(971) 365-4513
(971) 365-4513
Anxiety & OCD

When Worry
Stops Being Useful

Anxiety is a normal human response. It becomes a clinical concern when it feels out of proportion to the situation, doesn’t seem to turn off, or starts making decisions for you.

Many people come to us after anxiety has been shaping their lives for a long time. We start by understanding how you experience anxiety and what may be contributing to it, and which treatment options are most likely to help.

What Anxiety Can Look Like

In Your Body

Muscle tension, jaw clenching, headaches
Racing heart, shortness of breath, chest tightness
Stomach problems, nausea, appetite changes
Restlessness or feeling constantly “revved up”
Fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest

In Your Thinking

Persistent worry that’s hard to interrupt
Anticipating the worst outcome
Difficulty concentrating or mind going blank
Replaying conversations and decisions
Trouble letting go because your thoughts won’t slow down

In What You Do

Avoiding situations, places, or conversations
Over-preparing, over-checking, seeking reassurance
Procrastinating on things that feel high-stakes
Using alcohol, cannabis, or other substances to take the edge off
Staying in when you want to reach out

Conditions We Treat

Generalized
Anxiety

Persistent, difficult to control worry that can affect sleep, concentration, physical tension, and daily life

Panic Attacks & Panic Disorder

Sudden episodes of intense fear or physical symptoms, sometimes followed by worry about another similar episode

Social
Anxiety

Intense fear of being judged, embarrassed, or negatively evaluated in social or performance situations

Phobias &
Agoraphobia

Strong fear and avoidance related to specific situations, objects, or places where escape may feel difficult

OCD & Intrusive
Thoughts

Intrusive thoughts, images, urges, or doubts paired with compulsions such as checking, reassurance seeking, avoidance, or mental rituals

Anxiety is often
the symptom,
not the whole story

Anxiety symptoms overlap with a wide range of other conditions. A treatment plan built on an incomplete picture tends to produce partial results.

Before we settle on an approach, we take a closer look.

Where Therapy Fits

For most anxiety disorders, therapy can be a helpful part of effective treatment. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure-based approaches have strong evidence.

Brief therapeutic interventions may be used in visits.

Ongoing therapy is often recommended for lasting change.

We coordinate with therapists and other health professionals.

You stay in control of what happens next.

Common Questions about Anxiety & OCD

Do I have to take medication?
No. Medication is one option, and for many people it can be helpful, but the decision is ultimately yours. Some people come to us specifically to reduce or reassess what they’re taking. We’ll talk through the potential benefits, risks, and alternatives so you have the information you need to make an informed decision about your care.
For anxiety treatment, do I need therapy, medication, or both?
For some anxiety disorders, therapy does work that medication alone can’t. For others, medication is the more direct route. Frequently the combination outperforms either one. We’ll tell you what the evidence supports for your situation rather than defaulting to a prescription.
I’ve tried treatment before and it didn’t help. Is it worth trying again?
Often, yes. A previous attempt may have been aimed at the wrong diagnosis, stopped too early, or missed a contributing factor like sleep, thyroid function, or substance use. We review what you’ve already tried and make intentional changes that improve the likelihood of results.
Can you treat anxiety or OCD if I’m also dealing with depression, ADHD, or something else?
Yes. Co-occurring conditions are the norm rather than the exception, and treating them together is part of routine psychiatric care.

Ready For A Clear Path Forward?