What Is Anxiety?
Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health conditions in the United States. They involve persistent, excessive fear or worry that is out of proportion to the situation and interferes with work, relationships, sleep, or daily routines. Ordinary worry passes when a stressor passes. An anxiety disorder does not.
The main types are generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), which involves worry across many areas of life; panic disorder, which involves repeated, unexpected panic attacks; social anxiety disorder, which involves intense fear of being judged; and specific phobias. Anxiety disorders also often appear alongside depression, trauma, and substance use.
Recognizing Anxiety: Symptoms and How It Shows Up
Anxiety shows up in the body, the mind, and behavior. Physical signs include a racing heart, muscle tension, stomach upset, headaches, shortness of breath, and trouble sleeping. Mental signs include constant worry, difficulty concentrating, and expecting the worst. Behavioral signs include avoiding situations, seeking reassurance, over-preparing, and canceling plans.
Many adults with anxiety appear successful on the outside. The anxiety fuels long hours and perfectionism until it surfaces as burnout, insomnia, panic attacks, or increased drinking. If anxiety is controlling your choices, it is worth an evaluation.
The Link Between Anxiety and Substance Use
Anxiety and substance use often go together. Alcohol, cannabis, or sedatives can feel like they quiet an anxious mind, but they tend to make anxiety worse as the effects wear off, and dependence can follow. Treating anxiety and substance use together, instead of one after the other, is a core part of how FOY works.
How FOY Approaches Anxiety
Our clinical team uses evidence-based therapies for anxiety, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to change the thought and avoidance patterns that keep anxiety going, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) skills for distress tolerance and emotion regulation, mindfulness-based approaches, and EMDR when trauma is part of the picture. Breathwork, meditation, yoga, and somatic practices support the nervous system alongside therapy.
Adults Living With Anxiety Who Need More Than Weekly Therapy
Our clients with anxiety are often adults who have lived with it for years. Weekly therapy may have helped, but not enough. PHP and IOP give you several days of structured treatment each week while you stay at home, so you can practice new skills in your real life.
FAQs
What are the most common types of anxiety disorders?
The most common types are generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and specific phobias. A clinical assessment can tell which one, or which combination, fits your symptoms.
How do I know if my anxiety is more than normal worry?
Anxiety may be a disorder when it is excessive, hard to control, lasts for months, and interferes with work, relationships, sleep, or health. If it leads you to avoid things or to use alcohol or drugs to cope, it is worth a professional evaluation.
What is the difference between a panic attack and an anxiety attack?
Panic attack is a clinical term for a sudden surge of intense fear with symptoms such as a pounding heart, shortness of breath, and a sense of losing control. People often use anxiety attack to describe a build-up of anxious feelings. Both are treatable.
Can PHP or IOP help with an anxiety disorder?
Yes, especially when weekly therapy has not been enough. PHP and IOP provide more frequent, structured support than standard outpatient care without requiring you to live at a facility.
Can anxiety and alcohol use be treated together?
Yes. When anxiety and substance use occur together, integrated treatment addresses both at once with one team and one plan.
Is medication part of anxiety treatment at FOY
Your clinical team will discuss which options are appropriate for you and coordinate with your prescriber.
Can anxiety improve without medication?
Many people see meaningful improvement through therapy and skills practice. The right approach depends on your history and symptoms, and your team will review options with you.
Does insurance cover PHP or IOP for anxiety disorders?
Many plans cover PHP and IOP for anxiety disorders when medical necessity criteria are met, and federal parity law requires mental health and substance use benefits to be comparable to medical benefits. FOY is in-network with Blue Shield, Cigna, and TRICARE through TriWest, and we verify your benefits at no cost.
Does FOY accept out-of-network PPO insurance for anxiety disorders treatment?
Yes. FOY works with out-of-network PPO plans from Anthem, Aetna, Multiplan, HMC HealthWorks, and Blue Cross Blue Shield. Many PPO plans reimburse part of PHP and IOP costs after your out-of-network deductible is met. We explain your deductible, coinsurance, and out-of-pocket maximum before you decide, and we handle prior authorization paperwork.
How is PHP or IOP different from weekly therapy for anxiety disorders?
Weekly therapy addresses anxiety within a life that keeps producing the stressors that feed it. PHP and IOP add more frequent contact, daily skills practice, and group support.
Start PHP and IOP Treatment in Agoura Hills, California
Talk with our admissions team, check your insurance for free, and find out which level of care fits. Admissions is available Monday to Friday. FOY welcomes adults from Agoura Hills, Calabasas, Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, the San Fernando Valley, and across Los Angeles and Ventura Counties, as well as adults from across the United States who can travel to attend in person.
Confidential. No obligation. In a crisis, call or text 988, or call 911.
This page is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice.