Anxiety disorders will affect about one-third of adults and adolescents in the United States at some point in their lives. Fortunately, there are residential and outpatient treatment programs specifically designed to address anxiety-related mental health conditions. If your symptoms are severe, unmanageable or interfering with your day-to-day ability to function, you can check yourself into rehab for anxiety treatment.
Here’s what you should know about rehab for anxiety, including how it works, who it helps and what to expect if you choose to enter a program.
What Does Rehab for Anxiety Mean?
Rehab for anxiety refers to a structured mental health treatment program in which individuals receive intensive support for anxiety-related disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder and social anxiety. Treatment may be provided through an inpatient program, where you stay at the facility 24-7, or an outpatient program, where you attend therapy for part of the day and return home each evening.
Anxiety treatment programs typically utilize a combination of approaches, such as:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Exposure and response prevention (ERP)
- Medication evaluation and management
- Group therapy
- Skills training for emotional regulation
- Support for co-occurring conditions such as depression or trauma
Unlike traditional weekly therapy sessions, anxiety rehab offers a more immersive environment that provides daily treatment. This can be life-changing for those dealing with persistent anxiety that hasn’t improved with other forms of care.
Who Should Consider Rehab for Anxiety?
You might consider checking into a treatment center if:
- Anxiety is making it hard to work, study or maintain relationships.
- You’ve tried therapy or medication but haven’t found relief.
- You experience frequent panic attacks or constant dread.
- Your symptoms are worsening or accompanied by depression.
- You’re isolating or using substances to cope.
- You’ve thought about harming yourself or feel emotionally unsafe.
Even if your symptoms don’t seem severe, you still deserve help. Seeking treatment for anxiety early on can also prevent more serious complications from developing in the future.
What Is Generalized Anxiety Disorder?
Generalized anxiety disorder, or GAD, is one of the most common anxiety-related mental health conditions and often responds well to professional treatment. It’s defined by:
- Excessive worry most days for at least 6 months
- Difficulty controlling the worry
- Symptoms such as fatigue, irritability, tension and poor sleep
- Worry that’s disproportionate to actual events or outcomes
GAD can be treated with therapy, medication or a combination of the two. In more complex or chronic cases, receiving treatment for GAD in a structured rehab setting may provide the level of support needed to stabilize the condition.
Can You Be Hospitalized for Severe Anxiety?
Yes, you can be hospitalized for severe anxiety, especially if you experience suicidal thoughts, self-harming behavior or a complete emotional shutdown. Hospitalization is usually short-term and focused on immediate safety and stabilization.
However, you may need to enter a rehab program after hospitalization. Once you’re safe, you may be referred to:
- A partial hospitalization program (PHP)
- An intensive outpatient program (IOP)
- A residential mental health facility for longer-term care
Each of these programs provides a specific level of structure and support, so the one chosen depends on your needs. Voluntary admission is always an option, and often you can self-refer without needing a doctor’s recommendation.
What Happens in Anxiety Rehab?
Every rehab program is different, but most follow a consistent model that includes:
Assessment and Diagnosis
Your care team will evaluate your symptoms, history and goals to create a personalized treatment plan.
Daily Therapy
Expect multiple therapy sessions each day, which may include:
- Individual therapy
- Group processing
- Skills-based groups such as dialectical behavior therapy or mindfulness-based stress reduction
Medication Support
You may meet with a psychiatrist who can prescribe or adjust medications to help manage your symptoms.
Holistic Support
Many programs also include:
- Nutrition counseling
- Yoga or exercise therapy
- Art, music or experiential therapy
- Family therapy sessions or education
Aftercare Planning
As discharge approaches, your team will help arrange needed follow-up care, which may include therapy sessions, medication management or outpatient programs.
Benefits of Checking Into Rehab for Anxiety
Rehab isn’t just about surviving anxiety. It’s about creating a life in which you can function, feel safe in your body and connect with the world again. The potential benefits of rehab include:
- Faster symptom relief through daily support and structured care
- Safety and supervision if your symptoms seem out of control
- Peer support from others going through similar experiences
- Time away from stressors to focus solely on your healing
- Comprehensive care for co-occurring issues such as trauma, depression or addiction
Finding a Program That Fits
When researching anxiety treatment centers, look for:
- Programs that treat anxiety as a primary condition
- Credentialed staff, including psychiatrists and licensed therapists
- Recognized treatment modalities, such as CBT, DBT and ERP
- A track record of success treating anxiety-related disorders
- Flexible levels of care, including outpatient options if needed
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, many mental health rehab facilities accept self-referrals. You don’t need to wait until a medical crisis occurs or require a doctor’s order.
No. Many rehab centers also specialize in treating mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
An evidence-based therapy such as CBT, along with medication if needed, is considered the gold standard. In a rehab setting, care is provided in an immersive, supportive format, which can offer faster results.
Treatment programs vary in length. Inpatient programs may last for 2–6 weeks. Partial hospitalization or outpatient programs can range from 4 to 12 weeks in length. Your care team will recommend a timeline based on your progress and needs.
Private insurance plans, Medicare and Medicaid may include coverage for anxiety treatment. Many rehab centers accept insurance, and some may offer payment plans or scholarships to help with the cost.
Take the First Step By Reaching Out
Anxiety doesn’t have to control your life. Whether you’re dealing with constant worry, panic attacks or feelings of dread, checking yourself into rehab for anxiety treatment can help you reclaim your peace. Contact us at the Mental Health Hotline for advice on anxiety treatment options in your area. Our professional counselors are available 24-7 to help you evaluate your rehab options and guide you toward the right fit — confidentially and at no cost.
