Choosing a Therapist

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Anxiety disorders can be treated by a wide range of mental health professionals, including psychologists, psychiatrists, clinical social workers, and psychiatric nurses. Primary care physicians also make frequent diagnoses, and they may prescribe medication or refer a patient to a mental health provider. 

Making Your Choice

It’s recommended that you talk to more than one professional before making a choice. You might want to consider these issues when deciding on a mental health professional and type of treatment:

Professional Categories

  • Licensed professional: psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker, and other counselor licensed by a state to practice psychotherapy.
  • Non-licensed professional: usually holds a master's degree and may be unlicensed  because the state does not offer or require a license in that mental health field.

Requirements for the practice of psychotherapy vary among states. Ask a therapist about his or her training and credentials before beginning treatment. Read this guide to Finding the Right Therapist.

ADAA Resources

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