Social anxiety treatment in Bellevue, WAShow up as yourself, with less fear.
Effective care for social anxiety disorder
Social anxiety is more than shyness. When fear of being judged keeps you from speaking up, meeting people or going after opportunities, treatment can help you feel more at ease and confident.
- Care for children, adolescents and adults
- In person in Bellevue or by telehealth
- In-network with most major insurance plans
- No diagnosis needed to reach out
In-Person & Telehealth
Understanding Social Anxiety
What is social anxiety disorder?
Social anxiety disorder, also called social phobia, is an intense and persistent fear of social or performance situations where you might be watched, judged or embarrassed. The fear is out of proportion to the situation and lasts six months or more.
People with social anxiety often know their fear is stronger than it needs to be, but still feel unable to control it. It commonly begins in the teen years and can affect school, work and relationships. It is one of the most common anxiety disorders, and it responds well to treatment.
When to seek help
If fear of social situations is holding you back at school, work or in relationships, or you find yourself avoiding things you want to do, an evaluation can help. Many people wait years before seeking care; it’s never too early or too late.
Common signs of social anxiety
Social anxiety can affect anything from big presentations to everyday moments like ordering food or making a phone call.
- Intense fear of being judged, embarrassed or rejected
- Avoiding social events, meetings or speaking up
- Worrying for days or weeks before a social situation
- Blushing, sweating, trembling or a racing heart around others
- Replaying conversations afterward and focusing on mistakes
- Difficulty making friends or dating despite wanting to
Our approach
How we treat social anxiety
Starting care can feel hard when talking to new people is the problem, so we keep things comfortable, and telehealth visits are available.
A thorough psychiatric evaluation
We look at the situations that trigger your anxiety, how much they affect your life, and related conditions such as depression, other anxiety or ADHD.
Medication management
Certain medications can lower the overall level of social anxiety, and others can help with specific performance situations. We tailor the plan to you.
Therapy coordination
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with gradual exposure is highly effective for social anxiety. We coordinate with therapists so your care works together.
Private telehealth visits
Secure video visits from home, anywhere in Washington State, can make it easier to take the first step.
Questions
Social Anxiety FAQs
What’s the difference between shyness and social anxiety?
Shyness is a personality trait that may cause mild discomfort. Social anxiety disorder involves intense fear and avoidance that interferes with school, work, relationships or daily activities.
Can social anxiety be cured?
Many people improve significantly with treatment, and some no longer have symptoms that affect their lives. Therapy and medication, alone or together, are both effective.
Is there medication for social anxiety?
Yes. Certain antidepressants are commonly used to reduce social anxiety, and other medications can help with physical symptoms in specific situations, such as public speaking. We’ll discuss options with you.
Can I do my appointments by telehealth?
Yes. Secure telehealth visits are available anywhere in Washington State, which many people with social anxiety find makes starting care easier. In-person visits are also available in Bellevue.
Does social anxiety affect teenagers?
Yes. Social anxiety often begins in the teen years. We care for children, adolescents and adults, and include parents or caregivers for younger patients.
Can social anxiety cause panic attacks?
Yes. Some people have panic attacks in social situations they fear, or just thinking about them. If panic attacks also come out of the blue, without a social trigger, it may be panic disorder, which we also treat. An evaluation can sort out what’s going on.
How long is the first appointment for social anxiety?
The first psychiatric evaluation takes about 60 minutes. Follow-up visits take about 30 minutes, in person in Bellevue or by telehealth.
What should I bring to my first appointment?
Please bring a photo ID, your insurance card and a list of current medications. If you’ve had earlier evaluations or treatment for anxiety, those records help too.
Is social anxiety treatment covered by insurance?
We’re in-network with most major insurance plans, including Medicare, and self-pay is available. Before your first visit, our team verifies your coverage.
Related conditions we treat
Getting started is easier than you think
Taking the first step toward mental health care can feel like a lot. We keep the process simple and clear, so you always know what’s happening next, from your first call to ongoing care.
Reach out
Call, text or get started online. Our team is happy to answer any questions and help you get scheduled.
Your first visit
An evaluation, in person in Bellevue or by telehealth anywhere in Washington State, to understand your history and goals.
Your personal plan
Together we’ll talk through what may be going on and start building a plan around your needs, explained in plain language.
Ongoing support
We follow your progress closely and adjust as you go, with regular check-ins and the same team beside you at every step.
Get started
Feeling better starts with one appointment
Reaching out is often the hardest part, and you’ve already started by being here. Schedule an evaluation and we’ll help you understand what’s going on and what can help, whether that’s medication, NeuroStar® TMS or SPRAVATO®. Care for children, adolescents and adults, in person in Bellevue or by telehealth throughout Washington State.
- Aetna
- Anthem Blue Cross
- Blue Cross/Blue Shield Plans
- Bridgespan
- Cigna
- First Choice Health
- Kaiser Permanente
- LifeWise
- Lucent Health
- Medicare
- Moda Health
- Premera
- Regence
- Regence Group Administrators
- TRICARE
- TriWest
- United Healthcare
We verify your benefits before your first visit.Self-pay options available.