Image of a therapist and client in a counseling session.

1,158 people sought anxiety therapy help at Waltham in the last year

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

Meet with a provider as soon as this week

Good news! We have 34 therapists in Massachusetts available for an online or in-person session.

Starting Anxiety therapy

What is anxiety therapy?

Anxiety therapy helps people better understand and manage their anxiety. Anxiety therapists at Thriveworks in Waltham, MA 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 Waltham 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?

Some take clear, positive thoughts for granted. For the nearly 44 million Americans who struggle with an anxiety disorder, they know how valuable a clear mind is and how hard it can be to focus, to stay positive, and to allow their thoughts to rest. When people have anxiety, thoughts may constantly race through their heads, thoughts like…

  • I am nervous and worried every moment of every day. My friends do not get it. There is no rest. Why am I worried? Sometimes, I know. Sometimes, I have no idea.
  • Some classmates just texted, asking if I can go out. No, I lied. I’m busy. Busy breathing, reassuring myself, apologizing. Maybe next time. Probably not.
  • This constant conversation in my head rehashes every fear, every worry, every insecurity I have ever had. That voice reminds me all the ways I am not enough…all the ways I mess up.

It is easy to see how anxiety makes life harder. Prolific author Jodi Picoult describes anxiety this way, “Anxiety’s like a rocking chair. It gives you something to do, but it doesn’t get you very far.” Anxiety disorders are not the common fears or worries that all people experience at times and then they pass. An anxiety disorder can disrupt an individual’s life. Many people find personal relationships more difficult because of their anxiety. Many others struggle professionally, and anxiety holds them back from their true potential. Even though effective treatments are available, only about one-third of people with an anxiety disorder receive the treatment they need.

Thriveworks Counseling in Waltham, MA offers treatment for anxiety because many options are available to those who struggle. Our counselors, psychologists, and therapists work with each client, individually. We have helped many people find a diagnosis, a treatment plan, and relief.

What Is Anxiety?

“Anxiety may consist of behavioral, cognitive, and physical signs and symptoms including, but not limited to; irritability, restlessness, hypervigilance, lack of motivation, racing thoughts, excessive worry, fatigue, hyperventilation, sweating, palpitations, insomnia, or nausea,” explains Nicole Breen, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor at our Waltham office, is often spoken of as a simple diagnosis, but the reality is that it comes in a variety of forms. Anxiety can manifest in an individual’s life as:

  • Generalized Anxiety Disorder – This is what most people think of when they speak of anxiety. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) means that people experience an excessive feeling of worry and anxiety that plagues them for at least six months for most of the day and for more days than not. GAD may also leave people feeling restless, fatigued, irritable, and tense.
  • Social Anxiety Disorder – For some, the worry, anxiety, and negative thoughts are concentrated on social situations. Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) can leave people feeling judged and embarrassed when they interact with others, even those who are loving and supportive. People with SAD often avoid any social interactions, especially meeting new people.
  • Panic Disorder – Anxiety can also manifest as a panic attack. During an attack, people often feel as if they will die. Without warning, panic attacks can raise people’s heart rate, they may feel stomach pain, they often have difficulty breathing, and their limbs may begin to numb. During a panic attack, these symptoms rise for several minutes and then subside.
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder – When people experience anxiety during a traumatic event, that anxiety can stick with them long after the trauma passes. They may continue to feel the fear and worry. They may experience flashbacks or nightmares where they continue to relieve the event. They may have Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

The Harmful Effects of Anxiety

Anxiety is a serious illness, and it takes a physical and emotional toll. People’s bodies and minds are intertwined, and when anxiety wages a war in their mind, the body rarely escapes unscathed. For example, when people fight anxiety, they may also experience…

  • Disrupted Appetite – Anxiety can disrupt an individual’s relationship with food. Some people want to eat all the time, never feeling satisfied. Others have difficulty eating at all.
  • Irregular Sleep Patterns – As with food, some people may experience insomnia. They may be unable to fall asleep, wake rested, or stay asleep throughout the night. Others may experience hypersomnia. They may want to sleep all the time.
  • Fatigue – Fighting a mental illness can be draining physically. People with anxiety often lack energy during their day. This may occur whether people experience sleep disruptions or not.
  • Difficulty Focusing – Anxiety can hold people’s thoughts hostage, making clear thinking difficult, if not impossible. Many people with anxiety find themselves distracted and discouraged.
  • Indecisiveness – When thinking is difficult, decision making is impossible. Making a choice, even a simple choice about what to eat or what to wear, can feel overwhelming. Coming to firm conclusions, prioritizing needs, and resolving differences—things people have to do every day—can leave people feeling stuck.

Appointments for Anxiety at Thriveworks in Waltham, MA

Do you recognize anything in these descriptions of anxiety? If worry or nerves are making your daily life harder than it should be, consider reaching out for help. Thriveworks Counseling in Waltham, MA has appointments available for treating anxiety. Our therapists take a holistic approach and work with each client individually. “Therapy can help manage symptoms because you can learn and obtain the tools to overcome anxiety,” says Breen. “Therapy will help uncover underlying causes of worry, develop positive coping skills, and look at situations from different perspectives.”

When you contact our office, a scheduling specialist will answer your call and help you make an appointment. We accept many forms of insurance, and we offer evening and weekend sessions to best accommodate your schedule. New clients often have their first appointment within 24 hours of their call to our office (as long as it’s preferred!).

You are not alone in your anxiety. We are here to help. Call Thriveworks in Waltham today at (781) 309-9149.

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 Massachusetts therapists and counselors accept 29 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts | BCBS

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts | BCBS Medicare Advantage (HMO | PPO)

  • Carelon

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

  • Fallon Health

  • First Health Network

  • Humana Exchange

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Self-pay costs at Waltham
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 Waltham reviews are collected through Thriveworks.com.
★★★★★
Brandon is a very kind and trustworthy counselor. He is dedicated to helping each person he sees and is very empathic to their needs. His caring and compassionate nature help put his clients at ease. He can help guide you through any difficulties you maybe facing.
Read more Brandon is a very kind and trustworthy counselor. He is dedicated to helping each person he sees and is very empathic to their needs. His caring and compassionate nature help put his clients at ease. He can help guide you through any difficulties you maybe facing.
Waltham Nov 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
You can tell within a short time of meeting Brandon that he cares about people and has the experience to help others with various needs. His patience, listening ear, and knowledge make him an exceptional counselor and person. You can tell he loves his job of helping his clients.
Read more You can tell within a short time of meeting Brandon that he cares about people and has the experience to help others with various needs. His patience, listening ear, and knowledge make him an exceptional counselor and person. You can tell he loves his job of helping his clients.
Waltham Nov 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Brandon Ellis is hands down the best counselor if you’re looking for someone who knows their stuff! His knowledge and expertise surpasses anyone I know. Brandon’s very approachable and easy to talk to. He cares about all of his clients and will work with you till you’re well. Please consider Brandon Ellis if you want a real expert.
Read more Brandon Ellis is hands down the best counselor if you’re looking for someone who knows their stuff! His knowledge and expertise surpasses anyone I know. Brandon’s very approachable and easy to talk to. He cares about all of his clients and will work with you till you’re well. Please consider Brandon Ellis if you want a real expert.
Waltham Nov 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Janan is a wonderful compassionate therapist who makes you feel heard and respected. She offers many ways to help with your problems like anxiety and depression that you can use every day.
Read more Janan is a wonderful compassionate therapist who makes you feel heard and respected. She offers many ways to help with your problems like anxiety and depression that you can use every day.
Waltham Nov 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Awesome/with 5 being the best.
Waltham May 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Kristen is a knowledgeable and compassionate therapist. She is dedicated to her clients and she easily develops positive rapport with them.
Read more Kristen is a knowledgeable and compassionate therapist. She is dedicated to her clients and she easily develops positive rapport with them.
Waltham Apr 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Kristen is an empathic and caring therapist. She really takes the time to understand her clients and her therapeutic style makes her clients feel validated and understood.
Read more Kristen is an empathic and caring therapist. She really takes the time to understand her clients and her therapeutic style makes her clients feel validated and understood.
Waltham Apr 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I am really glad I attended my sessions under Janan! She is a very helpful therapist and every time our session was finished I would leave feeling better about myself and would look forward to the next one! Seeking help is a very important step and I highly recommend Janan as your therapist.
Read more I am really glad I attended my sessions under Janan! She is a very helpful therapist and every time our session was finished I would leave feeling better about myself and would look forward to the next one! Seeking help is a very important step and I highly recommend Janan as your therapist.
Waltham Mar 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Waltham is at the corner of Winter Street and Totten Pond Road. We are located near Bay School Skating School. We are down the street from Hilton Garden Inn.

Phone number

(781) 905-8487

Languages spoken by MA providers

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
Thursday 8:00am - 9:00pm

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Monday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Tuesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Wednesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Thursday 7:00am - 9:30pm

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