Online Therapy for Health Anxiety

Category: Health Anxiety Online Therapy | Last updated: March 11th, 2026 | Medically reviewed by:
Dr. Steven Gans, MD
Dr. Elizabeth Lombardo, PhD

Are You Health Conscious or Health Anxious?

Almost every one of us gets concerned about our health and well-being. And that concern can motivate us to try to optimize our eating, sleep and to lead a healthy lifestyle. Being health conscious can be great. It helps a lot in leading a healthy, happy, successful and meaningful life.

However, problems arise when this health consciousness gets transformed into “health anxiousness”. If you become too obsessed about your health and if you get too apprehensive that you are suffering from a severe illness (without the presence of such medical symptoms), then you may be experiencing health anxiety. In the past, psychologists referred to this as “hypochondria”. However, it is now called Illness Anxiety Disorder.

Illness Anxiety Disorder is a somatic symptom disorder in which the person suffering from it gets overly anxious or obsessed over his/her physical conditions. They see even a minor problem as an exaggerated severe illness. People suffering from Illness Anxiety Disorder often require continuous care, support and assurance from health service providers, family and acquaintances.

     

See if you recognize yourself in the symptoms of health anxiety:

     
Being preoccupied with having or developing a serious disease or health condition
Worrying that minor symptoms or body sensations mean you have a serious illness
Being easily alarmed about your health status
Finding little or no reassurance from doctor visits or negative test results
Worrying excessively about a specific medical condition or your risk of developing a medical condition because it runs in your family
Having so much distress about possible illnesses that it's hard for you to function
Repeatedly checking your body for signs of illness or disease
Frequently making medical appointments for reassurance - or avoiding medical care for fear of being diagnosed with a serious illness
Avoiding people, places or activities for fear of health risks
Constantly talking about your health and possible illnesses
Frequently searching the internet for causes of symptoms or possible illnesses

What’s more, people with Illness Anxiety Disorder can also experience additional mental health issues, such as Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Clinical Depression, Anxiety, Panic Attacks, Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD).

Approaches That Can Help with Health Anxiety

The good news is that health anxiety can improve with the right support and practical strategies. One of the most commonly used approaches for health anxiety is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors that reinforce anxiety.

CBT often includes techniques such as cognitive restructuring, gradual exposure to feared situations, and learning healthier ways to respond to bodily sensations and health-related worries. These approaches can help reduce the cycle of constant reassurance seeking, symptom checking, and excessive worry.

Through our online therapy program, you can work on health anxiety using structured CBT tools together with therapist guidance through messaging and live sessions. Over time, many people learn to manage their health concerns more effectively and regain a greater sense of balance in their daily lives.

Reviews

Our online therapy services have received 4753 reviews and the average rating is 4.8 out of 5 stars.

Rating: [5 out of 5 stars!]

"Affordable, switching therapists is very easy. I really like my current therapist, he has broadened my scope entirely"

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Rating: [5 out of 5 stars!]

"Great service"

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Rating: [5 out of 5 stars!]

"Lynn was a great therapist! She understood the problems I was having and she gave me a plan that I will follow. I had the feeling that she actually cared about me and my problems. If I ever need a therapist again she will be the therapist I contact!!"

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Rating: [4 out of 5 stars!]

"I started off with a good therapist but I found a better one who suited us best. It’s still too soon to tell but I already feel happier with the most recent therapy session."

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Rating: [5 out of 5 stars!]

"I find my therapist very helpful"

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Rating: [5 out of 5 stars!]

"The evidence-based worksheets have already started to improve my life, even before meeting with a therapist. I highly recommend leaning on Online Therapy's guidance to get you through a tough time."

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Rating: [4 out of 5 stars!]

"Sean has been great to work with both during our weekly sessions and sending me information about what I have been sharing with him!"

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Rating: [5 out of 5 stars!]

"I found an incredibly empathetic therapist during one of the most shocking times of my life. I have gone through many therapists and online services and this is the first time I actually want to continue therapy."

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Rating: [5 out of 5 stars!]

"My therapist Amanda is amazing. Recommend this site to anyone!"

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Rating: [5 out of 5 stars!]

"I feel like doing this has not only confirmed some stuff with me that I already knew, but helped me realize stuff I wouldn't have without that extra perspective. I know i may never be truly ‘cured’ from my problems, but I know feel less that I'm truly broken, and that I have the ability to work towards chsnge."

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