Anxiety Therapy in NYC and Online
You're good at your job. People count on you. And somewhere around 2am your brain starts running the list: the email you sent, the thing you said, the what-if that has no answer. You've been managing it for years. Managing it is exhausting.
We help adults who look fine from the outside and feel anything but. Our therapists see clients in Midtown Manhattan, in Port Washington, and online across 16 states and DC.
What anxiety looks like for the people we see
Most of our clients don't call it anxiety at first. They call it being responsible. Or being a perfectionist. Or just how they are. It tends to show up as:
- A mind that won't shut off, especially at night
- Replaying conversations and rewriting what you should have said
- Overpreparing for everything because winging it feels dangerous
- Tight chest, clenched jaw, a stomach that knows before you do
- Saying yes when you mean no, then resenting it
- Avoiding the call, the doctor, the hard conversation, then feeling worse
- Panic that comes out of nowhere, on the subway or in a meeting
If you've ever been told "you seem so calm," this page is probably for you.
High-functioning anxiety is still anxiety
Here's the trap: when anxiety drives your success, it's hard to want to give it up. It feels like the engine. Lots of our clients worry that if they stop worrying, they'll stop performing.
That isn't how it works. Anxiety is a smoke alarm that goes off when you make toast. Therapy doesn't take the alarm out. It recalibrates it, so the alarm goes off for real fires and stays quiet the rest of the time. You keep your drive. You lose the dread attached to it.
How we treat anxiety
We use approaches with strong research behind them, and we match them to you rather than running everyone through the same program.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). You learn to catch the thought spirals, test them against reality, and respond differently. It's practical and structured, and you'll have things to try between sessions, which can include gently facing situations you've been avoiding when that's helpful.
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). For the worries that won't be argued with. You learn to let anxious thoughts pass without obeying them.
- DBT skills and mindfulness. Concrete tools for the moments when your body is already in fight-or-flight.
- Getting to the root. For many people, anxiety started as a smart adaptation: a household where you had to stay alert, a culture of achievement, a loss. Understanding where it came from often loosens its grip.
Most clients start weekly. Many notice a real difference within the first couple of months, though everyone moves at their own pace.
Therapists who specialize in anxiety
Micaela Schiff, LCSW
In person in Midtown Manhattan. Trained by the Beck Institute in CBT for anxiety and certified in trauma-focused CBT.
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Vilija Paulius, MA, LMHC
Online. DBT-certified and EMDR-trained, for adults who want practical skills and real change.
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Kristine DiLorenzo, LMHC, NCC
Online in NY, FL, NJ and PA. Pairs mindfulness and breathwork with CBT and ACT, especially for perfectionism and people pleasing.
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Dr. Lauren Hoffman, LCSW, PhD
In person in Port Washington. DBT-certified, using CBT and ACT.
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Alexis Sturnick, LCSW, PMH-C
Our founder. Online. Anxiety and OCD are at the center of her work.
Read moreNot sure who fits? Tell us a little about what's going on and we'll match you.
In person or online
Midtown Manhattan: a quiet office a short walk from Grand Central and Bryant Park.
Port Washington: in-person sessions on Long Island's North Shore.
Online: secure video sessions in NY, FL, NJ, CT, DE, DC, ME, MA, PA, OH, AK, CO, IL, TX, VA, SC and VT.
Anxiety therapy FAQ
How do I know if it's anxiety or just stress?
Stress usually has a clear cause and eases when the cause passes. Anxiety tends to stick around, attach to new things, and show up in your body even when nothing is wrong. If worry is shaping your choices, your sleep or your relationships, it's worth talking to someone.
What's the most effective therapy for anxiety?
CBT has the strongest research base for most anxiety. Many people do best with CBT combined with ACT or mindfulness skills. Your therapist will tailor the approach to you.
Can therapy help with panic attacks?
Yes. Panic responds well to treatment. You learn what's happening in your body, why it isn't dangerous, and how to stop fearing the next one, which is usually what keeps panic going.
How long does anxiety therapy take?
It varies. Some people come for a focused stretch of a few months; others stay longer to work on deeper patterns. You and your therapist will check in on progress regularly.
Do you offer anxiety therapy online?
Yes. All of our therapists offer secure video sessions, and research shows online CBT works as well as in person for most people.
Can I use my insurance?
Many of our clients use out-of-network benefits, and we provide monthly superbills to make reimbursement easier. We're in network with Northwell Direct, and some of our therapists are in network with other plans. We'll help you figure out your options during your free consultation. See cost and insurance details.
Ready when you are
A free 15-minute consultation is the easiest first step. Tell us what's going on and we'll match you with the right therapist.