What We Treat

Understanding Avoidance and Social Fears

Many people struggle with overwhelming fear in social situations, avoidance of interactions, and distress when faced with the possibility of being judged. Social Anxiety Disorder, Avoidant Personality Disorder, General Avoidance, and Agoraphobia are interconnected conditions, often rooted in deep sensitivity to rejection, shame, or perceived inadequacy. If you’ve ever felt trapped by avoidance, know that you are not alone—these experiences are far more common than you might think.

Social Anxiety Disorder

Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD), also known as Social Phobia, affects approximately 7% of adults in the U.S. annually, with lifetime prevalence rates around 12%.

Social Anxiety Disorder is characterized by an intense fear of being judged, embarrassed, or scrutinized in social situations. People with SAD often avoid public speaking, meeting new people, or engaging in everyday social activities due to persistent worry about saying or doing something wrong.

This avoidance can significantly impact personal relationships, career advancement, and overall quality of life. However, social anxiety is highly treatable, and structured therapy can help individuals regain confidence and comfort in social situations.

Avoidant Personality Disorder

Avoidant Personality Disorder (AVPD) is estimated to affect between 1.5% and 2.5% of the general population, with higher rates in clinical settings.

Avoidant Personality Disorder shares many characteristics with social anxiety but is more deeply ingrained in a person’s self-perception and relationships. Individuals with AVPD often view themselves as socially inadequate, unworthy, or inherently flawed, leading them to withdraw from relationships and professional opportunities despite a strong desire for connection. Unlike occasional social discomfort, AVPD manifests as a persistent pattern of avoidance that affects all areas of life. Treatment focuses on building self-compassion, reducing avoidance behaviors, and fostering meaningful interpersonal connections.

General Avoidance

Avoidance behaviors occur on a spectrum, and while the exact prevalence is difficult to determine, many individuals without formal diagnoses struggle with significant avoidance patterns.

Some individuals may not meet the criteria for a formal diagnosis of SAD or AVPD but still experience significant distress when faced with social, professional, or personal situations. Whether it's avoiding phone calls, postponing necessary conversations, or steering clear of any situation that feels uncomfortable, avoidance can reinforce fear and limit opportunities for growth. Our program provides structured support to help individuals gradually face and overcome avoidance in a manageable way.

Agoraphobia

Agoraphobia affects approximately 1.3% of adults in the U.S. annually, with many cases linked to panic disorder.

Agoraphobia is often misunderstood as simply a fear of leaving home, but at its core, it involves intense anxiety about being in situations where escape might be difficult or help might not be available. This can lead to avoiding crowded places, public transportation, or even daily errands. Agoraphobia often develops as a response to panic attacks or extreme social anxiety, but with the right therapeutic interventions, individuals can regain their independence and confidence in navigating the world.

Our program is designed to help individuals work through these fears in a safe, structured environment, using evidence-based approaches that promote lasting change.

The Cost of Playing it Safe

Avoidance feels safe—until it isn’t.

If you struggle with social anxiety or avoidant personality patterns, you know the quiet cost of playing it safe:

Missed opportunities—jobs you never applied for, friendships left undeveloped, relationships that never had a chance
Financial setbacks—lower earnings, stalled careers, and the stress of underemployment
Emotional isolation—loneliness, self-doubt, and the silent pain of watching life pass by

Avoidance shrinks your world, reinforcing the very fears that hold you back. Real change happens when you step into safe, structured, evidence-based treatment designed for people just like you.

Our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) provides a specialized, supportive environment where you’ll gain the skills, confidence, and resilience to break free from avoidance—and finally start living.

It’s time to stop playing it safe.

Your future is waiting. Let’s take the first step together.