Conditions
Anxiety, Panic & Phobia Treatment
Yes, we help children, teens and adults across New Jersey manage anxiety, panic attacks and phobias. Care begins with a careful evaluation and may include skills-based counseling, lifestyle strategies and, when appropriate, medication.
What is an anxiety disorder?
An anxiety disorder is a mental health condition in which worry, fear or nervousness is intense, lasts a long time and gets in the way of daily life. Some anxiety is a normal response to stress. It becomes a concern when it shows up often, feels hard to control, or leads you to avoid things that matter to you.
Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health conditions, and they are treatable. Many people notice meaningful improvement with the right combination of support, skills and, when appropriate, medication.
What types of anxiety do we help with?
Anxiety takes several forms, and more than one can be present at the same time. Common types include:
- Generalized anxiety: ongoing worry about everyday things like health, work, school or family, often with trouble relaxing
- Panic attacks and panic disorder: sudden waves of intense fear with physical symptoms, plus worry about the next attack
- Phobias: strong fear of a specific object or situation, such as flying, heights, needles or animals
- Social anxiety: intense fear of being judged, embarrassed or watched in social or performance situations
- Anxiety tied to stressful life changes, transitions or ongoing pressure at work or school
What are common symptoms of anxiety?
Anxiety affects both the mind and the body. You might notice:
- Constant worry or a sense that something bad is about to happen
- Restlessness, irritability or feeling on edge
- Trouble concentrating, or a mind that goes blank
- Muscle tension, headaches or stomach upset
- A racing heart, shortness of breath, sweating or trembling
- Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep
- Avoiding places, people or situations that trigger fear
What does a panic attack feel like?
A panic attack is a sudden surge of intense fear that usually peaks within minutes. It can bring a pounding heart, chest tightness, shortness of breath, dizziness, chills or hot flashes, and a frightening sense of losing control.
Because some physical conditions cause similar symptoms, new or severe chest pain or trouble breathing should be evaluated as an emergency. Once medical causes have been considered, panic symptoms often respond well to treatment.
How is anxiety treated?
Anxiety treatment is tailored to your symptoms, history and goals, and it often combines more than one approach. After a psychiatric evaluation, your plan may include:
- Skills-based counseling. Supportive therapy can help you notice anxious thought patterns, practice calming strategies and gradually face situations you have been avoiding.
- Lifestyle adjustments. Sleep, caffeine, physical activity and daily structure all influence how anxious you feel.
- Medication, when appropriate. Certain medications can reduce ongoing anxiety or panic symptoms. Through medication management, doses are adjusted carefully and side effects are monitored at regular follow-ups.
Research supports talk-therapy approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for many anxiety disorders. If you already work with a therapist, we can coordinate with them with your written consent.
What can make anxiety worse?
Several everyday factors turn up the volume on anxiety: broken sleep, high caffeine intake, alcohol, skipped meals, chronic pain and long stretches of stress. Some medical conditions and medications can also produce anxious feelings or a racing heart.
We review these during your evaluation. Small, practical changes sometimes make a noticeable difference on their own, and they can help the rest of your treatment work better.
Avoidance is another common driver. Steering clear of what makes you anxious brings relief in the moment, but it tends to make the fear larger over time. Part of treatment is finding a manageable pace for facing those situations again.
When should you get help for anxiety?
It may be time to reach out if worry or fear feels hard to control, lasts for weeks, or starts shaping your choices — skipping school or work, avoiding friends, or lying awake at night. You don’t need to wait until things feel severe.
Anxiety also often occurs alongside depression, sleep problems, OCD or ADHD. A careful evaluation looks at the whole picture rather than one symptom at a time.
How do you get anxiety care across New Jersey?
Most appointments take place through a secure, HIPAA-compliant video platform, so you can meet from a private, comfortable space anywhere in New Jersey. In-person visits are available at our Hackensack office when clinically appropriate.
To get started, book through Headway or call (201) 616-1371. We’ll confirm your time and send secure intake forms.
If you are in crisis
We are not an emergency service. If you are in immediate danger or experiencing a medical or psychiatric emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. For 24/7 support in the U.S., call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline).
Frequently asked questions
Is my anxiety bad enough to see a psychiatric provider?
If anxiety is affecting your sleep, work, school, relationships or enjoyment of life, it’s reasonable to get help. There is no minimum level of distress required. An evaluation can clarify what you’re experiencing and whether counseling, lifestyle changes, medication or a combination might help.
Can anxiety cause physical symptoms?
Yes. Anxiety can cause a racing heart, muscle tension, headaches, stomach upset, fatigue and trouble sleeping. Because other health conditions can cause similar symptoms, it’s a good idea to keep your primary care provider involved. With your written consent, we can coordinate with them.
Will I need to take anxiety medication long term?
Not necessarily. How long someone takes medication depends on their symptoms, their response and their goals. Some people use medication for a period of time while building coping skills. Any change, including stopping, should be planned with your provider so it can be done safely.
What is the difference between stress and an anxiety disorder?
Stress is usually a reaction to a specific pressure and eases once that pressure passes. An anxiety disorder tends to involve worry or fear that is out of proportion to the situation, lasts longer, and interferes with daily life. An evaluation can help tell the difference.
Can children and teens get help for anxiety?
Yes. In young people, anxiety may appear as worry, clinginess, stomachaches, school avoidance or irritability. We work with families to understand what’s happening and build a plan together. You can learn more on our child and adolescent psychiatry page.
Your Next Step Toward Feeling Better Starts Here
You don’t have to figure everything out on your own. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, or simply need support — help is available. Reach out today to schedule a virtual appointment and take the first step toward clarity and calm.
Confidential. Compassionate. Convenient. Your care, your pace, your peace of mind.