Written by Raghuveer Boddireddy, MD. Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor provides Anxiety Therapy?
A psychologist (a talk therapy expert) or a psychiatrist (a doctor for mental health) often gives anxiety therapy. Social workers and counselors may also give it. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What it is
Anxiety therapy is psychotherapy, also called talk therapy, used to treat anxiety. Psychotherapy is a group of treatments. They help a person notice and change troubling emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. Most of it takes place one-on-one with a licensed mental health professional, or in a group. For anxiety disorders, therapy should focus on your own worries and needs. One type is cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT. It teaches you different ways of thinking and behaving.
Why a doctor might recommend it
The main treatments for anxiety disorders are talk therapy, medicines, or both. Therapy can be used instead of medicine or along with it. Even when medicine eases symptoms, therapy can still help. It can help with self-defeating ways of thinking, irrational fears, and problems with other people.
How to prepare
An exam by a health care provider can rule out a physical health issue. Some symptoms are due to a medical condition.
Before you pick a therapist, a first talk can show how treatment will go. It can also show if you feel comfortable. You can ask these questions.
- What are your credentials and experience, and do you have a specialty?
- What are your fees, do you accept insurance, and is there a sliding scale, a fee based on income?
- Are you able to prescribe medicine?
If you are referred for CBT, you first have an assessment with a therapist. The therapist asks about your symptoms and what you hope to get from treatment.
What happens during it
In a typical CBT session, you talk about situations you find hard. You talk about how they make you think, feel, and act. You and your therapist then work out new ways to handle them. This can include the following.
- Questioning unhelpful thoughts and beliefs.
- Noticing your emotions and body feelings without reacting to them.
- Changing what you do, such as doing activities you have been avoiding.
Exposure therapy is a type of CBT used for anxiety disorders. A person spends short periods in a safe place, learning to handle distress from certain things or ideas. Therapy may also teach mindfulness and relaxation, such as meditation and breathing exercises. You are usually asked to practice what you learn between sessions.
Recovery
After a course of CBT ends, keep using the skills you learned. Your therapist will usually help you plan how. If your symptoms do not improve after the first course, you may be given more sessions. If you have been in therapy for a reasonable time and are not getting better, talk to your therapist. You might look at other mental health professionals or approaches.
Risks and side effects
Talk therapy is not a medicine, so the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has no formal approval process for it. Talks in therapy are deeply personal, so you should feel comfortable with your therapist.
If you are in emotional distress or thinking about hurting yourself or others, call or text 988. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline gives free, private support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you or someone you know has attempted suicide, call 911 or go to the emergency room right away.
Who performs it
Many types of professionals offer psychotherapy. Examples include psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, counselors, and psychiatric nurses.
Common questions
How many sessions of CBT will I need?
CBT usually takes between 5 and 15 sessions, depending on what it is for. If your symptoms do not improve after your first course, you may be given more sessions.
Can I have therapy and medicine together?
Yes, therapy can be used along with medicine or in place of it. The right plan depends on your needs and medical situation, with the guidance of a mental health professional.
How does a direct primary care or concierge doctor fit in?
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either one can examine you to help rule out a physical health issue.
Sources
- National Institute of Mental Health - Psychotherapies
- MedlinePlus - Anxiety
- NHS - Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
