Circle Medical's team of board-certified and empathetic providers are standing by to help you. Attend a same-day appointment from the comfort and privacy of your own home.
HIPAA compliant
Available over video and in person
LegitScript certified
Fully licensed medical practice
Same-day appointments available
Dr. Amanda Lerner
Comprehensive Anxiety or Depression assessment over video
Same-day or next-day appointment availability
If appropriate, we offer evidence-based treatment options for anxiety
Board-certified providers who provide anxiety and depression care
Therapy referrals available everywhere we offer care
As a primary care practice, we can treat you for many other conditions as well, streamlining your medical experience.
Anxiety / Depression Treatment
Yes, our Circle Medical providers are able to provide a comprehensive assessment and diagnosis of mild to moderate anxiety or depression.
If you are diagnosed by one of our providers, we are able to provide ongoing healthcare in the form of regular check-ins, assessments, therapy referrals, and evidence-based prescription management if appropriate.
Please note that booking and paying for a video appointment with one of our Circle Medical providers does not guarantee a diagnosis, or a specific medication.
A full medical assessment takes into account the patient’s full health summary, evidence-based diagnostic tools, and other safety factors. Treatment is up to the provider's discretion. We encourage you to read through this entire FAQ for additional details.
Our goal, as a primary care practice, is to make mental health more accessible and integrated with primary care. However, primary care has its limitations and this means that there may be instances where it is recommended that you see a specialist, or psychiatrist, for your care.
Circle Medical is a primary care practice, which means that we are not able to treat more complex mental health conditions/medication, such as:
• History of psychosis, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and bipolar disorder
• You are currently taking, or seeking a prescription for, Benzodiazepines, opiate pain medication, or controlled substance sleep aids
To see a list of states, please start booking an appointment. You will be able to select from all of the lists where we are currently practicing.
You must be currently residing in the state of treatment as well as have your primary pharmacy be in that same state in order to be a patient at our practice.
Providers
Our providers are board-certified providers (MD’s/DO’s/NP’s/PA’s) who are able to provide a full scope of primary care services, including mental health, at Circle Medical. We do not have psychiatrists on our platform, however, our Circle Medical providers are able to provide a wide range of mental health care services in a primary care setting to provide access to life-changing care to our patients.
More complex mental health cases may require a psychiatrist to diagnose/treat. We encourage you to please read through this entire FAQ section for additional information.
You do not need to book your initial appointment with a doctor. You can book your appointment with any provider that we have available. Our providers all work closely together to make sure that we are providing the same excellent standard of care to all patients regardless of which provider you book your appointment with.
The first intake appointment is 30 minutes. Follow-up appointments are 20 minutes each.
Billing
Insured
$5 - $50 average copay* per appointment
*Note: Your specific copay is dependent on your health insurance coverage. We typically see patients with copays of around $0-$50 per appointment, but this can be higher if you have a high-deductible plan and have not yet hit your deductible this year. To confirm your specific copay estimate, you can click to book an appointment and you will be asked to input your insurance information so that you can receive your cost estimate before confirming the appointment.
Our ability to estimate your costs is dependent on your healthcare insurance's database, so we do not guarantee that the estimate you see is the exact amount you will be billed. For the most accurate estimate of your per-appointment costs, we recommend calling the phone number on the back of your insurance card to ask your insurance plan what your primary care appointment costs are.
Uninsured
$100 per appointment
Insurance
For non-therapy appointments:
We contract with most PPO insurance plans. If you are a California Bay Area resident, we also work with a small number of HMO plans.
To verify if we work with your insurance, simply start booking an appointment online. You will be prompted to enter your insurance details and will receive eligibility results instantly as well as an estimate of your appointment cost prior to confirming your appointment.
Some PPO plans that we currently work with are:
Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Aetna, Blue Shield of California, Cigna, Health Net, Humana, and United Healthcare.
Plans that we cannot work with are:
Unfortunately, we are unable to provide care for patients who have Medi-Cal or Medicaid insurance. This is because we are not licensed Medi-Cal or Medicaid providers, so we are not able to provide care, even if these patients choose to pay cash instead of use their insurance. If you have Medi-Cal or Medicaid, please do not book an appointment with us, as we will be unable to provide care even if you do not enter your insurance information.
Other
If you've been diagnosed with anxiety and/or depression before and have your diagnosis paperwork available, you can email it to [email protected]. Be sure to use the same email address that you used to sign up when booking your appointment.
Note: This step is optional. After your first visit, we will facilitate getting your medical records from your previous provider.
After you are diagnosed, if you are prescribed medications, we will coordinate sending these prescriptions to your preferred pharmacy.
You may have a 2-week follow-up if you are on a new dosage for treatment. Once your treatment has stabilized, you will have monthly follow-up appointments to maintain treatment.
If you have questions at any time, please feel free to chat with your provider and care team via our secure app.
It can take 1-2 appointments for a complete anxiety and/or depression assessment to take place and for a possible diagnosis to be made.
We put patients first in every decision we make, and follow clinical guidelines based on evidence-based medicine to ensure patients get the most effective care possible.
Anxiety is a common response to stress or danger, characterized by feelings of apprehension, worry, and fear. While occasional anxiety is a normal part of life, excessive and persistent anxiety may indicate a mental health disorder.
Anxiety disorders manifest in various forms, such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, social anxiety disorder (SAD), and specific phobias.
Individuals with anxiety may experience physical symptoms like increased heart rate, sweating, trembling, and shortness of breath. They may also have persistent negative thoughts, difficulty concentrating, and a sense of impending doom.
Anxiety can significantly impact a person's daily life, relationships, and overall well-being. It may interfere with work or school performance, social interactions, and even lead to avoidance of certain situations or places. Treatment options for anxiety include therapy, medication, and self-care strategies such as exercise, relaxation techniques, and stress management. Seeking professional help is crucial for individuals experiencing severe or chronic anxiety to alleviate symptoms and improve their quality of life.
The causes of anxiety disorders are multifaceted and can involve a combination of biological, genetic, environmental, and psychological factors.
Biological factors may include imbalances in brain chemistry and neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine, which may play a role in the development of anxiety disorders. Individuals with a family history of anxiety or other mental health conditions may have a higher risk due to genetic predisposition.
Environmental factors, such as traumatic events, may include physical or emotional abuse, neglect, or the loss of a loved one, can trigger anxiety disorders. Chronic stress, exposure to violence, or living in a highly stressful environment can also contribute to the development of anxiety.
Medical conditions or medications can cause or contribute to anxiety symptoms. For example, thyroid disorders, heart conditions, respiratory disorders, and hormonal imbalances can be associated with anxiety. Additionally, certain substances like caffeine, alcohol, or drugs can worsen anxiety symptoms.
Anxiety disorders are complex, and each individual's experience may be unique. Understanding the causes and triggers can help in developing personalized treatment plans that address the specific needs of individuals with anxiety.
Symptoms of Anxiety may include some of the following:
Excessive Worry: Persistent and excessive worry about various aspects of life, including everyday concerns, future events, health, work, or relationships. The worry is often difficult to control and may be disproportionate to the actual situation.
Restlessness and Irritability: Feeling restless, on edge, or easily irritated. Individuals with Anxiety may have difficulty relaxing and may be easily startled.
Physical Symptoms: Anxiety can manifest as an increased heart rate, palpitations, chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, sweating, trembling or shaking, gastrointestinal issues (such as stomachaches or nausea), and tension headaches.
Sleep Disturbances: Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or having restless, unsatisfying sleep. Anxiety can cause intrusive thoughts or racing thoughts that make it challenging to calm the mind and relax enough to sleep.
Cognitive Symptoms: Persistent negative thoughts, excessive self-doubt, fear of losing control, racing thoughts, difficulty concentrating or focusing, and memory problems. Anxiety can make it challenging to make decisions or feel confident in one's abilities.
Avoidance Behavior: Individuals with anxiety may avoid situations or places that they perceive as triggers for their Anxiety. This can lead to social isolation, avoiding work or school responsibilities, or limiting activities that were once enjoyable.
Panic Attacks: Some anxiety disorders, such as panic disorder, can cause sudden and intense episodes of fear or panic known as panic attacks. During a panic attack, individuals may experience a rapid heart rate, chest pain, shortness of breath, trembling, dizziness, and a fear of losing control or dying.
Everyone's experience with Anxiety can be unique, and individuals may not exhibit all of these symptoms. If you or someone you know is experiencing persistent Anxiety symptoms that interfere with daily life and well-being, it is recommended to seek professional help for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Determining the need for a prescription for anxiety should be done in consultation with a healthcare professional.
If your anxiety symptoms significantly impact your daily life, relationships, or overall well-being, or if they persist for several weeks or months without improvement from self-help strategies or therapy, a prescription medication may be considered as a part of your overall treatment plan, if determined to be clinically appropriate by your provider.
Individualized treatment plans will take into account factors such as personal preferences, medical history, potential side effects, and interactions with other medications or health conditions. A Circle Medical provider can provide the necessary expertise to guide you in making an informed decision and determine if a prescription medication is appropriate as part of your treatment plan for anxiety.
Here are a few tips that can help relieve symptoms of Anxiety:
Practice Deep Breathing and Relaxation Techniques: Deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, and mindfulness meditation can activate the body's relaxation response and help calm anxious thoughts and physical symptoms.
Engage in Regular Physical Exercise: Physical activity releases endorphins, which are natural mood-boosting chemicals. Regular exercise can reduce anxiety, improve sleep quality, and enhance overall well-being.
Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: Prioritize self-care by getting enough sleep, eating balanced meals, limiting caffeine and alcohol intake, and avoiding unhealthy coping mechanisms like smoking or excessive use of substances.
Establish a Support System: Reach out to friends, family, or support groups who can provide understanding and encouragement. Sharing your feelings with trusted individuals can alleviate anxiety and provide a sense of connection.
Practice Stress Management Techniques: Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as engaging in hobbies, practicing relaxation techniques, journaling, or engaging in creative activities. These outlets can help redirect anxious thoughts and promote relaxation.
Coping with anxiety is a gradual process, and different strategies may work for different individuals. It's important to be patient and kind to yourself as you find coping mechanisms that work best for you.
We are trusted by over 50,000 patients every month. Here's what they have to say.
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As someone who has ADHD, simply setting up an account on the site was so easy. You can tell that this was made with neurodivergent people in mind. Things are just SIMPLE.
Ryan
This has been the most helpful medical resource I’ve discovered. Quality providers, good service and factual conversation. I am very pleased.
Cristina
I so appreciate the provider who is treating me. She is professional and caring. The app is easy. It has been a really good experience.
Miles
My provider was EXTREMELY helpful and informative, and the entire process was just simple and quick.
Wesley
Convenience, professional, confident. They are really doing a good job of taking care of me.
Rick
Very quick availability; very thorough and compassionate providers; easy to navigate the app; health insurance accepted and no hidden fees.
Kash
This service is life-changing, it made getting the medication that I need so much easier and has over all improved my quality of life without hassle.
Nylah
Convenient, knowledgeable and friendly providers and excellent patient interface too, including scheduling.
Kali
My provider has been an amazingly attentive, caring, and informative professional. The accessibility that this group provides is helping me take control of my health.
Jack
I was able to schedule an appointment quickly and complete my diagnosis and prescription within the same week. My provider was caring, communicated clearly, and willing to answer questions.
Manny
I’m so happy that medical and mental health care accessibility has finally caught up to our “new normal” schedules and lifestyles. I’ve had an incredibly helpful provider for the past 3 months and every appointment has been exactly to-the-minute on time, professional, and convenient. I truly feel the care and helpfulness she has for me during our appointments, and I’m sure many others as well. Thank you Circle Medical for providing healthcare that doesn’t require me taking hours off of work to drive to and sit in a waiting room for a simple routine follow up/check in appointment every month. 10/10 quality care and reliability. I can’t thank you enough.
Izaiah
My provider is attentive, thorough, and always focused what is right for me. I never feel rushed and I always feel heard. And it is easy to make an appointment
Joy
My provider is attentive and listens to me needs. She addresses any issues I have. She is never late to our meetings.
Remi
This app met me on my level for my neurodivergent needs, didn't keep me waiting, and has really kind and professional medical staff.
Kanesha
Everything about using Circle Medical has been great! My provider is amazing and always happy to help with any questions or concerns I have. The administration staff is also very helpful and answers my questions very quickly if I have an issue with my pharmacy, etc. I have recommended Circle to several friends and would gladly recommend them to anyone.
Kylie
I was able to schedule an appointment quickly and complete my diagnosis and prescription within the same week. My provider was caring, communicated clearly, and willing to answer questions.
Luke
My provider was very caring and easy to deal with. She spent more time with me than any doctor I've had in the past decade. Highly recommended.
Keagan
The ease and quick turnaround for an appointment is addressing a dire strain on the current infrastructure of healthcare (one of which they refuse to address). My provider was also unlike any healthcare provider that I’ve met. She was nonjudgmental, kind, and not only advocated for informed consent, but her actions aligned with it. This is the future for healthcare and it is about time.
Sarah
I could not believe that I got an appointment for ADHD within hours. I had a terrible time trying to get an appointment with the group my insurance recommended. The health practitioner is knowledgeable and kind, and I feel like I'm getting both good physical and psychological support.
Sierra
Easy to schedule appts, easy to use the app, got the care I needed quickly, friendly providers, quality care.
Indigo
Circle Medical’s process was easy and intuitive made even better by a professional and kind provider. As a practice manager myself, your platform impressed me!!!! My provider’s “bedside manner” is warm and while I have insurance and could have gone elsewhere, I still chose Circle Medical.
Nolan
Very convenient, medical professionals are understanding and helpful in providing solutions
Luke
For a long time it was hard to find a provider I trusted, and the ones around here are short and rude. So I stopped going to get medical care unless it was an emergency. But this has brought faith back into me that medical field is not just all about money and looking to get people in and out as quick as possible, and now not having to sit in waiting rooms that possibly could spread illness and can do it online is absolutely amazing. Love this service.
Melvin
Super convenient. Compassionate, amazing practitioner who takes a holistic approach to my care.
Arianna
It works, is easy to use, I think the app is very good. I appreciated the several reminders for my first phone call, and I felt that my provider was very professional. She explains things well, and I feel cared for.
Katie
The provider I spoke with was very knowledgeable and listened to me. She explained things well and made me comfortable.
Carolina
Circle Medical has been extremely patient-oriented and has helped me feel like I’m in good hands with my mental health, receiving my medications on time with no issues.
Mike
It has been fast and easy. The clinicians are great and I found my primary care through this. I love how they are even knowledgeable about LGBTQ+ stuff which is exactly what I've been looking for.
Emerson
The app makes everything really easy and both providers I've seen so far have been wonderful. I couldn't find any doctors in my area that weren't insanely expensive so this app has been a lifesaver!
Laurie
It is very convenient for a busy schedule. The doctors are friendly and qualified.
Phoebe
I have really enjoyed my experience. I love my provider, everyone I've interacted with has been kind, and the whole process has been easy.
Jaiden
Oh my word! This experience has changed my life. No more wasted time in traffic, being exposed to others’ germs, long waits in the ‘waiting’ room. I’ve gotten the help I didn’t know I needed. And the providers are consistently working with me to tweak things or address anything else that might not be quite right. I have cried tears of happiness at having hope again, and how much better I feel!
Lindsay
Always available, always on time, incredible care providers.
Lisa
I have already referred friends! Absolutely amazing team of providers, very convenient, and very easy to work with.
Mylee
I was heard, not treated like I was a problem!!! Wasn’t rushed and was asked the right questions for what I have going on.
Adalynn
My provider at Circle Medical had to take time off for surgery. The transition to a new provider was flawless. I was apprecative of this as I needed a refill of my Rx. This organization of medical professionals continues to impress me.
Brielle
Always prompt to reply, very friendly and knowledgeable.
Dustin
Easy scheduling. Quick responses on the app. Super friendly staff and the providers are thorough and comprehensive with their questions and exams. I never feel rushed. I feel like this is a concierge experience.
Tiara
Circle Medical does a great job making health care easy and accessable. I especially appreciate my provider as she listens and cares about my needs.
Merna
Providers were very understanding. Didn’t make me feel like I was chasing medication. My provider was very informative. The process was extremely quick and simple.
Olive
Exceptionally qualified in their field
Board-certified
Deeply empathetic for patents
Follows evidence-based care guidelines
Embracing of diverse patient backgrounds
Impeccable record of previous care
If you’re struggling with a mood disorder like anxiety, it’s important to get a diagnosis so you can begin your path to treatment. Fortunately, it’s easier than ever to speak to a quality health care provider. Online primary care providers allow you to connect with primary care providers from the comfort of your own home.
If you meet with an online primary care provider, you will have an initial appointment to determine if anxiety is the root cause of your symptoms. This involves an assessment over the phone where your provider will ask questions about your experiences with anxiety and your health history. Depending on the assessment, they may also want to do some blood work to rule out any underlying conditions. If diagnosed with anxiety, they can then begin creating a personalized treatment plan for your unique needs.
It can sometimes be difficult to talk to someone about mental health. However, your primary care provider is there to help. If you’re nervous about speaking to a provider, start by making a list of your symptoms before your appointment. Try to be as detailed as possible. This will help you stay on track and will ensure you tell your provider everything about your condition.
During your appointment, don’t hesitate to ask your provider questions about your diagnosis, your treatment or anything else you’re curious about. Anxiety treatment is an ongoing process, and having an open discussion with your primary care provider will help you get the most comprehensive treatment possible.
