generalized anxiety disorder treatment

generalized anxiety disorder treatment for adults and adolescents

At Galen Hope, we understand that Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) can feel like a constant hum of worry—always present, often overwhelming, and difficult to explain to others. Whether you’re an adult juggling responsibilities or a teen struggling to manage expectations, anxiety can make even simple tasks feel exhausting. We offer compassionate, evidence-based GAD treatment in Florida for individuals ready to quiet their minds and reconnect with a sense of calm and clarity. You don’t have to live in a state of constant tension. Real relief is possible—and we’re here to help you find it.

what is generalized anxiety disorder (gad)?

Generalized Anxiety Disorder is a common yet often misunderstood mental health condition marked by persistent, excessive worry that’s hard to control. Unlike occasional nervousness, GAD involves anxiety that spans many aspects of life—health, finances, work, relationships, school, or even everyday decisions. Worry is often accompanied by restlessness, difficulty concentrating, muscle tension, fatigue, irritability, and sleep problems.

GAD can interfere with academic performance, professional responsibilities, and relationships. While it may begin in adolescence or early adulthood, it can affect people of any age. Many people with GAD have lived years in a heightened state of alertness, often feeling like something bad is about to happen—even when there’s no clear threat. Left untreated, the chronic stress of GAD takes a toll on mental and physical health. Fortunately, with the right treatment, recovery is likely.

our approach to generalized anxiety disorder treatment

At Galen Hope, we treat the whole person, not just anxiety symptoms. Our approach is personalized, integrative, and relational, combining the best of neuroscience, psychotherapy, mindfulness, and holistic wellness. We understand that anxiety often stems from a combination of lived experience, neurobiology, and learned patterns—and that each person’s healing journey is unique.

Our programs blend cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), mindfulness-based interventions, and somatic work to help clients develop practical tools for managing worry and restoring nervous system balance. We also explore deeper emotional patterns and relational dynamics that may contribute to chronic anxiety. We utilize individual and group sessions as well as skills-based workshops to help clients manage anxiety and transform their relationship to it.

    what generalized anxiety disorder treatment might look like at galen hope

    1. connect


    Connect with us: A compassionate care coordinator will listen and help you take the first step towards healing and moving forward with your life.

    2. Collaborate


    Collaborate on your treatment plan: Our expert clinical team will design a personalized roadmap based on your goals, needs, and life circumstances.

    3. Engage


    Engage in our healing community: Participate in a structured, supportive treatment program alongside peers and professionals who understand trauma.

    4. Healing


    Begin your journey toward lasting healing: As symptoms ease, you will develop skills, insight, and a renewed sense of self to carry with you long after treatment ends.

    typical generalized anxiety disorder clients we work with

    Galen Hope serves clients from across the United States and beyond, offering compassionate, expert care to individuals from states like: Florida, New York, Texas, California, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Illinois, Wisconsin, Montana, North Carolina, South Carolina, Arizona, Tennessee, Washington, Maryland, Virginia, and more. Many clients travel nationally and internationally to receive personalized treatment in our welcoming, supportive environment. Our programs are designed to meet the diverse needs of those seeking deeper healing—no matter where they’re coming from.

    Anxiety doesn’t discriminate—and neither do we. At Galen Hope, we support a wide spectrum of individuals experiencing GAD, including teens, college students, and adults coping with life transitions, perfectionism, and chronic stress. Many of our clients identify as neurodivergent or LGBTQ+ or come from high-achieving environments where anxiety may be masked by success.

    We also collaborate with professionals, caregivers, artists, and individuals who have endured grief, trauma, or identity-based stress. Perhaps you’re quietly struggling, or you’ve recently hit a wall. Wherever you are, we welcome you here. Every client receives support with respect and clinical experience in our compassionate, inclusive space.

    we invite you here to heal in your own very special way

    At Galen Hope, every client is immediately acknowledged as an individual whose story may not be represented by traditional diagnostic criteria. We seek to fully understand their life experience and to provide them with an affirming environment where they feel accepted and supported.

    For someone struggling with an eating disorder or mental illness, finding a place in the world, forming connections, developing meaning and purpose in life, and having day-to-day support is vital to better outcomes, long-term health, and well-being. We create a sense of community inside our doors, where we facilitate a commitment to recovery. We find tremendous meaning in bringing someone into our circle and helping them recognize the importance they play in it. It is through these relationships that healing takes place and clients begin to develop the skills to live both independently and in relation to others.

    generalized anxiety disorder faqs

    Community Group

    what are the main symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder?

    GAD is characterized by excessive, persistent worry that’s difficult to control. Symptoms may include restlessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability, muscle tension, and sleep issues. The worry often spans multiple life areas and can feel disproportionate to the actual circumstances. People with GAD may also experience a constant sense of dread or nervous anticipation.

    how is generalized anxiety disorder different from normal anxiety?

    Everyone occasionally experiences anxiety—before a big test, presentation, or during major life changes. GAD, however, involves ongoing anxiety that occurs most days for at least six months and affects multiple areas of life. This anxiety often lacks a clear trigger and persists even when the source of worry seems minor or nonexistent, significantly impairing well-being and functioning.

    what lifestyle changes can reduce symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder?

    Lifestyle changes can make a significant difference. Regular exercise, consistent sleep, mindfulness practices, limiting caffeine, reducing screen time, and structured routines can help regulate the nervous system. While lifestyle strategies alone may not eliminate GAD, they can greatly enhance treatment outcomes when combined with therapy or medication.

    what therapy works best for generalized anxiety disorder?

    CBT is widely considered the gold standard for treating GAD because it helps individuals recognize and challenge distorted thinking and develop healthier ways of responding. At Galen Hope, we often combine CBT with ACT, mindfulness, and somatic therapies to address the cognitive and physiological aspects of anxiety.

    can someone recover from generalized anxiety disorder?

    Yes. While GAD may not disappear overnight, many people experience lasting relief with the right treatment. Recovery often means learning to reduce the intensity and frequency of anxiety, build resilience, and feel more confident in managing stress. With support, most people with GAD go on to live full, grounded lives.

    what medications are commonly prescribed for generalized anxiety disorder?

    Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are commonly prescribed to treat GAD. Some individuals may also benefit from short-term use of benzodiazepines or other medications to support sleep or reduce acute anxiety. Medication is most effective when combined with psychotherapy, and at Galen Hope, we provide thoughtful medication management as part of an integrative care plan.

    what's the difference between an inpatient vs outpatient treatment center?

    Inpatient treatment involves 24/7 support in a hospital or residential setting and is often used for acute cases. Outpatient treatment, like what we offer at Galen Hope, allows clients to receive intensive therapeutic support while staying connected to their home environment. Our outpatient programs are immersive, personalized, and designed for lasting transformation—perfect for clients ready to make meaningful changes with consistent clinical guidance.

    how can I help a friend or family member with generalized anxiety disorder?

    Offer empathy, not pressure. Let them know their feelings are valid, and avoid minimizing their anxiety. Encourage professional help, but respect their pace. You can also model calm behavior, help with practical tasks when they’re overwhelmed, and learn more about anxiety to better support them. Galen Hope also offers family involvement and education to support loved ones throughout the healing process.

    does galen hope take insurance?

    Yes. Galen Hope accepts insurance for mental health and eating disorder treatment. We are in-network with ComPsych, Claritev (formerly called Multiplan), Aetna, and Optum/UnitedHealthcare plans. We also work with many out-of-network insurance providers and offer benefit verification to help you understand your options.

    What insurance plans does Galen Hope accept for eating disorder and mental health treatment?

    Galen Hope is currently in-network with ComPsych, Multiplan, Aetna, and select Optum/UnitedHealthcare plans. Through our Optum contract, we may also be able to work with commercial plans such as UnitedHealthcare, AvMed, and Oscar. We also support many clients through out-of-network benefits with providers like Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS), Cigna, First Health, and others. To determine how your specific plan may apply to treatment, please contact us for a complimentary insurance verification.

    Can I use out-of-network insurance to pay for treatment at Galen Hope?

    In some instances, we can accept out-of-network (OON) as full payment while in others, we provide a scaled partial payment. This may also be connected with your out or pocket max, as well as co-pays and co-insurance. The degree to which out of network benefits cover the full cost of treatment varies greatly from policy to policy. In some instances it can serve as full payment, while others may cover a portion. In all cases, individuals using out of network benefits will be subject to paying their out-of-network deductible and other fees such as the out of pocket max, co-insurance or co-pays as dictated by your insurance policy.

    Does Galen Hope help verify insurance benefits for treatment?

    Absolutely. We offer free insurance benefit verification to help you understand what your policy may cover before you begin treatment. We aim to provide full transparency around coverage and any potential out-of-pocket costs.

    Can I get a Single Case Agreement (SCA) for treatment at Galen Hope?

    When clinically indicated and appropriate, we pursue Single Case Agreements (SCAs) to help families access in-network-level coverage with an out-of-network provider. Our team advocates on your behalf and provides clinical documentation to support the request. We encourage you to call us so that we can determine if a SCA is warranted.

    What happens if my insurance stops covering treatment early?

    If your insurance coverage ends unexpectedly and we believe the denial of care is not in your best clinical interest, our team will work directly with your insurance carrier to appeal the decision. You will receive timely notification of any changes in authorizations for care in order to explore financial options and clinical recommendations to help minimize any disruption in care.

    How can I find out what my insurance covers for eating disorder or mental health treatment?

    Our admissions team will assess your insurance policy, the recommended level of care, and your treatment location to give you a clear understanding of what your plan is likely to cover. We’ll guide you every step of the way.

    Are insurance benefits different depending on where I live?

    Yes. Insurance coverage may vary by state and plan type. We consider your plan’s regional requirements when evaluating your benefits.

    Will I know my treatment costs before starting at Galen Hope?

    Yes. Before admission, we’ll walk you through all anticipated costs, including what insurance is likely to cover and any out-of-pocket expenses, so there are no surprises.

    Can Galen Hope help me understand my insurance coverage?

    Yes. Our experienced admissions team will break down your policy, explain your mental health or eating disorder benefits, and help you make the most informed decision possible.

    our generalized anxiety disorder treatment centers in florida

    With two state-of-the-art Generalized Anxiety Disorder treatment centers in Florida, Galen Hope is committed to guiding you toward lasting peace and personal empowerment. We design our integrative programs to manage symptoms and assist you in reconnecting with your strength, purpose, and inner calm. Whether you’re local or traveling from out of state, our evidence-based, relational approach and vibrant healing community offer a transformative path forward.

    Galen Hope proudly serves clients across South Florida through our two conveniently located treatment centers. Our Coral Gables location, just south of Miami and ~30 miles south of Fort Lauderdale, offers accessible care in a vibrant, culturally rich setting. In Delray Beach—just south of Palm Beach—clients will find a serene and supportive environment ideal for healing and growth. Whether you’re local to Florida or traveling from out of state, our programs offer a safe, welcoming space for true healing and growth.

    coral gables

    Address: 806 Douglas Road, Suite 625
    Coral Gables, FL 33445

    delray beach

    Address: 4600 Linton Blvd.
    Delray Beach, FL 33445