Essendon Private Clinic
Panic Disorder & Panic Attack Treatment in Melbourne
Panic attacks can feel sudden, intense and difficult to control. For some people, the fear of another panic attack can begin to affect where they go, what they do and how they manage everyday life.
Essendon Private Clinic provides private panic disorder treatment in Melbourne for people who may need more structured mental health support.
You do not need to know whether what you are experiencing is a panic attack or panic disorder before contacting us. Our Intake Team can discuss what is happening, explain referral and admission requirements and help determine whether treatment at EPC may be appropriate.
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Private mental health hospital in Essendon West, Melbourne
Psychiatrist-led care
Inpatient, day program and TMS pathways
What Are Panic Attacks and Panic Disorder?
A panic attack is a sudden period of intense fear or distress that can be accompanied by strong physical sensations. Panic attacks can sometimes seem to happen for no obvious reason, even when there is no immediate danger.
People may experience:
- A racing or pounding heartbeat
- Chest tightness or difficulty catching their breath
- Dizziness, shaking, sweating or nausea
- Feeling detached or that things are unreal
- A sudden fear of losing control or that something terrible is happening.
Having a panic attack does not necessarily mean someone has panic disorder.
Panic disorder involves recurring panic attacks together with ongoing worry, fear or changes in behaviour related to having another attack. A health professional can assess what may be happening and whether treatment is appropriate.
Not sure whether you need help?
You do not need to have all of the answers before asking about support.
Panic Disorder in Australia
Panic disorder affects a significant number of Australians and can have a lasting impact on everyday life.
3.7%
of Australians experience panic disorder.
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics
1.4 million
Australians aged 16–85 met criteria for social phobia.
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics
When Panic Attacks Start Affecting Everyday Life
For some people, the panic attack itself lasts a relatively short time, but the fear of another panic attack can continue much longer.
Someone may begin avoiding places, activities or situations where they worry another attack could happen. Work, travel, social activities, exercise or being away from home can gradually become more difficult.
Over time, life can start becoming organised around preventing panic rather than doing the things that matter.
If panic attacks or the fear of having another attack are significantly affecting 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 panic disorder or panic attacks.
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 panic attacks or fear of further attacks are 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
- Panic or avoidance is making everyday routines and responsibilities difficult
- 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
Panic disorder can affect much more than the moments when a panic attack occurs. It can influence confidence, routines, relationships, independence and the choices someone feels able to make.
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 panic and physical sensations
- 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 panic patterns and triggers
- Responding differently to anxious thoughts and sensations
- 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 activities and routines
- Rebuilding confidence and independence
- Planning strategies for managing panic in the future
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?
Panic attacks can also be difficult for family members and carers to understand, particularly when someone is becoming increasingly worried, avoiding usual activities or struggling to function as they normally would.
You do not need to know whether someone has panic 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 Panic Disorder and Panic Attacks
What is a panic attack?
A panic attack is a sudden period of intense fear or distress that can involve physical symptoms such as a racing heartbeat, chest tightness, dizziness, shaking, sweating or difficulty catching your breath.
A person can experience a panic attack without having panic disorder.
What is panic disorder?
Panic disorder involves recurring panic attacks together with ongoing worry about having another attack or changes in behaviour because of that fear.
For some people, this can lead to avoiding places, activities or situations where they worry another panic attack may occur.
A professional assessment is needed to determine whether someone is experiencing panic disorder.
Can panic attacks happen for no obvious reason?
Yes. Panic attacks can sometimes occur unexpectedly, without an obvious trigger. If panic attacks are recurring or beginning to affect everyday life, a health professional can help assess what may be happening and discuss treatment options.
When might inpatient treatment for panic disorder be considered?
Inpatient treatment may be considered when panic attacks, ongoing anxiety or avoidance are significantly affecting everyday functioning and a person needs more structured support than can currently be provided in the community.
Admission to Essendon Private Clinic is based on referral, clinical assessment and individual suitability
How is panic disorder treated?
Treatment depends on individual needs and may include psychological therapy, strategies for understanding and responding to panic, medication where clinically appropriate, and support to reduce avoidance and rebuild confidence in everyday life.
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.