Social Anxiety Disorder—sometimes called social phobia—is more than just being shy or quiet around people. It's when someone feels intense fear about being judged, embarrassed, or rejected in social situations, like talking in a group, meeting new people, or even just eating in public.

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It’s not something they can just “get over” or push through. The fear can be so overwhelming that it starts to affect their everyday life—like avoiding school, work events, or even hanging out with friends. And when they do have to be in those situations, it can feel really distressing, both mentally and physically.

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So it’s not about being antisocial or rude—it’s a real struggle with anxiety that can make even simple interactions feel terrifying.

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Treatment for social anxiety disorder involves counseling and in some situations, you may benefit from medication. At Willow Tree, our counselors can help you better understand your symptoms, learn coping skills to manage your social anxiety and offer support in the process. We can also provide referrals if you’d like to explore medication options with a medical provider.