The first step in treating anxiety is getting a proper anxiety disorder diagnosis from a qualified mental health professional, like a psychiatrist. Unfortunately, many people with anxiety disorders don’t take this critical first step. They don’t realize that they have a medical condition for which many treatment options exist.
With Talkiatry, you can see a psychiatrist from the comfort of your home and you can schedule your first appointment in a matter of days.
Here’s what to expect in your first visit:
Evaluation: During your first visit with a Talkiatry psychiatrist, you’ll meet with your psychiatrist and answer questions about your current symptoms, personal history, medical history, and mental health goals. It's also a chance to ask any questions you have.
Diagnosis: Based on the information you’ve shared, your psychiatrist will be able to provide a diagnosis of your condition, if you have one. Getting a diagnosis can feel scary, but it can also feel validating to finally put a name to what you've been experiencing. Your psychiatrist will help you navigate any emotions that come up and work with you on a path to move forward.
Treatment plan: You’ll collaborate with your psychiatrist on the best way to manage your symptoms. If medication is appropriate, you’ll discuss your options, including the benefits and potential side effects of each medication. Your psychiatrist will provide supportive therapy throughout your session, and may also recommend working with one of our therapists. Our therapists partner with our psychiatrists to provide collaborative care.
To get started, take our
free online assessment, to see if Talkiatry is right for you and get matched with a psychiatrist.
Depending on your symptoms and needs, your psychiatrist may recommend medication as part of your anxiety treatment plan. Remember, an anxiety disorder is like any other medical condition: it requires treatment to manage symptoms. You cannot “will away” your symptoms; it’s not only a matter of self-discipline.
There’s a variety of medications that have been shown to be very effective at managing the symptoms of anxiety. These include:
Not all of these medications will be appropriate for everyone with anxiety. Some people may require just one medication, while others may manage their symptoms best with two complementary medications. If you don’t respond to one medication, it’s possible you’ll respond to another, which is why it’s important to work with a provider, like a psychiatrist, who can tailor your treatment to your specific needs.
Your psychiatrist may recommend supportive therapy in addition to medication to help manage your anxiety. Typically offered by a therapist, talk therapy can be an important tool to help you understand and overcome your anxiety. In the course of your treatment, your therapist may also introduce specific, structured approaches that have been proven to help manage the symptoms of anxiety:
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based therapy technique that’s been shown to successfully help treat anxiety symptoms. CBT teaches you to recognize thought patterns or behaviors that lead to feelings of anxiety, and then develop new ways of thinking that will minimize these feelings.
Exposure therapy is a type of CBT that has also been shown to be helpful in treating anxiety. Exposure therapy gradually helps you engage with activities or triggers that you may have been avoiding, while in a safe environment. This encourages you to face your fears and build confidence around your triggers.
