Expert Anxiety Treatment for Lasting Relief
Compassionate, evidence-based anxiety treatment from licensed professionals serving the Greater New Orleans area and throughout Louisiana.
What Are Anxiety Disorders?
Anxiety disorders represent a category of mental health conditions characterized by excessive fear, worry, and related behavioral disturbances. These conditions involve more than temporary worry or fear—they’re persistent mental health problems that can worsen over time if left untreated.
The Anxiety and Depression Association of America reports that anxiety disorders affect approximately 40 million adults in the United States each year. Despite being highly treatable through talk therapy and other evidence-based interventions, many people experiencing anxiety don’t seek treatment.
Understanding that anxiety disorders are legitimate mental health conditions—not personal weaknesses—is the first step toward healing.
Psychotherapy professionals recognize several distinct types of anxiety disorders, each with unique features but sharing common themes of excessive worry, fear, and avoidance behaviors. These mental disorders can significantly affect your relationships, work performance, physical health, and overall well-being. However, with appropriate treatment for anxiety, most patients experience substantial improvement in their symptoms and quality of life.
Understanding Anxiety and Finding the Right Treatment
Living with anxiety disorders can feel overwhelming, affecting every aspect of your everyday life. Whether you’re experiencing persistent worry, panic attacks, or physical symptoms that interfere with your daily functioning, you deserve compassionate, expert care. At The Terrebonne Group, our experienced licensed professionals provide specialized anxiety therapy designed to help you understand, manage, and overcome anxiety disorders.
Anxiety is one of the most common mental health conditions, affecting millions of people across all age groups. While occasional feelings of anxiety are a normal part of life, anxiety disorders involve persistent, excessive worry that significantly impacts your quality of life. The good news is that anxiety disorders are highly treatable, and with the right therapist and evidence-based therapeutic techniques, you can develop effective coping skills and reclaim your sense of peace and confidence.
Our team of licensed psychologists and mental health professionals brings decades of combined experience in treating anxiety and depression, utilizing proven approaches that address both the psychological and physical symptoms of anxiety. We understand that seeking help for anxiety problems takes courage, and we’re committed to providing a safe, supportive environment where you can explore your concerns and develop lasting strategies for managing anxiety.
Common Types of Anxiety Disorders We Treat
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Generalized anxiety disorder involves persistent, excessive worry about various aspects of life, including work, health, family, and finances. People with GAD often find it difficult to control their worrisome thoughts, even when they recognize their anxiety is disproportionate to the actual situation. This chronic worry can lead to significant muscle tension, difficulty concentrating, sleep disturbances, and other physical symptoms that affect everyday functioning.
Panic Disorder
Panic disorder is characterized by recurrent, unexpected panic attacks—sudden periods of intense fear accompanied by severe anxiety symptoms. During a panic attack, you may experience a rapid heart rate, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, and a sense of impending doom. Many people with panic disorder develop anxiety about having future panic attacks, which can lead to avoidance behaviors that significantly restrict their life.
Social Anxiety Disorder
Social anxiety disorder involves intense fear of social situations where you might be scrutinized, judged, or embarrassed. This goes beyond normal shyness—it's severe anxiety that can prevent you from participating in work, school, and social activities. People with social anxiety often experience significant depression symptoms alongside their anxiety, as the condition can lead to isolation and loneliness.
Specific Phobias
Phobias involve intense, irrational fear of specific objects or situations. While some anxiety in certain situations is normal, phobias trigger such severe anxiety that people go to great lengths to avoid their feared stimulus, even when they know the fear is excessive. Common phobias include fear of heights, flying, animals, needles, or enclosed spaces, though phobias can develop around virtually any object or situation.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Obsessive-compulsive disorder involves intrusive, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) that create anxiety, along with repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) performed to reduce that anxiety. People with OCD recognize their obsessions and compulsions are excessive but feel unable to control them. These patterns can consume significant time and severely interfere with daily functioning. Our team has specialized experience treating OCD using evidence-based approaches designed specifically for this condition.
Other Anxiety-Related Conditions
Our experienced professionals also provide treatment for anxiety-related conditions including health anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and anxiety stemming from traumatic experiences. We understand that anxiety and depression often co-occur, and our comprehensive approach addresses all aspects of your mental health.
Common Types of Anxiety Disorders We Treat
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Generalized anxiety disorder involves persistent, excessive worry about various aspects of life, including work, health, family, and finances. People with GAD often find it difficult to control their worrisome thoughts, even when they recognize their anxiety is disproportionate to the actual situation. This chronic worry can lead to significant muscle tension, difficulty concentrating, sleep disturbances, and other physical symptoms that affect everyday functioning.
Panic Disorder
Panic disorder is characterized by recurrent, unexpected panic attacks—sudden periods of intense fear accompanied by severe anxiety symptoms. During a panic attack, you may experience a rapid heart rate, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, and a sense of impending doom. Many people with panic disorder develop anxiety about having future panic attacks, which can lead to avoidance behaviors that significantly restrict their life.
Social Anxiety Disorder
Social anxiety disorder involves intense fear of social situations where you might be scrutinized, judged, or embarrassed. This goes beyond normal shyness—it's severe anxiety that can prevent you from participating in work, school, and social activities. People with social anxiety often experience significant depression symptoms alongside their anxiety, as the condition can lead to isolation and loneliness.
Specific Phobias
Phobias involve intense, irrational fear of specific objects or situations. While some anxiety in certain situations is normal, phobias trigger such severe anxiety that people go to great lengths to avoid their feared stimulus, even when they know the fear is excessive. Common phobias include fear of heights, flying, animals, needles, or enclosed spaces, though phobias can develop around virtually any object or situation.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Obsessive-compulsive disorder involves intrusive, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) that create anxiety, along with repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) performed to reduce that anxiety. People with OCD recognize their obsessions and compulsions are excessive but feel unable to control them. These patterns can consume significant time and severely interfere with daily functioning. Our team has specialized experience treating OCD using evidence-based approaches designed specifically for this condition.
Other Anxiety-Related Conditions
Our experienced professionals also provide treatment for anxiety-related conditions including health anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and anxiety stemming from traumatic experiences. We understand that anxiety and depression often co-occur, and our comprehensive approach addresses all aspects of your mental health.
Evidence-Based Treatment Approaches for Anxiety
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive behavioral therapy is one of the most extensively researched and effective forms of talk therapy for treating anxiety disorders. Multiple meta analysis studies have demonstrated CBT's effectiveness in reducing anxiety symptoms and improving quality of life. This therapeutic approach helps you identify and change thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to anxiety.
Through CBT, you'll learn to recognize anxious thoughts, challenge unhelpful thinking patterns, and develop more balanced perspectives. This process empowers you to build confidence in your ability to manage anxiety-provoking situations. Many patients find that the coping skills learned through cognitive behavioral therapy provide lasting benefits long after therapy concludes.
Psychodynamic Therapy
Psychodynamic approaches to psychotherapy explore how past experiences, unconscious patterns, and relationship dynamics contribute to current anxiety. This deeper exploration can help you understand the root causes of your anxiety and develop greater self-awareness. For many patients, this insight-oriented approach facilitates meaningful, lasting change.
Exposure Therapy
For specific phobias, panic disorder, and other anxiety disorders, exposure therapy can be particularly effective. This specialized form of treatment for anxiety involves gradually and systematically facing feared situations in a controlled, supportive environment. Under the guidance of an experienced therapist, you learn that you can cope with anxiety-provoking situations and that your feared outcomes are often unlikely to occur.
Integrative Approaches
At The Terrebonne Group, we recognize that no single approach works for everyone. Our mental health professionals utilize integrative methods, combining therapeutic techniques to create personalized treatment plans. We may incorporate mindfulness practices, relaxation techniques, and other evidence-based strategies to help you reduce anxiety and develop comprehensive coping skills.
Medication Considerations
While therapy is often the primary treatment for anxiety disorders, medication can play an important role for some patients, particularly those with severe anxiety or co-occurring mental health conditions like depression. At The Terrebonne Group, we offer comprehensive care that includes both evidence-based psychotherapy and medication management services.
This integrated approach means that when medication is appropriate for your anxiety treatment, you can receive both psychotherapy and medication management within the same practice. For patients who also work with outside primary care providers or other specialists, we maintain open communication to ensure comprehensive, coordinated care across all your healthcare providers.
What to Expect in Anxiety Therapy
Initial Consultation & Assessment
Your journey toward managing anxiety begins with a comprehensive initial consultation. During this 60-minute session, your therapist will take time to understand your specific anxiety symptoms, how they affect your life, and your treatment goals. We'll explore your history, including any family history of anxiety or other mental health conditions, and discuss what you've tried before to cope with your anxiety.
This assessment allows us to develop a clear understanding of your unique situation and create a personalized treatment plan. We believe in transparency and collaboration, so you'll be fully informed about our recommended approach and what you can expect from therapy.
Developing Your Treatment Plan
Based on your initial assessment, your anxiety therapist will recommend a treatment approach tailored to your specific anxiety disorder and individual needs. Your treatment plan might include:
- Regular therapy sessions (typically 50 minutes weekly or bi-weekly)
- Specific therapeutic techniques suited to your type of anxiety
- Between-session exercises and coping skills practice
- Coordination with other healthcare providers if needed
- Regular assessment of progress and adjustment of treatment as needed
We recognize that everyone's path through anxiety treatment is unique. Some patients experience relief relatively quickly, while others benefit from longer-term therapy to address deeper patterns and develop lasting change.
The Therapeutic Relationship
Research consistently shows that the relationship between therapist and patient is a crucial factor in successful treatment. At The Terrebonne Group, our anxiety therapists prioritize creating a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental environment where you feel heard and understood. This therapeutic alliance provides the foundation for effective treatment and meaningful growth.
We believe that feeling comfortable with your therapist is essential to doing the deep work necessary to overcome anxiety. When you trust your therapist and feel genuinely understood, you're more likely to engage fully in the therapeutic process and implement the coping skills you develop in therapy. Our team works collaboratively with each patient, respecting your pace while helping you grow beyond anxiety's limitations.
Why Choose The Terrebonne Group for Anxiety Treatment
EXPERIENCED, LICENSED PROFESSIONALS
Our team consists of doctoral-level psychologists and licensed clinical social workers with extensive training in treating anxiety disorders and related mental health conditions. Dr. Leigh Anne Terrebonne, our founder, brings over 25 years of clinical experience to the practice. Dr. Monica Stevens and Dorian Rolston, LMSW, each contribute specialized expertise in helping patients overcome anxiety and develop thriving, fulfilling lives.
All our clinicians maintain active licenses and engage in ongoing professional development to offer therapy using the most current, evidence-based approaches. When you work with The Terrebonne Group, you’re receiving care from seasoned professionals who are genuinely invested in your well-being.
COMPREHENSIVE PERSONALIZED CARE
We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all treatment. Each patient receives personalized attention and a treatment plan designed specifically for their unique situation. Whether you’re dealing with generalized anxiety disorder, panic attacks, social anxiety, or anxiety combined with depression or other mental health problems, we tailor our approach to address your specific needs and goals.
Our comprehensive perspective means we consider all factors contributing to your anxiety—from your family history and past traumatic experiences to current life stressors and physical health. This holistic view allows us to develop treatment strategies that address root causes, not just symptoms.
FLEXIBLE SERVICE OPTIONS
We understand that seeking treatment should be as accessible as possible. That’s why we offer therapy both in-person at our New Orleans office and through secure online therapy platforms. Our teletherapy services use HIPAA-compliant technology, allowing you to receive the same quality care from the comfort of your home—particularly valuable for those whose anxiety makes travel challenging.
Whether you prefer face-to-face sessions or the convenience of online therapy, you’ll receive the same expert, compassionate care from our anxiety therapists.
PRIVATE PAY PRACTICE WITH INSURANCE REIMBURSEMENT SUPPORT
The Terrebonne Group operates as a private pay practice, which means we don’t accept insurance directly. However, many of our patients file for reimbursement from their insurance companies and receive significant coverage for their therapy costs.
This private pay model allows us to focus entirely on your care without insurance company restrictions on treatment approaches or session frequency. We provide all necessary documentation to support your insurance claims and guide you through the reimbursement process. Most of our patients find this simpler than expected and appreciate the flexibility and quality of care this model provides.
Getting Started with Anxiety Therapy
Don't let anxiety control your life any longer. The Terrebonne Group's team of licensed psychologists and therapists is ready to help you develop the skills and understanding you need to reduce anxiety, build confidence, and focus on what matters most to you. Whether you're experiencing your first anxiety symptoms or have struggled with chronic anxiety for years, we can help.
We serve individuals throughout New Orleans and across Louisiana through both in-person sessions and secure online therapy. We offer flexible scheduling, including evening appointments, to accommodate your needs.
Reach out today to schedule your initial consultation and take the first step toward lasting relief from anxiety.
Ready to Begin?
Get Started With Anxiety Therapy
Don't let anxiety control your life any longer. The Terrebonne Group's team of licensed psychologists and therapists is ready to help you develop the skills and understanding you need to reduce anxiety, build confidence, and focus on what matters most to you. Whether you're experiencing your first anxiety symptoms or have struggled with chronic anxiety for years, we can help.
We serve individuals throughout New Orleans and across Louisiana through both in-person sessions and secure online therapy. We offer flexible scheduling, including evening appointments, to accommodate your needs.
Reach out today to schedule your initial consultation and take the first step toward lasting relief from anxiety.
Ready to Begin?
Common Questions About Anxiety Treatment
How do I know if I need professional help for anxiety?
If your anxiety is persistent, interferes with daily activities, causes significant distress, or impacts your relationships, work, or physical health, professional treatment can help. While everyone feels anxious sometimes, anxiety disorders involve symptoms that are excessive, difficult to control, and significantly affect your quality of life. Consulting with a mental health professional can help you understand whether your anxiety warrants treatment and what options might be most helpful.
Can anxiety be cured?
While we typically don't use the term "cure" for anxiety disorders, many patients achieve full recovery and no longer meet criteria for an anxiety disorder diagnosis after treatment. Others learn to manage their anxiety so effectively that it no longer significantly impacts their life. Even if you're predisposed to anxiety due to genetics, family history, or other factors, therapy can teach you to manage and reduce anxiety symptoms dramatically.
The skills you learn in therapy—from cognitive restructuring to relaxation techniques—become lifelong tools you can use whenever anxious thoughts or feelings arise.
What if I've tried therapy before and it didn't help?
Not all therapy or therapists are the same. Perhaps previous treatment didn't utilize evidence-based approaches for anxiety disorders, or there wasn't a good fit between you and your former therapist. Research shows that the therapeutic relationship and the specific therapeutic techniques used both significantly affect treatment outcomes.
At The Terrebonne Group, we use proven approaches for treating anxiety and prioritize creating a strong therapeutic alliance. Many patients who didn't benefit from previous therapy find success with our evidence-based, personalized approach.
How long does anxiety therapy take?
Treatment duration varies based on the severity of your anxiety disorder, your personal goals, and how you respond to therapy. Some patients experience significant improvement within a few months, while others benefit from longer-term treatment to address deeper patterns and prevent relapse. Research, including multiple meta analysis studies, suggests that most people with anxiety disorders see meaningful improvement within 12-20 sessions of evidence-based talk therapy.
We'll regularly assess your progress and adjust treatment as needed. The goal is always to help you develop the insights and coping skills you need to manage anxiety independently.
Will I need medication?
Not everyone with anxiety disorders requires medication. Many patients successfully treat anxiety through psychotherapy alone. However, for severe anxiety or when anxiety co-occurs with depression or other mental health conditions, medication can be an important part of comprehensive treatment.
At The Terrebonne Group, we offer both psychotherapy and medication management services, allowing us to provide integrated care when both approaches are beneficial. We'll discuss medication as part of your overall treatment plan during your initial consultation. If medication is appropriate for your situation, our psychiatric medication management services can be coordinated seamlessly with your therapy, ensuring all aspects of your treatment work together effectively.
For patients who prefer to continue working with their current primary care provider or outside psychiatrist for medication, we're happy to collaborate and maintain open communication to ensure coordinated care across all your healthcare providers.