Social Anxiety Disorder Treatment in Denver
Understanding Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD)
Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) is a mental health condition marked by intense fear or anxiety in social or performance situations where a person may feel observed, judged, or evaluated by others. This fear often goes beyond typical nervousness and can be overwhelming, leading individuals to worry excessively about saying or doing something embarrassing, appearing anxious, or being negatively judged. Common situations that trigger anxiety include public speaking, meeting new people, attending social gatherings, or interacting with authority figures. These fears can significantly interfere with daily life, work, school, and relationships.
In addition to emotional distress, SAD often includes physical symptoms such as blushing, sweating, trembling, rapid heartbeat, nausea, or difficulty speaking. Many individuals engage in avoidance behaviors, such as skipping social events or relying on safety behaviors to cope, which can reinforce anxiety over time. Because social anxiety can begin early and persist without treatment, individuals may mistakenly view it as a personality trait rather than a treatable condition. With appropriate intervention, symptoms of SAD can be effectively reduced.
Treatment for Social Anxiety Disorder
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with exposure is considered a highly effective, evidence-based treatment for Social Anxiety Disorder. CBT helps individuals identify and challenge unhelpful beliefs about social situations, such as assumptions of negative judgment or unrealistic standards for performance. Through therapy, individuals learn to replace these thoughts with more balanced and realistic perspectives that reduce anxiety.
Exposure therapy, a key component of CBT for SAD, involves gradually and systematically facing feared social situations in a safe and supportive way. Over time, repeated exposure helps reduce anxiety and distress while increasing confidence and coping skills. Individuals learn that anxiety naturally decreases and that feared outcomes are often less likely or less harmful than anticipated. CBT with exposure can lead to lasting improvements in social functioning, confidence, and overall quality of life.
Fees
Individual Sessions
(45-minutes)
/session
Parent Training Sessions
(45-minutes)
/session
Couples
(45-minutes)
/session
Adults DBT Groups Sessions
(2-hours)
/session for six months to 1-year
Multi-Family Skills Group
(2-hours)
/session for 24-weeks
Insurance
We do not accept insurance (most specialists do not), but many of our clients are able to get partial reimbursement from their insurance companies through their out-of-network benefits. We are happy to provide you with the necessary paperwork to submit an out-of-network claim to your insurance company.
Begin Your Healing Journey
At Mountainside Behavioral Health, we are committed to fostering a supportive and professional environment where clients feel seen, heard, and empowered on their path to healing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is Social Anxiety Disorder different from shyness?
Shyness is typically mild and situational, while SAD involves intense fear and avoidance that significantly interferes with daily functioning.
What causes Social Anxiety Disorder?
SAD develops from a combination of genetic vulnerability, temperament, brain processes, and social or learning experiences.
How long does CBT with exposure take to work for social anxiety?
Many individuals notice improvement within a few months, though treatment length varies based on severity and individual goals.
Can social anxiety be completely overcome?
Many people experience significant and lasting symptom reduction with CBT and exposure, allowing them to engage more fully in social situations.
Free Consultation -
Begin Your Healing Journey
At Mountainside Behavioral Health, we are committed to fostering a supportive and professional environment where clients feel seen, heard, and empowered on their path to healing.