Urgent care for anxiety attacks: when and where to get help

Panic attacks and intense anxiety can hit out of nowhere and leave you feeling completely overwhelmed. Your heart races, your chest tightens, and you might even feel like you’re having a medical emergency. It’s scary, and you’re not alone in feeling that way. What many people don’t realize is that urgent care centers can be a helpful place to turn when you’re in the middle of an anxiety attack and need support fast.

While they’re not a substitute for long-term mental health care, urgent care providers can check your vital signs, help rule out other medical issues like heart problems, and offer short-term relief or guidance on what to do next. If you’re unsure whether what you’re feeling is anxiety or something more serious, urgent care can be a reassuring first stop.

What is an anxiety attack?

An anxiety attack, also called a panic attack, can come on suddenly and feel incredibly intense. Common symptoms include a racing heart, chest tightness, shortness of breath, dizziness, trembling, and a sense of overwhelming fear or dread. It’s not just “in your head”; your body is reacting as if it’s in danger, even if nothing obvious is triggering it. These symptoms can feel so physical that many people worry they’re having a heart attack, which makes the fear even worse.

While anxiety attacks typically peak within 10 to 20 minutes and then start to fade, heart attacks often come on more gradually and may include other warning signs like pain in your jaw or arm, nausea, or cold sweats. If the symptoms are new, severe, or you’re unsure what’s going on, it’s always a good idea to consult a doctor. It’s better to get answers and feel safe than to wait and worry.

Can urgent care treat anxiety attacks?

Yes, urgent care can absolutely help if you're having an anxiety attack, especially if you’re unsure whether it’s anxiety or something more serious. When you visit urgent care, they can check your vitals, monitor your oxygen levels, and rule out physical issues like heart problems or infections that can mimic anxiety symptoms. If appropriate, they may also offer short-term relief with anti-anxiety medication to help you calm down in the moment. Plus, they can point you toward therapists, psychiatrists, or other mental health resources for long-term support.

For non-life-threatening episodes, urgent care is often a better option than the ER; it’s usually quicker, less overwhelming, and much more affordable. If you’re feeling out of control and need help fast, urgent care can be a safe and supportive place to start.

When urgent care is the right choice

Urgent care can be the right place to turn when you're having a panic attack and need support quickly, especially if it's your first time experiencing one and you're not sure what's happening. It’s completely normal to want to rule out other causes, like a heart issue or breathing problem, just to be safe. If your symptoms are scary but manageable, you’re still alert, breathing, and able to talk, urgent care is a great in-between option when your regular doctor or therapist isn’t available. They can help you calm your breathing, check your vitals, and guide you through the moment, while also helping you figure out the next steps. Whether it’s getting a prescription or finding a mental health provider, urgent care can help you feel supported without the long wait or intensity of an emergency room visit.

When to go to the ER instead of urgent care for an anxiety attack

While urgent care is a helpful option for many anxiety attacks, there are times when the emergency room is the safer choice:

• If you're having severe chest pain, fainting, feeling confused, or noticing an irregular heartbeat, those symptoms could point to something more serious than anxiety, and it’s best to head to the ER to be fully evaluated.
• The ER is also the right place to go if you're at risk of hurting yourself or having suicidal thoughts. In those moments, getting immediate help is the most important thing.
• Call 911 to connect with someone who can guide you. Additionally, if you've taken drugs, alcohol, or any other substance and feel physically or mentally out of control, the ER is where you’ll get the urgent care and monitoring you need. Your safety comes first, and there’s no shame in asking for help when you

What to expect during your urgent care visit for anxiety attacks

If you visit urgent care during an anxiety attack, the team is there to help, not to judge:

• First, you'll go through a quick intake where they’ll ask about your symptoms, how long they’ve been happening, and any past experiences with anxiety or panic. It’s important to be honest so they can get a clear picture of what’s going on.
• You’ll likely get a physical evaluation to rule out other causes, like heart or lung problems, since anxiety can mimic those symptoms. Depending on what you need, they may guide you through calming breathing techniques, offer temporary medication to help ease your symptoms, or give you tips for managing stress.
• Before you leave, you’ll get a plan for what to do next, whether it’s a follow-up with your doctor or a referral to a therapist or mental health provider. It’s all about helping you feel safe, supported, and on a path toward long-term relief.

How to manage anxiety at home after urgent care

After your urgent care visit, managing anxiety at home is all about finding ways to feel more grounded and supported day to day:

• One of the simplest things you can do is practice breathing or grounding exercises.
• Try breathing in slowly for four counts, holding for four, and exhaling for four to help calm your nervous system.
• Mindfulness or meditation apps like Calm, Headspace, or Insight Timer can also guide you through relaxation techniques when you’re feeling overwhelmed.
• Keeping a journal to track your moods, thoughts, and triggers can help you understand patterns and feel more in control.
• Don’t be afraid to lean on people you trust. Talking with a friend, family member, or therapist can make a big difference.

If your urgent care provider recommended starting therapy or medication, following through is an important step toward long-term relief. Small, consistent actions can help you feel steadier, even when anxiety flares up.

Need help fast? Find urgent care near you for anxiety support

If anxiety is taking over and you’re not sure where to turn, Solv makes it easy to find nearby urgent care clinics that offer compassionate, same-day support. Get the help you need, quickly, safely, and without the stress of the ER.