Expert Anxiety Treatment in Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky
Struggling with constant worry, fear, or panic? Dr. Arnold Shapiro provides comprehensive anxiety evaluation and personalized treatment for children, adolescents, and adults. With 35+ years of experience and a compassionate approach, we help patients find relief and reclaim their lives.
What is an Anxiety Disorder?
Anxiety disorders go beyond normal worry. They involve persistent, excessive fear or anxiety that interferes with daily activities. These conditions are among the most common mental health disorders—and among the most treatable. With proper care, most people experience significant relief.
Generalized Anxiety (GAD)
Persistent, excessive worry about everyday things—work, health, family, money—that's difficult to control and happens more days than not for at least 6 months.
Panic Disorder
Recurrent, unexpected panic attacks—sudden surges of intense fear with physical symptoms like racing heart, shortness of breath, and feeling of losing control.
Social Anxiety
Intense fear of social situations where you might be judged, embarrassed, or scrutinized. Often leads to avoiding social interactions that could otherwise be enjoyable.
Anxiety Symptoms to Watch For
Anxiety presents differently in children and adults. Recognizing these symptoms is the first step toward getting proper help and finding relief.
Anxiety in Children & Teens
Signs that may indicate your child needs an anxiety evaluation
- Excessive worry about school, friends, or family
- Frequent stomachaches or headaches with no medical cause
- Difficulty sleeping or frequent nightmares
- Refusing to go to school or avoiding social situations
- Constant need for reassurance from parents
- Crying or tantrums when separated from caregivers
- Fear of making mistakes or being judged
- Difficulty concentrating in class
- Irritability and restlessness
- Avoiding new activities or situations
Anxiety in Adults
Signs that you may benefit from professional anxiety treatment
- Persistent worry that feels uncontrollable
- Feeling restless, keyed up, or on edge
- Difficulty concentrating or mind going blank
- Sleep problems—trouble falling or staying asleep
- Muscle tension, especially in neck and shoulders
- Fatigue despite adequate rest
- Irritability over small things
- Avoiding situations that trigger anxiety
- Physical symptoms: racing heart, sweating, trembling
- Difficulty making decisions due to fear of wrong choice
Experiencing several of these symptoms? Take our free screening tool.
Our Thorough Evaluation Process
Comprehensive Assessment That Finds Real Answers
We Look for Everything—Not Just Anxiety
When you come to us thinking you have anxiety, we don't stop there—we evaluate for everything. Depression, ADHD, OCD, bipolar disorder, and other conditions often overlap with anxiety or can look just like it. Many patients actually have two, three, or more conditions. Finding the complete picture changes everything about your treatment.
For Adults
Approximately 2 Hours Total
Your evaluation begins with a one-hour session with our licensed professional counselor, who conducts a comprehensive assessment. She then extensively reviews her findings with Dr. Shapiro, who takes detailed notes.
You'll then meet directly with Dr. Shapiro for approximately one hour. He'll share what he's learned, ask you to clarify anything important, and discuss his diagnostic findings.
Here's what makes us different:
We don't just look for what you think you might have. If you come to us saying "I think I have anxiety," we evaluate for everything—depression, ADHD, OCD, and other conditions that can look like anxiety or co-exist with it. Many patients have 2, 3, or even 5 conditions that need to be addressed together.
Dr. Shapiro will explain all your treatment options—because there's more than one way to address these challenges. You'll decide together what feels right for you. If medication is part of your plan, he'll explain exactly how it works, what side effects to watch for, and how to handle them.
Dr. Shapiro's Guidance:
"If you're uncomfortable with a medication for 2-3 days, stop it and call us."
You'll continue with monthly appointments until you're dramatically better—not just "stable," but thriving.
For Children & Teenagers
Approximately 3 Hours Total
We take extra care with young patients. The process begins with a one-hour meeting between parents and our licensed counselor, followed by a separate one-hour session where the counselor meets with your child or teenager. Rating scales are collected from parents, teachers, and sometimes the child.
Our counselor is trained to look for everything:
Not just anxiety—ADHD, depression, OCD, mood disorders, learning differences—we evaluate comprehensively because conditions often overlap and proper diagnosis changes everything.
After the counselor extensively reviews all findings with Dr. Shapiro (he takes pages of notes), you'll have a one-hour family meeting with Dr. Shapiro. Parents AND the child attend together.
Dr. Shapiro shares his findings, asks clarifying questions, and explains any diagnoses—sometimes one condition, sometimes several. He'll discuss all treatment options, always emphasizing:"There's more than one way to solve problems in life."
Your child is included in these decisions.
We only move forward with what the whole family is comfortable with.
Dr. Shapiro's Guidance:
"If the medicine makes you uncomfortable for 2-3 days, stop it and call us."
Monthly appointments continue until your child is dramatically better.
Comprehensive Anxiety Treatment
We create individualized treatment plans using proven approaches. Unlike many practices, we offer both medication management and therapy for complete care.
Medication Management
When appropriate, medications can significantly reduce anxiety symptoms. We carefully select and monitor each patient's treatment, adjusting as needed for optimal results.
- SSRIs (Lexapro, Zoloft, Prozac)
- SNRIs (Effexor, Cymbalta)
- Buspar (buspirone) for chronic anxiety
- Short-term options when needed
- GeneSight genetic testing available
Therapy & Counseling
Evidence-based therapeutic approaches help you understand anxiety triggers and develop effective coping strategies.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Exposure therapy for specific fears
- Relaxation and mindfulness training
- Stress management techniques
Patient Education
Understanding anxiety is a powerful tool. We teach you about your condition so you can recognize patterns and take control.
- Understanding the anxiety response
- Identifying triggers and patterns
- Lifestyle factors that affect anxiety
- Educational resources and slideshows
Family Support
Anxiety affects the whole family. We provide guidance for family members on how to help without enabling avoidance.
- Family therapy sessions
- Parent coaching for child anxiety
- Communication strategies
- Supporting loved ones effectively
Why Patients Trust Dr. Shapiro for Anxiety Care
With over three decades of experience and a patient-centered approach, we've helped thousands of individuals overcome anxiety and reclaim their lives.
35+ Years Experience
Dr. Shapiro has helped thousands of patients overcome anxiety, from children to adults, with proven, compassionate approaches.
Comprehensive Evaluation
Our unique three-part evaluation ensures accurate diagnosis and identifies any co-existing conditions that need treatment.
Collaborative Approach
We discuss all treatment options and their pros and cons. You decide together with Dr. Shapiro what feels right for you.
Same-Day Response
We're extremely accessible—your questions are answered almost always the same day. Never feel alone in your treatment.
Medication + Therapy
Unlike many psychiatrists who only prescribe medication, we offer both therapy and medication management for comprehensive care.
Education Focus
We empower patients with knowledge through educational resources and ongoing support to understand and manage their condition.
Learn More About Anxiety
Explore our comprehensive educational slideshow to better understand anxiety disorders
Frequently Asked Questions About Anxiety
Dr. Arnold Shapiro is a board-certified psychiatrist in Cincinnati, OH and Northern Kentucky with 35+ years of experience treating anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety, panic disorder, social anxiety, and phobias, in children, adolescents, and adults.
Q:What's the difference between normal worry and an anxiety disorder?
Everyone worries sometimes—that's normal and even helpful. An anxiety disorder is different: the worry is excessive, hard to control, happens most days, and interferes with daily life. If anxiety is affecting your work, relationships, sleep, or quality of life, it may be time to seek help. Our evaluation will help determine whether your symptoms meet criteria for a disorder and what treatment would help.
Q:Do I really need medicine for anxiety?
You don't NEED medicine—but your life could be easier, better, more enjoyable. Medicine is a tool, not a crutch. And you're always in control. If we try a medication and you don't like how it makes you feel, give it 2-3 days. If you're still uncomfortable, stop it and call us. We'll figure out what happened and try something else. Dr. Shapiro's commitment: We keep working together until you're dramatically better.
Q:Can anxiety be treated without medication?
Yes! There's more than one way to solve problems in life. Medicine is one option. Therapy is another—especially Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Lifestyle changes, relaxation techniques, family support—these all matter. We'll discuss ALL your options and decide together what makes sense for YOU. Dr. Shapiro will never push you toward something you're not comfortable with.
Q:What are your payment options?
We are an out-of-network practice. You'll pay at the time of your visit, and we provide detailed receipts (superbills) so you can submit to your insurance for possible reimbursement. Many patients with out-of-network mental health benefits receive partial reimbursement. We accept cash, check, and all major credit cards.
Q:How quickly can I get an appointment?
We understand that when you're struggling with anxiety, waiting weeks for an appointment feels impossible. We do our best to schedule new patients as quickly as possible. Call our office at (859) 341-7453 and we'll work to find a time that works for you. We respond to all inquiries the same day.
Q:Do you treat children with anxiety?
Yes, anxiety disorders are very common in children and teenagers, and Dr. Shapiro has extensive experience treating pediatric anxiety. Children often express anxiety differently than adults—through physical complaints, school avoidance, or behavioral changes. Our child evaluation process involves meeting with parents, the child, and gathering information from teachers when appropriate.
Q:What if I have anxiety AND depression?
It's very common for anxiety and depression to occur together—we see this frequently. Our comprehensive evaluation looks for all conditions, not just one. If you have multiple diagnoses, Dr. Shapiro will create a treatment plan that addresses everything together. This is actually one of our strengths: we don't just treat one symptom in isolation.
Q:What is Dr. Shapiro's treatment goal?
Dr. Shapiro's goal isn't just to get you 'stable' or 'managing.' His goal is to get you dramatically better. He treats every patient the way he would treat his own family—taking time to find out what's really going on, explaining everything clearly, and never rushing you into decisions you're not comfortable with.
Two Convenient Locations
Serving Cincinnati, Ohio and Northern Kentucky
Cincinnati, Ohio
8280 Montgomery Road, Suite 304
Cincinnati, OH 45236
Fort Wright, Kentucky
1717 Dixie Highway, Suite 200
Fort Wright, KY 41011
Just 5 minutes from downtown Cincinnati
Ready to Find Relief from Anxiety?
Don't let anxiety control your life. Schedule a comprehensive evaluation with Dr. Shapiro and start your journey to peace of mind.
Same-day response to your questions • Accepting new patients • Out-of-network provider
If you're experiencing a psychiatric emergency, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.