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 3846 reviews and the average rating is 4.8 out of 5 stars.

Rating: [5 out of 5 stars!]

"My therapist gives great feedback on the worksheets, and I am enjoying doing the program."

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Rating: [5 out of 5 stars!]

"I should've done this years ago, but I was overwhelmed at the workload. I needn't have been. My therapist and the toolkit and workbooks have made it so easy and manageable. I'm not suddenly cured overnight, but I understand myself better, I communicate my needs better, I'm finally healing old wounds with a renewed self-worth. One of the best decisions I made was coming to Online-Therapy."

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Rating: [5 out of 5 stars!]

"Easy to use system, informative and really helpful."

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Rating: [5 out of 5 stars!]

"We've only had one session, but I've already found Dr. Vicki Coleman to be kind, patient, and understanding. Looking forward to finding a way out of my current problems!"

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Rating: [5 out of 5 stars!]

"Everything has been great so far! My therapist is incredibly sweet and the platform is well made and very intuitive. I advice it!"

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Rating: [5 out of 5 stars!]

"I love this service. At first I was hesitant cause I haven't heard the best about online therapy services like this or better help but I'm very glad that I signed up.
I really appreciate the 40% off for the first two months as I'm currently unemployed and the therapist I've been working with is very fit to match me with my needs and help that I require. I appreciate the opportunity to be able to reach out whenever I need to and the response is very prompt. 10/10"

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Rating: [5 out of 5 stars!]

"This is my second attempt at therapy, and I never thought I'd give it another shot. Initially, I questioned how talking about my past could help—after all, nothing can change what's already happened. My first therapist felt more like a friend to vent to, and I figured I could do that for free.
LoveToKnow
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Popsugar
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The Love Your Mind Project
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But after just two sessions with Maria Hollo, I've gained more insight than I did in four months with my previous therapist. I always believed in-person sessions were superior for building a connection, but I've realized that doesn't have to be the case. Talking to someone virtually can be just as effective, and the convenience of not having to leave home is a huge bonus.

The online resources available—like worksheets, videos, and the Dashboard—are incredibly helpful. Maria even reaches out during the week, making me feel supported around the clock. It's reassuring to know that help is always just a message away.

Having this level of support is comforting. It's nice to feel like someone truly cares."

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Rating: [5 out of 5 stars!]

"Been a great help so far"

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Rating: [5 out of 5 stars!]

"I've been to various doctors for my chonic headache over the past 2 and a half years and also did chiro and everything else, but those didn't help at all. With Dr. Evans' help, though, I've been able to achieve a meaningful reduction in my pain! It's awesome! She also has a keen way of understanding your situation without you having to spell it out, which is exactly what you want in a therapist.

Thanks, Dr. Evans!"

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Rating: [5 out of 5 stars!]

"Great concept!"

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