Worry is a normal part of life. But anxiety becomes a problem when it’s constant, hard to control, or starts running your day.
At Bold Behavioral Health, I provide telehealth medication management for adults across Iowa who are living with anxiety. Visits are by secure video from wherever you are, and new patients are typically seen within 5–7 days.
I’m Scott Arno, PA-C, a psychiatric provider. My role is to understand what your anxiety looks like, talk through whether medication could help, and manage it carefully over time, in coordination with your care team (always with your consent).
What anxiety can look like
Anxiety shows up in the mind and in the body. Common signs include:
- Worry that feels excessive and hard to turn off
- Feeling restless, keyed up, or on edge
- Muscle tension, headaches, or stomach trouble
- Trouble sleeping or concentrating
- Irritability or feeling easily tired
- Sudden waves of intense fear with a racing heart, shortness of breath, or dizziness (panic attacks)
- Avoiding people, places, or situations because of fear or worry
Anxiety disorders include generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder, among others. If anxiety is getting in the way of work, school, relationships, or sleep, an evaluation is worth having.
How medication management works
Medication can be one part of a plan, and it often works best alongside therapy. Therapy builds skills that last, and medication can lower the intensity enough to make those skills easier to use.
- A careful evaluation. We review your symptoms, when they started, what makes them better or worse, and your sleep, caffeine, alcohol, and other substance use. I also screen for depression, ADHD, and bipolar disorder, since these can look like or overlap with anxiety and change the treatment plan.
- A shared decision. If medication makes sense, we talk through the options, what to expect, possible side effects, and any concerns about dependence. I’m careful about medications that carry that risk, and we’ll talk about it openly.
- Starting and adjusting. Many anxiety medications take several weeks to reach full effect, so we plan check-ins and adjust based on how you are doing.
- Safety monitoring. Early in treatment and after dose changes, we watch closely for side effects and any change in mood or thoughts of self-harm.
- Ongoing follow-up. Once you are stable, visits space out, and we revisit the plan regularly, including when and how to change or taper.
If something else may be contributing, such as a medical condition, thyroid problems, sleep trouble, or medication side effects, I may suggest checking in with your primary care provider.
Working with your therapist
If you see a therapist, I’m happy to coordinate. With your written consent, I can share updates so your care team is working from the same picture. If you don’t have a therapist yet, I can talk with you about what type of support might help.
What your first visit looks like
You’ll complete intake paperwork before your appointment. The first visit is 60 minutes by secure video. Follow-up visits are usually shorter, and we’ll set how often we meet based on how you are doing.
Who this is for
This service is for adults in Iowa with anxiety who want ongoing medication management. It is not a crisis or emergency service. If you have chest pain or think you may be having a medical emergency, call 911. If you are having thoughts of harming yourself, call or text 988 (the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), call 911, or go to the nearest emergency room.
Insurance and payment
I currently accept Wellmark commercial plans, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and self-pay.
Get started
Request an appointment or call 515-207-9693. Therapists and primary care providers can find referral details on the For Referring Providers page.
Anxiety Disorders: FAQ
Do I have to take medication to treat anxiety?
No. Therapy alone helps many people, and some prefer to start there. Medication is an option when symptoms are severe, getting in the way of therapy, or not improving.
Are anxiety medications addictive?
It depends on the medication. Many commonly used options are not habit-forming, and some carry a risk of dependence. I’ll explain the risks and benefits of any option before we start, and we’ll talk about a plan for stopping when the time comes.
How long does it take for anxiety medication to work?
Often several weeks for daily medications, and some people see changes sooner or need a dose adjustment. We plan check-ins and adjust based on how you are doing.
Can you help with panic attacks?
I can evaluate panic attacks and talk through treatment options, including medication and therapy. Because panic symptoms can feel like a medical emergency, call 911 if you have chest pain or think something is seriously wrong.
What if I’m anxious about video visits or talking about my symptoms?
That’s common, and you’re not alone in it. Visits are private and at your pace. You can join from a place you feel comfortable, and we can start with whatever feels easiest to say.