Anxiety Disorder Specialists in Long Beach

Anxiety isn’t just stress — it can take over your thoughts, affect your body, and make daily life feel impossible. For many, it even leads to substance abuse or worsens existing mental health challenges. The good news? Anxiety is treatable, but only if you have the right specialist by your side.

In Long Beach, you’ll find many options, but not all providers understand the link between anxiety, addiction, and trauma. At The Forge Recovery Center, we specialize in helping people break free from this cycle. Whether for yourself or someone you care about, finding the right anxiety disorder specialist is a critical first step.

Understanding Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety is more than just occasional nervousness. It’s a mental health condition that can deeply affect a person’s daily functioning, relationships, and even physical health. For many, anxiety is persistent, unpredictable, and often connected to other serious issues like substance abuse. Understanding the types, symptoms, and risks is key to knowing when — and why — to seek help.

Common Types of Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety shows up differently depending on the person and the specific disorder. Here are some of the most common types specialists treat:

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Persistent, uncontrollable worry about everyday things like work, health, or relationships, often without a clear cause.

• Panic Disorder: Sudden, intense panic attacks that feel like losing control or experiencing a heart attack.

• Social Anxiety Disorder: Fear of social situations, judgment, or embarrassment, often leading to avoidance of people and events.

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Anxiety triggered by past traumatic events, often accompanied by flashbacks, nightmares, and hypervigilance.

Anxiety Symptoms Go Beyond Feeling "Stressed"

Anxiety is often misunderstood as just being “stressed out,” but the symptoms go far deeper:

• Intrusive, racing thoughts you can’t shut off

• Physical symptoms like chest tightness, rapid heartbeat, or nausea

• Avoidance of situations or places that trigger anxiety

• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions

• Sleep disturbances, including insomnia or nightmares

These symptoms often interfere with work, relationships, and personal well-being.

The Link Between Anxiety, Addiction, and Substance Abuse

Many people turn to substances to manage anxiety symptoms, but this creates a dangerous cycle. Alcohol, prescription drugs, or illicit substances may offer short-term relief but often worsen anxiety over time. This is why anxiety and addiction frequently go hand-in-hand.

Why Professional Help Is Essential

Anxiety doesn’t just go away on its own — especially when paired with addiction or trauma. Specialists trained to treat both anxiety and co-occurring disorders can help you break the cycle. They provide evidence-based therapies, coping strategies, and integrated treatment plans designed for lasting recovery.

What Makes a Good Anxiety Disorder Specialist?

Not all mental health providers are equipped to handle the complexities of anxiety — especially when it’s linked to addiction or trauma. Choosing the right specialist can make the difference between temporary relief and real, lasting recovery. Here’s what to look for when searching for the right professional.

Credentials Matter: Who Is Qualified to Treat Anxiety?

When looking for an anxiety disorder specialist, make sure they have the right qualifications. Different professionals bring different skills to the table:

• Licensed Therapist (LCSW, LMFT, LPC): Trained to provide counseling and therapy, often specializing in anxiety, trauma, or addiction.

• Clinical Psychologist (PhD or PsyD): Experts in psychological testing, diagnosis, and therapy for anxiety disorders and related conditions.

• Psychiatrist (MD or DO): Medical doctors who specialize in mental health and can prescribe medications for anxiety, panic, or co-occurring disorders.

• Dual Diagnosis Specialists: Providers who are specifically trained to treat both anxiety and substance use disorders together, not separately.

Traits That Separate Good Specialists From Average Ones

Beyond the degrees on the wall, the best specialists share key qualities that directly impact treatment success:

• Empathy: They listen without judgment and create a safe space for clients to open up.

• Evidence-Based Approach: They use proven therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure Therapy, or EMDR — not just “talk therapy.”

• Experience with Dual Diagnosis: They understand that anxiety often overlaps with addiction, trauma, or other mental health disorders and know how to treat them together.

• Commitment to Personalization: The best specialists tailor treatment to the individual — there’s no one-size-fits-all solution to anxiety.

Working with someone who checks these boxes increases the chances of meaningful, sustainable recovery.

Top-Rated Anxiety Disorder Specialists in Long Beach

Long Beach has no shortage of mental health professionals, but when it comes to treating anxiety — especially when combined with addiction — finding the right provider is critical. Below is an overview of what makes some of Long Beach’s top-rated specialists stand out.

Where to Find Reputable Anxiety Disorder Specialists in Long Beach

You’ll find anxiety disorder specialists working in a variety of settings, including:

• Private Practices: Many licensed therapists and psychologists offer anxiety treatment through individual or group counseling.

• Mental Health Clinics: Local clinics provide affordable services and often have specialists experienced in anxiety and related conditions.

• Dual Diagnosis Programs: Some centers specialize in treating anxiety alongside substance abuse, which is essential if you or a loved one struggles with both.

• Hospital-Based Programs: Larger medical centers in Long Beach offer psychiatric services, including anxiety treatment.

The Forge Recovery Center: More Than Just Anxiety Treatment

At The Forge Recovery Center, we go beyond traditional anxiety treatment. Many clients we serve don’t just experience anxiety — they face addiction, depression, PTSD, or other co-occurring disorders. That’s why our approach is built around integrated care.

Our team includes licensed therapists, psychologists, and addiction specialists who work together to treat the full picture — not just surface-level symptoms. We tailor every treatment plan to the client’s unique challenges, blending anxiety treatment with addiction recovery and trauma care.

Why Integrated Treatment Matters

Most people with anxiety disorders also battle additional issues — substance use, unresolved trauma, or depression. Treating just one piece rarely works long-term. Our program helps clients:

• Manage anxiety effectively

• Address underlying causes

• Break free from addiction cycles

• Build real-life coping skills for lasting recovery

This is what sets The Forge Recovery Center apart from traditional anxiety treatment providers in Long Beach.

How to Find the Right Anxiety Disorder Specialist Near Me

Finding an anxiety specialist isn’t just about picking the first name you see online — it’s about finding someone who understands your situation and can guide you toward real, lasting recovery. Here’s how to approach your search with confidence.

Practical Tips for Finding an Anxiety Specialist

These steps can help you connect with the right provider:

• Ask for Referrals: Trusted sources — like your primary care doctor, a friend, or another mental health professional — can point you toward reliable specialists.

• Use Online Directories: Look for specialists on psychology-focused platforms (Psychology Today, TherapyDen, GoodTherapy) or insurance networks.

• Check Local Mental Health Resources: Many cities, including Long Beach, have mental health hotlines, community clinics, and nonprofit organizations with referral lists.

• Look for Dual Diagnosis Capability: If you or a loved one is dealing with both anxiety and substance use, filter your search for providers who specialize in both.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

Not every provider is the right fit — here are signs to be cautious of:

• Vague or Generic Treatment Plans: Anxiety treatment shouldn’t be one-size-fits-all.

• Lack of Credentials: Avoid working with anyone who isn’t licensed or properly trained.

• No Experience with Co-Occurring Disorders: If addiction, trauma, or depression are involved, you need someone who knows how to treat both.

• Overpromising Results: No specialist can “cure” anxiety overnight. Be wary of quick fixes.

Why Proximity Matters More Than You Think

You might be tempted to travel far for care, but working with a specialist near you has real advantages:

• Easier to attend appointments consistently

• Less stressful to access during high-anxiety moments

• Better connection to local recovery resources

Being local often means the difference between sticking with treatment and falling off track.

The Forge Recovery Center: A Local Option for Long Beach Residents

If you’re searching for an anxiety disorder specialist near you, The Forge Recovery Center offers what many individuals and families are looking for — professional, integrated treatment close to home. We combine mental health therapy, addiction recovery, and trauma-focused care under one roof, so you don’t have to piece together services from multiple providers.

We’re local, accessible, and focused on helping you make real progress.

Take the First Step Toward Recovery

If you or someone you love is struggling with anxiety, know that help is available — and recovery is possible. You don’t have to manage anxiety, addiction, or mental health challenges alone. The right specialist can make all the difference, and The Forge Recovery Center is here to guide you every step of the way. Our team offers compassionate, personalized care designed to help you regain control and build a healthier future.

To learn more or speak with a specialist, contact The Forge Recovery Center today. Your first step toward lasting recovery starts here.

Written by

The Forge Recovery Center

Reviewed by

Jeremy Arzt

Chief Clinical Officer

April 17, 2025