Panic attacks
Therapy for panic attacks in Spanish
A panic attack can feel like something terrible is happening. You're not alone, and it can be treated. Talk in Spanish, by phone, with a therapist licensed in the state where you live.
See how it worksAre you in danger or thinking about harming yourself?
If you have chest pain, trouble breathing or fear it may be your heart, call 911.
If it's an emergency, call 911. Call or text 988, 24 hours a day. For support in Spanish, call 988 and press 2, or text AYUDA to 988. dafne is not an emergency service.
What is a panic attack?
A panic attack is a sudden wave of intense fear with strong physical symptoms, such as a racing heart, shortness of breath or trembling. It can come without warning, even when you're calm. It feels very real and frightening, but the attack itself does not put your life at risk.
Signs of a panic attack
In your body
- Your heart pounds or races.
- You feel you can't get enough air, or that you're choking.
- You sweat, shake or feel dizzy.
In your mind
- Intense fear of dying, losing control or going crazy.
- A feeling that something bad is about to happen.
- Feeling that what's around you isn't real.
After the attack
- Constant fear that it will happen again.
- Avoiding places or situations where it happened.
- Feeling drained or tense for hours.
Panic attack or heart attack?
The symptoms can look a lot alike: chest pain or pressure, shortness of breath, sweating and intense fear. That's why many people go to the emergency room with their first panic attack. Only a medical professional can tell the difference. If you're unsure, don't wait: call 911.
Panic attack or anxiety attack?
A panic attack hits suddenly, with very intense fear that usually peaks within a few minutes. What many people call an “anxiety attack” tends to build slowly, from a worry or a stressful situation, and can last longer. Both are real and both can be treated. Learn more about therapy for anxiety.
What is panic disorder?
Having a panic attack doesn't mean you have panic disorder. Panic disorder is when attacks keep happening and a person lives with constant fear of the next one, to the point of changing their routine or avoiding places. Only a professional can diagnose it after an evaluation.
What can help during a panic attack
Breathe slowly
Breathe in through your nose for a count of four and out slowly for a count of six.
Remember it will pass
The fear is very intense, but the attack eases within minutes.
Come back to the present
Name five things you can see and feel your feet on the floor.
Don't fight the sensations
Let them pass while you keep breathing.
These steps help in the moment, but they don't replace therapy. If the attacks keep happening, talking to a therapist can help you understand them and make them lose their strength.
When to seek help
- If the attacks keep happening or you worry they'll come back.
- If you start avoiding places, leaving home or doing things you used to do.
- If the fear affects your work, your family or your relationships.
How therapy can help with panic attacks
Therapy helps you understand what happens in your body and mind during an attack, and respond differently when the signs appear. With your therapist you can identify what triggers your fear, learn tools to calm yourself and, little by little, return to the places and activities you started avoiding. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), psychotherapy is one of the main treatments for panic disorder and can be done in person or remotely. Your therapist goes at your pace, in your language.
How to start
Sign up or ask us to call you
Create your request in a few minutes.
Tell us about yourself
Tell us which state you live in and what's happening to you.
Talk to your therapist
We match you with a therapist licensed in your state who speaks your language.
No insurance needed. You pay directly, per session or with a package.
Questions about panic attacks
How long does a panic attack last?
According to NIMH, a panic attack can last from a few minutes to an hour, or sometimes longer. MedlinePlus explains that it usually peaks within about 10 to 20 minutes.
Is a panic attack dangerous?
A panic attack itself doesn't put your life at risk, even though it feels that way. But some symptoms look like those of a heart problem, and only a professional can rule that out. If you have chest pain, trouble breathing or fear it may be your heart, call 911.
Can I talk about my panic attacks by phone?
Yes. Many people feel more comfortable talking from home, in a quiet place. Your therapist is licensed in your state and speaks your language, so you can describe what you're going through in your own words.
Can you prescribe medication?
No. Our therapists provide therapy but do not prescribe medication. If your therapist thinks medication could help, they will suggest you talk to a doctor or psychiatrist, who can prescribe it.
Do I need health insurance?
No. At dafne you pay directly, without health insurance. You can choose a single session or a package of sessions and start without waiting for approvals, copays or deductibles.
Sources
- National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). El trastorno de pánico: Lo que usted debe saber. Reviewed 2025.
- MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine. Trastorno de pánico. Last reviewed: May 15, 2026.
- 988 Lifeline. 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Accessed: October 2026.