Glendale Resources for Managing Panic Disorder

Living with panic disorder can feel overwhelming—sudden, intense episodes of fear can disrupt your routine, relationships, and overall well-being. If you or someone you love is searching for panic disorder treatment near you, Glendale offers a range of supportive resources. 

At The Forge Recovery Center, we understand how isolating and exhausting untreated panic symptoms can be. That’s why we provide personalized care designed to help you regain control and find lasting relief. In this article, we will explore the most effective treatment options and local support systems available to help you manage panic disorder and begin your path toward recovery.

Understanding Panic Disorder

Panic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder marked by recurring, unexpected panic attacks—sudden episodes of intense fear that trigger physical reactions even when there is no real danger or obvious cause. While general anxiety involves persistent worry about everyday situations, panic disorder is more acute, often coming on without warning and peaking within minutes.

Common symptoms of a panic attack include:

• Rapid heartbeat or chest pain

• Shortness of breath or feeling like you're choking

• Dizziness or lightheadedness

• Sweating, trembling, or chills

• A sense of impending doom or losing control

• Numbness or tingling sensations

These symptoms can feel so severe that many people mistake them for a heart attack.

Panic disorder affects about 2–3% of adults in the U.S., according to the National Institute of Mental Health. It often begins in late adolescence or early adulthood and is twice as common in women as in men. The good news? With proper treatment, panic disorder is highly manageable, and most people see significant improvement over time.

Effective Treatment Approaches

Treating panic disorder requires a targeted, evidence-based approach that addresses both the psychological and physical aspects of the condition. Below are the most effective treatment options commonly used by mental health professionals and trusted centers like The Forge Recovery Center.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT is considered the gold standard for treating panic disorder. It helps you recognize the distorted thinking patterns that fuel your panic attacks—like catastrophic interpretations of bodily sensations—and replace them with more balanced thoughts. For example, if you often fear that a racing heart means you're having a heart attack, CBT teaches you to interpret that sensation as a harmless response to anxiety. Over time, this reduces the fear and frequency of panic episodes.

Exposure Therapy

Exposure therapy works by gradually and safely exposing you to the situations or sensations that trigger your panic attacks. The goal is to desensitize your nervous system so that your body learns not to overreact to perceived threats. For instance, if crowded spaces trigger your panic, exposure therapy might begin with simply visualizing the scenario, then progress to visiting busy places with a therapist’s guidance. Repeated exposure helps break the cycle of avoidance and fear.

Medication

Medication can be a useful part of treatment, especially when symptoms are severe or interfering with daily life. The most commonly prescribed medications for panic disorder include:

• Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs): Such as sertraline or fluoxetine, which help regulate mood and reduce anxiety long-term.

• Benzodiazepines: Like lorazepam or clonazepam, which provide fast relief during acute panic attacks. These are usually prescribed short-term due to their potential for dependency.

A mental health provider will help determine if medication is appropriate and what dosage is right for your needs.

Integrated Treatment Plans

No two people experience panic disorder in exactly the same way. That’s why personalized, integrated treatment plans—like those offered at The Forge Recovery Center—are so important. These plans often combine therapy, medication, and lifestyle adjustments, all tailored to your specific triggers, symptoms, and goals. Integrated care ensures a more comprehensive, sustainable path to recovery, especially for those dealing with co-occurring issues like substance abuse or depression.

With the right combination of support, panic disorder is highly treatable—and recovery is within reach.

Accessing Help

Finding the right support for panic disorder can feel overwhelming, especially when you're in the middle of managing symptoms. But taking that first step toward help is crucial—and entirely possible with the right guidance and resources.

How to Choose a Provider

Not all therapists or treatment centers are the same, so it's important to find one that aligns with your needs. Here’s what to look for:

• Specialization: Choose a provider experienced in treating panic disorder and anxiety-related conditions.

• Credentials: Ensure your therapist is licensed and has training in evidence-based approaches like CBT or exposure therapy.

• Comfort Level: Trust your instincts—feeling safe and heard during sessions is key to successful treatment.

• Integrated Support: If you’re also dealing with addiction or another mental health issue, seek a center like The Forge Recovery Center that offers comprehensive, dual-diagnosis care.

Insurance and Costs

Mental health treatment is often covered under many insurance plans, but coverage details can vary widely. Here’s what to consider:

• In-Network vs. Out-of-Network: Providers in your insurance network typically offer lower out-of-pocket costs.

• Coverage Details: Check if your plan covers therapy sessions, medication, or residential treatment programs.

• Out-of-Pocket Costs: Even with insurance, you might be responsible for copays, deductibles, or non-covered services.

At The Forge Recovery Center, our admissions team can help verify your insurance benefits and walk you through payment options, so cost doesn’t become a barrier to getting the help you need.

Emergency Resources

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger or experiencing a crisis, don’t wait—reach out for help right away:

• National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Dial 988 (available 24/7)

• SAMHSA’s National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for free, confidential support with mental health or substance use issues

• Local Emergency Services: Call 911 if there’s an immediate risk to safety

Whether you're just beginning to seek help or looking for a more effective approach to managing panic disorder, support is available—and it starts with reaching out.

Self-Help Strategies

While professional treatment is essential for managing panic disorder, incorporating self-help strategies into your daily life can significantly boost your recovery. These practical steps can reduce the frequency and intensity of panic attacks while promoting overall mental wellness.

Lifestyle Changes

Your physical health plays a critical role in how your body and mind respond to stress. Making small but consistent lifestyle improvements can help stabilize your mood and lower anxiety levels:

• Exercise regularly: Activities like walking, jogging, or yoga can naturally reduce anxiety by releasing feel-good endorphins.

• Eat balanced meals: A diet rich in whole foods, lean proteins, and complex carbs can help regulate blood sugar and mood.

• Prioritize sleep: Aim for 7–9 hours of quality sleep each night. Poor sleep can heighten anxiety and trigger panic symptoms.

• Limit stimulants: Reduce caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol, which can increase heart rate and make you more prone to anxiety episodes.

Stress Management

Managing daily stress is key to preventing panic attacks. The following techniques can help calm your nervous system and increase your sense of control:

• Mindfulness: Focus on the present moment without judgment. Apps like Headspace or Calm can help guide your practice.

• Deep-breathing exercises: Try the 4-7-8 technique—inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 7, exhale for 8. This helps regulate breathing and slows your heart rate.

• Meditation: Even five minutes a day can help reduce anxious thoughts and create mental space for clarity and calm.

• Progressive muscle relaxation: Systematically tense and relax different muscle groups to release built-up tension.

Avoiding Triggers

Understanding what sparks your panic attacks is a powerful step toward preventing them. Triggers can be internal (like racing thoughts) or external (such as crowded places). Here’s how to manage them:

• Keep a journal: Track your panic episodes to identify patterns or common triggers.

• Set boundaries: Limit exposure to high-stress environments or relationships when possible.

• Create a coping plan: Have strategies in place for high-risk situations—like grounding techniques, calming playlists, or exit strategies.

• Avoid self-medicating: Using substances like alcohol or drugs to numb anxiety may provide short-term relief but worsens the disorder long-term.

Combining these self-care tools with clinical support from a place like The Forge Recovery Center can make your recovery journey more manageable—and more sustainable.

Panic Disorder Disrupting Your Life? We’re Here to Help

Panic disorder can feel isolating, but you don’t have to face it alone. Glendale offers trusted resources and effective treatments—and with the right support, recovery is possible. At The Forge Recovery Center, we specialize in personalized care that helps you regain control and build a healthier, calmer life. Whether you're seeking therapy, medication support, or integrated treatment for co-occurring conditions, we're here to guide you every step of the way. Don’t wait to get the help you deserve. Reach out today and take the first step toward lasting relief and recovery.

Written by

The Forge Recovery Center

Reviewed by

Jeremy Arzt

Chief Clinical Officer

May 15, 2025