Top Panic Disorder Treatment Clinics in Santa Monica

Living with panic disorder can feel like you're constantly bracing for a storm—unexpected, overwhelming, and isolating. These sudden surges of fear can disrupt work, relationships, and your sense of control. 

At The Forge Recovery Center, we understand how urgent and personal the search for effective care can be. If you've been searching for panic disorder treatment near you, know that specialized, compassionate help is available right here in Santa Monica. Seeking professional support is not just important—it’s life-changing. In this article, we will explore top clinics in the area and how you can take your next step toward recovery.

Top Panic Disorder Treatment Clinics in Santa Monica

Here’s a curated list of top-rated clinics in and around Santa Monica offering specialized panic disorder treatment. Each of these centers brings a unique approach to helping individuals manage and overcome panic attacks through evidence-based care and personalized support.

1. Santa Monica OCD and Anxiety Center – Santa Monica, CA

Specializations: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Anxiety-focused interventions
Unique Offerings: Intensive outpatient programs (IOP) tailored specifically for panic and anxiety disorders, therapist-led support groups, and education for families navigating panic disorder.

2. Los Angeles Therapy Institute – Santa Monica, CA

Specializations: Psychodynamic therapy, CBT, mindfulness-based approaches
Unique Offerings: Emphasizes deep emotional healing for clients with a long history of anxiety. Offers integrative care combining therapy with lifestyle changes and emotional resilience training.

3. Neuro Wellness Spa Psychotherapy – Santa Monica, CA

Specializations: Psychiatry, TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation), CBT
Unique Offerings: Known for integrating innovative neuroscience-based treatments like TMS with traditional psychotherapy. Offers a full suite of psychiatric care under one roof, ideal for those needing both medication and therapy.

4. Bespoke Treatment – Santa Monica, CA

Specializations: Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, trauma-focused CBT, integrative psychiatric care
Unique Offerings: Focuses on cutting-edge treatments like ketamine infusions and neurofeedback. Personalized treatment plans blend traditional therapy with science-backed alternative care options.

5. Mindpath Health Psychiatrists & Therapists – West LA / Santa Monica

Specializations: Panic disorder, mood disorders, medication management, CBT
Unique Offerings: Multidisciplinary team approach combining psychiatric evaluations, therapy, and wellness counseling. Offers both in-person and virtual sessions to accommodate different needs.

6. The Saturday Center for Psychotherapy – Santa Monica, CA

Specializations: Relational psychotherapy, trauma-informed care, anxiety treatment
Unique Offerings: Community-based model that connects clients with deeply attuned, licensed therapists. Especially strong in long-term therapy that addresses underlying patterns fueling panic and anxiety.

Each of these clinics offers unique expertise in treating panic disorder. At The Forge Recovery Center, we believe in helping you find a path that fits not only your symptoms but also your lifestyle and personal goals.

Treatment Approaches for Panic Disorder

Effectively managing panic disorder requires more than just calming down during an episode—it involves reshaping how your mind and body respond to fear. Fortunately, several proven treatment methods can help you regain control and reduce the frequency and intensity of panic attacks. Here’s a breakdown of the most effective approaches:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT is widely regarded as the gold standard for treating panic disorder. It helps you identify and challenge the thought patterns that trigger panic attacks. For example, if a racing heart makes you fear a heart attack, CBT teaches you to recognize this as a misinterpretation of anxiety, not a medical crisis. Techniques often include cognitive restructuring and gradual exposure to feared sensations. Studies show that 70–90% of patients experience significant improvement with CBT.

Exposure Therapy

Panic disorder often causes people to avoid certain places, sensations, or situations for fear of triggering an attack. Exposure therapy addresses this by helping you gradually and safely face those fears. You might begin by listening to a recording of your own rapid breathing or visiting a place you’ve avoided. Over time, repeated exposure helps retrain your brain to see these triggers as non-threatening. This approach is particularly effective in reducing avoidance behaviors and panic sensitivity.

Medication Management

Medications don’t "cure" panic disorder, but they can play a critical role in symptom relief—especially in the early stages of recovery. The most commonly prescribed options include:

• Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) like sertraline or fluoxetine

• Benzodiazepines for short-term relief of acute symptoms (used cautiously due to dependency risks)

• Beta-blockers to manage physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat
  Medication works best when combined with therapy, and at The Forge Recovery Center, we ensure it’s tailored to your individual needs with careful monitoring.

Holistic Approaches

While clinical treatments are essential, lifestyle changes can also support long-term recovery. Incorporating:

• Mindfulness and meditation to ground yourself during anxious moments

• Regular exercise, which helps regulate mood and reduce stress hormones

• Balanced nutrition and consistent sleep schedules

• Breathwork and yoga, which promote relaxation and body awareness
  Holistic care empowers you to build a life that supports your mental well-being beyond just symptom control.

At The Forge Recovery Center, we combine these evidence-based methods into personalized treatment plans. We know that every individual’s experience with panic disorder is different—and so is their path to healing.

The Forge Recovery Center: Your Partner in Healing

At The Forge Recovery Center, we believe recovery isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s deeply personal—and so is our approach. Whether you're facing panic disorder, addiction, or a co-occurring mental health condition, our mission is simple: to provide individualized, evidence-based care that helps you reclaim your life.

Our Mission: Personalized, Integrated Healing

We’re committed to helping you or your loved one not just manage symptoms, but build a fulfilling life beyond them. Our treatment philosophy is rooted in empathy, clinical excellence, and a deep respect for your unique story.

Services Offered: More Than Just Treatment

Our team of licensed therapists, psychiatrists, and recovery specialists work collaboratively to design a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. We offer:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

• Psychiatric evaluations and medication management

• Dual diagnosis care for co-occurring disorders

• Holistic services such as mindfulness and wellness coaching

• Individual, group, and family therapy
  This multi-dimensional care ensures you're supported from every angle—emotionally, physically, and psychologically.

Why Choose The Forge Recovery Center

Recovery is hard, but you don’t have to do it alone. We provide a compassionate, judgment-free space where healing can begin. What sets us apart:

• A dedicated care team that truly listens

• Programs that adapt as your needs evolve

• A strong emphasis on long-term wellness, not just short-term fixes
  Whether you're starting treatment for the first time or returning after a relapse, we’re here to help you move forward—stronger, healthier, and with renewed hope.

Let us be your partner in healing.

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

If panic attacks are making it hard to live the life you want, don’t wait to get support. The Forge Recovery Center offers personalized, compassionate care to help you manage panic disorder and start feeling like yourself again. With expert clinicians, proven therapies, and a deep commitment to your healing, we’re here every step of the way. Contact us today to discover how we can assist you or a loved one in taking the first step toward lasting recovery.

Written by

The Forge Recovery Center

Reviewed by

Jeremy Arzt

Chief Clinical Officer

May 13, 2025