What we help with
Anxiety
Worry that won't switch off, panic, social anxiety, phobias.
Anxiety disorders are conditions where worry, fear or panic become persistent and out of proportion to the situation, interfering with daily life. They include generalised anxiety, panic disorder, social anxiety and specific phobias, and they respond well to psychological therapy, medication where needed, or both. The Mind Faculty assesses and treats anxiety in adults, teens and children at our clinic in Mont Kiara, Kuala Lumpur, and by video.
Anxiety is more than ordinary worry, it's a persistent sense of threat that can hijack your thoughts, your body and your sleep. It's also one of the most treatable things we see, and you don't have to wait until it's unbearable to ask for help.
By the numbers
WHO · Global Burden of Disease 2019
Common signs
- Racing or uncontrollable worry
- A constant feeling of being on edge
- A racing heart, tension or nausea
- Avoiding the situations that trigger it
- Trouble concentrating or sleeping
Signs vary from person to person, you don't need to recognise all of these, or be sure it's anxiety, to reach out.
How we can help
Anxiety care at The Mind Faculty
Care starts with a proper conversation. A psychiatrist or psychologist will take time to understand what the anxiety looks like for you, what sets it off, and what it's costing you, then explain what they think is going on in plain terms.
For most people, the core of treatment is talking therapy, usually cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), which teach practical ways to work with anxious thoughts and the urge to avoid. Where anxiety is severe or long-standing, one of our consultant psychiatrists can discuss medication alongside therapy, and review it with you over time.
Some people also find mindfulness, hypnotherapy or acupuncture useful alongside their core care for settling the body's stress response. Because our psychiatrists, psychologists and complementary therapists work under one roof, your care can combine these without you starting over with a new clinic.
The faculty
Specialists in Anxiety
These members of the faculty work with this regularly. Not sure who fits? Tell us a little about what's going on and we'll help you choose.
Dr. Lim Chee Min
Senior Consultant Psychiatrist
Dr. Kushil Kaur
Consultant Psychiatrist
Dr. Assvin Alaga
Consultant & Addiction Psychiatrist
Dr. Deepa Amarnath
Consultant Psychiatrist
Dr. Devaki Sathiaray
Psychiatrist & Hypnotherapist
Dr. Joseph Panikulam
Consultant Psychiatrist
Questions people ask
About anxiety, answered
How do I know if it's anxiety or just stress?
Stress usually has a clear cause and eases when the pressure lifts. Anxiety tends to stick around, spread to situations that don't warrant it, and show up in the body as a racing heart, tension, poor sleep or nausea. If worry is affecting your work, relationships or sleep most days for a few weeks or more, it's worth an assessment.
Do I need medication for anxiety?
Not necessarily. Many people improve with therapy alone. Medication can help when anxiety is severe, when panic attacks are frequent, or when therapy on its own isn't enough. Only a psychiatrist can prescribe, and if it's suggested for you, they'll explain the options, the likely benefits and any side effects before you decide.
Can anxiety be treated online?
Yes. CBT and other talking therapies for anxiety work well by secure video, and many of our practitioners offer online sessions alongside in-person appointments in Mont Kiara. Tell us your preference when you book.
How long does treatment take?
It varies, but a focused course of CBT for anxiety is often around 8 to 16 sessions. Your clinician will give you a realistic sense of timing after the first session, and review progress with you as you go.
If any of this rings true, it's worth a conversation.
Not sure where you fit? That's entirely normal, we'll help you find the right specialist.
Content reviewed by The Mind Faculty clinical team, a faculty of psychiatrists, psychologists and therapists in Mont Kiara, Kuala Lumpur. This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Talk to us about your own situation.