Therapy for Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Mood Disorders
What Is Therapy for Anxiety and Mood Disorders?
Elements of therapy can include:
- Identifying and managing triggers for anxiety or mood changes
- Developing healthy, effective stress management tools
- Addressing emotional and psychological challenges
- Fostering growth in interpersonal relationships and communication
- Improving daily functioning
What Types of Therapy Do We Use?
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: CBT helps you identify and adjust thought patterns that increase anxiety. You then replace these with healthier perspectives that support long-term symptom management.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy: DBT relies on principles of acceptance, change, and mindfulness to promote emotional regulation.
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: ACT shares elements with DBT, focusing on acceptance and mindfulness to facilitate behavioral changes.
- Interpersonal Therapy: IPT specifically targets improvements in interpersonal relationships. It can look at elements like grief and conflict to help resolve interpersonal challenges or difficulties..
- Trauma-Informed Therapy: Specifically looks at how past experiences can contribute to present anxiety.
- Medication Management: Adjunct therapy with medication can help support therapy for patients with severe symptoms.
- Family Therapy: No one is an island unto themselves. Family therapy keeps this in mind, aiming to foster support and understanding between the patient and their family.
Advantages of Working with Our Anxiety and Mood Disorder Therapists
Facing daily challenges with mood and anxiety is exhausting. In the moment, it can also feel like there is no escape from emotions that only seem to push you further down. But working with the right therapist truly can open a path forward, one that leads to notable improvements. At Liberty Behavioral and Community Services, we aim to make that happen through:
- Fully individualized and adaptive therapy plans designed for your situation and goals
- Integrated care that can also help with trauma, substance use, and other co-occurring conditions
- Research-backed techniques known for efficacy
- Equipping patients with stress-management tools to regulate emotions
- Family involvement (when appropriate) to provide additional support
- Ongoing monitoring and adjustments to keep therapy on the right track
Anxiety and Mood Disorder Therapy FAQs
What does a therapy session look like?
Therapy will look different depending on the type and stage of treatment. Some common elements include:
- Open discussions
- Cognitive restructuring
- Mindfulness practices
- Guided coping exercises
- Role-play techniques
- And more
At what point should I seek therapy?
Ultimately, the choice to seek therapy always lies with the individual. Many patients put off help because they may doubt their symptoms. It is common to think that maybe this is just how life is. In some cases, patients may wait until a crisis moment. We encourage patients to seek help at any stage. Whether your symptoms seem minor or severe, you always deserve a better life. A good start is looking at whether your mood or anxiety is negatively impacting any part of your life. If it is and you want to make a change, then it could be time to start therapy.
How many hours per week are recommended?
Most commonly, patients with mood disorders benefit from 1 to 2 sessions per week. Depending on the type of therapy, a single session can last about 45 to 60 minutes. For more severe symptoms, more frequent support may be recommended, particularly in acute phases.
Is therapy only for severe anxiety or depression?
Therapy can help with almost any aspect of mental health. In fact, treating milder symptoms is often crucial to prevent a further decline in mental health. We know symptoms can worsen gradually for many patients, and the change can be hard to notice. That is why we recommend seeking therapy even at earlier stages.
How long does therapy usually last?
Therapy usually lasts a few months to over a year. The initial goal is to equip patients with the tools to promote long-term benefits. From there, the timeline varies. Some patients may continue with less frequent sessions after a while. Others may want a session during difficult phases of life. It all depends on your needs and where you are at in your mental health journey.
Can family members be involved?
Yes, family can be involved, but only with your consent and when appropriate.
Does insurance cover therapy for GAD and mood disorders?
Most California insurance plans cover therapy for anxiety and mood disorders, though coverage may vary. We recommend checking with your provider for details.
Does therapy involve medication?
Therapy does not necessarily include the use of medication. Generally, medication is recommended for more severe mood symptoms to support the initial parts of therapy. Ideally, it is used as a stepping stone to obtaining a healthier state in which you no longer need medication.
