Photo of Tosha Dianne Rollins, Licensed Professional Counselor in 29631, SC
Tosha Dianne Rollins
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, ASDCS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Clemson, SC 29631  (Online Only)
If autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is why you found me here at Psychology Today, I am so glad you did. But I really want you to know why YOU should be happy too. As you know, our neurodivergent teens need our help—yours, mine, and the help of so many others. I know because not only am I an ASD Clinical Specialist, I’m a mother of two boys with ASD. So, finding me here, you’ve taken a large step in getting the assistance your family needs from someone that shares your story, knows your needs, your wants, and your desires. In other words, you’re not alone. Your family is not alone, and importantly, your autistic child is not alone.
If autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is why you found me here at Psychology Today, I am so glad you did. But I really want you to know why YOU should be happy too. As you know, our neurodivergent teens need our help—yours, mine, and the help of so many others. I know because not only am I an ASD Clinical Specialist, I’m a mother of two boys with ASD. So, finding me here, you’ve taken a large step in getting the assistance your family needs from someone that shares your story, knows your needs, your wants, and your desires. In other words, you’re not alone. Your family is not alone, and importantly, your autistic child is not alone.
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Anxiety Therapists

What are the most common treatments for anxiety?

Talk therapy, particularly cognitive behavioral therapy, is the most common treatment for anxiety. Studies have shown it is equally effective as medication. Other popular forms of therapy are popular, depending on a patient’s experience. Exposure therapy, for instance, can be useful for people dealing with fears and phobias, or who have experienced traumatic events. Dialectical Behavioral Therapy may be useful for patients who need help with emotion regulation. Anxiolytic medications, like benzodiazepines, can also help with calming a person enough to focus on the skills they’ve learned, and physical exercise has been shown to help symptoms of anxiety across the board.

How long does therapy for anxiety take to work?

The amount of time needed to alleviate symptoms depends on the severity of a person’s condition. Some therapies may take 5-20 weekly sessions to show results. Anti-depressant medications typically take two to four weeks before a benefit is felt. Anti-anxiety medications are felt typically within 20-30 minutes. Medications are best used to offer a patient a better headspace in which to work on techniques learned in therapy. Exercise, improved sleep habits, and meditation are effective, but takes weeks or months to show results.

When should I seek treatment for anxiety?

Everyone feels anxious at times, but when anxiety causes disruption to your daily life, it may be time to seek help. Such disruption can be mental, physical, or both: having fear dominate your thoughts, avoiding situations or objects that bring on feelings of anxiety, or experiencing shortness of breath, sweating, dizziness, or panic attacks. When these symptoms are recurrent and distressing, it may be time to talk to someone.

How effective is treatment for anxiety?

Treatment for anxiety has been shown to be moderately to highly effective, according to a large body of psychology studies and analyses. For some people, treatment using CBT or exposure therapy alone is effective. Others respond best to a combination of medication and therapy.