212-906-4495 therapy@avenapsych.com

Debilitating Anxiety

Support For When Anxiety Feels Overwhelming

Ever feel like anxiety is running the show—and you can’t catch a break? Maybe your heart races for no reason, your thoughts spiral out of control, or even simple tasks feel impossible. That kind of anxiety isn’t just stress—it’s debilitating. It can leave you drained, disconnected, and wondering if you’ll ever feel like yourself again. 

At Avena Psychological Services, we specialize in helping individuals break free from the grip of debilitating anxiety using proven, personalized approaches that meet you where you are.

Our Anxiety Therapists Can Help You:

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Learn how debilitating anxiety affects your body

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Develop calming tools for your nervous system

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Cope with social situations, work, or school

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Identify physical symptoms of anxiety

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Build resilience and trust within yourself

Real People. Real Expertise. Real Change.

At Avena Psychological Services, we offer holistic, individualized therapy designed to help you understand yourself more deeply and create meaningful, lasting change. Our licensed psychologists tailor each session to your specific concerns and goals, drawing from your full life experience—including your childhood, culture, relationships, physical health, and personality. Whether you’re struggling with depression, relationship challenges, or feeling stuck in patterns that no longer serve you, therapy can help you break your issues down into manageable pieces and begin moving forward. Left unaddressed, mental health concerns can impact every area of life—from work and school to physical health and relationships. But with the right support, you can shift your mindset, make empowered choices, and experience real transformation.

Understanding the Spectrum: Anxiety Levels Comparison

Anxiety Level Description Impact
Mild Occasional worry, manageable with self-care Little to no disruption to daily life
Moderate Frequent worry, noticeable discomfort, some avoidance Impacts work or social life but still functioning
Severe Daily anxiety, intrusive thoughts, frequent avoidance Major disruption in work, relationships, and health
Debilitating Constant fear, inability to function, physical symptoms, isolation Disabling, often requires immediate therapeutic intervention

Virtual Mental Health Therapy Tailored For Your Comfort

Online therapy at Avena Psychological Services

Video Call Therapy

Online therapy conducted via Zoom. Video meetings allow you to see your therapist from the comfort of your preferred location.

Phone therapy at Avena Psychological Services

Phone Therapy

Full service therapy conducted via a phone call. Have full conversation with your therapist without the need to be seen.

Concierge therapy at Avena Psychological Services

Concierge Therapy

Personal appointments can be tailored to special locations through a prior approved agreement with Dr. Avena.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Considered Debilitating Anxiety?

Debilitating anxiety goes far beyond occasional nervousness. It interferes with your ability to work, socialize, sleep, and carry out daily responsibilities. You may feel paralyzed by fear, avoid places or situations, or become overwhelmed by intrusive thoughts. This level of anxiety isn’t just uncomfortable—it’s disruptive and emotionally exhausting.

Signs of Debilitating Anxiety:

  • Panic attacks or constant worry that feels out of control

  • Avoiding social situations, work, or school

  • Trouble concentrating or making decisions

  • Physical symptoms like racing heart, dizziness, or shortness of breath

  • Feeling emotionally flooded or unable to “come down” from stress

Can Anxiety Make You Unable to Function?

Yes. Severe anxiety can impair your ability to perform even basic tasks. It can affect your job performance, strain relationships, and lead to isolation. Some people become housebound or experience frequent physical symptoms that mimic serious illness, causing additional distress.

What Does Debilitating Anxiety Feel Like?

Debilitating anxiety often feels like a constant, uncontrollable fear. You might feel trapped in your own mind—racing thoughts, dread that something terrible will happen, and physical sensations that make it hard to relax. It can feel like you’re always “on edge,” waiting for disaster, even when things are going well.

When Should You Seek Help for Anxiety?

You should seek help when anxiety:

  • Feels constant or unmanageable

  • Keeps you from doing things you want or need to do

  • Causes physical symptoms or panic attacks

  • Contributes to depression, sleep issues, or substance use

  • Persists despite your best efforts to cope

If your anxiety is affecting your quality of life, you don’t need to wait until things get worse. Help is available now.

How Do You Treat Severe Anxiety?

At Avena Psychological Services, we use an evidence-based, integrative approach tailored to each individual.

Our team specializes in treating debilitating anxiety using the following modalities:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
  • Exposure Therapy 
  • Mindfulness-Based Interventions
  • Trauma-Informed Therapy
  • Collaborative Psychiatric Support

Meet Your Team of Psychologists & Therapists

Jolie Avena, PsyD

Owner & Clinical Director – NY & NJ

Nicole Livingston, PhD

Clinical Psychologist – NJ

Lauren Schutzman, PsyD

Licensed Psychologist – NY & NJ

Luisa Enriquez, LSW

Licensed Social Worker – NJ

Andrene Spencer-Lovejoy, PsyD

Postdoctoral Psychology Resident – NY

Jessica Zur-Linden, LCSW

Licensed Clinical Social Worker & Clinical Supervisor – NY

Katalin Vinczi-Sierra, LCSW

Katalin Vinczi-Sierra, LCSW

Licensed Clinical Social Worker – NJ

Ivelisses Cooke, LCSW

Licensed Clinical Social Worker & Clinical Supervisor – NY & NJ

Julie Figliolia, LCSW

Licensed Clinical Social Worker – NJ

Counselor Michael Cruz, MHC-LP at Avena Psychological Services

Michael Cruz, LMHC

Licensed Mental Health Counselor – NY

Ariana Chotkowski, LMHC

Licensed Mental Health Counselor – NY

Therapist Nada Simic

Nada Simic, LMSW

Licensed Social Worker – NY & NJ

Laila Elashaal, MHC-LP

Mental Health Counselor – NY

Prestasia Cohen, MA, Intern at Avena Psychological Services

Prestasia Cohen, MA

Marriage & Family Therapy Intern – NY

Schedule An Appointment

Psychological Assessments
Avena Psychological Services logo
Phone

212-906-4495

Email

therapy@avenapsych.com

Mailing Address

99 Wall Street #4424 New York, NY 10005