Anxiety can be persistent, disruptive, and exhausting. When symptoms interfere with daily functioning, work, relationships, or sleep, psychiatric medication may be an effective part of treatment. Coastal Breeze Mental Health provides anxiety medication management in Santa Cruz, focusing on accurate diagnosis, evidence-based prescribing, and ongoing medication monitoring.

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We provide psychiatric medication management only. We do not offer therapy or counseling services.

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Understanding Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health conditions and can present in many forms. While occasional anxiety is normal, chronic or severe anxiety often requires professional treatment.

Common symptoms include:

• Excessive worry or racing thoughts

• Panic attacks or sudden surges of fear

• Chest tightness, shortness of breath, or palpitations

• Restlessness or feeling on edge

• Difficulty concentrating

• Sleep disturbances or insomnia

• Avoidance of situations due to anxiety

A psychiatric evaluation can help determine whether medication may be appropriate.

 

Medication Management for Anxiety

Medication management involves a comprehensive psychiatric assessment followed by thoughtful medication selection and ongoing follow-up. Treatment is individualized based on symptoms, medical history, prior medication response, and side-effect tolerance.

Our anxiety medication management services include:

• Psychiatric diagnostic evaluation

• Medication recommendations for anxiety disorders

• Careful dose titration and monitoring

• Ongoing follow-up appointments

• Adjustments when medications are ineffective or not tolerated

• Coordination with therapists or primary care providers when appropriate

Our goal is symptom reduction while minimizing side effects and unnecessary medications.

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Anxiety Conditions We Treat With Medication

We provide medication management for:

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

• Panic Disorder and panic attacks

• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

• Social Anxiety Disorder

• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

• Anxiety related to trauma or stress

• Anxiety with co-occurring depression

• Anxiety impacting sleep or daily functioning

If symptoms suggest another primary diagnosis, this will be discussed during evaluation.

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Our Approach to Benzodiazepines (Important Information)

Benzodiazepines (such as alprazolam, lorazepam, or clonazepam) are not first-line treatments for anxiety and are not routinely initiated at our practice.

When used, benzodiazepines are:

• Considered only in limited, specific clinical situations

• Prescribed at low doses

• Used for a short duration

• Closely monitored due to risks of dependence, tolerance, and side effects

Evidence-based treatments such as SSRIs, SNRIs, and other non-benzodiazepine options are prioritized whenever clinically appropriate.

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What We Do Not Provide

To ensure clarity:

• We do not provide psychotherapy or counseling

• We do not prescribe medications on demand

• We do not initiate long-term benzodiazepine treatment

If therapy is recommended, we can coordinate care with a licensed therapist in Santa Cruz or surrounding areas.

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Why Choose Coastal Breeze Mental Health?

Our practice is designed specifically for psychiatric medication management, allowing us to focus on safe prescribing, clear communication, and long-term stability.

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Serving Santa Cruz and Nearby Communities

We provide anxiety medication management for adults in:

• Santa Cruz

• Downtown Santa Cruz

• Westside Santa Cruz

• Live Oak

• Soquel

• Capitola

• Scotts Valley

• Aptos

• Watsonville

Telehealth appointments are be available when clinically appropriate. We are licensed in the state of California and can see patients via Telehealth as long as the patient resides in California. 

 

When to Consider Medication for Anxiety

You may benefit from psychiatric medication management if:

• Anxiety symptoms persist despite lifestyle changes or therapy

• Panic attacks interfere with daily life

• Sleep is consistently disrupted by anxiety

• Symptoms affect work, school, or relationships

• Previous medications were ineffective or poorly tolerated

Medication decisions should always be individualized and guided by a qualified provider.

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Schedule an Anxiety Medication Evaluation

If you are looking for anxiety medication management in Santa Cruz, Coastal Breeze Mental Health offers focused, evidence-based psychiatric care.

Contact us today to schedule an evaluation and determine whether medication may be appropriate for your symptoms.