Find a Mental Health Professional for Social Anxiety

About Social Anxiety support

Social anxiety involves an intense and ongoing fear of being judged, embarrassed, or humiliated in social or performance situations. It goes well beyond shyness and can affect relationships, study, work, and quality of life. Common situations that trigger social anxiety include public speaking, attending social events, eating in front of others, meeting new people, or even making phone calls. People with social anxiety are often very self-aware and hard-working, but their anxiety can quietly limit how fully they engage with life. CBT is the most well-researched treatment for social anxiety and focuses on identifying unhelpful beliefs about social situations, reducing safety behaviours, and gradually building tolerance through structured practice. Group therapy can be particularly effective as it provides a supportive space to practise social situations in real time. Some people also benefit from medication, which can be discussed with a GP or psychiatrist. Under Medicare's Better Access initiative, people can access subsidised therapy with a referral from their GP. Many practitioners offer telehealth, which can be a useful starting point for those whose anxiety makes it difficult to attend appointments in person. Recovery is possible for many people with social anxiety, and with the right support, meaningful change in daily life and connection is achievable.