Anxiety Disorders Treatment in Portland, ME | Portland Mental Health & Psychiatry

Understanding Anxiety

What Is Anxiety Disorders?

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health conditions in the United States. They involve more than everyday stress — persistent, excessive worry or fear that is difficult to control and interferes with work, relationships, and daily life.

Anxiety responds very well to treatment. Evidence-based therapy helps you understand and retrain the fear response, while thoughtful medication management can ease the physical grip of anxiety. Our therapists and psychiatrists work together so both sides of the problem are addressed.

Portland Mental Health & Psychiatry reception area in Portland, Maine — Our Portland, Maine clinic

Recognizing the Signs

Common Signs & Symptoms

Everyone is different, and this list is not exhaustive. A licensed clinician can provide an accurate evaluation.

Excessive, hard-to-control worry most days
Restlessness or feeling on edge
Racing heart, shortness of breath, or chest tightness
Muscle tension, headaches, or stomach upset
Difficulty concentrating or mind going blank
Irritability and difficulty sleeping
Avoiding situations that trigger anxiety
Panic attacks — sudden, intense surges of fear

By the Numbers

Anxiety in Context

40M+

U.S. adults live with an anxiety disorder each year

#1

most common category of mental health conditions

~60%

of people improve significantly with evidence-based therapy

Sources: Anxiety & Depression Association of America; National Institute of Mental Health.

Types & Presentations

Types of Anxiety Disorders

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

What it is: Chronic, excessive worry about many areas of life.

Signs: Persistent worry, restlessness, fatigue, tension, sleep problems.

How we treat it: CBT and, when helpful, medication management.

Panic Disorder

What it is: Recurrent, unexpected panic attacks and fear of future attacks.

Signs: Racing heart, chest pain, dizziness, fear of losing control.

How we treat it: CBT with exposure work; medication to reduce attack frequency.

Social Anxiety Disorder

What it is: Intense fear of judgment or embarrassment in social situations.

Signs: Avoidance of social settings, physical symptoms in public, anticipatory dread.

How we treat it: CBT, gradual exposure, and medication when appropriate.

How We Help

Treatment for Anxiety at Portland Mental Health & Psychiatry

Anxiety is best treated by addressing both the thoughts that drive it and the physical symptoms that reinforce it. Our integrated team combines skilled therapy with careful psychiatric care — and can add interventional options for anxiety that occurs alongside depression.

Primary Treatment

Therapy & Counseling

For anxiety, we most often lead with Therapy & Counseling. Explore how it works and whether it's right for you.

Learn About Therapy & Counseling

Other treatments we may combine or consider:

Psychiatry & Medication Management TMS Therapy

Our Approach

Evidence-Based Care

Our clinicians tailor proven approaches to your needs.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

the gold-standard approach for retraining anxious thinking.

Exposure therapy

gradually reduces avoidance and desensitizes triggers.

Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)

builds a healthier relationship with anxious thoughts.

Relaxation & mindfulness skills

calm the body's stress response in real time.

Medication Management

When medication is appropriate, our prescribers favor safe, effective, non-habit-forming options and monitor closely. We avoid over-reliance on medications that carry dependence risk.

Explore Psychiatry

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Many people do very well with therapy alone. Others benefit from combining therapy with medication. We'll recommend what fits your symptoms and preferences.

TMS is primarily used for depression, but it can help anxiety that occurs alongside depression. If both are present, we'll factor that into your plan.

Many people notice meaningful progress within 8–12 therapy sessions, though timelines vary with severity and goals.

Yes. Therapy and medication management are available via secure telehealth for established patients across Maine.

Anxiety Treatment in Portland, Maine