Psychiatry SPECIALTIES
Anxiety Treatment in St. Petersburg, FL
Find relief with personalized care with medication management for anxiety, phobias and OCD.
Understanding Anxiety and It’s Impact
Anxiety is a mental health condition that goes beyond occasional worry or stress. It is characterized by persistent feelings of excessive fear, worry, or dread that can interfere with daily life. Physical symptoms like a rapid heartbeat, restlessness, muscle tension, and difficulty concentrating often accompany anxiety, making it both a mental and physical challenge.
Common types of anxiety disorders include:
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Chronic, excessive worry about everyday events or activities.
Panic Disorder
Sudden and intense episodes of fear, often accompanied by physical symptoms like chest pain or shortness of breath.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Intrusive thoughts (obsessions) that lead to repetitive behaviors (compulsions).
Anxiety disorders are common but highly treatable with the right approach. Left untreated, anxiety can disrupt relationships, hinder work performance, and diminish overall quality of life. Early intervention, including personalized psychiatric care, can provide significant relief and help individuals regain control over their lives.
Client Love
“Dr. Larson is great!”
He is validating, professional, and the first psychiatrist to actually listen and consult me on changes to medication or believe my symptoms enough to treat me. It’s great to have choice in my care and to have a doctor that cares too. Staff is great and friendly too and the virtual appointments are so convenient!”
Different Types of Anxiety Disorders
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD
Chronic, excessive worry about everyday situations, such as work, relationships, or health, often accompanied by restlessness, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating.
Panic Disorder
Characterized by recurrent and unexpected panic attacks—intense episodes of fear that may include symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, or a racing heart.
Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia)
A deep fear of social situations where one might feel judged or embarrassed, leading to avoidance behaviors that impact relationships and daily functioning.
Specific Phobias
Intense fear of a particular object, activity, or situation, such as heights, flying, or needles, that often leads to avoidance.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Involves intrusive, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) performed to ease anxiety, such as excessive cleaning or checking.
Separation Anxiety Disorder
Extreme fear or anxiety about being separated from loved ones, typically seen in children but can also affect adults.
How To Get Started With Psychiatric Services in St. Petersburg, FL
one
Schedule Initial Call
Reach out to us to book your first appointment. Whether you prefer online or in-person services, we'll find a time that works best for you
TWO
Discover You Needs and Call
During your consultation, we'll explore your mental health concerns, medical history, and goals for treatment. This helps us create a tailored plan that suits your unique needs.
THREE
Begin Your Personalized Treatment Plan
With a clear diagnosis and customized approach, you'll start your journey to improved mental health. Our expert psychiatrists will guide you every step of the wav, ensuring you feel supported and empowered.
Recognizing the Signs of Anxiety
Anxiety can manifest in a variety of ways, affecting emotions, physical health, and behavior. Understanding these symptoms is the first step toward finding relief:
Emotional Symptoms of Anxiety:
Persistent worry, fear, or a sense of dread that feels overwhelming and difficult to control.
Physical Symptoms of Anxiety:
Anxiety often brings physical discomfort, such as a rapid heartbeat, muscle tension, excessive sweating, or trouble sleeping.
Behavioral Symptoms
Avoiding situations that trigger anxiety, struggling to concentrate, or having difficulty completing tasks due to overwhelming feelings.OCD-Specific Symptoms
Intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive actions (compulsions) like excessive cleaning or checking behaviors to ease anxiety.These symptoms can vary widely from person to person, in both intensity and duration. A professional evaluation is essential to identify the root cause of anxiety and create a personalized treatment plan.
OUR MENTAL HEALTH SPECIALTIES
Our Team
OWNER & psychiatrist
Dr. Rachel McKenna
Dr. Rachel McKenna is a board-certified psychiatrist specializing in general, child, and adolescent psychiatry. With extensive experience working with individuals across all age groups, she has provided expert care in specialized clinics for autism, psychosis, mood disorders, ADHD, eating disorders, and behavioral disorders.
Dr. McKenna completed her medical training through the prestigious Six-Year Accelerated Combined B.A./M.D. Program at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. She pursued her general psychiatry residency and child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship at Washington University in St. Louis, a nationally recognized institution for psychiatric training.
She holds board certifications in General Psychiatry and Child & Adolescent Psychiatry and is licensed to practice in multiple states, including Florida and New York. In addition to her clinical work, Dr. McKenna has served in leadership roles such as Chief Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Fellow and Medical Director for a multidisciplinary psychiatric practice.
Recognized for her excellence in patient care, she has been named one of Florida’s Top Doctors and Best Psychiatrist of St. Petersburg for several consecutive years. Her practice focuses on evidence-based psychiatric and substance use treatment, integrating medication management with therapeutic interventions to support long-term mental wellness..
psychiatrist
Dr. Alison Larson
Dr. Alison Larson is a board-certified psychiatrist in General Psychiatry and Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, specializing in the treatment of children, adolescents, and adults. With a strong foundation in evidence-based psychiatric care, she has extensive experience working with a diverse range of patients and conditions, including OCD, ADHD, and Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Dr. Larson earned her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine. She completed her General Psychiatry Residency at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University and further specialized in Child & Adolescent Psychiatry through a fellowship at the University of Florida College of Medicine, where she also served as Chief Fellow.
She is an active member of several professional organizations, including the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, the Florida Psychiatric Society, and the American Psychiatric Association. Beyond clinical practice, Dr. Larson is dedicated to psychiatric education and advocacy, having presented on topics such as trauma and PTSD in children and adolescents, adolescent mental health, and the psychiatric treatment of substance use disorders.
Dr. Larson is committed to delivering compassionate, patient-centered care, integrating medication management and therapy to support long-term mental wellness.
OFFICE MANAGER
Erin Guin
She is here to assist in any way she can in helping our current and new patients access the care that they deserve!
Our Comprehensive Approach to Anxiety Treatment
At Haven Psychiatry, we understand that anxiety can feel overwhelming, but with the right support, relief is possible. Our approach is comprehensive and tailored to meet your unique needs:
Thorough Evaluation
We begin with an in-depth assessment to understand your symptoms, identify triggers, and evaluate how anxiety is affecting your daily life. This allows us to create a personalized treatment plan that targets your specific challenges.
Medication for Anxiety and OCD
Our experts prescribe medications tailored to your needs, helping to alleviate symptoms like excessive worry, intrusive thoughts, and physical discomfort. We work closely with you to monitor progress and make adjustments as needed.Therapeutic Support
We collaborate with skilled therapists in St. Pete who specialize in evidence-based approaches, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), to help you develop practical coping strategies and tools for managing anxiety.Holistic Interventions
To complement traditional treatments, we incorporate lifestyle recommendations such as mindfulness exercises, relaxation techniques, and stress management strategies to enhance overall well-being.
At Haven Psychiatry, we provide personalized, compassionate care to help you regain control, reduce anxiety, and improve your quality of life.
Frequently Asked Questions About Anxiety Treatment
-
We offer a combination of medication management, therapy referrals, and holistic support tailored to your needs.
-
Yes, we specialize in medication management for anxiety disorders, including OCD, to help reduce symptoms and improve daily functioning.
-
If anxiety is interfering with your ability to work, socialize, or enjoy life, seeking professional care can provide the support and relief you need.
-
While mild anxiety may improve over time, chronic or severe anxiety often requires treatment to manage effectively.
-
Haven Psychiatry is a cash-pay practice and does not accept insurance. This allows us to provide personalized, high-quality care without the limitations or restrictions imposed by insurance companies.
However, we’re happy to provide you with a superbill—a detailed receipt of your services—that you can submit to your insurance provider for potential reimbursement, depending on your out-of-network benefits.
If you have questions about reimbursement or navigating your insurance benefits, we’re here to help guide you through the process.
schedule a consultation
Take Control of Your Anxiety Today!
Relief is possible, and we’re here to help you find it. Start your journey toward calm, clarity, and confidence with personalized care designed just for you.