Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Anxiety in Charlottesville, Virginia
Anxiety is one of the most common and most treatable problems that therapists work with — and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is the most effective approach available. Our therapists at Charlottesville Center for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy use CBT to help people with anxiety think more accurately, act more effectively, and stop letting anxiety get in the way of their lives.
We will not just tell you to breathe deeply or think more positively. We will give you real, concrete skills that address the root of the problem.
We accept Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, and Tricare East insurance.
On this page:
- What Is Anxiety?
- How CBT Treats Anxiety
- Generalized Anxiety
- Who Gets Anxiety?
- Anxiety and Depression
- Our Therapists
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Anxiety?
Anxiety is not a sign of weakness or mental illness. It is a normal process built into human nature — designed to protect us from danger and motivate us to put effort into what matters. Most of us worry, feel nervous, or become fearful at times. That is healthy and normal.
Anxiety becomes a problem when it happens too often, feels too intense, or gets in the way of doing what you want or need to do. It can lead to sleep problems, withdrawal from friends and social situations, difficulty performing at work or school, and a lower quality of life.
Common forms of anxiety include generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety, panic attacks, agoraphobia, OCD, and PTSD. Each of these has its own dedicated page on our site with more detailed information.
How CBT Treats Anxiety
CBT for anxiety works in two main ways:
Changing how you think. Anxiety often involves overestimating how likely something bad is to happen, how bad it would be if it did, and underestimating your ability to cope. CBT teaches you to examine those thoughts more carefully and think more accurately — not more positively, but more realistically.
Changing how you act. Anxiety almost always leads to some form of avoidance — avoiding situations, thoughts, or feelings that trigger anxiety. While avoidance feels like relief in the short term, it makes anxiety worse over time. CBT teaches you to tolerate small amounts of anxiety so that avoidance loses its grip on your life.
Most people see significant improvement in 6 to 24 sessions, sometimes fewer.
Generalized Anxiety
Generalized anxiety disorder involves chronic, excessive worry that is difficult to control and gets in the way of daily life. It is one of the most common forms of anxiety and one of the most responsive to CBT. If you find yourself worrying about many different things — work, health, relationships, money — even when there is no immediate reason to, generalized anxiety may be what you are experiencing.
Who Gets Anxiety?
Anxiety is extremely common — and it affects capable, high-functioning people just as much as anyone else. It is common among professors, college students, professionals, business people, government leaders, soldiers, parents, and spouses. If you are struggling with anxiety, it does not mean something is fundamentally wrong with you. It means you are human.
Anxiety and Depression
Many people experience anxiety and depression together. Anxiety-based avoidance — pulling back from activities, relationships, and responsibilities — is one of the most common causes of depression. If you are dealing with both, you are not alone, and CBT addresses both effectively.
Our Therapists
Several of our therapists specialize in anxiety and depression. You can learn more about each of them on our home page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are you located?
Our office is at 3 Boars Head Lane, Suite C6, Charlottesville, Virginia 22903. We also offer virtual appointments for clients throughout Virginia.
Do you accept insurance?
Yes. We accept Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, and Tricare East. If you have a different insurer, we will file out-of-network claims on your behalf. You can find more information on our fees and insurance page.
Does therapy for anxiety actually work?
Yes — and CBT is the most well-researched treatment for anxiety available. Empirical research has consistently shown that a large proportion of people with anxiety disorders see dramatic improvements with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Most people are not just better managed — many are effectively cured, meaning anxiety no longer gets in their way or causes significant distress.
What if I need help with both anxiety and depression?
That is very common — anxiety and depression frequently occur together. In fact, the avoidance that anxiety produces is one of the most common causes of depression. When anxiety leads you to pull back from activities, relationships, and responsibilities, depression often follows. CBT addresses both conditions effectively, and treating the anxiety often helps with the depression as well. Several of our therapists specialize in treating anxiety and depression. You can learn more about our therapists on our home page, and you can read more about our approach to depression on our depression page.