panic
disorder treatment
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panic disorder treatment for adults and adolescents
Panic disorder can affect anyone. For teens, it may show up as school avoidance, sudden trips to see the nurse, or fear of social situations. For adults, it can interfere with parenting, travel, or relationships. In Galen Hope’s age-responsive tracks, we tailor care to developmental needs, involve families, and focus on skill practice in real-life settings. The goal is simple: fewer barriers, more life.
The clinical professionals at Galen Hope understand how frightening and isolating panic feels, and we also know recovery is possible. Our compassionate, evidence-informed programs help adults and teens learn reliable tools to calm the nervous system, reframe anxious thinking, and rebuild confidence. Our team meets you with warmth, expertise, and a clear plan for sustainable relief.
what is panic disorder?
Panic Disorder is characterized by recurrent, unexpected panic attacks—intense surges of fear or discomfort that peak within minutes—paired with ongoing worry about future attacks and behavioral changes to avoid them. Common physical sensations include a racing heart, shortness of breath, dizziness, shaking, chest pain, chills or heat, nausea, and a sense of losing control or “going crazy.” Because these symptoms mimic medical emergencies, many people understandably seek repeated medical reassurance, avoid exertion, and limit everyday activities like driving, flying, or being far from home. Over time, this avoidance shrinks a person’s world; effective treatment expands it again with education, skills, and supported exposure.
our approach to panic disorder treatment
Galen Hope combines gold-standard therapies with whole-person care. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for panic helps clients understand the body’s alarm system, challenge catastrophic thinking, and practice interoceptive exposure—safe, gradual exercises that reduce fear of body sensations. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) builds psychological flexibility so that sensations are noticed rather than resisted, and values (not avoidance) guide choices. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills support emotion regulation and distress tolerance, while mindfulness strengthens a calmer, steadier relationship with internal cues. When appropriate, our psychiatrists collaborate on medication planning and monitoring.
what panic disorder 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 panic disorder 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.
Galen Hope welcomes a diverse community of clients seeking steady ground after panic takes hold. Our programs support adolescents, college students, and adults; professionals balancing high-pressure roles; and families who want to contribute to healing. We are an affirming environment for LGBTQ+ clients and honor the cultural traditions of our Jewish, Latinx/Hispanic, and BIPOC communities.
We also work closely with neurodivergent individuals, trauma survivors, and people managing grief and loss. Whatever your background, we consider clients’ lived realities and help them reclaim the relationships, activities, and goals that matter.
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.
panic disorder faqs
how do I know if I have panic disorder or just occasional panic attacks?
Many people experience a panic attack at least once in their lives. Panic disorder is diagnosed when attacks are unexpected or recurrent and followed by persistent worry about having more attacks or by significant behavioral change (like avoiding exercise, crowds, or driving). If panic is shaping your choices or shrinking your life, an evaluation will clarify what is happening and what will help you. A careful assessment at Galen Hope looks at trigger frequency, avoidance, and the impact on work, school, and relationships.
can Panic Disorder lead to other mental health issues?
Left untreated, panic disorder can contribute to agoraphobia, depression, substance use, and sleep problems as people try to manage anxiety or avoid feared situations. It may also complicate medical care if body sensations are frequently misinterpreted. The good news: effective treatment reduces these risks by restoring confidence, activities, and coping capacity. Addressing co-occurring conditions at the same time supports stronger outcomes.
can panic disorder be cured?
Most clients experience significant, lasting improvement with the right treatment, often to the point where panic is rare and no longer runs their lives. We talk about “recovery” as living freely again, even if occasional symptoms arise under stress. Skills-based approaches retrain your alarm system and your relationship with bodily sensations. With practice and maintenance tools, gains are durable.
what therapy works best for panic disorder?
CBT that includes interoceptive and situational exposure is the leading, well-supported treatment for panic disorder. We enhance this core with ACT to reduce struggle with sensations, DBT skills to regulate emotions and balance relationships, and mindfulness to anchor attention. Medication can be helpful for some clients and is considered in collaboration, not as a stand-alone solution. Galen Hope’s integrated approach personalizes these elements to your needs and values.
what challenges do people with panic disorder face day to day?
Common challenges include fear of physical exertion, avoiding travel or long lines, difficulty being alone, and frequent reassurance-seeking. Many people describe “anxiety about anxiety”—monitoring their body closely and feeling alarmed by normal fluctuations. Over time, routines can become very limited. Treatment breaks this cycle by teaching the body and mind that sensations are safe and manageable.
what’s the difference between an inpatient vs. outpatient treatment center?
Inpatient or residential treatment provides 24/7 care and is appropriate when safety, medical monitoring, or intensive stabilization is needed. Outpatient levels of care, such as PHP and IOP, offer daily or multi-day programming while clients live at home or in supportive housing, allowing them to practice skills in real life. Galen Hope is an outpatient provider with thoughtful community integration, so progress transfers outside the therapy room.
how can I help a friend or family member with panic disorder?
Start by validating their experiences because panic feels real and scary. Offer practical support like rides to appointments and flexible planning, and encourage consistent treatment that includes exposure. Avoid excessive reassurance; instead, coach them to use their skills. When appropriate, join family sessions to learn how to be a steady, empowering ally.
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, First Health, 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?
In-Network: Galen Hope is currently in-network with ComPsych, Multiplan, Aetna, First Health, and Optum/UnitedHealthcare plans. Through our Optum contract, we may also be able to work with commercial plans such as UHC, AvMed, and Oscar.
Out-of-Network: We also support many clients through out-of-network benefits with providers like Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS), Cigna, Evernorth, 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 panic disorder treatment centers in florida
Across state-of-the-art panic disorder treatment centers in Florida, Galen Hope provides a calm, restorative setting for meaningful change. Our multidisciplinary team delivers personalized, integrative care for panic disorder and co-occurring conditions. For local residents and out-of-state clients alike, our programs emphasize community integration, so progress shows up where life happens—on the road, in the classroom, and at the office. If you’re ready to move beyond fear and into freedom, we’re ready to walk with you.
Galen Hope proudly serves clients across South Florida through our two conveniently located treatment centers. Our Coral Gables location, just south of Miami and ~30 miles south of Fort Lauderdale, offers accessible care in a vibrant, culturally rich setting. Whether you’re local to Florida or traveling from out of state, our programs offer a safe, welcoming space for true healing and growth.
coral gables
Address: 806 Douglas Road, Suite 625
Coral Gables, FL 33445
delray beach
Address: 4600 Linton Blvd.
Delray Beach, FL 33445