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.
.svg)
Very convenient, and knowledgeable providers. I need monthly appointments with my current prescriptions. My provider is friendly and makes the process a breeze. I don’t have to leave home.
Virginia
Very easy to schedule an appointment and meet with a provider. My provider has been very supportive and extremely helpful without judgement!
Brent
It’s just easy for a working mom in between calls when I have about 20 mins or so to actually care for myself and my health right from home.
Jess
Quick and easy especially if you're super-busy with life and work to make a appointment to go some where and see a doctor... This is a life changer for me.
Cale
Appointment availability: I cannot get an in person appointment where I live (a big city) for 6 weeks. This app allowed me to connect with a medical professional the next day. (Same day was available as well). Professionalism: I felt that in my two appointments, I was treated with respect, not judged, and I was able to express my issues and thoughts to someone who was actually listening.
Leanna
Provider was very nice, attentive, she listed to me and i am very satified.
Laura
I've already recommended it to someone else frustrated by their doctor not taking their ADHD symptoms seriously, which is so often the case.
Emerson
An extremely caring company, very responsive and went above and beyond when I was in crisis. Cannot recommend them enough!! Keep up the great work.
Walter
Very happy with the provider and experience. He spends his time with me and asks several questions about my health history. I never have gotten this time in an in-person office setting.
Brynn
My provider is amazing! She is the first person that I felt like has listened to me and tried to help. I recommend to everyone.
Kit
I have recommended Circle Medical to two friends and they both have used and are happy with their experience as well.
Kasen
So convenient to do telehealth visits and to fit them into my schedule. I appreciate the providers have been trained to do the assessments and seem to have a lot of knowledge.
Titus
It was amazingly fast to get an appointment compared to the wait times in my area for a mental health professional. The provider I am seeing is very personable and I feel like she understands me and always gives me opportunities for questions. I have never felt judged. I have used the chat support and received a response much faster than most doctors offices.
Aaden
I have, and will continue to send people to Circle Medical. They are professional, and always answer my questions in a timely fashion.
Ean
I got an appointment quickly, my provider was friendly and helped me. I was very impressed with everything!
Miguel
I absolutely love my provider. She spends quality time listening to me. It’s rare these days that a doctor is willing to SEE you, and I don’t mean see you as in pop in for an appointment and push you out the door. She is an active listener and sees that I want to change my life. She’s helping me do that!
Lana
Great experience! I love my provider! She listens to all my concerns. And gives wonderful advice! Very knowledgeable, kind and understanding.
Asia
My provider was wonderful, on time, and really took the time to listen to me without judgement.
Randall
Great service, always gets the results you want and need, full team always ready to answer your questions in-depth. The willingness to just help is truly amazing.
Leticia
They are absolutely amazing!!
Joe
I've had a great experience with this service. The provider is friendly welcoming understanding. The process is very easy.
Damon
Very understanding and eager to help with you mental and physical wellbeing.
Kay
I have felt heard, believed and taken care of by my provider. I am so happy with telehealth and having access to a wonderful provider through Circle Medical.
Giuliana
Provider is amazing and so are the staff coordinators.
Riley
My provider is really knowledgeable about her job and is very compassionate. My interactions with the other staff has been great too!
Travis
Very convenient! I love the ease of scheduling, the availability of providers, and the wide range of symptoms they treat!
Henry
My provider is so thoughtful in her questions and thoroughly listens and takes the time to come up with a plan that works for ME. There is no one-size-fits-all, and as a mother of five as well as a small business owner, this rings especially true. With Circle Medical you can expect them to take their time (but not too much! Convenience is key in 2022!) and tailor an individual plan suited perfectly for you. You can expect them to care about you as a person and not a number. I am so thankful I found Circle Medical but especially during these busy times.
Sasha
This service is a godsend. I am a single mom of 2 beautiful boys under the age of 5, at home full time as well as working full time. Having the ability to see my provider on a schedule that works for me and takes my insurance is awesome! Thank you guys for all your guidance and support on my journey through life!
Yvonne
Wonderful experience. I feel heard. The virtual visit with the PCP has been so positive. I feel I've gotten better care than I have had in my past in person visits.
Steph
I like being able to talk face-to-face to a provider without having to take a whole day off of work to go to doctor's appointment, and I can get primary care and other services all in one place.
Rhianna
I have sent this app to three of my friends who were having issues with a competitor and they switched and haven't look back. The amount of appointments, the ability to choose your provider and the range of the appointments available in one app.
Raven
Very friendly and knowledgeable, everyone I have spoke has gone above and beyond to help me.
Bill
ADHD assessment was tailored to adult women, the expert gave nuanced additions and clarification to questions or statements. I feel much better-equipped to handle life and am making progress in ways that seemed impossible before.
Chandra
Very reliable and kind service, very professional, providers are amazing! The app is great.
Cortez
They are quick, professional, and responsive by app. They also take my insurance — what more can I ask for?
Sharon
I love the app. Excellent. You could book on an appt early or on weekends. The provider I work with is knowledgeable, friendly, compassionate and very supportive and thorough!!!
Tate
My provider is very friendly and really understands my needs. She asks a lot of questions to get to understand what your needs are.
Stephen
I’m very likely to recommend Circle Medical because of the progress that I have made. My provider has made it possible for me to accept and understand my ADHD with the upmost positivity and total honesty. I have never been able to love and accept myself till now.
Van
Circle Medical has been such a great platform to see a care provider! I have had such a great experience with the ease of using the platform as well as the providers. Thank you!
Nico
Excellent communication with providers. Friendly, affordable and transparent care.
Charlie
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.
