A panic attack is a sudden wave of intense fear with powerful physical symptoms — a racing heart, shortness of breath, chest tightness — that can feel like a medical emergency. Panic disorder develops when the fear of the next attack starts to shrink your world. We help you break that cycle.
Panic disorder treatment reduces how often panic attacks happen and the fear of the next one, using evidence-based therapy and, when appropriate, medication. K.C Care for the Mind treats panic disorder for ages 12 and up, in person in Orlando or by telehealth across Florida.
Understanding Panic Attacks
Panic attacks are your body's alarm system firing when there is no real danger. They peak quickly and, while terrifying, are not physically dangerous. The problem is the aftermath: many people begin avoiding places or situations where an attack happened, which reinforces the fear.
This avoidance is how a handful of frightening episodes can turn into a pattern that limits work, driving, or leaving the house.
Breaking the Panic Cycle
Treatment focuses on both the attacks and the fear that fuels them. Cognitive and interoceptive techniques help your nervous system relearn that the physical sensations of panic are uncomfortable but safe.
When helpful, medication can lower your baseline reactivity so attacks become less frequent and intense. We tailor the approach to how panic shows up for you.
Signs & Symptoms
Everyone is different, but these are common signs it may be time to reach out. You do not need to have all of them to benefit from care.
- Sudden, intense episodes of fear or dread
- Pounding or racing heart, chest tightness
- Shortness of breath or a choking feeling
- Dizziness, sweating, trembling, or numbness
- Fear of losing control, "going crazy," or dying
- Avoiding places or situations where attacks have occurred
What Treatment Helps With
- Reduce the frequency and intensity of panic attacks
- Ease the anticipatory fear of the next attack
- Reclaim places and activities you have been avoiding
- Learn grounding tools you can use in the moment
Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with 4+ years of experience. You see Raissa herself at every visit — in person in Orlando or by telehealth across Florida.
Meet your providerFrequently Asked Questions
Are panic attacks dangerous?
Panic attacks feel frightening but are not physically dangerous. That said, if you are ever unsure whether symptoms are cardiac or medical, seek emergency care to be safe.
What treatments help panic disorder?
A combination of therapy (cognitive and interoceptive techniques) and, when appropriate, medication is highly effective for reducing attacks and the fear that drives them.
Can I be treated for panic by telehealth?
Yes — panic disorder is well suited to telehealth across Florida, or in person in Orlando.
In crisis? This page is for information and is not emergency care. If you are in danger or thinking about harming yourself, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or dial 911.