Anxiety & Depression

Anxiety is your body’s natural response to stress, helping you stay alert in challenging situations, such as exams or public speaking. When worry becomes constant, overwhelming, or interferes with daily activities, it may signal an anxiety disorder.

Anxiety disorders are diagnosable mental health conditions where fear or worry becomes chronic and disproportionate to the situation. Some people may feel intense apprehension even during routine or non-threatening events. 

Anxiety is one of the most common mental health concerns in the U.S., affecting nearly 44.0 % of adults at some point in their lives, with women diagnosed more often than men.

• Constant worry or racing thoughts
• Sudden fear or panic attacks
• Trouble concentrating at work, school, or home
• Physical symptoms like sweating, rapid heartbeat, or tense muscles
• Irritability or restlessness, even without a clear reason

At Alliance Psychology, our experienced therapists offer in-person and telehealth counseling for a wide range of anxiety disorders, providing evidence-based care to help restore balance in your daily life.

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Ongoing, excessive worry about everyday events or responsibilities.
• Social Anxiety Disorder: Intense fear of judgment or embarrassment in social settings.
• Panic Disorder: Repeated panic attacks with sudden, unexpected episodes of intense fear that peak within minutes.
• Phobias: Strong, irrational fear of specific objects, places, or situations.

Depression is more than temporary sadness or grief, which are natural reactions to life’s challenges. Clinical depression lasts at least two weeks and involves emotional, cognitive, and physical symptoms that extend beyond sadness. 

Depression can interfere with work, school, relationships, and self-care. It is important to remember that experiencing depressive symptoms is not a sign of weakness, nor something a person can simply snap out of.

Approximately 29% of U.S. adults have been diagnosed with depression at some point. Women are more often affected than men, and younger adults experience it at higher rates than older adults.

• Persistent sadness, emptiness, or tearfulness
• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
• Changes in sleep patterns or appetite
• Difficulty focusing, remembering, or making decisions
• Feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, or guilt
• Withdrawing from family, friends, or social activities

If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide or self-harm, call or text 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline right away.

At Alliance Psychology, our team brings over 25 years of experience helping people navigate different forms of depression with compassionate, evidence-based care.

• Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): Ongoing sadness, loss of interest, and difficulty functioning; may include specifiers such as postpartum onset or seasonal pattern (SAD).
• Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD): A long-lasting, less severe but chronic form of depression (formerly dysthymia).
• Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD): Persistent irritability and frequent, intense temper outbursts in children and adolescents.
• Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD): Severe depressive symptoms linked to the menstrual cycle.
• Substance/Medication-Induced Depressive Disorder: Depression that develops due to substance use, withdrawal, or as a medication side effect.
• Depressive Disorder Due to Another Medical Condition: Depression triggered by or related to another health condition, such as thyroid disease, stroke, chronic pain, neurological disorders, or other significant medical illnesses.
• Unspecified Depressive Disorder: Symptoms of depression that don’t fully match another diagnosis but still cause distress and impairment.

At Alliance Psychology, we believe effective therapy begins with a genuine connection. Anxiety and depression can leave you feeling isolated, but healing happens best in a safe, trusting relationship. Our therapists take the time to understand your story, your values, and your goals before recommending a path forward.

We don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all model of care. Instead, we focus on finding the right fit, whether that means matching you with a therapist on our team or, if needed, referring you to another provider who can better meet your needs. For us, success isn’t measured by keeping you in our care, but by helping you get the support that truly works for you.

Over the past 25 years, this philosophy has guided how we serve our community in Utah County. From our offices in Orem and Spanish Fork, as well as through secure telehealth across Utah, we make it easier to begin therapy without long waits, often with same-week availability.

Therapy for anxiety and depression provides a safe space to understand your emotions, reduce distress, and regain balance in daily life. At Alliance Psychology, our focus is on helping you develop practical skills, from calming racing thoughts to managing stress and enhancing relationships.

Here is how psychotherapy will help manage anxiety and depression.

• Learn how to identify unhelpful thought patterns and replace them with healthier perspectives.
• Build tools to manage stress, anxiety triggers, and difficult situations with more confidence.
• Develop skills to concentrate better, stabilize mood swings, and handle strong emotions effectively.
• Restore hope, rebuild self-esteem, and strengthen relationships at home, school, and work.

Starting therapy can feel uncertain. At Alliance Psychology, our process is designed to be supportive and straightforward.

• Initial Appointment: Your first appointment is typically scheduled within the same week for an intake session, during which you’ll share your concerns, medical history, and goals. Our therapist outlines a personalized plan, which may include individual sessions, family involvement, or targeted approaches, such as CBT, ACT, EMDR, or IFS.
• Ongoing Sessions: Available in person or via telehealth, therapy sessions focus on exploring challenges, practicing coping strategies, reframing unhelpful thoughts, and building resilience over time.
• Collaboration When Needed: We collaborate with psychiatrists and medical providers to coordinate care and support patients who may benefit from medication alongside therapy.
• Progress & Review: As therapy continues, our therapist checks in with you regularly to track progress and adjust the plan to ensure it stays aligned with your goals.

Living with anxiety or depression can feel isolating, but you don’t have to go through it alone. With same-week appointments, in-person and telehealth options, and a team of trusted specialists, Alliance Psychology makes it easier to get the help you need.

Call us today at (801) 224-2313 or complete our online form to request your first appointment.