Find a Therapist for Panic Disorder

A panic attack is a sudden surge of intense fear or discomfort that peaks within minutes. During an attack, your body may feel like it's in immediate danger—even if there’s no real threat.

Common symptoms include:

• Rapid heartbeat or chest pain
• Shortness of breath or choking sensation
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Sweating, shaking, or chills
• Nausea or stomach upset
• Numbness or tingling
• Feeling detached from reality (derealization) or from yourself (depersonalization)
• Fear of dying or “going crazy”

Panic attacks can feel terrifying, and many people end up in emergency rooms thinking they’re having a heart attack. A therapist for panic attacks can help you learn to manage these episodes and reduce their frequency over time.

It’s common to experience a panic attack at some point in life, especially during periods of intense stress. However, panic disorder is different—it involves recurring, unexpected panic attacks and persistent anxiety about when the next one might occur.

You might have panic disorder if:

• Panic attacks happen suddenly, without an obvious trigger
• You constantly worry about having more attacks
• You’ve started avoiding places, situations, or activities for fear they might cause a panic attack
• The fear of panic is interfering with your daily life, work, or relationships

These patterns often create a cycle: fear of the attack leads to anxiety, which increases physical symptoms, which then fuel more panic. A qualified therapist for panic disorder can help you identify whether your symptoms meet clinical criteria and start working toward relief.

If you’re unsure, don’t wait until it worsens. Early treatment can break the cycle and help you feel safe in your body again.

Panic disorder can develop for a number of reasons. It's often a combination of genetic vulnerability, temperament, and life stressors.

Contributing factors may include:

• Genetics: A family history of anxiety or panic increases risk.
• Brain chemistry: Imbalances in neurotransmitters like serotonin or norepinephrine may play a role.
• Life events: Major stress, trauma, or loss can trigger the onset of panic attacks.
• Personality traits: People who are more sensitive to stress or prone to catastrophic thinking may be more vulnerable.

While panic disorder can feel unpredictable and frightening, understanding its origins is a key part of healing. A skilled therapist for panic attacks will help you explore your triggers and develop a treatment plan that empowers you.

Panic disorder is highly treatable. The most effective treatment often involves a combination of therapy, lifestyle changes, and, when appropriate, medication.

Cognitive behavioral therapy for panic attacks is the gold standard. CBT helps you identify and change unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors that fuel panic. You’ll learn:

• How to reframe catastrophic thoughts
• Techniques to ride out panic without fear
• How to gradually face feared situations (exposure therapy)

CBT doesn’t just reduce panic—it teaches you how to prevent it. Many people experience significant improvement within a few months of consistent therapy.

A form of CBT, cognitive therapy for panic attacks focuses specifically on thought patterns. It helps you understand how your brain misinterprets normal bodily sensations (like a racing heart) as dangerous, and how to correct those misinterpretations.

Additional Treatment Approaches:

• Relaxation techniques (e.g., deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation)
• Mindfulness and acceptance-based therapy
• Lifestyle changes (exercise, sleep hygiene, reducing caffeine and alcohol)
• Medications (SSRIs or benzodiazepines, under medical supervision)

A therapist for panic disorder will work with you to choose the best combination of tools for your specific symptoms and goals.