I accept. I have lots of experience mediating parenting plans.
(253) 214-9934 View (253) 214-9934
Photo of Russell Alfaro in Puyallup, WA
Russell Alfaro
CHT
Verified Verified
Puyallup, WA 98374
Whether you are an adult or youth struggling with feelings of sadness, anxiety, anger, or have found yourself in difficult situation and feel lost, you've come to the right place.
First, I believe it is my duty to be able to actively listen to my client, obtain a good understanding of where they are and where they want to go. Together, we will move you and/or your team or organization in the desired direction to reach your goals. As a young man growing up in North Chicago, I quickly learned that life is full of rewards and upsets, if I allowed it to happen. At 3 months old, I was abandoned by my mother, left inside of a garbage can in an alley waiting to die. However, life had other plans for me. A passerby heard my faint cries and pulled me from the garbage can. Later, I was adopted but went on to experience years of physical and emotional abuse by my adopted mother. At the age of 12, I ran away from home and was placed in foster care. I was adopted again, but I experienced more mental and physical abuse. I dropped out of the 9th grade and began running away again. At the age of 16, the authorities declared me an emancipated teenager. With a story like mine, you would probably think there was no hope for finding happiness or for finding quality of life. However, I have learned to use my negative experiences as a testimony to reach out and help others.
Whether you are an adult or youth struggling with feelings of sadness, anxiety, anger, or have found yourself in difficult situation and feel lost, you've come to the right place.
First, I believe it is my duty to be able to actively listen to my client, obtain a good understanding of where they are and where they want to go. Together, we will move you and/or your team or organization in the desired direction to reach your goals. As a young man growing up in North Chicago, I quickly learned that life is full of rewards and upsets, if I allowed it to happen. At 3 months old, I was abandoned by my mother, left inside of a garbage can in an alley waiting to die. However, life had other plans for me. A passerby heard my faint cries and pulled me from the garbage can. Later, I was adopted but went on to experience years of physical and emotional abuse by my adopted mother. At the age of 12, I ran away from home and was placed in foster care. I was adopted again, but I experienced more mental and physical abuse. I dropped out of the 9th grade and began running away again. At the age of 16, the authorities declared me an emancipated teenager. With a story like mine, you would probably think there was no hope for finding happiness or for finding quality of life. However, I have learned to use my negative experiences as a testimony to reach out and help others.
(253) 780-6061 View (253) 780-6061
Photo of Kristin Sweet Fischer, Marriage & Family Therapist in Puyallup, WA
Kristin Sweet Fischer
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Puyallup, WA 98371
I provide a supportive environment for individuals and couples to practice skills designed to enhance personal, relational, and professional satisfaction. My office is a safe confidential place to process life. I help individuals manage mental health and reduce need for prescriptions by incorporating research based practices. Learning tools to reduce anxiety, depression and PTSD due to trauma. Additionally, I am familiar with the challenges of military families and first responders. The unique cultural challenges of these groups and how therapy can help normalize and reduce mental distress for families and individuals.
I provide a supportive environment for individuals and couples to practice skills designed to enhance personal, relational, and professional satisfaction. My office is a safe confidential place to process life. I help individuals manage mental health and reduce need for prescriptions by incorporating research based practices. Learning tools to reduce anxiety, depression and PTSD due to trauma. Additionally, I am familiar with the challenges of military families and first responders. The unique cultural challenges of these groups and how therapy can help normalize and reduce mental distress for families and individuals.
(253) 218-4467 View (253) 218-4467
Photo of Wright Choice Counseling, Group Practice, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Puyallup, WA
Wright Choice Counseling, Group Practice
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, EMDR, Couples, Gottman
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Puyallup, WA 98373
We specialize in: working with children, burnout, ADHD, anxiety, body image/self-esteem, depression, divorce, grief, loss, OCD, relationship issues and trauma.
“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel” Maya Angelou. Acknowledging your challenges & seeking help are the first steps in healing. At Wright Choice Counseling, we have a diverse group of clinicians to offer support to individuals, couples, & families. We believe that each person possesses special strengths, & we strive to build upon these to facilitate growth. We have two beautiful offices and or do online therapy too!
We specialize in: working with children, burnout, ADHD, anxiety, body image/self-esteem, depression, divorce, grief, loss, OCD, relationship issues and trauma.
“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel” Maya Angelou. Acknowledging your challenges & seeking help are the first steps in healing. At Wright Choice Counseling, we have a diverse group of clinicians to offer support to individuals, couples, & families. We believe that each person possesses special strengths, & we strive to build upon these to facilitate growth. We have two beautiful offices and or do online therapy too!
(618) 266-2693 View (618) 266-2693
Photo of Shelleigh-Mairi W Ferguson, Marriage & Family Therapist in Puyallup, WA
Shelleigh-Mairi W Ferguson
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MHP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Puyallup, WA 98372
I take a creative, client-centered approach to therapy, utilizing narrative therapy, EMDR, IFS, CBT, and DBT to help clients with symptoms of anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, and relationship issues.
ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS Do you have a sense that you have no control over your life, thoughts, or feelings, causing you NOT to be an active participant in your own life? Do these feelings cause you to feel that you are drifting through life, becoming depressed and anxious? My goal is to offer a safe, supportive space, to walk with you on your journey, explore aspects of the 'self' that you would like to build, and discover strengths that can be used in your present and future, in order to construct the life you desire. Remember, the steps you take don’t have to be big, they just have to be heading you in the right direction.
I take a creative, client-centered approach to therapy, utilizing narrative therapy, EMDR, IFS, CBT, and DBT to help clients with symptoms of anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, and relationship issues.
ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS Do you have a sense that you have no control over your life, thoughts, or feelings, causing you NOT to be an active participant in your own life? Do these feelings cause you to feel that you are drifting through life, becoming depressed and anxious? My goal is to offer a safe, supportive space, to walk with you on your journey, explore aspects of the 'self' that you would like to build, and discover strengths that can be used in your present and future, in order to construct the life you desire. Remember, the steps you take don’t have to be big, they just have to be heading you in the right direction.
(253) 240-4994 View (253) 240-4994
Photo of Janet Nelson, Counselor in Puyallup, WA
Janet Nelson
Counselor, MA, LMHC, MHP
Verified Verified
10 Endorsed
Puyallup, WA 98375
Being the go-to person for everyone, creates so much stress and anxiety. It can feel like you carry the weight of the world on your shoulders. You believe that if you carry that weight, with grace and perfection, no one will be disappointed. The trouble is, striving to do everything right often means diminishing yourself and pushing down your true thoughts, feelings, and desires. You’ve become an expert at everyone else’s needs and wants, but you’ve lost yourself along the way. Let’s work together to help you reconnect with yourself and others. Set down the weight you carry and discover ease and confidence.
Being the go-to person for everyone, creates so much stress and anxiety. It can feel like you carry the weight of the world on your shoulders. You believe that if you carry that weight, with grace and perfection, no one will be disappointed. The trouble is, striving to do everything right often means diminishing yourself and pushing down your true thoughts, feelings, and desires. You’ve become an expert at everyone else’s needs and wants, but you’ve lost yourself along the way. Let’s work together to help you reconnect with yourself and others. Set down the weight you carry and discover ease and confidence.
(253) 527-6921 View (253) 527-6921
Photo of Kellee Franks, Marriage & Family Therapist in Puyallup, WA
Kellee Franks
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Puyallup, WA 98373  (Online Only)
Do you or your teen struggle in your relationships, with stress/anxiety, or your sense of self? Do you feel exhausted, overwhelmed, and lost by having to meet everyone's expectations, getting through everyday life, and feeling the weight of your stresses? Do you wonder or hope that your life, emotional health, and relationships could be better, or your teen could have better relationships, improved emotional regulation, and higher self-esteem? Now more than ever, adolescents, young adults, and women are feeling anxious, overwhelmed and uncertain about themselves, finding their place in life, and developing their sense of self.
Do you or your teen struggle in your relationships, with stress/anxiety, or your sense of self? Do you feel exhausted, overwhelmed, and lost by having to meet everyone's expectations, getting through everyday life, and feeling the weight of your stresses? Do you wonder or hope that your life, emotional health, and relationships could be better, or your teen could have better relationships, improved emotional regulation, and higher self-esteem? Now more than ever, adolescents, young adults, and women are feeling anxious, overwhelmed and uncertain about themselves, finding their place in life, and developing their sense of self.
(253) 242-9814 View (253) 242-9814
Photo of Andrea Tuliao, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Puyallup, WA
Andrea Tuliao
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MS, LICSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Puyallup, WA 98372
Andrea is experienced working with individuals (adolescents and adults), couples, groups, and families who are navigating: adjustment issues, low self-esteem, family relationships, compassion fatigue, work stressors, relationship conflicts, trauma (sexual, physical, and emotional), suicidal thoughts, grief and loss, substance use stressors, medical diagnoses/health concerns impacting mental health & well-being, and feeling anxious/down/unsure of how you are feeling. As a clinical social worker, she has 13 years of experience in community mental health, primary care settings, teletherapy, and management clinical social worker.
Andrea is experienced working with individuals (adolescents and adults), couples, groups, and families who are navigating: adjustment issues, low self-esteem, family relationships, compassion fatigue, work stressors, relationship conflicts, trauma (sexual, physical, and emotional), suicidal thoughts, grief and loss, substance use stressors, medical diagnoses/health concerns impacting mental health & well-being, and feeling anxious/down/unsure of how you are feeling. As a clinical social worker, she has 13 years of experience in community mental health, primary care settings, teletherapy, and management clinical social worker.
(253) 465-4502 View (253) 465-4502
Photo of Gamsa Counseling PLLC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Puyallup, WA
Gamsa Counseling PLLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LSWAIC
Verified Verified
Puyallup, WA 98371  (Online Only)
You need to feel like you can be fully yourself. To be able to set boundaries, thrive, and be healthy in your relationships. Therapy is for someone like you - a regular person, struggling with depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder... who sometimes doesn’t like how you feel about yourself or your relationships. Given the social pressures and systemic influences in your life, these feelings become more complex and painful with time. You don’t need someone to solve everything, fix you, or expect you to be happy, but you long to be authentic and vulnerable with yourself and for others to feel they can be the same with you.
You need to feel like you can be fully yourself. To be able to set boundaries, thrive, and be healthy in your relationships. Therapy is for someone like you - a regular person, struggling with depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder... who sometimes doesn’t like how you feel about yourself or your relationships. Given the social pressures and systemic influences in your life, these feelings become more complex and painful with time. You don’t need someone to solve everything, fix you, or expect you to be happy, but you long to be authentic and vulnerable with yourself and for others to feel they can be the same with you.
(253) 242-9957 View (253) 242-9957
Photo of Affordable Counseling Center, Marriage & Family Therapist in Puyallup, WA
Affordable Counseling Center
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Puyallup, WA 98373
In today's society families encounter daily stressors which can lead to depression, anxiety, poor communication and so much more.
NEW Clients Welcome! The Affordable Counseling Center is designed to meet the counseling needs of all families, with affordable services at $25/session. Services are provided by Masters Level graduate students from local colleges who work under the direction of highly experienced and qualify supervisors.
In today's society families encounter daily stressors which can lead to depression, anxiety, poor communication and so much more.
NEW Clients Welcome! The Affordable Counseling Center is designed to meet the counseling needs of all families, with affordable services at $25/session. Services are provided by Masters Level graduate students from local colleges who work under the direction of highly experienced and qualify supervisors.
(253) 285-1618 x2 View (253) 285-1618 x2
Photo of Cara McCartney, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Puyallup, WA
Cara McCartney
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, CCTP
Verified Verified
Puyallup, WA 98373
ABC staff are master level clinicians with years of experience with children and families who may be struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, substance abuse, domestic violence, physical and sexual abuse and/or neglect.
Our mission at Achieving Balance Counseling is to foster an environment that empowers an individual or family’s ability to resolve, change and achieve balance in order to attain happiness, hope and harmony in life.
ABC staff are master level clinicians with years of experience with children and families who may be struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, substance abuse, domestic violence, physical and sexual abuse and/or neglect.
Our mission at Achieving Balance Counseling is to foster an environment that empowers an individual or family’s ability to resolve, change and achieve balance in order to attain happiness, hope and harmony in life.
(253) 523-3012 View (253) 523-3012
Photo of Anthony M Kagochi, Counselor in Puyallup, WA
Anthony M Kagochi
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Puyallup, WA 98371
Waitlist for new clients
I welcome all people young and older; I have extensive experience working with individuals and families who are struggling with addiction issues, relationship/marital issues, depression, anxiety, trauma and troubles in their career.
I welcome all people young and older; I have extensive experience working with individuals and families who are struggling with addiction issues, relationship/marital issues, depression, anxiety, trauma and troubles in their career.
(253) 259-2505 View (253) 259-2505
Photo of Santana Taylor, Counselor in Puyallup, WA
Santana Taylor
Counselor, LMHC, SUDP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Puyallup, WA 98373  (Online Only)
Thank you for checking in to learn a little bit more about me. Have you found that you struggling with issues related to anxiety, trauma, life transitions, or other major changes that can come on a day to day basis? We have all been there where we have found that we may need additional support to help navigate and cope with those challenges. My name is Santana and I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and a Substance use Disorder Professional offering virtual services.
Thank you for checking in to learn a little bit more about me. Have you found that you struggling with issues related to anxiety, trauma, life transitions, or other major changes that can come on a day to day basis? We have all been there where we have found that we may need additional support to help navigate and cope with those challenges. My name is Santana and I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and a Substance use Disorder Professional offering virtual services.
(270) 655-1976 View (270) 655-1976
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.