Anxiety Counseling in Westerville and Johnstown, Ohio

Name: New Heights Counseling Services
Address: 120 N. Otterbein Ave, Westerville, Ohio, 43081, US
Telephone: (614) 918-8349

Everyone worries sometimes about health, money, school, work, or family. Feeling anxious is a normal part of life. When worry does not fade, shows up even when there is no danger, or starts getting in the way of daily life, it may be more than everyday stress. Anxiety counseling in Westerville and Johnstown, Ohio, is available at New Heights Counseling Services, and you do not have to carry it alone.

We offer counseling at our main office at 120 N. Otterbein Ave. in Westerville and at our Johnstown office, a private office inside Oak Creek Bible Church at 10444 Crouse Willison Road. We work with children, teens, adults, couples, and families. Both offices offer the same level of care, and all sessions are by appointment only. Call (614) 918-8349, or send a message through our contact page. We are here to help with anxiety counseling at either location.

Anxiety counseling in Westerville and Johnstown, Ohio, at New Heights Counseling Services

What Anxiety Is: Everyday Worry or Something More?

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) says it may be time to get help when worry gets in the way of everyday life, makes you avoid things, or seems to be there all the time or keeps getting worse. Anxiety is common and treatable. About 1 in 5 U.S. adults had an anxiety disorder in the past year, and about 1 in 3 adults and teens will face one at some point in life.

Stress

Usually comes from something outside you, like a big test or an argument. It fades once the situation is over.

Anxiety

Your body’s reaction to stress. It can show up even when there is no danger right now.

Common Types of Anxiety Disorders and Anxiety Counseling

NIMH notes several types of anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and various phobia-related disorders.

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)

Extreme worry that is more frequent or intense than the situation calls for. NIMH says these feelings can last for months or even years.

Panic disorder

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) describes this as repeated episodes of sudden, unexpected, intense fear, with a pounding heart, trouble breathing, or feeling dizzy, shaky, or sweaty.

Social anxiety disorder

Being very afraid of going to places where there are people, such as school (CDC). In severe cases, NIMH notes, a person might avoid social encounters or refuse to leave home.

Phobia-related disorders

An extreme fear of a specific thing or situation, such as dogs, insects, or going to the doctor. In children, the CDC also describes separation anxiety disorder as being very afraid when away from parents.

Signs of Anxiety to Share in Anxiety Counseling

Anxiety is not only “in your head.” NIMH describes signs that can show up in your thoughts, feelings, body, and daily life.

In your thoughts

Worrying a lot about everyday things. Having trouble controlling worry. Trouble focusing.

In your feelings

Feeling “on edge” or easily irritated. Feeling restless or unable to relax.

In your body

Headaches, stomachaches, muscle tension, sweating, shaking, or feeling short of breath.

In your days

Trouble falling or staying asleep. Feeling tired. Avoiding people, places, or tasks.

Good to know: a health care provider can check whether a physical problem could be causing your symptoms.

Anxiety Counseling for Kids and Teens

Fears and worries are a normal part of growing up. The CDC says it may be an anxiety disorder when those fears do not fade, or when they get in the way of school, home, or play. Anxiety in kids can look like irritability or anger, not only fear. Stomachaches, headaches, feeling tired, and trouble sleeping are common, and some children keep their worries to themselves.

Therapy can teach coping skills and help kids face fears step by step, and parents can be part of the plan. A first step is talking with your child’s doctor or a counselor. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends anxiety screening for children ages 8 to 18. Among U.S. children ages 3 to 17, 11% had diagnosed anxiety in 2023–2024. New Heights works with children, teens, and families, and family counseling is available at either office.

Anxiety Myths vs. Facts About Anxiety Counseling

Myth: Anxiety is a sign of weakness.

Fact: Research suggests that anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) come from a mix of genes, brain chemistry, biology, and life experiences. They are not a character flaw.

Myth: Avoiding what scares you keeps you safe.

Fact: Avoiding can bring quick relief, but over time it can keep anxiety going. Facing fears step by step, with support, helps.

Myth: It is just stress, and it will pass.

Fact: Stress usually fades when the situation ends. Anxiety can stick around even when there is no danger.

Myth: Talk therapy does not really help.

Fact: A review of 41 studies found that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) worked better than placebo for many anxiety disorders.

What Helps With Anxiety: Anxiety Counseling and More

Anxiety is very treatable. NIMH says the two main treatments are psychotherapy (also called talk therapy) and medication, and that many people benefit from both. Anxiety counseling offers a place to start.

Talk therapy in anxiety counseling

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps people notice anxious thoughts, test them, and change patterns that feed worry. NIMH calls it the “gold standard” choice for psychotherapy.

Medicine

Some medicines can ease anxiety symptoms, though they may take several weeks to start working. Many people benefit from therapy and medicine together. Ask a health care provider what fits you.

Moving your body

A 2026 review of 258 studies with 19,368 people found that exercise lowered anxiety symptoms. Shorter and lower-intensity workouts were most strongly linked with anxiety reduction. NIMH notes that healthy habits can help alongside treatment, but cannot replace it.

Small steps for anxious days

NIMH also suggests deep breathing or visualization (picturing a calm place), a relaxation app, exercise and regular meals, a consistent sleep routine, cutting back on caffeine, journaling and questioning unhelpful thoughts, and reaching out to people who help you cope in a healthy way.

How Anxiety Counseling in Westerville Can Help

If worry is getting in the way, we are here to walk with you. We offer anxiety counseling in Westerville and Johnstown. Both offices offer a comfortable, confidential setting and the same level of care. All sessions are by appointment only.

Our counselors care about your mental, physical, and spiritual well-being. If faith matters to you, you are welcome to bring spiritual questions into the conversation. If it does not, your counseling will focus on your goals. You can also meet our team or learn about family counseling.

Westerville Office

Anxiety counseling at our Westerville office. Our main office, close to Uptown Westerville.

Johnstown Office

Anxiety counseling at our Johnstown office. A private office inside Oak Creek Bible Church, through our partnership with the church.

Anxiety Counseling: Frequently Asked Questions

When should I seek help for anxiety?

NIMH says it may be time to talk with a professional if you are struggling to cope, or if symptoms will not go away, get in the way of everyday life, or make you avoid things.

Is anxiety a sign of weakness?

No. Research suggests that anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) come from a mix of genes, brain chemistry, biology, and life experiences, not from weakness.

Does talk therapy help with anxiety?

Yes. NIMH calls cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) the “gold standard” choice for psychotherapy, and a review of 41 studies found that it worked better than placebo for many anxiety disorders.

How does anxiety look different in kids and teens?

The CDC notes that anxiety in children can look like irritability or anger, not only fear, and can show up as stomachaches, headaches, tiredness, or trouble sleeping.

How can I help someone I love who is anxious?

NIH MedlinePlus Magazine suggests asking how they are feeling, listening without rushing to fix it, reminding them that anxiety is common, sharing where to get help, and checking in again soon.

Start Anxiety Counseling Today

You do not have to face this alone. Call (614) 918-8349, or send us a message through our contact page to schedule an appointment at our Westerville or Johnstown office. Help is available, and we are ready to walk with you. Anxiety counseling can help you take that first step.

If you are in crisis or thinking about suicide, please call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In an emergency, call 911.