If anxiety is impacting your day-to-day life, even reaching out for help can feel difficult. Anxiety can feel like more than just a mental health condition—it’s often accompanied by physical symptoms like fatigue or difficulty sleeping. Before taking the first step and starting treatment, you might wonder what the best treatment for anxiety is. While treatment that takes an evidence-based approach and is tailored to your individual needs is considered best practice, it’s important to understand that there is no one-size-fits-all treatment solution when it comes to managing anxiety.
At Columbia Associates, we understand that the journey to coping with anxiety and finding relief can often be a difficult and uncertain one. Our team of experienced mental health professionals helps patients find the best treatment option for their individual needs.
Treatment for anxiety could change your life. Call 703.682.8208 today to learn more about how Columbia Associates can help.
The Top Approaches to Anxiety Treatment
Research has identified cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) as some of the most effective approaches to treating anxiety.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
Under CBT, practitioners work with patients to identify and understand the thoughts and behaviors that might be contributing to their anxiety. This might look like exploring and challenging unhelpful assumptions and beliefs or practicing new behaviors to combat anxious feelings. The goal of CBT is to help patients develop the tools necessary to better manage their anxiety.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy
DBT is an evidence-based approach developed to help people who experience intense emotions that can sometimes lead to impulsive behaviors, like self-harming or substance abuse. While DBT involves similar techniques as CBT, like challenging unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, this approach also focuses on learning skills to better regulate emotions, increase mindfulness, and develop connections with others.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
ACT is an approach that emphasizes acceptance of thoughts and feelings as well as understanding how they are connected to behaviors. This therapy promotes values-based living, such as setting goals and taking action that aligns with those goals. ACT encourages patients to become aware of their current emotional state and identify ways to move forward, even if those feelings are difficult.
Benefits of Starting Professional Anxiety Treatment
Finding out what the best treatment for anxiety is can be the first step toward a more fulfilling life. Just a few of the benefits of seeking professional anxiety treatment include:
- Improved functioning and well-being – The right anxiety treatment can help you manage your symptoms and find relief from the physical, emotional, and psychological strain of living with anxiety.
- Increased self-awareness – Professional anxiety treatment can help you understand what triggers your anxiety and recognize patterns that may be contributing to it.
- A stronger support system – Anxiety can feel isolating, but treatment for anxiety can help you build a stronger support system.
- Coping strategies to help you manage symptoms – Through therapy, patients can develop coping skills and tools to use in times of stress.
If you or a loved one is struggling with anxiety, Columbia Associates is here to help.
Contact Columbia Associates Today for the Best Anxiety Treatment
The best treatment plan is the one that’s designed just for you. Whether you’re looking to start DBT, explore CBT, try out ACT, or develop a personalized therapy approach, Columbia Associates is here to support you on your journey to healing.
Schedule an appointment with a therapist today to get started on the best treatment for your anxiety. If you’re in Maryland, Virginia, or D.C., there’s likely a Columbia Associates location near you.
Call 703.682.8208 or reach out to our team online today.