If worry, panic, or fear feel like they're running your life, or your child's, you're not alone, and it's treatable. At Maryland CBT Center, we specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), the gold-standard, research-backed treatments for anxiety disorders.

What Is an Anxiety Disorder?

Anxiety becomes a disorder when worry, fear, or physical tension are persistent, disproportionate to the actual situation, and interfere with daily life. This can show up as:

• Generalized anxiety : chronic, hard-to-control worry about everyday things (health, school, work, relationships)

• Panic attacks : sudden episodes of intense fear with physical symptoms like racing heart, shortness of breath, or dizziness

• Social anxiety : intense fear of judgment or embarrassment in social or performance situations

• Specific phobias : strong, persistent fear of a particular object or situation

Anxiety often overlaps with related concerns we also treat, including perfectionism, health anxiety, and difficulty tolerating uncertainty.

Common Signs of Anxiety in Children, Teens, and Adults

• Frequent stomachaches or headaches with no medical cause

• Difficulty separating from parents or excessive reassurance-seeking

• Avoidance of school, social situations, or new experiences

• Trouble sleeping or frequent nightmares

• Irritability or meltdowns that seem tied to worry

• Racing thoughts or a persistent sense of dread

• Physical symptoms like muscle tension, fatigue, or a racing heart

• Avoidance of situations, conversations, or responsibilities out of fear

• Trouble concentrating or constant "what if" thinking

• Sleep difficulties tied to worry

How We Treat Anxiety: CBT and ACT

CBT is considered the most effective therapy for anxiety, with decades of research supporting it. Treatment involves:

1. Assessment : We start by understanding your specific worries, triggers, and how anxiety impacts your daily life.

2. Identifying thought patterns : Together, we uncover the thinking patterns that fuel anxious feelings.

3. Building skills : You'll learn practical tools to challenge unhelpful thoughts and gradually face avoided situations.

4. Practice and exposure : Over time, this retrains your brain to tolerate uncertainty and discomfort without relying on avoidance for relief.

We also draw on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help clients build a healthier relationship with anxious thoughts and reduce avoidance.

Who We Treat

Our therapists work with children, teens, and adults experiencing:

• Generalized anxiety and chronic worry

• Panic disorder and panic attacks

• Social anxiety and performance anxiety

• Specific phobias

• School-related anxiety and separation anxiety

• Anxiety related to major life transitions or high-stress careers

Why Families Choose Maryland CBT Center

• Licensed psychologists trained specifically in evidence-based anxiety treatment

• Individualized treatment plans for children, teens, and adults

• A supportive, non-judgmental environment — starting therapy can feel like a big step, and we work to make that first session comfortable

• In-person sessions in Bethesda, MD, or telehealth across PSYPACT states including DC and Virginia

Frequently Asked Questions

Is anxiety treatable without medication? Yes. CBT has strong research support as a standalone treatment. Some clients also benefit from combining therapy with medication, which we can help coordinate with your prescriber.

How long does anxiety treatment take? This varies by individual, but many clients begin noticing meaningful change within 8–16 sessions of consistent CBT work.

My child seems anxious but I'm not sure how serious it is. Can you help? Yes — our first step is always a thorough assessment to understand what's driving the anxiety and recommend the right approach.