Image of a therapist and client in a counseling session.

10,638 people sought anxiety therapy help at Virginia Beach 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

Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS HMO, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS PPO, +24 more
Women’s Issues, Anxiety, Grief / Loss, Depression

I meet my clients where they are and stay by their side through the challenges of a difficult time.

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS PPO, Cigna | Evernorth, +3 more
Anger, Coping Skills, Self Esteem, Stress, Women’s Issues, +4 more

Counseling is like a mirror, and my job is to pull out and reflect the qualities already within you for you to see more clearly.

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS HMO, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS PPO, +21 more
Anger, Behavioral Issues, Coping Skills, Self Esteem, Stress, +7 more

Hear from our clinicians

What is your go-to approach for anxiety therapy?

Rachel : My approach is to get to know the client and get to know their strengths. Identify how those strengths can help them work through the triggers of their anxiety successfully. My clients amaze me constantly. They are smart, resourceful, and more capable than they can often acknowledge. Just coming to therapy is, in itself, resourceful and strong.

Gwendolyn: My go-to approach for treating anxiety is CBT I find the best benefit in change the negative thoughts that cause anxiety with positive thoughts/outcomes.

What tools do you teach in anxiety therapy?

Rachel : I teach clients to be aware of their values and how those values drive them — or, if they aren't living by those values, how that may bring distress. I also teach them core values of connection, individual meaning, and purpose as a foundation upon which to build everything else. I teach them to be aware of anxiety triggers and use self-soothing skills and cognitive restructuring to manage responses to these triggers.

Gwendolyn: I teach the following tools in anxiety therapy mindfulness-training-to remain present, grounding techniques, and cognitive refocusing to replace negative thoughts with more positive thoughts, breathing techniques/muscle relaxation/diaphragmatic breathing.

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

Rachel : I know meaningful progress is happening when the trigger remains the same but the response becomes more resilient, grounded, and even hopeful.

Gwendolyn: “I know a client is making meaningful progress in anxiety therapy through self-report and during therapy sessions when clients verbalize working towards thought stopping , and responding less reactive when they are triggered.

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

Rachel : Clients can supplement individual therapy in two specific ways:

  • Educate themselves through books, podcasts, or videos in regard to their particular challenges, how they originated, and how others have overcome similar challenges.
  • Focus daily on “baby steps.” Ask yourself, “How can I make a tiny bit of progress just for today?” and ask yourself that every day.

Gwendolyn: Clients can supplement their time in anxiety therapy by implementing/practicing grounding techniques, being mindful, and challenging negative thoughts with positive thoughts.

What should someone do to prepare for starting anxiety therapy?

Rachel : To prepare for your first therapy session to address anxiety, recognize that by just signing up for therapy, you have already started treatment. That takes courage.

Gwendolyn: To prepare for your first anxiety therapy session, you can be sure to be in a secure and safe setting without distractions, and communicate the desired goals during the session.

Starting Anxiety therapy

What is anxiety therapy?

Anxiety therapy helps people better understand and manage their anxiety. Anxiety therapists at Thriveworks in Virginia Beach, VA 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 Virginia Beach 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?

Anxiety Therapy in Virginia Beach, VA (Great Neck)—Anxiety Therapists, Counselors

Do you find yourself feeling nervous or uncomfortable on a daily basis? Or, do you experience these nerves or worry in specific circumstances, such as when you meet new people or have any social interaction? If the answer is yes, you might have a form of anxiety. Don’t worry, you’re in good company: Around 40 million adults in the world have an anxiety disorder.

We have more good news: There is effective treatment out there for anxiety, like anxiety therapy. If you are experiencing anxiety symptoms, consider working with an anxiety therapist or psychologist at Thriveworks Virginia Beach, VA (Great Neck). These professionals can help you manage these symptoms, learn how to better cope with your anxiety, and overall, live a healthier life. Call us today at (757) 347-3155 to schedule your first appointment.

What Are Common Anxiety Symptoms?

It’s virtually impossible to avoid all instances of worrying. We’re human, which means we naturally worry about our relationships, our work or career, and other important areas of life. That said, it’s when this worry escalates and becomes excessive or uncontrollable that we need to take action. Anxiety comes with harmful physical, mental, and emotional symptoms that include:

  • Dread or a sense of impending doom
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Sweating
  • Muscle tension
  • Inability to focus or pay attention
  • Irritability
  • Fatigue
  • Insomnia, or other sleep disturbances
  • Nausea

Do I Have an Anxiety Disorder?

Some people suffer from what feels like random, everyday anxiety, while others suffer from anxiety that stems from specific triggers or events. Here’s a list of several different kinds of anxiety from generalized anxiety to specific phobias:

  1. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD): Generalized anxiety is excessive or uncontrollable. Those who suffer with is experience anxiety on a daily basis in a variety of scenarios. This is what most people think of when they hear the word “anxiety.”
  2. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): People can develop PTSD after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Examples of trauma include physical abuse, active combat, and the death of a loved one.
  3. Social anxiety disorder: Social anxiety is what an individual experiences when they feel nervous or uncomfortable in social interactions. These people often worry about being negatively perceived by others.
  4. Specific phobias: Specific phobia is an anxiety disorder that becomes an irrational fear about a specific object or situation.

If any of these anxiety disorders sound familiar, and you think you might have one, again, reach out to Thriveworks Virginia Beach, VA (Great Neck). An anxiety therapist can help you better understand what you are experiencing and develop treatment for your specific case.

Schedule Anxiety Therapy at Thriveworks Virginia Beach, VA

Thriveworks Virginia Beach, VA (Great Neck) has an important mission: to help people live happy, successful lives. If you are struggling with anxious thoughts and feelings or are presenting symptoms of an anxiety disorder, a Thriveworks Virginia Beach, VA (Great Neck) anxiety therapist can help you. They have the skills, training, and experience to make a huge difference in your life.

If you think that you could benefit from working with an anxiety therapist, who has worked hard to develop skills, undergo training, and grow their experience to best help people with anxiety, give Thriveworks Virginia Beach, VA (Great Neck) a call. You can reach us at (757) 347-3155. We have a variety of scheduling options to choose from, of which include extended hours in the evenings and on the weekends, to best suit your scheduling needs. We also work with most major insurance companies.

Do you think you could benefit from anxiety therapy? Schedule an appointment at Thriveworks Virginia Beach, VA (Great Neck) with an anxiety therapist or psychologist so we can get started.

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 Virginia Beach therapists and counselors accept 28 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia Medicare Advantage

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS HMO

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS PPO

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | Exchange

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • Carelon

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

  • First Health Network

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Self-pay costs at Virginia Beach
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 Learn about verified reviews
★★★★★
I really like my therapist Patricia Colby. She is so easy to talk to, and has a flexible schedule. She is understanding and really puts you at ease.
Read more I really like my therapist Patricia Colby. She is so easy to talk to, and has a flexible schedule. She is understanding and really puts you at ease.
Danielle Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
John McAnulty is by far the best counselor that I have ever experienced. He is kind, compassionate and caring. He heard every word I would say and gave me so many tools that I use to this day to cope with my past struggles. He takes his time to not only listen, but to respond in the most caring way. I will forever be grateful for all he did for my family and I.
Read more John McAnulty is by far the best counselor that I have ever experienced. He is kind, compassionate and caring. He heard every word I would say and gave me so many tools that I use to this day to cope with my past struggles. He takes his time to not only listen, but to respond in the most caring way. I will forever be grateful for all he did for my family and I.
Virginia Beach Oct 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
John McAnulty is a compassionate and caring counselor. Very understanding. I highly recommend him to anyone.
Read more John McAnulty is a compassionate and caring counselor. Very understanding. I highly recommend him to anyone.
Virginia Beach Oct 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I’ve known John McAnulty for several years now. He is a compassionate man and is extremely skilled in putting you at ease in the very first meeting. He helped my husband (and myself) through a very rough time. I am forever grateful to him
Read more I’ve known John McAnulty for several years now. He is a compassionate man and is extremely skilled in putting you at ease in the very first meeting. He helped my husband (and myself) through a very rough time. I am forever grateful to him
Virginia Beach Oct 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
John was so kind and compassionate . He thoroughly helped me walk through my grief issues in a sensitive and kind manner . I was so grateful for his caring a and compassion at such a very trying Time
Read more John was so kind and compassionate . He thoroughly helped me walk through my grief issues in a sensitive and kind manner . I was so grateful for his caring a and compassion at such a very trying Time
Virginia Beach Oct 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
John has not only been my counselor for many years but a true friend. He has great empathy for others especially people suffering from substance abuse. I have had hundreds of hours of counseling over the years and John would be my unequivocal top pick.
Read more John has not only been my counselor for many years but a true friend. He has great empathy for others especially people suffering from substance abuse. I have had hundreds of hours of counseling over the years and John would be my unequivocal top pick.
Virginia Beach Oct 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
It is very easy communicating with John McAnulty. He is empathetic and nonjudgmental. His understanding nature allows a peaceful sense of gratification.
Read more It is very easy communicating with John McAnulty. He is empathetic and nonjudgmental. His understanding nature allows a peaceful sense of gratification.
Virginia Beach Sep 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
John McAnulty is extremely compassionate. I couldn't of asked for a better counselor. He really helped put my mind at ease. I just wanted to Thank him again.
Read more John McAnulty is extremely compassionate. I couldn't of asked for a better counselor. He really helped put my mind at ease. I just wanted to Thank him again.
Virginia Beach Sep 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Virginia Beach is located at the intersection of Old Great Neck Rd and Kenstock Dr. We currently share the building with Chesapeake Bay Realty and across the street you will find Dominion Insurance Group and the Animal Vision Center of Virginia.

Phone number

(757) 520-1312

Languages spoken by VA providers

  • English
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
Thursday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Friday 8:00am - 9:00pm

Shown in ET

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
Thursday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Friday 7:00am - 9:30pm

Shown in ET

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