“How long does it take to treat social anxiety?”

The time required to treat social anxiety can vary quite a bit. The age of the patient, the pervasiveness and severity of the social anxiety, other symptoms and diagnoses that may also be present, can all have an effect on the course of treatment. The aims of treatment also come into play. Some clients are looking for a transformation of their social experience, and in some respects their character, which can require intensive work. Others are looking for more limited symptomatic amelioration--learning to cope with inevitable and necessary social encounters without undue distress or avoidance. It is reasonable to expect, however, that some significant degree of improvement will be achieved after three to six months of treatment. *andrewkuhnphd.com <http://andrewkuhnphd.com>* *Manhattan* 5 East 94th Street NYC NY 10128 (212) 480-2426 *Westchester* *New address:* 275 East Main Street Mt. Kisco, NY 10549 <https://goo.gl/maps/pgmU6Z77hgL2> (914) 261-2657 <(914)+261-2657>

Hi - your friend will have to ask their therapist! Depends on how bad it is, what method is used, etc. Hypnosis? Cognitive behavioral therapy? Meds? Like asking how long does it take to treat a burn. There are burns, and there are BURNS! Sorry there is no simple answer, but your friends therapist may know. Peace, (Dr) Marian Shapiro Licensed Psychologist

Every situation is unique, and length of treatment for social anxiety will vary based on the intensity of the symptoms, the duration that a person has been living with the condition, whether or not the patient has a support system, co-occurring conditions such as an addiction or depression, etc. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has the best track-record for improving functioning, and positive results can be achieved by most people within a matter of weeks. Some patients will benefit from a combination of CBT and medications. Ernest R. Katz, PhD Clinical and Pediatric Psychology 6310 San Vicente Blvd, Suite 350 Los Angeles, CA 90048 323.939.3364/ katzernest@gmail.com Adjunct Professor of Clinical Pediatrics and Psychology USC Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Children's Hospital Los Angeles Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California