What we treat
A mental health condition characterised by an intense fear of social situations and a persistent fear of being scrutinized or negatively evaluated by others.
Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD), also known as social phobia, is a mental health condition characterised by an intense fear of social situations and a persistent fear of being scrutinized or negatively evaluated by others. This fear can significantly impact a person's daily life and functioning.
Intense Fear of Social Situations: Anxiety and fear about upcoming social events or situations where the person might be observed by others.
Avoidance of Social Situations: Actively avoiding social gatherings, conversations, or activities to prevent potential embarrassment or scrutiny.
Physical Symptoms: Experiencing physical symptoms such as trembling, sweating, blushing, or a rapid heartbeat in social situations.
Negative Thoughts: Persistent negative thoughts about oneself, fear of judgment, or belief that others will perceive them negatively.
Difficulty Initiating or Maintaining Conversations: Challenges in initiating or maintaining conversations due to fear of saying something embarrassing or being judged.
Excessive Self-Consciousness: Feeling excessively self-conscious in social settings, leading to heightened anxiety.
There are multiple treatments for Social Anxiety Disorder. At Someone.health, our therapists utilise a variety of techniques depending on the severity and personal situation. Some options include:
Cognitive-behavioural Therapy (CBT): CBT is a common and effective therapeutic approach for treating social anxiety. It helps individuals identify and challenge negative thought patterns, develop coping strategies, and gradually face feared social situations.
Exposure Therapy: Gradual exposure to feared social situations in a controlled and supportive environment helps individuals build tolerance and reduce anxiety.
Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Practices such as mindfulness meditation and relaxation exercises can help manage anxiety symptoms and promote a sense of calm.
In some instances, medication can be an option to relieve symptoms.
It's important for individuals experiencing symptoms of social anxiety disorder to seek professional help. A mental health professional, like a registered Someone.health psychologist, can provide an accurate diagnosis and tailor a treatment plan to address specific needs and challenges.
Psychologists available online
Tell us what matters to you, compare suitable appointments and keep your care details in your patient profile.
Find an appointmentIt will not always be obvious and it could be gradual. But when you start feeling better, then that means that the therapy is working.
You'll also be able to see things more clearly as you progress with your talk therapy. Healing, however, is not always so clear-cut. There will always be ups and downs. If that happens, you can talk to your psychologist about your progress and be open with what you're feeling.
Australia has regulatory bodies to ensure we maintain consistent and high standards across the psychology profession.
Yes. They are registered with the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA), listed with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), and individually selected and monitored by Someone.health's expert clinical team.
Appointments are available immediately
Once you have signed up and we have verified your details, you can choose a psychologist who is available immediately. Our website displays in order of the first available appointment.
Only your GP or a psychiatrist can prescribe medication.
Medication can only be prescribed by medical doctors, which includes general practitioners (GPs) and psychiatrists.
If you need the services of a psychiatrist, please visit Call To Mind, a telehealth service specialising in psychiatry.