Anxiety therapy: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What anxiety therapy is

Anxiety therapy is a set of sessions with a licensed therapist who helps you understand what sets off worry and practice coping skills. The therapist tailors the approach to you and does not promise a specific result. If you or someone you know is in crisis or in danger, contact local emergency services instead of waiting for an appointment.

Signs you need it

  • Worry that is hard to switch off and takes up much of the day
  • Avoiding places, calls or events because of nervous feelings
  • Racing thoughts or a tight chest before work, school or social events
  • Trouble sleeping because your mind keeps running
  • Physical stress signs such as a tense stomach that your doctor has said are not tied to another cause

What the pro does

  • An intake covering when worry started, what triggers it and what you have already tried
  • Mapping triggers and patterns together in plain language
  • Practicing coping skills in session, such as breathing, thought tracking or gradual exposure to feared situations
  • Skills to rehearse between sessions at a pace you agree to
  • Reviewing what is working and adjusting the plan

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • The therapist's license and training in anxiety work
  • Session length and frequency
  • In person or video
  • Insurance or private pay
  • Whether a doctor referral is involved
  • Cancellation terms

What a written quote should spell out

  • Session length, schedule and how often to meet at the start
  • Which methods the therapist plans to use, in plain words
  • Cancellation and missed session terms
  • Billing and insurance details
  • What to do if anxiety spikes between sessions

Questions to ask before you hire

  • What is your license, and how much of your work is with anxiety?
  • Which approaches do you use, and why for me?
  • How do you pace practice of feared situations?
  • What homework should I expect?
  • How will we know if it is helping?
  • Should I talk with my doctor about anything first?

Red flags

  • Promises to remove anxiety or fix it in a set time
  • Pushing you into feared situations faster than you agree to
  • Telling you to stop medication prescribed by your doctor
  • Cannot name a license or credential
  • Dismissing your concerns about the plan

What you can do yourself

Slow breathing, regular sleep, movement and cutting back on caffeine may feel supportive, but they do not replace professional help when anxiety lasts. Talk with your doctor before changing medication, and about any physical symptoms.

Licenses and permits

Therapy and counseling are licensed health professions. Ask for the license type and number, then check it with your state licensing board before the first session.

Anxiety therapy questions

Do I need a diagnosis?

No. A therapist can start by listening to your concerns. Your doctor can help with any health questions.

Will I need medication?

That is a decision for you and your doctor. A therapist does not prescribe, and should not tell you to stop medication.

How long will it take?

It depends on your goals. The therapist should review progress with you regularly.

Can I do this by video?

Many therapists offer it. Ask about their platform and privacy.

Pro reviewers

Pros who offer anxiety therapy remotely can improve this guide, like Wikipedia. We check every edit before it goes live. Every approved edit is credited in the edit history and on the pro's profile.

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