Find a Social Anxiety Therapist

Medically reviewed by Gabriela Asturias, MD on May 23, 2025
Written by the MiResource team

Social anxiety can feel like you're constantly being judged—even when you're just trying to speak, eat, or exist around others. If fear of embarrassment or scrutiny is interfering with your daily life, connecting with a social anxiety therapist can help you regain confidence and calm.

  • Lisa Johnson, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

    Lisa Johnson

    Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

    Remote only

    Lisa Johnson is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in undefined, undefined. They treat Social Anxiety, Trauma, Performance Anxiety.

    Therapist + prescriber offering virtual mental health services, ADHD testing & meds for college students & adults. 100% Virtual, Evening & weekend hours.

    View profile
  • Jamie Farrelly, Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW)

    Jamie Farrelly

    Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW)

    Remote only

    Jamie Farrelly is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) in undefined, undefined. They treat Social Anxiety, Racial/Cultural Oppression or Trauma, Career.

    College life can be overwhelming. I help young adults (18+) build coping skills in a safe, inclusive space to navigate stress, trauma, and life changes

    View profile
  • Kate Stewart, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC)

    Kate Stewart

    Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Counselor, Psychotherapist

    1684 Medina Road, Medina, Ohio 44256

    Kate Stewart is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in Medina, Ohio and has been in practice for 8 years. They treat Social Anxiety, Trauma, Relationship Violence/Stalking/Harassment.

    Our passion is creating a safe space to treat adults, children, couples, and families with their mental health needs.

    View profile
  • Kelly Huffaker, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

    Kelly Huffaker

    Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

    2460 West Ray Road, Chandler, Arizona 85224

    Kelly Huffaker is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Chandler, Arizona and has been in practice for 5 years. They treat Social Anxiety, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Work/Life Balance.

    Dedicated to fostering a supportive environment where individuals can find healing, understanding, & empowerment on their journey towards mental wellness.

    View profile
  • Stephen Barlow, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

    Stephen Barlow

    Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

    5540 Falmouth Street, Richmond, Virginia 23230

    Stephen Barlow is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Richmond, Virginia. They treat Social Anxiety, Anxiety, Phobia.

    I help people overcome anxiety, depression, and stress stemming from relationships or past experiences, in individual or couples counseling.

    View profile
  • William Alkhoury, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

    William Alkhoury

    Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

    4700 South Mill Avenue, Tempe, Arizona 85282

    William Alkhoury is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Tempe, Arizona and has been in practice for 8 years. They treat Social Anxiety, Trauma, Social Anxiety.

    Meaning-Centered & Existential Therapy

    View profile

Social anxiety can feel isolating, but it's highly treatable. Therapy, skills-based approaches like CBT, and sometimes medication can help you build confidence, ease self-criticism, and reconnect with others at your own pace.

Gabriela Asturias, MD

How do I know if I have social anxiety?

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.


Is it the same as being shy?

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.


What causes social anxiety?

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.


How do I treat social anxiety?

Social anxiety is highly treatable. The most effective treatment often involves a combination of therapy, behavioral strategies, and—when appropriate—medication.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive behavioral therapy for social anxiety is the gold standard. It helps individuals identify distorted thinking (like “everyone is judging me”) and replace it with more accurate beliefs. CBT also includes behavior-based practices to reduce avoidance and gradually build confidence.

Exposure Therapy

Exposure therapy for social anxiety involves gradually facing feared situations in a structured and supportive way. Over time, repeated exposure helps retrain the brain to see social experiences as less threatening. You might start small—like making eye contact—and work up to giving a presentation or attending a party.

Psychoeducation

Learning how anxiety works in the brain helps normalize your experience and reduce shame. Understanding the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors empowers you to take control of the cycle.

Medication

In some cases, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or beta-blockers may be prescribed to reduce anxiety symptoms. Medication is often used in combination with therapy, not as a standalone treatment.

Lifestyle and Environmental Support

  • Mindfulness and relaxation techniques (e.g., breathing, progressive muscle relaxation)
  • Healthy sleep, nutrition, and exercise routines
  • Support groups or peer communities

A qualified social anxiety therapist will work with you to create a personalized plan that meets your unique needs and goals.


Who can treat social anxiety?

A variety of licensed professionals can provide effective treatment:

  • Social anxiety therapists: Typically psychologists, counselors, or clinical social workers with expertise in anxiety disorders
  • Psychiatrists: Medical doctors who can prescribe medication and may also offer therapy
  • Primary care providers: Can diagnose and prescribe but often refer to specialists for ongoing support

When looking for care, ask about experience with cognitive behavioral therapy for social anxiety or exposure therapy for social anxiety, as these are evidence-based approaches shown to be effective.


Why should I treat social anxiety?

Treating social anxiety isn’t just about reducing nervousness—it’s about reclaiming your life. Left unaddressed, social anxiety can quietly restrict your personal, academic, and professional growth. What starts as a fear of speaking up or being judged can spiral into missed opportunities, loneliness, and declining mental health.

Social Anxiety Can Limit Your Life

Many people with social anxiety:

  • Turn down job interviews or promotions because they fear public speaking or social interaction
  • Avoid dating or building close friendships due to fear of embarrassment or rejection
  • Struggle to participate in school, networking, or social gatherings
  • Overthink every social interaction, leading to exhaustion and self-criticism
  • Experience co-occurring depression, low self-esteem, or substance use as coping mechanisms

These limitations can slowly lead to isolation, even if you crave connection. You might begin to shrink your world to avoid discomfort—until even small tasks like making a phone call or ordering food feel overwhelming.

Treatment Helps You Build a Bigger Life

Working with a therapist for social anxiety can help you:

  • Understand the root of your fear and how your brain is trying to protect you
  • Learn strategies to quiet your inner critic and build self-compassion
  • Gradually face feared situations through structured support and exposure therapy for social anxiety
  • Strengthen your communication and assertiveness skills
  • Rebuild confidence and self-worth

With consistent support and tools like cognitive behavioral therapy for social anxiety, most people see significant improvements. You may not become a social butterfly overnight—but you will start feeling freer, more confident, and more in control of your life.

You Deserve to Feel Comfortable Being Yourself

Social anxiety can make you feel like you’re broken or flawed—but you’re not. Your fear is real, and it's valid. But it doesn’t have to define you.

Whether you want to make friends, speak up at work, or simply feel less anxious around others, treatment can help you get there. Investing in your mental health today means building a life that feels safer, more open, and more connected tomorrow.

Find care for you

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.

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