Anxiety Treatment
What you will learn:
- Prevalence and types of anxiety disorders.
- The link between anxiety and substance use.
- Guardian Recovery’s revolutionary treatment model for anxiety, featuring coordinated care, cutting-edge therapies, and a game-changing intensive outpatient program (IOP) for mental health.
Picture yourself standing in a crowded room, your heart racing, palms sweating, and mind spinning with “what-if” scenarios. For millions of Americans living with anxiety, this type of experience isn’t just an uncomfortable moment. It’s their daily reality.
At Guardian Recovery, we understand that anxiety isn’t just about feeling worried; it’s a complex condition that can hijack your thoughts, physical well-being, and quality of life. So to empower our clients to overcome their anxiety once and for all, we’ve pioneered a revolutionary treatment model that combines cutting-edge therapies with a broad menu of robust treatment options. Plus, our framework features coordinated care between your providers, rather than individual visits that occur in a vacuum. That means your care team regularly talks about your progress, goals, and needs, and works with you to update your care plan as needed.
Whether you’re experiencing occasional panic attacks that seem to come out of nowhere, finding yourself unable to leave your house due to overwhelming fears, or lying awake at night with racing thoughts, our team can help you reinvent your relationship with anxiety from one of fear to one of understanding and empowerment.
What is Anxiety?
Anxiety is more than just everyday stress or worry. It’s a complex mental health condition characterized by persistent fear or worry that can interfere with daily activities, relationships, and overall quality of life.
If you struggle with anxiety, you’re not alone. According to information from the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, anxiety disorders affect 40 million adults (just shy of 20% of the population). And what’s even more troubling is that only a little more than one-third of these individual receive treatment.1
When left untreated, anxiety can become debilitating, impacting everything from sleep patterns to personal relationships and professional performance. Understanding anxiety as a medical condition rather than a personal weakness is crucial for seeking appropriate treatment and beginning the journey toward recovery. Guardian Recovery’s comprehensive, coordinated, and cutting-edge treatment for anxiety can help.
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Types of Anxiety
Anxiety manifests in several distinct forms, each with unique characteristics and challenges.
- Generalized anxiety disorder involves persistent and excessive worry about various aspects of life, from work to personal relationships.
- Social anxiety disorder focuses specifically on social situations and interactions.
- Panic disorder involves recurring panic attacks and the fear of future attacks.
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is characterized by recurring thoughts and repetitive behaviors.
- Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) typically develops after exposure to traumatic events.
- Phobias also fall under the anxiety heading and typically involve intense fear of objects or situations.
Each type of anxiety requires a specialized approach to treatment, which is why our team at Guardian Recovery is trained in multiple therapeutic modalities.
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Anxiety and Substance Use: Co-Occurring Disorders
Anxiety and substance misuse often go hand in hand. That’s because many individuals turn to alcohol or drugs as a way to self-medicate their anxiety symptoms, leading to co-occurring disorders that require specialized treatment approaches. This pattern often creates a cycle where substance use temporarily relieves anxiety but ultimately worsens symptoms over time. The reverse is also true. Some individuals develop a substance use disorder and then experience anxiety, with both conditions fueling the other.2
At Guardian Recovery, we understand that treating co-occurring disorders requires a sophisticated, integrated approach that addresses both conditions simultaneously. Our specialized dual diagnosis programs are designed to help clients understand the connection between their anxiety and substance use while developing healthy coping mechanisms for both challenges. Through evidence-based treatments and comprehensive support, we help clients break free from this cycle and establish sustainable recovery.
Anxiety and Brain Chemistry
Anxiety disorders involve complex interactions between brain chemistry, genetic factors, and environmental influences. Neurotransmitters like serotonin, norepinephrine, and GABA play crucial roles in regulating mood and anxiety levels. This biological understanding helps explain why some individuals are more susceptible to anxiety disorders and why certain treatments prove effective.3
Understanding the biological basis of anxiety helps inform our treatment approaches, allowing us to combine medication management with therapeutic interventions for optimal results. This scientific understanding guides our use of innovative treatments like transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), which directly addresses brain chemistry imbalances. Our team stays current with the latest research in neuroscience to provide the most effective, science-based treatments available.
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Our Locations
Our Facilities & Teams Transform Lives
Changing lives by providing comprehensive support and rehabilitation, empowering individuals to overcome addiction and regain control of their health and well-being.
Portland, Maine
Saddle Brook, NJ
Guardian IOP – New Brunswick
New Brunswick, NJ
Delray Beach, Florida
Hoboken, New Jersey
Anxiety Treatment at Guardian Recovery
At Guardian Recovery, our treatment philosophy is built around the idea that every individual’s experience with anxiety is unique. So we offer a range of therapeutic modalities and cutting-edge treatments to create personalized treatment plans that address both immediate symptoms and underlying causes of anxiety.
Mental Health IOP: Comprehensive Support
Guardian Recovery’s intensive outpatient program (IOP) for mental health represents a unique offering in the field of anxiety treatment. This structured program provides intensive support while allowing clients to maintain their daily responsibilities. The program features individual counseling once a week, psychiatry and medication management services monthly, and 3-hour group therapy sessions that meet 3 or 4 times per week. Our IOP includes specialized modules focusing on anxiety management, stress reduction, mindfulness practices, and cognitive restructuring techniques. This comprehensive approach ensures that clients develop a robust set of tools for managing anxiety in real-world situations. Plus, it empowers clients to move past symptom management and to true transformation.
Individual Therapy: One-On-One Care
Our one-on-one counseling is carried out by licensed therapists who specialize in evidence-based approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and other proven modalities. These one-on-one sessions provide a safe space to explore anxiety triggers, develop coping strategies, and work through underlying issues. Each therapy session is tailored to your specific needs and goals, helping you to develop greater self-awareness, learn effective coping mechanisms, and build resilience against future anxiety challenges.
Psychiatry and Medication Management
Our psychiatric team provides expert medication management, carefully evaluating each client’s needs and monitoring their response to treatment. We take a measured approach to medication, ensuring that prescriptions complement other therapeutic interventions effectively. Regular medication reviews and adjustments ensure optimal results while minimizing side effects. Our psychiatrists work closely with other members of your treatment team to ensure a coordinated approach to care.
Innovative Strategies: TMS & Spravato
Guardian Recovery leads the field in offering cutting-edge treatments like transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and Spravato for treatment-resistant mental health disorders. These innovative approaches provide hope for clients who haven’t found relief through traditional methods. Our team carefully evaluates each client’s suitability for these advanced treatments, providing detailed information about the processes and expected outcomes.
Coordinated Care: A Team Committed to Your Healing
Our treatment team meets regularly to discuss client progress and adjust treatment plans as needed. This coordinated approach ensures that all aspects of care work together seamlessly, maximizing treatment effectiveness.
Virtual Treatment
Guardian Recovery’s virtual mental health therapy allows you to receive professional treatment from the comfort and privacy of your own home. Our virtual offerings include online individual counseling, virtual intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) for mental health, and a hybrid in-person/virtual IOP option at some locations. Using secure, HIPAA-compliant technology, you can engage in group sessions, individual therapy, and skill-building workshops. Online mental health care is convenient, accessible, and just as effective as traditional in-person therapy. Plus, there’s no travel time to and from a counseling office or treatment center. With Guardian Recovery, healing is just a click away.
Medication and Anxiety Treatment
While medication can be an important component of anxiety treatment, it’s most effective when combined with therapy and other supportive interventions. Our team carefully evaluates each client’s needs to determine the most appropriate medication strategy, considering factors such as symptom severity, medical history, and potential interactions with other medications.
Common medications used in anxiety treatment include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), and others. Our psychiatric team provides thorough education about medication options, potential benefits, and side effects, ensuring you’re fully informed and comfortable with your treatment plan.
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Your Next Steps
Take the First Step Toward Recovery
Beginning treatment for anxiety takes courage, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Our admissions team makes the process as smooth and stress-free as possible, starting with a comprehensive assessment to understand your unique needs and challenges. Plus, we’ll answer your questions, help you understand your treatment options, and even verify your insurance benefits and discuss self-pay options if needed. The call is free and confidential, and you’re under no obligation to enter care with us.
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FAQs
Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, mental health treatment is typically covered partially or in full by insurance. Guardian Recovery works with most major insurance providers. Plus, our admissions team can verify your benefits and explain your coverage options before treatment begins. We also offer various payment options and can work with you to develop a manageable financial plan.
Yes, our programs are designed to accommodate work and other life responsibilities. Even our most intensive options, our IOP for mental health, offers flexible scheduling options. Plus, our individual therapy appointments can be scheduled around your work commitments.
Medication decisions are made on a case-by-case basis. While some clients benefit from medication as part of their treatment plan, others may achieve success through therapy alone. Our psychiatric team will help you make an informed decision about medication options.
Progress is measured through regular assessments, symptom tracking, and feedback from you and your treatment team. You might notice improvements in sleep, mood, ability to handle stress, and overall quality of life. We regularly review and adjust treatment plans based on your progress.
Many people struggle with this question, often waiting until they’re in crisis before seeking help. The truth is, if mental health challenges are impacting your daily life—whether that’s affecting your sleep, relationships, work performance, or overall well-being—it’s worth exploring professional care. You don’t need to be at your breaking point to benefit from treatment. Our initial consultation can help you understand if treatment would be beneficial, and many clients tell us they wish they’d reached out sooner. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Unlike traditional mental health settings where providers work independently, our coordinated care model ensures all your providers—therapists, psychiatrists, and other specialists—work together as a unified team. They talk regularly to discuss your progress, adjust treatment plans, and ensure all aspects of your care are working in harmony. This approach eliminates the common frustration of having to coordinate between different providers or repeat your story multiple times. Many clients tell us this integrated approach helps them feel truly supported and understood for the first time in their treatment journey.
Research consistently shows that virtual treatment can be as effective as in-person care for many individuals. Our virtual program maintains the same evidence-based approaches and quality standards as our in-person services. Some clients actually prefer virtual treatment, finding it easier to engage from the safety and comfort of their own space. We carefully assess each client’s situation to determine if virtual treatment is appropriate and make adjustments as needed.
Sources
- Anxiety & Depression Association of America. (2022). Anxiety Disorders – Facts & Statistics.
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2018). Common Comorbidities with Substance Use Disorders Research Report. Part 1: The Connection Between Substance Use Disorders and Mental Illness.
Reviewed professionally for accuracy by:
Ryan Soave
L.M.H.C.
Ryan Soave brings deep experience as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, certified trauma therapist, program developer, and research consultant for Huberman Lab at Stanford University Department of Neurobiology. Post-graduation from Wake Forest University, Ryan quickly discovered his acumen for the business world. After almost a decade of successful entrepreneurship and world traveling, he encountered a wave of personal and spiritual challenges; he felt a calling for something more. Ryan returned to school and completed his Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling. When he started working with those suffering from addiction and PTSD, he found his passion. He has never looked back.
