Panic Attack Treatment in Manhattan

A panic attack can feel like a heart attack, a loss of control, or the sense that something is seriously wrong — even when your body is medically fine. If you’ve had one, you know how disorienting and frightening that experience is, and how much energy can go into trying to prevent the next one.

Is This You?

If any of the following feel familiar, you’re not alone — and you’re in the right place.

  • Sudden waves of intense fear that peak within minutes — racing heart, chest tightness, shortness of breath, dizziness, or a feeling of unreality

  • You’ve gone to an ER or urgent care convinced something was medically wrong, only to be told your heart and vitals are fine

  • You’re now anxious about having another attack, which itself keeps your nervous system on high alert

  • You’ve started avoiding places or situations — driving, crowded spaces, being far from home — where a past attack happened

Panic attacks are frightening, but they are not dangerous, and they are highly treatable. The goal isn’t just to survive the next one — it’s to break the cycle that keeps producing them.

How I Work

Panic disorder responds very well to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, especially interoceptive exposure — safely and gradually reintroducing the physical sensations of panic (a racing heart, shortness of breath) in a controlled way, so your body relearns that they aren’t dangerous. We also work directly on the anticipatory anxiety that builds between attacks.

  • Understand the physical and psychological cycle that turns a normal stress response into a panic attack

  • Practice skills that calm your body’s alarm system in the moment

  • Gradually reduce the avoidance that’s been keeping your world smaller

  • Build lasting confidence that you can handle whatever your body throws at you

Most people see a real reduction in both the frequency and intensity of panic attacks within a focused course of treatment — this is one of the most well-researched, responsive areas in anxiety treatment.

Ready to Take the First Step?

I offer a free 15-minute initial consultation so we can talk about what’s going on and whether working together feels like a good fit. There’s no pressure and no commitment.

Call or text: 646-717-4860

Email: dr@dansharir.com

I see clients in person on the Upper West Side and via telehealth throughout New York State.