Anxiety Therapy in Salisbury and Bethesda, Maryland
Anxiety therapy is talk therapy that helps you understand what keeps worry, panic or fear of social situations going, and practice new ways to respond. At Balanced Life Counseling Services, licensed therapists see children, teens and adults for anxiety, in person at our two Maryland offices or by telehealth.
Who it helps
Worry that is hard to switch off most days
Sudden waves of fear with a pounding heart or short breath
Dread before meetings, classes or social plans
Trouble sleeping because your mind keeps running
Avoiding places or tasks because of how anxious they make you feel
Tension, headaches or stomachaches that show up with stress
When worry is more than everyday stress
Feeling anxious now and then is a normal part of life. A hard exam, a tight deadline or a health scare can make anyone tense, and the feeling usually eases once the situation passes.
An anxiety disorder is different. The anxiety does not go away, shows up in many situations, and can get worse over time. It may stay even when nothing threatening is happening.
It may be time to talk with a professional when anxiety gets in the way of everyday life, leads you to avoid activities, or seems to be there all the time. Our guide to anxiety versus normal stress explains the difference in more detail.
Generalized worry, panic and social anxiety
Anxiety does not look the same for everyone. Three patterns come up often, and a person can have more than one. Only a qualified clinician can make a diagnosis, so read these as descriptions, not labels.
Generalized anxiety: frequent worry about everyday matters that is hard to control. It can come with feeling on edge, trouble concentrating, poor sleep, and headaches or muscle aches.
Panic: a panic attack is a sudden episode of intense fear with physical symptoms such as a racing heart, sweating, trembling, trouble breathing or dizziness. Not everyone who has a panic attack develops panic disorder, which involves frequent and unexpected attacks.
Social anxiety: strong fear of being watched or judged by others. People may blush, sweat, feel their mind go blank, or stay away from situations where they would have to interact.
How therapy for anxiety works
Treatment for anxiety disorders typically involves psychotherapy, medication, or both. The right mix depends on your needs, your preferences and your health.
Cognitive behavioral therapy, often called CBT, is a research-supported approach that is commonly used for anxiety. It helps you notice and question unhelpful thoughts and change the behaviors that feed anxiety. Several of our clinicians use it.
Therapy can also include exposure work, which means facing a feared situation gradually and with support so that you can return to things you have been avoiding. Relaxation and breathing exercises may be part of the plan too.
If you and your therapist think medication is worth discussing, our team includes a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner. Medication decisions are made with the prescriber. You can read about psychiatric medication management on its own page.
What to expect in anxiety sessions
Your first visit. Your therapist invites you to share what has been going on, when the anxiety shows up, and what you would like to be different. There is no need to prepare a perfect summary.
Agreeing on goals and a schedule. The two of you settle on how often to meet. Weekly sessions are typically recommended at the beginning.
Learning and practicing skills. Sessions focus on what sets off your anxiety and on trying new responses. You may get homework between sessions, such as practicing a breathing exercise or taking one small step toward something you have been avoiding.
Checking progress. You review what is helping and adjust the plan together. If something is not working for you, say so. That feedback shapes the next step.
Office visits on the Eastern Shore and in Bethesda, or video sessions
We offer in-person and telehealth appointments at both of our offices. Some people with anxiety like the routine of coming in. Others find it easier to start from home.
Whether video is an option depends on where you are located during the appointment, so mention your situation when you call. Our telehealth therapy page covers what you need for a video visit.
Starting anxiety therapy with us
We are accepting new patients. The new patients page walks through the first call and what to have ready.
We accept many insurance plans, including CareFirst / Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Medicare and Medical Assistance. Coverage depends on your plan, so please verify your benefits before your first visit. Self-pay rates and our Sliding Fee Program are listed on the insurance and fees page.
Our office does not provide emergency services. If you are in crisis or thinking about harming yourself, call or text 988 or call 911.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my anxiety is serious enough for therapy?
You do not have to wait until things feel unbearable. Signs that it may be time to talk with a professional include anxiety that interferes with daily life, makes you avoid activities, or seems to be present all the time. A first appointment is a chance to describe what is happening and hear what a therapist would suggest.
Will I need medication for anxiety?
Not necessarily. Anxiety is typically treated with psychotherapy, medication, or both, and therapy can be used on its own or alongside medication. Whether medication makes sense for you is a decision for you and a prescriber. Our team includes a psychiatric nurse practitioner, and your therapist can talk with you about a referral if you want to explore it.
How long does anxiety therapy take?
It varies from person to person, and we cannot promise a set timeline. It depends on what you are dealing with, your goals, and how often you meet. Weekly sessions are typically recommended at the start. You and your therapist review progress along the way and decide together when to space sessions out or finish.
Can I do anxiety therapy by video?
Yes. We offer telehealth appointments, and psychotherapy for anxiety can be delivered in person or by telehealth. Whether a video visit is possible depends on where you are located during the session, so ask when you call. You will need a private space, a device with a camera, and a steady internet connection.
Does insurance cover anxiety counseling?
We accept a range of insurers. Coverage, copays and deductibles depend on your specific plan, so call the number on your card to verify benefits. If you are paying yourself, individual therapy is $130 for a 45 to 50 minute session, and a Sliding Fee Program based on household income and family size is available.
Do you see teenagers for anxiety?
Yes. Our practice works with children, teens and adults. Social anxiety often begins in childhood or the teen years and can look like extreme shyness or not wanting to go to school. Our teen counseling page explains how therapy with teenagers works and how parents are involved.
What can I do between sessions to help with anxiety?
Healthy habits can support treatment, although they do not replace it. Examples include cutting back on caffeine, keeping a regular sleep routine, staying physically active, and practicing mindfulness or relaxation exercises. Your therapist may also suggest specific homework that fits what you are working on in sessions.
Ready to talk with someone?
Call 443-978-8688 or request an appointment. We see clients in person in Salisbury and Bethesda and by telehealth across Maryland.
Sources
National Institute of Mental Health: Generalized Anxiety Disorder: What You Need to Know
National Institute of Mental Health: Panic Disorder: What You Need to Know
National Institute of Mental Health: Social Anxiety Disorder: What You Need to Know
National Institute of Mental Health: I'm So Stressed Out Fact Sheet
If you are in crisis or thinking about suicide, call or text 988. In an emergency, call 911.
