Therapists for Panic Disorder and Panic Attacks

What someone looking for help with panic attacks often wants to know

If you are searching because you or someone you care about has experienced panic attacks, you are likely trying to understand what a typical session might involve and how a therapist will work with those symptoms. Panic attacks are usually described as sudden episodes of intense fear or discomfort that peak within minutes; you may be looking for ways to cope with the physical sensations, the avoidance that can follow, or the worry about when another attack will occur. When you read profiles on this page you will see how therapists describe their focus areas and clinical interests, and you can look for language that resonates with your concerns.

Profiles are written to help you compare practical details such as listed location and the populations a clinician mentions, as well as the therapeutic approaches they list. That context can help you form questions about whether a given clinician’s style and experience fit what you need. Keep in mind that a listed focus area does not guarantee a particular method will be used in every session. Use the profiles to gather information and then ask direct questions to clarify how a therapist would approach your situation.

How client-centred (person-centred) therapy relates to panic work

Client-centred (person-centred) therapy is an approach first described by Carl Rogers in which the therapist follows what matters most to you, listens closely and avoids directing the conversation. In practice this means the therapist aims to understand your experience from your point of view and reflects that understanding back to you, rather than steering you toward a predetermined plan. When therapists list client-centred among their approaches, that signals an emphasis on creating a comfortable environment where your priorities shape the work.

If you are exploring this approach for panic attacks, sessions can feel like having a steady, attentive listener who helps you make sense of your reactions and choices. Some people find that being heard without pressure allows them to notice connections and try different coping strategies at a pace that feels manageable. Others prefer a more structured or directive style, and those preferences are valid too. The profiles here will show which clinicians list client-centred approaches alongside other options, and you can discuss how they blend listening with techniques you want to try.

It is important to note that person-centred work does not replace medical care. If you are taking medication, considering medication, or have physical symptoms that concern you, it is appropriate to involve your GP or a psychiatrist in that conversation. The directory groups clinicians who list relevant focuses, but it does not evaluate medical roles or prescribe treatment pathways.

Questions to ask about approach, experience and scope

When you contact a clinician after looking at a profile, having specific questions can help you get the information you need. Ask whether they have experience working with panic disorder or recurrent panic attacks and invite them to describe how they typically work with those issues. If you want a mix of listening and practical tools, ask how they balance client-centred work with other approaches. Phrase this as a check: for example, you might ask whether they sometimes use breathing or grounding strategies, or whether they work alongside therapists who list cognitive or exposure-based approaches among their approaches.

Clarify scope by asking about the populations they list on their profile. A listed focus does not automatically mean a clinician treats children, couples, or families, so ask directly if that is relevant for you. When you read credentials on a profile, remember degrees such as PhD, PsyD, MD, MA, or MSW indicate academic training but do not alone indicate current permission to practise. In the United States clinicians typically hold state licences that legally permit clinical practice, while in the United Kingdom and Australia clinicians may hold registration with national or regional boards or membership of professional bodies. You can ask a clinician to explain the credentialing shown on their profile so you understand whether it reflects a degree, a registration, a licence or professional membership, and whether it is current.

What to discuss before starting online or remote care

If you plan to meet by video or phone, it helps to discuss practical and safety considerations in advance. Ask what platform the clinician uses, how they protect your privacy, and what to do if you disconnect during a session. Discuss how they handle urgent concerns or crises outside session times, including whether they have a plan if you feel at immediate risk. These are reasonable questions to ask of any clinician and can give you clarity about boundaries and responses before you begin.

Also talk about session logistics that matter to you, such as typical session length, how often they suggest meeting, and what to expect in the first few appointments. If you have physical symptoms during panic attacks, let the clinician know so you can discuss how those symptoms will be addressed during remote sessions. If in-person work is important, review the clinician’s listed location and whether they offer face-to-face appointments near you. Above all, expect an open conversation; clinicians who list client-centred approaches often prioritise hearing your concerns about format and comfort and adapting where possible within their scope of practice.

Comparing profiles by focus areas, languages, credentials and style

Profiles on this site include descriptive details you can use to compare clinicians. Focus areas indicate the issues a clinician highlights in their practice. If a profile lists panic disorder or panic attacks as a focus, it signals an orientation toward those concerns, but you should still ask about the clinician’s day-to-day experience and what that focus entails. Language options listed on a profile can be important if you prefer to speak in your first language; check the profile for languages offered and confirm this in conversation if it matters to you.

When you look at credentials, pay attention to whether a profile lists academic degrees alongside licence, registration or membership details. Degrees such as MA, MSW, PhD, PsyD, or MD reflect formal study, while licences and registrations indicate legal or professional authorization to practise in a given jurisdiction. In the United States you will commonly see references to state licences, while in the United Kingdom and Australia clinicians may note registration with national bodies or membership in professional associations. If a profile names therapeutic approaches, remember to read that as a statement of how the clinician describes their work rather than proof of a certification; for example, you may find clinicians who list mindfulness or CBT among their approaches or who list specific trauma-informed practices. If a particular technique is important to you, ask whether and how they incorporate it into sessions.

Finally, think about conversational style and rapport. Some profiles convey a reflective, non-directive stance, while others describe a more structured, skills-focused approach. If you value an exploratory, client-centred tone, look for language that emphasises listening, collaboration and following your lead. If you want clearly outlined strategies alongside empathic listening, ask how the clinician integrates those elements. Comparing profiles with concrete questions in mind helps you select clinicians whose practice descriptions align with your priorities and who are able to explain their approach in ways that make sense to you.

Use the information on this page to narrow your search and prepare questions. When you find profiles that resonate, reach out and ask the direct questions that will help you decide whether to meet for an initial conversation. The decision about who to contact is personal, and profiles are a starting point to help you find someone whose approach and experience match your needs.