Comprehensive Panic Attack Therapy Services in Los Angeles

Panic attacks can be overwhelming and isolating, often striking without warning and disrupting your daily life. If you’re searching for therapy for panic attacks near you, you’re not alone. Many in Los Angeles face similar challenges, but effective, compassionate help is available. 

At The Forge Recovery Center, we understand how debilitating panic attacks can be and are committed to helping you regain control and peace of mind. Whether you’re personally struggling or supporting a loved one, early intervention and the right treatment can make all the difference. In this article, we will explore comprehensive therapy options tailored to your needs.

Recognizing the Signs: Symptoms of Panic Attacks

Panic attacks can produce intense physical and emotional symptoms that often feel overwhelming and frightening. Common physical symptoms include a rapid or pounding heartbeat, chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, sweating, trembling, and a choking sensation. Many people also experience chills, hot flashes, or numbness and tingling in their hands or feet.

Emotionally, panic attacks can trigger overwhelming feelings of fear, dread, or a sense of impending doom. Some individuals report feeling detached from reality (derealization) or from themselves (depersonalization). There’s often a strong fear of losing control or "going crazy," which can intensify the experience.

Because these symptoms mimic serious medical conditions—such as heart attacks, asthma, or neurological disorders—many people initially seek emergency medical care. This overlap can delay a proper diagnosis and lead to ongoing fear and confusion about what’s happening.

Recognizing these signs early and understanding that they may signal panic attacks is the first step toward getting effective help. At The Forge Recovery Center, we help you differentiate panic attack symptoms from other health issues and guide you toward therapies that address both the physical sensations and the underlying emotional triggers.

Effective Therapies for Panic Attacks

No two people experience panic attacks in exactly the same way — which means effective treatment should never follow a one-size-fits-all formula. At The Forge Recovery Center, we focus on therapies that address both the physical sensations and the deeper emotional patterns that fuel panic attacks.

Somatic Therapy

Panic isn’t just in the mind — it’s also stored in the body. Somatic therapy helps you become aware of where anxiety lives physically, such as tightness in the chest or shallow breathing. You’ll learn grounding techniques that calm the body’s fear response, helping you interrupt attacks before they escalate.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Unlike approaches that aim to "get rid of" anxiety, ACT teaches you to accept distressing thoughts and sensations without being controlled by them. This empowers you to continue living your life — maintaining relationships, work, and daily activities — even when discomfort arises.

Breathwork Training

Fast, shallow breathing is both a symptom and a trigger for panic attacks. Breathwork training helps you relearn healthier breathing patterns. Over time, controlled breathing becomes an automatic tool you can use the moment you sense an attack approaching, helping to calm both your body and mind.

Group Therapy and Peer Support

Isolation often makes panic attacks feel worse. Group therapy offers the opportunity to share experiences and coping strategies with others who understand what you’re going through. It’s a space for building community, accountability, and mutual encouragement — all essential parts of long-term recovery.

At The Forge Recovery Center, these therapies are integrated into personalized treatment plans that reflect your unique history, triggers, and goals. No two paths to recovery are the same — and that’s exactly how we approach your care.

The Forge Recovery Center: Personalized Treatment Plans

At The Forge Recovery Center, we believe that effective mental health care starts with understanding the individual behind the symptoms. Our mission is to help people not only manage panic attacks but regain control of their lives with confidence and resilience.

Every person’s experience with panic attacks is different — from the frequency and intensity of the episodes to the underlying causes, whether they stem from trauma, chronic stress, or co-occurring mental health or substance use disorders. That’s why we never offer cookie-cutter solutions. Instead, we design personalized treatment plans tailored to your specific history, triggers, and goals.

Our approach combines a variety of therapies, including somatic practices, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), breathwork, and access to group support. If needed, we also coordinate medication management to provide immediate symptom relief while deeper therapeutic work is underway.

What truly sets The Forge Recovery Center apart is the level of collaboration. Our experienced therapists, case managers, and medical professionals work closely with you to adjust treatment as your needs evolve. We also emphasize family involvement and aftercare planning, ensuring you have support not just during treatment but long after.

At The Forge Recovery Center, you’ll find more than treatment. You’ll find a path forward — one that’s built around you.

Accessing Therapy Services in Los Angeles

Finding the right therapy for panic attacks can feel overwhelming, especially in a large, fast-paced city like Los Angeles. Here’s how to navigate your options and choose care that meets your unique needs.

1. Finding Qualified Therapists

Not every therapist specializes in anxiety or panic disorders, so it’s important to look for clinicians who have specific training and experience treating panic attacks. Start by reviewing professional directories like Psychology Today, the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), or even local mental health organizations.

When interviewing potential therapists, ask:

• What therapies do you use for treating panic attacks?

• How much experience do you have working with panic disorder or related anxiety conditions?

• Do you offer integrated care if I have co-occurring challenges (like trauma or addiction)?

At The Forge Recovery Center, our team includes licensed clinicians experienced in panic disorder, anxiety, trauma, and substance use, offering a comprehensive approach to recovery.

2. Understanding Insurance and Affordable Options

Therapy costs can vary widely. Before committing to a provider, confirm whether they accept your health insurance. Many therapists in Los Angeles are part of major insurance networks or offer sliding scale fees based on income.

Additionally, some mental health centers and nonprofits provide low-cost group therapy sessions or therapy intern programs at reduced rates. At The Forge Recovery Center, we assist clients in understanding insurance benefits and offer flexible payment options to make care accessible.

3. Considering Location and Convenience

Proximity matters. Los Angeles traffic can make frequent therapy visits stressful, especially when dealing with anxiety. Look for therapists or centers located near your home or workplace. Telehealth (virtual therapy) is also a convenient option many clients prefer, offering flexibility without sacrificing the quality of care.

At The Forge Recovery Center, we offer both in-person and virtual therapy sessions, allowing you to access personalized treatment in the way that works best for your lifestyle.

Choosing the right therapist is not just about credentials — it’s about finding someone who makes you feel heard, understood, and supported. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and explore different options until you find the right fit. Your path to overcoming panic attacks starts with taking that first step.

Panic Attacks Controlling Your Life? We’re Here to Help

Panic attacks can make even simple daily tasks feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face them alone. Early intervention can prevent symptoms from worsening and help you regain control of your life. The Forge Recovery Center offers personalized, compassionate care tailored to your unique needs. Whether you’re experiencing occasional panic or chronic anxiety, our team is here to guide you toward lasting recovery. Don’t wait for things to get harder. Reach out today — let’s take the first step toward healing together.

Written by

The Forge Recovery Center

Reviewed by

Jeremy Arzt

Chief Clinical Officer

May 23, 2025