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Can therapy help with anxiety and chronic pain?

 

Yes. Therapy can help you manage anxiety and the emotional strain of living with chronic pain. Together, we can work on coping skills, unhelpful thought patterns, and changes that make daily life feel more manageable. Progress looks different for everyone, and therapy works alongside your medical care.

 

I'm Grace Davis, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker offering online therapy for adults throughout California. I help people navigating anxiety, overthinking, depression, chronic pain, fibromyalgia, and medical stress. Here are answers to questions you may have before getting started.

 

Check insurance and booking options

 

How does therapy help with anxiety and overthinking?

 

Anxiety can show up as replaying conversations, expecting the worst, feeling on edge, or struggling to switch off at night. You may be getting through your responsibilities while feeling exhausted underneath.

 

I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and other approaches tailored to your needs to help you notice patterns, question thoughts that keep you stuck, and practice different responses. We might work on setting boundaries, tolerating uncertainty, or responding to self-criticism with more balance. The goal is to give you tools you can use in your everyday life.

 

Can therapy help with chronic pain or fibromyalgia?

 

Yes. Therapy can support coping, mood, and daily functioning when you live with ongoing pain or illness. Pain can affect your sleep, relationships, work, and sense of who you are. There may also be grief about what has changed or frustration when others do not understand.

 

Your pain is real. You deserve to feel heard. In our work together, we can explore pacing, stress management, asking for support, and the pressure to push through when your body needs something different. Therapy does not replace medical evaluation or promise to eliminate pain. It can help you build a life with more room for the things that matter to you.

 

How do I know if I need therapy if I'm still functioning?

 

You do not have to wait until everything falls apart to ask for support. If worry, low mood, pain, or overwhelm is taking up more space than you want, that is worth talking about. Keeping up at work does not always mean you feel well.

 

You might notice that you have little energy left for yourself, avoid things you used to enjoy, or feel guilty whenever you rest. We can talk about what has been difficult and decide together what support makes sense for you.

 

Does online therapy work for anxiety?

 

Online therapy can be an effective option for anxiety when it fits your needs. We meet by video, which allows us to talk and practice skills without adding a commute. For someone managing pain, fatigue, or a busy schedule, this may make it easier to attend consistently.

 

You will need a private space and a reliable internet connection. I provide telehealth to adults who are physically in California during sessions. We will discuss whether online care is appropriate for your situation.

 

Does insurance cover online therapy in California?

 

Many plans cover online individual therapy, but your benefits and costs depend on your specific plan. I accept Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Carelon Behavioral Health, Cigna, Curative, Oxford, Providence Health Plan, and UnitedHealthcare through Headway. A carrier name alone does not confirm that every plan is covered.

 

I also see Kaiser Northern California clients through Grow Therapy with an approved referral. Start by contacting Kaiser Mental Health to ask about an assessment and an external referral to Grow. Once approved, request Grace Davis, LCSW. Confirm referral approval and availability before scheduling.

 

How much will therapy cost with insurance?

 

Your cost may include a copay, coinsurance, or charges toward your deductible. Headway can check your plan and provide an estimate before you book. Your insurer determines final coverage. For Kaiser, confirm costs with Kaiser and Grow. Self-pay is also available; contact me for current individual session fees.

 

View insurance details and check your estimated cost

 

What happens in the first therapy session?

 

We start with what brought you in, what has been difficult, and what you would like to change. I will ask about your history and how things are affecting your daily life. You can ask questions, too.

 

You do not need a perfectly organized story or the right words. My approach is warm, practical, and collaborative. I value trust, honest conversation, and room for humor when it feels right. We will begin setting goals that feel meaningful to you.

 

How long does therapy take?

 

There is no single timeline. It depends on your concerns, goals, and what is happening in your life. We will discuss session frequency and check in about whether our work is helping. Progress might mean less time caught in worry, more confidence setting limits, or more flexibility on difficult pain days.

 

Ready to take the next step?

 

If this sounds like the kind of support you are looking for, I would be glad to hear from you. You can learn more about me, check your insurance, and explore booking options below.

 

Check insurance and book an appointment
Meet Grace Davis, LCSW
Questions? Email gracedavistherapy@proton.me or call 408-320-6639.

 

Grace Davis Therapy | Updated October 2026. General educational information; care is tailored to each client.

 

Further reading

 

NIMH: Psychotherapies
NIMH: Anxiety treatment in person and by telehealth
UCSF: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Chronic Pain

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