Anxiety Treatment & Medication Management in Rolling Hills Estates
Find relief from anxiety with expert, compassionate psychiatric care and personalized medication management.
Find Relief From Anxiety With Expert, Compassionate Care
Anxiety doesn’t have to control your life. When worry, panic, or fear interfere with your daily activities, relationships, or peace of mind, it’s time to get help. At Breakthrough Mental Health in Rolling Hills Estates, we provide evidence-based anxiety treatment that addresses your symptoms while honoring your unique experience.
Led by Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Irine Achuamang, MSN, PMHNP, our practice specializes in medication management for all types of anxiety disorders. We serve patients throughout the South Bay, including Palos Verdes, Torrance, Redondo Beach, Manhattan Beach, and surrounding communities
Understanding Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety is more than just feeling stressed or worried. Anxiety disorders are real medical conditions that cause excessive, persistent fear and worry that disrupts daily life. These conditions are among the most common mental health issues in America, affecting over 40 million adults—and they’re highly treatable.
The difference between normal anxiety and an anxiety disorder comes down to severity, duration, and impact. Everyone feels anxious sometimes—before a big presentation, during a job interview, or when facing a difficult decision. That’s normal. But when anxiety becomes overwhelming, lasts for months, interferes with your work or relationships, or causes you to avoid situations, it may be an anxiety disorder that needs professional treatment.
Types Of Anxiety Disorders We Treat
Our psychiatric medication management services address a wide range of mental health conditions:
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD):
Chronic, excessive worry about everyday things—work, health, family, finances—that’s difficult to control and lasts six months or longer. Physical symptoms often include restlessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, muscle tension, and sleep disturbances.
Panic Disorder:
Recurrent, unexpected panic attacks—sudden episodes of intense fear with physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, or feeling like you’re losing control. Many people with panic disorder develop fear of having another panic attack, which can lead to avoiding situations.
Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia):
Intense fear of social situations where you might be judged, embarrassed, or scrutinized by others. This goes beyond shyness—it can make everyday interactions like eating in public, speaking up at work, or attending gatherings feel terrifying.
Specific Phobias:
Intense, irrational fear of specific objects or situations (heights, flying, needles, spiders, blood, etc.) that leads to avoidance and significant distress.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD):
Intrusive, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) that cause anxiety, combined with repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) performed to reduce that anxiety.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD):
Anxiety and other symptoms that develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Symptoms include intrusive memories, nightmares, flashbacks, hypervigilance, and avoidance of reminders of the trauma.
Signs You May Need Anxiety Treatment
Consider seeking professional help if you experience:
Excessive worry that's difficult to control, lasting most days for six months or more
Panic attacks with rapid heartbeat, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, or feeling like you're dying
Avoiding situations, places, or people due to fear or anxiety
Physical symptoms like muscle tension, headaches, stomach problems, or chronic pain
Sleep disturbances from racing thoughts or worry
Difficulty concentrating or feeling like your mind goes blank
Feeling constantly on edge, irritable, or restless
Anxiety that interferes with work performance, relationships, or daily activities
Using alcohol or substances to cope with anxiety
Our Approach To Anxiety Treatment
Effective anxiety treatment is highly personalized. After a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation, we create an individualized treatment plan that may include medication management, lifestyle recommendations, and therapy referrals.
Medication Management for Anxiety
Several types of medications have proven effective for treating anxiety disorders:
- SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors): First-line medications for long-term anxiety management. Examples include sertraline (Zoloft), escitalopram (Lexapro), fluoxetine (Prozac), and paroxetine (Paxil). These medications typically take 2-6 weeks to show full benefits and are not addictive.
- SNRIs (Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors): Also first-line treatments, particularly effective for anxiety with coexisting depression or chronic pain. Examples include venlafaxine (Effexor) and duloxetine (Cymbalta).
- Buspirone: A non-addictive anti-anxiety medication specifically for generalized anxiety disorder. Takes several weeks to work but has fewer side effects than some other options.
- Beta-blockers: Helpful for managing physical symptoms of anxiety like rapid heartbeat, trembling, or sweating—particularly useful for performance anxiety or social situations.
- Benzodiazepines: Short-term relief for severe anxiety or panic attacks. Examples include alprazolam (Xanax), clonazepam (Klonopin), and lorazepam (Ativan). We prescribe these carefully due to potential for dependence, typically for specific situations or while waiting for other medications to take effect.
We carefully select medications based on your specific type of anxiety, symptom severity, medical history, other medications you’re taking, and your treatment goals. We monitor your response closely and adjust your treatment plan to ensure both effectiveness and tolerability.
Integrated Treatment Approach
While medication can be highly effective for anxiety, many patients benefit from combining medication with psychotherapy. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has strong evidence for treating anxiety disorders. We’re happy to coordinate with your therapist or provide referrals to qualified therapists in the area who specialize in anxiety treatment.
Why Choose Breakthrough Mental Health For anxiety Treatment
Specialized Expertise
Irine Achuamang has extensive experience treating all types of anxiety disorders with the latest evidence-based approaches.
Personalized Treatment Plans
We don’t use cookie-cutter approaches. Your anxiety treatment is tailored to your specific type of anxiety, symptoms, and life circumstances.
Comprehensive Medication Options
Access to the full range of anxiety medications, from non-addictive first-line treatments to short-term options when needed.
Careful Monitoring
Regular follow-ups to assess your progress, manage side effects, and optimize your treatment for the best results.
Collaborative Care
We work in partnership with Dr. Austina B. Cho, MD, and can coordinate with your therapist for integrated treatment.
Compassionate Support
We understand how debilitating anxiety can be, and we’re here to provide judgment-free, empathetic care.
Insurance Accepted
In-network with Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, Anthem Blue Cross California, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions About Anxiety treatment
How long does it take for anxiety medication to work?
The timeline varies by medication type. SSRIs and SNRIs typically take 2-6 weeks to show full benefits for anxiety, though you may notice some improvement after 1-2 weeks. Benzodiazepines work within 30-60 minutes but are used cautiously for short term relief. Beta-blockers work quickly for physical symptoms. Buspirone takes 2-4 weeks to become fully effective. We’ll set realistic expectations based on your specific medication and monitor your progress closely throughout treatment.
Are anxiety medications addictive?
SSRIs, SNRIs, buspirone, and beta-blockers are not addictive and can be used long term safely. Benzodiazepines (like Xanax, Klonopin, Ativan) can lead to physical dependence if used daily for extended periods, which is why we prescribe them carefully—typically for specific situations or short-term use while other medications take effect. We prioritize non-addictive first-line treatments whenever possible and discuss all risks and benefits with you.
Can I treat anxiety without medication?
Yes, therapy—particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)—can be highly effective for anxiety without medication. Many people also benefit from lifestyle changes like regular exercise, stress management techniques, good sleep hygiene, and limiting caffeine/alcohol. However, for moderate to severe anxiety disorders, research shows that combining medication and therapy often provides the best results. We’ll discuss all treatment options and help you make the choice that feels right for you.
Do you prescribe Xanax, Klonopin, or Ativan for anxiety?
When clinically appropriate, yes, we can prescribe benzodiazepines like alprazolam (Xanax), clonazepam (Klonopin), and lorazepam (Ativan) for anxiety. However, we use them judiciously given their potential for dependence. We typically recommend these for acute anxiety situations, panic attacks, or as a short-term bridge while waiting for other medications to take full effect. We’ll discuss the benefits and risks thoroughly and often recommend trying non-addictive alternatives as first-line treatment.
What side effects should I expect from anxiety medication?
Side effects vary by medication type. SSRIs/SNRIs may initially cause nausea, headache, sleep changes, or sexual side effects—many of these improve after the first few weeks. Benzodiazepines can cause drowsiness and memory issues. Beta-blockers may cause fatigue or cold hands/feet. We discuss all potential side effects before starting medication and work with you to minimize any that occur through dosage adjustment or medication changes. Never hesitate to contact us if you experience concerning side effects.
Will I have to take anxiety medication forever?
Not necessarily. Some people benefit from medication during a particularly stressful period and can taper off successfully. Others find long-term medication most effective for managing chronic anxiety disorders. Research suggests that taking medication for at least 6-12 months after symptoms improve reduces the risk of anxiety returning. We’ll work with you to determine the right duration for your situation and can discuss tapering when you’re ready and stable.
Can anxiety medication help with panic attacks?
Yes, absolutely. SSRIs and SNRIs are very effective at preventing panic attacks when taken daily—most people experience a significant reduction or elimination of panic attacks within 4-6 weeks. Benzodiazepines can stop a panic attack quickly when it occurs. Some patients use a combination: daily medication for prevention plus an as needed medication for breakthrough panic. We’ll create a plan that addresses both preventing panic attacks and managing them if they do occur.
Do you offer telehealth appointments for anxiety treatment?
Yes! We offer both in-person appointments at our Rolling Hills Estates office and secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth video visits. Many patients with anxiety find telehealth particularly helpful—it eliminates travel stress and allows you to be in a comfortable, familiar environment during appointments. After your initial evaluation, most follow-up medication management appointments can be conducted via telehealth.
Schedule Your Anxiety Treatment Consultation
You don’t have to live with constant worry, fear, and panic. Effective anxiety treatment can help you reclaim your peace of mind and live more fully. Contact Breakthrough Mental Health today to schedule your psychiatric evaluation and take the first step toward relief.
Serving the South Bay Community
Breakthrough Mental Health provides anxiety treatment and medication management to patients throughout Rolling Hills Estates, Palos Verdes Estates, Rancho Palos Verdes, Torrance, Redondo Beach, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Lomita, San Pedro, and surrounding South Bay communities.