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Phobias services offered in Alma, Fayetteville and Bentonville, AR
If you have irrational fears that negatively affect your lifestyle, see an expert at My Psych Health, based in Alma, Fayetteville, and Bentonville, Arkansas, serving patients of all ages virtually. The experienced psychiatry team offers treatments for phobias that reduce uncontrollable worry. Call to learn more about your options, or schedule a telehealth appointment online today.
What are phobias?
Phobias are irrational, long-lasting fears of situations, activities, or objects that don’t bother many other people. Phobias can feel overwhelming, causing you to avoid the source of your fear or even experience panic attacks. Getting treated for phobias and other anxiety disorders helps you regain control of your life and well-being.
What are the different types of phobias?
The different types of phobias include:
Specific phobias
Specific phobias might include fear of tunnels, heights, closed-in spaces, certain animals, bugs, or flying.
Agoraphobia
People diagnosed with agoraphobia experience fear in certain situations. You might be afraid of traveling in a car, being in an elevator, traveling over a large bridge, being in big crowds, or staying home alone. You may avoid large crowds of people because of agoraphobia or rarely leave your home in severe cases.
Social phobia
Social phobia is the fear of being around other people, especially large crowds of people. You may be afraid of embarrassment, public speaking, discomfort, or judgment by others.
What are the risk factors for phobias?
While anyone can develop phobias, the common risk factors include:
- Previous bad experiences with places or objects
- Family history of phobias
- Anxiety
- Past trauma
- Certain personality traits
About 19 million people in the United States struggle with phobias, which range from mild to severe or crippling.
How are phobias diagnosed?
Your My Psych Health specialist diagnoses phobias after completing a virtual psychiatric evaluation. They ask about your lifestyle habits, emotions, moods, thoughts, behavior patterns, and medical history before tailoring a treatment plan. You may have more than one type of mental health disorder, such as phobias with depression or generalized anxiety disorder.
How are phobias treated?
My Psych Health offers numerous treatments via telehealth for phobias, including medication management, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure therapy, and lifestyle changes. Your provider teaches you relaxation and breathing techniques that reduce bothersome symptoms.
Your specialist follows up with you virtually to complete psychotherapy (talk therapy) sessions weekly (or as needed) and may alter your medication prescription if necessary to maximize your mental well-being and quality of life.
Call My Psych Health to find relief from phobias, or schedule an appointment online today.