Find a CBT Therapist for Panic Disorder and Panic Attacks in Indiana

How CBT treats panic disorder and panic attacks

If you experience panic attacks, you may feel that they come on without warning and escalate quickly. CBT approaches panic by helping you understand the cycle that links thoughts, bodily sensations, and avoidance behaviors. Rather than simply aiming to reduce symptoms, CBT focuses on identifying and changing the thought patterns that make sensations feel threatening and on gradually changing the behaviors that maintain fear.

The cognitive work

In CBT you learn to notice the interpretations you give to physical sensations - for example, thinking that a racing heart means you are in danger. Those catastrophic interpretations increase anxiety, which in turn amplifies bodily sensations and leads to more catastrophic thinking. Your therapist will guide you to examine evidence for and against those beliefs, test alternative explanations, and practice new ways of thinking so that sensations are less likely to trigger a full panic response.

The behavioral work

The behavioral side of CBT gives you tools to face feared sensations and situations in a controlled way. Interoceptive exposure involves deliberately and safely provoking mild physical sensations - like lightheadedness or shortness of breath - so you can learn that they are uncomfortable but not dangerous. In vivo exposure helps you re-enter places or activities you may have been avoiding. Homework practice, repeated exposure, and behavioral experiments are essential - they let new learning take hold so fear decreases over time.

Finding CBT-trained help for panic disorder in Indiana

When you look for a therapist in Indiana, you can start by focusing on clinicians who emphasize CBT for anxiety and panic. Many licensed psychologists, clinical social workers, marriage and family therapists, and licensed professional counselors list CBT as a primary approach. Ask about specific training or certifications in CBT and whether the therapist has experience with interoceptive exposure and panic-focused treatment. You will find CBT-trained clinicians in urban centers such as Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Evansville, and South Bend, and increasingly through telehealth options that reach smaller towns and rural areas.

Training backgrounds vary, so it helps to ask how a therapist learned CBT - whether through graduate training, formal CBT workshops, supervision, or ongoing consultation. A therapist who can describe concrete techniques used for panic - cognitive restructuring, interoceptive exposure, behavioral experiments - is likely to be familiar with evidence-based methods. You can also inquire about the therapist's experience with clients who have similar symptoms or life circumstances, which improves the fit between you and your provider.

What to expect from online CBT sessions for panic disorder and panic attacks

Online CBT sessions for panic disorder follow the same core principles as in-person work, but the format can make some elements easier to integrate into daily life. You and your therapist will typically review your experiences, practice cognitive techniques together, and plan behavioral experiments or exposure exercises to be done between sessions. Your therapist can coach you through interoceptive exercises over video, help you interpret the results, and adjust plans based on what happens.

Telehealth gives you flexibility to work with clinicians across Indiana - you might find a specialist in Indianapolis while living elsewhere in the state. Before starting, check that you have a reliable internet connection, a quiet and comfortable environment where you can work without interruption, and a device with camera and audio. Expect guided homework and measurable goals, so you and your therapist can track progress from week to week.

Evidence supporting CBT for panic disorder and panic attacks

Clinical research has consistently examined CBT as a treatment for panic symptoms. Studies typically show that people who engage in CBT learn skills that reduce the frequency and intensity of panic attacks and reduce avoidance behavior. Clinical practice guidelines in many regions recommend CBT as a first-line psychosocial treatment for panic-related difficulties. While individual outcomes vary, many people see meaningful improvement in daily functioning and a greater sense of control when CBT principles are applied with regular practice.

Research findings also emphasize the value of specific CBT components - cognitive restructuring to change fearful interpretations and exposure-based strategies to reduce sensitivity to physical sensations. In Indiana, clinicians trained in these methods bring those evidence-based strategies to community settings, university clinics, and private practices, making it possible to access proven approaches outside of research centers.

Tips for choosing the right CBT therapist in Indiana

Choosing a therapist is a personal decision that involves clinical fit as well as practical considerations. Start by clarifying your goals - whether you want to reduce attack frequency, manage anticipatory anxiety, or regain activities you have avoided. When you contact a clinician, ask how they typically treat panic disorder and what a typical course of CBT looks like in their practice. Inquire about expected session frequency, typical length of treatment, and how they measure progress.

It is reasonable to ask about the therapist's experience with interoceptive exposure and with helping clients handle panic attacks that occur during daily activities. You may also want to discuss logistical issues - whether they offer evening appointments, accept your insurance, or provide a sliding fee scale. If you prefer in-person care, check their office location and how easy it is to reach from where you live. If you prefer remote sessions, ask about their telehealth procedures and how they adapt exposure work to a virtual setting.

Think about the interpersonal fit as well. Early sessions are as much about building trust and collaboration as they are about technique. Notice whether the therapist explains CBT concepts clearly, listens to your concerns, and involves you in setting goals. If a first therapist does not feel like the right fit, it is okay to try another clinician until you find someone with whom you feel comfortable working.

Accessing specialized care across Indiana

Indiana's larger cities offer a range of options for CBT-based care. Indianapolis, as the state capital, has university training clinics and larger practices with clinicians who specialize in anxiety disorders. Fort Wayne and Evansville provide regional resources and clinics that emphasize evidence-based therapies. South Bend and other college towns may have training programs where advanced trainees practice under supervision, often at reduced cost. If you live in a smaller community, telehealth has expanded access so you can connect with specialists without a long commute.

When you search listings, consider both geographic convenience and a therapist's specific experience with panic disorder. Some clinicians focus exclusively on anxiety and panic, while others include it among a broader practice. Both can be effective if they use CBT methods and tailor treatment to your situation.

Getting started

Beginning CBT for panic disorder typically involves an initial assessment, setting clear goals, and starting with strategies that provide immediate coping options alongside longer term exposure work. You will likely practice cognitive and behavioral techniques between sessions, and your therapist will adjust the plan as you progress. Over time, repeated learning reduces the power of catastrophic thoughts and lessens avoidance, helping you regain activities and confidence.

Use the listings on this page to review clinician profiles, compare approaches, and reach out with questions about specific CBT experience. Whether you choose in-person care in Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Evansville, or online sessions from your home in a smaller Indiana community, there are therapists who focus on CBT for panic disorder and panic attacks and who can help you chart a path forward.