Reaching out for mental health support is a sign of strength. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, or ongoing stress, the right care can help you regain balance and feel more in control. At Columbia Mental Health in Manassas, our providers work with you to find a treatment plan that fits your needs and preferences, combining therapy, medication, or both when appropriate.
When therapy may be the best first step
For many people, therapy is the foundation of recovery. It can be especially effective for mild to moderate anxiety, depression, or stress-related issues. Working with a licensed therapist helps you understand how your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors connect.
At Columbia Mental Health, our therapists may use a wide range of therapeutic approaches, including:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): Focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thought patterns.
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT): Builds emotional regulation and distress tolerance skills.
- Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT): Builds psychological flexibility by teaching clients to accept difficult emotions while staying focused on personal values and goals.
- Psychodynamic therapy: Explores early experiences and relationship patterns that continue to influence thoughts and behavior.
- Interpersonal therapy (IPT): Strengthens communication skills and relationships to reduce isolation and improve mood.
- Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT): Combines mindfulness with cognitive therapy techniques to reduce stress and support emotional balance.
Therapy helps clients build coping skills and emotional resilience that last long after sessions end. For some, it may be all that’s needed to find relief and stability.
When medication can provide needed support
Certain mental health conditions, such as major depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia, often have biological components that respond well to medication. Psychiatric medications help regulate brain chemistry, reduce severe symptoms, and make it easier to engage in therapy.
At Columbia Mental Health, our psychiatric providers specialize in medication management that prioritizes safety, comfort, and collaboration. Regular check-ins allow for adjustments to dosage and type as needed so your treatment continues to meet your goals.
Medication can also be helpful for clients who have tried therapy alone but still struggle with persistent symptoms like fatigue, irritability, or sleep changes.
Why many people benefit from a combined approach
Therapy and medication often work best together. Medication can relieve symptoms so clients can focus and participate more fully in therapy, while therapy helps develop coping tools that support long-term recovery.
National trends reflect this shift. More Americans are choosing talk therapy, and the number of people relying solely on psychiatric medication has decreased for the first time in years.¹ This change shows a growing understanding that therapy and medication each play an important role in modern mental health care.
Combining both approaches can:
- Improve treatment outcomes for depression and anxiety
- Reduce relapse risk after recovery
- Support better emotional and behavioral balance
Columbia Mental Health’s integrated care in Manassas
Our team in Manassas includes therapists and psychiatrists who work together to coordinate care. We believe effective treatment means treating the whole person, not just the symptoms.
At Columbia Mental Health, you can expect:
- Collaborative treatment between therapy and psychiatry
- Personalized care plans built around your goals
- Flexible scheduling with in-person and telehealth options
Whether you begin with therapy, medication, or both, our providers help you find the right balance for lasting progress.
Taking the next step
Knowing when to seek help is not always easy. If your mood, energy, or motivation have changed in a way that affects your daily life, professional care can help you get back on track. Columbia Mental Health in Manassas offers compassionate, personalized support designed to meet you where you are.
For new clients, please click here to schedule an appointment. For existing clients, please click here and find your office location to contact your office directly.
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