Essendon Private Clinic
Social Anxiety Treatment in Melbourne
Social anxiety can make everyday interactions feel overwhelming. You may worry about being judged, embarrassing yourself, saying the wrong thing or drawing attention to yourself.
For some people, that anxiety begins to affect work, relationships, social activities or the opportunities they feel able to pursue.
Essendon Private Clinic provides private social anxiety treatment in Melbourne for people who may need more structured mental health support.
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Private mental health hospital in Essendon West, Melbourne
Psychiatrist-led care
Inpatient, day program and TMS pathways
What Can Social Anxiety Feel Like?
Social anxiety disorder involves intense anxiety or fear in social or performance situations where someone feels they may be judged, criticised, embarrassed or rejected.
This may occur in situations such as:
- Meeting or speaking with unfamiliar people
- Meetings, presentations or speaking at work
- Making phone calls or asking questions
- Eating or performing activities in front of others
- Dating, social events or being the centre of attention.
Experiencing nervousness in these situations does not necessarily mean someone has social anxiety disorder. A professional assessment can help understand what may be happening and what support may be appropriate.
Not sure whether you need help?
You do not need to have all of the answers before asking about support.
Social Anxiety in Australia
Social anxiety affects many Australians and can have a significant impact on work, relationships and everyday life.
~7%
of Australians experience social anxiety in any 12-month period.
Source: Beyond Blue
~1.4 million
Australians aged 16–85 met criteria for social phobia.
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics
When Fear of Judgement Starts Changing Everyday Life
Social anxiety can gradually begin to shape everyday choices. Someone may avoid meetings, phone calls, social events, dating or situations where they fear being watched or judged.
For some people, the anxiety continues afterwards through replaying conversations or worrying about how they came across.
Over time, this avoidance and overthinking can affect work, relationships and confidence. If fear of judgement is significantly limiting everyday life, it may be worth discussing treatment with a health professional.
Treatment at Essendon Private Clinic
There is no single treatment pathway that is right for everyone experiencing social anxiety.
Treatment depends on the individual, their circumstances, previous treatment, clinical needs and the level of care recommended by their treating clinician.
Inpatient Mental Health Care
Planned, psychiatrist-led care in a private hospital environment for people who may benefit from more structured mental health treatment.
Day Programs
Structured therapeutic programs that allow you to receive ongoing treatment while continuing to live at home.
TMS
A psychiatrist can assess your symptoms, diagnosis, medication and treatment history and discuss appropriate next steps.
Psychological therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) may form part of treatment, with medication considered depending on individual circumstances.
When Might Inpatient Treatment Be Considered?
A planned admission may be worth discussing when social anxiety is having a significant effect on everyday functioning and more structured support may be needed.
This may include situations where:
- Current treatment is no longer providing enough support
- Avoidance is increasingly limiting work, study, relationships or everyday activities
- A person is becoming increasingly isolated
- Several mental health concerns are occurring together
- A treating psychiatrist or doctor recommends a more structured treatment environment.
Admission to EPC is based on referral, assessment and clinical suitability. If you are unsure whether inpatient treatment may be appropriate, our Intake Team can explain the process and what information is required.
Inpatient Care Is Different From Emergency Care
EPC provides planned, private mental health treatment. We are not an emergency department and do not provide crisis or emergency care. If you are in immediate danger, please call 000 or present to your nearest emergency department.
Supporting the Whole Person
Social anxiety can affect much more than individual social interactions. It can influence confidence, relationships, independence, work and the opportunities someone feels able to pursue.
EPC’s Whole-Person Recovery Model considers these different parts of recovery through three connected pillars — ESSENTIAL, EMPOWERED, ENGAGED.
ESSENTIAL
Build Safety & Stability
Support with overwhelming emotions, sleep and daily routines, grounding, practical coping skills and building stability.
SKILLS YOU MAY EXPLORE
- Understanding social anxiety patterns
- Building supportive routines and coping strategies
- Managing anxiety and distress
Additional topics may be explored according to your individual needs.
EMPOWERED
Understand Your Emotions
Recognising unhelpful thinking patterns, behavioural activation, emotion regulation and building resilience.
SKILLS YOU MAY EXPLORE
- Recognising anxious thoughts and avoidance patterns
- Managing fear of judgement and embarrassment
- Building emotional regulation and coping skills
Additional topics may be explored according to your individual needs.
ENGAGED
Connect With What Matters
Rebuilding relationships, confidence, meaningful activities, purpose and plans for life beyond hospital.
SKILLS YOU MAY EXPLORE
- Returning to meaningful social activities
- Rebuilding confidence and independence
- Planning strategies for managing social anxiety beyond hospital
Additional topics may be explored according to your individual needs.
How To Get Started With Treatment
1
Contact our Intake team
We’ll listen and answer your questions.
2
Referral and assessment
Your psychiatrist will review your needs.
3
Understand your treatment options
We’ll explain the options that may help.
4
Plan your treatment
Together, we’ll create your treatment plan.
Worried About Someone You Care About?
Social anxiety can also be difficult for family members and carers to understand, particularly when someone is increasingly withdrawing, avoiding everyday activities or missing opportunities because of anxiety.
You do not need to know whether someone has social anxiety disorder before asking for information.
Family members and carers can contact our Intake Team to ask about treatment options, referral requirements and the admission process.
Does Private Health Insurance Cover Treatment?
Coverage depends on the treatment, your health fund, and your individual policy.
We work with major health funds
Most major Australian private health funds are accepted for eligible admissions. Cover depends on your fund, policy and level of hospital cover.
Out-of-pocket costs
Excesses and out-of-pocket costs vary by policy and treatment. Intake can explain what information is needed so you can confirm costs before admission.
We can help explain your cover
The intake team can walk you through the funding process and what to check with your health fund, including waiting periods and eligibility.
Frequently Asked Questions About Social Anxiety
Is social anxiety the same as being shy?
No. Shyness is a personality characteristic and does not necessarily interfere with everyday life.
Social anxiety disorder involves more significant fear or anxiety about being judged, embarrassed or rejected and may lead to distress or avoidance.
A professional assessment can help determine what may be happening.
Why do I keep replaying conversations afterwards?
Some people with social anxiety spend significant time analysing social interactions afterwards and worrying about how they appeared or what other people thought.
This pattern is sometimes called post-event rumination and can contribute to ongoing anxiety.
Can social anxiety affect work or study?
Yes. Social anxiety may make meetings, presentations, phone calls, interviews, asking questions or everyday interactions with colleagues or classmates increasingly difficult.
Treatment can consider how anxiety is affecting these areas of everyday life.
How is social anxiety treated?
Treatment may include psychological therapy, strategies for reducing avoidance and managing fear of judgement, and medication where clinically appropriate.
The appropriate treatment depends on the person's circumstances and clinical assessment.
Does social anxiety always require inpatient treatment?
No. Many people receive treatment through their GP, psychologist, psychiatrist or other community services.
Inpatient treatment may be considered when social anxiety is significantly affecting everyday functioning or a person requires a more structured level of support.
Do I need a referral to Essendon Private Clinic?
A GP or psychiatrist referral is generally required for a private admission. If you do not have an admitting psychiatrist, contact intake to ask about the pathway.
Can a family member enquire about treatment?
Yes. Family members and carers can contact EPC to ask about available treatment options and the referral process. Privacy and confidentiality requirements apply to information about an individual patient.
Does private health insurance cover inpatient treatment?
Cover and out-of-pocket costs vary by insurer, policy and admission. Intake can explain what information is needed; confirm benefits with your health fund before admission.
Where is Essendon Private Clinic located?
Essendon Private Clinic is located at 35 Rosehill Road, Essendon West VIC 3040, in Melbourne’s north-west. Contact our Intake Team if you would like to ask about treatment options, referrals or how to access care.
You Don't Need to Diagnose Yourself Before Asking For Help
Reading about symptoms online can help you recognise that something may not be going well. It cannot determine why you are experiencing those difficulties or what treatment you need.
Our Intake Team can discuss your circumstances and explain available treatment options.
YOU DO NOT NEED EVERY ANSWER BEFORE YOU CALL
Talk to Intake About Admission
Send a short enquiry and the Intake team can explain treatment options, referrals, costs and next steps.