Telehealth only · All 40 PSYPACT states and New York(561) 576-7612 · DrTania@DrTaniaPsychology.com
Dr. Tania Alaby-Varma, PsyD, Clinical Psychologist: therapy, psychological testing, wellness

Panic attacks · Ages 10+ and adults

Therapy for panic attacks, so fear stops running the show.

Understand what is happening in your body, and learn to ride out panic instead of dreading the next wave.

Home / Conditions / Panic attacks

Therapy for panic, tailored to you

A panic attack can arrive without warning: a pounding heart, tight chest, shortness of breath, dizziness, tingling or a feeling that something terrible is about to happen. For many people the hardest part becomes the fear of the next one, and avoiding places or situations where it might happen.

Dr. Tania helps you understand how panic works, respond to the physical sensations differently, and gradually take back the things panic has made smaller. Her approach is integrative: cognitive-behavioral methods (CBT, DBT, mindfulness-based CBT and ACT) alongside relational work on what sits underneath. Length and pace are tailored to you.

Because panic symptoms can overlap with medical conditions, it is a good idea to have new or unexplained symptoms, especially chest pain, checked by your doctor.

At a glance

WhoAdults, pre-teens and teens ages 10 and up
ApproachCBT, DBT, mindfulness-based CBT, ACT and relational work
FormatSecure video telehealth; phone sessions also offered
First stepFree 15-minute consultation
InsuranceTherapy: Aetna in FL, NY, TX, MD; self-pay elsewhere

Panic can show up as

  • Sudden waves of intense fear with a racing heart or trouble breathing
  • Dizziness, shaking, sweating or feeling detached from yourself
  • Worry about when the next attack will happen
  • Avoiding driving, crowds, stores, flights or being alone
  • Waking at night with panic
  • Checking your body for signs that something is wrong
  • Panic that began after a stressful stretch or a major life change
  • Panic alongside constant worry or low mood

Common questions

What is the difference between a panic attack and panic disorder?

A panic attack is a sudden surge of fear with physical symptoms. Panic disorder involves repeated attacks along with ongoing worry about having more or changing your life to avoid them. Therapy can help with both.

Are panic attacks dangerous?

They feel frightening but are not usually harmful in themselves. Because the symptoms can overlap with medical conditions, it is wise to have new or unexplained symptoms checked by a doctor.

What methods does Dr. Tania use?

She combines cognitive-behavioral methods (CBT, DBT, mindfulness-based CBT and ACT) with psychodynamic-relational work, tailored to you.

Do you see pre-teens and teens for this?

Yes, pre-teens and teens ages 10 and up, with parents brought into the process. See therapy for pre-teens and teens.

Does Dr. Tania prescribe medication?

No. She works with psychiatrists and other medical providers, can refer you to one, and with your permission can coordinate care with the providers you already see.

Is what I say confidential?

Yes, with limits set by law. The exceptions are serious risk of self-harm, risk of harm to others, abuse or neglect of a child or dependent adult, and court-ordered subpoenas. Dr. Tania talks through any such concern with you.

Does Dr. Tania take insurance for therapy?

For therapy, she is in-network with Aetna in Florida, New York, Texas and Maryland. In other states, therapy sessions are self-pay. With other insurers she is out-of-network and can give you a superbill to submit for possible reimbursement. HSA and FSA payments are accepted.

Get in touch

Ready to talk?

Book a free 15-minute consultation, call, or send an email. Please don't include private health details in an email.

Existing patient? Sign in to the client portal. Replies usually arrive within 24 hours.

Contact

All sessions are by telehealth.
Practice address: 4800 N. Federal Highway, Building E, Suite 102, Boca Raton, FL 33431

(561) 576-7612
DrTania@DrTaniaPsychology.com

Availability (Eastern Time): Mon–Fri 9 am–5 pm · Sat 10 am–2 pm · Sun 11 am–1 pm

In a crisis, call or text 988. This website is not for emergencies.

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