Dr. Mary Cady's clinical focus and specialty is in the assessment and treatment of adults with anxiety disorders and obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorders, including panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, social anxiety, generalized anxiety, phobias, trichotillomania, and associated depression. These disorders present numerous challenges for patients which can significantly interfere with quality of life and relationships, while treatment can help to minimize that interference, improve coping strategies, and reduce the depression that is often present.

Dr. Cady's treatment approaches are typically cognitive-behavioral, which means they address ways of thinking and behaving. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is the standard of care for anxiety disorders and is supported by extensive research. Such approaches might include exposure practices for panic and phobias, exposure and response prevention for obsessive-compulsive disorder, habit reversal training for trichotillomania, worry control, stress management skills, or changing automatic negative thinking. Mindfulness training or self-hypnosis can also be utilized. At the same time, it has been Dr. Cady's experience that it is helpful to examine underlying issues which interfere with current functioning, such as relationships, self-esteem, or family history. In each case, the treatment approach is tailored to the individual's needs. If a patient chooses to incorporate medication (such as, antidepressants) into treatment, Dr. Cady can facilitate a referral for medication evaluation and address fears that sometimes interfere with taking medication. Spiritual or religious beliefs and values will be respected. Most importantly, Dr. Cady's practice is based on the belief that for psychotherapy to be effective, regardless of approach, it must be based on establishing a collaborative working relationship between patient and psychologist.

Dr. Cady received her Master's degree with a focus on educational psychology and special education from the University of Minnesota. She received her doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the Minnesota School of Professional Psychology after completing a pre-doctoral internship at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center. She co-founded Anxiety Treatment Resources with Dr. Christopher Vye, in 1999, after working and training in other specialty clinics conducting psychotherapy and diagnostic assessments. Dr. Cady is available for case consultation to other mental health professionals.