For mental health, ask your primary care doctor first

Last updated on November 11, 2021 UTC

When you hear the phrase “mental healthcare,” you might imagine seeing someone in a therapist’s office.

But these days, treatment for mental health often starts somewhere you may not expect — a virtual visit with your primary care doctor.

HealthTap’s doctors are fully equipped to assess your mental wellness, diagnose related physical symptoms, develop treatment plans, and write or refill basic prescriptions. We also offer resources and discounts for treatment that goes beyond our doctors’ expertise.

Keep reading to find out how we can work together to keep you feeling your best — physically and mentally.   

How primary care doctors can help with mental health

Your HealthTap doctor can act as “care traffic controller” to determine what might be causing your mental health challenges and what the best next steps are.

Some of the things doctors treat in our Mental & Behavioral Health* clinic include:

  • Depression.
  • Fatigue.
  • Excessive worry.
  • Alcohol overuse.
  • Anxiety.
  • Insomnia.
  • Work or school stress.

Your HealthTap doctor can also:

  • Conduct a mental health assessment.
  • Make a treatment plan for you.
  • Write prescriptions and provide refills.

HealthTap virtual visits are not intended for use in emergencies. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health emergency, scroll to the bottom of this page for a list of resources.

*See this page for a full list of what we can and can’t treat, as well as medications that we can and can’t fill/refill.

POV of a doctor greeting a patient during an online visit

Why your doctor is the best person to talk to first

HealthTap subscribers have the option of selecting a regular Primary Care doctor, so they see the same doctor every visit.

This is especially useful when it comes to mental health because changes in your environment or physical health can affect what’s going on mentally.

When you have a doctor who you check in with on a regular basis, they’ll be able to spot patterns in your health history that might lead to a diagnosis more quickly. Your HealthTap doctor can evaluate your mental health, help you develop a treatment plan, and support you along the way.

A woman and a child playing outside and looking happy

Take charge of your mental health

Mental health challenges can be frustrating, especially with a busy schedule and all the hurdles that can get in the way of scheduling an appointment, like getting to and from an office, and asking for time off work or school. 

It’s also doubly challenging to get help when there aren’t enough doctors, therapists or counseling resources where you live. Plus, depending on whether or not you have insurance, some visits can be expensive.

But HealthTap is here to help and make it as affordable and easy as possible, wherever and whenever you need it. Doctor visits are only $44 for HealthTap subscribers.

Make an appointment with your HealthTap doctor today and take the first step on the journey to better mental health.

Mental health emergency resources

If you do not have a health professional who is able to assist you, use these resources to find help for yourself, your friends, or your family.

Emergency Medical Services — 911

If the situation is potentially life-threatening, get immediate emergency assistance by calling 911, available 24 hours a day.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or Live Online Chat

If you or someone you know is thinking about hurting themselves or someone else, or is in emotional distress, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Trained crisis workers are available to talk 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Your confidential and toll-free call goes to the nearest crisis center in the Lifeline national network. These centers provide crisis counseling and mental health referrals.

SAMHSA Treatment Referral Helpline, 1-877-SAMHSA7 (1-877-726-4727)

Get general information on mental health and locate treatment services in your area. Speak to a live person, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST.

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