Medically reviewed by Gabriela Asturias, MD on May 23, 2025If you’re looking for help with phobias in Denver, you’re in the right place. Explore trusted therapists, counseling, and resources for phobia treatment nearby. We make it simple to find compassionate care, understand options, and start effective mental health support.
Counselor, Psychotherapist, Psychologist, Sport Psychologist
Remote only
Samantha Morris is a Counselor in undefined, undefined and has been in practice for 10 years. They treat Phobia, Gender Identity, Athletic/Sports performance.
I am currently accepting patients! I have experience working with athletes at all levels and believe it is important to make therapy accessible to all.
Psychotherapist, Psychologist
255 South 17th Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103
Hider Shaaban is a Psychotherapist in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They treat Phobia, Sexual Assault, Personality Disorders.
Your emotional wellbeing is our priority. We will work together to not just get you unstuck, but help you thrive and flourish.
Psychologist
Remote only
Michelle Litwer is a Psychologist in undefined, undefined and has been in practice for 8 years. They treat Phobia, Substance Use, Grief and Loss.
My main objective is to help clients manage their emotions, make decisions that are line with their values, and to live fulfilling and meaningful lives.
Psychologist
Remote only
Janet Venus is a Psychologist in undefined, undefined and has been in practice for 30 years. They treat Phobia, Body Image, Eating Concerns.
Hello and welcome. I offer psychotherapy for a range of mental health needs including depression, anxiety and the emotional impact of chronic illness.
Psychologist
Remote only
Edmund LaBarbara is a Psychologist in undefined, undefined and has been in practice for 10 years. They treat Phobia, Obsessive-Compulsive Personality, Trichotillomania (hair pulling).
I specialize in the treatment of severe Anxiety Disorders, including OCD, Social Anxiety, and Panic Attacks in adults, and adolescents.
Psychologist
37 Arch Street, Greenwich, Connecticut 06830
Mary Ellen Bolger is a Psychologist in Greenwich, Connecticut. They treat Phobia, Childhood Abuse, Insomnia.
I am here to help support you through what you find yourself struggling with. My 25+ years experience provides an in depth understanding of your needs.
Exploring treatment for phobias in Denver can include in-person sessions, teletherapy, individual work, and group options that build skills and confidence. Many people choose in-person care near neighborhoods like Capitol Hill, Cherry Creek, Highlands, or around Union Station, but traffic on I-25 and I-70 can make timing tricky. Teletherapy can be a flexible alternative for those commuting from Aurora, Lakewood, or DTC, or when snow or air quality impacts travel. Group therapy may meet in clinics near RTD light rail stops, while individual sessions can be scheduled around work hours downtown or in the suburbs. Whatever the format, consistent exposure-based and cognitive-behavioral approaches are considered effective for phobias.
MiResource helps you compare Denver-area providers by therapy approach (e.g., exposure therapy, CBT), insurance accepted, and real-time availability, so you can quickly find a good fit. You can filter for telehealth or in-person visits, evening or weekend slots, and proximity to transit like RTD light rail or bus lines. Results highlight clinicians serving specific neighborhoods and offer details on group programs versus one-on-one care. This makes it easier to plan around your commute and select a therapist whose methods align with your goals. With tailored filters, you can move from searching to starting care with less stress.
Denver offers community-driven support for people living with phobias, from WellPower (formerly Mental Health Center of Denver) groups and classes to NAMI Colorado ’s education programs and peer-led Connections support meetings. Colorado Crisis Services provides 24/7 support and a walk-in location on East Colfax near City Park for immediate help and referrals, while Denver Health ’s community clinics offer culturally responsive behavioral health care across neighborhoods like Five Points and Westwood. The Denver Public Library ’s Community Resource Specialists can help residents navigate local mental health options, with events and workshops often hosted at central branches near Civic Center and Union Station. These programs help normalize anxiety and phobia challenges and can pair well with exposure-based treatment found through MiResource’s therapist directory for phobia care in Denver.
Peer networks also meet regularly in familiar spaces from Capitol Hill to Sloan’s Lake, offering low-pressure environments to practice coping skills and build confidence. Community centers and neighborhood nonprofits in areas like Cherry Creek and LoDo frequently host anxiety-focused discussion circles and psychoeducation sessions that complement formal therapy. NAMI Colorado ’s volunteer facilitators can connect you with local, condition-relevant groups and family support, helping loved ones understand phobias and be part of recovery. Together, these supports provide a welcoming Denver safety net that bridges everyday community connection with specialized phobia therapists available on MiResource.
If you’re in immediate danger, call 911 or go to an ER such as Denver Health Emergency Department (303-602-8100), Saint Joseph Hospital ER (303-812-2000), or Swedish Medical Center ER in Englewood (303-788-5000). For 24/7 crisis support, call or text 988, or contact Colorado Crisis Services at 1-844-493-8255 (text TALK to 38255); they can also dispatch mobile crisis teams in Denver. For a city response, you can request Denver’s STAR team or a Co-Responder team through 911 for nonviolent mental health situations. Walk-in/urgent care options include the Colorado Crisis Services Walk-In Center (call 1-844-493-8255 for the nearest location), AllHealth Network Crisis Walk-In Center in Littleton (303-730-3303), and Denver Health Adult Urgent Care Center (303-602-6500). If unsure where to go, call 988 or Colorado Crisis Services for guidance to the fastest local help.
Phobias are intense, specific fears—like heights, driving, or flying—that can feel overwhelming even when you know you’re safe. Common symptoms include rapid heartbeat, sweating, shortness of breath, and strong urges to avoid the feared situation. In Denver, these fears can affect everyday life, from commuting to enjoying local activities, but they’re very treatable. Understanding phobias is the first step toward relief and helps you find the right support and tools to feel more in control.
Noticing early warning signs can be the first step toward feeling safer and more in control. If you’re in Denver and certain places, situations, or objects trigger intense fear, you’re not alone—and help is available nearby. Reaching out early can make everyday life feel easier again.
- Intense fear or dread tied to a specific thing (like flying, heights, needles, or animals), even when you know it’s unlikely to be dangerous.
- Strong urge to avoid the trigger or routes/places where you might encounter it, which can start to limit your daily activities in Denver.
- Physical reactions when faced with the trigger, such as a racing heart, shortness of breath, sweating, trembling, nausea, or feeling faint.
- Immediate anxiety or panic when you think about or see the trigger, sometimes building up in anticipation (worrying far in advance).
- Feeling out of control around the trigger and frustrated that the fear seems “too big” compared with the actual risk.
- Changes in routines, work, school, or relationships because you organize life around staying away from the fear.
Phobias can affect anyone in Denver and develop from a mix of factors—not from a lack of willpower or personal weakness. You’re not alone, and many people find relief with the right support. Understanding what contributes to phobias can be a helpful first step toward feeling better.
- Biological
- Family history of anxiety or phobias
- Brain systems that are extra sensitive to threat
- Stress hormone imbalances
- Psychological
- Past frightening or traumatic experiences
- Learning fear by observing others’ reactions
- Personality traits like high sensitivity or perfectionism
- Environmental
- Specific scary events (e.g., a dog bite or bad turbulence)
- Ongoing stress, chaos, or unsafe situations
- Limited support after a distressing event
Phobias can quietly reshape daily life in Denver, leading you to avoid certain routes, buildings, or situations—like downtown elevators, highway overpasses, or flights out of DIA. You might rearrange plans, miss opportunities, or feel on edge just getting through errands or social plans. Over time, this can drain energy, strain relationships, and limit the Colorado lifestyle you value. With the right support, you can reduce fear, build confidence, and get back to the routines and places that matter to you.
- Work and career
- School and learning
- Family life and parenting
-
Relationships
and social connections
- Transportation and errands (driving, public transit, elevators)
- Physical health and energy
- Mood, stress, and
sleep
Finding effective, science-backed care for phobias is possible in Denver, and many people see real relief with the right support. Proven therapies can help you gradually face fears, reduce avoidance, and regain confidence in everyday life. Explore these options and consider connecting with a Denver provider to start a plan that fits your needs.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (
CBT
) with Exposure: Structured steps to face feared situations or objects while learning new thinking and coping skills, reducing fear responses over time.
-
Exposure
and Response Prevention (ERP): A specialized exposure method that helps you approach triggers without using safety behaviors, building lasting resilience.
- Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy (VRET): Uses immersive VR to safely practice confronting fears (e.g., heights, flying) in a controlled, therapist-guided setting.
- Medications (SSRIs, SNRIs, beta‑blockers; short-term benzodiazepines): Can reduce anxiety symptoms and support therapy; typically used alongside behavioral treatments.
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Builds psychological flexibility so you can move toward your values while making room for uncomfortable feelings.
- Mindfulness and Relaxation Skills: Breathing, grounding, and muscle relaxation techniques that calm the body and make exposure work more comfortable and effective.
1. Can Phobias happen to anyone?
Yes—phobias can affect people of any age, gender, or background, and many people in Denver experience them. You’re not alone, and having a phobia is not a sign of weakness. While anyone can develop one, factors like family history, past trauma , ongoing stress, or a sensitive temperament may increase risk. Reaching out for support is a strong and common step toward feeling better.
2. Is Phobias just stress or something more serious?
Everyday stress ebbs and flows, while a phobia is a strong, persistent fear of a specific situation or object that triggers intense anxiety and avoidance. It may be more than temporary stress if the fear lasts for months, causes panic-like symptoms, leads you to change your routine, or interferes with work, school, or relationships. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone—many people in Denver experience this. Effective help is available, and therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy and exposure therapy can significantly reduce phobia symptoms.
3. What are some misconceptions about Phobias?
Phobias aren’t just “silly fears” you can snap out of—they’re real, involuntary anxiety responses, and they’re more common than many people realize. Having a phobia isn’t a sign of weakness or character flaw; it’s a treatable mental health condition. Another myth is that you must avoid triggers forever; in fact, gentle, evidence-based approaches like CBT and exposure therapy can reduce fear safely and often in a relatively short time. Support is available in Denver, and many people find meaningful relief with compassionate, tailored care.
4. Can Phobias improve without treatment?
Phobias can sometimes lessen over time without treatment, but many people find the fear lingers or pops up in new situations. Working with a Denver-based therapist greatly improves outcomes, speeds progress, and helps prevent relapse. You’ll learn lasting coping skills and confidence so you can face triggers and reclaim your daily life.
5. How do I talk about my Phobias with family or friends?
Start small with someone you trust and share what your phobia looks like, your triggers, and what helps, e.g., “I’m getting help for phobias, and here’s what to know about my triggers.” Set clear boundaries about what support you want and don’t want: “I’d appreciate support by giving me a heads‑up before plans that might involve my triggers,” or “Please don’t joke about this or push me to ‘just face it.’” Offer a brief resource to help them understand, such as a reputable overview of phobias and treatment, and let them know there are effective therapy options in Denver if they want to learn more with you. Remind them you’re working on this and their steady, nonjudgmental presence matters.
6. Who is qualified to diagnose Phobias in Denver?
In Denver, phobias can be diagnosed by licensed mental health and medical professionals, including psychiatrists (MD/DO), psychologists (PhD/PsyD), primary care physicians, psychiatric nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and licensed therapists such as LPCs, LCSWs, and LMFTs. MiResource only lists qualified Denver providers who are licensed to deliver accurate diagnoses and safe, evidence-based treatment.
7. What usually happens in a first therapy session for Phobias?
In your first Denver session, your therapist will start with warm introductions and explain what to expect. You’ll share a bit of your personal history and any past experiences with phobias at a pace that feels comfortable. Together, you’ll talk through your current concerns, triggers, and how phobias affect your day-to-day life. You’ll then collaborate on gentle, realistic goals and a plan to help you feel safer and more in control moving forward.
Recovery is possible. With early intervention, a supportive community, and the right professional care, you can overcome challenges and build a fulfilling life. We’re here to help you find the support you need.
