Whether in the form of financial assistance, like disability benefits, or mental health support, it’s essential to ask for help when you need it. Anxiety disorders are very common. But, they can be highly misunderstood. They can vary in severity. Often, they affect a person’s ability to do things like work, go to school, or socialize. So, can you get disability for anxiety? You absolutely can. Some things may increase your chances of getting approved. Providing in-person and online mental health treatment in Massachusetts, Northstar Recovery Center is here to help.
Summary: You can get Social Security disability benefits for anxiety. However, you must be able to prove that it is severe enough to prevent you from working for at least one year through extensive medical evidence. Getting treatment can increase your chances of getting approved because it shows that your condition is serious and allows you to get the necessary documentation.
Can You Get Disability For Anxiety?
Can you get disability for anxiety? Yes. You can get disability benefits for anxiety through the Social Security Administration (SSA) if it is severe enough to prevent you from maintaining gainful employment (work that provides a consistent, regular paycheck) for 12 months or more. To qualify, you must have a formal diagnosis. You’ll also need to provide extensive medical evidence. For example, diagnostic records, therapy notes, and anything else you can gather to show functional impairment. Participation in treatment can be helpful for those pursuing disability benefits for any mental health or substance use disorder. It helps you show that your condition is serious, and it means that you’ll have providers there to make sure that you have the documentation necessary.
Anxiety Treatment In Massachusetts
Goals for anxiety treatment may involve resuming daily life activities that symptoms have stopped you from participating in. For example, work or hobbies. People can be on disability for anxiety while receiving treatment. Northstar Recovery Center is proud to offer anxiety treatment in Massachusetts. We’ll help you set and meet goals and find effective strategies for managing or reducing anxiety in daily life.
Examples of treatments used for treating anxiety at our centers include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Dialectical behavior therapy
- Acceptance and commitment therapy
Our programs range from intensive to highly flexible (as few as 1-2 appointments per week), so you can get the amount of therapy you need, whether you are taking time off work or balancing responsibilities like employment with treatment.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment
Anxiety disorders can increase the risk that a person will be affected by substance abuse. If you have both, it’s imperative that dual-diagnosis treatment is available as an option. This is because it addresses addiction and co-occurring concerns like anxiety at the same time rather than just one or the other. Getting help for co-occurring disorders can increase positive treatment outcomes, such as better overall well-being. We provide dual diagnosis treatment in Massachusetts, available at all care levels, and whether you participate in treatment online, in person, or through a combination of online and in-person sessions.
Call Northstar Recovery Center for In-Person and Online Massachusetts Anxiety Treatment
Northstar is a mental health and addiction treatment provider with in-person locations in West Springfield and Southborough. We also provide online mental health and substance abuse treatment, including fully online programs and hybrid scheduling. Our programs are covered by most insurances, helping people with conditions like anxiety disorders access the effective and compassionate care they need. Call Northstar Recovery Center for in-person and online Massachusetts anxiety treatment today at (833) 853-8153.
FAQs
What are some things that can help you get approved for disability benefits for anxiety?
Many people do not get approved for disability benefits the first time they apply. This can be frustrating. It isn’t just you: a lot of people have to reapply with additional information. Here are some things that can help you get approved for disability for anxiety.
- Documenting functional limitations. The main thing the SSA considers when determining whether a person receives benefits is the extent to which their daily functioning is affected. Provide as much information as you can about how symptoms impede your ability to maintain employment.
- Consistent treatment. See mental health professionals or participate in treatment programs consistently, and provide documentation of your treatment.
- Detailed medical records. Again, providing as much information as you can is vital. Medical records that may help you include things like detailed notes from therapy sessions, mental health evaluations, hospitalizations (if applicable), psychiatry appointments, and medications you have tried.
- RFC forms. A residual capacity form (RFC) filled out by a medical provider, like your psychiatrist, detailing what you can and cannot do, is often highly valuable for those applying for disability. These can absolutely be the difference between approval and denial.
- Third-party statements. Alongside other documentation, you can provide third-party statements from people like family members or former employers who can explain how your anxiety affects your ability to work.
Northstar will be happy to help you with documentation for disability benefits if needed.
How long does it take to get social security disability for anxiety?
It usually takes about 6-8 months to get an initial decision after you apply for disability benefits. Some things, like how quickly the SSA can get information from your medical providers, can make a difference.
How many times can I apply for Social Security disability benefits?
There’s no limit to how many times you can apply for disability benefits.
What can you do if you get denied for disability and do not agree with the denial?
If you get denied for disability benefits, the best thing you can do is to submit an appeal. This can be better than re-applying. Submitting an appeal means that you can keep your initial protective filing date, which increases the likelihood of getting back pay.
What’s the most common reason disability benefits are denied?
Insufficient evidence is a common reason for the denial of disability benefits. That is why getting as much documentation from professionals as you can matters.
How long can you be on SSDI for anxiety disorders?
People can get social security disability insurance (SSDI) for anxiety disorders for as long as their condition prevents them from working. There is no limit.
