Is Anxiety Considered a Disability?

June 16, 2025

Authored by: Taylor Shaw, B.S.

Edited by: Anand Mehta, LMFT

While many people experience anxiety, there are specifications and criteria that must be met in order for an anxiety disorder to be considered a disability. The social security administration (SSA) has a series of criteria, in order for a mental disorder like anxiety disorder or obsessive-compulsive disorder to qualify for supplemental security income (SSI) or social security disability insurance (SSDI). Call our admissions team today to learn more about your qualifications and social security disability benefits.

SSA Anxiety Disability Criteria

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) or Clinical Depression is a mood disorder that is known for causing feelings of sadness, a loss of interest in pleasurable activities, and a range of other emotional and physical symptoms. Symptoms of depression can affect your daily routine, relationships, and overall quality of life.

Major Depression can affect individuals of varying ages and other demographics. Causes of depression can vary, including genetics, self-esteem, experiences you’ve had in life, and a chemical imbalance within your brain. Depression therapy can help you in overcoming depression and may include the use of depression medications and holistic therapies.

Medical Documentation

According to the SSA, the first criteria for qualifying individuals or eligibility includes medical documentation. An individual must share medical records proving the existence of a mental health condition via medical evidence for validity. The medical documentation should outline the occurrence of the following symptoms:

Anxiety disorder, characterized by three or more of the following;

Restlessness;
Easily fatigued;
Difficulty concentrating;
Irritability;
Muscle tension; or
Sleep disturbance.

Panic disorder or agoraphobia, characterized by one or both:

Panic attacks
Disproportionate fear or anxiety about at least two different social situations

Obsessive-compulsive disorder, characterized by one or both:

Involuntary, time-consuming preoccupation with intrusive, unwanted thoughts; or
Repetitive behaviors aimed at reducing anxiety.

Work History

An individual’s anxiety disorder must have an impact or limit functioning in a workplace setting:

Ability to understand, remember, or apply information;
Interactions with co-workers;
Difficulty concentrating, persisting, or maintaining pace;
Adapting or managing oneself

The SSA then will determine the degree to which an individual’s medically determinable mental impairment affects the four areas of mental functioning and your ability to function independently, appropriately, effectively, and on a sustained basis.¹ Lastly, the SSA notes whether or not the mental health disorder is “serious and persistent,” through the evaluation of medical records, marginal adjustment in daily life, medical treatment, or hospitalization for treatment.

Find out about our free assessments and admissions process

We accept most major insurance providers and can check your coverage levels for you.

If we are not an appropriate provider for care, we will assist in finding a care provider that can help.

Check Your Insurance Coverage For Anxiety Treatment

Insurance can be complicated but we are here to help. AMFM Mental Health has over a decade of experience in the mental health field and is in-network with many large insurance providers. By using our form below, we can quickly determine if you are in-network at one of our mental health facilities. Your insurance provider will not be notified or contacted by completing this form and the process is 100% confidential.

By submitting this form you agree to the terms of use and privacy policy and give my express written consent for AMFM Healthcare to contact me at the number provided above, even if this number is a wireless number or if I am presently listed on a Do Not Call list. I understand that I may be contacted by telephone, email, text message or mail regarding my disability benefit case options and that I may be called using automatic dialing equipment. Message and data rates may apply. My consent does not require purchase. Message frequency varies. Text HELP for help. Reply STOP to unsubscribe.

Disclaimer

More about Anxiety

Anxiety is an emotion characterized by feelings of tension, worried thoughts, and physical changes like increased blood pressure; it’s considered a future-oriented, long-acting response broadly focused on a diffuse threat.² Types of anxiety disorders can include but are not limited to:

Panic Disorder
Generalized Anxiety disorder
Agoraphobia
Specific Phobias (Intense Fear)
Social Anxiety Disorder (social phobia)
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Separation Anxiety Disorder

An estimated 31.1% of U.S. adults experience any anxiety disorder at some time in their lives, and approximately 31.9% of adolescents struggle with any anxiety disorder.³ If you or your loved one are struggling with anxiety and looking for effective treatment, don’t hesitate to reach out to AMFM Mental Health Treatment to begin your mental health recovery process today.

Common Symptoms of Anxiety:

Panic Attack
Hyperventilation
Shortness of Breath‌
Muscle Tension
Chest Tightness
Heart Palpitations
Increased Heart Rate

AMFM Treatment Center for Anxiety

A Mission for Michael (AMFM) Mental Health Treatment has multiple mental health treatment facilities conveniently located in California, Washington, and Virginia. At all of our mental health treatment centers, we offer comprehensive therapy and treatment for generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorders, self-harm, social anxiety, and other mental health disorders of the like. Facing anxiety symptoms can be overwhelming, and looking for help isn’t easy. At AMFM, our admissions team is trained to help you find the right fit for you. We provide personalized care, crisis counseling, and behavioral health services to help you manage and overcome your anxiety.

California

Mental Health Treatment Program in California

AMFM’s California treatment centers are located up and down the coast of Southern California, from the greater Los Angeles area, to Orange County, down to San Diego. Our inpatient mental mental health treatment program locations are: Fallbrook, Carlsbad, Lake Forest, Dana Point, San Juan Capistrano, Laguna Hills, and Laguna Nigel. For personalized support and for insurance verification, contact us.

Virginia

Mental Health Treatment Program in Virginia

If you’re searching for mental health treatment options in Virginia, AMFM’s mental health treatment programs are available in Fairfax Station, Vienna, and Great Falls, VA.These locations in Virginia are qualified to assist with anxiety treatment and to meet your needs.

Washington

Mental Health Treatment Program in Washington

AMFM Mental Health Treatment Center offers outpatient mental health treatment programs in Washington, conveniently located at 6900 East Green Lake Way N, Suite G, Seattle, WA 98115. A Mission For Michael Mental Health Treatment has one location in the state, providing dedicated and comprehensive mental health care for lasting mental well-being.

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What to expect

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Complete the form to receive a prompt call back from a member of our experienced and compassionate admissions staff. All communication is 100% confidential.

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Types of Therapy and Counseling for Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety can affect individuals differently, which often requires individual treatment. There are a variety of anxiety treatment options that can be used to address the emotional, cognitive, and behavioral aspects of this condition. At AMFM Mental Health Treatment, we incorporate a combination of traditional modalities and evidence-based therapies for long-term recovery. Some of the most common approaches used in anxiety counseling sessions include:

Individual Therapy

Individual therapy takes place in a one on one setting with a licensed professional, usually consisting of a combination of dialectical and cognitive behavioral therapies, in which a person can talk through his or her individual struggles. Individual therapy and mental health care is one of the most crucial steps for those facing mental health challenges.

Group Therapy

Group therapy sessions can be used to help provide structured times to help you understand that you are not alone in your struggles, that your peers are also walking through these challenges, while also providing guidance, suggestions and communications from psychologists with specialized backgrounds.⁴ These groups can span a variety of backgrounds, including but not limited to art therapy, somatic therapy, and narrative therapy.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a form of therapy that’s focused on restructuring and reprogramming maladaptive and negative thought processes.⁵ Psychologists are trained to help you change your cognitive and emotional processes in order to outgrow coping mechanisms that may no longer be serving you.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is most commonly referred to as “talk therapy,” and is designed to help process emotions. Qualified professionals offer psychological therapy to move forward with healthy ways of engaging in interpersonal relationships and alleviating physical and emotional distress.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR)

EMDR Therapy is a renowned method of reprocessing most often used in trauma therapy.⁶ By activating the prefrontal cortex through a series of bilateral stimulation, qualified professionals can lead you through traumatic events, helping you to alleviate the distress symptomized by trauma.

Crisis Intervention and Stabilization Services

A crisis is defined by the National Library of Medicine “as an overwhelming event, which can include divorce, violence, the passing of a loved one, or the discovery of a serious illness.”⁷ The goal of crisis intervention is to provide safety and reduce any potential harm to an individual undergoing a crisis.

Psychiatric Care

AMFM Mental Health Treatment provides comprehensive psychiatric care, along with traditional therapeutic modalities. Our on-staff clinicians are equipped to design personalized treatment plans for your continued success. In combination with psychotherapy, psychiatric care is handled safely, to help you or your loved one overcome mental health challenges.

Admissions Process at AMFM Anxiety Treatment Centers

At AMFM Mental Health Treatment, we recognize that reaching out for help isn’t easy. Our goal is to help you decide whether or not an AMFM residential mental health facility will be the best fit for you, and so our admissions process has evolved over the years for your ease and access.

Give us a call or fill out this form – it’s confidential and your insurance company will not be alerted.
Our team will check insurance coverage and benefits in order to help inform your conversation about next steps.
A member of the AMFM team will reach out to connect with you.

We’re here to make your mental health journey a seamless and compassion-filled experience.

General Inquiry Form

"*" indicates required fields

Disclaimer

What to expect

Contact From Admission Representative:

Complete the form to receive a prompt call back from a member of our experienced and compassionate admissions staff. All communication is 100% confidential.

Disclaimer

Are you or a loved one struggling with anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges?

Reaching out for help in your mental health journey can be difficult, emotional and overwhelming. With A Mission For Michael Mental Health Treatment, we’re with you throughout your journey, offering compassion, guidance, resources, and understanding the whole way. If you are interested, confused, or need help, give AMFM a call. You or your loved one don’t have to walk through this alone.

Citations

“12.00 Mental Disorders – Adult | Disability.” SSA, https://www.ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/12.00-MentalDisorders-Adult.htm. Accessed 6 May 2025.

“Anxiety.” American Psychological Association, https://www.apa.org/topics/anxiety. Accessed 8 April 2025.

“Any Anxiety Disorder – National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).” National Institute of Mental Health, https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/any-anxiety-disorder. Accessed 8 April 2025

“Psychotherapy: Understanding group therapy.” American Psychological Association, 31 October 2019, https://www.apa.org/topics/psychotherapy/group-therapy. Accessed 20 February 2025.

“APA Dictionary of Psychology.” APA Dictionary of Psychology, https://dictionary.apa.org/cognitive-behavior-therapy. Accessed 20 February 2025.

“What is EMDR?” EMDR Institute, https://www.emdr.com/what-is-emdr/. Accessed 20 February 2025.

MA, Carlberg K. “Crisis Intervention – StatPearls.” NCBI, 24 April 2023, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559081/. Accessed 20 February 2025.

Mental Health Coverage

Mental Health Coverage

Is Anxiety Considered a Disability?

SSA Anxiety Disability Criteria

Medical Documentation

Work History

Find out about our free assessments and admissions process

Check Your Insurance Coverage For Anxiety Treatment

More about Anxiety

Common Symptoms of Anxiety:

AMFM Treatment Center for Anxiety

California

Mental Health Treatment Program in California

Virginia

Mental Health Treatment Program in Virginia

Washington

Mental Health Treatment Program in Washington

Types of Therapy and Counseling for Anxiety Disorders

Individual Therapy

Group Therapy

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR)

Crisis Intervention and Stabilization Services

Psychiatric Care

Admissions Process at AMFM Anxiety Treatment Centers

Are you or a loved one struggling with anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges?

Citations