Specific Phobias
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Barkha ChikaraChief Medical Officer, MD (Psychiatry) from NIMHANS · Last reviewed October 2026A specific phobia is an intense, lasting fear of one object or situation, such as heights, animals, injections or flying, that is out of proportion to the danger and leads you to avoid it. Phobias are common and respond well to gradual exposure therapy.
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
- Immediate fear response to trigger
- Active avoidance
- Panic symptoms when exposed
- Recognition that fear is excessive
How it is usually treated
- Exposure therapy
- CBT
- Virtual reality exposure
- Medication for situational use
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 terrified of one particular thing”
- “I avoid flying, heights or injections because of fear”
- “My fear feels bigger than it should”
- “I panic when I even think about it”
People who live with specific phobias may also notice panic attacks, social anxiety or generalised 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 a phobia is stopping you from getting medical care, travelling or working. Call Tele-MANAS on 14416 or 112 if you feel hopeless or have thoughts of harming yourself.
How it is diagnosed
A psychiatrist asks what you fear, how strongly, how long it has lasted and what you avoid, and checks that another condition is not the cause.
Treatment and support
- Exposure therapy, where you face the fear in small planned steps (first-line)
- CBT to change fearful predictions
- Relaxation and breathing skills
- Virtual or imagined exposure as a first step when real exposure is hard
How Mindly helps
Mindly's psychiatrists plan a graded exposure programme with you, which you practise between video sessions. 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 phobias be cured?
Many people lose most or all of their fear with exposure therapy, often in a short course. Results vary.
Do I have to face my fear straight away?
No. Exposure is gradual and agreed with you, starting with the least frightening step.
Is a phobia the same as a normal fear?
A normal fear is proportionate. A phobia is out of proportion and limits your life.
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.