Anxiety Treatment in Austin

Anxiety is one of the most common mental health conditions affecting people today. At Driftwood Recovery, located just outside Austin, Texas, we provide comprehensive, high-end anxiety treatment for individuals facing both mild and severe anxiety, as well as treatment resistant anxiety disorders.

What Is Anxiety?

Anxiety becomes a diagnosable mental disorder when the excessive anxiety significantly disrupts a person’s daily life. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), anxiety disorders are marked by persistent worry, intense fear, and physical manifestations such as muscle tension, restlessness, and sleep disturbances. These disorders are outlined by the American Psychiatric Association and affect millions of adults in the U.S. annually.

Symptoms of Anxiety Disorders

The symptoms of anxiety vary but often include:

• Emotional signs like panic attacks, chronic worry, and feeling anxious without clear cause
• Physical symptoms such as difficulty concentrating, rapid heartbeat, fatigue, and muscle tension
• Behavioral changes like social withdrawal, irritability, or substance misuse in an attempt to reduce anxiety

Common Types of Anxiety Disorders We Treat

At Driftwood Recovery, we specialize in treating a range of psychiatric disorders, including:

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) or Generalised Anxiety Disorder
• Panic Disorder marked by unexpected panic attacks
• Social Anxiety Disorder (or Social Phobia)
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Separation Anxiety Disorder, often rooted in childhood trauma
• Specific Phobias
• Anxiety complicated by Major Depressive Disorder, substance abuse, or other mental health problems

Common Signs and Symptoms of Anxiety

The symptoms of anxiety exist along a spectrum, and no two people have the exact same experience. Some of the most common symptoms include: 

• Persistent and often irrational worries and fears 
• Restlessness or constantly feeling “on edge” 
• Unexplained physical exhaustion and fatigue 
• Concentration issues 
• Unusual irritability 
• Muscle tension
• Body aches or discomfort 
• Sleep disturbances, including insomnia and oversleeping 
• Nausea 
• Trembling or shaking
• Feeling out of breath
• Heart palpitations 
• Dizziness 
• An impending sense of doom

What Causes Anxiety Disorders?

Environmental factors, such as trauma or abuse, play a large role. Genetics, brain chemistry, and unresolved past experiences are also contributors. Chronic stress, substance misuse, or medical illnesses can exacerbate anxiety symptoms. In some cases, drug treatment or even certain antidepressants may cause rebound anxiety or weight gain, which can complicate recovery.

How Driftwood Recovery Treats Anxiety Disorders Near Austin

Our anxiety treatment programs in Austin, TX, offer clients holistic and personalized anxiety treatment under the guidance of mental health professionals and addiction recovery experts. Clients and their loved ones receive education about the realities of anxiety and how it impacts people’s recovery from substance use disorder and other conditions. Individualized care plans at Driftwood Recovery provide clients with a solid foundation for healing and long-term recovery.

Treatment plans utilize anti-anxiety medications, individual therapy, and other treatment options. Family members and caregivers also play a critical role in the treatment process for their loved one during rehabilitation. Support services, such as family therapy, can strengthen relationships and help families heal together. Adolescents are especially impacted by substance abuse in the home, and families may benefit from having all family members engage in therapy. 

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy to reframe thought patterns
• Exposure Therapy and Virtual Reality Exposure for phobias and PTSD
• Talk Therapy, psychological therapies, and support groups
• Carefully monitored drug treatment, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants
• Relaxation techniques like breathwork, yoga, and nature immersion
• Integrated dual-diagnosis care to address depressive and anxiety disorders together

Our team includes highly trained clinicians and mental health providers who customize treatment based on individual needs to meet each client’s unique history and health needs.

The Impact of Anxiety on Mental Health

Anxiety has a profound impact on mental health and wellness. Individuals with anxiety-related mental health disorders often experience a cycle of worry and avoidance behaviors, increasing overall stress and making it more difficult for them to cope with life challenges. If left untreated, anxiety can contribute to the development of mental health disorders and substance abuse. Anxiety may interfere with a person’s ability to function and reduce their quality of life. A clinical assessment by a mental health professional is needed to determine if anxiety has affected a person’s mental health.

How Anxiety Affects Your Life

Anxiety affects everyone differently. Some individuals may struggle with trusting others or forming social connections, while others may experience low self-esteem and reduced self-confidence. Anxiety affects how people think about themselves, interact with others, and manage stress. Chronic or acute stress can impact how people behave in social situations and affect their ability to function on a day-to-day basis. Anxiety may cause self-isolating behaviors, loneliness, and feelings of inadequacy. Our anxiety treatment programs empower clients and show them how to manage stress to avoid triggering anxiety. 

Emotional and Cognitive Impact of Anxiety

Anxiety often causes people to think about themselves and their circumstances more negatively. People with anxiety frequently experience low self-esteem and feelings of shame or guilt. According to Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, “Anxiety disorders can promote a crippling focus upon negative life-events and make concentration difficult, which can lead to problems in both social and work environments.” 

Anxiety affects brain processing and how people perceive the world around them. Stress and chronic anxiety put people on edge and make them more susceptible to misreading situations. For example, a person may feel threatened by everyday social interactions due to anxiety triggering hypervigilance. Therapy provides clients with the tools to recognize maladaptive thought patterns and manage anxiety.

Comprehensive Assessment and Tailored Programs for Anxiety Disorders

We use comprehensive assessments, screening tools, and tailored program services to address various types of anxiety disorders, including: 

• Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
• Social anxiety disorder 
• Panic disorder 
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Agoraphobia and other specific phobias 

Our treatment program provides clients with an accurate diagnosis and detailed care plan to address the symptoms and side effects of anxiety disorders, including panic attacks and intrusive thoughts. We use a personalized treatment plan and holistic interventions to support clients with co-occurring anxiety. 

Emphasis on Non-Judgmental, Supportive Care in Anxiety Treatment

Our team of experts provides compassionate and empathetic treatment. We believe in a non-judgmental approach to care. Individuals with anxiety often benefit from additional emotional support during early recovery from SUD. We address all issues impacting clients and their mental health through skill development, trauma processing, and other therapy techniques.

Innovative Therapies and Modalities for Anxiety Treatment

Our innovative therapies for anxiety treatment ensure clients better understand the root cause and effects of clinical anxiety. Some of the most common modalities used to treat anxiety include: 

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) 
• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) 
• Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
• Neurofeedback and biofeedback
• Mindfulness-based therapies 
• Family therapy
• Individual and group therapy
• Additional evidence-based therapies
• Alternative holistic therapies

Each type of therapy has unique techniques to help people manage dual diagnosis. Therapy sessions offer clients personalized support tailored to their unique needs and circumstances. Our team of experts uses integrative care and a wide range of modalities to help clients manage anxiety and address underlying issues. We also offer to partner with private therapists and medical professionals to ensure clients have access to essential support services to meet their unique needs during treatment and continuing care. 

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) and Community Integration for Anxiety and Substance Abuse

We offer intensive outpatient treatment for anxiety and substance use disorder. We help clients integrate back into daily life and manage anxiety attacks using the skills learned in therapy. Our community integration program (CIP) also helps clients build supportive social connections and manage anxiety. IOP or CIP programs provide clients with the resources to build a strong support network and coping strategies to support long-term sobriety and positive mental health.

Enhancing Community Engagement for Anxiety Relief

Community support plays a vital role in reducing anxiety for many people with substance use disorder. Engagement in the supportive atmosphere at Driftwood Recovery fosters a sense of belonging. Participating in workshops, group therapy, support groups, and joint activities helps clients build healthy connections and improve mental wellness. Normalizing conversations about mental health and addiction recovery among peers creates a safer and more welcoming support group. 

Holistic Anxiety Treatments at Driftwood Recovery

Some of the holistic services used in anxiety treatment at Driftwood Recovery include: 

• Acupuncture 
• Meditation 
• Breathwork 

Combining holistic anxiety treatments with evidence-based modalities often leads to better outcomes for clients in recovery. 

Specialized Care for Unique Populations With Anxiety

Some populations are more likely to experience anxiety disorders and may have specific needs during treatment and aftercare. Professionals in high-demand positions, celebrities, and individuals in the LGBTQIA+ community all face unique challenges. Specialized care at Driftwood Recovery creates a safe and comfortable space for people to learn, grow, heal, and recover alongside peers with similar life experiences. 

Addressing the Needs of Executives, Celebrities, and Professionals for Anxiety Relief

C-suite executives, celebrities, and high-level professionals often experience a higher level of anxiety due to the pressures and stress of their positions within the workplace and society. Public-facing positions may increase the risk of SUD and anxiety-related mental health disorders. Driftwood Recovery addresses the needs of these individuals by creating a personalized care plan integrating evidence-based and holistic modalities. We also partner with private providers and healthcare professionals to ensure clients can access all the support services they need to thrive in recovery. 

Tailored Strategies for Managing Stress and Anxiety in Professionals

Professionals, including first responders, primary care doctors, and psychiatrists, may need additional support in coping with the anxieties of the job while undergoing treatment for SUD and anxiety-related disorders. We provide professionals with the skills to manage workplace stress and anxiety, reducing the risk of relapse and improving treatment outcomes. 

Caring for the LGBTQIA+ Community

Individuals in the LGBTQIA+ community often face additional stigma and barriers to treatment for anxiety and other mental health conditions. Cultural competency and sensitivity are essential when navigating the needs of LGBTQIA+ clients. Many people in minority groups, including LGBTQIA+ individuals, experience discrimination, isolation, and social rejection. We have created an inclusive space where everyone feels heard, welcomed, and supported. Clients heal in an environment where their identity is respected. Everyone deserves to be accepted and validated during their therapy journey.

When to Seek Help for Anxiety

You should consider professional help if you’re experiencing:

• Severe anxiety that impacts work, school, or relationships
• Suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, or dangerous thoughts
• Unmanageable physical symptoms or panic attacks
• Signs of substance abuse used to self-medicate anxiety
• Ongoing mental health conditions that don’t improve with basic coping strategies

Don’t wait until anxiety gets worse. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force emphasizes the importance of early intervention for common mental health conditions.

Anxiety Treatment Near Austin, Texas

Driftwood Recovery is a trusted destination for those seeking expert anxiety treatment near Austin, Texas. Our tranquil campus offers a healing environment while providing access to advanced modalities like clinical trials, trauma-informed care, and treating mental health conditions through an interdisciplinary approach.

Whether you’re struggling with generalized anxiety, panic disorder, PTSD, or another mental health condition, we are here to help you recover in both body and mind.

Frequently Asked Questions About Anxiety Treatment

How can people with anxiety disorders manage anxiety disorders long-term?

Long-term success in managing anxiety disorders often includes a combination of therapy, medication, lifestyle changes, and support. Working with a qualified mental health professional can help you develop coping strategies, identify triggers, and integrate tools like cognitive therapy or mindfulness-based approaches to manage anxiety disorders over time.

What should I do if I’m experiencing acute symptoms of anxiety?

If you’re facing acute symptoms, such as overwhelming panic, trouble breathing, or thoughts of harm, seek help immediately. A mental health professional can evaluate your condition and determine whether short-term medication, hospitalization, or intensive therapy is needed. Never ignore acute symptoms, especially if they make your daily functioning difficult.

Can certain treatments make anxiety worse before they get better?

Yes. Some treatments—especially exposure-based therapies or changes in medication—can temporarily make anxiety worse before improvement begins. This is normal and often discussed upfront by therapists. It’s important to communicate with your care team to adjust your treatment plan accordingly.

Is cognitive therapy effective for treating anxiety?

Yes. Cognitive therapy is a core component of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which has shown high success rates in treating anxiety. It works by challenging irrational fears and thought patterns that feed excessive anxiety, helping you reframe them in more realistic, helpful ways.

Are there ways to depress anxiety naturally?

Some people try to depress anxiety through holistic approaches like meditation, breathwork, and herbal supplements. While these may provide some relief, they are best used alongside clinical care, especially for moderate to severe cases. Always speak with a provider before combining natural remedies with prescribed medications.

What are some other symptoms that may accompany anxiety?

Other symptoms often include irritability, fatigue, headaches, digestive issues, and emotional numbness. Many people with anxiety disorders also experience co-occurring conditions like depression or substance misuse, which can complicate the clinical picture.

Do herbal remedies work for anxiety?

Some herbal remedies, like valerian root or passionflower, may offer short-term relief for mild symptoms. However, there is insufficient evidence to confirm their effectiveness for moderate to severe anxiety disorders. Always consult a licensed clinician before using herbal supplements.

What does Arch Gen Psychiatry say about anxiety treatment?

Arch Gen Psychiatry (now JAMA Psychiatry) is a respected publication that frequently releases research on mental health conditions, including anxiety. Studies published there have highlighted the long-term benefits of cognitive therapy, SSRIs, and combination treatments in helping people with anxiety disorders achieve remission.

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider or licensed mental health professional regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or treatment options.