Social anxiety disorder isn’t just shyness — and it’s treatable.
When fear of being judged or embarrassed makes everyday social situations overwhelming, it may be social anxiety disorder. You can learn to feel at ease, and we can help.
What is Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia)?
Social anxiety disorder — sometimes called social phobia — is an intense, persistent fear of being watched, judged or embarrassed in social or performance situations. It’s far more than shyness, and it can quietly narrow a person’s world over time.
Wave treats social anxiety with physician-led care that lowers the fear response and helps you re-engage with the people and opportunities that matter to you.
Social anxiety disorder may be present if you experience:
Emotional
- Intense fear of judgment or embarrassment
- Dread for days before social events
- Harsh self-criticism after interactions
Behavioral
- Avoiding social or performance situations
- Staying silent or leaving early
- Turning down opportunities out of fear
Physical
- Blushing, sweating or trembling
- Racing heart or nausea before interactions
- Shaky voice or difficulty speaking
How it’s diagnosed at Wave
We evaluate which situations trigger your anxiety, how much avoidance has crept into your life, and whether depression or other anxiety disorders are also present. That picture guides a plan that gradually expands what feels possible.
Social anxiety disorder responds well to treatment. Wave offers:
Every plan is individualized — you’ll feel seen, not processed.
Medication Management
Careful prescribing, ongoing monitoring and genetic testing to match you with the right medication at the right dose.
Supportive Psychotherapy
Talk-based support integrated with your medical care, focused on coping skills and steady, measurable progress.
Interventional Psychiatry
Advanced, procedure-based care — TMS, Spravato and ketamine — for symptoms that medication alone hasn’t resolved.
Care led by a triple board-certified physician
Wave Treatment Centers is led by Dr. Jonathan Beatty, a triple board-certified physician in psychiatry & neurology, addiction medicine and pain medicine, and a Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association. With more than 18 years of experience, he treats the cases other practices send onward — including complex and treatment-resistant presentations.
Because Wave combines everyday psychiatric care with advanced, interventional options under one roof, your plan can evolve as you do — from medication management to TMS, Spravato or ketamine — without starting over with a new provider.
Meet Dr. BeattyYour first appointment
Your first visit is a thorough evaluation. You’ll find a welcoming environment where our highly trained staff work to understand your history, your symptoms, and what you’re hoping to change.
While an evaluation is not a guarantee of a prescription, if medication is deemed appropriate, we’ll work closely with you to ensure you understand the risks and benefits. Together we’ll outline a personalized plan and the next steps that fit your life.
Most new patients are seen within one to two weeks — and care is available both in person and through secure, HIPAA-compliant telemedicine across Pennsylvania, Florida and New Jersey.
Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia) FAQ
Isn’t social anxiety just being introverted?
No. Introversion is a preference; social anxiety is fear-driven distress and avoidance that limits your life. The good news is that it’s very treatable.
Can I be treated without taking medication?
Yes — therapy-based approaches are highly effective for social anxiety, and can be combined with medication when helpful. We’ll build the plan around your preferences.
Will treatment change my personality?
No. The goal isn’t to make you someone else — it’s to free you from fear so you can be yourself more comfortably.
Ready when you are.
Reaching out takes courage. Your conversation with us is confidential, compassionate, and pressure-free — schedule whenever you’re ready.
