Panic Disorder Treatment in Orange County, CA
Managing panic disorder often means living in a state of constant alert, never knowing when the next wave of fear might strike. At Friendly Recovery, our team offers expert mental health care to help you gain control over panic disorder symptoms and lead a more balanced life. With options like PHP, IOP, and outpatient care, we tailor our support to meet your needs, helping you feel more secure and alleviate panic attacks.
What Is Panic Disorder?
Panic disorder is a mental health condition marked by repeated panic attacks. Panic attacks bring on sudden and intense fear or discomfort that peaks within minutes. People with panic disorder often worry about having another attack, which can affect their daily activities and relationships.
During a panic attack, you may feel your heart racing, sweat excessively, shake, or struggle to breathe. Some people experience dizziness, weakness, or a sense of detachment from reality. These attacks can come without warning, making it hard to plan or live without fear.
Panic disorder can make it challenging to work, study, or engage in social activities. If you or someone you know is experiencing these feelings, it is important to seek help. Panic disorder is treatable, and professional care can help you feel more secure and capable.
"Before treatment, I felt like panic controlled my life. Now, thanks to therapy, I'm finally in charge."
Common Symptoms of Panic Disorder
Panic attacks and panic disorder symptoms vary among individuals. Many people experience intense fear, a sense of losing control, and physical symptoms that can feel overwhelming.
Emotional and Cognitive Symptoms
- Intense fear: Sudden, overwhelming fear that peaks within minutes.
- Fear of losing control or going crazy: Feeling like you might faint, have a heart attack, or die.
- Anticipatory anxiety: Worrying about having another panic attack.
- Avoidance: Avoiding places or situations where a panic attack might happen.
Physical and Behavioral Symptoms
- Heart palpitations: Feeling your heart pounding or racing.
- Shortness of breath: Feeling like you can’t get enough air.
- Sweating or chills: Sudden sweating or cold flashes.
- Trembling: Shaking or feeling unsteady.
- Dizziness: Feeling lightheaded or like you might pass out.
- Nausea: Feeling sick to your stomach or stomach pain.
To receive a clinical diagnosis, most of these symptoms must be present repeatedly and cause significant impairment in daily life.
Types of Panic Disorder We Treat
We treat panic disorder as a primary concern and also address related conditions like:
Panic Disorder with Agoraphobia: Fear of having a panic attack in places where escape feels hard.
Panic Disorder without Agoraphobia: Panic attacks that happen anywhere, even in safe places.
Co-Occurring Anxiety Disorders: Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Social Anxiety, and others.
"Treating panic disorder isn’t just about managing symptoms, it’s about restoring hope and self-confidence."
How We Help
Our team uses proven evidence-based therapies combined with a holistic philosophy to help you manage panic disorders. We focus on helping you understand your symptoms and learn practical ways to manage them so that you can feel more secure and relaxed.
Therapies Include:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps you change unhelpful thoughts.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Builds emotional regulation skills.
Trauma-Informed Care: Supports those with past trauma.
Group Therapy: Offers personal and community support.
Holistic Therapies: Includes mindfulness, exercise, and creative activities.
Medication Management: Coordinates care with licensed providers.
Outpatient Programs
Our outpatient services for panic disorder are thoughtfully designed to help you conquer anxiety, strengthen your emotional resilience, and uncover a sense of purpose. Instead of just treating symptoms, we guide you toward developing practical strategies that foster personal growth and equip you with long-term skills to live a more empowered and meaningful life.
Your Guide to Outpatient Mental Health Treatment:
General Outpatient Services: For ongoing support and symptom management.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP): Several days of therapy per week to balance treatment with work, school, or family life.
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP): Full-day support to stabilize depression, with the ability to return home each evening.
Is This Care Right for You?
Getting help might be a good idea if you:
- Feel constant worry about having another panic attack
- Find it difficult to go to work, school, or social events due to fear of an attack
- Feel like panic attacks are controlling your life
- Want to build skills to manage your symptoms and regain confidence in daily life
You deserve to feel safe, supported, and empowered!
Why People Choose Friendly Recovery?
We believe that one-size-fits-all treatment doesn’t work, especially for panic disorder. That’s why we take the time to deeply understand your experiences and needs before creating a therapy plan that’s truly your own. Research shows that tailored therapy approaches make people feel more connected, engaged, and motivated to continue. In fact, 97–99% of people using personalized digital therapy would recommend it to others. This high level of satisfaction highlights the importance of individualized care.
Our licensed therapists bring both expertise and empathy, respecting your pace and crafting a plan that suits you. Meet your team here.
Every Step Counts
Medically Reviewed By: Shahana Ham, LCSW
Shahana Ham, LCSW, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Southern California. She specializes in client-centered care for individuals facing mental health and substance use challenges, fostering a supportive environment for healing and growth.
