Agoraphobia
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Barkha ChikaraChief Medical Officer, MD (Psychiatry) from NIMHANS · Last reviewed October 2026Agoraphobia is an intense fear of situations where escape or help might be hard if panic or other symptoms strike, such as public transport, crowds, queues or being outside alone. People start to avoid these places, sometimes until they rarely leave home. It is treatable, including online.
About 1 in 10 adults in India lives with a mental disorder (National Mental Health Survey, 2015-16). You are not alone.
At a glance
Common signs
- Fear of public transport
- Avoiding crowds or open spaces
- Inability to leave home alone
- Dependence on a companion
Where to start
A free pre-consultation call, then a video assessment with a psychiatrist. In danger? Call 112, or Tele-MANAS on 14416.
Book your free pre-consultation callRegistered clinicians: psychiatrists with their State Medical Council, psychologists with the Rehabilitation Council of India.
Signs
Tick any that feel familiar. This is not a diagnosis, only a clinician can assess you.
0 ticked. If these have been with you for a while, a free pre-consultation call is a good next step.
Book your free pre-consultation callHow people often describe it
- “I am scared to go out alone”
- “I avoid crowds, buses and open places”
- “I stay home because I fear a panic attack”
- “I need someone with me to leave the house”
People who live with agoraphobia may also notice panic attacks, depression or social anxiety. If any of these sound familiar, mention them to your clinician so your plan can cover them.
When to get help soon
Get help soon if you can no longer leave home or you feel hopeless. Call Tele-MANAS on 14416 or 112 if you have thoughts of harming yourself.
How it is diagnosed
A psychiatrist asks which situations you fear and avoid, how long it has lasted, and whether panic attacks are involved. They also check for depression.
Treatment and support
- CBT that explains how fear and avoidance keep each other going
- Gradual exposure, starting with the easiest situation and building up
- Practising skills for panic
- Online sessions can be a first step when leaving home is hard, with in-person practice added when ready
How Mindly helps
Mindly's psychiatrists assess agoraphobia and plan gradual steps. Video sessions mean you can start without leaving home. All care is online, by video.
Your first appointment
A psychiatrist asks what worries or fears show up, when, and what you avoid because of them, and rules out other causes.
Who is involved
Your psychiatrist can prescribe if medicine would help, and a clinical psychologist can teach skills such as CBT and exposure-based work.
Between sessions
You practise skills between sessions, and reviews look at what is getting easier.
What to expect
- Free pre-consultation callWe take your history and details, and match you with the right clinician.
- First consultationA video call in your language, with a clinician who already has your report.
- Your planYour clinician agrees a plan with you: therapy, medicine or both, as suits you.
- Follow-up reviewsRegular check-ins, and your plan is adjusted as you recover.
- Staying wellSupport to keep you well and catch early signs of a setback.
Every Mindly plan includes a second opinion from our Chief Medical Officer, a diagnosis-first approach and regular tracking of your recovery. How Mindly care works
Book your free pre-consultation callYour privacy and confidentiality. What you share with Mindly Health stays between you and your care team. Your conversations, reports and messages are treated as confidential and shared only with the team members involved in your care, apart from the limited cases where the law requires it or someone's safety is at serious risk. Read our Privacy Policy and your rights under the Mental Healthcare Act.
Common questions
Can agoraphobia be treated online?
Yes. Video therapy can teach the skills and plan the steps, and many people begin this way. Your clinician will guide you on practising in real situations.
Is it the same as being afraid of open spaces?
Partly. It is fear of situations where escape feels hard, which can include crowds, queues and transport as well as open spaces.
Will I get better?
Many people improve a lot with gradual, supported practice.
Clinicians with a focus in this area
Dr. Samarth S ShettyPsychiatrist
Dr. Nevedita DasPsychiatrist - Telepsychiatry & Evidence-Based Care
Ms. Kamakshi SabharwalClinical Psychologist
Ms. Janvi KhokharClinical Psychologist
Dr. Pooja RaniPsychiatrist
Online care in your city
Every consultation is by video, from wherever you are. Choose your city to see how it works.