Image of a therapist and client in a counseling session.

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

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

Meet with a provider as soon as this week

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia Medicare Advantage, +22 more
Anger, Coping Skills, Addiction, Anxiety, Depression

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS, Cigna | Evernorth, +3 more
LGBTQIA+, Stress, Women’s Issues, Life Transition

As a queer-identified non-binary person, I am interested in helping you explore how we make meaning of our identities to live a full life.

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS, Cigna | Evernorth, +3 more
Stress, Life Transition, Anxiety, Grief / Loss, Depression

As a woman of color I seek to provide a space where all are welcome to be themselves regardless of color or gender identity.

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 Virginia Beach 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.,Panic attack disorder therapy may last for a variable amount of time

How long does Panic attack disorder therapy last?

depending on the individual's unique needs

Need more help deciding?

Nora fell asleep watching TV one evening when, without warning, she woke up and could barely breathe. Her heart raced, and her fingers to her elbows tingled. Nora thought she might die. After a few horrible minutes, everything suddenly stopped. The symptoms had subsided, but Nora was scared and exhausted. She saw her doctor the next day, and learned that she did not have a heart attack but a panic attack.

Panic attacks can occur out of the blue and without an obvious trigger. If they happen repetitively and if they disturb people’s daily lives, then they may be a panic disorder.

Panic attacks are draining and scary, and people who have experienced one may rearrange their normal life in the hope of avoiding them. Avoidance is certainly an understandable response, but it rarely works. In the meantime, people may also lose out on work opportunities and time with loved ones. Instead, psychological interventions have been an effective treatment for many people’s panic disorder, and they allow people to live their normal, daily life.

The counselors at Thriveworks Virginia Beach often help patients find the right intervention that works for them. We may combine cognitive behavior therapy, medication, or exposure therapy to individualize treatment and meet each client’s needs.

Signs and Symptoms of a Panic Disorder

Panic attacks can take a severe toll on people’s mental and physical health. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) acknowledges that when they become disruptive and repetitive, they may be a panic disorder (DSM-5 300.01 [F41.0]). The following are signs and symptoms of a panic disorder:

  • When two or more panic attacks occur in a person’s life and cause mental and physical discomfort, anxiety, and fear wherein at least four of the following symptoms appear suddenly, build for several minutes, and then abate:
    • Depersonalization or detachment from oneself
    • Feeling choked
    • Irregular or escalated heart rate
    • Shaking or convulsions
    • Fear of going crazy or losing control
    • Feeling smothered or experiencing shortness of breath
    • Numbed or tingling sensations
    • Chest pain and/or tightness
    • Dizziness and/or faintness
    • Fear of death
    • Nausea and/or abdominal pain
    • Perspiring excessively
    • Hot flashes or chills
  • Responding to a panic attack(s) with one or both of the following for a minimum of one month:
    • Severe concern that more attacks will happen and/or a similar physical health problem will occur (e.g., a heart attack or stroke).
    • Changing one’s person and/or professional schedule with the hopes of avoiding or mitigating the panic attacks.
  • In order to be diagnosed as a panic disorder, the attacks cannot be caused by another psychiatric disorder, a drug/medication, or a physical health problem.

Panic disorder most often begins when people are young adults, in their 20s and 30s. Although rare, kids and older adults have developed panic disorders. People who have survived child abuse or trauma have a greater risk of a panic disorder occurring than any other anxiety disorder. People with a family history of panic attacks and anxiety disorders may also be at increased risk.

Panic Disorders: Interventions and Treatment

Missing family functions, time with friends, and work opportunities is not the only option for dealing with panic attacks. If you or a loved one suffers with a panic disorder, know that it may be possible to live your normal life and allay the attacks. Certain therapies have proven effective at treating panic attacks, and these can be combined and tailor to meet an individual’s needs. Such therapies may include:

  • Exposure therapy: Normalizing the sensations and feeling people experience during a panic attack is one way for people to understand what is happening to them and learn how to respond to the attacks. When people are empowered with information and coping mechanisms, the attacks may lessen or cease. Exposure therapy allows people to experience the feelings of an attack but in a safe environment and with guided supervision so that they can learn these skills.
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy: If childhood abuse is contributing to the panic attacks, cognitive behavior therapy is one way of working through the trauma so that it no longer has power over the individual. Often, unhealthy thinking or behaviors develop in response to trauma, and cognitive behavior seeks to identify these and replace them with healthy behaviors and thinking.
  • Medication: Antidepressants or benzodiazepines may increase the effectiveness of other therapies. They can calm attacks so that people can focus on building coping skills and healing past trauma instead of dealing with present panic.

Seeing a Counselor at Thriveworks Virginia Beach

The counselors at Thriveworks Virginia Beach want each of their clients to receive the help they need and live the life the want—panic free. If you are ready to see a counselor for your panic attacks, we are ready to help.

When you dial our number, you may be meeting with your counselor the following day. We work with most insurance companies, and weekend and evening appointments are available. Call today. We are ready to help you thrive.

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 Virginia Beach therapists and counselors accept 25 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia Medicare Advantage

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

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

  • Carelon

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

  • First Health Network

  • Humana Exchange

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Self-pay costs at Virginia Beach
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

4.7 Thriveworks Virginia Beach reviews are collected through Thriveworks.com.
★★★★★
I have been seeing Sharyn Ingrum for a couple months now, she is very kind and welcoming and has helped me so much. I have seen great improvement in myself since seeing her. 10/10 recommend her, she makes therapy engaging and you can feel that she truly cares about her patients.
Read more I have been seeing Sharyn Ingrum for a couple months now, she is very kind and welcoming and has helped me so much. I have seen great improvement in myself since seeing her. 10/10 recommend her, she makes therapy engaging and you can feel that she truly cares about her patients.
Virginia Beach Dec 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I’ve known John McAnulty for a few years, and I have to say he’s the most compassionate counselor I’ve encountered so far! He helped my husband and I through a very rough time and I’m eternally grateful. His skills and empathy for his clients is evident!
Read more I’ve known John McAnulty for a few years, and I have to say he’s the most compassionate counselor I’ve encountered so far! He helped my husband and I through a very rough time and I’m eternally grateful. His skills and empathy for his clients is evident!
Virginia Beach Oct 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I would definitely recommend Thriveworks. Rarely can you reach for a counselor online and be able to take practical and progressive steps to work toward personal goals, growth and healing. John McAnulty Is a consummate professional, lending compassionate attention and assistance to clients as they navigate the path to well-being. I could not be more appreciative of his service.
Read more I would definitely recommend Thriveworks. Rarely can you reach for a counselor online and be able to take practical and progressive steps to work toward personal goals, growth and healing. John McAnulty Is a consummate professional, lending compassionate attention and assistance to clients as they navigate the path to well-being. I could not be more appreciative of his service.
Virginia Beach Sep 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Nikol is top tier when it comes to professional counselors. She has the ability to connect with individuals while providing sound therapy. I have interacted with Nikol personally and professionally, and would most definitely trust my loved ones and friends in her care.
Read more Nikol is top tier when it comes to professional counselors. She has the ability to connect with individuals while providing sound therapy. I have interacted with Nikol personally and professionally, and would most definitely trust my loved ones and friends in her care.
Virginia Beach Jun 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Don is an incredible human being who is right where he needs to be helping people regain balance in their lives. I lost mine. My husband lost his. We lost our marital balance. Don helped us face hard truths and taught us how to acknowledge our negative communications and replace it with the knowledge of how to break the cycle. We learned how to healthfully detach, accept & grow. We are forever thankful to Don for his guidance.
Read more Don is an incredible human being who is right where he needs to be helping people regain balance in their lives. I lost mine. My husband lost his. We lost our marital balance. Don helped us face hard truths and taught us how to acknowledge our negative communications and replace it with the knowledge of how to break the cycle. We learned how to healthfully detach, accept & grow. We are forever thankful to Don for his guidance.
Virginia Beach Sep 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Great session,fair priced and mr. Costigan is very friendly and knowledgable. Great help
Virginia Beach May 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
This is a review for Mandy Donnelly at the Virginia Beach location. I worked with Mandy for more than one year in community mental health and she is the real deal. Mandy was able to build strong relationships with her clients and had a great impact with with children, adolescents, and adults. Mandy is also highly ethical and respectful. I would strongly recommend Mandy and would take my own children to her.
Read more This is a review for Mandy Donnelly at the Virginia Beach location. I worked with Mandy for more than one year in community mental health and she is the real deal. Mandy was able to build strong relationships with her clients and had a great impact with with children, adolescents, and adults. Mandy is also highly ethical and respectful. I would strongly recommend Mandy and would take my own children to her.
Virginia Beach Apr 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I started seeing Don in Feb. of this year. I have several behaviors I am currently dealing with. Don is compassionate, knowledgeable, sympathetic and easy to talk to. He is like a friend and has helped me with so many things I'm currently dealing with.
Read more I started seeing Don in Feb. of this year. I have several behaviors I am currently dealing with. Don is compassionate, knowledgeable, sympathetic and easy to talk to. He is like a friend and has helped me with so many things I'm currently dealing with.
Virginia Beach Sep 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Virginia Beach is located off of S Independence Blvd, in a shopping center right by Lake Trashmore. As you enter this shopping center, you’ll pass Making a Difference Foundation, Inc. on your right. We currently share a building with Interm Healthcare of Virginia Beach, VA, and Bug-Masters.

Phone number

(757) 520-0827

Languages spoken by VA providers

  • English
Tuesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
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

Shown in ET

Tuesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Wednesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
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

Shown in ET

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