Social anxiety 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

"Anxiety is the attempt to control what cannot be controlled."

—Anonymous

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

What is Social Anxiety?

It is quite common for people to have some anxiety when entering new social situations, including fear of being judged by others, and feeling self-conscious about appearance or behaviour. However, when people avoid social situations altogether, it can become very limiting to social life and regular functioning. Extreme social anxiety can limit meeting new people, entering a new school or job, and even day-to-day tasks such as shopping.

This can have a significant effect on someone’s life, but can go largely unnoticed when characterised by avoiding anxiety-provoking situations. It is not something that should go untreated, however, as there are some simple strategies available to combat the anxiety.

Treatment for social anxiety

Psychology Melbourne's team of psychologists employ Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and other forms of evidence-based treatments that have been shown to be effective in the treatment of both generalised anxiety, and specific anxiety such as social anxiety. Graded exposure methods can also be used, in which a professional guides the person through gradual exposure to the feared situation.

CBT provides the education, tools and strategies needed to cope with the situations that provoke worry and anxiety. Learning and practicing these strategies can improve symptoms and provide a greater level of functioning

What are the signs?

Some signs of social anxiety include:

Causes of social anxiety

As with many disorders, there is no “one size fits all” cause for social anxiety disorder. Personal, genetic, and environmental factors play a role in social anxiety, as well as a predisposition to generalised anxiety. Early childhood bullying or social rejection can also increase the risk of social anxiety.

Thinking style can also influence symptoms of social anxiety. People who frequently interpret social cues in a negative way, for example “He is looking at me because he doesn’t like my clothes” are more likely to experience social anxiety.

What can be unhelpful?

Strategies to manage social anxiety

Psychology Melbourne has a team of experienced psychologists who can help address and treat social anxiety through a range of therapeutic approaches, supporting you in a safe and confidential environment.

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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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