A fear of heights is a strong fear of high places, like balconies, bridges, ladders or tall buildings. When the fear is extreme and gets in the way of life, it is called acrophobia. Feeling careful near an edge is normal. The good news is that a fear of heights that holds you back can often get better with gradual, step by step practice.
This post is general information, not medical advice or a diagnosis.
What is the fear of heights called?
The fear of heights name is acrophobia. Mayo Clinic gives acrophobia as an example of a specific phobia name, and it lists heights among common specific phobias (see Sources).
The APA Dictionary of Psychology describes acrophobia as an excessive, irrational fear of heights that leads people to avoid high places or feel marked distress when they cannot avoid them (see Sources).
Is a fear of heights normal?
Some caution around heights is normal and helpful. It keeps you from leaning too far over a railing or standing too close to a cliff edge.
A fear of heights phobia is different. Mayo Clinic explains that a specific phobia is a strong, lasting fear that is much greater than the actual risk. It also notes that an extreme fear is not a specific phobia unless it seriously disrupts your life (see Sources).
So the question is not “Am I ever nervous up high?” It is “Does this fear stop me from doing things I want or need to do?”
Signs of a fear of heights
People with a strong fear of heights may notice:
Intense fear when they are up high, or even when they think about it
Fear that grows as they get closer to an edge, or as the day of a trip gets closer
Going out of their way to avoid stairs, bridges, balconies or upper floors
Knowing the fear is bigger than the danger, but not being able to switch it off
Strong body reactions like a racing heart, sweating or a tight chest
Mayo Clinic describes these kinds of reactions for specific phobias in general (see Sources). Everyone’s experience is a bit different.
Fear of heights vs fear of falling
People often ask about fear of heights vs fear of falling. They are closely linked, and the words are often used together.
A fear of heights is usually about being up high, even when you are safe, like standing behind a solid railing. A fear of falling is more about the worry that you will lose your footing or fall.
Many people with a fear of heights say the scary part is the thought “What if I fall?” Talking through which thoughts come up for you can help you and a therapist plan the right steps.
What causes a fear of heights?
Much is still not known about what causes specific phobias. Mayo Clinic lists a few possible causes (see Sources):
Bad experiences. A scary moment up high, or even hearing about one, can start a fear.
Family patterns. Fears can run in families, through a mix of genes and learned behaviour.
Temperament. People who are more sensitive to anxiety may be more likely to develop a phobia.
You do not need to know exactly where your fear came from to start working on it.
Why avoidance keeps the fear going
When something scares us, it makes sense to stay away from it. Avoidance brings quick relief.
The catch is that avoidance can make fear stronger over time. Mayo Clinic notes that avoidance is the most common way people cope with phobias, and that by doing so, their anxiety typically gets worse (see Sources).
Each time you avoid a height, your brain learns “That was dangerous, good thing I got away.” You never get the chance to learn that you can cope.
If worry builds up for days before a trip or event, our post on anticipatory anxiety has calming ideas.
How to overcome a fear of heights
Learning how to overcome fear of heights usually means facing it slowly and safely, in small steps. Here are some ideas.
Make a ladder of steps. List situations from least to most scary. For example: looking at photos taken from high up, standing at a second floor window, then a low balcony with a solid railing.
Start small. Begin with the step that feels a little uncomfortable but doable.
Stay with it. Try to stay in the situation until the fear starts to ease, instead of leaving at the peak.
Breathe slowly. Slow breathing can help your body settle. Our post on how to calm your nervous system has simple ideas.
Notice your thoughts. Ask, “What am I afraid will happen? How likely is it?”
Repeat often. Practising the same step a few times helps it feel easier.
Always choose safe places. Only practise in places with proper railings or barriers. Never take risks to prove a point.
Moving up the ladder at your own pace is key. There is no prize for rushing.
Exposure therapy for fear of heights
Exposure therapy for fear of heights is a planned, gradual way of facing the fear with support. It is the step by step idea above, guided by a trained therapist.
Research supports this kind of approach. For example, a 2018 trial by Daniel Freeman and colleagues tested a guided virtual reality program for fear of heights. Compared with usual care, the program reduced fear of heights at the end of treatment, and the benefit held at a follow-up four weeks later (see Sources). Results can differ from person to person.
If you are thinking about suicide or hurting yourself, call or text 9-8-8 now. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 911.
How counselling can help
Counselling can help you understand your fear and face it at a pace that feels safe. A therapist can help you:
Build a step by step plan
Notice and challenge scary thoughts
Learn ways to calm your body
Practise facing the fear in real life
Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) uses thinking strategies and behavioural strategies to help you expand your comfort zone. Learn more about our CBT counselling.
We offer counselling at our Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge and Ottawa offices, and online across Ontario. Every clinician on our team is registered with their college.
Common questions about the fear of heights
What is the fear of heights called? It is called acrophobia.
Is a fear of heights normal? Some caution is normal. It may be a phobia when the fear is much bigger than the risk and gets in the way of life.
What is the difference between fear of heights and fear of falling? They are closely linked. Fear of heights is about being up high. Fear of falling is about the worry of losing your footing.
How do you get over a fear of heights? Usually by facing it slowly and safely, in small steps, often with support.
Can therapy help with acrophobia? Yes. Therapy such as CBT with gradual exposure can help many people.
Billing and your first step
We accept Health Spending Accounts (HSAs).
We can direct bill many insurers. Coverage depends on your plan, so check with your insurer before you start.
If a fear of heights is keeping you from things you want to do, book a free 15-minute consultation and we can help you plan your first steps.
If you’re in crisis: if you or someone you love is in immediate danger, call 911. If you’re thinking about suicide, call or text 9-8-8 any time, day or night.
Last reviewed: October 2026
Sources
Mayo Clinic. “Specific phobias: Symptoms and causes.” https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/specific-phobias/symptoms-causes/syc-20355156
American Psychological Association. “Acrophobia.” APA Dictionary of Psychology. https://dictionary.apa.org/acrophobia
Freeman D, et al. “Automated psychological therapy using immersive virtual reality for treatment of fear of heights: a single-blind, parallel-group, randomised controlled trial.” Lancet Psychiatry. 2018;5(8):625-632. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30007519/