ANXIETY DISORDER TREATMENT

Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety can feel like your body and mind are out of your control. Your thoughts race, your chest tightens, and fear can take over even when nothing dangerous is happening. Anxiety itself isn’t bad, it’s meant to keep us safe, alert us to pain, and help us know when to be careful. But when you’ve lived in environments where you were unsafe, where you had to stay on edge, or where fear was constant, your nervous system can get stuck in that state. Instead of helping you, anxiety can take over, leaving you feeling overwhelmed and exhausted.

MEET OUR TEAM

At Hightide Mental Health, we are your trusted partner in Orange County for comprehensive mental health treatment. Our team, composed of seasoned behavioral health professionals, brings years of experience and a wealth of knowledge to our practice. We are dedicated to delivering ethical, innovative, and top-notch care. Our mission is to transform lives by addressing a wide range of mental health challenges. As one of the leading mental health facilities in California, we are committed to fostering personal development and promoting healthier, happier lives. Our well-seasoned staff's expertise in the field of mental health, combined with our unwavering commitment to our clients, makes us a preferred choice for mental health treatment in Orange County.

Types of Anxiety Disorders

There are several types of anxiety disorders, each with their own patterns. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) can make you worry constantly about everyday life. Panic Disorder often brings sudden episodes of intense fear and physical symptoms like a racing heart or shortness of breath. Social Anxiety Disorder centers around fear of judgment or rejection in social settings. Phobias are intense fears tied to specific situations or objects. Each of these can be deeply disruptive, and while they show up differently, they all share the same underlying theme: your mind and body are locked in fear even when you want relief.

How to Know if Someone Is Suffering from an Anxiety Disorder

Daily anxiety can look different from person to person, but there are some clear signs it has become more than occasional worry. These include racing thoughts that don’t stop, physical symptoms like chest tightness, sweating, trembling, or shortness of breath, and avoiding situations out of fear. Anxiety disorders can also show up as irritability, difficulty concentrating, sleep problems, or the sense of being “on edge” almost every day. When anxiety is disrupting work, school, relationships, or overall health, it may be time to seek higher levels of care and structured support.

Treatment for Anxiety

Treatment for anxiety focuses on helping you understand your nervous system and teaching you how to calm it. That might mean using movement, breath work, mindfulness, or guided exercises to regulate your body. It also means looking at the thoughts fueling your fear: asking if they’re true, and if they’re not, learning how to shift them. Therapy gives you a safe place to share how your anxiety shows up, to sit in the fear without being alone, and to learn evidence-based tools for regaining control. Group therapy allows you to hear others’ stories, reminding you that anxiety is human and that healing is possible when you practice together.

Anxiety Levels of Care

Sometimes daily suffering from anxiety means you need more than weekly sessions. At HighTide Mental Health, we offer multiple levels of care. Our Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) runs from 9:00am to 4:00pm, giving you a full day of support, structure, and medical care to help stabilize your anxiety. Our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) allows you to take what you’ve learned and practice those skills in real life (at work, in school, or in relationships) while still having consistent therapeutic support. Over time, you begin to notice your anxiety shifting: your body calmer, your thoughts steadier, your fears less consuming.

Healing from Anxiety

By the time you complete treatment, you’ll feel a sense of existence you may have forgotten was possible: living with anxiety in a way that helps you, not harms you. You will have built new habits, found tools that actually work for your body and mind, and proven to yourself that anxiety does not define you.

Many people finish treatment surprised by how much lighter life feels, how relationships improve, and how much more energy they have when anxiety is no longer in control. At HighTide Mental Health, we believe recovery is always possible, and we walk with you every step of the way until you feel that possibility for yourself.

CHIEF CLINICAL OFFICER

Dr. Courtney Tracy, LCSW, PsyD, CCTP, C-PD, C-DBT

_{Courtney specializes in the clinical treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder and co-occurring mental health issues. She is a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional and a Certified Personality Disorder Treatment Provider, with a forthcoming certification in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. Holding a CA-state license as a Clinical Social Worker and currently registered as a Psychological Associate, Courtney brings 12 years of dedicated experience to her practice. Her entire career has been devoted to helping individuals struggling with co-occurring mental health problems, demonstrating her commitment to this field.}

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Anthony Fletcher

Anthony is our dynamic CEO at Hightide Mental Health. With a background in clinical studies and a decade of experience working with both adults and adolescents in the mental health industry, Anthony brings a unique perspective to our team. His personal journey with ADHD and trauma has fueled a deep-seated drive to help others. Over the years, Anthony has dedicated his time to developing innovative programs designed to support those struggling with mental health. His commitment extends beyond our organization, as he is a respected figure in Orange County's mental health community. From motivational speaking to participating in local mental health awareness events, Anthony's influence is far-reaching. At Hightide Mental Health, Anthony's vision is to empower individuals to overcome their struggles and embrace their full potential.

CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER

Jessica Flores, BA, CATC III

Meet Jessica, our Chief Operating Officer at Hightide Mental Health. With a decade of experience in the mental health field, Jessica brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our team. She holds a BA in Community Advocacy and Social Policy and is a certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor. But what truly sets Jessica apart is her personal journey. As someone who has successfully navigated her own recovery from substance abuse and mental health challenges, she understands firsthand the struggles our clients face. This personal experience fuels her passion for giving back and helping others on their journey to wellness. At Hightide Mental Health, Jessica is committed to creating a supportive environment where individuals can grow, heal, and thrive.

PROGRAM DIRECTOR

Amber Shaw, SUDRC

Meet Amber, our dedicated Program Director at Hightide Mental Health. Amber holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and is a certified Substance Use Recovery Coach. She is on the cusp of completing her CDAC III certification, further solidifying her commitment to the field. With seven years of experience in the substance abuse and mental health field, Amber brings a deep level of care and empathy to our team. Her decision to work in this field was very personal. After receiving compassionate and understanding treatment during her own recovery journey, she felt a calling to provide the same level of care to others.

Kat Day, ACSW

Kat is a dedicated and experienced Associate Clinical Social Worker, licensed in the state of California. They are currently on a journey towards becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, while also pursuing certification in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). With a rich experience of six years, Kat has provided their expertise in various psychiatric settings and treatment centers. Their focus is on supporting individuals grappling with co-occurring mental health disorders. Kats commitment to their profession is evident in their continuous pursuit of knowledge and skills to better serve their clients.

GROUP FACILITATOR

Steven Shaw

Meet Steven! With seven years of experience in the industry, Steven brings a wealth of knowledge, empathy, and positivity to our team. His approach to group facilitation prioritizes love and connection, creating an environment where every individual feels seen, heard, and valued. Steven believes that people thrive when they are able to connect authentically with others, and he is committed to fostering these connections in his group sessions. His positive influence has been instrumental in shaping the experiences of our clients, guiding them towards the light in their lives and helping them focus on positivity.