Panic attack treatment

How to get started

Find the right Psychologist

Most of our psychologists work in the Melbourne CBD Clinic, and the rest in different locations across Melbourne. You can find out all about our psychologists – when, where and what issues they work with – on our online booking page or you can call our reception on 1300 161 639.

Personal Matching

We recommend that your first step is an online Personal Matching appointment. Research shows that the key to successful outcomes is the relationship between client and psychologist. At Psychology Melbourne, we don't leave that to chance. We offer a personal matching session with one of our trained Matching Psychologists who will expertly choose the right psychologist for you and your issues.

Fees & rebates

GP Referral

All our psychologists are registered with Medicare, allowing clients with a referral and a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) from their GP to receive a substantial rebate.

Note that you do not require a referral from a GP unless you intend to claim a Medicare rebate.

Find out more about MHCP Medicare rebate.

Information for referring GPs

Opening hours

Reception is open:
Mon–Thu 8:30 am - 6:30 pm
Friday 8:30 am - 6 pm
Saturday 9 am - 3 pm
closed public holidays

After hours appointments may also be available.

Find out more about our counselling hours and appointments.

Phone & video counselling

If you are can't get to the clinic, you can use our secure phone and video counselling services. This allows you to get expert, effective psychological help from your home, but also from work or your hotel room when you’re interstate or overseas.

FAQs

See answers to frequently asked questions about our clinics, treatment, EAP, fees and rebates.

medicare rebate

"The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man who lives fully is prepared to die at any time."

—Mark Twain

Immediate appointments available
Psychologists Online across Australia for counselling, testing and groups - Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Hobart, Perth and Canberra

What are panic attacks?

Panic attacks are sudden periods of intense fear or heightened anxiety which victims commonly regard as one of the most intensely upsetting experiences of their lives. People can feel they are dying, having a heart attack, or losing their minds.

The feelings may provoke a powerful urge to escape, although there may not be any obvious sign of physical danger.

Panic Disorder

Repeated and unexpected panic attacks are considered a symptom of panic disorder, which can be diagnosed through screening tools or by a clinician. Unexpected panic attacks have no obvious trigger, meaning they occur out of the blue and in different situations. This differs from expected panic attacks that may be associated with anxiety and a specific situation, for example, someone with a fear of enclosed spaces (claustrophobia) may have a panic attack in an elevator.

Approximately 5 per cent of Australians will experience panic disorder in their lifetimes. Women are more likely to suffer from the condition, which usually begins in the early to mid-20s or in mid-life, and it is often chronic.

What are some of the signs of a panic attack?

Physical

Emotional

Cognitive

What can cause panic attacks and panic disorder?

Expected panic attacks can be caused by exposure to an object or situation one is scared of or feels anxious about.

However, there is no known single cause for panic disorder. Most experts agree that a range of factors may contribute, including:

Strategies for managing panic attacks

When to seek professional assistance

If your panic attacks (or fears of impending panic attacks) are preventing you from everyday activities such as working, going shopping, using public transport or taking part in social activities, it may be time to seek help from a psychologist.

The well-researched interventions used by our psychologists aim to change patterns of negative, unhelpful thinking, unhelpful behaviour and the person’s response to life events that may trigger the panic cycle and develop healthy coping strategies.

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OUR LOCATIONS

MELBOURNE CBD
(main practice)
2/50 Queen Street
VICTORIA
accessible
Phone 1300 161 639 for all locations
Reception Hours:
Mon - Thurs 8:30 am - 6:30 pm
Fri 8:30 am - 6 pm,  Sat 9 am - 2:30 pm
SYDNEY
NEW SOUTH WALES
BRISBANE
QUEENSLAND
ADELAIDE
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
HOBART
TASMANIA
PERTH
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
CANBERRA
ACT

 

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