Feeling anxious sometimes is a normal part of life. But when anxiety becomes persistent, overwhelming, or starts to get in the way of work, relationships, or daily activities, it deserves proper attention — and it responds very well to treatment.

At Foundation Psychology, our experienced Melbourne psychologists work with people experiencing all forms of anxiety. We use evidence-based approaches tailored to your specific situation, and most clients can access Medicare rebates with a GP referral.

Types of Anxiety We Treat

Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

Generalised anxiety disorder involves persistent, hard-to-control worry across many areas of life — health, money, relationships, work, the future. The worry often feels out of proportion to the situation, and the constant mental tension leads to exhaustion, poor sleep, and difficulty concentrating. Over time, many people begin avoiding situations or decisions to reduce their anxiety, which only reinforces the cycle.

Social Anxiety Disorder

Social anxiety is much more than shyness. It involves an intense fear of being judged, embarrassed, or humiliated in social situations — whether that’s meeting new people, speaking up at work, or even making phone calls. People with social anxiety often know their fears are disproportionate, but that knowledge alone doesn’t make the anxiety go away. Without treatment, avoidance tends to grow over time. Social anxiety can sometimes escalate to a panic attack.

Panic Disorder

Panic attacks involve sudden, intense surges of fear accompanied by physical symptoms — racing heart, shortness of breath, dizziness, and a sense of losing control. After experiencing a panic attack, many people develop significant anxiety about having another one, which can lead to avoidance of situations where they fear an attack might occur. Learn more about our approach to panic attacks and panic disorder.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

OCD involves unwanted, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) that drive repetitive behaviours or mental rituals (compulsions) aimed at reducing anxiety — such as checking, cleaning, counting, or seeking reassurance. While these behaviours provide brief relief, they reinforce the cycle in the long run. We offer evidence-based treatment including Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). Read more about our OCD treatment.

Health Anxiety

Health anxiety involves persistent worry about having a serious illness, often despite normal test results or medical reassurance. It can lead to excessive checking of symptoms, frequent doctor visits, or — in some cases — avoidance of medical care altogether out of fear of what might be found.

How We Treat Anxiety

Our psychologists use a range of approaches, selected based on your specific presentation:

  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) — Identifying the thought patterns and behaviours that maintain anxiety, and gradually changing them. Learn about CBT.
  • Exposure therapy — Systematically and safely facing feared situations so they lose their power over time
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) — Learning to relate differently to anxious thoughts rather than trying to suppress or fight them. Learn about ACT.
  • Mindfulness and relaxation training — Building practical tools to manage the physical and mental symptoms of anxiety
  • Assertiveness training — Particularly helpful for social anxiety and people-pleasing patterns

Treatment is tailored to you. Some people notice meaningful change within a handful of sessions; for others, deeper work over a longer period produces the best results. Your psychologist will work with you to set realistic goals and track your progress.

Anxiety and Related Conditions

Anxiety frequently occurs alongside other difficulties. Our psychologists are experienced in working with anxiety that co-exists with depression, PTSD, complex trauma, sleep problems, chronic stress, and eating disorders. When multiple things are happening at once, a holistic approach produces better outcomes.

Making an Appointment

To book an appointment with one of our anxiety psychologists in Melbourne, you can book online or call us on 9039 2177. We also offer video appointments for clients who prefer to meet remotely.

For reduced-fee sessions, ask your GP about a Mental Health Treatment Plan — this provides a Medicare rebate for up to 10 individual sessions per calendar year with a registered psychologist.