Find Relief from Anxiety in Portland: Evidence-Based Therapy: CBT, ACT, & Medication Options that Work

Anxiety is one of the most common mental health concerns among adults in Portland and across Oregon. While occasional worry is a normal part of life, persistent anxiety can interfere with relationships, work, and overall well-being. At Aspire Psychology in Portland, our licensed psychologists, licensed clinical social workers, and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners provide compassionate, research-based care to help patients find relief and move forward.

Understanding Anxiety

You are not alone; Anxiety disorders affect nearly 1 in 5 adults in the United States (National Institute of Mental Health, 2023). 

The most common diagnoses include:

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Persistent, excessive worry about daily life.

Do you find yourself lying awake at night worrying about work, family responsibilities, or finances—even when things are going fine?

• Social Anxiety Disorder: Fear and avoidance of social interactions.

Do you avoid speaking up in groups or skip social events because you feel others are judging you?

• Panic Disorder: Sudden, overwhelming episodes of fear or discomfort.

Have you ever felt your heart race, your chest tighten, or a wave of dizziness hit you suddenly—leaving you worried you were “losing control” or having a medical emergency?

• Specific Phobias: Extreme fear related to a particular situation or object.

  Do you avoid certain places or activities—like driving across bridges or flying—because the fear feels overwhelming, even if others see it as safe?
  

Evidence-Based Treatments for Anxiety

At Aspire Psychology, we use empirically validated therapies proven to reduce anxiety symptoms. Each of our licensed clinicians brings advanced training and a compassionate, personal approach.

1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT is considered the gold standard for treating anxiety. It helps patients identify and challenge unhelpful thought patterns and replace them with healthier coping strategies.

Clinicians using CBT: Dr. Ryoka Kim, PhD | Dr. Katherine Noonan, PhD |  Dr. Ryan Varian, PsyD | Will Fairchild, LCSW | Dr. Patience McGinnis, PsyD | Dr. Hannah Brassell, PsyD | Dr. Jason Jones, PhD | Magdalene Kidd Vasconez, LCSW | Leah Marinakis, LCSW | Dana McPherson, LCSW | Dr. Jennifer Clark, PsyD

2. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

ACT emphasizes mindfulness and acceptance-based strategies to help patients live in alignment with their values while reducing the impact of anxious thoughts.

Clinicians using ACT: Dr. Ryan Varian, PsyD | Dr. Hannah Brassell, PsyD | Dr. Patience McGinnis, PsyD | Dr. Jason Jones, PhD | Will Fairchild, LCSW | Dr. Ryoka Kim, PhD

3. Trauma-Focused Therapy

When anxiety is linked to trauma, we use approaches such as Prolonged Exposure (PE) or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).

Clinicians using Trauma‑Focused approaches: Dr. Jason Jones, PhD | Magdalene Kidd Vasconez, LCSW | Dr. Jennifer Clark, PsyD | Dr. Hannah Brassell, PsyD | Leah Marinakis, LCSW | Dana McPherson, LCSW | Will Fairchild, LCSW

4. Medication Management

Our Portland psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners - Brian Pollock, DNP, PMHNP and Andrea Weber, PMHNP- collaborate with our therapists to provide medication support when appropriate, ensuring you receive comprehensive care under one roof. We take the administrative burden away so you can focus on what really matters- your health.

Why Patients in Portland Choose Aspire Psychology

Aspire Psychology offers expert, affirming care in a calming, light-filled space designed to support your healing journey. Here’s what sets us apart:

1. Expert Clinicians
   Doctoral-level psychologists, licensed clinical social workers, and psychiatric nurse practitioners—each with advanced training in evidence-based treatments like CBT, ACT, EMDR, and more.

2. Therapy & Psychiatry Under One Roof
   We provide integrated care with seamless coordination between therapists and psychiatric providers, so you receive comprehensive support in one trusted setting.

3. Personalized Treatment Plans
   Tailored to your unique concerns, goals, and life experience. Our clinicians take the time to get to know you and empower you to make the final decisions when it comes to your care.

4. Compassionate, Inclusive Culture
   Founded on principles of warmth, inclusivity, and cultural humility, Aspire Psychology offers LGBTQIA+ supportive care, neurodivergent-affirming therapy, and trauma-informed treatment for teens 14 and older and adults across Oregon and Washington.

5. A Beautiful, Healing Space
   Our downtown Portland office is a space designed for humans. Serene and uplifting, with modern décor, leafy plants, and sunny windows offering peaceful views our office is designed for your comfort and safety.

Ready to Feel More Like Yourself Again?

You don’t have to navigate anxiety alone. Whether you're experiencing constant worry, panic attacks, social fears, or trauma-related symptoms, Aspire Psychology offers effective, evidence-based care tailored to your life. Our team of expert therapists and psychiatric providers will meet you with warmth, professionalism, and strategies that work.

Whether you prefer to meet in person at our downtown Portland office or connect through telehealth across Oregon, your healing journey will take place in a space designed for clarity, comfort, and growth—right in the heart of Portland. We offer both in-person and telehealth appointments for patients across Oregon and Washington.

Ready to Start?

📅 Schedule Your Appointment at Aspire Psychology today! Relief begins here.