Anxiety Institute

07/30/2025

Meds and kids can be a controversial topic. Stanford's study makes a powerful argument on how they can help with anxiety.

Stanford Medicine researchers weigh in on SSRIs for the under-18 set, that ominous black box warning, and how talk therapy can be a key component.

07/30/2025

Routines help anxious teens and young adults feel safe—but when worry shows up as pushback or avoidance, even simple daily rhythms can feel like a battle.
Here’s the good news: routines don’t have to be rigid. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s creating predictability and flexibility that build resilience over time.

Start small.
Stay steady.
And when life throws a curveball? Show your child how to adjust with confidence.

“Structure isn’t about control—it’s about support.”

Check out our July Newsletter for more!

🔗 Link to full newsletter: https://conta.cc/4nVhcG0 or visit anxietyinstitute.com to learn more.

07/26/2025

"Screens are here to stay. So let’s teach our teens to swipe wisely, scroll with intention, and log off when life calls them to something more vibrant, embodied, and real. "

Depression rates among teens are rising—and research points to screen time as a culprit. But there’s good news: Here are five ways to turn things around.

07/25/2025

Movement is Medicine — and a Key Part of our IOP

A recent The New York Times article reaffirmed what research has shown for decades: regular physical activity can significantly reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. From walking to yoga to strength training, movement enhances brain plasticity, reduces inflammation, and boosts mood-regulating chemicals like serotonin and dopamine.

We incorporate structured wellness and movement-based activities into our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) to help young people manage anxiety holistically. Whether it’s mindful walking, body-based grounding strategies, or group movement exercises, these experiences help retrain the brain—building resilience, emotional regulation, and confidence.

When clients move, they heal, not just physically, but neurologically and emotionally.

Link to article:

Decades of research have established that movement has a positive effect on mental health.

07/21/2025

Curious about how Anxiety Institute can support your teen or young adult?

Join us for our Virtual Drop-In Information Session, held every Thursday from 3:30–4:00 PM EST on Zoom.

This is a great opportunity for parents to:
✔️ Learn about our specialized treatment for anxiety, OCD, and related disorders
✔️ Understand our admissions process
✔️ Meet our clinical experts
✔️ Ask questions in a low-pressure setting

Hosted by Dina Nunziato, PhD, Chief Clinical Officer, and Devin Norkowski, Director of Admissions.

✨ Space is limited—RSVP today by emailing dnorkowski@anxietyinstitute.com

07/16/2025

Simple things, such as five minutes outside, can help break the grip of social media.

A study reveals that teens with anxiety or depression use social media more, constantly comparing themselves to others.

07/16/2025

Earn CE credits and level up your clinical practice!⁠
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When it comes to treating anxiety and OCD, trying to control distressing thoughts can actually make things worse. That’s where Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) comes in.⁠
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Join us for a live webinar with Stacey Dobrinsky, PhD, Director of Training at Anxiety Institute, as she shares how blending ACT with Exposure Response Prevention (ERP) can boost flexibility, deepen exposure work, and lead to lasting change.⁠
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You’ll walk away with practical tools—like mindfulness and values clarification—that you can start using right away.⁠
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📅 Register now at the link in bio

07/16/2025

In Memory of Andrea Gibson
Poet. Activist. Truth-teller.

Today, we honor the life and legacy of Andrea Gibson, whose words have brought light, courage, and clarity to so many who live with anxiety, trauma, and mental health challenges.

One of their most powerful pieces, “Ode to the Public Panic Attack”, is a raw and honest reflection on what it means to live through panic—and to still choose presence.

Andrea’s raw, profound performance gives voice to the chaos of panic—and the courage it takes to show up in those moments. This ‘Ode to the Public Panic Attack’ beautifully highlights why treatment grounded in acceptance (not control) is so vital for people living with anxiety. We’re reminded that leaning into—and even sharing—our vulnerability can be a powerful step toward healing.

Thank you, Andrea, for helping the world feel more seen.

Watch the full piece here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nje28djr9DM

Get Andrea’s new book, YOU BETTER BE LIGHTNING: http://bit.ly/andreagibsonybblCheck out all of Andrea’s books: https://bit.ly/andreagibsonshopBecome a Member...

07/14/2025

This post from University of Chicago Medicine discusses how to help teens have a healthy, happy summer.

Summer break is a great time to address teens' mental health. Learn how the Adolescent Summer Program at UChicago Medicine Ingalls Memorial can help — plus easy coping strategies families can use all year long.

07/13/2025

That’s a wrap on 2025!
Huge thank you to the and all of the incredible clinicians, researchers, and programs we connected with this weekend!
We’re proud to be part of this vibrant, dedicated community working toward better treatment and outcomes for those living with OCD and anxiety.
See you next year in Seattle!

07/12/2025

Connection over deep dish!

While in Chicago for ’s , the Anxiety Institute team had the pleasure of hosting two regional networking lunches at for colleagues in the DMV area as well as the Tri-State & New England area.

Bringing together clinicians and community partners who support youth with OCD and anxiety.

A huge thank-you to everyone who joined us—we’re so grateful for this growing community of passionate professionals.

07/10/2025

Ice cream break at our McLean office! Huge thanks to our amazing property management team for treating us to Moo Thru Ice Cream! It was the perfect way to sweeten up the day. Just one more reason we love where we work.