Anxiety Therapist in NYC - CBT & Evidence-Based Treatment That Works
Whether you're struggling with panic attacks, constant worry, or feeling stuck in cycles of overthinking, our anxiety specialists in NYC provide evidence-based therapy, counseling, and treatment to help you feel calmer, more in control, and able to move forward with confidence. We offer in-person anxiety therapy in Manhattan and the Hudson Valley, as well as virtual sessions across New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware.
Why Choose Aspire for Anxiety Therapy in NYC
Living with anxiety can feel exhausting. You might feel stuck in racing thoughts, constant "what ifs," or a body that won't seem to settle. Your heart is pounding, your chest tight, your mind always on edge. Over time, anxiety doesn't just feel stressful. Anxiety can start to shrink your world, leading you to avoid situations, overthink decisions, or feel like you're never fully at ease.
At Aspire Psychotherapy, many of our clients come to us after trying therapy that didn't go deep enough or didn't actually change how they felt day to day. That's why we've built something different: a boutique, LGBTQIA+ owned practice where clients feel understood, supported, and matched with therapists who are carefully selected for their expertise in evidence-based care.
Our team specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), exposure therapy, and other proven approaches for anxiety. We take an active, skill-based approach—helping you understand what's happening in your mind and body, and giving you practical tools you can use in real life. Whether you're dealing with panic attacks, social anxiety, or perfectionism, we tailor treatment so you can feel more grounded, confident, and in control.
Many of our clients have been in therapy before and are looking for something that actually works. As part of our intake process, we take time to understand what has and hasn't helped in the past, so we can match you with an approach that fits where you are now—whether that's CBT, biofeedback, a more insight-oriented approach, or a combination of methods.
Types of Anxiety We Treat
Anxiety isn't one-size-fits-all—and it rarely looks the way people expect. For some, it's constant overthinking. For others, it's physical symptoms that seem to come out of nowhere, including heart palpitations and muscle tension. Many people don't even realize what they're experiencing is anxiety. At Aspire, we help you understand your version of anxiety and treat it in a way that actually works.
Generalized Anxiety (Constant Worry)
This often feels like your mind is always scanning for what could go wrong next, even when things are objectively okay. You might replay conversations, second-guess decisions, or feel like you can never fully relax. Over time, the mental load becomes exhausting.
Learn more about generalized anxietyPanic Attacks & Panic Disorder
Panic can feel sudden and overwhelming, with symptoms like a racing heart, shortness of breath, dizziness, or a sense that something is seriously wrong in your body. Many people start to fear the panic itself, leading to avoidance of places or situations where it might happen.
Learn more about panic attacksHigh-Functioning Anxiety
From the outside, things may look successful and put together—but internally, there's constant pressure, overthinking, and fear of falling short. You might be driven and high-achieving, but it never quite feels like enough.
Learn more about high-functioning anxietySocial Anxiety & Fear of Judgment
You may find yourself overanalyzing how you come across, worrying about saying the wrong thing, or avoiding social situations altogether. Even small interactions can feel high-stakes, leaving you drained or self-critical afterward.
Learn more about social anxiety and perfectionismWork & Career Anxiety
You might feel constant pressure to perform, fear of making mistakes, or anxiety about how you're perceived at work. This can show up as overworking, difficulty disconnecting, imposter feelings, or second-guessing even small decisions. Over time, work stops feeling manageable and starts to feel overwhelming.
Learn more about work and career anxietySchool & Test Anxiety
This can show up as intense pressure around grades, performance, or expectations often leading to procrastination, difficulty concentrating, or feeling frozen when it matters most. It's not a lack of ability. It's anxiety getting in the way.
Learn more about school anxietySleep Anxiety
You feel exhausted, but your mind won't shut off. Nights become filled with racing thoughts, physical restlessness, or dread about not being able to fall asleep. Over time, even going to bed can start to feel stressful. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Insomnia can deliver sustainable results in only 6-8 sessions.
Learn more about sleep anxietyStress vs. Anxiety vs. Worry
Many people aren't sure what they're experiencing—just that something feels off. Understanding the difference between stress, anxiety, and worry can be the first step in figuring out what kind of support will actually help.
Learn the difference between stress, anxiety, and worryWhat Anxiety Treatment Looks Like: From First Session to Real Change
Your care begins with a comprehensive intake and matching process, where we take the time to understand your symptoms, your goals, and what has or hasn't worked for you in the past. From there, we match you with an anxiety therapist who truly understands your experience and can tailor treatment to your needs.
Our therapy is structured, goal-oriented, and active. We go beyond "just talking" by helping you understand how anxiety works in your mind and body, while giving you practical tools you can use in real-life situations. Many clients appreciate this approach because it leads to meaningful progress, not just insight, but actual change.
We specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), exposure therapy, and other evidence-based approaches for anxiety. For some clients, CBT provides a clear and effective framework for reducing symptoms like overthinking, avoidance, and panic. For others, especially those who have tried CBT before or want to explore deeper patterns, we may integrate approaches like psychodynamic therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), or biofeedback to help regulate the body's stress response.
Anxiety can impact many areas of life, from relationships and work to sleep and decision-making. That's why we treat the full range of anxiety experiences from overthinking and social anxiety to performance pressure, perfectionism, and relationship stress. Whether you prefer in-person sessions at our Upper East Side office or virtual therapy, we make it easy to access care that fits your life.
Our goal is sustainable change so you can stop organizing your life around anxiety and start feeling more like yourself again.
What to Expect in Treatment
Starting therapy can feel intimidating—we get that. That's why we keep the process clear, collaborative, and focused on your goals from the very first session.
The First Few Sessions
We'll take time to understand your experience with anxiety, including how it shows up day-to-day, what you've already tried, and what matters most to you. These sessions are thoughtful and thorough, but also focused on building a strong, trusting relationship with your therapist.
Collaborative Planning
Together, you and your therapist will set goals and create a treatment plan that feels realistic and tailored to your needs—whether that's reducing panic attacks, managing social anxiety, or feeling more at ease in daily life.
Intervention & Skills-Building
Once the foundation is in place, sessions become more active and skill-based. You'll learn practical strategies to manage anxiety in real time, shift unhelpful thought patterns, and gradually face situations you may have been avoiding.
Timeline
Everyone's timeline is different, but many clients begin to notice meaningful improvement within 12–20 sessions when using structured, evidence-based approaches. We'll check in regularly and adjust your treatment as needed so therapy continues to feel effective and aligned with your goals.
Find the right approach for your needs.
Choosing a therapist in New York can feel overwhelming. We make it easier by matching you with the right clinician, in person in NYC or online.
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Book a 30-minute virtual intake ($175)
Whether you’re seeking goal-oriented therapy for anxiety or IQ testing for giftedness, your first appointment is a thoughtful intake with one of our Clinical Directors.
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Share your goals
In this initial virtual assessment, you will have a chance to talk about what is bringing you to therapy, what you’d like to achieve and any questions you have.
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Begin with confidence
Your Clinical Director will then provide a careful treatment recommendation. Begin your therapy journey with trust and confidence.
Leadership That Cares
At Aspire, your care is guided from the very beginning by our Clinical Directors. Every client begins with a comprehensive intake led by Dr. Anya Scolaro, where we assess your symptoms, history, and what has or hasn't worked in the past, and from there determine the most effective treatment approach and match you with a therapist whose expertise aligns with your needs.
Dr. Anya Scolaro (she/her)
Psy.D., LCSW, BCNDr. Scolaro specializes in anxiety treatment, OCD therapy, and psychological testing, including IQ testing for giftedness, twice-exceptional (2E) and neuropsychological evaluation for ADHD, dyslexia, autism and more. She integrates Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for OCD and phobias to help clients achieve lasting change.
Focus areas- Anxiety
- OCD & ERP
- Phobias
- Psychological testing
- Giftedness & 2E
Brie Scolaro (they/them)
LCSWBrie brings expertise in anxiety therapy, LGBTQIA+ affirming care, perfectionism and performance psychology, and oversees our client matching process. Brie also offers biofeedback therapy and sports psychology for athletes and high performers.
Focus areas- Anxiety
- LGBTQIA+ care
- Perfectionism
- Biofeedback
- Sports psychology
What our clients say.
Aspire has been instrumental in helping my family. From the initial intake to further sessions, the team has been supportive, empathetic, and attentive to our family’s needs. The practice is flexible with finding appointment times that work for our challenging schedules. Dr. Scolaro, Paula, and Shunya provide excellent care in a non-judgmental fashion. I would highly recommend the practice without any reservations.
After suffering my whole life and then having what I’d constitute as a mental breakdown, I’m living generally an anxiety-free life without using medication.
I am now a much more balanced, mindful and calm person who feels empowered with an armada of useful strategies and techniques to manage and regulate stressful situations in my life.
Dr. Scolaro is an incredibly gifted therapist who has helped me learn and practice vital CBT skills that have changed my life.
Anxiety Therapy: your questions, answered.
Still wondering about something? A Clinical Director can answer it during your intake.
Book Your IntakeDoes CBT therapy really help with anxiety in NYC?
Yes. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective, evidence-based treatments for anxiety. Our NYC therapists use CBT to reduce symptoms like worry, panic, and physical tension, while helping you build lasting coping strategies.
Do you offer online anxiety therapy in New York?
Yes. We provide HIPAA-compliant virtual anxiety therapy sessions across New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware, making it easy to access support from home or work.
How long does anxiety therapy usually take to feel better?
The length of therapy varies, but many clients start noticing improvements in 8–12 sessions when using evidence-based approaches like CBT and Exposure Therapy.
What if therapy didn't work for my anxiety in the past?
Many people come to Aspire after trying therapy that wasn't the right fit. Our structured, research-backed methods (CBT, ACT, and Exposure Therapy) provide practical tools that help where talk-only therapy may not have been effective.
Can therapy help with panic attacks and racing thoughts?
Absolutely. Anxiety therapy can reduce the intensity and frequency of panic attacks, calm racing thoughts, and teach you how to manage symptoms like a pounding heart, shortness of breath, or constant worry.
Can anxiety therapy help with social anxiety or perfectionism?
Yes. We regularly help clients with social anxiety, performance anxiety, and perfectionism. Our therapists support you in building confidence, reducing self-criticism, and feeling more at ease in relationships and work.
In person in NYC and the Hudson Valley, or from home.
Hudson Valley
Healing Arts Center3457 Main St, Floor 2
Stone Ridge, NY 12484 View on Google Maps
Virtual sessions
Secure online therapy and intakes across New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania & Delaware Start with a virtual intakeReady for Relief? Start Therapy for Anxiety Today
You don't have to keep carrying anxiety alone. At Aspire Psychotherapy, our anxiety therapists specialize in evidence-based care like CBT and Exposure Therapy to help you break the cycle of worry, panic, and self-doubt. Real change starts with having a safe, supportive space where you can face difficult emotions and trust that someone truly knows how to help you move through them.
Self-pay practice · Superbills available for out-of-network reimbursement