Murray · Louisville · Telehealth across Kentucky
Anxiety counseling in Louisville and Murray, KY
When worry takes up too much space, counseling can help you find steadier ground.
Anxiety can show up as racing thoughts, a tight chest, trouble sleeping or a constant sense that something is about to go wrong. Acadia Counseling offers anxiety counseling at our offices in Murray and Louisville and by telehealth anywhere in Kentucky. Three counselors who focus on anxiety are taking new clients: Anna Miller and Sarah Smith in Murray, and Melissa Rueff in Louisville. All three also see clients online.
Not sure who to see? Call and we’ll help you choose.
Good to know
- Taking new clients
- Anna Miller and Sarah Smith in Murray, Melissa Rueff in Louisville, all also by telehealth
- Approaches
- CBT, DBT and ACT
- Cost and insurance
- Kentucky Medicaid and commercial plans with Anna. $25 self-pay with Sarah. See plans and fees
- Telehealth
- Secure video for anyone with a Kentucky address. How it works
When anxiety stops being helpful
Some anxiety is useful. It helps you notice danger and get ready for big moments. It becomes a problem when it shows up in safe, everyday situations and stays longer than it needs to. Over time, it can wear on your health, your work and your relationships.
Common signs include:
- Worry that’s hard to switch off
- A racing heart, shortness of breath, sweating or dizziness
- Muscle tension, headaches or an upset stomach
- Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep
- Avoiding people, places or tasks because of fear
- Sudden waves of panic
- Checking things over and over, or thoughts that won’t let go
Kinds of anxiety we help with
People come to Acadia with many kinds of anxiety, including:
- Everyday worry about health, money, family or work
- Panic attacks, and the fear of having another one
- Social anxiety, or a strong fear of being judged or embarrassed
- Stress and burnout from work or caregiving
- Anxiety tied to a big change, like a move, a new job or a breakup
- Obsessive thoughts and compulsions. See our OCD counseling page.
- Anxiety after a frightening or traumatic event. See trauma and PTSD counseling.
You don’t need a label to begin. Tell your counselor what you’re noticing, and you can figure out the rest together.
How anxiety counseling works
Your first session is about getting to know you. Your counselor will ask what anxiety feels like for you, when it shows up and what you’d like to be different. Then you’ll agree on a few goals.
Our anxiety counselors use well-studied approaches:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps you spot anxious thought patterns and test them against what’s really happening.
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) teaches skills for handling strong emotions, getting through distress and staying grounded.
- Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) helps you make room for uncomfortable feelings while you keep moving toward what matters to you.
Between sessions, you may practice a skill, like slow breathing or noticing a worry without following it. Sessions last about 50 to 55 minutes, and many people start weekly or every other week. You and your counselor will check how things are going and adjust the plan as you go.
Anxiety counselors taking new clients
Anna Miller, LPA, sees adults and focuses on anxiety, depression, OCD, burnout and life transitions. Sarah Smith is a supervised counseling intern who sees teens 14 and up, adults, couples and families. Her sessions are $25. Both meet in Murray and by telehealth, so you can work with either one from Louisville or anywhere in Kentucky. Melissa Rueff, LPCA, sees clients 12 and up at our Louisville office and by telehealth, with a focus on neurodivergence and LGBTQ+ affirming care.
Anna Miller
Anxiety, depression, OCD, burnout and life transitions, using CBT, DBT and ACT.
Taking new clients
Melissa Rueff
Neurodivergence (including autism and ADHD), LGBTQ+ affirming care, anxiety and depression.
Taking new clients
Currently full
In Louisville, in Murray or online
In Louisville, Melissa Rueff is taking new anxiety clients 12 and up at our Dupont Circle office. Denise Hutchins and Morgan Pippin are currently full. You can also start now with Anna Miller or Sarah Smith by telehealth. You can also call our Louisville office at (502) 825-1375 to ask about upcoming openings.
In Murray, Anna and Sarah both see clients at 308 S 12th Street. Visit our Murray office or Louisville office pages for directions, or learn how online counseling works.
Anxiety in teens
Teens feel anxiety about school, friendships, social media and what comes next. Sarah Smith sees teens 14 and up, on their own or with family, and Melissa Rueff sees teens 12 and up in Louisville. She uses CBT and DBT skills that teens can put to work right away. Parents are welcome to call first to talk about fit. Read more about child and teen counseling.
Cost and insurance
Anna Miller takes Kentucky Medicaid plans from UnitedHealthcare, Wellcare, Passport by Molina, Aetna Better Health and Humana. She also takes Anthem, Cigna, Aetna, MedBen, Wellcare Ambetter and ESI EAP. Her self-pay rate is $75. Sarah Smith’s sessions are $25, self-pay only. Melissa Rueff takes the same Kentucky Medicaid and commercial plans as Anna. See insurance and payments for the full plan list.
Questions about anxiety counseling
Can counseling help with panic attacks?
Counseling is a common place to get support for panic. Your counselor can help you understand what happens in your body during a panic attack and practice skills for riding it out. Many people also work on getting back to places they’ve started to avoid.
Do I need medication for anxiety?
That’s a decision for you and a medical provider. Acadia counselors provide talk therapy and don’t prescribe medication. Some people use counseling on its own, and some combine it with medication from their doctor.
I live in Louisville. Can I still see Anna or Sarah?
Yes. Both offer telehealth to anyone who lives in Kentucky. You’ll meet by secure video from a private, stationary place. You can also see Melissa Rueff in person at our Louisville office.
How are Anna Miller and Sarah Smith different?
Anna is a licensed psychological associate (LPA) who sees adults and takes insurance. Sarah is a counseling intern who works under licensed supervision, sees ages 14 and up and offers $25 self-pay sessions. Both use CBT and DBT.
How long until I feel less anxious?
It’s different for everyone. Some people notice changes within a few weeks, and for others it takes longer. Your counselor will review progress with you and adjust the plan as needed.
More answers are on our FAQ page.
Related support
Start anxiety counseling
Request an appointment online, or call either office. If you’re not sure who fits, we’ll help you choose.
Email us at info@acadiacounseling.com.
If you are in crisis, call or text 988. In an emergency, call 911.