If you—or a family member or friend—are having thoughts about suicide, resources are available to help. Please contact the Suicide Prevention Hotline at 800-273-TALK or 800-273-8255.
Anxiety disorders involve more than temporary worry or fear—and their symptoms can interfere with daily activities such as job performance, school work and relationships, according to the National Institutes on Mental Health.
There are many types of anxiety disorders, including panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, agoraphobia, specific phobia, social anxiety disorder (social phobia), post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder and separation anxiety disorder.
Anxiety disorders can be treated—and licensed professional counselors can help.
The American Counseling Association assembled the resources below to serve as background material in helping clients dealing with anxiety disorders.
PRACTICE BRIEFS AND OTHER RESOURCES
Practice Briefs
The ACA Center for Counseling Practice, Policy and Research offers Practice Briefs for ACA members. Practice Briefs, written by scholars in the counseling profession, are research-based summaries of best practices, evidence-based practices and research-based approaches covering a wide variety of client-presenting issues and counseling topics. Each Practice Brief is several pages in length, includes references and has been peer-reviewed by two co-editors before being accepted for publication. The Practice Briefs, which are available to ACA members only, include:
Online Courses
Global Wellness: Predicting Lower Levels of Anxiety
Author: Michael T. Kralkbrenner, PhD
DSM-5 Depressive, Anxiety, and Trauma
Author: Stephanie F. Dailey, EdD
Hoarding Disorder: Diagnosis, Assessment and Treatment
Authors: Victoria E. Kress, PhD; Nicole A. Stargell, PhD; Chelsey A. Zoldan-Calhou; and Matthew J. Paylo, PhD
BOOKS
Youth at Risk, 7th edition
Edited by David Capuzzi and Douglas R. Gross
In the latest edition of this best-selling text, distinguished counselors David Capuzzi and Douglas Gross, along with 24 experts in the field, provide a prevention-intervention paradigm to address contemporary issues facing today's youth. Written from a systemic perspective, this book offers guidance in helping teens who are struggling with the complex challenges that can be brought on by peers, family members and difficult social environments.
Part 1 presents information on at-risk population identification, causal factors of problematic behaviors and promotion of resiliency in youth. Part 2 examines the development of at-risk behaviors relating to dysfunctional family dynamics, low self-esteem, depression, mood disorders, and stress and trauma. Part 3 explores the behaviors most often identified as placing youth at risk, such as eating disorders, suicidal preoccupation, teen sexuality, gang membership, school violence, substance abuse, homelessness, school dropout, bullying and the unique strengths of, and stressors faced by, multiracial and LGBTQ youth. Case studies illustrate prevention efforts from individual, family, school and community perspectives. Text sidebars create greater reader self-awareness and enhance the understanding of the concepts, skills and applications of the chapter material.
Disaster Mental Health Counseling: A Guide to Preparing and Responding, Fourth Edition
Edited by Jane M. Webber and J. Barry Mascari
This timely book provides current research and skill-building information on Disaster Mental Health Counseling for counselors, educators, students and mental health responders in agencies, schools, universities and private practice. Recognized experts in the field detail effective clinical interventions with survivors in the immediate, intermediate and long-term aftermath of traumatic events.
This extensively revised edition, which meets 2016 CACREP Standards for disaster and trauma competencies, is divided into three sections: Disaster Mental Health Counseling Foundations, Disaster and Trauma Response in the Community, and Disasters and Mass Violence at Schools and Universities. Real-world responses to violence and tragedies among diverse populations in a variety of settings are presented. Responders share their personal stories and vital lessons learned through an "In Our Own Words" feature. Each chapter contains discussion questions. Case studies are interwoven throughout the text.
Mastering the Art of Solution-Focused Counseling, Second Edition
By Jeffrey T. Guterman
The most current trends in solution-focused counseling are explored in the latest edition of this updated and expanded text. Dr. Guterman provides a comprehensive and straightforward discussion of solution-focused theory and describes how the model can be used throughout the therapeutic process. Clinical techniques and detailed case studies illustrate counseling with clients experiencing a range of problems, including depression, substance abuse, grief, morbid jealousy and trichotillomania. New chapters and sections in this edition address anxiety, eating disorders, migraine headache, psychosis, spiritual and religious problems, self-injurious behavior and suicide. Additional features include excerpts of dialogue from actual counseling sessions, sample forms and supplementary materials and troubleshooting tips for getting unstuck in difficult cases. The final chapter, titled "The Future of Solution-Focused Counseling," considers new directions for the model and developments in research, clinical settings and technology.
WEBINARS
Trauma/OCD/Anxiety
Speakers: Victoria E. Kress PhD