Anxiety Disorder Treatment

Evidence-based treatment for anxiety disorders in Mercer, McDowell, and Wyoming counties

Understanding Anxiety Disorders in Rural West Virginia

Comprehensive anxiety treatment for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, social anxiety, and phobias. Evidence-based therapy and medication management available at all locations.

At Southern Highlands Community Mental Health Center, we've been providing evidence-based care for anxiety disorders in Mercer, McDowell, and Wyoming counties since 1968. As a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC), we understand the unique challenges facing rural Appalachian communities—economic hardship, limited access to specialists, transportation barriers, and the stigma that still surrounds mental health care in small towns.

Our integrated care model means you don't need to drive hours to see a psychiatrist in Charleston or coordinate between multiple providers across different systems. Your therapist, psychiatrist, case manager, and peer support specialist work as one team, sharing information and adjusting your treatment plan together. This coordination—rare in rural healthcare—leads to better outcomes and fewer gaps in care.

Why Local, Integrated Care Matters

In Southern West Virginia, the nearest psychiatric hospital may be 90 minutes away. The nearest trauma specialist might only accept private insurance. And if you're in crisis at 10 PM on a Saturday, your options are often limited to an emergency room that isn't equipped for mental health emergencies.

We're different. Our 24/7 Crisis Stabilization Unit is staffed by local clinicians who know our community. When you call our crisis line, you're not routed to a national call center—you're speaking with someone who understands what it means to live in Princeton, Mullens, or Rockview. And because we're a CCBHC, we will not turn you away due to inability to pay. If you need help, we provide it—regardless of insurance status.

Our Treatment Approach for Anxiety Disorders

Treatment begins with a comprehensive evaluation where we learn about your symptoms, medical history, current stressors, and goals. We don't use cookie-cutter treatment plans. What works for someone in a large city with robust family support may not work for someone in rural Appalachia managing chronic pain, unemployment, or caring for aging parents while working two jobs.

Your treatment plan may include individual therapy, medication management with our psychiatrists, group therapy, peer support from someone who's been through similar challenges, and case management to help with practical barriers like transportation, insurance navigation, or connecting to other community resources. If you need more intensive support, we offer residential treatment programs and can coordinate with primary care, schools, courts, or other providers.

What to Expect: Your First Visit

1. Scheduling & Walk-Ins

Call +1-304-425-9541 to schedule an appointment, or walk in during office hours at any of our six locations. If you're in crisis, call our 24/7 Crisis Line at +1-800-615-0122.

2. Initial Evaluation (60-90 minutes)

A licensed clinician will meet with you to understand what you're experiencing, how long symptoms have been present, what's helped or hasn't helped in the past, and what your goals are. We'll ask about medical history, medications, family history, and current stressors. This isn't an interrogation—it's a conversation to help us understand how to best support you.

What to bring: Photo ID, insurance card (if you have one), list of current medications, and any questions you want to ask. If you don't have insurance, we'll discuss sliding-scale fees and help you apply for coverage if eligible.

3. Treatment Planning

Together, we'll create a treatment plan tailored to your needs. This might include weekly therapy sessions, a psychiatric evaluation for medication, group therapy, or connection to peer support. We'll explain what each service involves, how often you'll be seen, and what the goals are. You're part of the decision-making process—this is your treatment, and your input matters.

4. Ongoing Care & Coordination

Your care team meets regularly to discuss your progress and adjust treatment as needed. If you're also seeing a primary care doctor, we can coordinate with them (with your permission). If you need help with transportation, housing, or other practical barriers, our case managers can connect you to community resources. Recovery isn't linear, and we're here for the long haul.

Common Signs & Symptoms

If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, professional help is available:

Excessive worry or fear
Restlessness or feeling on edge
Rapid heartbeat or palpitations
Sweating, trembling, or shaking
Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Difficulty sleeping
Avoiding situations that trigger anxiety
Panic attacks

Need immediate help?

If you're in crisis, call our 24/7 crisis line:

+1-800-615-0122

Treatment Options

Our comprehensive approach to treating anxiety disorders includes:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Exposure therapy for phobias

Medication management (SSRIs, benzodiazepines)

Relaxation and mindfulness techniques

Group therapy for social anxiety

Related Services

Adult Mental Health Services Telehealth Options Crisis Stabilization

Treatment Approaches

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Group Therapy All Treatment Types

Getting Started

Request Services First Visit Guide Insurance & Payment

Why Choose SHCMHC for Anxiety Disorders Treatment?

58 Years of Experience

Trusted mental health care since 1968

Expert Team

Licensed psychiatrists, therapists, and counselors

6 Convenient Locations

Serving Mercer, McDowell, and Wyoming counties

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between normal worry and an anxiety disorder?

Everyone worries — that's normal. An anxiety disorder is different in that the worry is excessive, difficult to control, and disproportionate to the actual situation. It interferes with your ability to work, maintain relationships, or get through daily tasks. If your anxiety is consuming hours of your day, keeping you from doing things you need or want to do, or causing physical symptoms like a racing heart or trouble sleeping, that's a sign that clinical support would help.

Can anxiety be treated without medication?

Yes, for many people. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and exposure-based therapy are highly effective for anxiety disorders without medication. If your symptoms are severe, or if therapy alone isn't providing enough relief, medication — typically SSRIs or SNRIs — can be added. Medication is a tool, not a requirement. Our team will discuss all options and you're always part of the decision.

I have panic attacks. Is that treatable?

Absolutely. Panic disorder responds very well to treatment. CBT helps you understand the cycle that triggers panic attacks and teaches you how to interrupt it. Breathing and grounding techniques can reduce the severity of attacks. Medication can lower baseline anxiety so attacks become less frequent. Most people with panic disorder see significant improvement with treatment.

What if I'm too anxious to even come in for an appointment?

This is more common than you might think, and we're prepared for it. Telehealth is available if coming in feels overwhelming. You're also welcome to bring a support person to your first visit. Our intake staff are trained to make the process as low-pressure as possible — there's no judgment here. The first call is often the hardest step.

How long does anxiety treatment take?

For specific phobias, structured exposure therapy can produce meaningful results in as few as 6 to 12 sessions. Generalized anxiety disorder and social anxiety typically take longer — usually 3 to 6 months of regular therapy. Many people choose to continue with periodic check-ins after initial improvement to maintain their gains and manage stress during difficult life periods.