Anxiety Treatment

Anxiety Treatment | Dr. Dan Sharir, Psychologist — Upper West Side, NYC

You Don't Have to Live With Anxiety Running the Show

There is evidence-based therapy to help you reclaim calm, confidence, and connection.

Is This You?

If any of the following feel familiar, you're not alone — and you're in the right place.

- Your mind races even when nothing is "wrong"

- Panic attacks arrive without warning and leave you shaken

- Social situations feel exhausting or dread-filled

- You avoid things — places, people, conversations — just to stay safe

- Anxiety is quietly getting in the way of your relationships, your work, or your sleep

Anxiety is the most common mental health concern I see in my practice, and it responds very well to treatment. Whatever form it takes for you — generalized worry, panic disorder, social anxiety, OCD, or phobias — there is a path forward.

You're Not Broken. You're Overwhelmed.

Anxiety is not a character flaw or a sign of weakness. It's your nervous system working overtime, often in response to real stressors, early experiences, or ingrained patterns of thought. The problem isn't that you feel anxious — it's that anxiety has taken on a life of its own and started making decisions for you.

After more than 19 years working with people who struggle with anxiety, I've come to deeply appreciate how much courage it takes to reach out. I also know this: anxiety is highly treatable, and most people feel meaningfully better with the right support.

---

How I Work

My approach is grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and mindfulness, which has the strongest research base of any treatment for anxiety disorders. CBT works by helping you understand the connection between your thoughts, your feelings, and your behaviors and then gently challenging the patterns that are keeping you stuck.

In our sessions together, we'll

- Identify the specific thoughts and beliefs fueling your anxiety

- Examine where those beliefs came from and whether they still serve you

- Practice concrete skills you can use in real situations, not just in the therapy room

- Build tolerance for uncertainty, so anxiety loses its grip over time

This is collaborative work. I'm direct, I'll give you honest feedback, and I'll also assign between-session exercises because the real change happens in your daily life, not just our session together.

What to Expect in Your First Session

We start with a free 15-minute phone consultation to see whether we're a good fit. If we are, the first full session is a 45-minute conversation about what brought you in, how anxiety shows up in your daily life, and what you'd like to be different. By the end, you'll have a clear sense of how we'll work together and what the next few weeks will look like.

In Person on the Upper West Side, or Online in New York and Florida

Sessions take place at my office at 275 Central Park West, a short walk from the B and C trains at 86th Street and Central Park West. I also offer telehealth for anyone in New York State or Florida. Daytime, evening and Sunday appointments are available.

Fees and Insurance

I'm in network with UnitedHealthcare, Oxford, Oscar and Aetna through Alma and Headway. If your plan is out of network, I can provide a superbill so you can seek reimbursement directly from your insurer. Call or text 646-717-4860, or email dr@dansharir.com, to check your coverage or book a consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Anxiety Therapy

How long does anxiety treatment take?

Many people notice a difference within the first two months of weekly sessions. How long we work together depends on your goals and how long anxiety has been part of your life. We'll check progress together regularly.

What kind of therapy do you use for anxiety?

I draw mainly on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and mindfulness-based techniques. You'll learn practical skills for anxious thoughts and physical symptoms, and gradually face the situations you've been avoiding.

Do I need a diagnosis to start?

No. Many clients come in because worry, stress or overthinking is getting in the way of work, sleep or relationships. We'll figure out together what's driving it.