Different doctors and specialists can help you manage and treat anxiety. Your care team may include a psychologist, psychiatrist, or nurse practitioner, and possibly even a support group and other mental health professionals.
For people who live with an anxiety disorder, there are a number of different types of doctors and specialists who may be part of a mental healthcare team to manage this medical condition.
Finding a qualified healthcare professional who can best help you manage and treat anxiety is important, to help manage anxiety and related symptoms before they affect quality of life and overall health.
Anxiety
A variety of doctors and specialists may be able to help manage your anxiety. This may be different for children and adults, and it might also be dependent on your health insurance coverage for choosing medical professionals.
Primary care physician
Your primary care physician (PCP), sometimes known as a family doctor, can be a place to start.
Some insurers require referrals, meaning you may need a primary care physician (PCP) to first recommend a specific doctor or specialist focused on anxiety and mental health.
Your primary doctor may first conduct a complete physical examination to determine if your symptoms are caused by another condition unrelated to anxiety.
- hormone imbalance
- medication side effects
- certain illnesses
- other medical conditions
If your doctor rules out other conditions, your diagnosis may be an anxiety disorder.
At that point, they may refer you to a mental health professional, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist.
You may need a referral if your doctor determines your anxiety is severe or accompanied by another mental health condition, such as depression.
Psychologist
A psychologist can offer psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy or counseling.
This type of therapy may be especially helpful if you’ve experienced trauma or abuse.
Depending on the state where you live, your psychologist may prescribe medications for your depression
Your treatment by a psychologist will likely be in conjunction with ongoing treatment by your primary care doctor. Psychotherapy and medication are often used together to treat anxiety disorders.
Psychiatrist
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor with specialized training in the diagnosis and treatment of mental illnesses.
This type of mental health professional can help determine if any medications might help treat your anxiety, and some may suggest psychotherapy.
Online psychiatry services
Read our roundup of the best online psychiatry services to find the right fit for you.
Psychiatric nurse practitioner
Psychiatric nurse practitioners provide primary mental health care to people seeking treatment for a variety of mental health conditions.
Psychiatric nurse practitioners are able to diagnose and treat people with mental illnesses, including prescribing medications.
As fewer medical students go into psychiatry, more and more psychiatric care is being assumed by psychiatric nurse practitioners.
Finding the best care team
Effective treatment of an anxiety disorder means being open and honest with your doctor and care team, and being able to trust and feel comfortable with those helping to treat and support you through your care journey.
Don’t feel that you are “stuck” with the first doctor you visit. If you’re not comfortable with that person, you are able to explore options and find another healthcare professional who might be a better fit.
Often, people with health insurance coverage rely on insurance plans to determine who falls within their particular plan’s network and what costs may apply to that doctor’s office. Make sure to consult your insurer and documents to best understand your coverage and what mental health care professionals may be covered.
- Make a list of your symptoms and when they began. Note when your symptoms occur, how they affect your life, and when they’re better or worse.
- Write down any major stresses in your life, as well as any traumas you’ve experienced, both past and present.
- Write down all of your health conditions, both mental and physical.
- Make a list of all medications and supplements you’re taking, including how much and how often.
List any other substances you use or consume, such as:
- coffee
- alcohol
- tobacco
- illicit or recreational drugs
- sugar, especially larger amounts
Writing your questions down can help both you and your doctor save time and be best prepared to start helping manage and treat your anxiety.
Consider putting the most important questions at the top of the list in case there isn’t time for all of them. Here are some questions you may want to ask. Add any others you think are important for your doctor to know.
- Do I have an anxiety disorder?
- Is there something else that might be causing my symptoms?
- What treatment do you recommend?
- Should I see a psychiatrist or a psychologist?
- Is there a medication that I can take? Does it have side effects? What can I do to prevent or relieve the side effects?
- Is there a generic medication I can take? How long will I need to take it?
- When will I feel better?
- What else can I do to relieve my symptoms?
The list of questions you make will help you be prepared to answer your doctor’s questions. Here are some questions your doctor will probably ask you:
- What are your symptoms and how severe are they?
- When did your symptoms start?
- When do you experience symptoms? All of the time? Sometimes? At specific times?
- What makes your symptoms worse?
- What makes your symptoms better?
- What physical and mental medical conditions do you have?
- What medications are you taking?
- Do you smoke, consume caffeinated beverages, drink alcohol, or use drugs? How often and in what quantity?
- How stressful is work or school?
- What is your living situation? Do you live alone? With family?
- Are you in a committed relationship?
- Are your relationships with friends and family good, or difficult and stressful?
- How much do your symptoms affect your work, school, and relationships with friends and family?
- Have you ever experienced any trauma?
- Does anyone in your family have a mental health condition?
Other ways to find support for anxiety
Talking and connecting with other people who are experiencing similar symptoms can be helpful. They may best understand what you’re going through and offer personal support and encouragement.
Being part of a group can also help you develop new social skills.
Your community may have several support groups, either for your specific disorder or for anxiety in general. Check with your medical professionals to learn what resources are available in your area. You might ask your:
- mental health specialists
- primary doctor
- county mental health services agency
You can also participate in support groups online. This may be a good way to start if you have social anxiety disorder or feel uncomfortable in a face-to-face group setting.
Treatment of diagnosed anxiety is often multi-disciplinary. This means you may see one or more healthcare professionals, ranging from doctors to specialists in mental health. You may also find support and other help from the community living with anxiety.
Living with anxiety can affect your quality of life, but it’s important to know that you are not alone and you can find a care team and other support to help you manage and treat anxiety.