Therapy for Anxiety
Anxiety therapy in Chicago for adults experiencing chronic worry, panic, stress, and emotional overwhelm. Evidence-based treatment helps reduce anxiety symptoms, improve emotional regulation, and build coping skills for daily life.
At Sarah Cline & Associates, we understand that anxiety is a complex and often overwhelming experience.
Our compassionate and supportive approach ensures you will always feel safe, welcomed, and understood.
We work with individuals experiencing symptoms such as constant worrying, irritability, difficulty sleeping, difficulty relaxing, and low self esteem. These challenges can impact daily life, but it doesn’t have to stay that way and you don’t have to navigate a path forward alone.
What Does Anxiety Therapy Help With?
Constant worrying and overthinking
Physical symptoms like increased heart rate and sweating
Panic attacks and sudden feelings of terror
Fear of social situations or public speaking
Intrusive thoughts and obsessive behaviors
Difficulty relaxing and concentrating
Avoidance of situations that trigger anxiety
- For: Adults experiencing anxiety, panic, chronic stress, or emotional overwhelm
- Concerns: Excessive worry, panic attacks, racing thoughts, physical anxiety symptoms, avoidance
- Approach: Evidence-based therapy (CBT, mindfulness-based, compassion-focused)
- Sessions: In-person or telehealth
- Location: Chicago, IL & virtual across Illinois
- Insurance: BCBS, Blue Choice, United, Cigna
How Can Therapy Help With Anxiety in Daily Life?
Our Approach
We believe in guiding our clients with compassion and without judgment.
Our therapists come alongside you to help you understand yourself better. We uncover patterns in thinking and behavior that may contribute to your challenges, always prioritizing compassion for both yourself and others.
Our goal is to help you challenge the notion of perfection and to reassure you that experiencing mental health struggles does not diminish your worth or capability.
How Anxiety Therapy Works
Consultation & Intake
We begin with an initial consultation to understand your experience with anxiety, current stressors, symptoms, and what you’re hoping to get out of therapy. This step is focused on creating comfort, clarity, and a shared understanding.
Understanding Your Anxiety
Early sessions explore how anxiety shows up for you—mentally, emotionally, and physically. Together, we identify patterns, triggers, and coping responses that may be contributing to ongoing distress.
Ongoing Therapeutic Support
Therapy focuses on managing anxiety symptoms, reducing overwhelm, and building tools to navigate worry, panic, and stress more effectively. Sessions move at a pace that feels supportive and manageable.
Integration Into Daily Life
As therapy continues, you’ll work on applying insights and coping strategies outside of sessions—helping anxiety feel more manageable in work, relationships, and everyday situations.
Continued Support or Transition
Therapy continues for as long as it’s helpful. Goals are revisited regularly, with flexibility to adjust focus or plan next steps as your needs change.
A Typical Session
During a 55-60 minute session, your therapist will listen closely without judgment or agenda. You are encouraged to share updates about your well-being, what has been working, and what hasn’t.
The therapist will ask questions and provide insights or feedback. Sessions are an open dialogue and may include:
- Guided imagery
- Exploring & challenging limiting thought patterns
- Practicing skills to shift thinking patterns
- Identifying anxiety triggers
- Body scanning to tune into emotions
- Learning techniques to regulate emotions and calm anxiety
- Working on concrete plans to reduce anxiety
Our compassionate counselors are here to support you through your mental health journey, helping you to feel empowered and take on life with a calming confidence.
Therapy for Anxiety in Chicago
Living in Chicago and its surrounding suburbs comes with unique stressors that can heighten anxiety. The fast pace of neighborhoods like River North, the Loop, and Wicker Park, or the quieter suburban settings of Oak Park, Evanston, and Naperville, can all bring their own pressures. Daily commutes on the CTA Red Line or Metra trains, traffic along the Kennedy Expressway, or even the energy of Millennium Park and Navy Pier can feel overwhelming when anxiety is present.
Statistically, anxiety is one of the most common mental health conditions in Illinois. Roughly 1 in 5 adults in Illinois reports experiencing anxiety each year, with rates in urban centers like Chicago trending even higher due to economic stress, community violence, and workplace demands. In the suburbs, family pressures, academic performance, and long commutes often play a role in increased anxiety levels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you offer anxiety therapy downtown Chicago?
Yes. We serve clients throughout the city, including downtown Chicago. Our office is accessible via CTA and Metra, making it convenient for professionals who work or live in the Loop and surrounding neighborhoods. We also provide telehealth sessions, so you can access therapy from anywhere in Illinois.
Is therapy covered by Illinois-based insurers?
Most Illinois-based insurance plans do provide coverage for anxiety therapy, though coverage depends on your specific plan. We are in-network with several major insurers in Illinois and can help you verify your benefits before starting therapy. We also offer private-pay options if you prefer not to go through insurance.
Is anxiety therapy only for people with diagnosed anxiety disorders?
No. Anxiety therapy can be helpful whether or not you have a formal diagnosis. Many people seek therapy for chronic stress, excessive worry, panic symptoms, or feeling constantly on edge in daily life.
What issues can anxiety therapy help with?
Anxiety therapy can support concerns such as persistent worry, panic attacks, racing thoughts, physical anxiety symptoms, avoidance behaviors, and difficulty managing stress or uncertainty.
Do I need to be in crisis to start anxiety therapy?
No. Many people begin therapy before anxiety reaches a breaking point. Therapy can help you better understand your symptoms, develop coping strategies, and feel more in control day to day.
Is telehealth therapy available for anxiety?
Yes. Telehealth therapy is available and can be an effective option for anxiety treatment, offering flexibility while still providing consistent, structured support.
How long does anxiety therapy usually last?
The length of therapy varies. Some people attend short-term therapy focused on specific symptoms, while others choose ongoing support depending on their goals and needs.
Sources
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American Psychological Association (APA): Anxiety — Overview of anxiety, common symptoms, and evidence-based treatment options, including psychotherapy. APA: Anxiety
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National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): Anxiety Disorders — Information on anxiety disorders, how they affect daily life, and effective treatment approaches. NIMH: Anxiety Disorders
Local Resources for Anxiety in Chicago
Beyond therapy, there are community resources across the Chicago area that can provide additional support:
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NAMI Chicago Helpline (833-626-4244): A free, confidential resource for mental health referrals and support.
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Illinois Warm Line (866-359-7953): Offers peer support for people living with mental health challenges.
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Anxiety & Depression Association of America (Chicago Chapter): Offers support groups and educational resources.
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Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (Chicago-based groups): Free peer-led groups throughout the city.
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Erika’s Lighthouse: A Chicago-area nonprofit supporting youth and families struggling with depression and anxiety.
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211 Metro Chicago: A free line connecting residents to community-based resources, including mental health.
Feel Heard, Feel Safe, Feel Better - Contact Us
In-Person Sessions
2100 Manchester Rd. Suite 501-1
Wheaton, IL. 60187
Virtual Sessions
Throughout Illinois