When Social Situations Feel Overwhelming — Support Is Available

Social Anxiety Disorder involves experiencing persistent fear of being judged, embarrassed, or scrutinised — even in everyday situations. Fullarton Clinic offers you specialised care to help reduce fear, reconnect, and feel safer in your world.

Understanding Social Anxiety Disorder

Also known as Social Phobia, this condition involves a persistent fear of being negatively evaluated in social or performance situations. For some, it may show up as fear of public speaking; for others, it’s anxiety about eating in front of others, attending meetings, or simply making small talk.

These fears can cause people to avoid relationships, work opportunities, or education — not because they don’t care, but because the anxiety is too overwhelming.

A women considering treatment for social anxiety disorder

Social Anxiety Disorder is common and treatable.

Our programs help individuals reduce shame, build confidence, and reconnect with what matters most.

 
 

Social Anxiety Disorder

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, around 4.7% of Australians experience Social Anxiety Disorder each year. This means nearly 1 in 20 people live with social fear that can impact relationships, work, and daily life — but effective support is available.

Source – (ABS, 2022)

 
 
 

Support can make a real difference. With the right care, Social Anxiety can become more manageable — and life can feel less restricted.

A women with social anxiety disorder symptoms

Signs You May Need Support

You may benefit from support if you are experiencing these symptoms of Social Anxiety Disorder:
  • Intense fear of embarrassment in social or performance settings
  • Avoidance of conversations, meetings, or eye contact
  • Physical symptoms such as blushing, sweating, shaking, or nausea during interactions
  • A feeling that others are watching or judging you
  • A tendency to overanalyse conversations or replay social events

Many people live with Social Anxiety Disorder for years before seeking help. 

It’s never too late to begin.

Understanding the Different Types of Anxiety

While the word “anxiety” is often used in everyday conversation, not all experiences of anxiousness are the same. The table below explains how general feelings of anxiety differ from clinical anxiety disorders, such as Social Anxiety Disorder.

A table detailing the different types of anxiety including social anxiety, generalised anxiety disorder and panic disorder

Social Anxiety Disorder: can quietly erode confidence at work, in education, or in relationships. Many people mask their anxiety for years before seeking help. Inpatient Treatment may be appropriate when social fears are compounded by trauma or persistent low mood.

Whether your seeking treatment for the first time, or you've tried before and didn’t feel heard, our team offers care that’s respectful, personalised, and grounded in what works.

An image of the small logo, emblem for Fullarton Clinic private hospital in Epping

Your Mental Health Support Starts Here

Our Social Anxiety Disorder Treatment focuses on calming the nervous system, building confidence, and reducing avoidance in social situations.

1

Social Anxiety Disorder Program

Comprehensive psychiatric assessment and tailored treatment planning based on your social fears, avoidance patterns, and personal goals.

2

High Quality Treatment

CBT with exposure-based strategies is the most established approach for Social Anxiety Disorder. Depending on your needs, ACT or DBT may also be used to support emotional regulation and reshape unhelpful thought patterns.

3

Pharmacy Services

Medication management, when clinically appropriate, is tailored to your mental health needs.

4

Comprehensive Therapy

Including individual counselling, group therapy, and holistic wellness programs, with physical activity and creative therapies.

5

Education and Psychoeducation

Understanding your Social Anxiety Disorder triggers and what’s happening in your body and mind can help reduce shame and restore confidence.

6

Coordinate with Your Team

We work with your GP to ensure smooth continuity of care during your treatment journey.

7

Dual Diagnosis Support

Identifying and treating coexisting medical conditions.

8

Screening for Chronic Disease

While staying with us, you will be screened and treated for any other chronic diseases impacting your overall health.

9

Aftercare Support

Day Programs to provide continuous support and step-down care and maintain sustained wellness.

Additional Treatment Options for Social Anxiety Disorder

Other emotional and behavioural patterns may compound your symptoms of Social Anxiety Disorder. If that's the case, Fullarton Clinic also provides:

  • Trauma-Informed Support: When social fear is linked to past experiences
  • Mood Disorder Care: For overlapping sadness, burnout, or avoidance
  • Addiction Recovery: When Anxiety has led to substance misuse

Explore Our Programs

For some individuals, traditional approaches for Anxiety may not provide enough relief. Fullarton Clinic also offers:

  • Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS): A non-invasive treatment using magnetic pulses to stimulate brain areas involved in mood regulation. Often recommended when medications are ineffective or not well tolerated.

Learn More About TMS

Experienced clinicians in our supportive, private hospital setting oversee your care throughout the program.

With the right support, you can manage symptoms, rebuild confidence, and return to the activities you value.

Frequently Asked Questions

1Is Social Anxiety Disorder just shyness or introversion?
No. Social Anxiety Disorder is a recognised mental health condition. While introversion is a personality trait, Social Anxiety Disorder involves intense fear and avoidance that interferes with daily life.
2Can Social Anxiety Disorder start in adulthood?
Yes. While it often begins in adolescence, stressful life events can trigger Social Anxiety Disorder later in life. We support people at all stages.
3What is Exposure Therapy, and is it safe?
Exposure Therapy involves gradually facing feared social situations in a supported, structured way — helping to retrain your Anxiety response.
4What activities help Social Anxiety Disorder?
Activities that gently build confidence and support emotional regulation can be helpful for Social Anxiety Disorder. These may include light physical exercise, mindfulness practice, group therapy, creative therapies, and structured social skills programs. Some people also benefit from techniques used in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), such as tracking anxious thoughts and gradually facing feared situations in a safe, supported way. Fullarton Clinic tailors activities to your needs, goals and comfort levels.
5What if I avoid group settings — will I still be helped?
Yes. We begin where you're comfortable. Individual therapy is available, and group work is gently introduced with your consent, with ample preparation.
6 Do you treat co-occurring conditions too?
Absolutely. Social Anxiety Disorder often overlaps with Depression, Trauma, or ADHD. Your care plan will reflect your complete mental health picture — and if you're also experiencing symptoms of Addiction, we can address those to support your overall recovery.
7Is this Social Anxiety Treatment covered by private health insurance?
In most cases, yes. Private health insurance generally covers most or all of the costs associated with Inpatient Treatment and Day Programs for Social Anxiety Disorder. Our intake team can help you check your policy and clarify any potential out-of-pocket costs or gap fees before admission.
8How long does treatment take?
It depends on your level of needs and individual goals. Inpatient care is typically short-term, with Day Programs offering continuous step-down support if needed.
9Will you work with my GP or current therapist?
Yes. With your consent, we share insights and updates with your existing care team.

Receive the right help for Social Anxiety Disorder to restore your confidence and return to the activities you enjoy.

Explore our Mental Health Services

Our dedicated mental health facility in Epping offers both Inpatient and Outpatient Programs in Melbourne’s northern suburbs.
A women participating in group social anxiety therapy melbourne

Social Anxiety Disorder Treatment

Treatment for Social Anxiety Disorder starts with expert care.

Our Inpatient Program provides structured support to help manage Social Anxiety Disorder symptoms, improve functioning, and reduce overwhelm.

Learn More
an image of group therapy participation at mental health day programs in melbourne

Mental Health Day Programs

Stay supported and stay on track — our Day Programs are here to help you continue progressing after completing Inpatient care.

Receive ongoing mental health support in the same safe and familiar hospital environment.

Learn More

Ready to take the next step?

To begin care at Fullarton Clinic with one of our Social Anxiety Disorder specialists, you'll need to be under the care of a Psychiatrist with admitting rights. If you don’t yet have one, your GP can refer you — or our team can assist with the next steps.

By submitting this form, you consent to Fullarton Clinic collecting and using your information to respond to your enquiry, in accordance with our Privacy Policy.