Feeling Sad and Anxious? A Guide to Your Next Healthcare Steps in Phoenix, AZ

If you’ve been feeling sad most of the time, struggling with anxiety that keeps your mind racing, and finding it hard to sleep or focus, you’re not alone. These feelings can be heavy and tiring, and it’s understandable to wonder if something more serious might be going on. Searching for answers is a brave and important first step, and you’re in the right place to learn about what comes next.

This post will help you understand the types of healthcare providers who can help with these symptoms, what initial visits might involve, and what you might expect to pay for care in Phoenix, AZ. Knowing this information can make it easier to take that next step toward feeling better.

Who to See for Your Symptoms in Phoenix, AZ

Based on your symptoms of persistent sadness and anxiety, a few types of healthcare providers could be a great place to start. Here are some options you might consider:

• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW): These professionals specialize in counseling and can provide therapy and support to help with emotional and mental health challenges.
• Family Practice Doctor: These are general doctors who treat a wide range of health issues. They can perform initial screenings and help identify if you might need specialized care.
• Psychiatrist: Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in mental health. They can diagnose conditions, provide therapy, and prescribe medications if needed.
• Internal Medicine Doctor: These doctors focus on adult health and can assess your overall well-being, including mental health screenings.
• Clinical Psychologist: Psychologists provide therapy and psychological assessments to help understand and manage emotional and behavioral issues.

What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs

Here’s a breakdown of what your first visits might look like with each type of provider, along with estimated self-pay costs in Phoenix, AZ.

Visit with a Licensed Clinical Social Worker

• Procedure: Psychiatric diagnostic evaluation (CPT Code: 90791)
  Purpose: This is a thorough interview to understand your mental health symptoms, helping to develop a tailored treatment plan.
  Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $202.14 (typically ranges from $151.61 to $252.68)
  This estimate is based on 29 providers in the Phoenix area.

Visit with a Family Practice Doctor

• Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
  Purpose: A general check-up where your doctor listens to your symptoms and can run basic tests or screenings.
  Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $191.39 (typically ranges from $143.54 to $239.24)
  This estimate is based on 602 providers in the Phoenix area.

• Procedure: Annual depression screening, 5 to 15 minutes (CPT Code: G0444)
  Purpose: A quick screening to check for depression symptoms; it’s a helpful tool to understand your mental health status.
  Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $28.27 (typically ranges from $21.20 to $35.34)
  This estimate is based on 111 providers in the Phoenix area.

• Procedure: Assessment of emotional or behavioral problems (CPT Code: 96127)
  Purpose: A brief evaluation to better understand emotional challenges like sadness and anxiety.
  Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $7.60 (typically ranges from $5.33 to $9.86)
  This estimate is based on 31 providers in the Phoenix area.

Visit with a Psychiatrist

• Procedure: Psychiatric diagnostic evaluation with medical services (CPT Code: 90792)
  Purpose: A comprehensive evaluation that combines mental, emotional, and medical assessment for a precise diagnosis.
  Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $275.52 (typically ranges from $206.64 to $344.40)
  This estimate is based on 41 providers in the Phoenix area.

• Procedure: Assessment of emotional or behavioral problems (CPT Code: 96127)
  Purpose: A brief check to identify emotional or behavioral concerns.
  Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $8.88 (typically ranges from $5.38 to $12.38)
  This estimate is based on 2 providers in the Phoenix area.

• Procedure: Psychotherapy, 1 hour (CPT Code: 90837)
  Purpose: An hour-long therapy session focused on addressing your feelings and developing coping strategies.
  Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $217.25 (typically ranges from $162.94 to $271.56)
  This estimate is based on 3 providers in the Phoenix area.

Visit with an Internal Medicine Doctor

• Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
  Purpose: A general health visit to discuss symptoms and perform any needed screenings or tests.
  Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $189.36 (typically ranges from $142.02 to $236.70)
  This estimate is based on 438 providers in the Phoenix area.

• Procedure: Annual depression screening, 5 to 15 minutes (CPT Code: G0444)
  Purpose: A quick check to screen for symptoms of depression.
  Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $27.74 (typically ranges from $20.81 to $34.68)
  This estimate is based on 110 providers in the Phoenix area.

• Procedure: Assessment of emotional or behavioral problems (CPT Code: 96127)
  Purpose: A brief evaluation of mental and emotional health.
  Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $7.01 (typically ranges from $5.26 to $8.76)
  This estimate is based on 7 providers in the Phoenix area.

Visit with a Clinical Psychologist

• Procedure: Psychiatric diagnostic evaluation (CPT Code: 90791)
  Purpose: A detailed assessment to diagnose your mental health status and plan treatment.
  Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $258.06 (typically ranges from $193.55 to $322.58)
  This estimate is based on 61 providers in the Phoenix area.

• Procedure: Psychotherapy, 1 hour (CPT Code: 90837)
  Purpose: One-hour therapy session focused on helping you manage thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
  Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $222.93 (typically ranges from $167.20 to $278.66)
  This estimate is based on 69 providers in the Phoenix area.

Your Recommended Next Steps

Feeling sad and anxious can be tough, but reaching out for help is the best step toward feeling better. Here’s how you can move forward:

1. Schedule an Appointment: Choose one of the provider types listed above, such as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker or Family Practice doctor, and book a visit to discuss your symptoms.
2. Prepare for Your Visit: Write down your symptoms, how long you’ve been experiencing them, any changes in your sleep or appetite, and questions you want to ask your provider.
3. Discuss Costs: When you call to schedule, ask about the cost of the visit and any procedures to ensure you have clear information and avoid surprises.
4. Remember: Seeking professional guidance is a powerful and positive step. You’re not alone, and support is available to help you feel 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.

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Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.