How to Find Doctors That Treat Anxiety
If you struggle with anxiety, you understand how much it can impact your sleep, work, relationships, school, and everyday responsibilities. When anxiety starts to disrupt your life, you may wonder where you can turn to for help. One of the most common questions you may ask during this process is, “How do you find doctors that treat anxiety?”
The good news is that there are multiple kinds of doctors that can help you understand and manage your anxiety. Psychiatrists, therapists, primary care providers and psychologists are all trained medical professionals that can help you navigate your symptoms and develop a treatment plan.
The right provider will depend on whether you are looking for an evaluation, medication, therapy, or a combination of treatments. Understanding the differences between your provider options can help you feel more confident about where to start.
What Kind of Doctor Treats Anxiety?
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in treating mental health conditions, including anxiety disorders. Psychiatrists can evaluate anxiety symptoms, diagnose anxiety disorders, and prescribe medication.
Therapists and psychologists can provide therapy for anxiety but generally do not prescribe medication. In many cases, therapy and psychiatric care/medication management are used in tandem to provide comprehensive mental health support.
Depending on your needs and unique situation, you may see a single doctor or a combination of mental health providers to help you find the best path forward.
What Does a Psychiatrist Do for Anxiety?
A psychiatrist may help with anxiety by:
- Evaluating your symptoms
- Diagnosing specific anxiety disorders
- Discussing medication management options
- Monitoring your response to the medication
- Adjusting dosage or medications
- Coordinating care with therapists and other mental health providers
Psychiatry might be particularly helpful if anxiety symptoms are impacting your daily life or if you are wondering whether medication is the right next step for you. In any case, meeting with a psychiatrist first can help you better understand your situation and your unique needs.
Can a Therapist Treat Anxiety?
Yes! Therapy is one of the most common treatments for anxiety. Therapists can help you better understand the thoughts, behaviors, emotions, and experiences that may contribute to your anxiety. It can also give you practical tools for managing your symptoms.
Depending on your needs, therapy for anxiety may include:
- Individual therapy
- Exposure-based approaches
- Mindfulness techniques like DBT or CBT
- Trauma-informed therapy
- Family or couples therapy as needed
You do not need to be taking an anxiety medication to see a therapist. Therapy can be a useful tool on its own to manage your symptoms, or it can be part of a collaborative approach alongside medication for lasting relief and change.
What is the Difference Between a Psychiatrist and a Therapist?
The biggest difference between psychiatrists and therapists is that psychiatrists are medical doctors who can prescribe medication. A psychiatrist is trained to evaluate your mental health from a medical perspective and can use that to make informed decisions regarding medication use.
Therapists are also trained mental health professionals, but they focus on providing psychotherapy and other behavioral health services. A therapist can help you navigate your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that are contributing to your anxiety.
In many cases, coordinating both approaches can help support the physical and emotional aspects of anxiety.
When Should I See a Doctor That Treats Anxiety?
If you are struggling with anxiety, reaching out for help early can help you navigate your emotions and thoughts more productively.
Consider professional support if you:
- Have difficulty controlling your worrisome thoughts
- Avoid people or places due to your anxiety
- Have trouble sleeping because of anxious thoughts
- Experience panic attacks
- Notice that your anxiety is affecting your relationships
- Use alcohol or other substances to cope with your anxiety
You do not have to wait until your anxiety is “severe enough” to reach out for help. A provider can evaluate your symptoms to determine what method of treatment is right for you.
When looking for a provider, consider asking:
- What treatment approaches do you use?
- Do you provide medication management or therapy?
- What kind of insurance do you accept?
- Are appointments virtual or in-person?
- What should I expect during my first appointment?
Finding the right provider or doctor that treats anxiety can take time, but doing so can ensure you receive the right care and support for your unique needs.
Bottom Line: How to Find Doctors That Treat Anxiety
Psychiatrists can diagnose and treat anxiety and prescribe medication. Therapists and psychologists can provide therapy and other behavioral health treatments. The right provider depends on your symptoms, treatment goals, and the type of care you are looking for.
If you are struggling with anxiety or anxious thoughts, reaching out for support can be an important first step. Worried that you don't know what type of treatment is right for you? A qualified provider can help you understand your symptoms and can create a treatment plan that fits your needs.
Looking for doctors that treat anxiety? Sagent Behavioral Health offers psychiatry and therapy services to help you manage your mental health. We offer in-person and virtual care options designed to fit your life, with providers you can rely on and trust. Contact us today to be matched with a provider.
Frequently Asked Questions about Doctors That Treat Anxiety
What kind of doctor should I see for anxiety?
A psychiatrist, primary care doctor, therapist, or psychologist can help with anxiety, depending on your symptoms and treatment needs.
Should I see a psychiatrist or therapist for anxiety?
It depends on the type of treatment you are looking for. A psychiatrist may be a good option if you are interested in medication or need a psychiatric evaluation. A therapist may be a better fit if you want to focus on therapy and developing strategies to manage anxiety.
When should I see a doctor about anxiety?
Consider talking with a healthcare or mental health provider when anxiety is persistent, difficult to control, or interfering with your everyday life.
