Medically reviewed by Gabriela Asturias, MD on May 23, 2025If you’re in Denver and dealing with Social Anxiety, you’re in the right place. Find local therapists, support, and resources to help you feel better. Explore trusted options nearby and take the next step toward relief, confidence, and connection.
Psychologist, Sport Psychologist
7401 Metro Boulevard, Edina, Minnesota 55424
Carlin Anderson is a Psychologist in Edina, Minnesota and has been in practice for 20 years. They treat Social Anxiety, Personal Growth, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Grounded in empathy and evidence-based interventions, we are 20+ sport psychology experts providing service & care to individuals, teams, & sport orgs.
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 Social Anxiety, Work/Life Balance, Anxiety.
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.
Psychologist, Psychotherapist
47 West Polk Street, Chicago, Illinois 60605
Samuel Macy is a Psychologist in Chicago, Illinois and has been in practice for 10 years. They treat Social Anxiety, Depression, Racial/Cultural Oppression or Trauma.
With an appreciation for the many facets of identity that shape each person’s worldview, I offer an engaging and culturally-informed approach to therapy.
Psychotherapist, Psychologist
255 South 17th Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103
Hider Shaaban is a Psychotherapist in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They treat Social Anxiety, Infidelity, Panic.
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
Amelia Miller is a Psychologist in undefined, undefined. They treat Social Anxiety, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Anorexia Nervosa.
Amelia is a psychologist providing teletherapy in 42 states, in-network with Aetna and BCBS, and specializing in anxiety, and depression, and trauma.
Psychologist
2266 South Dobson Road, Mesa, Arizona 85202
Colin Pickles is a Psychologist in Mesa, Arizona and has been in practice for 15 years. They treat Social Anxiety, Depression, Loneliness/Isolation.
Hi, I'm a former ASU psychologist and specialize in working with college students. Call for a free consultation. www.drcolinpickles.com
Social anxiety is a common mental health condition where everyday social situations feel overwhelmingly stressful or scary. People with social anxiety often worry they’ll be judged, embarrassed, or make a mistake in front of others. This isn’t about being shy; it’s a persistent fear that can affect work, school, and friendships. Your body might react with a racing heart, sweaty palms, or a shaky voice, which can make the fear feel even stronger. Knowing it has a name can be the first step toward feeling better.
Common signs include avoiding gatherings, dreading phone calls or meetings, replaying conversations, and needing lots of time to recover after social events. You might hesitate to speak up, eat in public, or meet new people, even when you want to. Awareness matters because it helps you recognize patterns, reduce self-blame, and consider small, manageable steps toward change. It also connects you to support—whether that’s self-help tools, peer groups, or professional care available in Denver. With understanding and practice, many people learn skills that make social situations feel safer and more manageable.
Social anxiety can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, culture, or background. It’s especially common during adolescence and young adulthood, and may be more frequent among people who have experienced bullying, discrimination, or trauma, or who live with other mental health conditions. People from LGBTQ+ and other marginalized communities may face higher rates due to stress and stigma, but anyone can struggle with it at any time. You’re not alone—social anxiety is common and treatable, and reaching out for support is a strong, positive step.
Noticing changes in how you feel around people can be a helpful first step, and you’re not alone in this—many folks in Denver experience it. If any of these feel familiar, it simply means your mind and body might be asking for some extra care.
- Worrying a lot about being judged or embarrassed in social or work situations
- Avoiding gatherings, meetings, or new places—even if you’d like to go
- Physical stress signs like a racing heart, sweating, shaking, blushing, or a tight chest
- Trouble making eye contact or speaking up, especially with unfamiliar people
- Overthinking conversations afterward and replaying what you said
- Feeling nauseous, tense, or restless before or during social plans
Feeling nervous in social situations can be overwhelming, and it’s not your fault. Social anxiety often comes from a mix of influences—biological, psychological, and environmental. Understanding these factors can help you be kinder to yourself and find the support that fits you.
- Biological
- Family history of anxiety or a naturally sensitive temperament
- Differences in brain stress responses (e.g., amygdala reactivity)
- Health factors like thyroid issues, chronic illness, or sleep problems
- Psychological
- Perfectionism or strong self-criticism
- Past embarrassments or rejection that make social risks feel unsafe
- Thinking patterns like assuming others are judging or expecting the worst
- Environmental
- Bullying, teasing, or social exclusion
- Limited practice in social situations due to isolation or big life changes
- High-pressure settings at school/work or cultural messages that discourage mistakes
Living in Denver, everyday moments—meetings, classes, coffee runs, or getting on the light rail—can feel overwhelming when social anxiety is present. You’re not alone. Here are common ways it can show up in daily life and why it’s understandable to need extra support.
- Work and career: Speaking up in meetings, networking at downtown or DTC offices, or interviewing; turning down opportunities or choosing isolation to cope.
- School and campus life: Participating in class at CU Denver or MSU, group projects, and presentations; avoiding campus events or study groups.
- Relationships and dating: Meeting new people at local events, staying connected with friends, or going on dates; canceling plans to manage anxiety.
- Everyday errands and public spaces: Riding RTD buses or light rail, navigating Union Station, grocery lines, or crowded venues; shifting schedules to avoid people.
- Physical health:
Sleep
problems, headaches, stomach discomfort; delaying doctor visits or skipping fitness classes and even nearby trail outings.
- Emotional well-being: Persistent worry, self-criticism, low mood, and loneliness; replaying conversations or bracing for future interactions.
- Community engagement: Volunteering, faith or cultural gatherings, neighborhood meetings; stepping back from the Denver community you care about.
You’re not alone, and you’re not stuck. Many people overcome social anxiety with the right support, one small step at a time. These proven options can help you rebuild confidence and connection.
-
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
(CBT): Helps you spot unhelpful thoughts, learn coping skills, and practice new behaviors so social situations feel less overwhelming.
- Gradual
Exposure
(often part of CBT): Gently and repeatedly face feared situations in a planned way, so your anxiety decreases and your confidence grows.
- Group CBT or Social Skills/Support Groups: Practice skills with others who understand, get feedback, and build comfort talking in a safe, supportive setting.
- Medications (SSRIs/SNRIs; beta‑blockers for performance situations): Can reduce physical symptoms and worry, making therapy and everyday interactions easier.
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) or Mindfulness-Based approaches: Build awareness, reduce self-judgment, and take values-based steps even when anxiety shows up.
- Lifestyle tools (regular exercise, good sleep, balanced meals, limit caffeine/alcohol, breathing/relaxation): Steady your body and mind so stress is easier to manage day to day.
Beginning therapy for social anxiety often starts with noticing patterns—avoiding social plans, dreading meetings, or replaying conversations—and deciding you deserve support. Use MiResource’s directory to research and compare providers: filter by therapy approach (like CBT for social anxiety), your
insurance
, real-time availability (evenings, weekends), preferred language, and Denver neighborhood. You can narrow to areas like Capitol Hill, LoDo/Union Station, RiNo, Highlands, Cherry Creek, or Wash Park, and consider commute options—RTD light rail to Union Station, Colfax and Broadway bus lines, bike-friendly routes, or I-25 traffic if you drive and need parking.
Once you’ve found a few matches, compare profiles and reach out with questions about experience treating social anxiety, session format (in-person vs. telehealth), and fees. Book a first session, note directions (e.g., near Union Station or along the A, E, or W Lines), and plan for follow-up by setting initial goals, agreeing on a cadence, and scheduling your next 3–4 appointments to keep momentum. After the first visit, use MiResource to adjust filters—switch neighborhoods, try Spanish-speaking providers, or expand availability—so your care fits your routine.
Denver offers a strong network of community-based support for social anxiety that complements MiResource’s therapist directory, from neighborhood clinics to peer-led groups near familiar hubs like Capitol Hill, Civic Center, LoDo, and University Park. These trusted resources can help you find education, connection, and affordable care close to home:
- WellPower (formerly Mental Health Center of Denver): Community mental health services and anxiety groups; multiple locations including near Capitol Hill and Northeast Park Hill (Dahlia Campus).
- Denver Health Behavioral Health Services : Outpatient therapy, psychiatry, and group support on the main campus near Civic Center/Golden Triangle.
- NAMI Colorado (Denver): Free peer and family support groups and classes, often hosted around central Denver and Capitol Hill.
- University of Denver Professional Psychology Clinic : Low-cost therapy and group programs for anxiety in University Park near the DU campus.
- Colorado Crisis Services : 24/7 phone, text, and chat support, plus Denver walk-in options along the Colfax corridor for immediate, short-term help.
If social anxiety feels overwhelming right now, you’re not alone—help in Denver is available 24/7, and you can reach out for support even if you’re unsure what you need. If you’re having trouble leaving home, feeling panicked, or worried about your safety, use the steps below to connect with compassionate professionals who can help stabilize the moment and guide your next steps.
- If you feel unsafe or there’s an immediate risk (to yourself or others), call 911 now. Clearly state it’s a mental health crisis; you can request a Crisis Intervention Team (CIT)–trained officer or Denver’s STAR team for non-violent situations.
- For urgent emotional support right now, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline). In Colorado, you can also call Colorado Crisis Services at 1-844-493-8255 or text TALK to 38255; they can provide counseling, arrange mobile crisis support, and direct you to nearby walk-in centers.
- If you prefer in-person urgent care, go to the nearest emergency room: Denver Health Medical Center ER (777 Bannock St, Denver; main 303-602-8000), Saint Joseph Hospital ER (1375 E 19th Ave, Denver; 303-812-2000), or UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital ER (12605 E 16th Ave, Aurora; 720-848-0000).
- For a city response without police when appropriate, request Denver’s STAR (Support Team Assisted Response) via 911 for non-violent mental health crises; they provide on-scene clinical support and connection to services.
Spending time in Denver’s green spaces can gently lower stress and ease the pressure of social situations, offering room to breathe, move, and reset. Natural settings provide calming sights and sounds that can help quiet racing thoughts and support gradual, comfortable exposure to public spaces. Try short, off-peak visits and bring a grounding tool (like a playlist or a journal) to make outings feel manageable and positive.
- Start with a quiet early-morning loop at Sloan’s Lake Park for wide-open views and plenty of personal space.
- Try the shaded paths and flower gardens around Smith Lake in Washington Park for a calm, scenic stroll.
- Walk a low-key stretch of the Cherry Creek Trail near Cherry Creek North on a weekday for steady, predictable terrain.
- Unwind in City Park around Ferril Lake or along the museum side paths, where you can find open lawns and quieter corners.
1. How do I know if I need professional help for Social Anxiety?
If social anxiety is making it hard to focus at work or school, leading you to avoid classes, meetings, or social events, it may be time to seek support. You might notice yourself pulling away from friends or family, worrying for hours before conversations, or replaying interactions afterward. Ongoing trouble sleeping, changes in appetite, headaches, or stomach issues linked to stress are also signs that therapy could help. Reaching out for professional help can give you practical tools to ease anxiety, rebuild confidence, and reconnect with your daily life.
2. What’s the first session of Social Anxiety therapy like?
Your first session typically begins with simple introductions and a brief overview of what to expect. You’ll share a bit of your personal history and talk about current concerns, including situations that trigger social anxiety—like meeting new people, public speaking, or being observed—and how these patterns affect your daily life. The therapist may review specific symptoms (e.g., racing thoughts, blushing, avoidance) to better understand your experience. Together, you’ll set clear, manageable goals for treatment, so the process feels structured and supportive.
3. Are there lifestyle changes that can help with Social Anxiety?
Yes—many people find that regular exercise lowers stress hormones, boosts mood, and makes social situations feel more manageable. Consistent sleep habits help steady emotions and reduce anxious reactivity, while balanced meals and steady hydration prevent energy dips and blood sugar swings that can amplify jitters. Mindfulness or breathing practices train your attention and calm the nervous system, making it easier to stay present instead of spiraling into worry. These self-care strategies can complement therapy and medication, supporting progress between sessions.
4. Can Social Anxiety affect physical health too?
Yes. Social Anxiety can trigger stress responses—like a racing heart, sweating, stomachaches, headaches, muscle tension, sleep problems, and fatigue—because the brain and body are closely linked. Over time, chronic anxiety can strain the immune, digestive, and cardiovascular systems. The good news: therapy that addresses Social Anxiety helps calm the nervous system, which often improves sleep, digestion, pain, and overall physical well-being.
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.
