Agoraphobic or Social Phobic people can explore telephone or Internet therapy options. In-person, office therapy sessions are often better and less expensive, but we know this isn't always possible.

Shop around. Therapists can be found via the telephone book, referrals from friends or Internet web sites. Make a list of local candidates (perhaps five) and give them a phone call. Ask how much experience they have with "panic disorder." Listen to the words they use and their personality (sometimes a good indicator of what they'll be like in actual therapy). Finally, trust your instincts, choose a therapist and give them a try.

Cost is often negotiable. Therapy sessions typically cost about $100 per hour session (US Dollars). Specialized therapists usually cost more, but most therapists are willing to significantly lower their fee when people have trouble affording therapy. Also, you are free to choose the frequency of therapy sessions; once a week, once a month, or other. As a patient or client, you are free to decide what works best for you, and you are free to alter this schedule or seek another therapist at any time.

When therapy is not helping, consider a change. In most cases, therapy should prove somewhat helpful within the first few months. If you feel that a therapy or therapist is off-target and not helping, you should try a different therapist or different type of therapy. This is not necessarily a judgment or insult towards the therapist, but simply a matter of finding the right therapeutic match for your needs.