Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health conditions worldwide. While occasional stress or nervousness is part of the human experience, persistent or overwhelming symptoms can signal something more serious. When anxiety interferes with your ability to work, maintain relationships, or enjoy life, it may be time to consider professional interventions. Fortunately, there are many effective treatment options available, including psychotherapy, anti-anxiety medications, and self-help strategies, that can restore your well-being.
Key takeaways
- Anxiety is normal – It’s your body’s alarm system. In short bursts, it helps you focus and stay safe.
- When it becomes a problem – When it lingers, interferes with sleep, focus, or daily life, or leaves you restless and drained.
- It shows up differently for everyone – From racing thoughts and chest tightness to irritability, dread, or panic attacks.
- Both brain and body are involved – The amygdala fires danger signals, stress hormones surge, and your body reacts even when there is no actual danger.
- Help works – Anxiety is common, but therapy, medication, lifestyle changes, and grounding tools can bring meaningful relief.
Do you need anxiety treatment?
AIt’s normal to experience anxiety from time to time, especially about stressful life events. Feeling anxious doesn’t necessarily mean you have an anxiety disorder or need treatment. However, if your anxiety interferes with your daily life or affects your quality of life, treatment may be able to help.
You may need professional treatment for anxiety if:
- Persistent worry and anxious feelings interfere with concentration, sleep, physical health, or relationships
- You regularly experience physical symptoms of anxiety, such as muscle tension, shortness of breath, a racing heart, nausea, or restlessness
- You have chronic worrying or difficulty concentrating
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR) outlines different types of anxiety disorders, including:
- Generalized anxiety disorder – Involves excessive worry about routine concerns in several areas of life, such as work, health, or social situations
- Panic disorder – When a person has recurrent, unexpected panic attacks that cause intense fear and discomfort
- Social anxiety disorder – Also known as social phobia, this disorder causes extreme anxiety in social situations
- Separation anxiety disorder – Most commonly seen in children, and involves an overwhelming fear of being apart from parents or primary caregivers
- Agoraphobia – Fear of being in situations where escape might be difficult.
- Specific phobias – Involves intense, irrational fears of a specific object or situation
Early treatment can prevent these conditions from worsening and reduce the risk of co-occurring issues like depression, substance use, and chronic medical problems. For a more in-depth description of each anxiety disorder’s symptoms, causes, and treatment, visit Types of Anxiety.
If anxiety is left untreated
Unfortunately, severe anxiety symptoms usually don’t go away on their own. People tend to find ways to cope, although some strategies (such as avoidance behavior or substance misuse) can make anxiety significantly worse. In general, leaving anxiety untreated can lead to long-term emotional and physical consequences. Over time, unmanaged anxiety increases the risk for:
- High blood pressure and cardiovascular disease
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Chronic sleep disturbances
- Major depressive disorder
In adolescents, untreated anxiety may result in school refusal, social withdrawal, and poor academic performance. The earlier someone seeks help, the more effective the outcome tends to be.
Therapy for anxiety
Talk therapy, or psychotherapy, is considered to be best first option (also known as the “first-line treatment”) for anxiety. Therapy helps people understand the thoughts, behaviors, and patterns that contribute to anxiety and make changes to reduce and manage symptoms.
Types of therapy that work for anxiety
The most common and effective therapy for anxiety is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This approach teaches people to identify distorted thought patterns and gradually face their fears in a structured, supportive environment. A key part of CBT, exposure therapy, is especially effective for specific phobias, panic disorder, agoraphobia, and social anxiety.
Other evidence-based types of therapy include:
- Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) – Builds mindfulness skills and aligns behavior with personal values.
- Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) – Useful for anxiety tied to traumatic experiences or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Support groups – Offer a space to connect with others, reduce isolation, and share coping strategies.
“Starting treatment for anxiety is a powerful act of self-care. It can be as simple as reaching out to a therapist or doctor. You don’t need to have everything figured out — all you need is to take that first step.”
Types of therapists who treat anxiety
There are several types of mental health professionals who are qualified to treat anxiety. Some of them include:
- Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) – Offer individual and group therapy focused on recognizing triggers and managing symptoms.
- Psychologists (PhD or PsyD) – Provide diagnostic evaluations and deliver evidence-based treatments.
- Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs) – Combine therapy with practical support and community resources.
- Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs) – Focus on anxiety related to relationship dynamics and family stress.
- Psychiatrists – Medical doctors who specialize in the mind, and can prescribe medication.
These are just a few of the different types of therapists. Which of these options is right for you depends on your goals, preferences, and insurance coverage. Therapists (LPCs, psychologists, LCSWs, and LMFTs) focus on building coping skills and emotional insight. Psychiatrists can prescribe medication.
The difference between psychotherapy and psychiatry for anxiety
Psychotherapy focuses on addressing the social and psychological aspects underlying anxiety. Its goal is to reduce anxiety through treatment methods (for example, CBT) that promote awareness of unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors. Psychiatric science, in contrast, treats anxiety medically, usually through medication management, and also explores the biological underpinnings of the condition.
Medication for anxiety
Whereas psychotherapy seeks to help individuals learn how to cope with their symptoms, psychiatry tends to use medical treatments to control symptoms. The two are often combined for best results.
How to know if you need medication for anxiety
You might benefit from medication if your anxiety:
- Is something you experience constantly
- Is getting worse, despite other interventions
- Causes physical symptoms like chest tightness, increased heart rate, or insomnia
- Interferes with your daily functioning
A healthcare provider, such as a medical doctor or psychiatrist, can evaluate your symptoms and help determine the best treatment plan.
Most common types of anxiety medication
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) – First-line antidepressants like sertraline and escitalopram are used to treat GAD, OCD, panic disorder, and PTSD.
- Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) – Venlafaxine, for example. Often used when SSRIs are ineffective.
- Benzodiazepines – Fast-acting medications like lorazepam and alprazolam (also known by their commercial names, Ativan and Xanax) are used for short-term relief of acute anxiety or panic attacks. These carry a risk of dependence and are not recommended for long-term use.
- Buspirone – A non-sedating option often used for generalized anxiety disorder.
- Beta-blockers – Medications like propranolol are sometimes prescribed to manage the physical symptoms of anxiety (like trembling or a racing heart) in performance-related social situations.
Who can prescribe medication?
In a select few states, psychologists can prescribe medication when they receive additional training. But in most states, therapists such as LMFTs, LCSWs, and LPCs cannot prescribe medication. Mental health professionals who can prescribe medication include:
- Psychiatrists
- Primary care physicians, including doctors and nurses (RPs, FNPs)
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNPs)
These health professionals can assess your condition, prescribe medications, and adjust your treatment plan as needed. If your therapist believes that medication could enhance your treatment, they will collaborate with you to refer you to a healthcare provider — such as a psychiatrist, nurse practitioner, or a general practitioner — who can guide you through your options. It’s always a team approach, and your therapist will ensure you have the support you need in your healing journey.
Side effects of anxiety medication
All medications carry risks and may cause adverse effects. Common side effects of SSRIs and SNRIs include nausea, dizziness, sexual dysfunction, and fatigue. Benzodiazepines may cause sedation, memory issues, or dependence. Regular follow-up is essential to monitor for effectiveness and safety.
Lifestyle changes for anxiety
Therapy and medication are often most effective when combined with healthy lifestyle habits. These things support brain health, improve resilience, and reduce stress.
- Exercise – Physical activity boosts mental health by increasing serotonin and GABA, key neurotransmitters involved in regulating mood.
- Diet – A nutritious diet rich in omega-3s, magnesium, and B vitamins supports brain health and helps reduce symptoms of anxiety.
- Limiting substance use – Limiting caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol is vital. While these may seem calming initially, they often intensify anxiety over time.
- Sleep – Poor sleep worsens anxiety. Maintaining a consistent bedtime and reducing screen time can improve rest and reduce worry.
- Mindfulness and meditation – Daily practices like deep breathing, yoga, or guided imagery help calm the nervous system and reduce reactivity.
- CBD (Cannabidiol) – Some early studies show promise for anxiety, but regulation and quality vary. Always consult your provider before using supplements — especially alongside antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications.
- Acupuncture – May help regulate the nervous system and ease tension.
How to start treatment for anxiety
Starting treatment for anxiety is a powerful act of self-care. It can be as simple as reaching out to a therapist or doctor. You don’t need to have everything figured out. All you need is to take that first step. Here’s how:
- Talk to your primary care provider – Let them know how you’ve been feeling physically and emotionally. Be open about the fact that you think you’re struggling with anxiety.
- Reach out to a therapist directly – Grow Therapy can help you find a licensed, skilled therapist who can help anxiety and who’s covered by your insurance.
- Prepare for your first appointment by making a list of your symptoms, questions, treatment goals, and any other helpful information you can think of.
Seeking help is a courageous act, and recovery is within reach. You are not alone, and support is available.
Crisis support: where to get help now
If you’re in immediate distress or feeling unsafe:
- Call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
- Text HOME to 741741 to reach the Crisis Text Line
- Visit your local emergency room
You are not alone, and help is always available.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if I need treatment for anxiety?
If anxiety is interfering with your daily life — like making it hard to sleep, focus, or feel present — treatment may help. You don’t need a diagnosis to get support. It might be time to reach out if your worry feels constant, overwhelming, or physically uncomfortable.
What is the most effective treatment for anxiety?
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective treatments for anxiety. It helps you identify unhelpful thought patterns and gradually face your fears in a structured, supportive way. Many people also benefit from a combination of therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes.
Can anxiety go away without treatment?
Sometimes anxiety passes with time, but chronic anxiety usually doesn’t resolve on its own. Without treatment, symptoms can worsen and impact your physical and emotional health. Seeking help early can improve outcomes and help you feel better faster.
What types of therapy help with anxiety?
In addition to CBT, other effective therapies for anxiety include acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), eye movement and desensitization reprocessing (EMDR), especially for trauma, and exposure therapy. Support groups can also be helpful for connection and encouragement.
Do I need medication for anxiety?
Not everyone needs medication, but it can be helpful if your anxiety is constant, worsening, or disrupting your ability to function. A psychiatrist or doctor can help you decide whether medication should be part of your treatment plan.
What medications are used for anxiety?
Common medications include SSRIs, SNRIs, benzodiazepines (for short-term use), buspirone, and beta-blockers. Each works differently, and side effects vary. Medication plans should always be guided by a licensed healthcare provider.
Can lifestyle changes help with anxiety?
Yes. Regular exercise, sleep, a healthy diet, and mindfulness practices can all improve your mood and reduce anxiety symptoms. While these changes may not replace therapy or medication, they can support your overall treatment and make a noticeable difference.
Who can prescribe anxiety medication?
Psychiatrists, primary care providers, and psychiatric nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) can prescribe anxiety medications. Most therapists, like LCSWs or LMFTs, cannot prescribe but can refer you to a prescriber if needed.
Is therapy or medication better for anxiety?
Both therapy and medication can be effective on their own, but many people find that a combination works best. Therapy helps you build tools for long-term relief, while medication can ease symptoms so you can engage more fully in the healing process.