According to the NIH, more than 30% of adults in the U.S. will experience a debilitating anxiety disorder at some point in their lives. While occasional anxiety is a universal human experience, its severity and impact vary widely. For many people, anxiety becomes persistent, overwhelming, and disruptive—requiring professional treatment and long-term support.
Anxiety presents differently from person to person, but common symptoms may include:
- Persistent nervousness or fear
- Difficulty relaxing or feeling “on edge”
- Believing others are upset with you
- Replaying past events in your mind
- Constant worry about the future
- Feeling disconnected from your surroundings or from yourself
In many cases, anxiety is connected to unresolved trauma—even when that trauma isn’t consciously recognized. Professional support such as one-on-one therapy, equine-assisted psychotherapy, and mindfulness-based practices can help safely uncover these experiences and support lasting emotional healing.
Where Can I Receive Treatment for Anxiety?
Because anxiety is one of the most common mental health conditions, many treatment centers offer dedicated programs for it. Some rehabs specialize in anxiety, while others address it as part of a co-occurring mental health or substance use disorder. You can explore various levels of care in our guide to anxiety treatment options.
What Therapies Are Used to Treat Anxiety?
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most widely used treatments for anxiety. Other effective therapies include exposure therapy, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). Most treatment centers combine several modalities to address anxiety from multiple angles.
CBT helps reframe limiting or distressing thoughts, giving you healthier ways to respond to triggers and stress.
DBT blends mindfulness with practical emotional regulation skills. Instead of challenging your emotions, you learn to acknowledge and accept them without becoming overwhelmed.
ACT is especially helpful for chronic rumination. It teaches acceptance of uncomfortable feelings while refocusing your energy on values-driven action.
How Can I Pay for Anxiety Treatment?
Many programs accept insurance to offset treatment costs. You can check a center’s website to verify accepted insurance plans or speak with their admissions team for details. Most programs offer payment plans, financing solutions, and—in some cases—scholarship opportunities.
Continuum of Care for Anxiety
Anxiety treatment isn’t one-size-fits-all. Several levels of care are available depending on symptom severity and lifestyle needs:
- Private Therapy – Many professionals offer specialized one-on-one therapy to identify and treat the underlying causes of anxiety. If this level of support isn’t enough, you may be referred to a more structured program.
- Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) – Provides longer and more frequent individual and group therapy sessions several times a week.
- Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) – A highly structured program meeting 5 days per week for most of the day.
- Residential Treatment – The highest level of care for anxiety. Clients live at a treatment center where they receive around-the-clock support, daily therapy, skill-building, and a restorative environment.
What Therapies Are Commonly Used in Anxiety Treatment?
A typical day in treatment blends structured therapy, wellness activities, and restorative time. While schedules vary, many programs include nutritious meals, movement or yoga classes, and a mix of individual and group therapy. Common evidence-based therapies include:
How to Find Support
Whether you pursue private therapy or structured treatment, support from loved ones can make a meaningful difference in your recovery. Family and friends can help by learning how anxiety affects you, joining therapy sessions when appropriate, offering encouragement, and reinforcing that healing is possible. A strong support system creates stability and reassurance as you work toward lasting relief from anxiety.
