Image of a therapist and client in a counseling session.

1,150 people sought anxiety therapy help at New Haven in the last year

Discover how starting therapy with a anxiety can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.

Meet with a provider as soon as this week

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Connecticut | BCBS, Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card), Cigna | Evernorth, +13 more
Anger, Infidelity, ADHD, Addiction, Relationships, +4 more

I am naturally empathetic and believe every challenge has a solution.

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, Cigna | Evernorth, United Healthcare | Optum, +2 more
Anger, Coping Skills, Self Esteem, Stress, Career, +5 more

Hello and welcome to your first step to a mentally stronger you!

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Connecticut | BCBS, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Connecticut Medicare Advantage, +19 more
Coping Skills, Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety, Depression

As a licensed clinical social worker, I have the training, experience, and creativity to help you reach your goals.

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Connecticut | BCBS, Cigna | Evernorth, +16 more
Anger, Behavioral Issues, Coping Skills, Men’s Issues, Self Esteem, +8 more

Having experienced traumatic life changes, I’ve come to understand that within every crisis lies an opportunity to discover your strengths and creat... Having experienced traumatic life changes, I’ve come to understand that within every crisis lies an opportunity to discover your strengths and create a meaningful and fulfilling life. Read more

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, Cigna | Evernorth, United Healthcare | Optum, +2 more
Anger, Behavioral Issues, Coping Skills, Men’s Issues, Stress, +7 more

I believe in goodness of people and I'm aware that life has the ability to change that.

Cristina Perera

Hear from Cristina Perera, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT)

View Cristina Perera's profile

What is your go-to approach for anxiety therapy?

With anxiety disorders, I always reiterate how quickly they can be managed. Increasing serotonin through critical 20 minutes of cardio 3 times a week will have a similar effect as medication, many studies have found. Determining what type of anxiety people are experiencing helps to provide the best techniques. Across the board, the “should haves” or “could haves” or “what if's” need to be eliminated, which is critical in the treatment. Disputing the beliefs we are telling ourselves naturally shifts thinking.

What tools do you teach in anxiety therapy?

The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook is a great tool many people find helpful. Every type of anxiety is explained, which helps to normalize anxiety, so it helps people to understand how common it is and naturally helps to release the concerns. CBT techniques are helpful in decreasing repetitive behaviors that become a habit. Exposure therapy for phobias provides support and confidence in overcoming fear and anxiety. Mindfulness, distraction, and REBT tools are also helpful. Each situation is different; however, it's imperative to begin work with anxiety to prevent it from increasing — much like the image of one climbing up the ladder and then potentially falling off, into a more depressed state, when the anxiety goes untreated.

How do you know when a client is making meaningful progress in anxiety therapy?

I know a client is making progress when they are able to feel comfortable sharing the challenges they struggle with, recognizing there is no judgment. When they are able to discuss and describe their specific type of anxiety, most people quickly begin using techniques and report less intensity. Most importantly, clients start understanding that they have the ability to decrease anxiety by lowering their heart rates and stopping catastrophic thinking.

What can clients do in their personal time to supplement anxiety therapy?

Clients can add cardio a minimum of three times weekly to their weekly routine. When having physical symptoms, taking their heart rate and focusing on dropping it by a minimum of 5 beats in 10 minutes is a helpful practice. Using the ABC method always helps — recognizing the “A” (activating event), the “C” (consequence), how they are reacting to the situation, and finally understanding the “B” (belief) they are telling themselves; disputing the belief naturally decreases anxiety.

What should someone do to prepare for starting anxiety therapy?

Clients can research or take quizzes to determine what type of anxiety they are struggling with.

Starting Anxiety therapy

What is anxiety therapy?

Anxiety therapy helps people better understand and manage their anxiety. Anxiety therapists at Thriveworks in New Haven, CT can develop a treatment plan that will help you better manage your day-to-day anxiety or your anxiety disorder.

How does anxiety therapy work?

Anxiety therapy involves talking to a therapist about symptoms, potential causes, and more. Thriveworks New Haven therapists will then work with you to determine where your anxiety might stem from and teach you effective coping mechanisms.

How to deal with anxiety?

One of the best ways to deal with anxiety is to learn about your own anxiety: your symptoms, what triggers it, and what coping mechanisms have been effective in the past. When you learn what your anxiety is tied to, it can help you be mindful of what’s really happening as well as prevent and mitigate symptoms by processing and working through the issue in therapy. Other strategies that have been shown to help manage anxiety are meditation, challenging anxious thoughts, exercising, and journaling.

Symptoms of anxiety

Common symptoms of anxiety include:

  • Sense of impending danger
  • Nervousness/restlessness
  • Trouble focusing
  • Excessive sweating
  • Shaking
  • Headaches
  • Stomach issues
  • Fatigue
  • Panic attacks
  • Increased heart rate

What is the best therapy for anxiety?

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be incredibly effective in treating anxiety and anxiety disorders. Other effective techniques include exposure therapy, Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and EMDR therapy.

Is anxiety therapy conducted in person or online?

Anxiety therapy is conducted both in person and online, depending on the individual’s preferences and their therapist’s availability. We suggest choosing the option that best suits your needs.

How long does anxiety therapy last?

On average, people can tend to attend 15 to 20 session of anxiety therapy (five or more months). However, this number is heavily dependent on the type of anxiety that’s being treated and its severity, with many choosing to attend anxiety therapy for a longer period of time to ensure its effectiveness long-term.

Is therapy worth it for anxiety?

Yes, it is worth going to therapy for anxiety. If you are struggling with regular anxious thoughts and feelings that are affecting your day-to-day life or you suspect that you have an anxiety disorder, you should seek expert anxiety help.

Need more help deciding?

Therapy for Anxiety in New Haven, CT—Counselors and Therapists  

Instead of allowing anxiety to control your life, consider working with an anxiety therapist at Thriveworks Counseling in New Haven, CT. We have a team of counselors who have the extensive education and training needed to help you cope with and overcome the thoughts and feelings that keep you from living your best life. Reach out today to get started.

How Do I Know If I Have Anxiety?

You might think you just worry a lot. But when does worrying turn into anxiety? At what point does it become too much? Consider the following examples of anxiety:

  • Feeling worried and nervous almost the entire day, even if there isn’t something to worry about
  • Avoiding social situations and isolating yourself
  • An internal dialogue that focuses on your fears and insecurities
  • You feel so overwhelmed that you can’t get anything done, in turn making your anxiety worse

Symptoms of Anxiety

Can you relate to any of the aforementioned feelings? You might be experiencing anxiety. “While each individual person presents with varying symptoms as well as intensity of those symptoms, there are symptoms of anxiety one can look for,” explains Jessica Spar, Licensed Professional Counselor for Thriveworks in New Haven and West Hartford.

  • Restlessness
  • Trouble focusing
  • Sleep problems
  • Fatigue
  • Sweating
  • Irritability
  • Excessive worry
  • Mood swings
  • Racing or unwanted thoughts
  • Lack of or increased appetite
  • Indecisiveness

These symptoms can be harmful to your mental health on their own, but when combined it can be really hard to overcome. If you feel anxious on a daily basis, or even in certain situations, you could benefit from speaking with a professional. Working with a counselor could help you learn how to overcome these concerns and work towards living a happier life!

Types of Anxiety Disorders

Some of the types of anxiety are:

  1. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): GAD involves the feelings of anxiety and worry that last for months on end. This disorder can cause you to feel irritable, restless, and fatigued.
  2. Panic Disorder: This type of anxiety is based on panic attacks. People feel like they are experiencing a heart attack during their panic attacks and they can happen without warning.
  3. Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD): SAD is anxiety brought on in social situations. This may cause you to feel nervous, embarrassed, and even judged even if people they are interacting with are friendly and caring.
  4. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): When someone goes through a traumatic event, it could cause them to suffer from PTSD. This is experienced by nightmares, intrusive memories, and flashbacks. Different triggers could bring upon PTSD and other times it can be at random.

Schedule an Appointment with an Anxiety Therapist at Thriveworks Counseling in New Haven, CT

If you are ready to tackle your anxiety and think you can benefit from working with a therapist, reach out to Thriveworks Counseling in New Haven, CT. Our team of therapists is ready with open arms to help you tackle the challenges you have.

To schedule an appointment, you can go to our online booking portal or call (203) 586-4264 to be connected with a scheduling specialist. We offer online counseling in addition to our in-person sessions. Online counseling gives you the flexibility of speaking with your counselor wherever you are! In addition, we offer evening and weekend sessions, and accept most major insurances.

Are you ready to thrive? Reach out today to schedule your first sessions with one of our therapists.

Pricing & insurance

Our therapists accept most major insurances. We accept 585+ insurance plans, and offer self-pay options, too.
Learn more about pricing for therapy and counseling services at Thriveworks.

Our New Haven therapists and counselors accept 23 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Connecticut | BCBS

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Connecticut Medicare Advantage

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

  • Connecticare

  • First Health Network

  • Humana Exchange

  • Humana HMO/POS

Show more
Self-pay costs at New Haven
Talk therapy

Talk therapy

Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Talk therapy

Psychiatry

Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Hear from our clients

5.0 Thriveworks New Haven reviews are collected through Thriveworks.com.
★★★★★
I started seeing Cristina after I suffered a tremendous loss. She has been a light in my healing journey and I feel so lucky to have connected with her. I cannot recommend her enough and know that anyone who has the fortune of receiving her care is in great hands!!
Read more I started seeing Cristina after I suffered a tremendous loss. She has been a light in my healing journey and I feel so lucky to have connected with her. I cannot recommend her enough and know that anyone who has the fortune of receiving her care is in great hands!!
New Haven Apr 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Cristina Perera is helping me in many ways to get out of my fears and insecurities in my life! I really will live appreciating her as a great therapist!!!
Read more Cristina Perera is helping me in many ways to get out of my fears and insecurities in my life! I really will live appreciating her as a great therapist!!!
New Haven Mar 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Christina is one amazing counsler. She has helped tremendously with my marriage and business relationships.
Read more Christina is one amazing counsler. She has helped tremendously with my marriage and business relationships.
New Haven Mar 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Overall, my experience with Thriveworks has been fantastic. My wife and both sought counseling after having some tough times, and Thriveworks quickly connected us with therapists that have had a positive impact on our lives. The continuing support has been invaluable. Getting insurance and payment info processed is also smooth and efficient. I would definitely recommend the service to anyone looking for help.
Read more Overall, my experience with Thriveworks has been fantastic. My wife and both sought counseling after having some tough times, and Thriveworks quickly connected us with therapists that have had a positive impact on our lives. The continuing support has been invaluable. Getting insurance and payment info processed is also smooth and efficient. I would definitely recommend the service to anyone looking for help.
New Haven Feb 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
My husband and I have been attending marriage counseling for a few months now and Christina has been great. She is so down to earth and really tries to understand us as a couple and individuals. Her style is unique and very hard to find.
Read more My husband and I have been attending marriage counseling for a few months now and Christina has been great. She is so down to earth and really tries to understand us as a couple and individuals. Her style is unique and very hard to find.
New Haven Feb 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I’ve been in and out of therapy most of my life. I’ve worked with many different providers in people and doctors, and I have to say that I have found my match. Finally, after all these years, wonderful can’t say enough good things will continue to use the service for many years to come, or at least until I figure out all my own stuff.
Read more I’ve been in and out of therapy most of my life. I’ve worked with many different providers in people and doctors, and I have to say that I have found my match. Finally, after all these years, wonderful can’t say enough good things will continue to use the service for many years to come, or at least until I figure out all my own stuff.
New Haven Feb 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Christina has been a blessing. She has a way of listening that helps you come to an understanding of the current situation on your own and doesn't push anything on you.
Read more Christina has been a blessing. She has a way of listening that helps you come to an understanding of the current situation on your own and doesn't push anything on you.
New Haven Feb 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Carolnette Graham is a friend and a confidant and also one of the therapist at Thrive Counseling New Haven. She is a great listener, thoughtful, empathic, kind hearted, compassionate, sweet and warm. She gives some of the best advice. A2qfter a talk with her you will see immediate improvement in your situation because of how she takes her time to let you talk and then help you to figure out how you feel about the situation and what leads to you feeling that way. She is also friendly and full of energy. She is indeed a nice and helpful individual.
Read more Carolnette Graham is a friend and a confidant and also one of the therapist at Thrive Counseling New Haven. She is a great listener, thoughtful, empathic, kind hearted, compassionate, sweet and warm. She gives some of the best advice. A2qfter a talk with her you will see immediate improvement in your situation because of how she takes her time to let you talk and then help you to figure out how you feel about the situation and what leads to you feeling that way. She is also friendly and full of energy. She is indeed a nice and helpful individual.
New Haven Dec 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry New Haven is located off of Sherman Ave, just east of Monitor Square and west of the Hospital of St Raphael. We're inside the Sherman Medical Building, along with Renal Research Institute New Haven Home Dialysis and Quest Diagnostics. The closest bus stop is George St and Sherman Ave. If you have trouble finding our office or have any questions about how to get here, please don’t hesitate to reach out!

Phone number

(203) 633-8772

Languages spoken by CT providers

  • Russian
  • English
Thursday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Friday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Saturday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Monday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Tuesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 9:00pm

Shown in ET

Thursday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Friday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Saturday 7:00am - 6:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 5:00pm
Monday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Tuesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Wednesday 7:00am - 9:30pm

Shown in ET

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