Las Vegas Anxiety Therapy
*Warning: This is not medical advice. Do not self-diagnose. If you are struggling with what you suspect is a mental health disorder, please contact a licensed mental health professional. If you are located in Nevada, you can schedule an appointment with us. If you are not located in Nevada, we recommend using Psychology Today and/or your insurance provider to find a qualified professional to help you.
Patient Guide to Anxiety Treatment
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What is Anxiety?
Anxiety is one of the most common mental health concerns worldwide, affecting millions of people each year. While occasional worry or stress is part of being human, anxiety becomes a clinical issue when it’s persistent, excessive, and interferes with daily life. For some, it feels like a constant sense of dread. For others, it’s racing thoughts, muscle tension, or even full-blown panic attacks.
Anxiety is the body's natural response to danger. It triggers the “fight or flight” system, sharpening focus, speeding up heart rate, and preparing us to act. But when anxiety becomes chronic or disproportionate to the situation, it no longer serves us—it hinders us.
People with anxiety often feel constantly on edge, even when there’s no clear threat. They may overthink, avoid social situations, struggle to fall asleep, or experience physical symptoms like stomach pain or dizziness. Over time, anxiety can take a toll on self-esteem, relationships, job performance, and physical health.
Because anxiety exists on a spectrum, many people live with it for years without realizing it’s something that can be treated. But the truth is: effective help is available, and no one needs to live in constant fear.
Common Signs You or a Loved One Is Struggling with Anxiety
Anxiety symptoms can look different from person to person. Some people feel it mostly in their thoughts; others in their bodies. Below are common signs that anxiety may be interfering with your well-being:
Excessive worry, even about everyday things like finances, health, work, or relationships
Restlessness or feeling “on edge” much of the day
Difficulty concentrating or a sense that your mind “goes blank”
Muscle tension, headaches, stomach discomfort, or other physical complaints
Fatigue, despite getting enough rest
Irritability or emotional reactivity
Sleep disturbances, such as trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early
Avoidance behaviors, like steering clear of social situations or responsibilities that feel overwhelming
Panic attacks, including sudden heart racing, chest tightness, dizziness, or fear of losing control (in some cases)
These symptoms may develop gradually or flare up during times of stress. Many people blame themselves for “overreacting,” but anxiety is not a flaw—it’s a real, diagnosable, and treatable condition.
GAD Symptom Checklist from American Psychiatric Association
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What Are the Most Effective Therapies for Anxiety?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Anxiety
CBT is the most well-researched and widely used therapy for anxiety. It focuses on identifying and challenging irrational or exaggerated thought patterns, and replacing them with more realistic, balanced thinking. CBT also teaches behavioral strategies—like gradually facing feared situations—to reduce avoidance and build confidence.
For individuals with generalized anxiety, CBT helps calm the mental “what if” spiral and teaches practical tools for coping with uncertainty. Sessions often include skill-building, worksheets, and between-session experiments to apply insights in daily life.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for Anxiety
ACT offers a mindfulness-based approach to managing anxiety. Instead of trying to eliminate anxious thoughts, ACT helps individuals accept them as temporary experiences—while still taking meaningful action in life.
This therapy emphasizes psychological flexibility, teaching people to detach from their anxious thoughts, observe them without judgment, and return to their values. ACT is especially useful when anxiety is tied to perfectionism, self-doubt, or emotional avoidance.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for Anxiety
Though originally developed for emotion dysregulation, DBT is increasingly applied to anxiety, particularly for individuals who feel overwhelmed by intense emotional reactions. DBT combines elements of CBT with mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness.
Clients learn how to tolerate discomfort without panic, ride out anxiety spikes, and set boundaries in relationships—skills that are especially helpful for social anxiety and co-occurring mood symptoms.
Psychiatric Medication Options for Anxiety
SSRIs (e.g., Sertraline, Escitalopram, Paroxetine)
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the first-line medications for anxiety disorders. They work by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, which helps regulate mood and reduce excessive worry. Common options include sertraline (Zoloft), escitalopram (Lexapro), and paroxetine (Paxil).
These medications typically take several weeks to reach full effectiveness. Side effects are usually mild and temporary but may include gastrointestinal issues, headache, or sleep disruption.
SNRIs (e.g., Venlafaxine, Duloxetine)
Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are another effective class of antidepressants used for anxiety. Medications like venlafaxine (Effexor XR) and duloxetine (Cymbalta) are particularly helpful for people who experience both emotional and physical symptoms, such as muscle tension or chronic pain.
Benzodiazepines (e.g., Lorazepam, Clonazepam)
Benzodiazepines are fast-acting medications that can provide short-term relief from intense anxiety or panic. However, they carry a risk of dependence and are not recommended for long-term use. They may be prescribed during acute episodes, or while waiting for SSRIs to take effect.
Lifestyle Changes That Support Anxiety Treatment
While professional treatment is essential, certain daily habits can dramatically improve anxiety symptoms over time.
Establish a Grounding Routine
A consistent sleep schedule, balanced meals, and structured daily routines provide predictability and reduce uncertainty—key for calming an anxious nervous system.
Incorporate Mindfulness and Meditation
Even 5–10 minutes a day of mindfulness practice can reduce racing thoughts and build emotional resilience. Techniques like breath focus, body scans, or mindful walking are simple yet powerful.
Exercise Regularly
Aerobic activity, such as walking, running, or dancing, helps release mood-regulating neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin. It also burns off the excess adrenaline that fuels anxiety.
Limit Caffeine and Alcohol
Stimulants and depressants can both disrupt your body’s natural regulation of anxiety. Reducing intake—or eliminating it during high-anxiety periods—can significantly reduce symptom severity.
Connect with Others
Social support is one of the most protective factors against anxiety. Even brief check-ins with trusted friends or loved ones can help regulate emotions and provide perspective.