Mental Health Care: How Your Primary Care Provider Can Help

Depression, anxiety and other mental health concerns have a way of making us feel alone. But what if you already knew a provider who could help you heal? Someone with training to evaluate your current mental health needs and start a plan of care catered to you?

Turns out, you probably already do: It’s your primary care provider.

Your Primary Care Provider’s Mental Health Role

“Your Primary Care provider is more than just your go-to for physical health concerns — they are your partner in overall well-being, including mental health (sometimes called behavioral health). Starting your mental health care journey with your primary care provider has many advantages,” says Dr. Aleah Gibson, MD, a Primary Care provider at St. Elizabeth.

• Familiarity — Your doctor already knows you and your medical history. This familiarity can help them develop a personalized care plan for your mental health concerns.
• Accessibility — Seeking mental health care through your primary care provider often means faster access to care. You won’t need to wait weeks or months to connect with a specialist.
• Trust — An established relationship with your doctor can help you feel more comfortable discussing sensitive mental health topics.

Advanced practice nurses also have the training and expertise to help you with mental health concerns.

Mental Health Conditions Your Doctor Can Diagnose & Treat

Primary care providers can diagnose and treat common mental health conditions, including:

• Anxiety — From generalized anxiety disorder to panic attacks, your provider can help identify symptoms and recommend treatment options.
• Depression — They can assess your symptoms, offer support and may prescribe medications if needed.
• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) — Primary care providers can evaluate attention difficulties and hyperactivity and recommend treatment.

Mental Health Primary Care Services

Primary care providers at St. Elizabeth offer many services to support your mental health, including:

• Assessment — Your doctor can conduct screenings to identify mental health conditions early. Assessment may involve completing a questionnaire or talking with your doctor about your symptoms.
• Treatment and medicine management — If appropriate, your doctor may prescribe medicine for your mental health concerns. They can also change the dosage or prescribe different meds as needed.
• Monitoring — Your doctor will check in with you in person or via telehealth to see how well treatment is working.
• Education and support — Your provider can provide valuable resources and guidance to help you better understand your condition and how to manage it.

While primary care providers don’t offer dedicated therapy appointments, they can connect you with a trusted behavioral health professional if needed. Therapy (often in combination with medicine) can be helpful for people with more complex or severe symptoms.

Can a Family Doctor Prescribe Psychiatric Medication?

Yes. Primary care providers may prescribe psychiatric medications for common mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression and ADHD. They also monitor for side effects and adjust dosages as needed.

Find a Primary Care Provider

Your mental health is essential to your overall well-being, and your primary care provider at St. Elizabeth is here to help. Take the first step towards feeling better. Schedule an appointment today.

Do you need a primary care provider? Our Find a Doctor tool can help. Search for a doctor near you.

Schedule a Video Visit

If you’re an established patient, you can schedule a Video Visit with your primary care provider to discuss your mental health concerns. Video Visits offer a secure, convenient way to connect with your usual provider.

You can schedule a Video Visit through MyChart (online or in the app).

Explore Behavioral Health Services

Your doctor may recommend that you see a behavioral health therapist as part of your treatment plan. St. Elizabeth offers complete outpatient behavioral health services from a team that includes:

• Psychiatrists
• Psychologists
• Licensed therapists
• Psychiatric nurse practitioners and physician assistants