At A Place to Turn, Inc., we understand the impact of anxiety on your well-being and are here to provide compassionate care. Led by Cheri McDonald, PhD, LMFT, our team offers personalized treatment options designed to help you effectively manage anxious thoughts and regain joy in your life. With services including hypnotherapy, psychotherapy, and life coaching, we empower you to overcome anxiety and embrace a high quality of life. Schedule an anxiety evaluation today by calling our office in Westlake Village, California, or conveniently book a consultation online. Experience the relief and support you deserve at A Place to Turn, Inc.
What is anxiety? Anxiety is characterized by feelings of fearfulness, uneasiness, or tenseness. While experiencing anxiety during stressful situations is normal, frequent and persistent episodes of anxiety may indicate an anxiety disorder.
Anxiety disorders involve intense fear and dread that occur without a specific cause and can worsen over time. The causes of anxiety disorders are not fully understood, but they can be influenced by factors such as genetic history, brain biology, and environmental factors.
At A Place to Turn, Inc., Dr. Cheri McDonald and her team specialize in diagnosing and treating various types of anxiety disorders, including:
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): GAD involves excessive worry about everyday issues such as health, family, and work. Anxious feelings and repetitive thoughts are common and can last for six months or longer.
- Panic Disorder: Panic disorder is characterized by sudden, intense feelings of fear, even in the absence of any apparent danger. Panic attacks can last several minutes and can be triggered by the fear of experiencing another attack.
- Phobia: Phobias are intense fears of specific objects or situations that are not typically dangerous. Common phobias include fear of crowded places, flying, and certain animals.
When should I seek treatment for anxiety? If repetitive thoughts or excessive worries start interfering with your quality of life, it's advisable to schedule a diagnostic evaluation for an anxiety disorder at A Place to Turn, Inc. Additionally, if you experience physical symptoms associated with anxiety, such as chest pain, rapid heartbeat, dizziness, or shortness of breath, seeking an anxiety evaluation is recommended.
Dr. Cheri and her team offer on-site mental health screenings to assess the severity of your anxiety. They will then develop customized treatment plans to help you manage your symptoms and improve your overall well-being.
How is anxiety treated? Treatment for anxiety depends on individual factors. Dr. Cheri and her team may recommend various therapies, including:
- Life coaching
- Psychotherapy
- Neurofeedback
- Hypnotherapy
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Holistic Integral Therapy
- Energy healing
- Ketamine-Psychedelic Assisted Therapy
These treatments aim to help you identify repetitive thought patterns and situations that trigger anxiety. You can also learn relaxation techniques to reduce stress and promote relaxation.
In some cases, the Apex laser may be recommended as a treatment option. This advanced ultrared light technology targets specific brain areas that contribute to anxiety. Laser treatments can alleviate anxiety symptoms, enhance mood, and improve sleep quality.
To schedule a consultation for anxiety treatment, contact A Place to Turn, Inc. today or conveniently book an appointment online. Take the first step towards finding relief and improving your well-being.
