Find a Therapist for Panic in Columbus

A Step-by-Step Guide to Panic Therapy in Columbus 

Getting started with panic therapy in Columbus often begins by recognizing persistent symptoms like sudden surges of fear, racing heart, or avoidance of everyday activities, then deciding it’s time to get help. Use MiResource’s directory to filter for Columbus-based, licensed therapists experienced in panic disorder, checking insurance , availability, and whether they offer in-person sessions in areas like Short North, German Village, and Clintonville or virtual care across Ohio. Once you find a good match, schedule an initial consultation to discuss your goals, history, and preferences, and ask about fees and session formats. For in-person visits, consider COTA bus routes, parking garages Downtown or the Arena District, and easier lot parking in suburbs like Dublin, Grandview, and Westerville. Telehealth can be a convenient option if traffic, campus events near OSU, or winter weather make travel harder.

At your first session, your therapist will review your concerns, assess panic symptoms, and collaborate on a plan—often combining cognitive behavioral therapy, interoceptive exposure, and skills for breathing and grounding. You’ll set clear goals and agree on session frequency, with homework to practice coping skills between visits. Following through means attending sessions consistently, tracking triggers, and gradually facing avoided situations with support. If logistics are a barrier, use MiResource to find evening or weekend appointments, ADA-accessible offices, or clinicians near your neighborhood with validated parking. Over time, you’ll refine your plan, celebrate progress, and adjust strategies to build confidence and reduce panic.

Guide to Accessing Local Organizations for Panic Support in Columbus 

Local organizations in Columbus can help you navigate Panic by offering support groups, peer-led programs, education, and connections to affordable care. These groups understand the local landscape, so they can refer you to trusted clinicians, low-cost services, and culturally responsive resources. Many host regular support meetings where you can learn coping skills and feel less alone. Start with reputable hubs like the Alcohol, Drug and Mental Health Board of Franklin County (ADAMH), NAMI Franklin County, Mental Health America of Ohio, Netcare Access, and The PEER Center for immediate, practical help.

Steps to identify, contact, and engage:

1) Search trusted directories and hubs: Use ADAMH Franklin County’s provider network  and Mental Health America of Ohio   to find anxiety and Panic resources; check NAMI Franklin County for support groups and classes .

2) Explore crisis and peer options: For urgent support or stabilization, review Netcare Access services ; for daytime peer support and groups, see The PEER Center .

3) Reach out and confirm fit: Visit each organization’s site to learn services, schedules, fees, insurance, and accessibility; email or call to ask about Panic-focused support groups, eligibility, and wait times.

4) Prepare and participate: List your goals, symptoms, and preferences; bring questions to your first contact; attend at least one meeting or class and ask about ongoing groups, one-on-one support, or referrals in Columbus.

5) Stay connected locally: Follow Columbus Public Health’s mental health resources and your neighborhood community center listings for nearby events, workshops, and wellness programs.

Guide to Using Emergency Services for Panic in Columbus 

Use emergency services for Panic if symptoms feel unbearable or unsafe: severe chest pain or shortness of breath that doesn’t ease, fainting or confusion, thoughts of self-harm, or if Panic lasts more than 20–30 minutes despite calming steps. If you feel in immediate danger, seek help now. Emergency teams in Columbus can rule out medical issues, help you stabilize, and connect you with follow-up care. It’s okay to ask for help even if you’re unsure—safety comes first.

Step 1: Identify a crisis

- You may be in crisis if you have suicidal thoughts, can’t breathe or calm down, feel out of control, have new confusion, or have chest pain. If any risk of harm is present, treat it as urgent.

Step 2: Call for immediate support

- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24/7): Call or text 988, or chat at https://988lifeline.org

- Franklin County 24/7 Mental Health Crisis Line ( Netcare Access): 614-276-2273 (614-276-CARE)

- If there’s imminent danger, call 911 and request a CIT-trained officer.

Step 3: Use local crisis services or go to an ER

- Mobile/walk-in crisis (adults, Franklin County): Netcare Access via 614-276-2273 for mobile response and crisis stabilization.

- Youth Psychiatric Crisis ( Nationwide Children’s Hospital): 614-722-1800, Big Lots Behavioral Health Pavilion

- Emergency Rooms (24/7):

- The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center ED: 410 W 10th Ave, Columbus; 614-293-8000;  

- OhioHealth Grant Medical Center ED: 111 S Grant Ave, Columbus; 614-566-9000; 

- Mount Carmel East ED: 6001 E Broad St, Columbus; 614-234-6000; Step 4: What to expect

- Triage and a medical check to rule out urgent conditions, followed by a mental health evaluation, short-term stabilization (medication, grounding, safety planning), and referrals. Bring ID, insurance if you have it, and a medication list; you will be seen even without insurance. If you can, have someone you trust accompany you.

Guide to Using Parks and Green Spaces in Columbus to Support Mental Health 

Spending time in nature can help reduce stress hormones, calm the nervous system, and improve mood—benefits that are especially supportive for people managing Panic. Gentle movement, fresh air, and natural scenery can interrupt cycles of worry and create a sense of safety and control. Regular visits to green spaces can build resilience, improve sleep, and make coping tools like breathing exercises more effective.

- Find nearby spots: Explore Columbus favorites like Goodale Park, Schiller Park, Highbanks Metro Park, Antrim Park, the Scioto Mile, Alum Creek Trail, and the Olentangy Trail. Use Columbus Metro Parks resources, Google Maps, or COTA routes to choose a location with restrooms, parking, and looped trails.

- Prepare for comfort: Check the weather, wear comfortable shoes, and bring water, a light snack, and layers. If Panic is a concern, plan a short route near exits/parking, share your plan with a friend, and save park maps offline.

- Start small and off-peak: Begin with 10–20 minutes during quieter times (morning or early evening). Try close-to-home options like Goodale Park or Schiller Park before longer outings to Highbanks Metro Park or along the Scioto Mile.

- Make the most of your visit: Practice slow breathing (inhale 4, exhale 6), grounding (notice 5 sights, 4 sounds, 3 sensations), and easy-paced walking. Sit by water at Antrim Lake or along the Scioto River, notice birds and trees, and track how you feel before and after to reinforce progress.

Your Guide to Understanding Panic 

Panic is a sudden surge of intense fear or discomfort that can feel overwhelming and out of the blue. It often brings strong physical sensations like a racing heart, shortness of breath, dizziness, sweating, or tingling, which can be scary and hard to interpret. Many people worry they’re having a medical emergency, which can make Panic feel even stronger in the moment. While a single panic attack can happen to anyone, repeated episodes and fear of more may point to a pattern that deserves attention and care.

Understanding Panic helps you recognize what’s happening in your body and mind, break the cycle of fear, and choose helpful responses. Learning simple tools—like slow breathing, grounding techniques, and kind self-talk—can reduce intensity and restore a sense of control. Support from professionals, peer groups, or trusted people makes a real difference, and effective treatments are available. With the right information and support, Panic becomes manageable, and daily life can feel safer and more predictable.

What Panic Is and How It’s Defined 

Panic is a sudden surge of intense fear or discomfort that feels like your body’s alarm system going off, even when there isn’t real danger. The American Psychiatric Association and the National Institute of Mental Health describe panic attacks as abrupt waves of fear that peak within minutes, often with a racing heart, shortness of breath, chest tightness, dizziness, or a sense of losing control. Panic can be a one-time experience or part of a pattern (sometimes called panic disorder) when these attacks are recurring and lead to worry or avoidance. Though frightening, Panic is treatable, and support can help you regain a sense of safety and control.

Who Panic Can Affect 

Panic can affect people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds, whether you’re a student before exams, a parent juggling schedules, or a commuter stuck in traffic. While it may be more common during times of high stress, in young adults, people with a family history of anxiety , trauma survivors, or those experiencing major life changes (like postpartum or retirement), anyone can experience Panic. It doesn’t mean something is “wrong” with you—your body is responding to stress in a very human way. Support is available, and many people find relief with simple strategies and care.

Why It’s Important to Learn About Panic 

Panic can show up in different ways, and noticing the early signs can help you understand what’s happening and get support sooner. This section covers common signs and symptoms of Panic so you can spot concerns early without alarm. If you recognize yourself here, you’re not alone and help is available.

- Sudden waves of intense fear or dread that peak within minutes, sometimes “out of the blue.”

- Pounding or racing heartbeat, chest tightness, or shortness of breath that makes you feel you can’t get enough air.

- Dizziness, lightheadedness, or feeling faint, sometimes with tingling, chills, or hot flashes.

- Shaking or sweating you can’t control, even when you’re not physically exerting yourself.

- Feeling out of control or like something terrible is about to happen; trouble thinking clearly in the moment.

- Avoiding everyday places or activities after a scare, and feeling worn out or on edge afterward.

- Sleep disruption or worry about when the next Panic episode might occur.

What People Want to Know about Panic 

1. How do I know if I’m ready to start therapy for Panic?
   
   You may be ready to start therapy for Panic if it’s affecting your daily life, relationships , sleep, or work, and you want things to feel more manageable. Feeling motivated to make changes, curious about new coping tools, or tired of trying to handle Panic on your own are strong signs you’re ready. You don’t need to have everything figured out—readiness simply means you’re open to support. Reaching out is a confident first step toward feeling calmer and more in control. 
2. What should I look for when choosing a therapist who treats Panic in Columbus?
   
   Look for a therapist in Columbus with proven experience treating Panic, and ask how often they work with panic attacks or panic disorder. Clarify their therapeutic approach—such as CBT , exposure therapy , or mindfulness—and how they tailor it to you. Check credentials and licensure (e.g., psychologist, LPC, LISW) and any specialized training in anxiety or Panic. Choose someone you feel comfortable with, whose communication style fits you, and who offers practical availability (in-person or telehealth) in Columbus.
   
3. What are evidence-based therapies to treat this Panic?
   
   Evidence-based options for Panic include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which teaches practical skills to change fear patterns and uses gradual practice with body sensations (like a racing heart) to show they’re safe. Exposure therapy helps you face feared situations and sensations step by step so Panic loses its grip over time. Medications such as SSRIs or SNRIs can lower the intensity and frequency of Panic and often work well alongside therapy. Mindfulness-based approaches help you notice and accept feelings without getting pulled into the panic spiral, reducing stress and reactivity. 
4. How long does therapy for Panic usually take?
   
   Therapy for Panic varies by severity, treatment type (like CBT or exposure), personal goals, and individual progress. Many people notice meaningful improvement within several weeks to a few months (often around 8–16 sessions), but timelines differ and no specific outcome is guaranteed. Consistency with weekly sessions and practicing skills between appointments is key to faster, more lasting results. In Columbus, options range from individual therapy and group programs to telehealth and medication management to match your needs and pace.
   
5. Can I combine therapy for Panic with medication?
   
   Many people find that combining therapy and medication provides stronger, longer-lasting relief from Panic than either approach alone. The best plan is personal, so decisions should be made with a qualified professional who can assess symptoms, goals, and safety. In Columbus, coordinated care between therapists and prescribers helps ensure your treatment stays aligned and responsive to your needs. If you’re unsure where to start, reach out to a local provider who can guide you through your options and coordinate support.
   
6. How much does Panic therapy typically cost, and will insurance cover it?
   
   Panic therapy costs vary based on your location, the provider’s credentials ( psychiatrist , psychologist, counselor), session length, and whether you choose in-person or telehealth care in Columbus. Many therapists accept insurance, and some offer sliding-scale fees; community options in Columbus—such as community mental health centers, university training clinics, and nonprofit organizations—may provide low-cost services. To check coverage, contact your insurance plan to confirm in-network providers, copays, deductibles, session limits, and whether prior authorization is needed; also ask the therapist to verify benefits. If you don’t have insurance or have high out-of-pocket costs, look for sliding-scale listings, EAP benefits, or local resources like county behavioral health boards and NAMI chapters in Columbus. 
7. What can I do between therapy sessions to help manage my Panic?
   
   Practice daily skills your therapist teaches—slow diaphragmatic or box breathing, 5-4-3-2-1 grounding, and brief mindfulness—to retrain your body’s response to Panic. Keep a simple “panic plan” card (skills, coping thoughts, support contacts), track triggers and wins in a journal, and gradually practice tolerated sensations (like light cardio) to reduce fear of bodily cues. Support your nervous system with steady sleep , balanced meals, hydration, movement, and limiting caffeine/ alcohol , which can amplify Panic. Create calming routines between sessions—short nature walks in Columbus, a favorite playlist, or a soothing space at home—and use a timer to practice skills for a few minutes twice a day.