Social Anxiety Disorder Treatment in Santa Monica

If social situations make your heart race, your palms sweat, or leave you replaying every word you said for hours afterward—you’re not alone. Social anxiety disorder (SAD) can make everyday interactions feel overwhelming, even isolating. Whether you’re dealing with these challenges yourself or trying to support someone close to you, finding the right help is crucial. The good news? Santa Monica is home to some of the best mental health care in the country, with treatment options tailored to your needs. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most effective ways to treat social anxiety—and where to start.

What Social Anxiety Disorder Really Feels Like

Social anxiety disorder goes far beyond feeling nervous in social settings. It’s a constant, overwhelming fear of being judged, embarrassed, or rejected—even in everyday situations. You might overthink every word you say or replay conversations in your head for hours afterward.

Avoidance Becomes a Way of Life

When anxiety feels this intense, it’s common to start avoiding the situations that trigger it. You might skip social events, avoid eating in public, decline work presentations, or steer clear of any situation where you feel "on display." Over time, this avoidance can shrink your world.

When Anxiety Leads to Something More

For many people, untreated social anxiety doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It often overlaps with depression or leads to using drugs or alcohol as a way to “take the edge off.” That’s why places like The Forge Recovery Center take a comprehensive approach—treating both the anxiety and any co-occurring mental health or substance use challenges.

Why Finding the Right Treatment Matters

Social anxiety can quietly take over your life if left untreated. It’s not just about feeling nervous—it’s about the long-term impact on your relationships, career, and mental health. The right treatment can make a life-changing difference, but it has to be the right kind of help for you.

The Hidden Cost of Avoidance

Avoiding social situations might feel like a short-term fix, but over time, it can lead to deep isolation. You might stop showing up for friends, miss chances at work, or feel like life is passing you by. Left untreated, social anxiety can evolve into depression or fuel a sense of hopelessness.

When Coping Turns Into Self-Medicating

Many people with social anxiety turn to substances like alcohol, cannabis, or even prescription drugs to feel more at ease in social situations. But while these might dull the anxiety for a moment, they often lead to dependency and make the root problem worse. At The Forge, we regularly see how intertwined anxiety and substance use can become—and we’re equipped to treat both.

One-Size-Fits-All Doesn’t Work

Everyone’s experience with social anxiety is different. For some, it’s tied to a specific trauma. For others, it flares up at work but not at home. That’s why personalized treatment is so important. The Forge Recovery Center creates custom care plans based on your unique background, triggers, and goals—so you’re not just treated, you’re truly understood.

Top Options for Social Anxiety Disorder Treatment in Santa Monica

When you're searching for the right help, it’s important to understand the treatment options available—especially if you're looking for social anxiety disorder treatment near Santa Monica that actually works. Here are the most effective, evidence-based approaches being used today, including those offered at The Forge Recovery Center.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT is often considered the gold standard for treating social anxiety—and for good reason. It helps you identify the automatic, often negative thoughts that pop up in social situations and teaches you how to reframe them.

Real-world example: Instead of thinking “Everyone in this meeting thinks I sound stupid,” CBT helps you recognize that thought as distorted and replace it with something grounded: “I’m nervous, but I came prepared and I’ve got this.”

At The Forge, CBT is tailored to your specific anxiety patterns—not just generic worksheets.

Exposure Therapy

Exposure therapy helps you face your fears gradually and safely. It’s not about throwing you into the deep end—it’s about building confidence one step at a time.

You might start by making eye contact during a conversation, then work up to giving a short presentation in a small, supportive group. Each step is intentional, and you’re never pushed further than you're ready for. When done right, exposure therapy can help you feel in control of your anxiety, not the other way around.

Group Therapy

It might sound ironic—treating social anxiety with social interaction—but group therapy works. In a well-structured group setting, you’re not being thrown into a crowd. You’re surrounded by others who get it—people who know what it’s like to feel overwhelmed in social spaces.

Group therapy at The Forge is led by trained therapists who make sure the environment stays safe, respectful, and productive. It gives you a chance to practice social skills, build confidence, and realize you’re not alone in your struggles.

Medication Options

Sometimes, medication can be a helpful part of treatment—especially if your anxiety is severe or not responding fully to therapy. Common options include SSRIs (which help balance mood) and beta blockers (which ease physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat during stressful moments).

At The Forge Recovery Center, we don’t rush to medicate. If it’s right for you, we’ll walk you through your options and coordinate care with licensed professionals who specialize in mental health medications.

Holistic and Integrated Approaches

Social anxiety doesn’t exist in a vacuum. That’s why effective treatment often includes more than just talk therapy. At The Forge, we take a whole-person approach—addressing everything from nutrition and sleep to mindfulness, movement, and trauma history.

For example, you might pair CBT with guided meditation, learn grounding techniques to manage panic, or work through underlying trauma that’s been fueling your anxiety. It's about healing all parts of you—not just your symptoms.

How The Forge Recovery Center Can Help

At The Forge Recovery Center, we understand that social anxiety can be both isolating and overwhelming—especially when it occurs alongside other mental health or substance use challenges. Our goal is to offer you personalized, compassionate care that addresses every facet of your experience.

Specialized Programs for Social Anxiety

Our treatment programs are tailored specifically to help you manage social anxiety. Through evidence-based therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), exposure therapy, and supportive group sessions, you’ll learn practical strategies to challenge negative thoughts and gradually build confidence in social settings. These programs are designed to help you regain control and reclaim your life.

Integrated Care for Co-Occurring Disorders

We recognize that social anxiety often doesn’t exist in isolation. Many of our clients also face depression or struggle with substance use. That’s why our approach integrates mental health treatment with support for co-occurring substance use disorders. This comprehensive, whole-person care ensures that every aspect of your well-being is addressed, helping you achieve sustainable recovery.

You’re Not Alone

Remember, you’re not alone in this journey. We help people just like you every day by offering a safe, supportive environment where healing is possible. At The Forge Recovery Center, you’ll find professionals who truly care about your progress and are dedicated to helping you build a brighter, more confident future.

Take that first step—reach out today and discover how our customized care can make all the difference.

Social Anxiety Taking Over Your Life? We’ll Help You Take It Back

You don’t have to keep living in fear of every social interaction. Recovery from social anxiety is not only possible—it’s within reach. At The Forge Recovery Center, we specialize in helping people like you overcome anxiety, build confidence, and feel at ease in their own skin. Whether you’re just starting to explore treatment or ready to make a change, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Reach out today to learn how we can help you take back control and start feeling like yourself again.

Written by

The Forge Recovery Center

Reviewed by

Jeremy Arzt

Chief Clinical Officer

April 10, 2025