Therapy Options for Panic Attacks in Santa Monica

Panic attacks can strike without warning—leaving you feeling overwhelmed, short of breath, and detached from reality. If you or someone you care about is struggling, you're not alone. Seeking therapy for panic attacks near me can be the first step toward regaining control. 

At The Forge Recovery Center, we provide compassionate, personalized care for individuals facing panic attacks, mental health challenges, and substance abuse. Our mission is to help you build a healthier, more stable future through evidence-based therapies and ongoing support. In this article, we will explore the most effective therapy options available in Santa Monica.

Understanding Panic Attacks

Panic attacks are sudden, intense surges of fear or discomfort that often feel overwhelming and uncontrollable. They typically reach their peak within minutes and may be accompanied by physical symptoms such as a racing heart, chest pain, dizziness, shortness of breath, trembling, or a sense of impending doom. While panic attacks themselves aren't life-threatening, they can feel like a medical emergency—many people mistake them for heart attacks or other serious conditions.

It’s important to distinguish panic attacks from general anxiety disorders. Anxiety tends to build gradually and is often linked to specific worries or stressors. Panic attacks, on the other hand, come on abruptly and may occur without an obvious trigger. While generalized anxiety can persist for days or weeks, panic attacks are short-lived but extremely intense.

At The Forge Recovery Center, we help you understand these differences, so you can receive the right kind of care—whether you're facing occasional panic attacks or a more persistent anxiety disorder like panic disorder.

Common Triggers and Causes of Panic Attacks

Panic attacks often feel like they come out of nowhere—but they usually have underlying triggers or contributing factors. High levels of stress, unresolved trauma, and major life transitions can all play a role. For example, people who’ve experienced abuse, loss, or a serious accident may find that certain reminders or stressful situations provoke panic. Even positive changes—like starting a new job or becoming a parent—can overwhelm the nervous system and trigger episodes.

Substance use is another common but often overlooked cause. Stimulants like caffeine or drugs such as cocaine and even alcohol withdrawal can lead to panic-like symptoms. At The Forge Recovery Center, we frequently see clients whose panic attacks are intertwined with substance use, either as a cause or a coping mechanism.

Underlying mental health conditions also contribute significantly. Panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and depression can all increase the likelihood of experiencing panic attacks. That’s why accurate diagnosis is key. We don't just treat symptoms—we work to uncover the root causes, so you can build a sustainable path to recovery.

Therapy Options Available in Santa Monica

When it comes to managing panic attacks, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. The most effective treatment plans combine multiple therapeutic approaches, tailored to your specific needs and history. In Santa Monica, a variety of evidence-based therapies are available—many of which we integrate into care at The Forge Recovery Center.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT is one of the most widely recommended treatments for panic attacks. It helps you identify and challenge irrational fears or negative thought patterns that fuel anxiety. Over time, you learn to reframe these thoughts and respond more calmly to distressing situations.

Exposure Therapy

For those who avoid certain places or situations for fear of triggering an attack, exposure therapy is a powerful tool. It involves gradual, controlled exposure to these feared scenarios to reduce sensitivity and desensitize the nervous system over time.

Medication Management

In some cases, medications such as SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors), SNRIs (Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors), or short-term use of benzodiazepines may be appropriate. At The Forge Recovery Center, all medication use is carefully supervised by licensed professionals to ensure safety and effectiveness.

Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques

Learning to ground yourself in the present moment can drastically reduce the frequency and intensity of panic attacks. Techniques like deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and mindfulness meditation are integrated into many treatment plans to help you manage symptoms as they arise.

Group Therapy

Talking with others who’ve experienced similar struggles can be incredibly validating and healing. Group therapy offers a safe space to share experiences, learn coping strategies, and build community—all under the guidance of a trained therapist.

Each of these options can play a role in helping you or a loved one recover from panic attacks. At The Forge Recovery Center, we assess your full picture—mental health, substance use history, lifestyle—to create a plan that works for your real life.

The Forge Recovery Center’s Approach

At The Forge Recovery Center, we understand that panic attacks rarely exist in isolation. They often stem from a complex mix of psychological, emotional, and physical factors—including trauma, chronic stress, and substance use. That’s why we don’t offer cookie-cutter solutions. Instead, we build personalized treatment plans that address the full scope of what you’re going through.

Every individual who walks through our doors receives a comprehensive assessment. This helps us design a treatment plan that may include a mix of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), exposure therapy, medication management, mindfulness practices, and group support. But we don’t stop there. Our approach goes beyond managing symptoms—we focus on healing the root causes and strengthening long-term resilience.

What makes our care different is our holistic focus. Many people struggling with panic attacks also deal with co-occurring issues like depression, PTSD, or substance abuse. At The Forge Recovery Center, we treat the person as a whole. That means supporting not just your mental health but also your physical well-being, social environment, and lifestyle. Our therapists, case managers, and recovery specialists work as a team to guide you toward lasting recovery.

We also believe that recovery doesn’t end when treatment does. Our aftercare programs are designed to help you stay on track long after your time in therapy. From alumni support groups to continued check-ins and relapse prevention strategies, we make sure you have a safety net as you rebuild your life.

Whether you’re facing your first panic attack or have been silently struggling for years, The Forge Recovery Center offers a compassionate, expert-led path forward. You're not just getting treatment—you’re gaining a community that’s committed to your growth, healing, and long-term success.

Panic Attacks Taking Over Your Life? We’ll Help You Take It Back

Panic attacks can be frightening, but you don’t have to face them alone. From CBT and exposure therapy to medication and mindfulness, effective treatment options are available right here in Santa Monica. At The Forge Recovery Center, we offer compassionate, personalized care to help you regain control and find lasting relief. Whether you’re struggling with panic attacks, addiction, or both, we’re here to guide your recovery every step of the way. Contact us today to learn how we can help you or a loved one start healing.

Written by

The Forge Recovery Center

Reviewed by

Jeremy Arzt

Chief Clinical Officer

May 21, 2025