Around 40% of adults in Pennsylvania have reported experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression.¹ If you’re anxious and ready to seek treatment, know you’re not alone. Taking steps to address anxiety is a sign of strength, not weakness. It takes courage to recognize your challenges and pursue ways to improve your mental well-being.

New Directions Mental Health is committed to delivering compassionate, effective anxiety treatment across Southwestern Pennsylvania, including Pittsburgh. Our dedicated providers work with you at your own pace, offering personalized care designed to empower your journey toward healing and well-being. Together, we’ll uncover the factors contributing to your anxiety and create tailored strategies to manage symptoms, helping you live a more balanced, fulfilling life.

Introduction to mental health and anxiety

Mental health plays a vital role in our overall well-being, shaping the way we think, feel, and behave. It encompasses our emotional, psychological, and social health and influences every aspect of our lives. Good mental health allows us to cope with stress, make healthy choices, maintain positive relationships, and fulfill our potential.

Anxiety is one of the most common mental health issues, and it can make life feel stressful or overwhelming. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the United States, affecting over 40 million adults aged 18 years and above.² Despite its prevalence, only about 36.9% of those suffering from anxiety receive treatment.²

People with anxiety might feel nervous, worried, or afraid, even when there isn’t anything dangerous happening. Understanding mental health and learning ways to manage anxiety can help people feel stronger and more in control of their lives.

Recognizing anxiety disorders

Anxiety looks different for everyone, but most people experiencing it share a sense of fear or worry that feels hard to control. The most common anxiety disorders include:

• Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD): Persistent worry about everyday matters, such as finances, relationships, or work, often without a clear cause.
• Panic disorder: Sudden episodes of intense fear that cause physical reactions, such as chest pain, rapid heartbeat, and shortness of breath.
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD): Recurring, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) that can interfere with daily life.
• Social anxiety disorder: Extreme fear of social interactions or being judged, leading to avoidance of gatherings or public speaking.

Symptoms to watch for

• Restlessness or feeling on edge
• Muscle tension, headaches, or stomach problems
• Racing heart or sweating without physical exertion
• Trouble sleeping or constant fatigue
• Difficulty concentrating or feeling like your mind “goes blank”

Anxiety is more than “being stressed.” It can affect nervous system responses, mood, and physical health all at once. Since no two people experience anxiety in the same way, a personalized assessment is essential. At New Directions Mental Health, providers take time to listen to your story, understand your triggers, and tailor treatment to fit your life.

Evidence-based treatment at New Directions Mental Health

Effective anxiety treatment is rooted in approaches backed by research. At New Directions Mental Health, our team uses therapies proven to help clients manage anxiety and reclaim peace of mind.

Common treatment options include:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): Teaches clients to identify and challenge anxious thoughts, replacing them with more balanced ones.
• Exposure therapy: Helps individuals face fears gradually in a safe and supportive environment, reducing the power of triggers over time.
• Mindfulness-based therapy: Encourages focusing on the present moment, reducing racing thoughts, and improving emotional regulation.
• Medication management: For some clients, psychiatric providers may recommend medication alongside therapy. This approach can reduce physical symptoms of anxiety and support long-term progress.

It’s important to know that while these are some of the most common approaches, New Directions Mental Health offers a wide range of treatment options. Your care team strives to understand your unique needs and goals, aiming to create a plan with therapies and supports that work well for you.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy explained

CBT is often considered the “gold standard” in treating anxiety,³ but what does that mean for you?

During CBT sessions, you work with a therapist to:

• Identify negative thought patterns (for example, “I can’t handle this meeting”).
• Challenge those thoughts with evidence (“I’ve managed meetings before, and I can prepare this time”).
• Replace them with more realistic, helpful thoughts.

CBT also focuses on behaviors. If anxiety causes you to avoid situations, CBT helps you face them step by step with strategies to cope. Over time, you may notice:

• Reduced intensity and frequency of anxious thoughts.
• Increased confidence in handling stress.
• Improved ability to stay present in daily life.

Progress is measured in practical ways, such as how often you can complete activities you once avoided or how quickly you recover from moments of high anxiety. Many clients feel relief within weeks, with lasting improvements when therapy continues.

It’s important to note that CBT is just one of many tools. At New Directions Mental Health, therapists use a variety of therapeutic approaches, so your care feels personal and effective.

Teletherapy and in-person therapy options

Life can be busy, and anxiety often makes it harder to take that first step toward care. To make treatment more accessible, New Directions Mental Health offers both teletherapy and in-person sessions.

Teletherapy

• Secure video sessions that allow you to meet with a therapist from the comfort of your home.
• A great option if travel or mobility is a challenge.
• Many clients find it easier to open up in a familiar setting.

In-person therapy

• Available at multiple Pittsburgh-area clinics.
• Provides a safe, private space where you can step away from daily responsibilities and focus fully on treatment.
• Some people prefer a direct connection with their provider.

Whether you choose teletherapy or in-person sessions, you’ll receive the same level of professional, compassionate care. Your provider will help you decide which option best supports your comfort, needs, and schedule.

Local therapy centers and support

New Directions Mental Health offers care at convenient locations throughout the Pittsburgh region, including Greensburg, Wexford, Monroeville, South Hills, Meadowlands, and more. Each center is designed to provide a welcoming environment where clients feel respected and supported.

When you begin treatment at one of our centers, you’ll find:

• Collaborative providers who work with you to build coping strategies.
• Encouragement to develop confidence and self-esteem.
• Practical skills to improve communication, relationships, and daily life.

We know starting therapy can feel intimidating. Our goal is to make each clinic a place of comfort, healing, and hope for every client who walks through the doors.

Self-care and wellness strategies

While therapy is the foundation of treatment, small daily habits can also play a big role in reducing anxiety. New Directions Mental Health encourages clients to pair professional support with lifestyle strategies, such as:

• Mindfulness practices: Deep breathing, meditation, or journaling can help calm the nervous system.
• Regular movement: Exercise releases endorphins that improve mood and reduce stress.
• Sleep routines: Consistent rest supports brain health and emotional balance.
• Healthy connections: Spending time with supportive friends or family helps build resilience.

Our providers often integrate these strategies into treatment, empowering clients to feel more in control between therapy sessions.

Family and community support

Anxiety doesn’t just affect the person experiencing it. It can impact families, friendships, and communities. At New Directions Mental Health, we recognize the importance of involving supportive people in your journey when appropriate.

• Family therapy sessions may be offered to improve communication and understanding.
• Community connections, such as peer groups or support resources, can reinforce progress.
• Education helps loved ones understand what anxiety is and isn’t, allowing them to offer encouragement instead of judgment.

Clients often feel more confident and motivated to continue their healing journey with the right support system.

Getting started with anxiety treatment

Taking the first step toward treatment may feel daunting, but New Directions Mental Health is here to make it easier. Here’s what you can expect:

1. Initial contact: Call us at 724.374.7414 or complete our online form. Our intake team will help match you with the right provider.
2. First consultation: During your first appointment, your provider will ask about your symptoms, health history, and goals for treatment.
3. Ongoing care: Together, you’ll create a personalized plan that may include therapy, psychiatric support, or interventional options if needed.

Beginning treatment is a sign of strength. With the right support, you can learn to manage anxiety, find relief, and move forward with confidence.

Find healing and schedule your appointment today

New Directions Mental Health is here to help you manage your anxiety and support your overall mental health. Our therapy, psychiatric care, medication management, and telehealth options set clients up for success in their healing journey. You can call us today at 724.374.7414 to schedule an appointment with one of our compassionate providers.

For new clients, please click here to schedule an appointment. For existing clients, please click here and find your office location to contact your office directly.

Sources:

1. National Alliance on Mental Illness. “Mental Health in Pennsylvania.” Accessed August 29, 2025.
2. Anxiety & Depression Association of America (ADAA). “Anxiety Disorders – Facts & Statistics. Accessed August 29, 2025.
3. NIH: National Library of Medicine. “Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy in Anxiety Disorders: Current State of the Evidence. Accessed August 29, 2025.