Phobias & Fears Child Psychologists in Massachusetts

Some degree of fear can be a healthy reaction to many common situations, but when these fears become especially persistent, they can affect our wellbeing and everyday functioning. Phobias refer to a mental health condition in which an individual consistently experiences intense, typically irrational fear in reaction to a specific situation or object. These fears can be specific phobias in response to a certain thing – like snakes or blood – or they might be broader, falling under the umbrella of phobias like social phobia or agoraphobia.

Trained mental health professionals can help people work through phobias. Although child psychologists differ in their treatment approaches, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy are commonly used and effective. In therapy, individuals learn strategies for managing symptoms of anxiety, and then work through a process of gradual exposures to the feared situation or object. When done slowly and systematically, people desensitize to the trigger and no longer feel such intense fear in response.

Find child psychologists in Massachusetts who specialize in phobias and fears below. Child psychologists have been vetted by the Zencare team for clinically rigorous, quality care. Visit their profiles to watch an introductory video and book a free initial call to find a good fit!