Always Feeling Sad and Worried? Find Help in Houston, TX

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Always Feeling Sad and Worried? Find Help in Houston, TX

If you’ve been feeling very down, tired all the time, and unable to enjoy things you once liked — while also experiencing frequent worry and trouble sleeping — you’re definitely not alone. These feelings can make it hard to focus on school or daily life, and it’s completely natural to want to understand what’s happening. You might be wondering if this is depression, anxiety, or something else entirely.

In this post, we’ll help you take the next steps to get professional advice. You’ll learn which types of healthcare providers in Houston, TX, might be the best fit for your symptoms, what to expect during your visits, and how much you might expect to pay. You’ve taken the first step by seeking answers, and you’re in the right place to find clear guidance.

Who to See for Your Symptoms in Houston, TX

Based on your feelings of sadness, worry, and trouble sleeping, a few types of healthcare providers could be a good starting point for getting help:

  • Pediatric Medicine: Doctors specializing in healthcare for children and teens. They can assess emotional or behavioral problems and help with diagnosis or referrals.
  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW): Professionals trained in mental health who can perform diagnostic evaluations and offer counseling or therapy.
  • Psychiatry: Medical doctors specializing in mental health who can diagnose conditions like depression and anxiety and prescribe medications if needed.
  • Psychologist, Clinical: Experts in psychotherapy who conduct evaluations and provide counseling or therapy.
  • Family Practice: General medical doctors who can screen for depression and anxiety, offer initial diagnosis, and manage ongoing care.

Each of these providers can be a valuable partner in understanding and treating your feelings of sadness and worry.

What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs

Here’s an overview of common procedures you might encounter with each provider type, along with estimated costs in Houston, TX. These costs are for self-pay and can help you anticipate an approximate price range if you don’t have insurance or want to estimate out-of-pocket payments.

Visit with a Pediatric Medicine Provider

  • Procedure: Assessment of emotional or behavioral problems (CPT Code: 96127)
    Purpose: This quick assessment helps identify emotional or behavioral issues to understand your feelings better.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $9.43 (typically ranges from $5.29 to $13.57)
    This estimate is based on 1 provider in the Houston area.

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: A detailed office visit to discuss your symptoms and receive a diagnosis or treatment plan.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $197.73 (typically ranges from $148.30 to $247.16)
    This estimate is based on 5 providers in the Houston area.

Visit with a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

  • Procedure: Psychiatric diagnostic evaluation (CPT Code: 90791)
    Purpose: A comprehensive evaluation of your mental health to determine diagnosis and treatment needs.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $198.46 (typically ranges from $148.85 to $248.08)
    This estimate is based on 40 providers in the Houston area.

  • Procedure: Assessment of emotional or behavioral problems (CPT Code: 96127)
    Purpose: A shorter, focused assessment to quickly identify emotional or behavioral concerns.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $9.46 (typically ranges from $3.91 to $15.00)
    This estimate is based on 10 providers in the Houston area.

Visit with a Psychiatry Provider

  • Procedure: Psychiatric diagnostic evaluation with medical services (CPT Code: 90792)
    Purpose: A thorough mental health evaluation along with medical assessment, which may include medication considerations.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $302.21 (typically ranges from $223.24 to $381.17)
    This estimate is based on 43 providers in the Houston area.

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: Follow-up visits to monitor your progress and adjust treatment plans.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $181.33 (typically ranges from $136.00 to $226.66)
    This estimate is based on 101 providers in the Houston area.

Visit with a Clinical Psychologist

  • Procedure: Psychiatric diagnostic evaluation (CPT Code: 90791)
    Purpose: A detailed evaluation focused on psychological aspects to understand your feelings and mental health status.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $263.18 (typically ranges from $197.39 to $328.98)
    This estimate is based on 40 providers in the Houston area.

  • Procedure: Psychotherapy, 45 minutes (CPT Code: 90834)
    Purpose: Therapeutic counseling to help you cope with and overcome feelings of sadness and worry.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $151.10 (typically ranges from $113.33 to $188.88)
    This estimate is based on 32 providers in the Houston area.

Visit with a Family Practice Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: Initial or follow-up visits where a general doctor can evaluate your overall health and mental well-being.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $195.94 (typically ranges from $146.95 to $244.92)
    This estimate is based on 511 providers in the Houston area.

  • Procedure: Annual depression screening, 5 to 15 minutes (CPT Code: G0444)
    Purpose: A short screening to check if you have symptoms of depression and determine if further care is needed.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $28.53 (typically ranges from $21.40 to $35.66)
    This estimate is based on 91 providers in the Houston area.

  • Procedure: Assessment of emotional or behavioral problems (CPT Code: 96127)
    Purpose: A brief assessment to screen for emotional or behavioral issues during a visit.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $7.60 (typically ranges from $5.69 to $9.52)
    This estimate is based on 15 providers in the Houston area.

Taking the first step to feel better is important, and you’re already on the right path. Here’s what you can do next:

  1. Schedule an Appointment: Choose one of the provider types listed above and call their office to book a visit. Starting with a Family Practice doctor or a Licensed Clinical Social Worker can be a convenient first visit.
  2. Prepare for Your Visit: Write down all your symptoms, how long you’ve been feeling this way, and any questions or concerns you want to discuss.
  3. Discuss Costs: When you call, ask about the exact costs and payment options. The figures here give you an idea, but offices can provide the most accurate pricing.
  4. Follow Through: Remember, seeking help is a positive step. Mental health professionals are there to listen and support you toward feeling better.

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 blog provides estimated costs and general guidance. It’s not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.