Feeling Sad and Anxious? A Guide to Your Next Healthcare Steps in Chicago, IL
Feeling Sad and Anxious? A Guide to Your Next Healthcare Steps in Chicago, IL
If you’ve been feeling sad, anxious, tired all the time, and worried—especially if these feelings are affecting your schoolwork and sleep—you’re not alone. Many people experience these emotions, and it’s completely understandable to wonder if what you’re going through is normal or if you might need some extra help. Searching “why do I feel so sad” is an important step toward understanding your feelings and seeking support.
This post is here to guide you through your next steps. We’ll help you identify the types of healthcare professionals who can support you, explain the typical procedures involved in your first visits, and provide clear information about estimated costs in Chicago, IL. You’re in the right place to find answers and encouragement to reach out for help.
Who to See for Your Symptoms in Chicago, IL
Based on your symptoms—persistent sadness, anxiety, and fatigue—a few types of healthcare providers are especially suited to help. Here are your options:
- Psychologist, Clinical: These specialists focus on talking therapies to help with your emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. They often provide evaluations and one-on-one psychotherapy.
- Psychiatrist: A medical doctor who specializes in mental health. Psychiatrists can diagnose conditions, provide therapy, and prescribe medication if needed.
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker: These professionals provide counseling and support, often with a focus on practical life challenges and emotional health.
- Family Practice Doctor: A general doctor who can assess your overall health, identify mental health concerns, and refer you to specialists if necessary.
- Internal Medicine Doctor: Similar to family practice physicians but focused mainly on adult health, they can also evaluate emotional or behavioral symptoms and coordinate care.
Each of these providers can be a good starting point to talk about how you’ve been feeling.
What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs
Here’s a breakdown of what you might expect to pay for initial evaluations and therapy sessions with each provider type in Chicago, IL:
Visit with a Psychologist, Clinical
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Procedure: Psychiatric diagnostic evaluation (CPT Code: 90791)
Purpose: A thorough assessment to understand your mental health and symptoms, helping to create a plan tailored for you.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $261.84 (typically ranges from $196.38 to $327.30)
This estimate is based on 102 providers in the Chicago area. -
Procedure: Psychotherapy, 1 hour (CPT Code: 90837)
Purpose: One-hour counseling sessions to work through your feelings and learn coping strategies.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $226.70 (typically ranges from $170.03 to $283.38)
This estimate is based on 110 providers in the Chicago area.
Visit with a Psychiatrist
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Procedure: Psychiatric diagnostic evaluation with medical services (CPT Code: 90792)
Purpose: Comprehensive evaluation including medical aspects to better understand your mental and physical health.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $288.91 (typically ranges from $216.68 to $361.14)
This estimate is based on 116 providers in the Chicago area. -
Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
Purpose: Follow-up visits to discuss symptoms, treatment progress, and medication management if needed.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $189.02 (typically ranges from $141.77 to $236.28)
This estimate is based on 171 providers in the Chicago area.
Visit with a Licensed Clinical Social Worker
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Procedure: Psychiatric diagnostic evaluation (CPT Code: 90791)
Purpose: Assessment to understand your emotional and mental health and plan counseling sessions accordingly.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $205.95 (typically ranges from $154.46 to $257.44)
This estimate is based on 81 providers in the Chicago area. -
Procedure: Psychotherapy, 45 minutes (CPT Code: 90834)
Purpose: Counseling sessions focused on your concerns to improve your mental well-being.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $118.70 (typically ranges from $89.03 to $148.38)
This estimate is based on 86 providers in the Chicago area.
Visit with a Family Practice Doctor
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Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
Purpose: General medical visit where your doctor can assess your overall health and mental well-being.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $202.91 (typically ranges from $152.18 to $253.64)
This estimate is based on 854 providers in the Chicago area. -
Procedure: Annual depression screening, 5 to 15 minutes (CPT Code: G0444)
Purpose: Quick screening to check if you might be experiencing depression, helping guide next steps.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $30.02 (typically ranges from $22.51 to $37.52)
This estimate is based on 93 providers in the Chicago area. -
Procedure: Assessment of emotional or behavioral problems (CPT Code: 96127)
Purpose: Brief evaluation of emotional or behavioral symptoms to better understand your current state.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $14.39 (typically ranges from $6.12 to $22.66)
This estimate is based on 24 providers in the Chicago area.
Visit with an Internal Medicine Doctor
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Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
Purpose: Medical visit focusing on adult health, including evaluation of mental and emotional symptoms.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $199.68 (typically ranges from $149.76 to $249.60)
This estimate is based on 1,099 providers in the Chicago area. -
Procedure: Assessment of emotional or behavioral problems (CPT Code: 96127)
Purpose: Brief evaluation to identify emotional or behavioral issues affecting health.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $11.75 (typically ranges from $6.11 to $17.39)
This estimate is based on 14 providers in the Chicago area. -
Procedure: Care management services for behavioral health conditions, 20 minutes or more clinical staff time (CPT Code: 99484)
Purpose: Ongoing support and coordination of care for behavioral health needs.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $54.26 (typically ranges from $40.69 to $67.82)
This estimate is based on 5 providers in the Chicago area. -
Procedure: Annual depression screening, 5 to 15 minutes (CPT Code: G0444)
Purpose: Quick screening to assess for signs of depression.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $30.05 (typically ranges from $22.54 to $37.56)
This estimate is based on 84 providers in the Chicago area.
Your Recommended Next Steps
Taking that first step toward getting help can feel overwhelming, but it’s also a courageous and important choice. Here’s how to move forward:
- Schedule an Appointment with one of the provider types listed above. Starting with a Family Practice doctor or a Licensed Clinical Social Worker can be a good first step, but if you feel comfortable, a Psychologist or Psychiatrist can provide specialized mental health care.
- Prepare for Your Visit by writing down how you’ve been feeling, how long symptoms have been present, and any questions or concerns you want to discuss.
- Discuss Costs when you call to book your appointment. The costs shared here are estimates based on self-pay prices in Chicago, IL, and actual charges may vary.
- Remember You’re Not Alone. Seeking professional help is the right and brave thing to do, and it can make a big difference in how you feel.
Need Help Navigating Your Options?
Finding affordable, trustworthy care can be confusing, especially if you’re uninsured or new to the system. That’s why we built Transparent Health: a tool to help you understand your options and find the right provider for your needs.
Disclaimer: This information provides estimated costs and provider types for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider with any questions you have regarding a medical condition.