Mental health professionals, like therapists, can help you manage anxiety. But only certain medical professionals can prescribe anxiety medication.
You may want to see a psychiatrist if your anxiety is severe or if you have other complex medical or mental health needs.
Primary care providers (PCPs) can also prescribe anxiety medication, and identify any physical health issues that might be causing your symptoms. However, they might refer you to a psychiatric specialist if needed.
Anxiety disorders are some of the most common mental health concerns. So if you’re experiencing challenges with anxiety, know that you’re not alone and help is available.
When it comes to mental health treatment, there are different types of support. But, sometimes, it can be hard to know who to turn to for help. For example, therapists, psychologists, and social workers can help you manage your anxiety symptoms with talk therapy and other non-medical services. For most anxiety symptoms, therapy is the first-choice treatment.
However, if therapy isn’t effective in addressing your symptoms, you may want to explore medication options. Therapists can’t prescribe medication. If you’re interested in taking anti-anxiety medication, it’s important to know which providers can write prescriptions. Learning more about these options can help you access the right care for your needs.
Psychiatrists
Psychiatrists and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) are medical providers who specialize in treating mental health concerns with medication. They’re especially skilled in helping people who have complex medical and mental health needs.
For example, let’s say you have an anxiety disorder and a heart condition. A psychiatric provider could prescribe a medication that helps relieve your anxiety symptoms without compromising your heart health. Then, they’d monitor the effectiveness of your medication over time and make changes as needed. This is referred to as medication management.
One challenge to be aware of is that access to psychiatric care can be limited. Currently, there’s a nationwide shortage of psychiatrists. This means you might have to wait a long time for an appointment. There can also be issues with insurance covering psychiatric services. So it’s always best to verify your coverage before making an appointment.
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Primary care providers
Family physicians and nurse practitioners (NPs) are primary care providers (PCPs). They’re often the first point of contact for someone seeking anxiety medication. These providers don’t have the deep knowledge of mental health that psychiatrists do. But they can make sure there isn’t an underlying medical condition that might explain your symptoms. So this can be a good place to start.
When you meet with your PCP, you can let them know how your anxiety is affecting your life. Depending on your symptoms, they can determine whether you might be a good candidate for anxiety medication.
Like psychiatrists, PCPs can provide medication management services. But they may also suggest seeing a therapist or psychiatrist. For example, if your anxiety is severe and you have co-occurring conditions like depression or anxiety that involves obsessive thoughts or compulsive behaviors, you may need more intensive support than they can provide. So your PCP might refer you to a psychiatric provider who can better meet your needs. Then, they can collaborate with your other provider(s) to help you meet your goals.
Choosing a provider
When it comes to treating anxiety with medication, the best provider is often the one you have access to and already have a relationship with. If your anxiety is severe, you may want to work with a psychiatrist. But research shows that while psychiatrists specialize in mental health, other providers can offer effective support as well. Many people manage their anxiety with help from a PCP. You can always ask your doctor which provider they think would be right for you.
If you’re having trouble finding a psychiatric care provider in your area, consider using telehealth to meet with a provider remotely. These platforms make it easy to connect with a psychiatric provider using technology, and you can get quality care this way. Depending on the laws where you live and the type of medication you’ve been prescribed, you may need to meet with your provider in person at some point. But this convenient option can help you access a provider who can prescribe medication for anxiety.
I encourage people to work with a therapist first when experiencing anxiety symptoms. But if your symptoms are so severe that they’re interfering with your ability to function in everyday life, medication could be an important part of your treatment plan. Speaking with your primary care provider or a psychiatrist can help identify the best option.
Stephanie J Reed, MSW, MSN, PMHNP-BC
Clinical reviewer
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Anxiety disorders are common mental health conditions that can be managed with the right support. But if you’re interested in taking anti-anxiety medication, you might be unsure who to turn to for help. While therapists and other mental health professionals can offer invaluable support, they can’t prescribe medication. Only medical providers like psychiatrists, primary care physicians, and nurse practitioners can do that.
The best provider for you will depend on the severity of your anxiety, whether you have co-occurring conditions, and which providers you have access to. If you’re having difficulty finding psychiatric care in your area, consider using telehealth to expand your search.
At Rula, we’re committed to delivering a comprehensive behavioral health experience that helps people feel seen and understood so they can get back to feeling their best.
Rula makes it easier to find a licensed therapist or psychiatric provider who accepts your insurance so you don’t have to choose between affordable care and excellent care. With a diverse network of more than 15,000 providers, 24/7 crisis support, and appointments available as soon as tomorrow, we're here to help you make progress — wherever you are on your mental health journey.
Liz Talago
Liz Talago, M.ed. is a mental health professional turned content writer and strategist based in the Detroit metro area. As an independent consultant for mental health organizations, Liz creates meaningful connections between brands and their audiences through strategic storytelling. Liz is known for championing diverse perspectives within the mental health industry and translating bold ideas into inspiring, affirming digital experiences.
In her free time, you can find her hiking with her two German Shepherds, puttering around her dahlia garden, or spending time with her family.
Stephanie J Reed, MSW, MSN, PMHNP-BC
Stephanie started her career in mental health as a clinical social worker in 1997. She’s been practicing as a psychiatric nurse practitioner since 2020. She’s worked in many settings, including in labor and delivery as an RN, in child protection, in community mental health, and in an urban clinic affiliated with the Indian Health Service.
Her passion for mental health comes from a desire to provide the kind of care and education for people that she wishes had been available to her family. Good mental healthcare can be transformative for people and families, and it’s work that she’s very proud to be part of.
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Rula's editorial team is on a mission to make science-backed mental health insights accessible and practical for every person seeking to better understand or improve mental wellness.
Members of Rula’s clinical leadership team and other expert providers contribute to all published content, offering guidance on themes and insights based on their firsthand experience in the field. Every piece of content is thoroughly reviewed by a clinician before publishing.
