Therapy for Anxiety

Anxiety Care in St. Louis, MO


Anxiety is a common mental health condition characterized by persistent worry, fear, or nervousness. While it's normal to experience anxiety in stressful situations, excessive anxiety that interferes with daily life requires professional intervention. GBH Consultants in St. Louis, MO, specializes in providing comprehensive therapy for individuals suffering from anxiety, offering personalized and evidence-based treatments to help clients regain control of their lives.

Does Any of This Sound Familiar?


  • Overthinking comes naturally
  • Making decisions and daily tasks is overwhelming
  • Thinking about situations where you feel anxious causes anxiety
  • You realize your fear is irrational, but you can't logic your way out of it
  • Avoiding places or situations to prevent these feelings
  • Anxiety comes with headaches, stomachaches, or other physical symptoms
  • Panic attacks happen more often than you would like
  • Performing rituals or repetitive behaviors to minimize your anxiety
  • Trouble relaxing or feeling on edge

Anxiety has skyrocketed in the US since the COVID-19 pandemic! Recent data suggests almost ⅓ of Americans are experiencing symptoms that meet the criteria for an anxiety disorder. Untreated anxiety can be debilitating and severely impact your daily routine. 

 

People often experience anxiety in response to different situations, such as daily life stressors, social interactions, performance demands, separation from a loved one, exposure to specific fears, and trauma. There are several types of anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, separation anxiety disorder, and other specific phobia disorders. 


Here's the good news. Anxiety is a condition that can be effectively treated! By looking for help, you are taking a massive step towards improving your well-being! At GBHC, our therapists have worked with many people who are going through similar struggles and helped them break through the constant worry holding them back! 

Anxiety vs. Depression


While anxiety and depression are both mental health conditions, they are distinct in their symptoms and effects. Understanding these differences can help in seeking appropriate treatment:


  • Anxiety: Characterized by excessive fear and worry, often about future events or situations. Symptoms include physical manifestations like a racing heart, sweating, and trembling.
  • Depression: Marked by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest in activities once enjoyed. Physical symptoms may include changes in appetite, sleep disturbances, and low energy.


Unlike anxiety, which is often future-oriented, depression is typically focused on feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness in the present.

How to Know If You Need Therapy


Recognizing the need for therapy can be challenging, especially when anxiety is a part of your daily routine. Here are some signs that may indicate it's time to seek professional help:

  • Persistent Worry or Fear: If you find yourself constantly worrying about everyday situations and unable to control your fears, it may be a sign of an anxiety disorder.
  • Physical Symptoms: Chronic headaches, muscle tension, fatigue, and gastrointestinal issues can all be linked to anxiety. If you experience these symptoms regularly, it may be time to consult a therapist.
  • Sleep Disturbances: Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or having restless sleep can be signs of anxiety. Insomnia or frequent nightmares are also indicators.
  • Avoidance Behavior: If you start avoiding situations or activities because they make you anxious, it’s a clear sign that anxiety is impacting your life.
  • Panic Attacks: Experiencing sudden and intense episodes of fear, often accompanied by physical symptoms like a racing heart, sweating, and shortness of breath, indicates panic attacks which require professional attention.
  • Impaired Daily Functioning: When anxiety interferes with your work, relationships, or social activities, it’s a sign that you might benefit from therapy.
  • Constant Restlessness: Feeling on edge, irritable, or unable to relax are common symptoms of anxiety that can disrupt your daily life.

What Should I Expect From Therapy?


At GBH Consultants, our approach to treating anxiety is multifaceted and tailored to each client's unique needs. Here's what you can expect from our therapy services:

  1. Initial Assessment: The first step involves a thorough assessment of your symptoms, medical history, and personal circumstances. This helps us develop a customized treatment plan.
  2. Personalized Treatment Plan: Based on the assessment, we'll create a treatment plan that may include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based stress reduction, exposure therapy, and other evidence-based techniques.
  3. Regular Therapy Sessions: Therapy sessions are conducted in a safe and supportive environment. During these sessions, you'll work with a licensed therapist to identify and challenge negative thought patterns, develop coping strategies, and gradually face and overcome anxiety-provoking situations.
  4. Skill Building: You'll learn practical skills to manage anxiety, such as relaxation techniques, breathing exercises, and mindfulness practices. These skills can be applied in everyday situations to reduce anxiety levels.
  5. Ongoing Support: Therapy is an ongoing process, and our therapists provide continuous support and guidance. Regular follow-up sessions ensure that progress is maintained and any new challenges are addressed promptly.
  6. Collaborative Approach: We believe in a collaborative approach to therapy, involving family members or loved ones when appropriate. This holistic method ensures a strong support system for the individual undergoing treatment.
  7. Outcome Monitoring: We regularly monitor progress through feedback and assessment tools, adjusting the treatment plan as necessary to ensure optimal results.


Next Steps in the Therapy Process


Choosing the right therapy provider is crucial for effective anxiety treatment. At GBH Consultants, we are committed to offering compassionate, professional, and evidence-based care. Our team of experienced therapists in St. Louis, MO, is dedicated to helping you navigate the challenges of anxiety and achieve a balanced and fulfilling life.



For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact GBH Consultants today. We are here to support you on your journey to mental well-being.

Schedule a Consultation

Frequently Asked Questions


  • Do you offer both virtual and in-person sessions?

    Yes. Our office offers sessions in St. Louis and virtual therapy services across Missouri.

  • Do you have evening and weekend availability?

    At this time, we do not offer weekend appointments. We have a limited number of evening slots. Don't hesitate to contact our office for availability if you need an evening time. Preference for evening availability is given to current clients, so if you can start with daytime appointments, you will have first availability when evenings become available.

  • Do you accept insurance?

    We have therapists who accept UnitedHealthcare and Aetna insurance plans. Please contact our office to see which therapist have availability and accept your health insurance. Dr. Ritchie does not accept any insurance. The cost of sessions varies for each insurance plan. We recommend contacting your insurance to determine if you need to meet your deductible or if there is a copayment/coinsurance for services.

  • Does your practice see children for therapy?

    Yes. We see teens ages 13 and older for therapy. Psychological assessment services are available for children three years and older. 

Schedule your Consultation Call Now!


Schedule a free consultation call with our office at (314) 325-2685. During this call, we will gather some basic information, discuss your needs, answer any questions you might have, and schedule your first appointment. Don't keep trying to go at it alone!

Schedule a Consultation
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