Anxiety Therapy New York City

Anxiety Therapists in New York City

Living in New York City comes with unique pressures, fast-paced environments, and constant demands. If you are struggling with racing thoughts, sudden panic, chronic worry, or physical tension that will not go away, you do not have to navigate it alone. Our practice provides specialized, evidence-based anxiety therapy in NYC for individuals seeking lasting relief and greater emotional balance. We offer a compassionate, tailored approach designed to help you regain control over your mental well-being.

Medically reviewed by Simona Shokrian, LCSW-R

Signs You May Need Anxiety Treatment

Common Anxiety Symptoms

Anxiety can manifest differently in everyone, impacting both your physical body and your mental clarity. Common signs include:

Physical Symptoms:

A racing heart, tight chest, shortness of breath, restlessness, muscle tension, or trouble sleeping.

Cognitive Symptoms:

Constant overthinking, difficulty concentrating, persistent self-doubt, or anticipating the absolute worst-case scenario (catastrophizing).

Behavioral Symptoms:

Avoiding social gatherings, procrastinating on important tasks out of fear, or constantly needing reassurance from others.

When Anxiety Becomes a Disorder

It is normal to experience temporary stress before a major presentation or life change. However, when worry becomes persistent, uncontrollable, and starts interfering with your career, relationships, or daily functioning, consulting a licensed clinician or psychologist for an anxiety disorder can help you regain your quality of life.

Types of Anxiety We Treat

Generalized Anxiety & Chronic Worry

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is characterized by persistent, excessive worry about everyday life events, such as work, health, finances, or family. Therapy focuses on identifying worry triggers, challenging automatic negative thoughts, and learning grounded coping mechanisms to quiet chronic worry.

Panic Attacks & Panic Disorder

Panic disorder involves sudden, unexpected surges of intense fear or discomfort accompanied by physical symptoms like heart palpitations and dizziness. Treatment helps you understand the body’s alarm system, desensitize your fear of panic symptoms, and regain confidence in your physical safety.

Social Anxiety

Social anxiety involves intense fear of judgment, criticism, or embarrassment in social, academic, or professional settings. Through structured sessions, we help you dismantle social fears, reduce self-consciousness, and build authentic confidence in interpersonal interactions.

High-Functioning Anxiety

High-functioning anxiety often hides behind perfectionism, overachieving, and meticulous planning, while internally leading to exhaustion and constant internal distress. Therapy focuses on setting healthy boundaries, managing imposter syndrome, and learning to rest without guilt.

Health Anxiety & OCD-Related Anxiety

Health anxiety involves excessive fear of severe illness, while obsessive-compulsive dynamics present as intrusive thoughts and repetitive checking behaviors. We utilize structured behavioral strategies to break cycles of health-related reassurance seeking and compulsion.

Our Approach to Anxiety Therapy

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is widely recognized by professional clinical organizations as an effective, gold-standard treatment for anxiety disorders. CBT focuses on identifying unhelpful thinking patterns and behavioral habits, helping you reframe intrusive thoughts and respond to stress with structured coping strategies. Learn more about our approach to CBT Therapy and how it applies beyond anxiety treatment.

Exposure Therapy

Gradual exposure techniques help individuals safely confront avoided situations, thoughts, or sensations in a supportive therapeutic environment. Over time, systematic exposure reduces emotional reactivity and restores your sense of agency.

Mindfulness-Based Techniques

Integrating mindfulness practices helps ground your nervous system in the present moment. Techniques such as deep breathing, somatic grounding, and acceptance-based strategies help soothe physical agitation during periods of heightened stress.

Meet Our NYC Anxiety Therapists

Simona Shokrian, LCSW-R

Licensed Psychotherapist & Practice Director

Credentials & specializations

Simona Shokrian is a licensed therapist in New York with extensive clinical experience treating generalized anxiety, panic, and relationship stress. Specializing in integrative cognitive-behavioral techniques, depth therapy, and relational care, she offers personalized treatment tailored to each client’s specific needs. Sessions are available in English, Farsi, and French.

What to Expect in Your First Session

Booking & Consultation Process

Initial Contact:

Request a consultation online or by phone.

Intake Call:

A short, structured discussion to discuss your primary concerns and confirm goodness of fit.

First Session:

A warm, collaborative assessment where we review your history and outline your personalized treatment goals.

Ongoing Care:

Weekly or bi-weekly sessions designed to build active coping skills and deliver measurable progress.

In-Person vs. Virtual Anxiety Therapy

We provide flexible session formats to fit your schedule. You can choose between in-person appointments at our Manhattan office or secure virtual telehealth sessions accessible across New York State.

Anxiety Therapy Locations in NYC

Manhattan Office:

Located conveniently in New York City, our office provides a quiet and confidential space for in-person care.

Virtual Sessions Across New York:

We provide HIPAA-compliant virtual anxiety therapy to clients in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Long Island, and throughout New York State.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best therapy for anxiety in NYC?

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), exposure therapy, and mindfulness-based approaches are widely recognized as highly effective treatments for anxiety. The best approach depends on your specific symptoms, preferences, and clinical goals.

How much does anxiety therapy cost in NYC?

Session rates in New York City vary depending on clinician credentials and specialized training. Out-of-network reimbursement, Health Savings Accounts (HSA), and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) can help reduce out-of-pocket costs.

Do NYC anxiety therapists accept insurance?

Many specialized anxiety practices operate out-of-network to maintain individualized, privacy-focused care. Out-of-network benefits often reimburse 50% to 80% of session fees depending on your specific policy.

How long does anxiety therapy take to work?

Many clients begin noticing practical improvements within 8 to 12 weekly sessions using structured approaches like CBT, though overall duration varies based on your personal treatment plan.

Can I get anxiety therapy online in New York?

Yes, licensed New York clinicians offer secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth sessions to residents located anywhere in New York State.

What's the difference between a psychologist and a therapist for anxiety?

A psychologist typically holds a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) and provides psychological testing alongside therapy. A licensed therapist (LCSW, LMHC, or LMFT) holds a master’s degree and specializes in clinical psychotherapy and evidence-based counseling. Both professionals provide quality anxiety treatment.

How do I know if I need anxiety therapy or just stress management?

If stress or worry is persistent, difficult to turn off, interferes with your sleep, or affects your work and relationships, professional therapy can provide structured strategies beyond standard stress management.

Start Anxiety Therapy in NYC Today

You do not have to navigate chronic worry or panic on your own. Take the first step toward lasting relief, regain your peace of mind, and schedule your initial consultation with an experienced anxiety therapist in NYC today.