6 Best NYC Therapists for Panic Attacks & Panic Disorder
For many people, panic attacks come out of nowhere, causing a wave of intense fear, chest pain, and shortness of breath.
At the New York City Psychotherapy Collective, we specialize in helping people find relief from the overwhelming symptoms of panic attacks. Our team of therapists is highly experienced in treating panic symptoms and anxiety disorders.
Understanding panic attacks
Panic attacks are sudden, intense fear or discomfort that peaks quickly. They can be incredibly frightening, and many people feel like they're losing control.
Research shows that common symptoms of a panic attack include many physical symptoms that might seem like a heart attack at first:
Increased, rapid heart rate or palpitations
Shallow breathing or a feeling of choking
Chest pain or heart palpitations
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Sweating (hot flashes) or chills
Nausea
An overwhelming sense of impending doom
Panic attacks (or anxiety attacks) are very common, affecting as much as 11% of the population each year, and often occur without warning. While there’s no single exact cause of panic attacks, stress, trauma, or underlying anxiety disorders may play a role in identifying when and how panic attacks occur. These episodes can be disruptive, leading to fear of future attacks, avoiding certain situations, or impacting daily life and work.
Meet our top-rated NYC Panic Disorder Therapists
1. Maggie McCarthy, LMSW
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As a therapist, Maggie supports adults in their 20s and 30s navigating unresolved pain through a deeply empathetic and holistic approach. Recognizing the complex intersections of personal experiences and systemic oppression, she creates a nurturing therapeutic space where her clients can explore their deepest vulnerabilities. Using mindfulness, CBT, somatic, and narrative therapies, Maggie helps her clients reimagine past experiences and challenge negative thought patterns. She partners with her clients to understand how intergenerational and interpersonal harm impacts their mental health, prioritizing their safety and autonomy. Maggie's mission is to guide her clients towards healing, empowering them to restore their sense of self, uncover personal strengths, and cultivate inner peace.
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Credentials: Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)
Education: MSW, Columbia School of Social Work
Specialties: Trauma, Anxiety, and Depression
Modalities Used: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Somatic Therapy, Narrative Therapy
2. Allison Sloss, LMHC
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Allie supports adults navigating complex life challenges, including relationship struggles, career transitions, and persistent self-doubt. She creates a nurturing, non-judgmental space where her clients can explore the intricate layers of their experiences, from challenging communication patterns to deeply rooted imposter syndrome. Through a collaborative approach, Allie helps her clients reframe internalized negative beliefs and develop a compassionate understanding of self. Her therapeutic process focuses on fostering internal trust and personal empowerment, guiding her clients to address societal pressures that feed into their identity struggles. Allie's approach empowers her clients to build long-lasting skills, enhance self-worth, and cultivate a more authentic, confident sense of self for the rest of their lives.
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Credentials: Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)
Education: MA, Baruch College
Specialties: Trauma, Anxiety, Relationships, Transitions, Boundaries
Modalities Used: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Person-Centered Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Therapy, Psychodynamic
3. Greta Weiss, LMSW
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As a therapist, Greta supports young adults navigating the complex terrain of identity formation and self-discovery. She creates a supportive, empathetic space where her clients can explore the intricate pressures of young adulthood, from family expectations to societal comparisons. Using a blend of Psychodynamic and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Greta helps her clients process emotions, understand past experiences, and develop concrete skills for empowerment. Her LGBTQ-affirming approach provides a safe haven for her clients to embrace their true selves. Greta guides her clients in building confidence, improving communication, and developing a clear sense of purpose during this transformative period of personal growth.
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Credentials: Licensed Master Social Work (LMSW)
Education: MSW, Columbia University
Specialties: Young Adulthood, Life Transition, Family Systems, Trauma, Anxiety, Relationships, Transitions, Boundaries
Modalities Used: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Person-Centered Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Therapy, Psychodynamic
4. Johanna Bellorin, LMSW
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Johanna specializes in anxiety related to major life changes—from immigration stress to post-college transitions. As a bilingual therapist, she understands cultural anxiety and helps young adults develop practical tools to manage overwhelming emotions during times of uncertainty.
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Credentials: Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)
Education: Columbia University (MSW); University of Central Florida (BA)
Specialties: Cultural stress, life transitions, immigration anxiety, young adult concerns
Modalities Used: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, grounding techniques, trauma-informed therapy
5. Miranda Savage, MHC-LP
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Miranda specializes in helping young adults who feel caught in cycles of anxious thoughts, perfectionism, and self-doubt that make it hard to feel grounded in daily life. Using CBT and psychodynamic therapy through a holistic, client-centered lens, she helps clients understand their anxiety patterns, develop practical coping tools, and reconnect with a sense of calm and confidence.
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Credentials: Mental Health Counselor - Limited Permit
Education: New York University (Master’s in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness); New York University (Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre)
Specialties: Young adults, self-worth, identity exploration
Modalities Used: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy
6. Caroline Goodhines, MHC-LP
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Caroline works with individuals and couples from conception through pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and beyond. Much of her work centers on perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, including postpartum anxiety, depression, and intrusive thoughts, as well as birth trauma, pregnancy and infant loss, and the emotional and relational shifts that come with becoming a parent. She works with all parents and pregnant people across varying family configurations, including LGBTQIA+ families and those living with chronic illness or disability.
Caroline's work is grounded in narrative and psychodynamic therapy. In practice, this means slowing down and examining together how past experiences, patterns, and beliefs show up in daily life and relationships, particularly during times of transition or heightened stress. Her approach to therapy is informed by specialized training in perinatal wellness, child development, and disability studies and is rooted in trauma-informed, identity-affirming care.
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Credentials: Mental Health Counselor - Limited Permit
Education: New York University, Master of Arts in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness, 2025. Syracuse University, Bachelor of Science in Selected Studies in Education, 2023
Specialties: Panic Attacks, Pregnancy and Postpartum, Parenthood
Why choose the panic attacks therapists at the New York City Psychotherapy Collective
At New York City Psychotherapy Collective, we work hard to provide personalized, compassionate, and individually tailored care to each client. We understand that panic attacks can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face them alone.
Why choose us?
A team of highly trained, licensed expert therapists who specialize in anxiety and panic disorders
Evidence-based therapies including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and mindfulness techniques
A supportive, non-judgmental environment where individuals suffering from the panic disorder experience can feel safe exploring their emotions
Tailored treatment plans to meet your needs regarding specific phobias to improve your well being on a deeper level
Conveniently located virtual therapy throughout New York City and New York State
Take the first step toward improving your panic attacks by reaching out here for a free consultation.
FAQs about panic attacks therapy
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If you're experiencing frequent panic attacks, or if the fear of having another one is affecting your life, therapy could be a beneficial step. Signs that therapy may help include avoiding certain situations, constant worry about future attacks, or feeling out of control during episodes. Even if you're unsure, seeking support early can prevent further distress and provide tools for coping.
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is widely recognized as one of the most effective treatments for panic attacks. Therapists at our practice also use exposure therapy, mindfulness, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help clients build resilience. We tailor our methods to your individual needs for the best outcomes for all kinds of people with panic disorder.
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While therapy may not "cure" panic attacks in every case, many clients experience a significant reduction in symptoms. With the right approach, you can learn to manage and, in some cases, prevent future attacks, allowing you to live a more peaceful life.
One client of ours came to us after months of unpredictable panic attacks that were disrupting her daily life. The attacks would hit on the subway on her way to work, when she was out on dates with her boyfriend, or out at a bar with friends. Through therapy, she learned effective coping strategies, and after several months of work, she was able to regain control and significantly reduce the frequency of how often she would experience panic attacks.
How to get started
Starting panic attack therapy is easy. Here's how:
Reach out for a free consultation for therapy services via our online form.
We'll match you with a therapist based on your specific needs and preferences.
Begin your therapy journey with an initial session and personalized treatment plan.
