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:
Learn how debilitating anxiety affects your body
Develop calming tools for your nervous system
Cope with social situations, work, or school
Identify physical symptoms of anxiety
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

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

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:
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Panic attacks or constant worry that feels out of control
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Avoiding social situations, work, or school
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Trouble concentrating or making decisions
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Physical symptoms like racing heart, dizziness, or shortness of breath
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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:
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Feels constant or unmanageable
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Keeps you from doing things you want or need to do
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Causes physical symptoms or panic attacks
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Contributes to depression, sleep issues, or substance use
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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
Licensed Clinical Social Worker – NJ

Ivelisses Cooke, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker & Clinical Supervisor – NY & NJ

Julie Figliolia, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker – NJ

Michael Cruz, LMHC
Licensed Mental Health Counselor – NY

Ariana Chotkowski, LMHC
Licensed Mental Health Counselor – NY

Nada Simic, LMSW
Licensed Social Worker – NY & NJ

Laila Elashaal, MHC-LP
Mental Health Counselor – NY

Prestasia Cohen, MA
Marriage & Family Therapy Intern – NY
Schedule An Appointment


Phone
212-906-4495
therapy@avenapsych.com
Mailing Address
99 Wall Street #4424 New York, NY 10005