Social anxiety disorder is an intense, persistent fear of being judged, embarrassed, or scrutinized in social or performance situations, strong enough to disrupt work, school, or relationships. Luminous Vitality Behavioral Health provides psychiatric evaluation and medication management for social anxiety by secure telehealth across Massachusetts. First-line medications are SSRIs or SNRIs, taken daily, which reduce social anxiety over time when combined with therapy.
Book a free 15-minute consult · $400 initial evaluation / $250 follow-up · adults 18+ · private pay / out-of-network · statewide Massachusetts telehealth.
What is social anxiety disorder (social phobia)?
Social anxiety disorder (also called social phobia) is a DSM-5-TR diagnosis defined by marked, out-of-proportion fear of situations where you might be observed or evaluated — speaking up in meetings, eating in front of others, dating, or public speaking. The fear is persistent (typically six months or more), you tend to avoid these situations or endure them with distress, and it interferes with daily life. It is more than shyness or introversion.
What does social anxiety feel like?
Social anxiety shows up as both dread and physical symptoms: blushing, sweating, trembling hands or voice, racing heart, nausea, and a mind that “goes blank.” Many people also experience intense anticipatory anxiety for days before an event and post-event rumination afterward, replaying every perceived misstep. See our guide to common anxiety symptoms and our comprehensive guide to anxiety disorders for more.
How is social anxiety disorder treated with medication?
Treatment is individualized, but evidence-based, guideline-concordant psychiatric options commonly include:
- SSRIs (e.g., sertraline, paroxetine, escitalopram, fluoxetine) — first-line for social anxiety disorder. Several SSRIs are FDA-approved for it. They are taken daily and typically ease social anxiety over several weeks; they are not “as-needed” medications.
- SNRIs (e.g., venlafaxine XR) — also first-line and FDA-recognized for social anxiety; a reasonable alternative to an SSRI.
- Performance-situation medications (case-by-case). For predictable, discrete performance anxiety (like public speaking), a psychiatrist may consider a beta-blocker such as propranolol, used situationally, to blunt physical symptoms like a racing heart or trembling. This is a clinical decision made at evaluation and is not appropriate for everyone.
A note on controlled substances and “fast” fixes: benzodiazepines are sometimes discussed for anxiety, but they are a controlled substance and are not offered on demand, same-day, or as a routine first step — current telehealth prescribing rules and sound practice mean any such use is a case-by-case decision made with your psychiatrist at evaluation, never promised online. First-line, durable treatment for social anxiety is a daily SSRI/SNRI combined with therapy.
We provide the psychiatric medication arm of care. The most effective psychotherapy for social anxiety — cognitive behavioral therapy with exposure — is a core part of treatment; LVBH does not provide therapy in-house, so we refer out to a therapist and coordinate care alongside medication.
This section is general education, not medical advice — decisions about any medication belong with your prescribing clinician. Named medications are illustrative examples, not recommendations.
Why telehealth works well for social anxiety
For many people with social anxiety, the idea of sitting in a waiting room or meeting a new clinician in person is itself a barrier — so secure video visits from your own space can make getting started feel more manageable. You see the same board-certified psychiatrist at each visit from anywhere in Massachusetts. You must be physically located in Massachusetts at the time of each visit, since care is provided under Massachusetts telehealth licensure.
Is it social anxiety, or something else?
Social anxiety can overlap with panic disorder, generalized anxiety, avoidant personality traits, or depression, and the distinctions change treatment. A careful evaluation and history clarify what is driving your symptoms so treatment is aimed correctly. Our PHQ-9 and GAD-7 interpreter is educational only and is not a diagnosis; see also our anxiety psychiatrist page, our panic disorder treatment page, and our generalized anxiety (GAD) medication page.
About Dr. Ronald Lee, MD
Dr. Lee is a board-certified adult psychiatrist, Harvard-trained in residency (PGY-2 through PGY-4). He personally conducts every evaluation and manages ongoing care. NPI 1841443470.
Getting started
- Book a free 15-minute consult to confirm fit (one free consult per prospective patient).
- Complete a comprehensive initial evaluation by secure video.
- Discuss options collaboratively — which may or may not include medication, and typically includes a therapy referral.
- Continue with follow-up visits to adjust treatment as your symptoms change.
See Fees & Insurance (private pay / out-of-network; superbills provided for possible out-of-network reimbursement). Reimbursement varies and is not guaranteed.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Ronald Lee, MD — board-certified psychiatrist, Harvard-trained in residency. Last reviewed: July 5, 2026.
If you are in crisis or thinking about harming yourself, call or text 988, or call 911. See our Massachusetts mental health crisis resources.
Frequently asked questions
Can a psychiatrist treat social anxiety over telehealth in Massachusetts?
Yes. Adults located in Massachusetts can complete a psychiatric evaluation and receive medication management for social anxiety disorder by secure video. First-line medications — SSRIs and SNRIs — can be prescribed and managed by telehealth.
What is the best medication for social anxiety?
There is no single “best” medication for everyone. SSRIs and SNRIs are the first-line, FDA-recognized options for social anxiety disorder and are what psychiatrists most often start with. The right choice depends on your history and is decided together at evaluation. No specific outcome is guaranteed.
Can I get a beta-blocker like propranolol for public speaking?
Possibly — it is a case-by-case clinical decision. For predictable performance situations, a psychiatrist may consider a beta-blocker used situationally to reduce physical symptoms like a racing heart. Whether it is appropriate depends on your medical history and is discussed at your evaluation; it is not right for everyone.
Will you prescribe a benzodiazepine for my social anxiety?
Not on demand or same-day. Benzodiazepines are a controlled substance and are not offered as a routine first step or an online quick fix. Whether one has any limited role is a case-by-case clinical decision discussed with your psychiatrist at evaluation. First-line treatment is a daily SSRI or SNRI plus therapy.
How long does social anxiety medication take to work?
SSRIs and SNRIs are taken daily and generally take several weeks to meaningfully reduce social anxiety; they are not as-needed medications. Dosing is adjusted over follow-up visits. Timelines vary from person to person.
How much does treatment for social anxiety cost?
$400 for the initial evaluation and $250 per follow-up. LVBH is private pay / out-of-network and provides superbills for possible out-of-network reimbursement. There is one free 15-minute consult to confirm fit before you book.