Social anxiety
Social anxiety therapy online in Spanish
If fear of being judged holds you back when you speak up at work, make a phone call or meet new people, you're not alone. 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 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 social anxiety?
Social anxiety, also called social phobia or social anxiety disorder, is an intense and lasting fear of being watched, judged or rejected by other people. It goes beyond shyness: it shows up in everyday situations and can affect your work, your relationships and your peace of mind.
Signs of social anxiety
In your mind
- Fear of saying something “wrong” or embarrassing yourself.
- Going over what you said again and again after talking to someone.
- Expecting the worst from social situations.
In your body
- You blush, sweat or tremble.
- Your heart races or your stomach turns.
- Your mind goes blank or your voice gets very quiet.
In what you avoid
- You avoid meetings, parties or speaking in a group.
- It's hard to make eye contact.
- You stop doing things that matter to you so you don't have to be seen.
In your daily life
- You worry for days or weeks before an event.
- Anxiety affects your work, your studies or your friendships.
Is it shyness or social anxiety?
Shyness is a personality trait: it takes you a little while to open up, but over time you settle in and get on with your life. Social anxiety is more intense and lasts longer. The fear of being judged shows up in many situations, feels hard to control and leads you to avoid people, places or activities that matter to you. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), in social anxiety disorder the symptoms last at least six months and affect work, school or relationships. If you feel fear is making your decisions for you, it may be more than shyness.
Situations where it can show up
- Speaking up or giving your opinion at work.
- Making or answering a phone call.
- Meeting new people.
- Eating or drinking in front of others.
- Handling paperwork in person, at an office or a service window.
- Speaking English: feeling judged for your accent can make the fear stronger.
When to seek help
- If fear makes you avoid situations you need or want to be part of.
- If anxiety affects your work, your studies or your relationships.
- If you've felt this way for months and it isn't getting better.
How therapy for social anxiety can help
In therapy you can understand where the fear of being judged comes from and how it shapes what you think, feel and do. With your therapist you learn to recognize the thoughts that hold you back, look at them differently and practice, little by little and at your own pace, the situations you avoid today. According to NIMH, psychotherapy is one of the main treatments for social anxiety and can work both in person and remotely. It isn't about changing who you are. It's about fear no longer making your decisions for you.
Starting by phone, at your own pace
For many people with social anxiety, a phone call is an easier first step than going to an office: there's no waiting room and no new place to get to. You talk from your own space, in your language, with someone who listens without judging. It's one more option, and you decide what works for you. Learn more about phone therapy.
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 you'd like to work on.
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 social anxiety
Can social anxiety be treated online?
Yes. According to NIMH, psychotherapy can be effective both in person and remotely. At dafne, your sessions are by phone, with a therapist licensed in your state.
What's the difference between social anxiety and anxiety?
Social anxiety is a type of anxiety that shows up mainly in situations where other people might watch or judge you. General anxiety can come from many different worries, such as work, health or money. Learn more about therapy for anxiety.
I'm afraid of talking to someone new. What is the first session like?
Feeling nervous is normal. In the first session, your therapist asks questions to get to know you, and you decide what to share and at what pace. You can tell them from the start that talking is hard for you. Read how to prepare for therapy.
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 ansiedad social: Lo que usted debe saber. Reviewed 2025.
- MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine. Fobia social. Last reviewed: May 15, 2026.
- 988 Lifeline. 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Accessed: October 2026.