Find a Social Anxiety Therapist

Everyone feels nervous from time to time—especially before public speaking or meeting new people. But social anxiety disorder goes beyond occasional shyness or discomfort. It's a persistent fear of being judged, embarrassed, or rejected in social situations.

You might have social anxiety if:

• You avoid everyday interactions out of fear of humiliation or criticism
• You worry excessively about what others think of you
• You experience intense anxiety before, during, or after social situations
• You replay conversations in your head, analyzing what you said or did “wrong”
• Your fear impacts your work, relationships, or ability to enjoy life

A therapist for social anxiety can help you better understand your symptoms and guide you toward strategies that ease social fear and build resilience.

Recognizing the symptoms

Social anxiety disorder can affect many aspects of life and can look different depending on the person. Some may avoid all social contact, while others experience intense anxiety only in specific settings—like meetings, dates, or group activities.

Emotional and Behavioral Symptoms:

• Intense fear of being watched, judged, or embarrassed
• Avoiding eye contact, eating in public, or initiating conversations
• Difficulty speaking, even when you know what you want to say
• Fear of public speaking, performing, or being the center of attention
• Skipping events, meetings, or opportunities due to anxiety
• Overanalyzing social interactions afterward

Physical Symptoms:

• Blushing, sweating, or trembling
• Racing heart or feeling faint
• Nausea or upset stomach
• Muscle tension
• Shaky voice

These reactions can feel overwhelming and uncontrollable—but they are treatable. A qualified social anxiety therapist can help you unlearn the fear response and feel more at ease in everyday situations.

What do the diagnostic criteria mean?

According to the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders), social anxiety disorder involves:

1. A marked fear or anxiety about one or more social situations in which the person is exposed to possible scrutiny.
2. The individual fears they will act in a way—or show anxiety symptoms—that will be negatively evaluated.
3. The social situations almost always provoke fear or anxiety and are either avoided or endured with intense distress.
4. The fear or anxiety is out of proportion to the actual threat posed.
5. The symptoms are persistent, typically lasting six months or more.
6. The anxiety causes significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other areas of functioning.

Not sure where you fall? A therapist for social anxiety can assess whether you meet the criteria and help you explore next steps.

Getting diagnosed

Diagnosis is made through a structured clinical interview, often conducted by a psychologist or licensed therapist. You may be asked about:

• Specific situations that cause anxiety
• How long you’ve had symptoms
• How your anxiety affects your daily life
• Any co-occurring conditions like depression or generalized anxiety

Your provider may also use standardized questionnaires to measure your symptoms and track progress during treatment.

Getting diagnosed isn’t about labeling you—it’s about getting the support you need. A social anxiety therapist will walk you through the process with empathy and care.

Not quite. While shyness and social anxiety share some traits, they are not the same.

• Shyness is a personality trait that may cause mild discomfort in social settings but doesn’t significantly impair functioning.
• Social anxiety disorder is a mental health condition that causes intense fear, avoidance, and distress in social contexts.

Shy people can engage socially when needed, while those with social anxiety often avoid interactions entirely or experience intense suffering when they can’t.

A social anxiety therapist can help you determine whether your discomfort is typical shyness or something that may benefit from professional support.

Social anxiety is complex and influenced by a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors.

Contributing factors include:

• Genetics: Social anxiety tends to run in families, suggesting a hereditary component.
• Brain structure: People with overactive amygdalas (the brain’s fear center) may be more prone to intense fear responses in social situations.
• Early experiences: Bullying, rejection, critical parenting, or trauma can increase the risk of developing social anxiety.
• Temperament: Children who are naturally more inhibited or sensitive may be more likely to develop social fears.

Understanding the origin of your social anxiety can help inform treatment and reduce self-blame. Therapy offers tools to reframe early experiences and build confidence in your ability to connect.