Panic Disorders Treatment

Panic attacks come on suddenly and can feel like they overwhelm you in moments. But they are also highly treatable with the right clinical care. At Liberty Behavioral & Community Services, we specialize in research-driven panic disorder treatments, paving a path to wellness with structured support and clear strategies. We provide therapy for panic disorders in Los Angeles that helps clients regain a sense of control and safety in their own bodies.

Make An Appointment
Image showing three people discussing on a topic

What Is Panic Disorder Treatment?

Panic disorder is characterized by recurrent, unexpected panic attacks. These sudden episodes can carry intense fear and even cause physical symptoms like a racing heart, sweating, or dizziness. The intensity of the attacks only adds to anxiety about having more attacks. This in turn raises anxiety and can lead to avoidance behaviors that influence daily living.

Panic disorder treatment involves individualized therapy programs to reduce attack frequency and intensity. Focuses can include symptom management, but we look at the underlying causes and mechanisms of the attacks. Treatment is multidisciplinary, integrating therapy, skills training, and lifestyle interventions. It always starts with you as an individual. We fully assess your needs and structure treatment around them.

Common focus areas include:
  • Interrupting the panic cycle
  • Reducing physical reactivity (e.g., heart palpitations, chest tightness, dizziness)
  • Managing anticipatory anxiety
  • Cognitive restructuring for fear-based thoughts
  • Exposure-based strategies to reduce avoidance
  • Breathing retraining and autonomic nervous system regulation
  • Improving daily functioning at home, school, and work

What Types of Treatments Do We Offer?

Panic disorders arise from a combination of factors, such as:
  • Biological predisposition
  • Learned behaviors
  • Environmental stressors
  • And more
We first work to understand your unique panic response. Then we design a treatment plan that targets the specific systems contributing to your symptoms.

Treatment components may include:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is the gold standard across a range of mental health concerns. This evidence-based method helps you modify thought and behavior patterns that contribute to panic disorders.
  • Interoceptive Exposure: IE is often a CBT component and uses structured exercises to safely recreate panic sensations. The key is to retrain the brain to no longer interpret them as dangerous.
  • Breathing & Physiological Regulation Training: Never underestimate the impact of breathing. The right techniques can stabilize your autonomic nervous system, reducing physical symptoms of panic attacks and stress.
  • Lifestyle & Stress Management Strategies: Learn structured tools to improve sleep, nutrition, exercise, and habits to reduce overall stress.
  • Family Support & Psychoeducation: Panic disorder treatment relies on consistency. Building a support structure and learning strategies can help maintain that reliable environment and progress.
  • School or Community Coordination: When appropriate, we can collaborate with teachers or counselors to further promote a supportive environment.

Advantages of Panic Disorder Treatment at LBCS

Our approach to panic disorder treatment combines clinical expertise with patient-centered care. Treatment is all about you as an individual, which means the best outcomes arise from the right support. We use experience and research-backed methods flexibly, always adjusting to specific needs. Nothing here is one-size-fits-all.
Individuals and families choose LBCS for:
  • Customized, diagnosis-specific treatment plans for panic disorder
  • Evidence-based approaches (e.g., CBT, exposure therapy, and bodily regulation)
  • Our therapists: licensed with specialized training in anxiety and panic pathology
  • Clear treatment goals with measurable progress tracking
  • Options for home-based, community-based, school-based, or virtual treatment
  • Collaborative communication with families, caregivers, and community supports
  • Trauma-aware care and methods
  • Culturally sensitive therapists and staff

Panic Disorder Treatment FAQs

What happens during a panic disorder treatment program?

Treatment begins with a diagnostic assessment. Your therapist will go over core elements like symptoms, triggers, health history, and current coping patterns. This lays the groundwork for setting goals and guides treatment decisions.
Sessions can involve a range of exercises, education, and practice. Some common elements include:
  • Education about the panic response, causes, and mechanisms
  • Skill-building to manage physical symptoms
  • Interoceptive or situational exposure exercises
  • Breathing and grounding techniques
  • Cognitive therapy to challenge panic-driven thoughts
  • Between-session practice to reinforce progress
Medication management can also be used as an adjunct for treatment. We can also provide support via medication management and referrals.

How do I know if I have panic disorder versus anxiety?

Severe anxiety is a challenge on its own, but panic disorders have unique traits. They typically involve:
  • Repeated, unexpected panic attacks
  • Persistent worry about having another panic attack
  • Avoidance of situations or activities that might trigger symptoms
Panic attacks can disrupt daily living, particularly at work, school, or other social environments. A formal evaluation can determine whether your symptoms meet diagnostic criteria.

Is panic disorder treatable without medication?

Yes. Many individuals achieve significant improvement with psychotherapy alone. However, medication can help with severe panic disorders. Medication works best when it is used to support therapy, as it is only a short-term solution and does not address the underlying causes.

How long does panic disorder treatment take?

Treatment duration varies. Many clients experience measurable relief within 6–12 weeks of consistent therapy. Others continue longer, building up skills that lead to long-term growth. Remember, wellness is not a race. From the outset, we remind patients not to compare their progress to others. Rather, looking at your individual stages of improvement is more important.

Do you work with children, teens, and adults experiencing panic symptoms?

Panic attacks can occur even at a young age. We offer specialized programs for:
  • Children with emerging panic symptoms
  • Teens experiencing school avoidance or social anxiety
  • Adults dealing with chronic panic or agoraphobia

Are sessions covered by insurance?

Many insurance plans in California cover panic disorder treatment when medically necessary. Our care team helps you navigate your plan details. We can help you figure out your benefits, understand coverage, and anticipate any out-of-pocket costs.

Can sessions be done virtually?

Panic disorder treatment can still prove effective via telehealth. In some cases, it may even be the right place to start if you have attacks associated with going outdoors or traveling. Most therapeutic techniques can be done in online meetings, and telehealth can open the door to people seeking care who otherwise couldn’t.

Start With an Assessment Today

You don’t have to navigate panic alone. With structured, evidence-informed treatment, panic disorder is highly treatable. Liberty Behavioral & Community Services is a top location for compassionate, clinically centered care for individuals with panic disorder in Los Angeles. Contact us today to schedule an assessment and take the first step toward regaining control and restoring peace of mind.