Condition

Anxiety

Anxiety Treatment

Anxiety Treatment

If anxiety is making daily life harder than it needs to be, you’re not alone, and CBTAA is here to help.

Anxiety can feel like a constant hum in the background of your life, or a loud, overwhelming presence that hijacks your thoughts and energy. Whether it shows up as chronic worry, racing thoughts, panic attacks, or social avoidance, anxiety can interfere with your relationships, career, and sense of self. Maybe your thoughts feel stuck in a loop you can’t break. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. And, there’s good news: anxiety is highly treatable.

At Cognitive Behavioral Therapy & Assessment Associates (CBTAA), we specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and other evidence-based treatments to help people overcome anxiety and regain control. Our licensed therapists work collaboratively with each client to reduce distress, increase confidence, and create a greater sense of calm and resilience.

{{divider="/external-components"}}

What Is Anxiety?

Anxiety is a natural human emotion that arises in response to perceived threats or uncertainty. But for some people, anxiety becomes more than just an occasional response, it becomes a chronic condition. When this happens, worry, fear, and tension can persist even in the absence of an immediate threat. You might feel on edge for no clear reason, constantly brace for the worst, or avoid everyday situations due to fear.

Types of Anxiety We Treat

Did you know Anxiety disorders affect nearly 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. each year? Anxiety can show up in a lot of different ways, and sometimes, it’s hard to know exactly what kind you’re dealing with. At CBTAA, we work with people across the full spectrum of anxiety disorders. Whether your anxiety feels constant, comes on suddenly, or shows up in specific situations, we’ll help you understand what’s going on and how to treat it.

If you’re not sure where you fit, that’s okay. You don’t need a diagnosis to get started, we’ll figure it out together during your first few sessions. Many people experience more than one type of anxiety at the same time, and it’s common to feel like you don’t fit neatly into one category. These are just a few examples, but know that your experience is valid, even if it looks different.

  • Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Ongoing, hard-to-control worry about everyday things, like school, work, health, or relationships.
  • Panic Disorder: Sudden, intense episodes of fear that can cause physical symptoms like shortness of breath, sweating, heart racing, or chest pain.
  • Social Anxiety Disorder: Fear of being judged, embarrassed, or rejected in social or performance situations.
  • Phobias: Specific fears of things. Common phobias include flying, heights, vomiting, needles, or enclosed spaces that cause you to avoid certain situations.
  • Health Anxiety (Hypochondria): Persistent worry about your health or fear of having a serious illness.
  • Performance Anxiety: Stress and fear related to high-pressure situations, like public speaking, exams, or athletic performance.
  • Separation Anxiety Disorder: Intense fear or distress about being away from loved ones, often leading to avoidance of separation or being alone.
  • Agoraphobia: Fear of being in situations where escape might feel difficult. For example, crowded places, public transportation, or open spaces, which can lead to avoidance of those situations or staying home altogether.
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Repetitive, intrusive thoughts and urges to perform certain rituals or behaviors to ease anxiety.
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Anxiety related to past trauma, often triggered by reminders or stressful events.

{{internal-ad="/external-components"}}

Understanding Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

One of the most common forms of anxiety is Generalized Anxiety Disorder, or GAD. People with GAD experience persistent, excessive worry, and can’t control it. Often those with GAD jump to worst-case scenarios and fear they won’t be able to cope with them.

This worry feels hard to control and can interfere with decision-making, sleep, focus, and overall well-being. You may feel paralyzed by indecision, constantly second-guess yourself, or experience physical symptoms that leave you exhausted and irritable.

Symptoms of GAD may include:

  • Chronic tension or muscle pain
  • Difficulty sleeping or staying asleep
  • Feeling restless or "on edge"
  • Frequent fatigue
  • Trouble concentrating or "blank mind"
  • Irritability
  • Headaches or digestive issues

GAD can make you feel like your brain won’t turn off. But with treatment, especially Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, you can learn to quiet the noise, trust yourself more, and feel less overwhelmed day to day.

{{divider="/external-components"}}

How Therapy Helps with Anxiety

Anxiety doesn’t have to run your life. It’s one of the most treatable mental health conditions, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective approaches for managing it.

How Does CBT Treat Anxiety?

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective, research-backed treatments for anxiety. It works by helping you recognize the patterns that keep anxiety going, like negative thought loops, avoidance habits, or physical stress responses, and gives you the tools to change them.

In CBT, you'll learn how your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are connected. With the support of your therapist, you’ll begin to notice when anxiety is shaping your thinking, and practice new ways to respond, so you can move through fear with more clarity and confidence.

At CBTAA, our CBT-based approach typically involves:

  • Cognitive Restructuring: Identifying thought distortions (like catastrophizing or black-and-white thinking) and learning how to replace them with more balanced, accurate perspectives.
  • Exposure Therapy & Behavioral Experiments: Gently confronting avoided situations or testing your beliefs through action to reduce fear and rebuild confidence in your ability to navigate situations and cope.
  • Mindfulness & Emotion Regulation Skills: Learning strategies to calm the nervous system and stay grounded in the present moment.
  • Problem-Solving Training: Building practical tools to manage stressors and increase confidence in everyday decision-making.

What to Expect in Anxiety Therapy

Your first session is all about getting to know you—how anxiety shows up in your life, what’s been challenging, and what you hope to get out of therapy. From there, your therapist will work with you to create a personalized plan that supports your goals. Over time, sessions may include education about how anxiety works in the brain, regular check-ins on your progress, and skill-building exercises to help you manage anxious thoughts and triggers. You’ll also have space to talk through life transitions, stress, or anything else that’s affecting your well-being. 

Many clients find between-session exercises helpful for reinforcing what they’ve learned. Therapy can be short-term or ongoing depending on what feels right for you—some people come for a few months, while others continue building self-awareness and emotional resilience over time.

Anxiety Therapy That Fits You

Every person’s experience with anxiety is different. That’s why our therapists create a custom plan based on your needs, your story, and your goals.

 Depending on the condition, some specific forms of CBT we use:

  • Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP): Recognized as one of the most effective treatments for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), ERP involves gradually facing your fears while resisting the urge to perform rituals or behaviors meant to reduce anxiety.
  • Prolonged Exposure (PE): An evidence-based therapy for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) where you gradually confront trauma-related memories, thoughts, and situations in a safe, controlled environment to help reduce fear and distress over time. 
  • Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT): A trauma-focused therapy for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) where you recognize and reevaluate "stuck points" — beliefs that have become negatively altered due to trauma — to help you process the event and reduce emotional distress, while also restoring your sense of safety, trust, power, esteem, and intimacy.
  • Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE): A therapy approach that teaches parents to respond differently to their child’s anxiety without engaging in behaviors that reinforce the anxiety. Parents gain skills to offer support without accommodating anxious behaviors.

In addition to CBT, we may use:

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): To help you live in alignment with your values by embracing your emotions and thoughts—even when anxiety shows up.
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Helpful when intense emotions make it hard to stay in control and respond effectively. DBT supports emotional regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness, and interpersonal skills to better cope in moments when you’re feeling overwhelmed.

You’ll never be expected to “just relax” or “stop worrying.” Therapy is about real, sustainable strategies, and a therapist who listens without judgment.

When to Consider Seeking Help for Anxiety Treatment

Anxiety doesn’t have to reach a breaking point before you seek support. In fact, many people find that starting therapy early helps prevent things from becoming more overwhelming. If worry or fear is starting to interfere with your ability to focus, connect, or feel at ease, that’s reason enough to talk to someone. Small steps now can lead to big changes later.

You might benefit from anxiety treatment if:

  • You feel constantly tense, restless, or on edge
  • Worry interferes with your sleep or ability to concentrate
  • You avoid social events, work tasks, or travel due to fear
  • You have persistent, unwanted thoughts and repetitive behaviors that disrupt daily life
  • You’re indecisive and have a hard time making decisions
  • You experience physical symptoms like racing heart or nausea
  • Your anxiety feels “out of proportion” to what’s happening
  • You’ve tried to manage it on your own, but it’s not getting better

The Benefits of Treating Anxiety

When anxiety no longer runs your day, life can start to feel more open and manageable. Many people notice they sleep better, have more energy, and feel more confident handling everyday challenges. Relationships often improve, and there’s more space to enjoy the small moments that once felt overshadowed by worry. 

Over time, your mind may begin to feel quieter, more focused, and less overwhelmed. Therapy isn’t about becoming someone new, it’s about reconnecting with who you are when anxiety isn’t in control.

{{divider="/external-components"}}

{{clinicians-cards="/external-components"}}

How to Find the Right Therapist for Anxiety Treatment in NYC

Finding the right therapist can make all the difference when it comes to treating anxiety. You want someone you feel comfortable with. Look for someone who listens, understands what you’re going through, and has the experience to help you move forward.

We recommend clinical experts that:

  • Specialize in anxiety disorders and use evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Have experience working with clients similar to you (for example, children, teens, young adults, adults, or professionals)
  • Offer a style and pace that feels supportive
  • Takes the time to understand your story and collaborates with you on a treatment plan

It’s completely normal if it takes a session or two to figure out whether a therapist feels like the right fit. What matters most is that you feel understood, supported, and safe.

Getting Started with CBTAA

Beginning therapy can feel like a big step—and it is. You don’t have to have it all figured out to start. 

What sets CBTAA apart is the quality of our treatment. Our therapists are deeply trained in evidence-based practices and supported by a collaborative clinical team that brings decades of shared insight to each case. From the very beginning, you’ll be cared for by a team that’s committed to doing things the right way, for you.

Whether you’re seeking support for yourself or a loved one, we offer personalized and evidence-based care for children, teens, and adults.

Anxiety Therapy in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut

CBTAA treats clients across New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. Our offices provide a warm, welcoming space for in-person therapy, and we also offer fully remote sessions for clients who prefer virtual care.

Book a free 15-minute consultation with one of our Clinical Coordinations and they will match you with a therapist who best fits your needs and goals. 

Explore Our Full Range of Anxiety Services

Looking for information on a specific type of anxiety? Visit our individual treatment pages:

  • Generalized Anxiety Disorder
  • Panic Disorder
  • Social Anxiety Disorder
  • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
  • Health Anxiety
  • Separation Anxiety Disorder
  • Performance Anxiety
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  • Agoraphobia
  • Phobias
Schedule Consultation

Why Families and Individuals Choose Us.

We combine deep clinical expertise with a commitment to delivering clear, actionable results quickly. Our team’s experience, empathy, and dedication to individualized care have made us a trusted partner for families, schools, and professionals across the NY Metro Area. We take on a limited number of clients at a time to ensure focus and speed of report delivery.

Experience Across Age Groups
From young children to adults.
Efficiency
Reports typically delivered in half the time compared to other practices.
Personalized Guidance
Tailored recommendations for academic, social, and emotional well-being.
School Collaboration
Expertise in supporting private and public schools in developing individualized educational plans (IEPs) and classroom strategies.

What Our Clients Say About Us.

"The assessment clarified so much for us. The recommendations have made a noticeable difference in our child’s school experience."
Parent of a 4th Grader
"I finally have a clear understanding of my strengths and challenges thanks to their insights. It’s been life-changing."
College Student
"Their team provided valuable guidance that has helped us support several students more effectively."
Learning Specialist, Private School