How to Find the Right Anxiety Therapist in Columbus, Ohio
If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, restless, or stuck in patterns of worry, you’re not alone. Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health concerns in the U.S., and finding the right therapist can make all the difference. Whether you’re dealing with generalized anxiety, panic attacks, or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), the right support can help you feel calmer, more in control, and hopeful about the future.
The truth is, therapy works, but specialized therapy is important. As an anxiety and OCD therapist in Columbus, Ohio, I know how important it is to find someone you connect with and someone who truly understands your struggles and offers proven, effective treatment. Feeling like you can connect with your therapist is the most important ingredient in feeling better! Don’t hesitate to be a little picky. Here’s my honest opinion on what to look for when choosing the best anxiety therapist for you.
1. Look for a Therapist Who Specializes in Anxiety or OCD
Therapists often have different areas of expertise. When searching for an anxiety therapist in Columbus, Ohio, make sure they have training and experience with the type of anxiety you’re facing. For example, if you have OCD, look for a provider trained in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)—the gold-standard treatment backed by decades of research. You might also want to check and see how long they have been practicing. I will say that there are many new therapists and counselors in training who are dynamic, effective and have the latest tools and research in the field. They are often energized, eager and engaged in the therapy relationship. Therapists who are more seasoned have rich experience, a feeling of comfortability in their role and can also provide a dedicated experience, full of reassurance and the knowing that comes with helping others on their path for many years.
2. Check Their Therapy Approach
Some common therapy methods for anxiety include:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps you recognize and change unhelpful thought patterns.
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP): Especially effective for OCD and anxiety, helping you face fears in a structured, supportive way.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy: Teaches you to be present and calm your nervous system.
A good therapist will explain their approach clearly and help you understand what sessions will be like.
3. Make Sure You Feel Comfortable and Understood
Therapy works best when you feel safe, heard, and understood. Many therapists offer a free consultation so you can see if you’re a good match before committing. I recommend having a mindset being able to “shop around” a little and highly recommend that you utilize therapists free consults as a way to see if you would be a good fit. Also, look on the videos on psychology today to see the therapist speaking, or find and follow them on social media to get an idea of their specialty, personality, and how they speak. It is important that if you feel it’s not a good fit you allow yourself permission to keep looking. The most essential part of therapy is feeling a connection or rapport with your therapist.
At Ember & Oak Counseling in Columbus, I offer a free 15-minute consultation so you can ask questions and get a feel for how we might work together.
4. Consider Practical Factors
When choosing a therapist, think about:
Location: Is their office easy to reach from your home or work?
Availability: Do they have openings that fit your schedule?
Cost: Do they take your insurance, or can they provide a superbill for reimbursement?
Online Options: Many Columbus therapists, including myself, offer secure teletherapy sessions for added flexibility.
5. Trust Your Gut
Ultimately, the “best anxiety therapist in Columbus, Ohio” is the one who feels right for you. Trust your instincts after that first meeting or consultation. The consultations when we both feel that “click” is one of my favorite parts of the consultation process. You feel a sense of “this therapist gets me” and know that you will enjoy seeing them every week and sense that there will be a path forward towards healing.
Why Choose Ember & Oak Counseling
At Ember & Oak Counseling, I help women struggling with anxiety and OCD feel more in control of their thoughts, emotions, and lives. Using science-backed approaches like CBT and ERP, we’ll work together to break the cycle of anxiety so you can move forward with confidence.
📍 Located in Columbus, Ohio | 💻 In-person & online sessions available
Ready to take the next step?
Book your free consultation today and let’s start your journey toward calm and clarity.