Anxiety Treatment in Massachusetts: When to Seek Help

Anxiety is more than just feeling stressed. When someone is anxious, they may feel constantly on edge, worried, suffer from persistent overthinking, or even have panic attacks. The condition can become debilitating, which is why seeking out the right type of anxiety treatment in Massachusetts is vital.

Understanding how severe anxiety can become debilitating and how to seek out appropriate treatment could help you or a loved one find the right support at the right time.

Anxiety vs. an Anxiety Disorder: What’s the Difference?

Anxiety is often characterized as simply feeling worried or nervous about a situation. Anxiety before a job interview, an exam, or public speaking is completely normal. Some scientists believe that the short-term fear you might develop in these situations is linked to an instinctive “fight or flight” response, which pumps chemicals like adrenaline and cortisol into your system.[i] Your nervous system is preparing to deal with a potentially dangerous situation, even though in the modern day, these situations are rarely perilous.

Anxiety disorders are different. An anxiety disorder is when a person feels anxiety even in situations that wouldn’t normally prompt a fear, stress, or worry response. They can be characterized by persistent worries and fears, feeling constantly on edge, feeling that something bad is about to happen, or an inability to go outside or socialize.

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is non-specific anxiety that persists for an extended period of time. Panic disorder is when anxiety develops into panic attacks, with various unpleasant symptoms, from palpitations to feeling faint. Social anxiety usually means someone has intense fear of crowds, social situations, or social interactions. Phobias may also be classed as a type of anxiety.

About 31.1% of American adults may struggle with an anxiety disorder at some point in their lives, with women more likely to be diagnosed than men.[ii]

When to Seek Help for Anxiety

Here are some key signs that should prompt you to seek anxiety treatment in Massachusetts:

• Your anxiety occurs most days and lasts for two weeks or more, or recurs regularly over a period of several weeks or months.
• Anxiety interferes with school or work, disrupts personal relationships, or impacts parenting.
• Worries and overthinking feel hard to control.
• You’re experiencing sleep issues, changes in your appetite, fatigue, or irritability.
• You have digestive issues with no other explanation.
• You’re very tense, short of breath, or have a racing heart with no other explanation.
• You’ve had a panic attack or feel scared of having panic attacks.
• You’re turning to alcohol or other substances to help you cope.
• You’ve considered hurting yourself, or you feel unsafe.

If you’re in crisis, think you might harm yourself, or feel unsafe, you should call 911 or head to your nearest ER.

If your care needs are less urgent, you can look at several entry points to care within the MA area. Primary care providers (PCPs) may be able to offer mental health care or signpost you to the most appropriate support service. Community health centers, particularly community behavioral health centers (CBHCs), offer immediate support for anyone in need of mental health care, including a 24/7 in-person crisis support service.

You can also obtain outpatient therapy from many providers. Some healthcare providers may offer telehealth services, allowing you to be treated from the comfort of your own home.

What Anxiety Treatment Looks Like in Massachusetts

Some people may feel anxious about attending anxiety treatment sessions because they don’t know what to expect. In many cases, it’s about talking things through and discussing the best options for the client. Here are some types of evidence-based therapies for anxiety.

Therapy

Talking therapy is the first line of treatment for most people. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a common method of treatment for anxiety symptoms. It helps challenge negative or fear-based thinking and reframe fears by training the brain to think about situations and possibilities differently. It takes time but can be very effective at building coping skills.

Exposure therapy is useful for phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and situational panic disorders. People are exposed to the situation they fear but only for very short time periods, until the brain learns that nothing bad is going to happen to them. Gradually, exposure time increases until the phobia lessens.

Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is a type of psychotherapy that leverages the client’s values by committing to positive actions that may combat anxiety or fears. Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) focuses on emotional regulation, which can help manage the intense worry, fear, shame, and other feelings associated with debilitating anxiety.

The time someone needs for therapy may range from eight to 20 sessions, usually every week, but someone may need longer-term care where the anxiety is severe or has been untreated for a long time.

Medication

Some medications, such as SSRIs and SNRIs, may be helpful in the short- to medium-term.

In MA, a PCP, psychiatrist, or psychiatric nurse practitioner may prescribe these medications. The client will usually be carefully monitored for side effects and, of course, will have the final say in whether or not they want to take these drugs.

Combined Treatment

In some cases, combined therapy and medication may be required. Medium to severe cases of anxiety might need this, and instances where the client has another condition, such as depression.

More intense treatment may be required where the anxiety is chronic and has not responded to medication alone.

Higher Levels of Care

Sometimes, even combined medication and outpatient therapy won’t ease anxiety. Other options include:

• Intensive outpatient programs (IOP): The client attends sessions several times a week and may also have self-led care programs to follow at home.
• Partial hospitalization programs (PHP): The client attends a facility at least five days a week, usually for full days, for more careful monitoring and treatment.
• Inpatient stabilization: In rare cases, clients may need to stay in a facility to be cared for while their symptoms stabilize and they become ready for further treatment.

These options are available across multiple MA health systems and community providers.

Telehealth Options in Massachusetts

Telehealth means remote care via phone, video call, apps, or digital devices. It’s ideal for rural areas where people are far from a psychiatric specialist, or where in-person appointments are challenging to schedule.

All mental health telehealth services must have the correct licensure to practice in MA.

Where to Start in Massachusetts

Here are some practical pathways to find the right anxiety treatment in Massachusetts:

• Start with your PCP for screening, ruling out other medical issues, and getting the right referral.
• Use your insurance directory, whether you have a commercial plan or MassHealth, to locate in-network therapists or psychiatrists.
• Community health centers may be an ideal option for those covered by MassHealth.
• Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) sometimes cover mental health care, so check yours if you have one.
• University/college counseling centers sometimes offer anxiety support for students in MA.

Again, always call 911 or visit your nearest ER if in crisis or if you feel like you are in danger.

Paying for Anxiety Treatment in Massachusetts 

Some people avoid seeking help for anxiety in MA because they think it will be too expensive. If you’re covered by MassHealth, you may find that outpatient therapy and some behavioral health services are included. Verify your benefits to make sure.

If you have private insurance, check your policy and ensure you’re choosing in-network providers to keep your costs low.

Community clinics often have sliding scale pay options, which means clients should only have to pay for what they can afford.

Telehealth services vary. Some have a per-month cost paid via subscription, while others charge on a case-by-case basis.

Mental health parity should ensure that insurers treat mental health conditions with the same seriousness as physical health issues. However, in reality, it’s best to check what your policy covers.

What to Expect at Your First Appointment

You may feel daunted about your first appointment. However, most mental health practitioners will do everything they can to set you at ease. Here’s what to expect:

• Intake questions, which will involve asking about symptoms, what triggers your anxiety, how long it has been going on, and what you hope to gain from treatment.
• Screening tools or questionnaires, which help practitioners understand the severity of the condition.
• Discussing possible treatment (for example, medication vs. therapy) where appropriate.
• Creating a treatment plan, usually involving the patient practicing at home, and deciding how often therapy sessions will occur.
• Discussing confidential issues, such as the fear of self-harm or harm to others, or any substance use linked to the anxiety.

Your healthcare practitioner will be compassionate and non-judgmental, and listen to your needs.

Self-Help That Supports Treatment

When you struggle with anxiety, it’s important that you seek appropriate treatment. However, there are some self-care actions you can take that may alleviate symptoms or help you cope more successfully when you’re feeling anxious.

• Try to establish a healthy sleep routine.
• Avoid alcohol and cut down on caffeine.
• Eat regularly and well, with plenty of fruit, vegetables, and other sources of fiber.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Move regularly in a way that’s enjoyable for you.
• Keep a journal to track symptoms, triggers, or feelings.
• Learn some breathing or grounding techniques to break through feelings of panic.

You may find that some mindfulness or guided meditation apps can calm the mind and soothe racing thoughts.

If You’re in Crisis or Need Immediate Help in Massachusetts

• If you are in immediate danger: Call 911 or go to your nearest ER now.
• Call/text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which also supports severe anxiety/panic.
• In Massachusetts, call the Behavioral Health Help Line 24/7/365: 833-773-2445.

Even if you’re unsure if your symptoms constitute an emergency, reach out for help.

 

Anxiety Treatment Massachusetts: Seeking the Right Support

Reaching out for help is the strongest thing you can do. Take a single step by contacting your PCP, your insurance team, or reaching out to a local clinic.

If you’re looking for anxiety treatment in Massachusetts that is occurring alongside or is related to substance use, contact Engage Wellness. Our compassionate team can let you know what your next steps are to address all aspects of treatment, including helping you overcome anxiety and reclaim control over your life.

Frequently Asked Questions