cognitive behavior therapy
Panic Disorder Therapy in California
Evidence-Based Help for Chronic Panic Attacks
Online Across California or In-Person in San Jose
Panic can come out of nowhere. A racing heart, shortness of breath, dizziness, or the feeling that something is terribly wrong. These intense episodes can leave you feeling disoriented and on edge, even after the moment has passed. Over time, the fear of having another panic attack can start to shape your day, leading you to avoid situations that feel risky or unsafe.
If you find yourself monitoring your pulse, planning your day around how “stable” you feel, or avoiding places where you worry a panic episode might happen, you may be experiencing panic disorder. The good news is that it’s highly treatable. With Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), you can learn how to respond differently to panic and reclaim the parts of your life it’s been holding back.
What is Panic Disorder?
Panic disorder is an anxiety condition where sudden and intense symptoms show up unexpectedly. These episodes, called panic attacks, feel frightening even if they aren’t medically dangerous.
Common symptoms include:
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Racing or pounding heartbeat
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Shortness of breath or chest tightness
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Dizziness, lightheadedness, or shaking
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Sweating or chills
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Numbness, tingling, or stomach upset
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A sense of unreality or detachment
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Fear of fainting, losing control, or dying
It is also common to develop panic disorder symptoms around the fear of other "symptom attacks". You may fear urgently needing to use the restroom, fainting, unexpectedly becoming sick or developing a headache.
What makes panic disorder so challenging isn’t just the attacks themselves, it’s the anticipatory anxiety that follows. Worrying about the next episode often leads to avoidance, hypervigilance, and feeling unsafe in your own body.
How Panic DisorderAffects Daily Life
Living with panic disorder means living in constant caution. You may:
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Avoid driving, flying, or crowded spaces
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Skip exercise, caffeine, or heat in case they trigger symptoms
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Stay close to home or only go out with a “safe person”
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Monitor your pulse or breathing throughout the day
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Worry about panicking during work, school, or social activities
These patterns can interfere with relationships, career, and daily freedom — making it feel like panic is running your life.
CBT for Panic Disorder: A Proven, Practical Approach
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is the most effective treatment for panic disorder. Instead of trying to avoid or control symptoms, CBT helps you break the cycle of fear by changing both how you think about panic and how you respond to it.
In therapy, you’ll learn how to:
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Understand the panic cycle and why symptoms feel so overwhelming
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Identify and challenge catastrophic thoughts that fuel anxiety
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Practice interoceptive exposure — safe, guided exercises that reduce fear of bodily sensations
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Rebuild trust in your body and confidence in your ability to cope
With time and practice, panic symptoms lose their power. You’ll no longer feel controlled by the “what ifs” of anxiety.
My Approach
I am a licensed marriage and family therapist with a master’s degree in clinical psychology. I have been working as a cognitive behavioral therapist since 2009.
I specialize in treating anxiety disorders, including panic disorder, using evidence-based CBT. My style is structured and compassionate. I’ll provide clear strategies and tools, while also respecting your pace and needs.
My approach to Panic Disorder includes:
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with a strong emphasis on exposure techniques
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Interoceptive exposure to help you face and reduce fear of physical sensations
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Collaborative work that builds confidence, not just symptom management
I provide panic disorder therapy in San Jose and offer secure online therapy across California. Whether your panic symptoms are new or something you’ve carried for years, therapy can help you find relief.
Take the Next Step Toward Freedom From Panic
You don’t have to keep rearranging your life around fear. With the right support, you can get back to your daily activities, feel more at ease in your body and stop letting panic dictate your choices.
If you’re searching for a panic disorder therapist in California or looking for CBT for panic attacks near San Jose, I’d be honored to work with you.
Schedule a Consultation
Get a feel for my style and get your questions answered during our no-obligation phone screen.
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How do I make an appointment?Complete the Potential Client Form and I will be in touch with you within 24 hours to set up a consultation call. If we are a fit, we will will book an intake session from there. After our initial meeting, most clients meet with me weekly for 45-minute sessions, ideally at the same day and a time each week. We will meet more or less depending on your needs. If you need to change your appointment time or cancel, I require 48 hours notice to avoid a full session charge.
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How much does therapy cost and do you take insurance?My fees are $340 per 60 minute initial assessment session and $255 per 45-minute therapy session. I am an out-of-network provider for all insurance panels. If you have a PPO you may be eligible for out of network benefits and I will submit electronic claims on your behalf so that you may be partially reimbursed for your CBT sessions. You can contact your insurance company directly to find out more information about your out of network coverage.
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Do you offer in-person/face -to-face sessions?YES! It has been so good to be back in the office! I offer both in person and online therapy. My in person office is in Campbell, CA, serving the Silicon Valley region. I can provide online therapy to residents throughout California.
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Do you work with children and teens?Most of my therapy clients are adults, young adults and older teenagers. I don’t often work with children under age 11 but if you feel your child could be a good fit for me I am happy to speak with you. I also offer Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE) treatment for parents seeking to help their children with anxiety disorders and OCD.
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What will our sessions be like?CBT is more structured than other types of therapy. We will start by setting an agenda and intention for the session. Then the majority of our session time will be spent on discussing your problems and applying CBT interventions. We will end with an action plan for you to take into your week. CBT, is at its core, flexible and collaborative so we will tailor our sessions to your needs.
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How long does therapy take?It truth is that treatment length varies a lot! The severity of your symptoms and how long you've had them , your motivation to work outside of session, and your life circumstances will all factor in to treatment length. Most clients start to feel some noticeable relief within three months and may achieve their goals by six months. For others it can take a year or more.
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What is a Good Faith Estimate?You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical and mental health care will cost. Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the expected charges for medical services, including psychotherapy services. You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency healthcare services, including psychotherapy services. You can ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule a service. If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate. For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises.
Located in CAMPBELL near SAN JOSE
Address
51 E Campbell Ave
Campbell, CA 98005
My office is located near San Jose in Campbell in the historic Heritage Village Offices. Conveniently located near restaurants and shops, my office is quiet with a peaceful courtyard view. There is plenty of parking. When you arrive at the Campbell Ave entrance, you will be greeted by our front desk staff and I show to to my private office.
If you live outside of the bay area or prefer to meet virtually, we can also do therapy online through HIPAA-compliant secure Telehealth.