Anxiety & Depression Screening in Houston

Yes. A primary care doctor can screen for and treat mild to moderate anxiety and depression. Your PCP may discuss symptoms, prescribe medication when appropriate, provide counseling referrals, and monitor your progress over time.

Primary care is often a helpful place to start because mental health can connect with sleep, stress, medications, thyroid issues, chronic conditions, and overall physical health. If your symptoms are more severe or need specialized support, your PCP can coordinate a referral to a therapist or psychiatrist.

The PHQ-9 is a short depression screening questionnaire used to help identify symptoms of depression. It asks about mood, sleep, energy, appetite, concentration, motivation, interest in activities, and how symptoms affect daily life.

Your PHQ-9 score is not a diagnosis by itself. Your provider uses the results as part of a larger conversation about how you are feeling, how long symptoms have been present, and what type of care or follow-up may be helpful.

The GAD-7 is a brief anxiety screening questionnaire used to measure anxiety symptoms and how often they occur. It asks about worry, nervousness, restlessness, irritability, trouble relaxing, and how much symptoms interfere with daily life.

GAD-7 scores can help your provider understand whether anxiety symptoms are mild, moderate, or more significant. The score is only one part of your evaluation, and your PCP will also consider your health history, current stressors, sleep, medications, and overall well-being.

Your PCP may refer you to a therapist or psychiatrist if symptoms are severe, complex, not improving, or require specialized mental health support. Referrals may also be recommended when counseling, advanced medication management, or a higher level of care would be helpful.

A therapist can provide counseling and coping strategies, while a psychiatrist can evaluate more complex symptoms and prescribe specialized medications when needed. Your PCP can help you decide which type of referral fits your situation and continue supporting your overall health.

Mental health screening may be covered by insurance, but coverage depends on your plan, benefits, visit type, deductible, copay, and referral requirements. Many plans include primary care visits or mental health screening, but patient costs can vary.

Before your appointment, you can call your insurance provider or Townsen Physician Group to confirm coverage. This can help you understand whether the visit is in network, what costs may apply, and whether your plan requires any referrals or prior authorization.