Feeling Overwhelmed Trying to Find an Anxiety Therapist in L.A.? You’re Not Alone.
Trying to find the right anxiety therapist in Los Angeles can feel like a full-time job — especially when you’re already anxious. You’ve probably spent hours scrolling through Psychology Today or Google Maps, clicking on therapist bios that all kind of say the same thing. Everyone claims they “treat anxiety.” But do they really know how anxiety works in your body, in your nervous system, in your relationships?
If you’re the kind of person who seems fine on the outside but feels like you’re falling apart inside — this guide is for you.
A Therapist-Backed Strategy to Find the Right Fit
I’m Cheryl Groskopf, LMFT, LPCC — an anxiety therapist in Los Angeles who specializes in nervous system regulation and somatic healing. Over the years, I’ve worked with hundreds of high-functioning, deeply self-aware adults who are emotionally exhausted from constantly bracing, fixing, and performing.
When looking for a therapist to treat your anxiety, it’s not just about “finding someone you vibe with.” It’s about knowing how to tell the difference between a therapist who says they treat anxiety and one who actually knows how to help you feel safe in your body again.
This 10-step guide will walk you through exactly what to look for, what questions to ask, and how to know when a therapist is actually equipped to help you — so you can stop wasting energy and start healing for real.
Step 1. Spend some time thinking about what you would like to work on
To prevent what may feel like endless clicks that lead to nowhere, spend some time thinking about what you would like to work on. Are you seeking couples therapy or individual therapy? Do you prefer to do sessions in-person or online from your own home? Start with the most basic questions, which will help you narrow down your search.
Step 2. What type of therapy is the best therapy for you, right now, in this very moment?
You don’t need to know modalities, but having an understanding of what type of framework would work best for you is helpful. If you are having trouble in your relationships with others, then seeing a therapist who specializes in grief counseling would probably not be a good fit. Here are some examples:
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- Are you in a very specific situation that is causing you anxiety-related symptoms? Having trouble making decisions or goals? Looking for short-term treatment with a focus on problem solving? Then solution-focused therapy or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) may be a great fit.
Step 3. Referrals – Ask around to find the best anxiety therapist in Los Angeles!
Have a friend or co-worker who is always talking about how amazing their therapist is? Ask them for the deets! How did they find them? If this approach seems a little intrusive to you, or you simply don’t feel comfortable asking, then your primary care physician could help point you in the right direction.
Step 4. What’s your budget?
Therapy should never be an extra burden or stressor in your life. So ask yourself – what are you willing to spend on treatment? Are you paying with insurance or out-of-pocket? If you have a PPO, you may qualify for partial reimbursement utilizing “Superbills.” If your counselor has a website, save some time by checking it out. They most likely have their fees displayed.
Step 5. Google, Google, and more Google
Now comes the research! Google is a great resource, and you could even start by googling “find an anxietytherapist near me” or “best anxiety therapists in Los Angeles.” If you made a list of possible matches, but not sure which ones to reach out to, then check their website. Do they specialize in what you are looking for? Do you like their vibe, and if not, cross it off your list!
Step 6. Praise yourself
Honestly, if you only take one tidbit from this article, this would be it. Don’t forget to check in and praise yourself throughout the process. Finding a therapist can be time consuming, exhausting, and downright frustrating. Giving yourself a much needed pat on the back can help you from getting discouraged. Remember that moment when you realized you wanted to invest in yourself? It’s still there. And if you’ve made it this far, you’re doing a damn good job.
Step 7. Online directories
Online directories can also be helpful. Sites like Psychology Today and TherapyDen are super popular, and have some pretty cool features. They give you the options to filter what you are looking for by specialty, location, gender, etc.
Step 8. Book a Consultation
This is one of the most underutilized tools out there! If your prospective therapist offers free consultations (IMO this is an absolute necessity), then book it!
Step 9. Ask yourself if you feel comfortable talking to them
Feeling comfortable with your therapist is an essential part of your healing. If you don’t get a good vibe during the consultation, then how will it be possible to show up authentically every week?
You could have the most sought after therapist in the world. You could conjure up Freud himself (well, not really, but you get the point). But if you don’t feel comfortable, then it is not a good fit. End of story.
Step 10. Continue to check in with yourself
If you feel like it ultimately is not a good fit, you don’t have to commit. We won’t take it personally, and will try to help steer you in the right direction.
Or maybe you found a good anxiety therapist in LA, and it is a great fit, but you’re not getting enough of what you want in your sessions. Perhaps you want more “homework” assigned to you to work on between sessions. Or maybe they are focused too much on problem solving, and you want to process more issues from the past. Let them know! You know yourself better than we ever will.
Online Anxiety Therapy in Los Angeles
I’d love to help you, too. Click here to schedule your free 15- minute consultation for anxiety therapy in Los Angeles, CA. My specialties include treatment for anxiety, trauma, and improving the quality of relationships by examining your attachment style. It is time to call and get help. You’ve waited long enough.
