Meet with an online doctor over video for anxiety diagnosis and treatment today

Circle Medical's team of board-certified and empathetic providers are standing by to help you. Attend a same-day appointment from the comfort and privacy of your own home.

Provider Nikki Tsang

Same-day appointments available

Anxiety diagnosis and treatment
Dr. Amanda Lerner

Let's get you the help you need.

Dr. Amanda Lerner

What to expect.

During your initial visit with a provider of your choice, you will review your medical history and experiences that led you to seek treatment for Anxiety. Your provider may ask you to submit previous medical records or request blood work to rule out any potential causes of your Anxiety that may stem from a physical medical condition.

In a follow-up appointment, your provider will work with you to create a treatment plan that will effectively treat your symptoms of Anxiety.

In the event your provider determines that you may have a condition that is more appropriately diagnosed and managed by a psychiatrist, your provider will provide psychiatry resources. Additionally, Circle Medical is able to offer therapy referrals in all the locations where we offer care.

Please read through the FAQ for more information, including guidelines about who is a good fit for generalized anxiety diagnosis and care through our practice.

Comprehensive Anxiety or Depression assessment over video

Same-day or next-day appointment availability

If appropriate, we offer evidence-based treatment options for anxiety

Board-certified providers who provide anxiety and depression care

Therapy referrals available everywhere we offer care

As a primary care practice, we can treat you for many other conditions as well, streamlining your medical experience.

Insurance Shield

In network with most PPO insurance plans

Get Started

Frequently Asked Questions

Anxiety / Depression Treatment

Can I get diagnosed with anxiety or depression through Circle?

Yes, our Circle Medical providers are able to provide a comprehensive assessment and diagnosis of mild to moderate anxiety or depression.

If you are diagnosed by one of our providers, we are able to provide ongoing healthcare in the form of regular check-ins, assessments, therapy referrals, and evidence-based prescription management if appropriate.

Please note that booking and paying for a video appointment with one of our Circle Medical providers does not guarantee a diagnosis, or a specific medication.

A full medical assessment takes into account the patient’s full health summary, evidence-based diagnostic tools, and other safety factors. Treatment is up to the provider's discretion. We encourage you to read through this entire FAQ for additional details.

Who is a good fit for anxiety and/or depression medication management through Circle?

Our goal, as a primary care practice, is to make mental health more accessible and integrated with primary care. However, primary care has its limitations and this means that there may be instances where it is recommended that you see a specialist, or psychiatrist, for your care.

Circle Medical is a primary care practice, which means that we are not able to treat more complex mental health conditions/medication, such as:
  • History of psychosis, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and bipolar disorder
  • You are currently taking, or seeking a prescription for, Benzodiazepines, opiate pain medication, or controlled substance sleep aids

To find out more about Circle Medical’s scope of care for mental health, you can read more in this article: Mental Health and Care Eligibility.

Can I get diagnosed with anxiety or depression through Circle?

To see a list of states, please start booking an appointment. You will be able to select from all of the lists where we are currently practicing.

You must be currently residing in the state of treatment as well as have your primary pharmacy be in that same state in order to be a patient at our practice.

Providers

Am I seeing a psychiatrist through Circle?

Our providers are board-certified providers (MD’s/DO’s/NP’s/PA’s) who are able to provide a full scope of primary care services, including mental health, at Circle Medical. We do not have psychiatrists on our platform, however, our Circle Medical providers are able to provide a wide range of mental health care services in a primary care setting to provide access to life-changing care to our patients.

More complex mental health cases may require a psychiatrist to diagnose/treat. We encourage you to please read through this entire FAQ section for additional information.

Do I need to book my appointment with a doctor (MD or DO), or can I book my appointment with any provider (PA-C, NP, etc)?

You do not need to book your initial appointment with a doctor. You can book your appointment with any provider that we have available. Our providers all work closely together to make sure that we are providing the same excellent standard of care to all patients regardless of which provider you book your appointment with.

How long are the appointments?

The first intake appointment is 30 minutes. Follow-up appointments are 20 minutes each.

Billing

What is the total cost of anxiety and/or depression diagnosis and treatment?

Insured

$5 - $50 average copay* per appointment

*Note: Your specific copay is dependent on your health insurance coverage. We typically see patients with copays of around $0-$50 per appointment, but this can be higher if you have a high-deductible plan and have not yet hit your deductible this year. To confirm your specific copay estimate, you can click to book an appointment and you will be asked to input your insurance information so that you can receive your cost estimate before confirming the appointment.

Our ability to estimate your costs is dependent on your healthcare insurance's database, so we do not guarantee that the estimate you see is the exact amount you will be billed. For the most accurate estimate of your per-appointment costs, we recommend calling the phone number on the back of your insurance card to ask your insurance plan what your primary care appointment costs are.

Uninsured

$100 per appointment

Insurance

What insurance do you accept?

For non-therapy appointments:

We contract with most PPO insurance plans. If you are a California Bay Area resident, we also work with a small number of HMO plans.

To verify if we work with your insurance, simply start booking an appointment online. You will be prompted to enter your insurance details and will receive eligibility results instantly as well as an estimate of your appointment cost prior to confirming your appointment.

Some PPO plans that we currently work with are:

Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Aetna, Blue Shield of California, Cigna, Health Net, Humana, and United Healthcare.

Plans that we cannot work with are:

Unfortunately, we are unable to provide care for patients who have Medi-Cal or Medicaid insurance. This is because we are not licensed Medi-Cal or Medicaid providers, so we are not able to provide care, even if these patients choose to pay cash instead of use their insurance. If you have Medi-Cal or Medicaid, please do not book an appointment with us, as we will be unable to provide care even if you do not enter your insurance information.

Other

Do new patients need to prepare anything for their first appointment at Circle Medical?

For a detailed breakdown of what you need for your first appointment with Circle Medical, read the article below:

How to Prepare for Your First Appointment

What do I need to do before for my first appointment? Do I need to submit medical records anywhere?

If you've been diagnosed with anxiety and/or depression before and have your diagnosis paperwork available, you can email it to [email protected]. Be sure to use the same email address that you used to sign up when booking your appointment.

Note: This step is optional. After your first visit, we will facilitate getting your medical records from your previous provider.

What happens after I am prescribed?

After you are diagnosed, if you are prescribed medications, we will coordinate sending these prescriptions to your preferred pharmacy.

You may have a 2-week follow-up if you are on a new dosage for treatment. Once your treatment has stabilized, you will have monthly follow-up appointments to maintain treatment.

If you have questions at any time, please feel free to chat with your provider and care team via our secure app.

Can I get diagnosed in my first appointment? How long does it take to have a complete diagnosis?

It can take 1-2 appointments for a complete anxiety and/or depression assessment to take place and for a possible diagnosis to be made.
Clinically Appropriate

Clinically appropriate treatment, tailored on a case-by-case basis.

We put patients first in every decision we make, and follow clinical guidelines based on evidence-based medicine to ensure patients get the most effective care possible.

What is Anxiety?

Anxiety is a common response to stress or danger, characterized by feelings of apprehension, worry, and fear. While occasional anxiety is a normal part of life, excessive and persistent anxiety may indicate a mental health disorder.


Anxiety disorders manifest in various forms, such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, social anxiety disorder (SAD), and specific phobias.


Individuals with anxiety may experience physical symptoms like increased heart rate, sweating, trembling, and shortness of breath. They may also have persistent negative thoughts, difficulty concentrating, and a sense of impending doom.


Anxiety can significantly impact a person's daily life, relationships, and overall well-being. It may interfere with work or school performance, social interactions, and even lead to avoidance of certain situations or places. Treatment options for anxiety include therapy, medication, and self-care strategies such as exercise, relaxation techniques, and stress management. Seeking professional help is crucial for individuals experiencing severe or chronic anxiety to alleviate symptoms and improve their quality of life.

What causes Anxiety?

The causes of anxiety disorders are multifaceted and can involve a combination of biological, genetic, environmental, and psychological factors.


Biological factors may include imbalances in brain chemistry and neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine, which may play a role in the development of anxiety disorders. Individuals with a family history of anxiety or other mental health conditions may have a higher risk due to genetic predisposition.


Environmental factors, such as traumatic events, may include physical or emotional abuse, neglect, or the loss of a loved one, can trigger anxiety disorders. Chronic stress, exposure to violence, or living in a highly stressful environment can also contribute to the development of anxiety.


Medical conditions or medications can cause or contribute to anxiety symptoms. For example, thyroid disorders, heart conditions, respiratory disorders, and hormonal imbalances can be associated with anxiety. Additionally, certain substances like caffeine, alcohol, or drugs can worsen anxiety symptoms.


Anxiety disorders are complex, and each individual's experience may be unique. Understanding the causes and triggers can help in developing personalized treatment plans that address the specific needs of individuals with anxiety.

What are the symptoms of Anxiety?

Symptoms of Anxiety may include some of the following:


Excessive Worry: Persistent and excessive worry about various aspects of life, including everyday concerns, future events, health, work, or relationships. The worry is often difficult to control and may be disproportionate to the actual situation.


Restlessness and Irritability: Feeling restless, on edge, or easily irritated. Individuals with Anxiety may have difficulty relaxing and may be easily startled.


Physical Symptoms: Anxiety can manifest as an increased heart rate, palpitations, chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, sweating, trembling or shaking, gastrointestinal issues (such as stomachaches or nausea), and tension headaches.


Sleep Disturbances: Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or having restless, unsatisfying sleep. Anxiety can cause intrusive thoughts or racing thoughts that make it challenging to calm the mind and relax enough to sleep.


Cognitive Symptoms: Persistent negative thoughts, excessive self-doubt, fear of losing control, racing thoughts, difficulty concentrating or focusing, and memory problems. Anxiety can make it challenging to make decisions or feel confident in one's abilities.


Avoidance Behavior: Individuals with anxiety may avoid situations or places that they perceive as triggers for their Anxiety. This can lead to social isolation, avoiding work or school responsibilities, or limiting activities that were once enjoyable.


Panic Attacks: Some anxiety disorders, such as panic disorder, can cause sudden and intense episodes of fear or panic known as panic attacks. During a panic attack, individuals may experience a rapid heart rate, chest pain, shortness of breath, trembling, dizziness, and a fear of losing control or dying.


Everyone's experience with Anxiety can be unique, and individuals may not exhibit all of these symptoms. If you or someone you know is experiencing persistent Anxiety symptoms that interfere with daily life and well-being, it is recommended to seek professional help for proper diagnosis and treatment.

How do I know if I need a prescription for Anxiety?

Determining the need for a prescription for anxiety should be done in consultation with a healthcare professional.


If your anxiety symptoms significantly impact your daily life, relationships, or overall well-being, or if they persist for several weeks or months without improvement from self-help strategies or therapy, a prescription medication may be considered as a part of your overall treatment plan, if determined to be clinically appropriate by your provider.


Individualized treatment plans will take into account factors such as personal preferences, medical history, potential side effects, and interactions with other medications or health conditions. A Circle Medical provider can provide the necessary expertise to guide you in making an informed decision and determine if a prescription medication is appropriate as part of your treatment plan for anxiety.

Tips for coping with anxious thoughts and feelings:

Here are a few tips that can help relieve symptoms of Anxiety:


Practice Deep Breathing and Relaxation Techniques: Deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, and mindfulness meditation can activate the body's relaxation response and help calm anxious thoughts and physical symptoms.


Engage in Regular Physical Exercise: Physical activity releases endorphins, which are natural mood-boosting chemicals. Regular exercise can reduce anxiety, improve sleep quality, and enhance overall well-being.


Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: Prioritize self-care by getting enough sleep, eating balanced meals, limiting caffeine and alcohol intake, and avoiding unhealthy coping mechanisms like smoking or excessive use of substances.


Establish a Support System: Reach out to friends, family, or support groups who can provide understanding and encouragement. Sharing your feelings with trusted individuals can alleviate anxiety and provide a sense of connection.


Practice Stress Management Techniques: Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as engaging in hobbies, practicing relaxation techniques, journaling, or engaging in creative activities. These outlets can help redirect anxious thoughts and promote relaxation.


Coping with anxiety is a gradual process, and different strategies may work for different individuals. It's important to be patient and kind to yourself as you find coping mechanisms that work best for you.

Don't take our word for it.

We are trusted by over 50,000 patients every month. Here's what they have to say.

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    Excellent providers that truly care about their patients and listen to their concerns. Telehealth appointments are seamless.

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    Circle Medical has been an incredibly smooth and convenient way to receive medical care. The providers have been incredibly understanding and supportive, have been helpful in helping me find solutions to problems, and go the extra mile to ensure I've received quality care. All of this comes with the convenience of being wherever I have an internet connection from the comfort of home. I would highly recommend to anyone.

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Circle Medical Providers must meet all of the following standards:

  • Exceptionally qualified in their field

  • Board-certified

  • Deeply empathetic for patents

  • Follows evidence-based care guidelines

  • Embracing of diverse patient backgrounds

  • Impeccable record of previous care

350+ Primary Care Providers.
100% Confidence.

No matter which Provider you choose, you will be seen by a clinician who cares deeply about your health and wants to help you live your happiest, healthiest life.

Circle Medical Providers are held to an exceptionally high standard of compassionate, evidence-based care.

Book Appointment

Talk to a provider about Anxiety today.

Provider Nikki Tsang

Same-day Availabilities

Read more about Anxiety treatment

How to get diagnosed with anxiety online

If you're struggling with a mood disorder like anxiety, it's important to get a diagnosis so you can begin your path to treatment. Fortunately, it's easier than ever to speak to a quality health care provider. Online primary care providers allow you to connect with primary care providers from the comfort of your own home.


If you meet with an online primary care provider, you will have an initial appointment to determine if anxiety is the root cause of your symptoms. This involves an assessment over the phone where your provider will ask questions about your experiences with anxiety and your health history. Depending on the assessment, they may also want to do some blood work to rule out any underlying conditions. If diagnosed with anxiety, they can then begin creating a personalized treatment plan for your unique needs.


How to talk to your primary care doctor or health care provider about mental health

It can sometimes be difficult to talk to someone about mental health. However, your primary care provider is there to help. If you're nervous about speaking to a provider, start by making a list of your symptoms before your appointment. Try to be as detailed as possible. This will help you stay on track and will ensure you tell your provider everything about your condition.


During your appointment, don't hesitate to ask your provider questions about your diagnosis, your treatment or anything else you're curious about. Anxiety treatment is an ongoing process, and having an open discussion with your primary care provider will help you get the most comprehensive treatment possible.