Social Anxiety Disorder Treatment in Orange County, CA
What Is Social Anxiety Disorder?
Generalized Social Anxiety Disorder is a mental health condition marked by persistent fear of social interactions or situations. People with this disorder often worry about being judged or embarrassed. This fear can affect daily activities and relationships. During stressful social interactions, you might feel your heart race, sweat, tremble, or find it hard to speak.
Some people also experience dizziness, nausea, or a strong urge to escape. Social anxiety can make it hard to work, study, or maintain relationships. If you or someone you know is feeling this way, seeking help is essential. Social anxiety is treatable, and professional care can help you feel more secure and capable.
"I felt like I didn’t belong, and it was torture to go out. It felt like social anxiety ran my life. Now, I feel more confident and comfortable in social situations."
Common Symptoms of Social Anxiety
Symptoms of social anxiety vary from person to person. Many experience intense fear, worry about embarrassment, and physical symptoms that can feel overwhelming.
Emotional and Cognitive Symptoms
- Intense fear: Feeling nervous in social situations.
- Fear of embarrassment: Worrying about being judged.
- Anticipatory anxiety: Fear before social events.
- Avoidance: Staying away from people or places that cause anxiety.
Physical and Behavioral Symptoms
- Heart palpitations: Feeling your heart pounding or racing.
- Shortness of breath: Feeling like you can’t catch your breath.
- Sweating: Sudden sweating or chills.
- Trembling: Shaking or feeling unsteady.
- Dizziness: Feeling lightheaded or faint.
Nausea: Stomach pain or feeling sick.
For a clinical diagnosis, these symptoms must be present on multiple occasions and cause significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.
Types of Social Anxiety We Treat
We treat social anxiety as a primary concern and also help with related conditions:
Social Anxiety with Performance Fears: Fear of speaking or performing in front of others
Generalized Social Anxiety: Fear of most social situations
Co-Occurring Anxiety Disorders: Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Panic Disorder, and others
"As a psychiatrist with over 15 years of experience, I’ve witnessed firsthand the remarkable transformation that comprehensive mental health treatment can bring to patients struggling with social anxiety. With the right combination of therapy, medication when appropriate, and supportive care, I’ve seen individuals gain confidence, rebuild relationships, and thrive in social situations that once felt overwhelming."
How We Help
We understand that social anxiety can make everyday situations feel overwhelming and isolating. That’s why we take a compassionate, evidence-based approach to treatment, guiding you through proven therapies that help you recognize and manage your symptoms. Together, we’ll work to build confidence, develop practical coping skills, and foster a sense of connection, enabling you to navigate social situations with greater ease and comfort.
Therapies Include:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Changes unhelpful thinking patterns.
Holistic Therapies: Includes mindfulness, exercise, and creative activities.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Encourages mindfulness and acceptance to decrease anxiety’s grip.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Builds emotional regulation skills.
Exposure Therapy: Helps gradually reduce fear and avoidance of social situations.
Group Therapy: Provides personal and community support.
Trauma-Informed Care: Supports those with past trauma.
Medication Management: Coordinates care with licensed providers.
Outpatient Programs
Our outpatient services for social anxiety disorder are carefully crafted to help you overcome fears, build confidence, and find a sense of belonging. Rather than focusing solely on symptoms, we work with you to develop effective coping strategies that promote self-growth and lasting skills for leading a more fulfilling and connected 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 social situations.
- Avoid work, school, or social events due to fear
- Feel like anxiety controls your interactions
- Want to build skills to manage symptoms and gain confidence in daily life
You deserve to feel comfortable anywhere. We’ll help you build the skills you need to be relaxed and actually enjoy social gatherings.
Why People Choose Friendly Recovery?
We know that generic treatment plans often fall short, especially when it comes to social anxiety disorder. That’s why we invest time in understanding your unique experiences and needs before developing a therapy approach that’s truly yours. Studies have shown that personalized therapy boosts engagement and motivation, with 97–99% of people recommending it to others. This speaks to the power of individualized care in helping people feel seen, understood, and supported.
Our licensed therapists blend knowledge with compassion, taking the time to listen, respect your pace, and design a plan that feels right for you. Learn more about our team here.
Your Brighter Tomorrow Starts Today
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.
