How to Find a Therapist for Anxiety in Toronto
We will all experience anxiety at some point in our lives.
Whether we’re trying to get through difficult classes at school, dealing with the pressures of a stressful job, or navigating our relationships with friends and family, many situations can cause worry and unease.
While it’s completely normal to experience anxious feelings from time to time, they can persist and grow into a serious problem.
When anxiety symptoms start interfering in your daily life, it might be time to talk to somebody.
Here at KMA, we understand anxiety can feel like an overwhelming challenge. Our experienced team of therapists is here to help you conquer it.
For over 14 years, we have offered a wide range of therapies for anxiety, including cognitive behavioural therapy and psychodynamic psychotherapy. Deciding to see a therapist can be a great first step in managing your anxiety.
By the end of this article, you’ll have a list of indicators that you might need to seek help for your anxiety, an understanding of what types of therapy work for anxiety, and a strategy to find a therapist that fits your needs.
Do I Need Help For My Anxiety?
When speaking about anxiety, we’re often mean a persisting feeling of nervousness that can make our heart race and our stomach turn.
This is different from an anxiety disorder - a clinical level of anxiety diagnosed by a mental health professional.
Anxiety disorders include generalized anxiety disorders, panic disorders, phobias, and social anxiety.
It’s important to remember that everyone experiences anxiety, but anxiety disorders need to be diagnosed by a mental health professional.
Whether you have an anxiety disorder or not, anxious feelings can negatively impact your quality of life, and you could benefit from seeking professional support.
Signs it's time to see a therapist include anxiety that:
- Interferes with your ability to complete the tasks of your daily life
- Interferes with your quality of sleep
- Negatively impacts your social life
- Causes changes in your appetite
- Causes you a lot of distress
Ultimately, you know yourself best. If you feel like you could benefit from talking to a mental health professional about anxiety, it can help to reach out to one.
At this point, you may have decided to seek support for your anxiety. But how might that support look?
What Types of Therapy Work for Anxiety?
Several types of therapy can help anxiety, and different therapists will have different strategies to support you.
Therapies to treat anxiety include:
- A combination of counselling and medication
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
- Existential Psychology
- Psychotherapy
Exploring the types of therapy can help you decide what type of therapist to see.
Various mental health professionals can help you with anxiety – our article outlining the different types of therapists will help you decide which will be the best fit for you.
What Questions Should I Ask a Therapist?
After exploring what type of therapy and therapist may fit your needs, the next step is to reach out to a therapy practice and begin the introductory process.
Your introductory appointment will support you by exploring your mental health background, establishing your therapy goals, and matching you with a therapist who fits your needs.
If you’re still struggling to decide what kind of therapy or therapist may be the best fit for you, your introductory appointment will help you to figure it out.
You’ll also have the opportunity to ask the intake team or therapist any questions that you might have.
Questions to ask an anxiety therapist include:
- Will they be able to help you establish and meet your goals in therapy?
- What is their cost per session, and will they take your insurance?
- What is their experience treating people with anxiety?
- Do they offer virtual and/or in-person sessions?
- What types of therapy do they offer?
- Where are they located?
Other things to consider while finding a therapist in Toronto include searching up therapists in your neighbourhood, reading reviews of the best therapists for anxiety, and speaking with your doctor for a referral (especially if you’re interested in medication-based treatment.)
Next Steps for Finding a Therapist for Anxiety in Toronto
After reading this article, you now understand what signs can indicate that you need to seek help for anxiety, what types of therapy work for anxiety, and what questions to ask a potential therapist.
This information can give you confidence in your ability to find the right therapist to support you in managing your anxiety.
Finding a therapist can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone.
Our team here at KMA has a wide range of experience supporting people with anxiety, and our intake team is here to help you find your best fit.
Book your introductory appointment today, or connect with our team to learn more.
If you’re not ready to book an appointment, explore these resources for more information:
- If you're experiencing anxiety at work, read: Why Burnout is More than Just Stress - And How to Fix It
- To explore your symptoms, read: What's the Difference Between Anxiety and Anxiety Disorders?
- To learn more about therapy options, read: The 5 Best Types of Therapy for Anxiety
About the Author
Emily Weatherhead has a Masters in Community Psychology from Wilfrid Laurier University, where her research focused on improving post-secondary student mental health. She is passionate about finding new ways to make mental health research more accessible and break down the barriers that prevent people from receiving mental health care.
