Did you know that anxiety affects nearly one in five adults and is the number one mental illness in the United States? Anxiety impacts millions daily, but the good news is that effective anxiety treatment is readily available.
A local solution for anxiety treatment in Annapolis can be found with Dr. Sarah Rovnak of the Anxiety Center of Annapolis. This month, we sat down with Dr. Rovnak to discuss her practice, how to select the right anxiety therapist in Annapolis, and what she enjoys outside of work.
Tell us about your company and what you do?
I am a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in anxiety counseling in Annapolis and other fear-based conditions. I’ve received specialized training in exposure and response prevention, the gold standard for obsessive-compulsive disorder and most phobias.
How did you get started in your industry?
Unlike many, I didn’t know what I wanted to do when I started college. A retired psychologist teaching Psychology 101 sparked my interest in the field. Eventually, I earned a doctorate in clinical psychology and pursued my passion for anxiety therapy in Annapolis.
What is something about your business that most people don’t know?
Most don’t realize the differences between a psychologist and a psychiatrist. While psychiatrists are medical doctors licensed to prescribe medications, psychologists specialize in psychotherapy and anxiety treatment without prescribing medications.
No two therapists are alike and knowing the differences can help you narrow down your search when seeking help. Most importantly, a psychologist and a psychiatrist are not the same thing.
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor (with the letters MD or DO after their name), who is licensed to prescribe medications. Some psychiatrists also do psychotherapy (or talk therapy), but for the most part, you would see a psychiatrist for medication management of your symptoms.
A psychologist has a doctoral degree in psychology (with the letters Ph.D., PsyD, or EdD after their name). Psychologists specialize in counseling and psychotherapy, psychological testing, and provide treatment for mental disorders. In Maryland, psychologists are not permitted to prescribe medications.
A licensed mental health counselor has a master’s degree in psychology, counseling, or another related field. They specialize in evaluating and treating mental difficulties.
A clinical social worker has a master’s degree in social work and also specializes in evaluating and treating mental difficulties. Clinical social workers, however, can also provide case management, hospital discharge planning, and may serve as an advocate for clients and their families, as needed.
Where do you see your business in 5 years?
I plan to expand my practice with more video/telehealth services and new tools for clients, ensuring accessible anxiety therapy in Annapolis for those unable to attend in person.
Tell us about yourself.
I moved to Annapolis in 2014 and fell in love with the area. I currently work on innovative treatments for anxiety disorders. Outside of work, I enjoy time with my blended family and fostering rescue animals.
Other than work, what are you passionate about?
This is a tough one for me to answer because I tend to be a passionate person in general. I love to learn and believe everyone should strive to discover something new every day. After all, to solve any problem, one must start with understanding.
I often reflect on how social media impacts our knowledge, learning, and critical thinking. It’s easy to form judgments without exploring all sides. I challenge myself to seek knowledge and understanding, which benefits my work in anxiety therapy in Annapolis.
What types of activities or hobbies do you enjoy outside of work?
My family and I enjoy spending time at the beautiful Chesapeake Bay. On warm days, you’ll find us at our neighborhood beach, making memories with friends and neighbors. We also love to travel, exploring culinary gems across cities. If you ever visit Louisville, Kentucky, prepare for some of the best meals—rivaling restaurants in San Francisco or New York City.
At home, I enjoy gardening, cooking, painting, and photography. I also volunteer at the local cat rescue shelter in Riva, Maryland, which helps me stay connected to the community while working on anxiety counseling in Annapolis.
Why did you choose My Annapolis Office, and how has it helped your business?
My Annapolis Office offers the ideal setup for therapists, including psychologists in Annapolis like me. The location and off-street parking make it convenient for my clients seeking anxiety treatment Annapolis, while the private offices ensure their confidentiality. This is critical for those hesitant to seek mental health treatment due to stigma.
The beautifully decorated lobby and amenities provide a welcoming atmosphere for clients. Whether enjoying coffee or tea while waiting, they feel comfortable, knowing they are in good hands with their anxiety therapist in Annapolis.
Supporting Mental Health Through Anxiety Therapy in Annapolis
To learn more about Dr. Rovnak and her practice, visit her website here. You can also connect with her on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.