Anxiety & Depression Screening in Houston
A Supportive First Step for Finding the Right Care
Get an Annual Wellness Preventive Visit
You Can Start With Your Primary Care Doctor
Many adults are not sure where to begin when they are feeling anxious, overwhelmed, unmotivated, sad, restless, or unlike themselves. For many people, the first step can be a conversation with a primary care provider.
Your PCP can screen for anxiety and depression, review your symptoms, discuss how long they have been happening, and help determine what kind of support may be appropriate. This may include follow-up visits, medication options, therapy referrals, or specialist coordination.
If you are looking for a doctor for anxiety near me, Townsen Physician Group provides adult primary care that treats mental health as part of your full health picture.
What PCP-Led Mental Health Care Includes
Screening and First-Step Support
A primary care provider can help you identify whether symptoms may be related to anxiety, depression, stress, sleep changes, medical conditions, medications, or other factors. Screening tools such as the PHQ-9 and GAD-7 may be used to better understand your symptoms and guide next steps.
PCP-led care may include symptom review, medication discussion, follow-up planning, and referrals to therapy or psychiatry when needed.
Ongoing Care and Coordination
Mental health care often works best with follow-up. Your PCP can monitor how you are feeling over time, check in on medication response if medication is prescribed, and coordinate care with therapists, psychiatrists, or other specialists.
For adults seeking anxiety & depression screening in Houston, Townsen offers a supportive place to begin and continue care.
Screening Tools We Use
PHQ-9 Depression Screen
The PHQ-9 is a short questionnaire used to screen for symptoms of depression. It asks about mood, interest in activities, sleep, energy, appetite, concentration, movement changes, feelings of self-worth, and safety-related concerns.
Your score does not define you. It simply gives your provider a clearer picture of what you may be experiencing and whether follow-up care, medication, therapy, or a referral may be helpful.
GAD-7 Anxiety Screen
The GAD-7 is a short questionnaire used to screen for symptoms of anxiety. It asks about nervousness, worry, restlessness, irritability, trouble relaxing, and how much symptoms affect daily life.
A doctor for anxiety near me can use the GAD-7 as one part of a larger conversation. Your provider will also consider your medical history, current stressors, sleep, medications, and overall health.
What to Expect During Your Screening Test
A Private Conversation
Your provider will ask about what you have been experiencing, how long symptoms have been present, and how they are affecting daily life, work, sleep, relationships, and overall well-being.
Screening Questionnaires
You may complete a PHQ-9, GAD-7, or similar screening tool. These questionnaires help your provider better understand your symptoms.
Health History Review
Your PCP may review medications, medical conditions, family history, sleep patterns, substance use, stressors, and recent life changes that may be contributing to symptoms.
Care Plan Discussion
Your provider may discuss medication options, therapy referrals, lifestyle support, follow-up visits, or additional lab testing if symptoms may overlap with other health conditions.
Follow-Up and Referral Coordination
Mental health care is not always solved in one visit. Your PCP can help monitor your progress and connect you with additional support when needed.
Already a patient? Access the Patient Portal here.
Mental Health Services and Support
PHQ-9 Depression Screen
A depression screening can help identify symptoms that may be affecting your energy, motivation, sleep, mood, concentration, or day-to-day functioning.
GAD-7 Anxiety Screen
An anxiety screening can help measure the frequency and impact of worry, nervousness, restlessness, irritability, or trouble relaxing.
Medication Options
For mild to moderate anxiety or depression, your PCP may discuss medication options when appropriate. Your provider can explain potential benefits, side effects, timing, and follow-up needs.
Referral to Therapist
If therapy may help, your PCP can refer you to a licensed therapist or counselor and help keep your care connected.
Follow-Up Care Plan
Your provider may recommend follow-up visits to monitor symptoms, review medication response, and adjust your care plan as needed.
Specialist Coordination
If symptoms are more complex or need specialized care, your PCP can help coordinate a referral to a psychiatrist or other mental health specialist.
When Your PCP Manages Care vs. Refers
Many adults with mild to moderate anxiety or depression can start care with their primary care provider. Your PCP may provide screening, discuss lifestyle and sleep factors, prescribe medication when appropriate, and schedule follow-up visits to monitor progress.
A referral may be recommended if symptoms are severe, not improving, complex, or require specialized medication management. Your provider may also refer you to a therapist for counseling or to a psychiatrist for advanced evaluation and treatment planning.
Townsen’s goal is to help you start in the right place and connect you with the level of care that fits your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my primary care doctor treat anxiety or depression?
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.
What is a PHQ-9 depression screening test?
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.
What is a GAD-7 and how is it scored?
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.
When does my PCP refer me to a psychiatrist or therapist?
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.
Is mental health screening covered by my insurance?
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.
Already a patient? Access the Patient Portal here.
Support Resources
Asking for help is a strong first step. If your symptoms feel overwhelming, are affecting your daily life, or have been present for more than a couple of weeks, it may be time to talk with a provider.
For immediate danger, thoughts of self-harm, or a mental health emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. You can also call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the United States.
Schedule Anxiety & Depression Screening in Houston
You do not need to have everything figured out before asking for help. Townsen Physician Group offers adult anxiety & depression screening in Houston through compassionate PCP-led care, with screening tools, medication discussions, therapy referrals, follow-up planning, and specialist coordination when needed.
If you are searching for a doctor for anxiety near me, schedule a mental health evaluation with Townsen Physician Group today.
Already a patient? Access the Patient Portal here.
