Reclaim Your Calm: Comprehensive Anxiety
Care

What’s Anxiety?
While occasional worry is normal, anxiety disorders are complex mental health conditions affecting millions. Understanding the difference between normal stress and clinical anxiety is crucial for seeking appropriate care.
DSM-5 Diagnostic Criteria for Anxiety Disorders
According to the DSM-5, anxiety disorders share key diagnostic features while maintaining distinct characteristics.
The Symptoms of Anxiety
Excessive Fear or Worry
Anxiety that is persistent, intense, and disproportionate to actual threats. Unlike normal stress responses, clinical anxiety significantly disrupts daily functioning and doesn’t easily subside.
Physical Manifestations
The body’s alarm system becomes chronically activated, leading to:
- Persistent muscle tension
- Racing heart or palpitations
- Sleep disruption
- Restlessness or feeling “keyed up”
- Difficulty concentrating
- Physical exhaustion
Behavioral Impact
Anxiety begins controlling decisions and limiting life choices through:.
- Avoidance of anxiety-triggering situations
- Excessive safety behaviors
- Impaired work or academic performance
- Strained relationships
- Isolation or withdrawal
Duration and Intensity
Symptoms persist for:
- At least 6 months for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
- Specific timeframes for other anxiety disorders
- Intensity that causes significant distress or functional impairment
Types of Anxiety We Treat
If you recognize these patterns in yourself or someone else, professional evaluation is crucial.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Characterized by persistent, excessive worry about multiple life domains. Unlike normal concern, GAD involves difficulty controlling worry, leading to physical symptoms and functional impairment.
Social Anxiety Disorder
More than simple shyness, this involves intense fear of social situations and scrutiny, often leading to avoiding situations such as gatherings or stores and trouble with socializing.
Panic Disorder
Marked by unexpected panic attacks and persistent fear of future attacks. These episodes create a cycle of anxiety that can severely restrict daily activities.
Specific Phobias
While many people have fears, phobias involve extreme, irrational fear responses that significantly impact quality of life.
Comprehensive Anxiety Treatment at Dr. Lewis’ Clinic
At Dr. Lewis’s Clinic, we recognize anxiety as a complex interplay between mind, body, and lifestyle. Our integrated approach combines evidence-based treatments with holistic care for lasting relief.
Treatment Approaches
Psychotherapy & Medication
Therapy is a cornerstone of anxiety treatment, offering powerful tools to reshape anxiety-driving patterns. Our therapists specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), which helps you identify and transform anxious thoughts, while Exposure Therapy provides systematic support for specific phobias. For some patients, carefully prescribed medications like SSRIs or SNRIs can provide crucial relief while deeper healing occurs.
The BLISS Protocol
The BLISS Protocol addresses anxiety’s root causes through biological optimization, lifestyle medicine, and individualized support. Advanced testing identifies your unique biological anxiety related factors, while personalized protocols support hormone and neurotransmitter balance.
Functional Medicine & Testing
Understanding your body’s unique chemistry is crucial for effective anxiety treatment. Our comprehensive testing protocols examine hormone levels, neurotransmitter function, and genetic factors that influence anxiety. This precise diagnostic approach allows us to create targeted treatment plans that address your specific biological needs rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach.
Natural & Holistic Support
Research shows that natural approaches can effectively reduce anxiety. Our holistic treatment plans combine evidence-based supplements, herbs, and lifestyle practices. To enhance results, we incorporate mind-body practices like mindfulness meditation and breathwork.
Get Care Your Way
Virtual Anxiety Treatment Works:
Get expert anxiety care from the comfort of home. Our virtual program offers secure video sessions and digital tools, providing the same comprehensive support as in-person care—no travel or scheduling stress. Perfect for busy schedules or social anxiety.
In-Person Anxiety Treatment:
For those who prefer face-to-face connection, we provide care at our Brooklyn office. In person care is beneficial for exposure therapy, crisis care, intensive treatments, and treatment for kids and teens.
Specialized Treatment Programs
Social Anxiety Treatment
Social anxiety goes beyond everyday nervousness about social situations. Our program helps you gradually build confidence in social settings through a combination of exposure therapy, social skills development, cognitive restructuring, natural treatments, and when needed, medications.
Panic Disorder Treatment
Panic attacks can feel overwhelming and unpredictable. Our program helps you regain control through psychotherapy, natural treatments and judicious use of medications. We combine immediate relief strategies with long-term solutions, including behavioral modification and lifestyle adjustments to eliminate panic attacks.
Functional Medicine Testing
At Dr. Lewis’s Clinic, we recognize that anxiety often has hidden biological drivers. Our functional medicine approach uncovers these root causes through comprehensive testing and analysis. Rather than just treating symptoms, we investigate how your body’s systems interact to influence anxiety levels.
Genetic Insights
Genetic testing provides valuable information about your anxiety predisposition and treatment response. By understanding your genetic profile, we can predict how you might respond to different medications and supplements, allowing for more precise, personalized treatment plans that work with your body’s natural tendencies.
Supplements for anxiety
Research shows that natural compounds can effectively reduce anxiety. Supplements like magnesium calm the nervous system, while L-theanine promotes relaxation without making you drowsy. Adaptogens like ashwagandha help your body manage stress, building lasting resilience over time.
Mind-Body Healing
Your mental and physical health are deeply connected. Mindfulness meditation helps calm anxious thoughts, while breathwork and body-focused practices release tension. Biofeedback training teaches you how to manage your stress response for greater balance and control.
Lifestyle Medicine
For lasting anxiety relief, we focus on restoring balance. Better sleep improves emotional regulation, anti-inflammatory nutrition supports brain health, and movement therapy—like yoga or exercise—reduces tension and boosts mood naturally.
Are you ready to redefine your relationship with Anxiety?
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I need professional help for anxiety?
While everyone experiences anxiety occasionally, consider seeking help if your anxiety consistently interferes with daily life. Signs include persistent worry, sleep disruption, physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat or stomach issues, or avoiding situations due to anxiety. Professional support is especially important if you’re using alcohol or other substances to manage your symptoms.
What’s the difference between your virtual and in-person treatment?
Both options provide comprehensive anxiety care, but they serve different needs. Virtual treatment offers convenience and accessibility, ideal for busy professionals or those who feel more comfortable at home. In-person care provides hands-on support and may be better suited for complex cases, exposure therapy, or those who prefer face-to-face interaction.
How does functional medicine differ from traditional anxiety treatment?
Traditional treatment typically focuses on managing symptoms through medication and therapy. Our functional medicine approach investigates underlying biological factors like hormone imbalances, gut health, and genetic predispositions that may contribute to anxiety. This allows us to create more targeted, personalized treatment plans that address root causes.
Do I have to take medication for anxiety?
No. While medication can be helpful for some people, it’s not the only solution. We offer numerous evidence-based alternatives, including therapy, natural supplements, lifestyle modifications, and mind-body practices. If medication is recommended, we discuss all options thoroughly, ensuring you’re comfortable with your treatment plan.
How long does anxiety treatment typically take?
Treatment duration varies significantly based on individual needs. Some people notice improvements within a few weeks, while others benefit from longer-term support. The BLISS Protocol typically runs for 12 months to create sustainable change, but we adjust the timeline based on your progress and goals.
Will my insurance cover anxiety treatment?
We will file for out of network reimbursement with certain insurance companies. Functional medicine testing and certain alternative treatments may not be covered. Our team can help verify your benefits and discuss payment options before beginning treatment.
Ready to Transform Your Relationship with
Anxiety?
Your journey to calm, balanced living starts here.