One of the ways that anxiety can manifest is through avoidance behaviors. People with anxiety may avoid certain situations, places, or activities because they fear that it will trigger their symptoms. For many, even the idea of going to a therapist’s office can be intimidating. At Columbia Associates, we want to meet our clients where they are, and if clients struggling with anxiety would prefer to attend therapy remotely, we offer telehealth services. We don’t want anyone to miss out on the help they need because of fear or discomfort. Reach out to our team online or call 703.682.8208 to lear ..read more

Bipolar disorder is a commonly misunderstood mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It’s characterized by high highs and low lows—people with bipolar disorder experience periods of intense euphoria and energy, followed by periods of extreme sadness and lethargy. Bipolar disorder doesn’t just affect an individual’s mood and behavior; it can also have a significant impact on their relationships with others. From parent-child relationships to romantic partnerships, bipolar disorder can present unique challenges that require understanding and support from both parties ..read more

When you think about obsessive behaviors, you might imagine someone constantly washing their hands or checking to make sure the door is locked. However, obsessive behaviors can take many forms and are often linked to underlying anxiety or fear. From hoarding to perfectionism, there are a variety of behaviors that fall under the category of obsession. While some of these behaviors may seem harmless or even helpful, when they become excessive or disruptive to daily life, they may be signs of an underlying issue that requires attention, like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Columbia Associate ..read more

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can look different in women compared to men. The stereotypical symptoms of ADHD, like hyperactivity and impulsivity, are more commonly observed in men, and this means that women are often underdiagnosed with ADHD. However, ADHD occurs almost equally for both men and women, even if it can manifest differently in women. Understanding the symptoms of ADHD in women can make a big difference in getting the right diagnosis and treatment. Our ADHD treatment services help men and women both find ways to manage symptoms, focus better, and succeed in daily ..read more

Mental health matters. While there’s more awareness of mental health than ever, for many, accessing treatment, knowing when to seek help, and understanding the different treatment options available can still be a challenge. The fear of being judged, of being seen as weak or broken, and the stigma still attached to mental health issues can prevent people from seeking the help they need. Talking about mental health and seeking treatment should be normalized, just like going to the doctor when you’re sick. May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and it’s the perfect time to find new ways to talk ab ..read more

If you’re in the Bowie area and have experienced a traumatic event, finding a qualified mental health professional near you can be an important step in your healing process. Trauma counseling can offer a safe and supportive environment to work through difficult emotions, memories, and behaviors related to the traumatic event. Whether you’re struggling with PTSD, anxiety, depression, or other mental health concerns as a result of trauma, working with a therapist can help you move toward recovery and reclaim your life. There are many benefits to starting trauma counseling, and if you’re in the B ..read more

If you have anxiety, the thought of starting therapy with a new therapist can feel overwhelming. One of the hallmarks of anxiety is the fear of the unknown, and starting therapy can trigger those fears. However, online therapy may offer a solution to this problem. Telehealth appointments not only allow you to continue therapy from the comfort of your own home, but they also offer a unique set of benefits that traditional in-person therapy may not provide. Columbia Associates is making online therapy for anxiety more accessible and effective than ever. With hybrid therapy options, clients can d ..read more

Have you ever felt permanently sad, hopeless, and withdrawn for weeks or even months without any obvious reason? Do you find it difficult to go about your daily tasks and maintain healthy relationships with friends and family? Chronic depression is not just a temporary mood swing or feeling low. It’s a serious mental health condition that can keep you from not only feeling like yourself but also living your life to the fullest. Columbia Associates offers depression treatment services in Reston that support clients as they find better ways to manage chronic depression. If you or someone you kno ..read more

Social anxiety is more than just feeling shy—it’s a mental health condition that can genuinely affect a person’s daily life. Those with social anxiety experience intense fear, self-consciousness, and embarrassment in everyday social situations. These feelings can be so overwhelming that they often avoid social interactions altogether. However, treatment can help. It’s possible to manage social anxiety to the point where it no longer interferes with your life. Columbia Associates provides anxiety treatment services that can specifically target social anxiety and help you find relief. Call 703.6 ..read more

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) might be one of the most misunderstood mental health conditions that exists. While it’s often portrayed in a comedic light in popular media, with people joking about being “so OCD” because they like to keep their workspace organized, this disorder is a very real and debilitating condition for those who actually struggle with it. OCD behaviors exist on a spectrum, meaning that different people may experience the disorder in varying degrees of severity and with different specific behaviors. There are different types of OCD, different ways it can manifest, and ..read more