availability-icon

Offered in-person & online

Our providers offer panic attack disorder therapy in Alexandria, VA

Get in-person or online care, and cover the majority of the costs with your insurance.

Connect with a therapist, psychiatrist or counselor near you
Image of a therapist and client in a counseling session.

686,000 people sought help with Thriveworks in the last year

Discover how starting therapy with a panic attack disorder can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.

No current openings

All VA providers are fully booked, but check back tomorrow — sessions become available daily!

Starting Panic attack disorder therapy

What is panic attack disorder therapy?

Panic attack disorder therapy is a specialized therapeutic approach designed to help individuals suffering from recurrent and debilitating panic attacks. During therapy sessions, individuals work closely with trained Thriveworks Alexandria therapists to identify and understand the triggers and thought patterns that contribute to their panic attacks. Through panic attack disorder therapy, individuals learn to manage their anxiety, develop coping strategies, and regain control over their lives, ultimately leading to a reduction in the severity of panic attacks.

How does panic attack disorder therapy work?

Panic attack disorder therapy often utilizes cognitive-behavioral techniques like exposure therapy and relaxation exercises to help individuals manage and mitigate panic attacks. These methods involve desensitizing triggers, reducing physical and emotional symptoms, and challenging irrational thought patterns to empower individuals to recognize, control, and reduce the frequency and intensity of panic attacks.

Is panic attack disorder therapy conducted in person or online?

Panic attack disorder therapy at Thriveworks is conducted both in person and through Online therapy. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.

How long does panic attack disorder therapy last?

Panic attack disorder therapy may last for a variable amount of time, depending on the individual’s unique needs.

Need more help deciding?

Panic Disorder Therapy in Alexandria, VA (Franconia)—Therapists and Counselors

Without clear reasons and without warning, panic attacks can strike. When they disrupt daily life and/or occur frequently, a panic disorder may have developed. After a panic attack, people are often exhausted and drained. Naturally, they may change their routine in the hopes of avoiding another attack, but doing so means they may also miss out on work, friends, and family. Others may attempt to numb the intense feelings with drugs or alcohol, but these can exacerbate panic attacks.

And yet, panic attacks are responsive to psychological treatment. Under a therapist’s guidance and care, many people have learned how to cope with panic attacks and/or treated their root causes. When people are empowered with coping skills and treatment for past traumas, panic attacks often subside if not abate completely.

Treatment for panic disorders is available at Thriveworks Alexandria, VA (Franconia). Our therapists and psychologists can combine various therapeutic techniques to find a treatment plan that is tailored to each client’s needs and symptoms. Reach out today for help.

Symptoms for a Panic Disorder

Young children and older adults have been diagnosed with panic disorders, but they generally appear when people are in their young adulthood—20s and 30s. Often a period of stress or a particularly stressful situation precedes the first panic attack. Genetics can make a person more susceptible to panic attacks, as can childhood trauma.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) gives the following diagnostics to identify panic disorders (DSM-5 300.01 [F41.0]):

  • When people experience multiple panic attacks (at least two) that strike unexpectedly. The panic attack may cause people intense discomfort and anxiety that escalates for several minutes and then subsides. In particular, the attack must involve at least four of these symptoms to be considers a panic attack:
    • Excessive perspiration
    • Palpitations or escalated heart rate
    • Feeling detached from oneself
    • Trembling or shaking
    • Numbness or tingling sensations
    • Difficulty breathing or feeling choked
    • Feeling smothered
    • Chest pain or tightness
    • Dizziness or faintness
    • Fear of death
    • Hot flashes or chills
    • Fear of losing control or being seen as crazy
    • Abdominal pain or nausea
  • In response to a panic attack (or multiple panic attacks), experiencing either or both of the following for at least one month:
    • Severe worry that another panic attack will occur and/or one will face negative health consequences (e.g., a heart attack) because of a panic attack.
    • Adjustments in one’s everyday routine that try to offset the feelings of panic—hoping to reduce or eliminate the attacks.

Calming Panic Attacks

No one should have to miss out on work achievements, family time, or fun with friends because they are worried about having a panic attack. Psychological treatments have proven effective for many people who fight panic attacks. Various kinds of treatments can be integrated for a tailored treatment plan that meets each person’s unique needs. Such treatments may include:

  • Exposure therapy: This therapy can teach and build people’s coping skills. Under the supervision of a skilled therapist and within a safe environment, people can be exposed to the sensations of a panic attack in order to practice controlled responses. As people learn how to handle the attacks, they may diminish or cease.
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy: This therapy explores and addresses any root causes for the panic attacks. People may need to adjust negative thought processes or work through childhood trauma. As the causes of the attacks are resolved, they often lessen.
  • Medication: Certain medicines may reduce panic attack symptoms for a period of time that allows cognitive behavior therapy or exposure therapy to be more effective. Medication is most effective when combined with other therapies.

Scheduling Therapy for Panic Disorders at Thriveworks Alexandria

Did any of the diagnostics for panic attacks sound familiar to you? Have you experienced any of those terrible symptoms? Help is available. Thriveworks Alexandria, VA (Franconia) offers therapy for panic disorders, and our therapists as well as our psychologists are dedicated to finding the right treatment for each client.

If you are ready to live life without the fear of panic attacks, here are some things that you may want to know about scheduling therapy at our office…

  1. New clients often see their counselor the week of your first call.
  2. When you dial our number, a person—not a voicemail—will answer and help you.
  3. Weekend and evening appointments are available.
  4. We accept many forms of insurance.

We want everybody to receive the therapy they need, and our counselors are ready to help. Call today.

Pricing & insurance

Our therapists accept most major insurances. We accept 585+ insurance plans, and offer self-pay options, too.
Learn more about pricing for therapy and counseling services at Thriveworks.

Our Alexandria therapists and counselors accept 28 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia Medicare Advantage

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS PPO

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS HMO

  • CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS PPO

  • Carelon

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

  • First Health Network

Show more
Self-pay costs at Alexandria
Talk therapy

Talk therapy

Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Talk therapy

Psychiatry

Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Hear from our clients

4.9 Learn about verified reviews
★★★★★
I was very satisfied with first session/consultation with my therapist. I feel confident she will address my needs and look forward to working with her.
Read more I was very satisfied with first session/consultation with my therapist. I feel confident she will address my needs and look forward to working with her.
Marjorie Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
At 75 years old and still learning is wonderful. My counselor is simply an outstanding individual and human being. The "bank is closed", I understand more clearly by my counselor who, have been instrumental in " breaking down some walls" in my forward motion and healing from the pain
Read more At 75 years old and still learning is wonderful. My counselor is simply an outstanding individual and human being. The "bank is closed", I understand more clearly by my counselor who, have been instrumental in " breaking down some walls" in my forward motion and healing from the pain
Horace Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Bank closure is fundamentally when a financial institution goes bankrupt; however, parents can't go into bank closure for their children, family, and friends. Nevertheless, parents do close their bank (hearth) to minimize disrespect, abuse, and abundant misuse of LOVE. So I closed my life to abuse, disrespect, and misuse of ❤️
Read more Bank closure is fundamentally when a financial institution goes bankrupt; however, parents can't go into bank closure for their children, family, and friends. Nevertheless, parents do close their bank (hearth) to minimize disrespect, abuse, and abundant misuse of LOVE. So I closed my life to abuse, disrespect, and misuse of ❤️
Horace Jan 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★
I am very happy with my therapist, I would give him 5 Stars but I am handicapped and the facility I go to has No Handicap access, No ramp or elevator and is on the third floor of a three story building.
Read more I am very happy with my therapist, I would give him 5 Stars but I am handicapped and the facility I go to has No Handicap access, No ramp or elevator and is on the third floor of a three story building.
Ed Jan 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
My therapist, Dee Jacobi Edwards, continues to help me deal with my individual struggles in life so that I can achieve peace in dealing with life situations. She is a wonderful therapist.
Read more My therapist, Dee Jacobi Edwards, continues to help me deal with my individual struggles in life so that I can achieve peace in dealing with life situations. She is a wonderful therapist.
Louisa Dec 2023
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★
Love our therapist.
Heidi Dec 2023
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
My daughter's dad and I had a few sessions with Dee Jacobi-Edwards and she was great. She was very neutral and honest with both of us when it came to our disagreements and downfalls. She was also extremely patient with us throughout our sessions. I would absolutely recommend Dee.
Read more My daughter's dad and I had a few sessions with Dee Jacobi-Edwards and she was great. She was very neutral and honest with both of us when it came to our disagreements and downfalls. She was also extremely patient with us throughout our sessions. I would absolutely recommend Dee.
Alexandria Mar 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I have been battling anxiety and depression for years, and Mary Alice Fields has helped me finally find some relief. She is dedicated to helping her clients live their best possible life, and she has helped me gain some peace in my life. I know she has help countless others, and I would highly recommend her to anyone who suffers from depression or anxiety issues.
Read more I have been battling anxiety and depression for years, and Mary Alice Fields has helped me finally find some relief. She is dedicated to helping her clients live their best possible life, and she has helped me gain some peace in my life. I know she has help countless others, and I would highly recommend her to anyone who suffers from depression or anxiety issues.
Alexandria Jan 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Alexandria is located off of Franconia Rd., just behind Oak Tree Plaza. We share a building with MRM Associates. Right next door to us is a MakeSpace, and the closest bus stop is at Franconia Rd. & Beulah St.

Phone number

(703) 454-8246

Languages spoken by VA providers

  • Portuguese
  • English
Thursday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Friday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Saturday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Monday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Tuesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 9:00pm

Shown in ET

Thursday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Friday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Saturday 7:00am - 6:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 5:00pm
Monday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Tuesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Wednesday 7:00am - 9:30pm

Shown in ET

7 photos