The evaluation process
Anxiety is the most common adult psychiatric concern we see — and one of the most under-treated. A lot of patients arrive after years of trying to "just deal with it," or wondering whether their primary care doctor's recommendation to try an SSRI was the right call. Our job is to take a careful look and give you a real answer.
A full unhurried intake covers a structured DSM-5 symptom review, the GAD-7 for baseline severity, screening for conditions that often co-occur with or look like anxiety (depression, ADHD, trauma history, sleep disorders, thyroid dysfunction, substance use), and a careful look at what's already been tried.
A treatment plan is discussed before you leave. We favor sustainable strategies — SSRIs and CBT skills — over sedating, habit-forming options, and we'll be honest with you about the trade-offs of every option. Follow-up cadence matches your clinical state.
Treatment approach
Most adult anxiety responds well to a combination of medication and behavioral skills. We prescribe across the major medication classes used for anxiety:
- SSRIs: Sertraline, escitalopram, paroxetine, fluoxetine, citalopram — first-line for most generalized anxiety, panic, and social anxiety
- SNRIs: Venlafaxine, duloxetine — useful when somatic anxiety symptoms (muscle tension, pain) are prominent
- Buspirone: A non-sedating option for chronic anxiety without dependence risk
- Beta-blockers: Propranolol for performance-anxiety contexts
We coordinate closely with CBT-trained therapists when therapy is part of the plan — and we'll help you find one if you don't already have one.
Serving Portland and Multnomah, Washington, and Clackamas counties County
Portland sits in the Portland metro area, served by I-5, I-205, I-84, and Highway 26. We see adults from Portland as well as Northwest Portland, Southeast Portland, Northeast Portland, St. Johns, Sellwood, Hillsdale, Multnomah Village, Lake Oswego, Milwaukie, and Gresham — mostly by secure-video telehealth. Our patient base in the area skews toward tech professionals from Intel, Nike, Adobe, and the smaller PDX startup scene; healthcare workers across the major systems; creative-industry professionals; government employees; and graduate students.
Patients who'd prefer to be seen in person can book at our nearest office: Vancouver, WA — about 15–20 minutes across the river from Portland.
Coordination with primary care is routine. We send a visit summary to your PCP at OHSU, Providence Portland, Legacy Good Samaritan, Kaiser, Adventist Health, and Doernbecher (or your independent provider) within one business day when you request it.
Insurance & self-pay
We are in-network with eight major plans, including Moda, Regence BlueCross BlueShield, PacificSource, Providence, Aetna, First Choice Health Network, MultiPlan, and Optum / UnitedHealthcare. If you don’t see your plan listed, call our office and we’ll verify your benefits. Most Portland patients pay a specialist copay ($20–$60 typical) per visit.
We do not accept Medicaid or Oregon Health Plan (OHP). Self-pay rates are available by phone. Superbills available for out-of-network reimbursement. Good Faith Estimates provided before your first visit.
Frequently asked questions
How do I start anxiety treatment in Portland?
Book a new-patient telehealth visit online or by phone. Most telehealth patients are seen within a few days. The first visit is a comprehensive evaluation; if medication is appropriate, we typically start that day or within a few days.
How do you approach anxiety medication?
For most chronic anxiety, a non-habit-forming approach — an SSRI or SNRI combined with CBT skills — is the durable, evidence-based first line. We focus on sustainable treatments, explain the options and trade-offs before starting anything, and do not offer maintenance sedative therapy.
Do you treat panic attacks?
Yes. Panic disorder responds well to SSRIs (often within 4–6 weeks), CBT for panic, and short-term symptom-targeted strategies. We treat panic with a clear medication plan and explicit between-visit goals.
Do you accept insurance?
Yes — we are in-network with Moda, Regence BlueCross BlueShield, PacificSource, Providence, Aetna, First Choice Health Network, MultiPlan, and Optum / UnitedHealthcare. Medicaid and Oregon Health Plan are not accepted.