Comprehensive Guide to Panic Disorder Treatment in Los Angeles

Panic disorder can feel overwhelming — sudden waves of fear, racing heartbeats, and breathlessness that disrupt your daily life. In a fast-paced city like Los Angeles, finding the right support is crucial. If you’re searching for panic disorder treatment near me, The Forge Recovery Center is here to help. We offer personalized, compassionate care designed to address both panic disorder and any co-occurring issues you may face. You deserve a life free from fear and anxiety. In this article, we will explore how effective treatment options in Los Angeles can help you regain control.

Understanding Panic Disorder

Living with panic disorder can feel like your body and mind are working against you. Unlike occasional moments of anxiety, panic disorder causes sudden, overwhelming fear without an obvious cause — making daily life unpredictable and exhausting.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Common symptoms of panic disorder include a rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, trembling, sweating, and a feeling of impending doom. These physical sensations often mimic serious health issues, leading many people to seek emergency care before realizing the root cause is psychological.

 A diagnosis is typically made when panic attacks are frequent, unexpected, and followed by ongoing worry about having another attack. At The Forge Recovery Center, we help you find clarity by providing thorough assessments to ensure you receive the correct diagnosis and the right care.

Causes and Risk Factors

While the exact cause of panic disorder isn’t fully understood, several factors may contribute. Genetics play a role — if you have a family history of anxiety or panic disorders, your risk may be higher. Chronic stress, traumatic events, and major life transitions (such as moving to a new city or experiencing a loss) can also trigger the development of panic disorder.

 Our team at The Forge Recovery Center understands that everyone’s story is different. That’s why we take time to explore the personal and environmental factors contributing to your experience.

Differentiating From Other Conditions

It’s important to distinguish panic disorder from general anxiety or other mental health issues. While generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) involves persistent worry about various aspects of life, panic disorder is defined by sudden, intense attacks of fear that often feel uncontrollable. Additionally, physical symptoms during a panic attack can be far more severe and immediate compared to the more gradual build-up of anxiety in GAD or depression.

At The Forge Recovery Center, we specialize in accurate diagnosis — ensuring you aren’t misdiagnosed or left struggling with treatments that don't address your specific needs.

Treatment Options Available in Los Angeles

Finding the right path to recovery from panic disorder isn't one-size-fits-all. At The Forge Recovery Center, we offer a variety of personalized approaches to help you reclaim your life and manage symptoms effectively. Here are several treatment options available in Los Angeles:

1. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Rather than trying to eliminate anxious thoughts, ACT teaches you to accept them while still living a life aligned with your values. This method helps reduce the grip of panic attacks by shifting your relationship with fear and discomfort.

2. Somatic Experiencing

Because panic attacks often have strong physical symptoms, Somatic Experiencing focuses on tuning into bodily sensations and gently releasing stored tension. This body-centered therapy can be especially powerful for individuals whose panic stems from unresolved trauma.

3. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Originally developed for emotional regulation, DBT offers skills like distress tolerance and emotional mindfulness that are highly effective for managing the intense surges of fear during a panic attack. It's a practical approach that strengthens resilience in high-stress situations.

4. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

While commonly associated with PTSD treatment, EMDR is increasingly used for panic disorder, especially when traumatic memories fuel anxiety. By helping your brain reprocess distressing experiences, EMDR can lower the emotional intensity tied to panic episodes.

5. Nutritional and Lifestyle Counseling

Emerging evidence shows that gut health, blood sugar stability, and nutrient balance can influence anxiety and panic. We incorporate nutritional counseling and holistic wellness strategies to support your body’s natural ability to regulate stress responses.

6. Medication-Assisted Therapy (MAT) with Psychotherapeutic Support

When necessary, carefully prescribed medications like SSRIs or beta-blockers are combined with therapy — ensuring that you are supported both chemically and psychologically, rather than relying on medication alone.

7. Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)

Mindfulness training, particularly MBSR programs, teaches you how to observe anxious thoughts without judgment. Over time, this practice can rewire how your brain reacts to stress, making panic attacks less frequent and less overwhelming.

The Forge Recovery Center's Approach

At The Forge Recovery Center, we believe that every individual’s journey with panic disorder is unique — and so is their path to healing. That’s why we are deeply committed to creating personalized treatment plans tailored to your specific needs, goals, and challenges. Whether you are seeking help solely for panic disorder or dealing with additional mental health concerns, we take the time to understand your full story before building a customized care plan.

Many individuals struggling with panic disorder also face co-occurring disorders like depression, substance use, or trauma-related conditions. Left unaddressed, these overlapping issues can significantly complicate recovery. That’s why we offer integrated care that treats the whole person, not just the symptoms. Our approach combines evidence-based therapy, psychiatric support, and holistic wellness practices to ensure you have the tools to heal on all levels — mind, body, and spirit.

We also know that true healing doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens in environments where you feel safe, seen, and supported. At The Forge Recovery Center, we have created a welcoming space where you are treated with compassion and dignity at every step of your recovery. Our team fosters a non-judgmental atmosphere that empowers you to rebuild confidence, learn coping skills, and reconnect with a life beyond fear.

Finding the right panic disorder treatment near you can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re already battling anxiety. At The Forge Recovery Center, you’re never just a case number — you’re a person deserving of real support, lasting change, and a future full of possibility.

Seeking Help: What to Expect

Starting treatment for panic disorder can feel overwhelming, but understanding the process can ease a lot of the uncertainty. At The Forge Recovery Center, we ensure every step is supportive, transparent, and focused on your needs.

Here’s what you can expect:

• Initial Assessment

  • Your journey begins with a thorough evaluation of your symptoms, mental health history, medical background, and any co-occurring issues like substance use or trauma.

  • We take the time to listen and understand your full story, ensuring your diagnosis is accurate and your treatment plan is built around your unique experiences.

• Personalized Treatment Journey

  • After the assessment, we create a customized treatment plan that may include therapy, medication support (if appropriate), mindfulness practices, and holistic interventions.

  • You’ll work closely with a dedicated team of therapists, medical providers, and wellness specialists who continually adjust your plan to support your evolving needs.

• Aftercare and Ongoing Support

  • Recovery doesn’t stop after formal treatment. We help you develop a sustainable aftercare plan, which may include ongoing therapy, support groups, and relapse prevention strategies.

  • Our goal is to provide long-term tools and a strong support system, helping you maintain progress and prevent setbacks after treatment.

At The Forge Recovery Center, you're never alone. From your first call to long after you complete treatment, we're committed to helping you reclaim your life from panic disorder — and build a future filled with confidence and peace.

Struggling with Panic Disorder? We’re Here to Help

Living with panic disorder can feel isolating, but real recovery is possible — and it starts with the right support. At The Forge Recovery Center, we specialize in helping individuals like you regain control, heal from within, and build a stronger future. Whether you're facing panic attacks alone or alongside addiction and other mental health challenges, our personalized treatment plans are designed to meet you where you are.

You don’t have to navigate this alone. Contact The Forge Recovery Center today and take the first step toward lasting recovery and peace of mind.

Written by

The Forge Recovery Center

Reviewed by

Jeremy Arzt

Chief Clinical Officer

May 28, 2025