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★★★★★ 5.0 Stars — [X Reviews]

Panic Disorder Treatment in Salem, NH

Evidence-based panic disorder treatment through our PHP and IOP mental health programs. CBT, exposure therapy, and medication management from licensed clinicians in a supportive, family-style environment.

Recognize the Signs

Signs & Symptoms of Panic Disorder

Panic disorder involves recurring, unexpected panic attacks and persistent worry about future episodes. Symptoms fall into three categories.

Physical Symptoms

  • Sudden racing or pounding heartbeat (palpitations)
  • Chest pain or tightness that mimics a heart attack
  • Shortness of breath or a feeling of being smothered
  • Dizziness, lightheadedness, or feeling faint
  • Numbness or tingling in hands, feet, or face
  • Sweating, trembling, or shaking during episodes
  • Nausea or stomach distress

Psychological Symptoms

  • Intense fear of dying or losing control during an attack
  • Feeling of unreality or detachment from yourself (derealization/depersonalization)
  • Persistent worry about when the next panic attack will occur
  • Fear that panic attacks signal a serious medical condition
  • Anticipatory anxiety between episodes
  • Difficulty concentrating due to constant worry

Behavioral Changes

  • Avoiding places where panic attacks have occurred before
  • Agoraphobia — fear of leaving home or being in open/crowded spaces
  • Refusing to drive, fly, or use public transportation
  • Withdrawing from social activities and relationships
  • Frequent emergency room visits believing something is medically wrong
  • Inability to work or attend school due to fear of attacks

If you or a loved one is experiencing any of these signs, we can help.

Call (857) 312-1697

Start Panic Disorder Treatment Today

Most clients begin treatment within 24–48 hours. Call now for a free, confidential consultation.

Treatment Programs for Panic Disorder

Programs That Treat Panic Disorder

🏥
Highest Level of Care

Partial Hospitalization (PHP) — Mental Health Track

Mon–Fri, 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM · 20–30 Days

Structured daily programming with CBT-based group therapy, individual sessions, exposure therapy, and psychiatric evaluation within 24 hours. Our most intensive outpatient level for panic disorder.

Learn About PHP →
📚
Flexible Scheduling

Intensive Outpatient (IOP) — Mental Health Track

Morning, Afternoon, or Evening · 60–90 Days

Step-down from PHP with flexible scheduling. Continue CBT, interoceptive exposure, and coping skills practice. Choose 9 AM, 12:30 PM, or 6 PM sessions.

Learn About IOP →
🌙
For Working Professionals

Evening Professional Track

Mon–Thu, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

IOP-level intensity during evening hours. Continue panic disorder treatment with CBT skills groups and exposure work without disrupting your career.

Evening Track Details →
💬
Ongoing Support

Outpatient Program (OP)

Once Per Week

Ongoing support after completing PHP or IOP. Individual therapy and one group session weekly to maintain progress and prevent relapse of panic symptoms.

Learn About OP →
💻
Virtual & Hybrid Options

Telehealth

All Program Levels Available

All program levels available virtually — especially helpful for clients with agoraphobia or difficulty traveling during early treatment. Mix in-person and virtual sessions.

Telehealth Options →
💊
Medication Support

Medication Management

SSRIs, SNRIs & Short-Term Benzodiazepines

On-site Nurse Practitioner manages psychiatric medication for panic disorder. SSRIs and SNRIs for long-term management, with short-term benzodiazepines available for acute episodes when clinically appropriate.

Medication Details →
JCAHO ACCREDITED
CARF ACCREDITED
NH & MA LICENSED
IN-NETWORK PROVIDER
What Clients Say

Client Experiences with Panic Disorder Treatment

★★★★★ 5.0 Rating on Google — [X Reviews]
★★★★★
“I thought I was having heart attacks for months. The team at Trailhead taught me what panic attacks actually are and gave me real tools to manage them. I haven’t had a full attack in weeks.”
[Client Name]
[Review Date]
★★★★★
“The exposure therapy was intimidating at first, but my therapist went at my pace. I can drive again, go to the grocery store, and live my life without constant fear. Trailhead gave me my life back.”
[Client Name]
[Review Date]
★★★★★
“The evening program let me keep working while getting the help I needed. The CBT skills I learned here completely changed how I respond to anxiety. I finally feel in control.”
[Client Name]
[Review Date]
Why Trailhead for Panic Disorder

11 Advantages of Our Panic Disorder Program

01

CBT-Based Panic Disorder Programming

Evidence-based cognitive behavioral therapy specifically designed for panic disorder, targeting catastrophic misinterpretation of bodily sensations and avoidance behaviors.

02

Psychiatric Evaluation Within 24 Hours

Nurse Practitioner evaluation and medication assessment within 24 hours of PHP admission. SSRI and SNRI options discussed same-day.

03

Exposure & Interoceptive Therapy

Structured exposure therapy targeting panic triggers. Interoceptive exposure helps you safely experience physical sensations of panic in a controlled environment, reducing fear of the sensations themselves.

04

Flexible Scheduling

Morning, afternoon, or evening sessions. Switch between time slots daily based on your work and family commitments.

05

12:1 Counselor-to-Client Ratio

Small caseloads mean your clinician has time for personalized treatment planning and individualized attention to your specific panic triggers.

06

Weekly Individual Therapy

One-on-one therapy with your assigned clinician every week, regardless of program level. Personalized exposure hierarchies and cognitive restructuring.

07

Medication Management

SSRIs and SNRIs for long-term panic management, with short-term benzodiazepines available for acute episodes when clinically appropriate. Managed by our on-site Nurse Practitioner.

08

Family Therapy & Education

Individual family sessions plus monthly Zoom education groups. Families learn how to support a loved one with panic disorder without reinforcing avoidance behaviors.

09

Breathwork & Mindfulness Training

Diaphragmatic breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and mindfulness meditation integrated into programming — skills that directly counter the physical symptoms of panic attacks.

10

Telehealth for Agoraphobia

All program levels available virtually — critical for clients whose agoraphobia makes leaving home difficult during early treatment stages.

11

Same-Day or Next-Day Admissions

Start treatment within 24–48 hours of your initial call. Multiple weekly admission opportunities available.

Your Treatment Journey

Panic Disorder Treatment Timeline

Every recovery is unique, but here is a general framework for what to expect during panic disorder treatment at Trailhead.

Weeks 1–2

Assessment & Stabilization

  • Comprehensive clinical assessment
  • Psychiatric evaluation within 24 hours
  • Medication assessment (SSRIs/SNRIs if appropriate)
  • Psychoeducation on the panic cycle
  • Begin CBT skills foundation and breathing techniques
1
2
Weeks 3–4

Active Cognitive Restructuring

  • Daily CBT group therapy sessions
  • Identify and challenge catastrophic thoughts
  • Begin interoceptive exposure exercises
  • Weekly individual therapy sessions
  • Develop personalized exposure hierarchy
Weeks 5–8

Exposure & Step-Down

  • Transition from PHP to IOP
  • Progressive in-vivo exposure to avoided situations
  • Family therapy sessions
  • Real-world practice of coping skills
  • Medication adjustment as needed
3
4
Weeks 9–12+

Maintenance & Relapse Prevention

  • OP or continued IOP sessions
  • Relapse prevention planning for panic symptoms
  • External therapist referrals
  • Ongoing family support groups
  • Long-term wellness and maintenance strategies

Start Panic Disorder Treatment Today

Most clients begin treatment within 24–48 hours. Call now for a free, confidential consultation.

Your Treatment Team

Meet the People Behind Your Treatment

Our staff combines professional credentials with deep expertise in anxiety and panic disorders — they understand what you’re going through.

[STAFF PHOTO]

[Clinical Director]

Clinical Director, LCMHC, CCTP

Oversees all clinical operations and treatment planning. Specializes in evidence-based approaches for anxiety disorders, panic disorder, and trauma.

[STAFF PHOTO]

[Lead Therapist]

Lead Therapist, LMHC

Master’s-level clinician with 10+ years treating anxiety and panic disorders. Trained in CBT, exposure therapy, and interoceptive techniques.

[STAFF PHOTO]

[Nurse Practitioner]

Nurse Practitioner

Manages psychiatric medication including SSRIs and SNRIs for panic disorder. Evaluates all PHP clients within 24 hours of admission.

[STAFF PHOTO]

[Case Manager]

Case Manager

5+ years in behavioral health. Coordinates life skills support, employment accommodations, and aftercare planning for clients with anxiety disorders.

Our Salem, NH Facility

Where Healing Happens

A comfortable, home-like environment designed to support your recovery journey.

[Photo: Group Therapy Room]

Group Therapy Rooms

Multiple dedicated spaces for group sessions, each designed for a different therapeutic modality.

[Photo: Meditation Room]

Meditation Room

Quiet space for breathwork, yoga, and mindfulness practice.

[Photo: Serenity Room]

Serenity Room

Calm decompression space when you need a quiet moment.

[Photo: Game Room]

Game Room

Ping pong, foosball, and Xbox for socializing and stress-free fun.

[Photo: Outdoor Area]

Outdoor Area

Fresh air, walks, and social space between sessions.

[Photo: Dining Area]

Dining Area

Lunch provided for PHP clients, snacks and coffee for all.

4:1
Staff-to-Client Ratio
12:1
Counselor Caseload
24-48h
Admission Timeline
~70
Client Capacity
Understanding the Numbers

Panic Disorder in America

Panic disorder affects approximately 2–3% of American adults each year, with women being nearly 2x more likely to be diagnosed than men. It typically develops in late adolescence or early adulthood.

Despite being highly treatable, many people suffer for years before seeking help. Studies show that 40% of people with panic disorder also develop agoraphobia, significantly limiting their ability to work, socialize, and live independently. The average time from symptom onset to treatment is 10+ years.

These numbers reflect real people in Salem, Derry, Nashua, Manchester, and communities across New Hampshire and northern Massachusetts who deserve access to evidence-based panic disorder treatment.

Sources: NIMH, APA Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5-TR), Epidemiologic Catchment Area Study
Insurance We Accept

Insurance Coverage for Panic Disorder Treatment

We accept most major insurance plans. Verify your coverage in minutes.

Verify Your Insurance Coverage

Fill out the form below and our admissions team will verify your benefits within minutes. Most clients start treatment within 24–48 hours.

Your information is secure and confidential. We’ll never share your data.

Don’t Wait — Recovery Starts Now

Our admissions team is available to help you take the first step today.

For Family Members

How to Help a Loved One with Panic Disorder

Educate Yourself First

Understand that panic disorder is a real medical condition, not overreacting or attention-seeking. Panic attacks involve genuine physiological responses — racing heart, shortness of breath, chest pain — that feel life-threatening to the person experiencing them. Education helps you respond with empathy.

Don’t Dismiss or Minimize

Avoid saying things like “just calm down” or “there’s nothing to be afraid of.” Validate their experience instead: “I can see this is really scary for you. I’m here.” Dismissing their fear can increase shame and delay them from seeking help.

Avoid Accommodating Avoidance

It’s natural to want to protect a loved one from anxiety, but helping them avoid feared situations reinforces the panic cycle. Instead, gently encourage them to face challenges while supporting their treatment plan. Work with their therapist on how to help.

Learn Grounding Techniques

If your loved one has a panic attack, stay calm. Guide them through slow breathing — in for 4 counts, hold for 4, out for 6. Remind them the attack will pass, it’s not dangerous, and they’ve gotten through this before.

Take Care of Yourself

Supporting someone with panic disorder can be exhausting. Your wellbeing matters too. Consider therapy for yourself, set your own boundaries, and maintain your routines. You can’t support them if you’re running on empty.

Family Support at Trailhead

Our family support program is open to all family members 18+, past and present clients. We offer individual family therapy sessions and monthly Zoom education groups covering anxiety disorders, family dynamics, and how to support recovery without enabling avoidance.

Call for Family Support
When a Loved One Won’t Seek Help

What If They Won’t Get Treatment?

It’s common for people with panic disorder to avoid seeking treatment — often because the idea of therapy itself feels overwhelming, or because avoidance has become their primary coping mechanism.

For someone with agoraphobia or severe avoidance, traveling to a treatment facility can feel impossible. Offer the option of starting treatment from home via telehealth. All of our program levels are available virtually, removing the biggest barrier for many people with panic disorder.
Many people with panic disorder don’t realize their condition is highly treatable. Share that CBT for panic disorder has some of the highest success rates of any mental health treatment. Sometimes knowing that effective help exists is the motivation someone needs.
While it’s natural to want to protect someone from anxiety, doing things for them — like running errands they avoid or always driving because they won’t — reinforces the panic cycle. Gently encourage facing fears while expressing unconditional support.
The first step is often the hardest. Offer to sit with them while they call, or ask if you can call on their behalf. Our admissions team is compassionate and experienced — they can answer questions and reduce the anxiety around getting started.
If panic disorder is accompanied by suicidal thoughts, severe depression, or complete inability to function, call 911 or the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Our admissions team can also help guide you through next steps and discuss treatment options.

Monthly Family Education Groups

Our family support program provides education and community for anyone supporting a loved one with panic disorder or anxiety.

💻 Monthly via Zoom
👥 Open to Family 18+
📚 Set Curriculum
🤝 Past & Present Clients

Topics include understanding panic disorder, supporting without enabling avoidance, family dynamics, and building a recovery-supportive home environment.

Call for Family Support
Service Area

Panic Disorder Treatment in Salem, NH & Beyond

Trailhead Treatment Center is located in the medical and behavioral health corridor of Salem, New Hampshire. We provide panic disorder treatment for adults throughout greater New Hampshire and northern Massachusetts.

⚲ 103 Stiles Rd, Suites 1 & 2, Salem, NH 03079

Conveniently accessible via I-93 and Route 28, with clients commuting from:

Salem Derry (~15 min) Nashua (~25 min) Manchester (~35 min) Concord (~55 min) Lowell, MA (~20 min) Boston, MA (~45 min) Northern MA

Dually licensed in New Hampshire and Massachusetts — serving clients from both states.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Panic Disorder Treatment FAQ

Anxiety is a general state of worry that builds gradually and can last for extended periods. Panic attacks are sudden, intense surges of fear that peak within minutes, with severe physical symptoms like racing heart, chest pain, and shortness of breath. Panic disorder is diagnosed when someone has recurrent, unexpected panic attacks and persistent worry about having more.
PHP typically lasts 20–30 days, IOP runs 60–90 days, and ongoing outpatient support continues as needed. Most clients notice significant improvement in panic symptoms within 8–12 weeks of CBT-based treatment. A step-down approach allows you to build skills gradually.
Our Nurse Practitioner may prescribe SSRIs (such as sertraline or paroxetine) or SNRIs (such as venlafaxine) for long-term management. Short-term benzodiazepines may be used for acute episodes when clinically appropriate. Medication is always combined with therapy for the best outcomes.
Exposure therapy involves gradually and safely confronting the situations and sensations you fear. Interoceptive exposure specifically targets the physical sensations of panic — like intentionally increasing your heart rate through exercise — so you learn these sensations are uncomfortable but not dangerous. This breaks the fear cycle that maintains panic disorder.
Absolutely. Our Evening Professional Track (6–9 PM, Mon-Thu) is designed for working adults. We also offer afternoon IOP and telehealth options with flexible daily scheduling.
Most major plans cover mental health treatment including panic disorder. We’re in-network with Anthem BCBS, Point 32 Health, Tricare, Uprise Health, and WellSense. Our team verifies benefits in minutes.
While “cured” may not be the right word, panic disorder is highly treatable. With proper CBT and exposure therapy, many people experience complete remission of symptoms. Learning to manage and respond differently to panic sensations gives you lasting tools to prevent future episodes.
Yes. We offer individual family therapy sessions plus monthly Zoom education groups. Families learn about panic disorder, how to provide support without enabling avoidance, and how to create a recovery-supportive environment. Open to any family member 18+.
We plan aftercare from day one: step-down to IOP or OP, relapse prevention strategies for panic symptoms, external therapist referrals, continued family support groups, and alumni program access.
Agoraphobia commonly develops alongside panic disorder. We offer telehealth for all program levels, allowing you to begin treatment from home. As you progress, we gradually incorporate in-person exposure work at your pace, helping you reclaim the places and activities you’ve been avoiding.

Begin Your Recovery Journey Today

Your recovery begins with a single phone call. We’ll handle the rest.

Call Now — (857) 312-1697