Online Therapy for Health Anxiety

Category: Health Anxiety Online Therapy | Last updated: March 11th, 2026 | Medically reviewed 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).

Approaches That Can Help with Health Anxiety

The good news is that health anxiety can improve with the right support and practical strategies. One of the most commonly used approaches for health anxiety is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors that reinforce anxiety.

CBT often includes techniques such as cognitive restructuring, gradual exposure to feared situations, and learning healthier ways to respond to bodily sensations and health-related worries. These approaches can help reduce the cycle of constant reassurance seeking, symptom checking, and excessive worry.

Through our online therapy program, you can work on health anxiety using structured CBT tools together with therapist guidance through messaging and live sessions. Over time, many people learn to manage their health concerns more effectively and regain a greater sense of balance in their daily lives.

Reviews

Our online therapy services have received 4470 reviews and the average rating is 4.8 out of 5 stars.

Rating: [5 out of 5 stars!]

"A month and a few days in, I'm aleady seeing a difference in how I feel and act, and understanding myself better. I wasn't sure therapy solely through messages would do much, but my therapist is great at asking just the right questions to get me thinking deeper about things I used to take as "just how I am."

The flexibility is great, and I like being able to take the time to think through things while I'm writing my responses. My therapist's responses are usually quick-- usually there will be a message waiting in the morning and I'll think it over during the day, send my response that night, and continue the conversation the following day.

Even the cheapest tier is worth a shot, in my opinion."

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Rating: [5 out of 5 stars!]

"I went heads on without so much expectation however support and guidance I received really surprised me. It grounded me and helped me.
I also realized that I enjoy the way it’s structured.
High recommendation"

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Rating: [5 out of 5 stars!]

"Very satisfied with the services provided. My councillor is very prompt with his responses."

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Rating: [5 out of 5 stars!]

"I am very pleased with every aspect of this program! I got matched with a lovely therapist and I can already feel myself improving."

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Rating: [5 out of 5 stars!]

"There are sometimes a few connectivity issues when having a session, but I am otherwise enjoying speaking to my therapist (First time working with one)! I hope to keep up with it for as many times as I can afford to, and need to. Stayce Is great!"

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Rating: [5 out of 5 stars!]

"The therapist replies to the worksheet in a timely manner and gives helpful feedback."

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Rating: [5 out of 5 stars!]

"best therapist ever. changing my life around."

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Rating: [4 out of 5 stars!]

"Our first therapist was really good but left the site after a couple of sessions. We got the money refunded for it and are now trying again, so far it was a good experience."

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Rating: [5 out of 5 stars!]

"I have found that the comprehensive approach to mental health has benefited me greatly. The fact that my therapist is willing to be available via text and through messages in the portal makes me feel like I’m being supported consistently."

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Rating: [5 out of 5 stars!]

"My current therapist is so amazing and caring!"

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