Online anxiety treatment
in California.
Anxiety disorders are among the most treatable psychiatric conditions — and among the most commonly undertreated. A proper evaluation identifies what's driving the anxiety and whether medication is likely to help.
Request an AppointmentAnxiety isn't one thing
Anxiety disorders are distinct clinical conditions with different presentations and treatment approaches. Getting the type right matters — because treating panic disorder isn't the same as treating generalized anxiety, and both differ from social anxiety disorder.
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) involves pervasive, hard-to-control worry across multiple areas of life. It's less dramatic than panic but more exhausting — the background hum that never fully turns off.
Panic disorder involves recurrent, unexpected panic attacks — sudden surges of intense fear with physical symptoms (racing heart, chest tightness, shortness of breath, derealization) — followed by persistent worry about future attacks or their meaning.
Social anxiety disorder is more than shyness. It involves significant fear of negative evaluation in social situations, leading to avoidance that interferes with work, relationships, or daily functioning.
All three can occur together, and all are treatable.
When anxiety isn't the whole picture
Anxiety symptoms are common to several other conditions. An evaluation considers whether anxiety is the primary diagnosis or whether it may be a manifestation of something else:
- Unrecognized ADHD — chronic underperformance and disorganization often produce secondary anxiety that resolves when the ADHD is addressed
- Mood disorders — anxiety is common in both bipolar and depressive episodes; treating only the anxiety while missing the mood disorder leads to incomplete care
- PTSD — hypervigilance, avoidance, and physiological reactivity can look like generalized anxiety
- Medical causes — hyperthyroidism, cardiac arrhythmias, and stimulant use (including caffeine) can produce or worsen anxiety symptoms
- Substance use — alcohol withdrawal and cannabis use can each present with significant anxiety
These possibilities will be explored in the evaluation. Getting to the right diagnosis is the foundation of effective treatment.
Medication options for anxiety
Most anxiety medications are not controlled substances. First-line options are generally started at a low dose and titrated based on response and tolerability.
SSRIs and SNRIs
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are first-line for most anxiety disorders. Examples include sertraline (Zoloft), escitalopram (Lexapro), and venlafaxine (Effexor). They're not controlled substances, and while they take several weeks to reach full effect, they significantly reduce anxiety for most patients.
Buspirone
Buspirone is a non-controlled, non-sedating option specifically used for generalized anxiety. It doesn't work for acute or situational anxiety, but it can be effective for ongoing background anxiety with minimal side effects.
Hydroxyzine
Hydroxyzine is an antihistamine used for acute anxiety. It's not a controlled substance and carries no dependency risk. It can be useful for situational anxiety or as a bridging option while a longer-term medication is being established.
Propranolol
Propranolol, a beta-blocker, is sometimes used for situational or performance anxiety (such as public speaking or testing). It reduces the physical symptoms of anxiety — heart rate, tremor — without causing sedation. It is not a treatment for underlying anxiety disorders.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines (such as lorazepam or clonazepam) are effective for short-term anxiety relief but carry risks of tolerance, dependence, and withdrawal. They are used cautiously and generally not prescribed as a long-term treatment. The clinical picture, history, and risk factors are reviewed carefully before considering this class.
Medication decisions are individualized and depend on diagnosis, medical history, current medications, safety considerations, and clinical appropriateness. This page is educational and does not replace individualized medical advice. If you are in crisis, call 988 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Medication, therapy, or both?
For most anxiety disorders, the evidence supports a combination of medication and therapy as more effective than either alone. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the best-studied psychotherapy for anxiety and produces durable results because it changes thought patterns and behaviors rather than just reducing symptoms temporarily.
Umbrella Mental Health provides psychiatric services, not formal psychotherapy. If you don't currently see a therapist, a referral can be coordinated. Many patients start medication while getting on a therapy waitlist — which reduces suffering in the interim without compromising the therapy work later.
Insurance and cost
Umbrella Mental Health accepts: Aetna, Cigna, Quest Behavioral Health, Carelon Behavioral Health, and Anthem Blue Cross California. Don't see your plan? Call (323) 970-2625 or email info@umhcare.com. Out-of-network and self-pay options may be available. See insurance details.
How telehealth works
All appointments are conducted via secure video. You need a device with a camera, a stable internet connection, and a private space. No app required — a link is sent before your appointment. Services are available to adults throughout California, Monday through Friday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM PT.
Anxiety that you've managed alone for years doesn't have to stay that way.
Request an AppointmentAnxiety questions,
answered plainly.
Yes. Following a thorough evaluation, anxiety medication can be prescribed via telehealth. Most first-line anxiety medications are not controlled substances and can be initiated at or after the first appointment, depending on the evaluation findings.
No. Medication is one option, not a requirement. The evaluation will clarify what's driving your anxiety and whether medication, therapy, or a combination makes the most sense. Some people do well with therapy alone; others benefit significantly from medication. The goal is finding what works for you specifically.
Panic disorder responds well to treatment. SSRIs significantly reduce panic frequency over time. For acute episodes, hydroxyzine can be helpful. We'll also discuss what's actually happening during a panic attack — understanding the physiology changes how terrifying they feel.
Umbrella Mental Health provides psychiatric services — evaluation, medication management, and supportive care — not formal psychotherapy. The combination of medication and CBT often produces better outcomes than either alone. I can coordinate a referral to a therapist if you don't currently see one.
Ready to get started?
Request an evaluation and your appointment will be confirmed within one business day.