Anxiety Treatment for Adults

Medically reviewed by [Name], MD, board-certified psychiatrist · Last reviewed October 2026

Everyone worries sometimes. Anxiety becomes a problem when worry or fear is hard to control, lasts for weeks, and starts shaping your days, your sleep and the choices you make.

Ally Psychiatry treats anxiety with a combination of medication management and therapy, matching your symptoms and goals. Most people with anxiety improve with treatment.

Ready to talk to someone? Call 1-833-269-2559 (1-833-B-MY-ALLY) or request an appointment online. Request an Appointment

Signs and symptoms of anxiety

Common signs of an anxiety disorder include:

• Worry that is hard to control and lasts for weeks
• Feeling restless, keyed up or on edge
• Tiring easily
• Trouble concentrating or your mind going blank
• Irritability
• Muscle tension
• Trouble falling or staying asleep
• Sudden panic attacks with a racing heart, shortness of breath or chest tightness
• Avoiding places, people or situations because of fear

Having some of these does not mean you have a diagnosis. A psychiatric evaluation is the best way to understand what is going on and what will help.

How we treat anxiety

We treat generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety and phobias. Your plan may include:

• Medication management. First-line medications such as SSRIs and SNRIs, which are not habit-forming, with regular follow-ups.
• Therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) teaches practical skills to manage worry and face feared situations.
• Treatment for related conditions. Anxiety often occurs with depression, ADHD or trauma, and we treat them together.

Panic attacks

A panic attack is a sudden surge of intense fear with physical symptoms such as chest pain, a pounding heart, dizziness or shortness of breath. Panic attacks can feel like a heart attack. If you have new chest pain, get medical care first. Once a heart problem is ruled out, panic disorder is very treatable.

What to expect at your first visit

1. Call or request an appointment. Our team completes a short intake call to gather your history and insurance.
2. Meet your provider. Your first visit covers your symptoms, health history, current medications and goals. Plan for about 60 minutes.
3. Leave with a plan. You and your provider agree on next steps, which may include medication, therapy, lab work or further evaluation.
4. Follow up. Regular follow-ups track how you are doing and adjust treatment as needed.

Why patients choose Ally Psychiatry

• Appointments in days, not months. Our scheduling team moves new patients in quickly.
• In person or telehealth. Visit one of our clinics in Tennessee, Kentucky, Alabama or South Carolina, or meet by secure video.
• A full care team. Psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners and therapists working from one plan.
• Most insurance accepted. We are in-network with most major plans.

Frequently asked questions

What can anxiety look like in everyday life?

Anxiety can show up in ordinary moments—getting ready for work, answering a message, or trying to fall asleep. Do any of these sound familiar?

• “I wake up already worried.” Before your day begins, you’re thinking about everything that could go wrong.
• “My mind keeps going to ‘what if?’” Everyday concerns about work, money, health, or family become difficult to set aside.
• “I replay conversations afterward.” You wonder whether you said something wrong or upset someone.
• “Small tasks feel overwhelming.” Making a phone call, responding to an email, or choosing what to do next feels unusually stressful.
• “I can’t seem to relax.” Even during quiet moments, you feel restless or on edge.
• “I’m here, but my mind is somewhere else.” Worry makes it hard to concentrate at work or enjoy time with family.
• “I notice tension in my body.” Your shoulders stay tight, your jaw clenches, or your stomach feels unsettled when you’re worried.
• “I’m more irritable than I want to be.” Feeling overwhelmed leaves you with less patience for everyday frustrations.
• “I’m exhausted, but I can’t switch off.” You feel tired all day, then lie awake thinking at night.

You don’t have to wait until you feel overwhelmed to reach out.

Do these experiences mean I have an anxiety disorder?

These experiences can have several causes and do not automatically mean you have an anxiety disorder. When worry is frequent, difficult to control, or affecting your daily life, a conversation with a mental health professional can help you understand what’s happening.

At Ally Psychiatry, we listen to your concerns and help you explore care that fits your needs.

Let’s talk about how you’ve been feeling.

What types of anxiety do you treat?

We treat generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety and phobias, including anxiety that occurs alongside depression.

Is medication or therapy better for anxiety?

Both are effective. Cognitive behavioral therapy and medications such as SSRIs are first-line options, and many people do best with both. You and your provider choose the approach together.

Are anxiety medications addictive?

The most common first-line medications, SSRIs and SNRIs, are not habit-forming. Benzodiazepines can be, so providers generally reserve them for short-term or limited use.

Do I need a referral to schedule?

No referral is needed to schedule. Some insurance plans require one for specialist visits, so check your plan or call 1-833-269-2559 and our team will help you find out.

Do you accept insurance?

Yes. Ally Psychiatry is in-network with most major health insurance plans. Call 1-833-269-2559 to verify your coverage before your first visit.

How soon can I be seen?

Most new patients are scheduled within days, not months. Your first step is a short intake call where our team gathers your history and matches you with the right provider.

Can I be seen by telehealth?

Yes. Many follow-up visits can be done by secure video from home in Alabama, Kentucky, South Carolina and Tennessee. Some visits must be in person, including initial appointments, annual visits, follow-ups after a hospital stay, and specialized treatments such as Spravato and TMS.

Related conditions we treat

• Depression
• OCD
• PTSD & trauma

Take the first step. Call 1-833-269-2559 (1-833-B-MY-ALLY) to schedule an in-person or telehealth appointment. Most new patients are seen within a day. Request an Appointment

In crisis? If you are thinking about harming yourself or are in immediate danger, call or text 988 or go to the nearest emergency room. Ally Psychiatry is not an emergency service.

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