Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health conditions in the United States, affecting tens of millions of people. While occasional stress and worry are a normal part of life, anxiety disorders involve persistent, excessive fear that is difficult to control and begins to interfere with work, relationships, sleep, and daily functioning.
At PsychBright Health, our board-certified psychiatrists specialize in anxiety disorder diagnosis and treatment. Whether you are in Los Angeles or anywhere else in California, we are here to help you find relief and reclaim your quality of life.
Anxiety disorders are a group of mental health conditions characterized by excessive, persistent worry or fear that goes beyond what the situation warrants. Unlike everyday stress, anxiety disorders do not simply go away on their own — and without proper treatment, they often worsen over time.
The good news is that anxiety disorders are among the most treatable mental health conditions. With the right psychiatric care, most people experience significant improvement and go on to live full, functional lives.
Anxiety is not one-size-fits-all. Our psychiatrists are experienced in evaluating and treating all major anxiety disorders, including:
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Persistent, hard-to-control worry about everyday things — work, health, money, family — that is out of proportion to the actual situation and leaves you feeling exhausted and on edge.
Panic Disorder
Recurrent, unexpected panic attacks involving sudden surges of intense fear, rapid heartbeat, chest tightness, shortness of breath, dizziness, or a sense of losing control. Many people with panic disorder also develop persistent worry about when the next attack might happen.
Social Anxiety Disorder
Intense fear of social situations, public speaking, or being judged or embarrassed by others. Social anxiety can lead to significant avoidance that impacts careers, relationships, and everyday interactions.
Specific Phobias
An overwhelming, irrational fear of a specific object or situation — such as heights, flying, needles, or certain animals — that prompts immediate anxiety and avoidance.
Agoraphobia
Fear of situations where escape might be difficult or help unavailable during a panic attack, often leading to avoidance of crowded places, public transportation, or leaving home.
Separation Anxiety Disorder
Excessive fear or distress around separation from attachment figures. Though often associated with children, separation anxiety also affects adults.
If you experience several of the following symptoms on most days, and they are affecting your ability to function, it may be time to speak with a psychiatrist:
Anxiety disorders are diagnosed through a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation rather than a single test. A psychiatrist evaluates symptom patterns, duration, severity, and how anxiety is affecting daily functioning. Medical history, current medications, and potential underlying medical causes are also reviewed.
Diagnostic criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) are used to identify the specific type of anxiety disorder present. In some cases, medical testing may be recommended to rule out physical conditions — such as thyroid disorders or cardiac arrhythmias — that can mimic or worsen anxiety symptoms.
A careful, thorough diagnosis ensures that treatment is targeted to your specific disorder rather than treating anxiety in a general or incomplete way. This is one of the key reasons why working with a psychiatrist, rather than relying on self-diagnosis or general wellness strategies, leads to better outcomes.
Anxiety disorders do not have a single cause. They typically develop from a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental factors. Understanding these contributing factors is an important part of building an effective treatment plan.
Common contributing factors include:
This is why a thorough psychiatric evaluation — not just a symptom checklist — is the foundation of good anxiety treatment.
Many people live with anxiety for years before seeking help, often assuming it is something they just have to push through. But anxiety disorders are medical conditions, not personal weaknesses — and the earlier they are treated, the better the outcomes.
You should consider speaking with a psychiatrist if:
If any of these resonate with you, a psychiatric evaluation is a strong next step.
At PsychBright Health, anxiety treatment is individualized. No two patients experience anxiety the same way, and no single treatment works for everyone. Our psychiatrists combine medical expertise with evidence-based therapies and lifestyle support to address both the biological and psychological components of anxiety — building a treatment plan that fits your specific symptoms, history, and goals.
Every patient begins with a thorough psychiatric evaluation. We take the time to understand your specific symptoms, when they started, what makes them better or worse, your medical and psychiatric history, and your personal goals for treatment. An accurate diagnosis is the foundation of effective care.
When appropriate, medication can significantly reduce the severity of anxiety symptoms and support your overall treatment. Our psychiatrists carefully prescribe and monitor:
We monitor your response closely, adjust dosages as needed, and watch for side effects to ensure your treatment is as effective and comfortable as possible. Learn more about our Psychiatric Medication Management.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is the gold-standard psychotherapy for anxiety disorders — helping patients identify unhelpful thought patterns, develop coping strategies, and gradually face avoided situations. While our role is psychiatric evaluation and medication management, we work collaboratively with your existing therapist if you have one, or can refer you to a qualified therapist if needed.
For specific phobias, social anxiety, and panic disorder, exposure-based therapy approaches are particularly effective and can be coordinated as part of your overall treatment plan.
Some patients experience anxiety alongside depression, which requires a coordinated treatment approach that addresses both conditions simultaneously. Learn more about our Depression Treatment.
Medication and therapy work best when supported by healthy lifestyle habits. We incorporate evidence-based lifestyle guidance into every treatment plan, including:
Anxiety treatment is not a one-time visit. We provide regular follow-up appointments — in-person or via Telepsychiatry — to monitor your progress, adjust your treatment plan as your needs evolve, and provide continuous support throughout your recovery.
We offer secure, HIPAA-compliant video appointments for patients throughout California. Telepsychiatry makes high-quality psychiatric care accessible no matter where you are in the state — without the commute, traffic, or parking. Many patients also find that starting with a virtual appointment reduces the anxiety of that first visit, making it easier to take that first step.
Anxiety rarely exists in isolation. Many patients who come to us for anxiety are also dealing with related mental health conditions. At PsychBright Health, we also provide psychiatric care for:
Effective anxiety treatment can dramatically improve daily functioning, relationships, sleep quality, and overall mental wellbeing. Many patients who seek psychiatric care for anxiety report meaningful improvements in work performance, confidence, social comfort, and emotional stability. Activities that once felt overwhelming become manageable again. Relationships improve when anxiety is no longer driving avoidance or irritability. Sleep deepens when the mind is no longer racing at night.
With the right treatment plan, anxiety becomes manageable rather than overwhelming — and for many patients, it stops defining how they live their life altogether.
Normal stress is usually tied to a specific situation and fades once it resolves. An anxiety disorder involves persistent, excessive worry or fear that is difficult to control, lasts for weeks or months, and interferes with your ability to work, socialize, or handle everyday tasks. If anxiety is affecting your quality of life, a psychiatric evaluation can provide clarity and a clear path forward.
Anxiety disorders are diagnosed through a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation. A psychiatrist reviews your symptoms, their duration and severity, your medical history, and how anxiety is affecting your daily life. Diagnostic criteria from the DSM-5 are used to identify the specific disorder. In some cases, medical testing is recommended to rule out physical conditions that can mimic anxiety symptoms.
Anxiety disorders may not always be fully “cured” in the traditional sense, but they are highly treatable. The majority of patients achieve significant, lasting improvement with the right combination of medication, therapy, and lifestyle support. Many people with anxiety disorders go on to live full, productive lives with minimal symptoms. Early treatment generally leads to better long-term outcomes.
SSRIs (such as sertraline, escitalopram, and fluoxetine) and SNRIs (such as venlafaxine and duloxetine) are the most commonly prescribed medications for anxiety disorders. They are effective, non-habit-forming, and well-tolerated by most patients. Buspirone is another non-habit-forming option for generalized anxiety. In some cases, short-term benzodiazepines are used to manage acute symptoms, but they are not a long-term solution. The right medication depends on your specific type of anxiety, medical history, and individual response.
Not necessarily. Some patients do well with therapy alone; others benefit primarily from medication; many achieve the best results with a combination of both. Our psychiatrists evaluate each patient individually and never recommend medication unless it is clinically appropriate and the patient is comfortable with the decision.
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can diagnose anxiety disorders, prescribe and manage medications, and oversee your overall psychiatric care. A therapist (psychologist, LCSW, or MFT) provides talk therapy such as CBT. Both play important roles in anxiety treatment. At PsychBright Health, our focus is psychiatric evaluation and medication management, and we coordinate with your therapist when applicable — or can refer you to one if needed.
Yes. We offer secure, HIPAA-compliant video appointments for patients across California. Telepsychiatry is available for initial evaluations, medication management, and follow-up appointments — the same quality of care as in-person, from the comfort of your home or office.
Yes. PsychBright Health accepts most major insurance plans. Please visit our insurance page or call us at (213) 584-2331 to confirm your specific coverage before your first appointment.
We typically offer same-week appointments. Submit a request online or call (213) 584-2331 and our team will follow up within one business day.
You do not have to keep managing anxiety on your own. Our experienced psychiatric team is ready to help you understand what you are experiencing, build a treatment plan that fits your life, and support you every step of the way.
Schedule an appointment with a board-certified psychiatrist at PsychBright Health today. Telepsychiatry appointments are available across California.
Call (213) 584-2331 or submit an appointment request online.
1180 S Beverly Dr #700, Los Angeles, CA 90035 · Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Schedule a consultation with our experienced psychiatric team and start your journey toward a calmer, more balanced life.
Schedule Consultation