Feeling Sad and Anxious? A Guide to Your Next Healthcare Steps in Los Angeles, CA
Feeling Sad and Anxious? A Guide to Your Next Healthcare Steps in Los Angeles, CA
If you’ve been feeling really down and anxious every day for a while—having trouble sleeping, feeling tired and unfocused, and losing interest in things you usually enjoy—you’re definitely not alone. These feelings can be overwhelming, and it makes total sense that you’re searching for help but don’t know exactly what to call what you’re experiencing. It’s great that you’re reaching out for information because understanding your next steps is key to feeling better.
This post is here to guide you through what kinds of healthcare professionals you can see in Los Angeles for symptoms like sadness and anxiety, what to expect during your visits, and an idea of the potential costs involved. You’re in the right place to get practical, local information that can help you take that important first step.
Who to See for Your Symptoms in Los Angeles
Based on your symptoms, there are a few types of healthcare providers who could be great starting points to get the support you need:
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW): These professionals specialize in therapy and counseling for emotional and mental health issues like anxiety and depression. They can provide talk therapy to help you manage your feelings and cope better.
- Psychiatrist: Psychiatrists are medical doctors who diagnose and treat mental health conditions. They can provide therapy and, if necessary, prescribe medications to help balance your mood and anxiety.
- Clinical Psychologist: These specialists offer comprehensive evaluations and psychotherapy. They focus on treating emotional and behavioral issues through different therapy approaches and can provide deep assessments.
- Family Practice Doctor: This is a general doctor who can evaluate your overall health, perform initial screenings for depression or anxiety, and refer you to specialists if needed. They’re a convenient first stop if you’re unsure where to begin.
- Internal Medicine Doctor: Like Family Practice doctors, these physicians manage your physical health and can assess symptoms linked to anxiety and depression, also providing referrals to mental health professionals.
What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs
Here’s a breakdown of typical procedures you might encounter at your first visits with each type of provider, along with estimated costs in Los Angeles. These are self-pay costs, so if you have insurance, your out-of-pocket expense may be lower.
Visit with a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
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Procedure: Psychiatric diagnostic evaluation (CPT Code: 90791)
Purpose: This visit helps understand your feelings and mental state to provide an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $211.47 (typically ranges from $158.60 to $264.34)
This estimate is based on 25 providers in the Los Angeles area. -
Procedure: Psychotherapy, 45 minutes (CPT Code: 90834)
Purpose: A counseling session focused on talking through your feelings and learning coping skills.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $122.27 (typically ranges from $91.70 to $152.84)
This estimate is based on 31 providers in Los Angeles.
Visit with a Psychiatrist
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Procedure: Psychiatric diagnostic evaluation with medical services (CPT Code: 90792)
Purpose: A thorough evaluation, including medical assessment and diagnosis to tailor treatment that might include medication.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $301.38 (typically ranges from $226.03 to $376.72)
This estimate is based on 55 providers in Los Angeles. -
Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
Purpose: Follow-up visits for ongoing care, medication management, or check-ins.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $224.64 (typically ranges from $154.70 to $294.57)
This estimate is based on 200 providers in Los Angeles. -
Procedure: Psychotherapy with evaluation and management visit, 30 minutes (CPT Code: 90833)
Purpose: Combined therapy and medical evaluation in one session.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $110.96 (typically ranges from $83.22 to $138.70)
This estimate is based on 93 providers.
Visit with a Clinical Psychologist
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Procedure: Psychiatric diagnostic evaluation (CPT Code: 90791)
Purpose: An in-depth mental health assessment to identify the causes of your symptoms and design treatment.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $273.31 (typically ranges from $204.98 to $341.64)
This estimate is based on 149 providers. -
Procedure: Psychotherapy, 1 hour (CPT Code: 90837)
Purpose: A full hour of therapy to work through your thoughts and feelings in depth.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $239.74 (typically ranges from $179.81 to $299.68)
This estimate is based on 186 providers. -
Procedure: Psychotherapy, 45 minutes (CPT Code: 90834)
Purpose: A shorter therapy session focused on learning strategies to manage anxiety and sadness.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $159.65 (typically ranges from $119.74 to $199.56)
This estimate is based on 143 providers. -
Procedure: Psychotherapy, 30 minutes (CPT Code: 90832)
Purpose: A brief session, ideal for follow-ups and ongoing support.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $116.78 (typically ranges from $87.59 to $145.98)
This estimate is based on 105 providers. -
Procedure: Care management services for behavioral health conditions, 20 minutes or more (CPT Code: 99484)
Purpose: Support services directed by health professionals to help manage ongoing mental health conditions.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $76.76 (typically ranges from $42.20 to $111.32)
This estimate is based on 19 providers.
Visit with a Family Practice Doctor
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Procedure: Psychiatric diagnostic evaluation (CPT Code: 90791)
Purpose: Basic mental health assessment to identify symptoms and needs for referral.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $239.68 (typically ranges from $179.76 to $299.60)
This estimate is based on 1 provider. -
Procedure: Assessment of emotional or behavioral problems (CPT Code: 96127)
Purpose: Quick check for emotional issues that might be affecting your daily life.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $11.21 (typically ranges from $6.42 to $16.00)
This estimate is based on 12 providers. -
Procedure: Care management services for behavioral health conditions, 20 minutes or more (CPT Code: 99484)
Purpose: Support to help manage your emotional health through regular monitoring and advice.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $49.39 (typically ranges from $37.04 to $61.74)
This estimate is based on 1 provider. -
Procedure: Annual depression screening, 5 to 15 minutes (CPT Code: G0444)
Purpose: Quick screening to detect signs of depression early.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $32.05 (typically ranges from $24.04 to $40.06)
This estimate is based on 119 providers.
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: Routine visits to discuss symptoms and manage health concerns related to anxiety or depression.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $204.24 (typically ranges from $153.18 to $255.30)
This estimate is based on 1176 providers. -
Procedure: Assessment of emotional or behavioral problems (CPT Code: 96127)
Purpose: Brief check-in to evaluate emotional or behavioral concerns.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $10.87 (typically ranges from $6.41 to $15.33)
This estimate is based on 16 providers. -
Procedure: Annual depression screening, 5 to 15 minutes (CPT Code: G0444)
Purpose: Short screening to identify depression symptoms early.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $32.27 (typically ranges from $24.20 to $40.34)
This estimate is based on 173 providers.
Your Recommended Next Steps
Feeling sad and anxious can be tough, but taking action is a powerful first step. Here’s what you can do next:
- Schedule an Appointment: Reach out to one of the provider types listed above—whether it’s a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Psychiatrist, Psychologist, or your primary care doctor—to start your mental health journey.
- Prepare for Your Visit: Before your appointment, write down your symptoms, how long they’ve been happening, things that make them better or worse, and any questions you want to ask.
- Discuss Costs: When you book your appointment, ask the provider’s office about the costs and payment options. The estimates here can guide you, but prices might vary.
- Remember You’re Not Alone: Seeking professional help is a brave and important choice. With the right support, you can start to feel better and regain control over your life.
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.
This blog post provides general information and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment tailored to your specific needs.