Anxiety is one of the most common mental health conditions in the United States — and one of the most underdiagnosed. Many people in Olympia, WA live with persistent worry, physical tension, or panic symptoms for years without knowing that effective treatment is available. A simple, clinician-validated anxiety screening tool can be the first step toward understanding what you are experiencing and getting the right care. Healthy Minds Psychiatry at Heritage Family Medicine in Olympia, WA offers comprehensive anxiety evaluations and treatment for adults and adolescents throughout Thurston County, led by Dr. Rajwant Kler, DNP, PMHNP-BC.
What Is the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A)?
The Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale — commonly called the HAM-A or HAM-A scale — is one of the most widely used clinical tools in psychiatry and primary care for measuring the severity of anxiety symptoms. Originally developed by Max Hamilton in 1959, the HAM-A assesses 14 symptom categories across two main dimensions: psychic anxiety (mental and emotional symptoms) and somatic anxiety (physical symptoms). Each item is rated on a five-point scale from 0 (not present) to 4 (severe), giving a total score between 0 and 56. The HAM-A is used by providers at Heritage Family Medicine and Healthy Minds Psychiatry as one component of a comprehensive anxiety evaluation — not as a standalone diagnosis.
Download the HAM-A Anxiety Screening Tool
You can download the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A) PDF below to review the questions before your appointment, or to get a general sense of your symptom severity. This is the same screening form used by our clinical team at Healthy Minds Psychiatry in Olympia, WA.
⬇ Download the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAM-A) PDF
Note: This form is for informational purposes. A clinical diagnosis of an anxiety disorder requires a full psychiatric evaluation with a licensed provider.
How to Interpret Your HAM-A Score
The HAM-A is typically administered and scored by a trained clinician, but the following general ranges give a sense of what different total scores mean:
- 0–7: Minimal or no anxiety
- 8–14: Mild anxiety
- 15–23: Moderate anxiety — consider scheduling an evaluation
- 24–30: Moderate to severe anxiety — prompt evaluation is recommended
- 31 and above: Severe anxiety — evaluation and care are strongly recommended
If your score falls in the moderate or higher range, or if your symptoms are affecting your daily life, work, or relationships, we encourage you to schedule an anxiety evaluation at Healthy Minds Psychiatry in Olympia, WA. You do not need a referral to book an appointment.
Common Signs of Anxiety Disorder
Beyond a screening tool, anxiety disorders present with a recognizable pattern of symptoms. Common signs that you may be experiencing an anxiety disorder include persistent, uncontrollable worry that is difficult to turn off, physical symptoms such as muscle tension, racing heart, sweating, or shortness of breath, difficulty falling or staying asleep due to anxious thoughts, avoiding situations or places because of fear or worry, irritability or feeling on edge much of the time, difficulty concentrating because your mind is focused on worst-case scenarios, and panic attacks — sudden surges of intense fear with physical symptoms. Many people with anxiety also experience depression, and many individuals with ADHD have co-occurring anxiety. Dr. Kler is experienced in evaluating and treating anxiety alongside these and other conditions.
When to See a Provider About Anxiety in Olympia, WA
You should consider scheduling an anxiety evaluation if your worry or fear feels out of proportion to the situation and is difficult to control, if anxiety symptoms are interfering with your job, relationships, or daily activities, if you have been using alcohol or other substances to manage anxiety, if physical symptoms like chest tightness, dizziness, or GI problems have no clear medical cause, or if you have already tried self-help strategies without lasting relief. You do not need to be in crisis to seek help. Anxiety disorders are highly treatable — and the earlier treatment begins, the better the outcomes.
Anxiety Treatment at Healthy Minds Psychiatry in Olympia, WA
At Healthy Minds Psychiatry, Dr. Rajwant Kler, DNP, PMHNP-BC provides comprehensive anxiety evaluations and evidence-based treatment for adults and adolescents throughout Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater, and Thurston County. Anxiety treatment may include:
- Psychiatric evaluation — a thorough assessment of your symptoms, history, and any co-occurring conditions to establish an accurate diagnosis
- Medication management — including SSRIs, SNRIs, buspirone, and other evidence-based options tailored to your specific anxiety presentation and medical history
- Psychoeducation — helping you understand your anxiety, recognize triggers, and develop coping strategies
- Therapy referrals — Dr. Kler can coordinate referrals to therapists specializing in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) in the Olympia area
- Ongoing monitoring — regular follow-up to adjust your treatment plan as needed and track your progress using validated tools including the HAM-A
Because Healthy Minds Psychiatry operates inside Heritage Family Medicine, your mental health provider can also coordinate directly with your primary care provider. This integrated model means physical contributors to anxiety — such as thyroid dysfunction, caffeine sensitivity, or sleep disorders — can be identified and addressed alongside psychiatric care.
In-Person and Telehealth Anxiety Evaluations Available
Healthy Minds Psychiatry sees patients both in person at 4001 Harrison Ave NW, Suite 102, Olympia, WA 98502 and via secure telehealth throughout Washington State. Telehealth appointments are available for initial evaluations, medication management follow-ups, and ongoing care — making anxiety treatment accessible whether you are in Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater, Yelm, Tenino, or anywhere in Thurston County.
Frequently Asked Questions About Anxiety Screening in Olympia
Is the HAM-A a self-screening tool or does it require a clinician?
The HAM-A is a clinician-administered scale — typically scored by a provider as part of a formal evaluation. You can review the questions in advance to get a general sense of which symptoms apply to you, but the formal HAM-A score used in your care will be completed with Dr. Kler at your appointment. Other self-report tools, such as the GAD-7, are also used at Healthy Minds Psychiatry.
Can anxiety be treated with medication alone?
Many patients see significant improvement with medication alone. However, research consistently shows that the combination of medication and therapy produces the best long-term outcomes for most anxiety disorders. Dr. Kler can prescribe and manage anxiety medications and will discuss therapy options and referrals as part of your care plan.
Does Heritage Family Medicine accept insurance for anxiety treatment?
Yes. Heritage Family Medicine accepts Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Premera, Regence, LifeWise, Molina, and Medicare. Mental health evaluations and medication management for anxiety are typically covered as mental health benefits. Call 360-704-2362 to verify your specific coverage before your first appointment.
How soon can I be seen for an anxiety evaluation in Olympia?
Healthy Minds Psychiatry is currently accepting new patients. Call or text us at 360-704-2362 or complete a new patient form online to get on our schedule as quickly as possible.
Schedule an Anxiety Evaluation in Olympia, WA Today
If your HAM-A score suggests moderate to severe anxiety, or if anxiety symptoms are affecting your quality of life, Healthy Minds Psychiatry at Heritage Family Medicine is here to help. Dr. Rajwant Kler, DNP, PMHNP-BC is currently accepting new patients for anxiety evaluation and treatment in Olympia, WA. Call or text us at 360-704-2362 or complete our New Patient Form online. You do not need a referral — we are ready to see you.
This article is provided by the Healthy Minds Psychiatry team at Heritage Family Medicine in Olympia, WA. Healthy Minds Psychiatry at Heritage Family Medicine offers comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and treatment for anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and more — in person and via telehealth throughout Washington State. Led by Dr. Rajwant Kler, DNP, PMHNP-BC. Now accepting new patients — call or text 360-704-2362 or submit a New Patient Form online.
