Panic Disorder · St. George & Cedar City

Panic attacks feel like an emergency. You can learn to calm them.

A panic attack can feel like your body has turned against you, sudden, terrifying, and out of nowhere. It isn't dangerous, and it isn't something you have to keep white-knuckling alone. Panic is one of the most treatable conditions there is.

Board-certified psychiatric care
Therapy & medication
Telehealth across Utah
Panic disorder and panic attack treatment at Better Balance Psychiatry in Utah
Understanding Panic

What panic disorder is.

Panic disorder means experiencing recurring panic attacks, sudden waves of intense fear with physical symptoms like a pounding heart, shortness of breath, and dizziness, often followed by dread about the next one. The fear is real even though the body isn't actually in danger.

Panic responds remarkably well to treatment. Therapy teaches you to recognize and defuse the panic cycle, and medication can reduce how often and how intensely attacks happen. Many people go from feeling controlled by panic to rarely thinking about it.

Do You Recognize This?

Signs of panic disorder.

If this pattern sounds familiar, an evaluation can help.

  • Sudden episodes of intense fear that peak within minutes.
  • A racing heart, chest tightness, or shortness of breath.
  • Feeling dizzy, shaky, or detached from reality.
  • Fear of having another attack, or avoiding places where one happened.
  • Worrying something is medically wrong despite normal test results.
How We Treat It

Effective options for panic.

Your psychiatrist will tailor treatment to your symptoms and history.

Talk Therapy

Therapy & Counseling

Evidence-based talk therapy to build skills and process what you're carrying.

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Foundational

Medication Management

A careful, systematic medication strategy overseen by a board-certified psychiatrist.

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Trauma-Focused

EMDR Therapy

A structured therapy for processing trauma so painful memories lose their grip.

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Why Better Balance

Panic care that gives you control back.

Physician-led care

Your treatment plan is directed by a board-certified psychiatrist, so your care is grounded in medical training, not a one-size-fits-all protocol.

Voted Best in Southern Utah

The region voted us Best Psychiatrist in 2023, a reflection of the trust patients and families place in our team.

The full spectrum, close to home

Therapy, medication, and advanced treatments under one roof in St. George and Cedar City, plus telehealth across Utah.

Your Care Team

Psychiatric care for panic.

Dr. John Hendleman, M.D., Board-Certified Psychiatrist and founder of Better Balance Psychiatry

Dr. John Hendleman

M.D. · Board-Certified Psychiatrist · Founder

Dr. Hendleman founded Better Balance Psychiatry to bring advanced, evidence-based care to southern Utah. He specializes in treatment-resistant depression, trauma in uniformed service members, and advanced treatments including TMS, Spravato, and IV ketamine.

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Frequently Asked

Questions people ask.

Are panic attacks dangerous?

Panic attacks are intensely uncomfortable but not physically dangerous. Part of treatment is understanding that your body is safe even when it doesn't feel that way.

What's the difference between panic attacks and panic disorder?

A panic attack is a single episode. Panic disorder is recurring attacks plus ongoing worry about having more, often leading to avoidance.

Can panic disorder be cured?

Panic is one of the most treatable conditions. Many people become attack-free or nearly so with therapy, medication, or both.

Do I need medication for panic?

Not always. Therapy alone helps many people. Medication is an option when attacks are frequent or severe, and it can be combined with therapy.

Do I need a referral?

No. You can contact us directly for an evaluation in St. George, Cedar City, or by telehealth across Utah.

Panic doesn't have to run your life.

Schedule a confidential consultation. We'll help you understand what's happening and give you tools to calm it. No referral required.

In-person care in St. George and Cedar City · Telehealth across Utah

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