5 Best Anxiety Therapists in the Tri-City Area and Inland Empire
Takeaway: Anxiety doesn’t have to control your life. At Journey to Wellness Counseling, we use trauma-informed approaches to help you process past experiences that often underlie present-day anxiety. Reach out today to get started or contact one of the other local anxiety therapists featured here if our practice isn’t the right match for your unique situation.
Meet the therapists
1. Lisa Franks
Recommended for trauma-informed anxiety counseling
As the owner and founder of Journey to Wellness Counseling, I use an innovative, trauma-informed approach to help you experience real relief, fast. I’m Master-Certified in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), a cutting-edge method that unlocks deep healing without having to verbally recount every detail of your past. I’m also trained in EMDR, another highly effective trauma therapy method that has been shown to reduce anxiety symptoms.
My clients are often high achievers who “have it all together” on the outside but feel internally anxious and unsure of themselves. If this sounds like you, I invite you to reach out.
Treats anxiety ✅
Credentials: Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Clientele: Adults & couples
Location: Temecula, CA 92590
Virtual therapy: Available across CA
2. Erika Lazo
Recommended for anxiety therapy for children
Erika is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who specializes in working with young children. She uses play therapy to get on your child’s level and help them express themselves in the ways they know best. If you’re a parent looking for support for your anxious little one, I recommend contacting Erika.
Treats anxiety ✅
Credentials: Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Clientele: Toddlers, children, & parents
Location: Riverside, CA 92507
Virtual therapy: No
3. Paul Baum
Recommended for anxiety therapy for teens
Paul is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who specializes in working with teens, particularly those in the LGBTQ+ community. He uses methods like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to help teens process underlying challenges and learn skills to manage anxiety. If you’re a teenager or parent of a teen looking for anxiety support, Paul’s practice could be a good fit.
Treats anxiety ✅
Credentials: Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Clientele: Teens & adults
Location: Riverside, CA 92505
Virtual therapy: Available across CA
4. Sylvia Ybarra
Recommended for group anxiety counseling
Sylvia is a marriage and family therapist with 15 years of experience. In addition to working with individuals and couples, she runs a weekly anxiety group where you can learn how to manage anxiety with the support of a therapist and peers. If you’re interested in group therapy for anxiety, I recommend reaching out to her.
Treats anxiety ✅
Credentials: Marriage and Family Therapist
Clientele: Preteens, teens, adults, couples
Location: Temecula, CA 92591
Virtual therapy: Available across California
5. Karen Anderson
Recommended for postpartum anxiety therapy
Karen is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who specializes in perinatal and postpartum mental health. She works with women navigating pregnancy loss, infertility, birth trauma, adoption, surrogacy, and mental health challenges like postpartum depression and anxiety. If you’re looking for specialized support in this area, her practice may be a good fit.
Treats anxiety ✅
Credentials: Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Clientele: Adults (primarily women)
Location: Virtual only
Virtual therapy: Available across CA
FAQs about anxiety therapy
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There’s no singular “best” type of anxiety therapy. The most effective anxiety treatment approach is one that’s tailored to your specific needs and goals.
In my practice, I primarily use Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), EMDR, and evidence-based talk therapy approaches, like CBT and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). ART and EMDR are particularly helpful for anxiety because they address underlying trauma and help to reprocess distressing memories that can fuel anxious thoughts and feelings—all without having to verbally retell every detail of your past.
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Absolutely. Research, like this meta-analysis on CBT for anxiety, shows that therapy can be highly effective in reducing anxiety symptoms. With the right support and tools, you can learn to manage anxious thoughts, reduce physical symptoms, and regain confidence in daily situations. Many of my clients begin to experience relief after just a few sessions.
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I can help with various types of anxiety, including generalized anxiety, panic attacks, and social anxiety. These often have roots in trauma, which is my practice’s specialty. My clients are often high achievers and entrepreneurs who are outwardly successful but internally struggle with anxiety, overwhelm, and imposter syndrome.
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You can expect a safe, non-judgmental space where we'll work collaboratively on your goals. We'll start by understanding your specific anxiety patterns and triggers, then use ART and other techniques to process underlying issues. You'll also learn practical skills for managing anxiety in real-time, helping you feel more empowered and in control.
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My practice may be a good fit if:
You're open to trying ART, especially if traditional talk therapy hasn't worked
You prefer a direct, solution-focused approach alongside compassionate support
You're looking for both in-person and virtual session options
You’re seeking a seasoned practitioner with specialized training
You want a trauma-informed approach to anxiety therapy
If this sounds like you, I encourage you to reach out.
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Getting started is simple. Book a free consultation call where we can discuss your concerns and goals, and I can answer any questions about my approach. This gives us both a chance to see if we're a good fit before beginning therapy. From there, we'll schedule your first session and begin your journey together.
