Feeling Sad and Anxious All the Time? Your Next Healthcare Steps in Dallas, TX

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Feeling Sad and Anxious All the Time? Your Next Healthcare Steps in Dallas, TX

If you’ve been feeling really sad all the time, struggling to find motivation, worrying constantly, and having trouble sleeping, it’s completely natural to wonder if what you’re experiencing is normal—or if you might need some extra support. These feelings can be overwhelming, and taking that first step to seek help can feel challenging. You’re not alone, and it’s very important to know that help is available.

In this post, we’ll guide you through some potential next steps to address these feelings, including which healthcare providers you might consider seeing in Dallas, TX, and what initial costs might look like if you’re paying out of pocket. This information can help bring clarity and comfort as you decide how to take action.

Who to See for Your Symptoms in Dallas, TX

Feeling sad and anxious all the time can be signs of conditions like depression or anxiety disorders, which are treatable with the right professional support. In Dallas, several types of healthcare providers can help with these symptoms:

  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW): These professionals provide counseling and support to help manage emotions and life challenges. They often offer talk therapy to help you work through your feelings.
  • Psychologist, Clinical: Psychologists specialize in assessing and treating mental health conditions through therapy, testing, and counseling.
  • Family Practice Doctor: A general doctor who can evaluate your overall health, conduct initial screenings, and refer you to specialists if needed.
  • Internal Medicine Doctor: Similar to family practice, these doctors focus on adult health and can guide you through evaluation and treatment or refer to mental health specialists.
  • Psychiatrist: A medical doctor specializing in mental health, able to diagnose conditions and prescribe medications if necessary, often combining medication management with psychotherapy.

What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs

Here’s a breakdown of the typical procedures, purposes, and estimated costs you might encounter at your first visits with these providers in Dallas, TX:

Visit with a Licensed Clinical Social Worker

  • Procedure: Psychiatric diagnostic evaluation (CPT Code: 90791)
  • Purpose: This is a thorough session to understand your symptoms and emotional health. It helps identify the root of your sadness and anxiety so the LCSW can recommend the best therapy plan.
  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $204.21 (typically ranges from $153.16 to $255.26)
  • Provider Availability: This estimate is based on 31 providers in the Dallas area.

Visit with a Clinical Psychologist

  • Procedure: Psychiatric diagnostic evaluation (CPT Code: 90791)
  • Purpose: A detailed evaluation that assesses your mental health condition, with an emphasis on diagnosing and planning therapy tailored to your needs.
  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $254.54 (typically ranges from $190.91 to $318.18)
  • Provider Availability: This estimate is based on 56 providers in the Dallas area.

Visit with a Family Practice Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)

  • Purpose: A general health check where your doctor will discuss your symptoms, perform a physical exam if needed, and suggest next steps or referrals.

  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $193.57 (typically ranges from $145.18 to $241.96)

  • Provider Availability: This estimate is based on 494 providers in Dallas.

  • Procedure: Annual depression screening, 5 to 15 minutes (CPT Code: G0444)

  • Purpose: A quick, focused screening to check for symptoms of depression. This helps your doctor decide if further evaluation or treatment is necessary.

  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $28.85 (typically ranges from $21.64 to $36.06)

  • Provider Availability: Based on 75 providers in Dallas.

  • Procedure: Assessment of emotional or behavioral problems (CPT Code: 96127)

  • Purpose: A brief evaluation to identify specific emotional or behavioral concerns during the visit.

  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $11.02 (typically ranges from $5.38 to $16.67)

  • Provider Availability: Based on 17 providers in Dallas.

Visit with an Internal Medicine Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)

  • Purpose: An evaluation similar to family practice doctors focusing on adult patients, covering your symptoms and overall health.

  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $194.08 (typically ranges from $145.56 to $242.60)

  • Provider Availability: 508 providers in Dallas.

  • Procedure: Annual depression screening, 5 to 15 minutes (CPT Code: G0444)

  • Purpose: A short screening to detect signs of depression during a routine visit.

  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $28.99 (typically ranges from $21.74 to $36.24)

  • Provider Availability: 100 providers in Dallas.

  • Procedure: Care management services for behavioral health conditions, 20 minutes or more (CPT Code: 99484)

  • Purpose: Additional care and support services addressing your emotional or behavioral health, often coordinated by healthcare staff under a doctor’s supervision.

  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $66.48 (typically ranges from $49.86 to $83.10)

  • Provider Availability: 6 providers in Dallas.

Visit with a Psychiatrist

  • Procedure: Psychiatric diagnostic evaluation with medical services (CPT Code: 90792)

  • Purpose: A comprehensive mental health evaluation that includes diagnosis and may lead to recommendations for medication and therapy.

  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $289.36 (typically ranges from $217.02 to $361.70)

  • Provider Availability: 37 providers in Dallas.

  • Procedure: Psychotherapy with evaluation and management visit, 30 minutes (CPT Code: 90833)

  • Purpose: This session combines talk therapy and medical management, supporting you emotionally while discussing treatment options.

  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $106.98 (typically ranges from $80.23 to $133.72)

  • Provider Availability: 44 providers in Dallas.

Taking the initiative to reach out for help is a strong and important choice. Here’s how you can move forward:

  1. Schedule an Appointment: Contact a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Psychologist, Family Practice doctor, Internal Medicine doctor, or Psychiatrist in Dallas. If it’s your first time addressing these feelings, a family or internal medicine doctor can be a great starting point to receive screenings and referrals.
  2. Prepare for Your Visit: Write down your symptoms, how long you’ve been feeling this way, changes in sleep or motivation, and any questions or concerns you want to discuss.
  3. Discuss Costs: When booking your appointment, ask about the specific costs and payment options. The estimates above serve as general guidance.
  4. Remember: Seeking professional advice is the best way to understand your feelings and get the support you deserve. You are taking an important step toward better well-being.

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 information to support decision making and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.