Therapies for Anxiety
Compare treatment approaches
Understand what major guidelines recommend, what each therapy involves and what to ask about training, consent, monitoring and alternatives.
Evidence-based approaches
CBT and exposure-based methods are central to care for many anxiety disorders. The exact protocol should match the diagnosis rather than being marketed as a universal cure.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Anxiety
CBT is a structured psychological treatment that examines links among thoughts, feelings and behavior and often includes gradual behavioral experiments or exposure. Protocol and dose should match the anxiety disorder.
TherapiesExposure Therapy for Anxiety
Exposure therapy helps a person gradually approach feared situations, sensations or memories while reducing avoidance and safety behaviors. It should be collaborative, planned and matched to the diagnosis—not forced flooding.
TherapiesApplied Relaxation for Anxiety
Applied relaxation teaches early recognition of anxiety and rapid relaxation skills practiced across situations. NICE includes it as an option for some adults with generalized anxiety disorder.
TherapiesAcceptance and Commitment Therapy for Anxiety
ACT helps people respond more flexibly to difficult thoughts and feelings while acting toward chosen values. Evidence varies by anxiety disorder, and it should not be presented as a guaranteed cure.
TherapiesMindfulness for Anxiety
Mindfulness practices may reduce anxiety symptoms for some people, but effects vary and practice can feel uncomfortable. It is a skill or treatment component, not a substitute for diagnosis or indicated care.
TherapiesBreathing Exercises for Anxiety
Slow, comfortable breathing can reduce overbreathing and help some people during acute anxiety. Forcing deep breaths can worsen dizziness; breathing exercises do not rule out a medical emergency.
TherapiesGrounding Techniques for Anxiety
Grounding can redirect attention to present sensory information during intense anxiety or dissociation. It is a short-term coping strategy rather than a diagnostic test or complete treatment.
TherapiesOnline Therapy for Anxiety
Evidence-based anxiety treatment can be delivered by secure video or guided digital programs for some people. Suitability depends on diagnosis, risk, privacy, clinician licensing and the quality of the program.
TherapiesGroup Therapy for Anxiety
Group treatment can provide structured skills, exposure practice and peer learning. Ask whether the group follows a disorder-specific protocol, who leads it, how confidentiality works and how individual risk is managed.
TherapiesTherapy for Children With Anxiety
Child anxiety treatment is developmentally adapted and often includes CBT, exposure and caregiver involvement when appropriate. School, family, neurodevelopmental and safeguarding factors should be considered.
TherapiesExercise and Anxiety
Regular physical activity can support wellbeing and may reduce anxiety symptoms, but it is not a replacement for indicated psychological or medical treatment. Exercise advice should account for health and disability.