Exposure Therapy
What It Is
Exposure therapy is a kind of treatment for individuals with anxiety and related disorders. This approach asks clients to engage in situations that make them nervous, in a guided, supportive, and planful manner. Clients and therapists would work together to develop the plan of situations, beginning with the most manageable challenge and increasing the difficulty of the challenges with practice.
Therapists have different levels of experience and training in providing exposure therapy in their practice. For individuals looking for treatment for anxiety or related disorders, it is important to ask about how their intervention uses exposure therapy.
Exposure therapy is consistently shown to be an effective treatment for a range of anxiety and related disorders.
Learn More from Our Member Organizations
For in-depth, evidence-based information on Exposure Therapy, visit:
Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT) – Resources on what to look for from clinicians and where to find care
Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) – Resources on what to look for from clinicians and where to find care
American Psychological Association, Division 53 - Resources on what to look for from clinicians and where to find care for youth experiencing anxiety
In Brief
Exposure therapy is scientifically-based and supported treatment for anxiety. Ask your provider or potential provider if it is right for you.
