Anxiety Therapy Australia: How To Get Anxiety Treatment

Feeling anxious sometimes can be a normal part of life. But if anxiety is causing you frequent distress or getting in the way of your goals, you might consider exploring anxiety therapy. Working with a mental health professional can often be an effective way to manage anxiety, and Australia has many options and resources for those seeking support. 

This article will take a closer look at anxiety therapy (Australia-specific), anxiety symptoms, types of anxiety disorders, and common comorbidities—plus evidence-based mental health treatment plans and how to get started with them. You can also explore how Medicare Rebate access from the Australian government can help you obtain a mental health treatment plan for anxiety.

Let’s take a closer look at anxiety—including its symptoms, types of anxiety disorders, and common comorbidities—plus evidence-based treatments and how to get started with them.

What is anxiety?

Anxiety can be described as a sense of nervousness, fear, or excessive worrying. It’s common to be anxious before an important event, such as a job interview or meeting a significant other’s parents. Some may also feel anxious before participating in certain activities, such as flying or public speaking. In many cases, the anxiety is occasional and temporary, subsiding once the activity has concluded. If it persists and is difficult to control, however, it could indicate an anxiety disorder.

Symptoms of anxiety

Anxiety can manifest differently from person to person. That said, some common mental and physical symptoms of anxiety include:

• Nervousness, fear, or an uneasy feeling
• Fixation on the problem or situation and difficulty focusing on anything else
• Increased heart rate
• Sweaty hands or feet
• Dry mouth
• Difficulty sleeping

Understanding anxiety disorders

When untreated, anxiety disorders can interfere with your work, school, relationships, and daily routines.

Australian anxiety rates and mental health information

According to the National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing (NSMHW), approximately 17.2% of Australians have an anxiety disorder. At 21.1%, women were more likely to have an anxiety disorder than men, who reportedly experience anxiety disorders at 13.3%. Among Australians aged 16 to 24, almost one in three has an anxiety disorder.

Below are descriptions of several common types of anxiety disorders.

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)

Generalized anxiety disorder—also known as GAD—is characterized by ongoing, excessive worry over everyday tasks and activities. This type of anxiety can be difficult to control, calm, or otherwise address. An individual with GAD may be prone to overthinking situations, struggle to handle uncertainty, and have difficulty relaxing, even when everything is fine.

Social anxiety disorder

Social anxiety disorder—formerly called “social phobia”—can make it difficult for individuals to meet new people or interact with others. It typically involves a fear of socializing with others that's beyond being shy or introverted. It often stems from intense dread of being judged or humiliated, which can cause a person to experience severe anxiety symptoms when in or even thinking about a social setting.

Panic disorder

Panic disorder is characterized by recurring panic attacks. A panic attack is a sudden, intense episode of fear that may also involve a racing heart, tight chest, and shortness of breath. Someone with this disorder may also spend significant time and energy worrying about the possibility of having a panic attack.

Specific phobias

Phobias are intense, persistent fears of specific objects, animals, situations, or activities. Encountering the object of one’s specific phobia can lead a person to experience deep fear along with physical anxiety symptoms. Someone with a phobia may go to great lengths to avoid encountering the thing or situation they are afraid of. Common phobias include spiders, flying, snakes, tight spaces, storms, and heights.

Are anxiety and depression related?

Anxiety and depression are separate conditions, but it’s not uncommon to experience them both at the same time. In some cases, experiencing clinical depression can lead an individual to develop an anxiety disorder, or vice versa. It’s estimated that almost half of those diagnosed with a depressive disorder also have an anxiety disorder.

Other conditions that are commonly comorbid with anxiety disorders

Although an individual may experience a singular anxiety disorder on its own, it’s not uncommon to experience multiple types of anxiety disorders at the same time or to experience another mental health condition in addition to an anxiety disorder. Depression is only one example of a commonly co-occurring, or “comorbid,” mental illness with anxiety.

Research suggests that 60% of individuals with one anxiety disorder had at least one other anxiety disorder or a depression diagnosis, and 27% had three or more diagnoses. Other common comorbid conditions with anxiety include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), bipolar disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and substance use disorder.

How can a mental health professional help with anxiety?

Working with a mental health professional can be an effective way to treat anxiety symptoms and anxiety disorders. In fact, symptoms of a diagnosable anxiety disorder are unlikely to resolve on their own without professional treatment. 

During an individual or group therapy session, your therapist might ask you to describe a time you felt anxious, including the situation you were in, the symptoms you experienced, and if/when it resolved. They may also ask for examples of situations that tend to make your anxiety worse. By looking for patterns, they may be able to determine a suitable treatment method for your unique needs. From there, the therapist may implement various evidence-based therapeutic practices and exercises to help.

Evidence-based treatment methods for anxiety

Various psychological therapies and techniques have been developed to help a person identify what’s causing their anxiety and learn strategies to address it. Common therapeutic techniques for anxiety treatment include:

• Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). This technique focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and shifting them in order to change behaviours.
• Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). This type of therapy uses mindfulness techniques to help individuals accept anxiety in their lives instead of struggling against it.
• Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT). This therapy type uses mindfulness and emotional control techniques to help individuals learn coping skills for stressful situations.
• Exposure therapy. This type of therapy helps desensitize individuals to the sources of their fear by gradually exposing them to the objects or situations that cause their anxiety in a safe, controlled environment.

In addition to these therapeutic methods, a mental health professional may use problem-solving strategies and behaviour therapy techniques to help you replace undesired behaviours. A therapist may also recommend or guide you through specific mindfulness practices, breathing techniques, or relaxation exercises that can help decrease anxiety symptoms. 

In some cases, a medical professional may recommend prescription medication as well to help you manage an anxiety disorder. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medications.

Treatment methods for comorbid anxiety and depression

For individuals experiencing both an anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder, there may be significant overlap in both symptoms and treatment approaches. Therapy methods—such as cognitive behaviour therapy, ACT, and DBT—may all be effective in reducing both depression and anxiety symptoms. Additionally, certain medications like antidepressants may be beneficial in treating both sets of symptoms as well. Be sure to work with your healthcare professional to determine the best treatment method or methods for your unique needs.

The BetterHelp platform is not intended to provide any information regarding which medication or medical treatment may be appropriate for you. The content provides generalized information, not specific to one individual. You should not take any action without consulting a qualified medical professional.

Options for anxiety therapy in Australia

Finding qualified clinical psychologists either in person or through online programs can be the first step in receiving effective anxiety treatment. Australians have numerous ways to connect with a suitable therapist for their individual needs, including:

• Getting a physician reference. Ask your primary care provider for a reference or referral to help you connect with local mental health professionals.
• Searching locally. Browse providers in your area to find mental health professionals who are experienced in treating anxiety and accepting new patients.
• Searching online. An online search can help you find either local or virtual resources for mental health support.
• Exploring BetterHelp.BetterHelp is an online platform that can match you with a licensed therapist suited to your individual needs.

Attending your first appointment for anxiety therapy in Australia

Once you find a qualified anxiety therapist in Australia who is suited to your unique needs, the therapeutic process can begin during your first appointment. Talk therapy often feels like a conversation, allowing you to discuss your experiences with anxiety and work one-on-one with your therapist to determine a treatment plan going forward.

Here are a few helpful tips to remember as you begin anxiety therapy:

• Think about your goals and what you want to accomplish in therapy ahead of time so you can share them with your provider.
• Consider making a list of situations that make you anxious, or other topics you’d like to discuss during your sessions.
• Do your best to be open and honest with your therapist.
• Remember that you are not alone, and support is available.

Access to Care: Medicare Rebates, Treatment Plans, and Hospitals

The Australian government helps eligible individuals with anxiety access care through a Medicare rebate. Those who are eligible can receive a referral to access 10 individual and 10 group mental health services per year. The Better Access initiative helps people receive mental health support no matter where they live in Australia, which can be helpful for people in remote areas. Individuals might find mental health care at St. Vincent’s Hospital or another facility that offers rebated care through this program.

Additional Australian resources for mental health information and support

The Australian Centre for Clinical Interventions has a variety of publicly available resources on anxiety and other mental health conditions, such as information sheets and worksheets. Additionally, there are several Australian organizations that offer support services, including:

• Lifeline Australia, which can be contacted 24/7 at 13 11 14
• Beyond Blue, which can be contacted 24/7 at 1300 224 636
• 1800RESPECT, which can be contacted 24/7 at 1800 737 732
• QLife for LGBTIQA+SB people, which can be contacted from 3 pm to 12 pm daily at 1800 184 527

Online therapy for anxiety

Some people might consider online tools, such as self-paced tools and self-help assessment tools for anxiety. Online therapy for anxiety is also available via BetterHelp, which offers easily accessible care with a licensed therapist, no matter where you live in Australia. In some cases, BetterHelp’s services may be free or low-cost, and people with anxiety don’t have to worry about sitting in a waiting room to see a therapist. Additionally, online therapy means you’re not limited to the providers who are within a commutable distance, which may make it easier to find a provider who is a good match for you.

Is online therapy effective for anxiety?

Research suggests that online therapy can often be effective for decreasing symptoms of anxiety. For instance, one 2023 study reports significant improvements in anxiety symptoms among individuals participating in online cognitive behaviour therapy. Online therapy may help both young people and older individuals develop coping skills for various causes of anxiety conditions, such as trauma or chronic pain.