Overcome Health Anxiety with Online Therapy

Category: Health Anxiety Online Therapy | Last updated: February 1st, 2022 | Reviewed and approved by:
Dr. Steven Gans, MD
Dr. Elizabeth Lombardo, PhD

Are You Health Conscious or Health Anxious?

Almost every one of us gets concerned about our health and well-being. And that concern can motivate us to try to optimize our eating, sleep and to lead a healthy lifestyle. Being health conscious can be great. It helps a lot in leading a healthy, happy, successful and meaningful life.

However, problems arise when this health consciousness gets transformed into “health anxiousness”. If you become too obsessed about your health and if you get too apprehensive that you are suffering from a severe illness (without the presence of such medical symptoms), then you may be experiencing health anxiety. In the past, psychologists referred to this as “hypochondria”. However, it is now called Illness Anxiety Disorder.

Illness Anxiety Disorder is a somatic symptom disorder in which the person suffering from it gets overly anxious or obsessed over his/her physical conditions. They see even a minor problem as an exaggerated severe illness. People suffering from Illness Anxiety Disorder often require continuous care, support and assurance from health service providers, family and acquaintances.

See if you recognize yourself in the symptoms of health anxiety:

Being preoccupied with having or developing a serious disease or health condition
Worrying that minor symptoms or body sensations mean you have a serious illness
Being easily alarmed about your health status
Finding little or no reassurance from doctor visits or negative test results
Worrying excessively about a specific medical condition or your risk of developing a medical condition because it runs in your family
Having so much distress about possible illnesses that it's hard for you to function
Repeatedly checking your body for signs of illness or disease
Frequently making medical appointments for reassurance — or avoiding medical care for fear of being diagnosed with a serious illness
Avoiding people, places or activities for fear of health risks
Constantly talking about your health and possible illnesses
Frequently searching the internet for causes of symptoms or possible illnesses

What’s more, people with Illness Anxiety Disorder can also experience additional mental health issues, such as Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Clinical Depression, Anxiety, Panic Attacks, Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD).

Treatment Procedures

The good news is that Illness Anxiety Disorder can be treated. Effective methods of treatment include Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Exposure Therapy and support. You can receive these types of treatment here at Online Therapy.

Reviews

Our online therapy services have received 3859 reviews and the average rating is 4.8 out of 5 stars.

Rating: [5 out of 5 stars!]

"Fast access to licenced therapists"

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Rating: [4 out of 5 stars!]

"I like the worksheets, but it can be alot to navigate sometimes."

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Rating: [5 out of 5 stars!]

"Good"

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Rating: [4 out of 5 stars!]

"It has been good so far! I appreciate my therapist so much, really my only negative is I wish there was an app because it is harder to navigate on the phone."

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Rating: [5 out of 5 stars!]

"Therapy has been truly insightful and inspiring, not to mention the affordability of the program. Great stuff all around."

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Rating: [5 out of 5 stars!]

"Really wonderful and affordable service. I love the option to switch therapists to ensure you find the right one. I'm so thankful to have found something so flexible as a student TT"

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Rating: [5 out of 5 stars!]

"I am truly appreciative of this online therapy experience. My therapist, Vanessa An (MNCPS(acc,) MBacp (accred), DipCouns), was absolutely amazing! She made me feel comfortable and was so understanding of my needs. She challenged me in ways that I didn't know I needed. I appreciate how she was supportive and patient with me. I feel so much more confident with my myself and my situation. I was slightly apprehensive in the beginning of the program, but found myself looking forward to my sessions and appreciating all of the new things I have learned along the way. I definitely recommend my therapist and this program! Thank you Vanessa An for everything!"

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Rating: [4 out of 5 stars!]

"I like my experience so far . I just wish you guys would have an app instead of using a browser to access the services. I would also like to see a filter where we can choose therapists in our area/ community as well- not just by country , but by city and so forth. But I appreciate and enjoy all the resources you guys offer and the price point , which is very much needed for people who are low or no income.

Thanks."

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Rating: [5 out of 5 stars!]

"I've tried a number of online therapy platforms. None were as good as this. This one works with you holistically and keeps you engaged on a daily basis. My therapist is excellent and she's always available via text and she replies promptly. So far my experience has been 👍 excellent!"

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Rating: [5 out of 5 stars!]

"Amazing, thank you Dr.Lucy"

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