Social Anxiety Treatment Melbourne

Shyness is a personality trait—someone may feel reserved in social situations but doesn’t experience significant distress or avoid them. Social anxiety disorder involves intense fear, significant distress, and avoidance that interferes with daily life, work, relationships, and wellbeing. It’s a mental health condition requiring professional treatment.

Research indicates that approximately 4.7% of Australians experience social anxiety disorder in any 12-month period, making it one of the most common anxiety disorders. It’s estimated that 7-11% will experience it at some point in their lifetime. It has also been found to affect women more frequently than men (approximately 3:2 ratio).

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) combined with exposure therapy is considered the gold standard for social anxiety disorder. These evidence-based approaches help you challenge anxious thoughts, gradually face feared situations, and build confidence. For some clients, medication combined with therapy provides optimal results.

Many people notice improvements within 8-12 weeks of consistent therapy. However, more sustained change typically occurs over 3-6 months of regular sessions. Treatment duration depends on severity, how long you’ve experienced symptoms, and your individual progress. Your psychologist will discuss realistic timeframes during your initial consultation.

Not necessarily. Many people benefit significantly from therapy alone. However, if your anxiety is severe or hasn’t improved with therapy, medication may help. SSRIs and SNRIs are often found to be helpful with social anxiety. Our in-house psychiatrist can assess whether medication is appropriate for your situation and coordinate with your psychologist for integrated care. For psychiatry, you will require a GP referral and we can offer integrated care under the same roof.

While “cured” may not be the right word, social anxiety is highly treatable. Most people experience significant symptom reduction and substantial improvement in their ability to engage socially. With ongoing practice of skills learned in therapy, many clients maintain gains long-term. The goal is not to eliminate all anxiety but to manage it effectively and reclaim your life.

While everyone’s journey is unique, anxiety is highly treatable. Evidence-based therapy can help reduce symptoms, improve coping skills, and restore confidence in everyday life.

Yes. Positive Wellbeing Psychology offers secure telehealth sessions across Australia. Online therapy is equally effective as in-person sessions for social anxiety and offers added benefits including privacy and comfort in your own environment. Both psychologists and psychiatrists are available via telehealth.

Yes. If you have a valid GP referral and Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP, you can claim Medicare rebates for psychology sessions (up to 10 per calendar year with unlimited top-ups available). Private health insurance may also provide partial reimbursement. For psychiatric consultations, a referral from your GP is required.

Your initial session focuses on understanding your challenges, personal and family history, and therapy goals. Your psychologist will explain treatment options, discuss what to expect from therapy, and collaboratively create a personalised treatment plan. It’s a chance to ask questions and build a foundation of trust.

Absolutely. Psychiatrists specialise in medical assessment and medication management for mental health conditions, including social anxiety. If therapy alone isn’t sufficient or if you’d benefit from medication, a psychiatrist can assess, prescribe, and monitor treatment. At Positive Wellbeing Psychology and Psychiatry, your psychiatrist and psychologist work together for integrated care.

Submit an enquiry through our online form or for current clients you can use our booking portal. Our clinic director personally reviews each enquiry and matches you with a psychologist best suited to your needs. You don’t need a referral to see a psychologist privately. For Medicare rebates, ask your GP for a Mental Health Treatment Plan. For psychiatry, a GP referral is required.