agoraphobia treatment

agoraphobia treatment for adolescents and adults

Agoraphobia can feel like your world is getting smaller and smaller. Whether you fear crowded places, public transportation, or simply leaving home, this condition can keep you stuck in isolation and anxiety. At Galen Hope, we offer compassionate, evidence-based agoraphobia treatment that supports individuals in gently rebuilding their sense of safety, freedom, and connection. Whether you’re a teen avoiding school or an adult withdrawing from the world, you’re not alone—and help is available. 

what is agoraphobia?

Agoraphobia is an anxiety disorder marked by fear of situations where escape might be difficult or help unavailable during panic or distress. People with agoraphobia may avoid public places, crowds, open spaces, enclosed places, or situations where they feel trapped or vulnerable. In severe cases, individuals avoid leaving their homes.

While avoidance may offer short-term relief, it often reinforces fear and reduces independence over time. Agoraphobia can emerge after panic attacks or traumatic experiences, and it frequently co-occurs with other mental health conditions. At Galen Hope, we provide trauma-informed care that addresses symptoms and underlying emotional pain.

our approach to agoraphobia treatment

At Galen Hope, we view treatment as a collaborative journey that honors the courage it takes to face fear. Our agoraphobia treatment program combines clinical excellence with human connection, helping individuals safely re-engage with life through a step-by-step approach.

We use evidence-based therapies like Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), mindfulness, and somatic techniques. These tools are paired with compassionate support from our multidisciplinary team to support clients in building resilience, reduce avoidance, and rediscover a sense of agency. We don’t just treat agoraphobia – we walk alongside each person as they experience renewed confidence and meaningful change.

what agoraphobia treatment might look like at galen hope

1. connect


Connect with us: A compassionate care coordinator will listen and help you take the first step towards healing and moving forward with your life.

2. Collaborate


Collaborate on your treatment plan: Our expert clinical team will design a personalized roadmap based on your goals, needs, and life circumstances.

3. Engage


Engage in our healing community: Participate in a structured, supportive treatment program alongside peers and professionals who understand trauma.

4. Healing


Begin your journey toward lasting healing: As symptoms ease, you will develop skills, insight, and a renewed sense of self to carry with you long after treatment ends.

typical agoraphobia clients we work with

Galen Hope serves clients from across the United States and beyond, offering compassionate, expert care to individuals from states like: Florida, New York, Texas, California, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Illinois, Wisconsin, Montana, North Carolina, South Carolina, Arizona, Tennessee, Washington, Maryland, Virginia, and more. Many clients travel nationally and internationally to receive personalized treatment in our welcoming, supportive environment. Our programs are designed to meet the diverse needs of those seeking deeper healing—no matter where they’re coming from.

We serve a diverse community of clients at Galen Hope. Many of our agoraphobia clients are adolescents, college students, and adults whose lives have become restricted by fear. Some have experienced trauma, others struggle with panic disorder, and many have gone years without feeling truly understood.

We support individuals from the LGBTQ+ and Latinx communities, as well as neurodivergent individuals whose sensory and social experiences may contribute to agoraphobic responses. Every client at Galen Hope is met with respect, individualized care, and a belief in their ability to heal.

we invite you here to heal in your own very special way

At Galen Hope, every client is immediately acknowledged as an individual whose story may not be represented by traditional diagnostic criteria. We seek to fully understand their life experience and to provide them with an affirming environment where they feel accepted and supported.

For someone struggling with an eating disorder or mental illness, finding a place in the world, forming connections, developing meaning and purpose in life, and having day-to-day support is vital to better outcomes, long-term health, and well-being. We create a sense of community inside our doors, where we facilitate a commitment to recovery. We find tremendous meaning in bringing someone into our circle and helping them recognize the importance they play in it. It is through these relationships that healing takes place and clients begin to develop the skills to live both independently and in relation to others.

agoraphobia faqs

Community Group

what are the main symptoms of agoraphobia?

Symptoms include fear or avoidance of crowded places like shopping centers, buses, or crowds; panic symptoms like racing heart, dizziness, sweating, or nausea; and difficulty being outside the home. These fears often lead to isolation and significant lifestyle limitations.

how is agoraphobia different from social anxiety?

Agoraphobia centers around fearing the inability to escape or get help during panic or distress, while social anxiety involves fear of being judged or embarrassed in social situations. The motivations and fears behind avoidance behaviors are distinct, and treatment must reflect these differences.

is agoraphobia a form of ptsd?

Agoraphobia is not classified as PTSD, but the two can overlap. Some people develop agoraphobia following traumatic events or panic attacks, especially if the trauma occurred in a public setting. At Galen Hope, we take a trauma-informed approach to address both the fear and the emotional origins.

how do I know if I need help for agoraphobia?

If fear keeps you from participating in daily life – avoiding errands, social plans, or even spending time outdoors—treatment may be necessary. Agoraphobia tends to worsen over time without therapeutic support, but with treatment, individuals often make significant and lasting progress.

is therapy effective for agoraphobia?

Yes. Therapy is the cornerstone of effective agoraphobia treatment. CBT and exposure-based therapies are especially helpful. At Galen Hope, therapy is paired with relational support, skills training, and trauma-informed care to promote deep, lasting recovery.

what's the difference between an inpatient vs outpatient treatment center?

Inpatient treatment involves 24/7 residential care, while outpatient programs allow clients to return home after structured day treatment. Galen Hope is an outpatient treatment center offering PHP and IOP levels of care—blending high levels of support with real-life integration.

how can i help a friend or family member with agoraphobia?

Start with compassion. Avoid forcing them into feared situations, but gently encourage treatment and let them know you’re willing to support their journey. Learn about agoraphobia and consider involving a professional to guide the next steps. Galen Hope offers family resources.

does galen hope take insurance?

Yes. Galen Hope accepts insurance for mental health and eating disorder treatment. We are in-network with ComPsych, Claritev (formerly called Multiplan), Aetna, and Optum/UnitedHealthcare plans. We also work with many out-of-network insurance providers and offer benefit verification to help you understand your options.

What insurance plans does Galen Hope accept for eating disorder and mental health treatment?

Galen Hope is currently in-network with ComPsych, Multiplan, Aetna, and select Optum/UnitedHealthcare plans. Through our Optum contract, we may also be able to work with commercial plans such as UnitedHealthcare, AvMed, and Oscar. We also support many clients through out-of-network benefits with providers like Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS), Cigna, First Health, and others. To determine how your specific plan may apply to treatment, please contact us for a complimentary insurance verification.

Can I use out-of-network insurance to pay for treatment at Galen Hope?

In some instances, we can accept out-of-network (OON) as full payment while in others, we provide a scaled partial payment. This may also be connected with your out or pocket max, as well as co-pays and co-insurance. The degree to which out of network benefits cover the full cost of treatment varies greatly from policy to policy. In some instances it can serve as full payment, while others may cover a portion. In all cases, individuals using out of network benefits will be subject to paying their out-of-network deductible and other fees such as the out of pocket max, co-insurance or co-pays as dictated by your insurance policy.

Does Galen Hope help verify insurance benefits for treatment?

Absolutely. We offer free insurance benefit verification to help you understand what your policy may cover before you begin treatment. We aim to provide full transparency around coverage and any potential out-of-pocket costs.

Can I get a Single Case Agreement (SCA) for treatment at Galen Hope?

When clinically indicated and appropriate, we pursue Single Case Agreements (SCAs) to help families access in-network-level coverage with an out-of-network provider. Our team advocates on your behalf and provides clinical documentation to support the request. We encourage you to call us so that we can determine if a SCA is warranted.

What happens if my insurance stops covering treatment early?

If your insurance coverage ends unexpectedly and we believe the denial of care is not in your best clinical interest, our team will work directly with your insurance carrier to appeal the decision. You will receive timely notification of any changes in authorizations for care in order to explore financial options and clinical recommendations to help minimize any disruption in care.

How can I find out what my insurance covers for eating disorder or mental health treatment?

Our admissions team will assess your insurance policy, the recommended level of care, and your treatment location to give you a clear understanding of what your plan is likely to cover. We’ll guide you every step of the way.

Are insurance benefits different depending on where I live?

Yes. Insurance coverage may vary by state and plan type. We consider your plan’s regional requirements when evaluating your benefits.

Will I know my treatment costs before starting at Galen Hope?

Yes. Before admission, we’ll walk you through all anticipated costs, including what insurance is likely to cover and any out-of-pocket expenses, so there are no surprises.

Can Galen Hope help me understand my insurance coverage?

Yes. Our experienced admissions team will break down your policy, explain your mental health or eating disorder benefits, and help you make the most informed decision possible.

our agoraphobia treatment centers in florida

With two leading Agoraphobia treatment centers in Florida, Galen Hope provides expert, heart-centered care for people struggling with avoidance and anxiety. Our centers are designed to be safe, affirming environments where clients can move at their own pace toward healing. We blend trauma-informed therapy, community support, and clinical precision to help each person reclaim their life from the limitations of fear. Whether you’re nearby or traveling from out of state, Galen Hope offers a path forward that goes far beyond symptom management—one rooted in courage, connection, and lasting growth.

coral gables

Address: 806 Douglas Road, Suite 625
Coral Gables, FL 33445

delray beach

Address: 4600 Linton Blvd.
Delray Beach, FL 33445