The evaluation process
Anxiety is a family of disorders — generalized anxiety, panic disorder, social anxiety, specific phobias, and post-traumatic stress — each with a different presentation and treatment response pattern. Careful diagnosis shapes medication choice, therapy referral, and prognosis.
What a first visit covers:
- Evaluation distinguishing anxiety subtypes
- GAD-7, PCL-5, PHQ-9, and AUDIT-C as indicated
- Medical differential (thyroid, caffeine, substance use, cardiac) when relevant
- Therapy coordination with local Vancouver-area providers
A treatment plan is discussed before you leave. When medication is the right next step and there are no contraindications, a prescription may be sent that day; in many cases we prefer to start after labs, a records review, or a brief focused follow-up.
Medication options
Medication choice is matched to symptom profile, medical history, prior trials, and patient preference. Where therapy belongs alongside medication, we say so and help coordinate the referral.
- First-line SSRIs/SNRIs: Escitalopram, sertraline, venlafaxine XR, duloxetine.
- Non-benzodiazepine adjuncts: Buspirone, hydroxyzine, gabapentin, propranolol (for performance anxiety).
- Benzodiazepines: Used carefully and rarely started de novo.
- Trauma-focused adjuncts: Prazosin for nightmares; coordination with trauma-specialized therapy.
Serving Vancouver and Clark County
Our Vancouver office at 4400 NE 77th Ave, Ste 275 serves Camas, Washougal, Battle Ground, Ridgefield, Hazel Dell, and neighboring North Portland, with secure-video telehealth available to patients throughout Washington.
Adult anxiety is a high-volume clinical area at our Vancouver office. Common patient profiles include Portland-area tech workers dealing with chronic work-related anxiety, healthcare professionals at PeaceHealth Southwest and Legacy Salmon Creek managing occupational stress, veterans with overlapping PTSD and generalized anxiety, and parents in the Evergreen and Vancouver Public Schools districts balancing caregiving and career.
Insurance & self-pay
In-network in Washington with Regence BlueCross BlueShield, Premera, Cigna / Evernorth, Aetna, First Choice, and Optum. Most patients pay a specialist copay ($20–$60 typical).
Washington Apple Health (Medicaid) is not accepted. Self-pay rates: $350 initial evaluation, $180 standard follow-up. Superbills available for out-of-network reimbursement. Good Faith Estimates provided before your first visit.
Frequently asked questions
Is there an anxiety-focused psychiatrist in Vancouver, WA?
Yes — MindHealth Psychiatry at 4400 NE 77th Ave, Ste 275 sees adults for anxiety disorders with a typical new-patient wait of about two weeks.
Do you treat PTSD and combat-related trauma?
Yes. Trauma and betrayal trauma are clinical focus areas. We coordinate with trauma-specialized therapists (EMDR, CPT, prolonged exposure) and manage the medication side of care.
Can I get anxiety medication by telehealth in Washington?
Yes. SSRIs, SNRIs, and most anxiety medications are non-controlled and fully prescribable by telehealth across Washington.
Do you accept Washington Apple Health?
No — Apple Health / Washington Medicaid is not accepted. Clark County Community Services or Sea Mar can help patients with Apple Health find community mental health care.