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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.

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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 Woodbridge 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 Attacks and Panic Disorder in Woodbridge, VA—Therapists and Counselors

There is not always a clear reason or a warning that a panic attack will be sparked. They can strike without a trigger, and when they occur repeatedly and when they disrupt people’s normal routine, they may develop into a panic disorder.

Psychological treatments, however, have proven effective in treating panic attacks and/or panic disorder. That is why Thriveworks Woodbridge offers counseling for panic disorders. We want everyone to live free from panic.

How Do Panic Disorders Develop?

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) outlines what a panic disorder (DSM-5 300.01 [F41.0]) is and how it develops:

  • If people experience multiple (more than one) panic attacks that include feeling severe physical and emotional discomfort that builds for several minutes and then abates, then they may have panic disorder. The panic attacks must have at least four of these symptoms:
    • Chest discomfort/pain
    • Fear of going crazy or losing control
    • Fear of dying
    • Excessive perspiration
    • Palpitations or abnormally rapid heartbeat
    • Shaking or trembling
    • Feeling detached from oneself
    • Numbness or tingling sensations
    • Dizziness or faintness
    • Hot flashes or chills
    • A choking feeling
    • Shortened breath or feeling smothered
    • Abdominal pain or nausea
  • Following one or more attacks, also engaging in one or both of these behaviors for at least one month.
    • Switching up one’s normal work or personal schedule, trying to evade another panic attack.
    • Experiencing constant worry about having another panic attack, stroke, or heart attack.

Panic attacks, unfortunately, can be caused by many different disorders or behaviors, and for a panic disorder to be diagnosed, the attacks cannot be caused by another physical health problem, mental health disorder, and/or drug use.

Treatments for Soothing Panic

Instead of missing opportunity, fun, and connection to avoid panic attacks, what if there were a better way? What if panic subsided and daily life flourished? Panic attacks have been responsive to several psychological treatments, and a skilled therapist may even combine treatments to meet people’s individual needs and diagnoses.

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy examines foundational causes of panic attacks and seeks to resolve them. Often, childhood abuse or life trauma can disrupt people’s lives and allow negative thought patterns to take hold. Therapy may teach people how to work through the trauma and equipment them with healthy coping skills.
  • Medication may alleviate or control symptoms. When combined with other therapies, medicine often increases their effectiveness.
  • Exposure therapy allows people to feel a lessened form of panic attack but within a safe space and with the supervision of a trained therapist. People can then get used to the feelings and sensations. They can also build coping skills. When the feeling of panic is normalized and when people are equipped with healthy responses, the attacks often subside if not completely cease.

Setting Up Counseling at Thriveworks Woodbridge for Panic Attacks

Living with a panic disorder is hard enough; scheduling therapy should be easy.

That is why many new Thriveworks clients see their therapist within a week of their first call. We work with most major insurance providers and most insurance plans, and also offer weekend and evening appointments.

Call Thriveworks Woodbridge, VA today or book online to get started.

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 Woodbridge therapists and counselors accept 31 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia Medicare Advantage

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS HMO

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS PPO

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | Exchange

  • 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

  • CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield DC | BCBS PPO

  • Carelon

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

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Self-pay costs at Woodbridge
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 Learn about verified reviews
★★★★★
Mariah is excellent and always exceeds expectations. I am very grateful to have such a caring and dedicated Dr.
Read more Mariah is excellent and always exceeds expectations. I am very grateful to have such a caring and dedicated Dr.
Lester Jan 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Very helpful and I feel lucky to have her.
William Jan 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
☆☆☆☆
I want to start off by saying that my two counselors I had were great, but the thrive works Business model is lacking a care for its clients. I had my heat go out and I missed my session because I was working for eight hours straight on it and was told that I shouldn’t have been working on my heat and made my appointment because it’s more important than my family. Will not recommend, and I had a horrible experience with Thrive works as a business model but again my two counselors were wonderful. I got nothing but respect for them.
Read more I want to start off by saying that my two counselors I had were great, but the thrive works Business model is lacking a care for its clients. I had my heat go out and I missed my session because I was working for eight hours straight on it and was told that I shouldn’t have been working on my heat and made my appointment because it’s more important than my family. Will not recommend, and I had a horrible experience with Thrive works as a business model but again my two counselors were wonderful. I got nothing but respect for them.
Donnie Jan 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Johanna Lee has been my therapist for the past 7 months and I am extremely pleased with her! She is very professional and goes above and beyond to meet my needs. Thriveworks makes the whole process easy because I can text them to solve any issues I’m having.
Read more Johanna Lee has been my therapist for the past 7 months and I am extremely pleased with her! She is very professional and goes above and beyond to meet my needs. Thriveworks makes the whole process easy because I can text them to solve any issues I’m having.
Woodbridge Feb 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I mentored Sharon in her master’s and doctoral studies where I found her to be thoughtful and discerning. She always generated a sincere sense of passion as her desire was not just to obtain degrees but to build the skills and knowledge base to support people within her community. Transparent in all her interactions with me and fellow students, she was unapologetically true to Biblical standards as the foundation of her interactions with others. I am confident that she will continue to be a thoughtful and wise counselor to all who seek her guidance and compassion.
Read more I mentored Sharon in her master’s and doctoral studies where I found her to be thoughtful and discerning. She always generated a sincere sense of passion as her desire was not just to obtain degrees but to build the skills and knowledge base to support people within her community. Transparent in all her interactions with me and fellow students, she was unapologetically true to Biblical standards as the foundation of her interactions with others. I am confident that she will continue to be a thoughtful and wise counselor to all who seek her guidance and compassion.
Woodbridge Dec 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Sharon is the epitome of integrity. She operates in humility and truth. She embodies what I call the three Cs: Caring, Considerate, and Compassionate. She sees you, hears you, and listens attentively and intuitively to your concerns. Her advice is sound and non-judgmental. Sharon's quiet, calm, and peaceful spirit puts you at ease, and makes you feel comfortable. I often seek her advice when life becomes difficult. I highly recommend Sharon for those that are broken, and in need of much healing and inner peace.
Read more Sharon is the epitome of integrity. She operates in humility and truth. She embodies what I call the three Cs: Caring, Considerate, and Compassionate. She sees you, hears you, and listens attentively and intuitively to your concerns. Her advice is sound and non-judgmental. Sharon's quiet, calm, and peaceful spirit puts you at ease, and makes you feel comfortable. I often seek her advice when life becomes difficult. I highly recommend Sharon for those that are broken, and in need of much healing and inner peace.
Woodbridge Dec 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Sharon Fernandez excels in Professionalism, Prepardness, and Integrity. Her ability to express concern about sensitive subject matter is very comforting.
Read more Sharon Fernandez excels in Professionalism, Prepardness, and Integrity. Her ability to express concern about sensitive subject matter is very comforting.
Woodbridge Nov 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Sharon shows a great deal of compassion, wisdom and kindness when sharing my concerns/issues with her. She is professional yet very personal as she guides and provides the help I need. If you are looking for a counselor that cares Ms. Sharon is an excellent choice.
Read more Sharon shows a great deal of compassion, wisdom and kindness when sharing my concerns/issues with her. She is professional yet very personal as she guides and provides the help I need. If you are looking for a counselor that cares Ms. Sharon is an excellent choice.
Woodbridge Nov 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Woodbridge is located on Hunter Pl, which is right off of Minnieville Rd. We share a building with Elite Realty and Associates and are across the street from Oberryman Insurance Agency.

Phone number

(571) 365-3172

Languages spoken by VA providers

  • English
  • French
  • Farsi
  • Romanian
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
Thursday 8:00am - 9:00pm

Shown in ET

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
Thursday 7:00am - 9:30pm

Shown in ET

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