Panic disorder is a recognized anxiety disorder marked by recurrent, unexpected panic attacks and persistent worry about the next one. Luminous Vitality Behavioral Health provides psychiatric evaluation and medication management for panic disorder by secure telehealth across Massachusetts. First-line medications are SSRIs or SNRIs, which for many people gradually reduce how often and how intensely panic attacks occur when taken consistently.
Book a free 15-minute consult · $400 initial evaluation / $250 follow-up · adults 18+ · private pay / out-of-network · statewide Massachusetts telehealth.
This page is general education, not medical advice. Medication decisions belong with you and your prescribing clinician.
What is panic disorder, and is a panic attack the same thing?
A panic attack is a sudden surge of intense fear or discomfort that peaks within minutes — racing heart, shortness of breath, chest tightness, dizziness, sweating, trembling, and a feeling of losing control or impending doom. Panic disorder (a DSM-5-TR diagnosis) is when those attacks recur unexpectedly and you spend a month or more worrying about the next one or changing your behavior to avoid it. Isolated panic attacks are common and don’t always mean you have panic disorder — a psychiatric evaluation sorts that out.
What are the symptoms of a panic attack?
Panic attacks are intensely physical, which is why many people first go to an emergency room fearing a heart attack. Common symptoms include a pounding or racing heart, shortness of breath or choking sensations, chest pain, nausea, dizziness or faintness, numbness or tingling, chills or hot flashes, and a sense of unreality or detachment. Learn more in our guide to common anxiety symptoms and our comprehensive guide to anxiety disorders.
How is panic disorder treated with medication?
Treatment is individualized, but evidence-based, guideline-concordant psychiatric options commonly include:
- SSRIs (e.g., sertraline, escitalopram, paroxetine, fluoxetine) — first-line for panic disorder. Several SSRIs are FDA-approved specifically for panic disorder. They are taken daily and typically work gradually over several weeks; they are not “as-needed” medications.
- SNRIs (e.g., venlafaxine XR) — also first-line and FDA-recognized for panic disorder; a reasonable alternative when an SSRI isn’t the right fit.
- A deliberate start-low, go-slow approach — because early SSRI/SNRI dosing can briefly increase jitteriness in panic-prone patients, dosing is often started low and adjusted carefully. This is exactly the kind of nuance a psychiatrist manages.
A note on benzodiazepines and “fast relief”: many people searching for panic help are hoping for an on-demand medication. Benzodiazepines are a controlled substance, and current telehealth prescribing rules and sound clinical practice mean they are not offered on-demand, same-day, or as a routine first step. Whether a controlled substance ever has a limited, time-boxed role is a case-by-case clinical decision made with your psychiatrist at evaluation — not something promised online. First-line, durable treatment centers on SSRIs/SNRIs plus therapy.
We provide the psychiatric medication arm of panic care. The other pillar — cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), including interoceptive exposure — is a well-established, evidence-based treatment for panic disorder; LVBH does not provide therapy in-house, so we refer out to a therapist and coordinate care alongside medication.
Why telehealth works well for panic disorder
Panic treatment involves regular check-ins to adjust medication and track how attacks are changing — a rhythm that fits low-friction video follow-up well, and it spares a trip to an office when leaving home already feels hard. You see the same board-certified psychiatrist at every 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.
Panic attack or something else? When to get evaluated
Panic symptoms overlap with thyroid problems, heart rhythm issues, and other medical conditions, so a new or severe episode deserves medical attention to rule those out. If your attacks are recurrent and you’ve started avoiding places or situations, a formal psychiatric evaluation is worthwhile. Our PHQ-9 and GAD-7 interpreter is educational only and is not a diagnosis. See also our anxiety psychiatrist 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, including a review of your panic history and general medical picture.
- 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).
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 panic disorder over telehealth in Massachusetts?
Yes. Adults located in Massachusetts can complete a psychiatric evaluation and receive medication management for panic disorder by secure video. First-line medications for panic disorder — SSRIs and SNRIs — can be prescribed and managed by telehealth.
What is the best medication for panic attacks?
There is no single “best” medication for everyone. SSRIs and SNRIs are the first-line, FDA-recognized options for panic disorder and are what psychiatrists most often start with. The right choice depends on your history and is decided together at your evaluation. No specific outcome is guaranteed.
Will you prescribe Xanax or another benzodiazepine for my panic attacks?
Not on demand or same-day. Benzodiazepines are a controlled substance, and both current telehealth rules and good clinical practice mean they are not offered as a routine first step or an online quick fix. Whether a controlled substance has any limited role is a case-by-case clinical decision discussed with your psychiatrist at evaluation. First-line treatment is an SSRI or SNRI.
How long does panic medication take to work?
SSRIs and SNRIs are taken daily and generally take several weeks to have a meaningful effect; they are not as-needed medications. Because early doses can briefly increase jitteriness, dosing is often started low and adjusted carefully. Timelines vary from person to person.
Do I also need therapy for panic disorder?
Often, yes. Cognitive behavioral therapy — especially interoceptive exposure — is an evidence-based treatment for panic disorder and pairs well with medication. LVBH provides the medication arm and does not offer therapy in-house, so we refer you to a therapist and coordinate care.
How much does treatment for panic attacks 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.