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 records@circlemedical.com. 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)
Convenient, the app is easy to use and navigate, I love my provider. Our meetings are efficient, and she's been able to assist me with health-related issues outside of what I sought out the app for. I absolutely want to keep using Circle Medical for many years to come and have recommended it to friends and family.
Krysta
Excellent service and staff. Always on top of things and love getting the summary of the visit after each appointment.
Kason
My provider is very attentive, and very clear about treatment and recommendations. Everybody is so helpful. When you send messages they respond quickly.
Summer
The entire process is fast and easy. My provider is competent, reliable, caring, and friendly. Billing and service team are always highly responsive and helpful. Perfect.
Pierce
Great group of providers. They have been great and quick to answer. I love the fact that in today's world we can do this on the phone. It’s convenient for everyone.
Julio
Mr provider is great. I feel he is thorough and cares about my well being. I also like that it's affordable even without insurance.
Amiah
Very easy to schedule and wonderful provider who listens to my concerns.
Greg
The provider was extremely kind and thorough, the app is very easy to use, and I had no problems picking up my prescription.
Carlo
The convenience is amazing. I can always find an appointment at a time that works best for my schedule. Also, I love the ability to text questions whenever I want. I get answers within the same day. It feels like a concierge service. I can make an appointment when I want, and get quick answers to all of my questions.
Jo
The service is legitimate, much easier and less time wasted for medical help. I love how i can just have labs ordered on my own time, and how i don’t have to make an entire day out of seeing a doctor.
Curt
I can take the appointment anywhere. I couldn’t find a psychiatrist nearby and resorted to virtual. Circle Medical is a doctor in your pocket and I love it. I love my provider too.
Demarcus
Easy, fast booking, respectful treatment, great documentation and communication. My provider listens to me, takes my input into account and treats me like an equal, not like an annoyance. Can't recommend enough, A+++++
Tommy
Because they get right to the main issues. Most doctors I have seen go through a trial and error diagnosis that goes on for a year or more.
Marlee
Just amazing! My provider is down to earth, very knowledgeable, and respectful of my own experience as a healthcare provider. Circle Medical’s ease of access to the service, and responsiveness are models in the industry.
Shannon
My provider is excellent. She is so personable and remembers me. It is easy to use and appointments are available both early or late in the day.
Jane
Medical care meant for modern life. Flexible times and locations. Providers who care about your well being and respect your time. I feel like my provider is a practical problem solver.
Elle
My provider is amazing and very professional. Customer care is always on top of any question you have. I would highly recommend Circle Medical.
Anabelle
I have recommended you to several people. I really like Circle Medical because I don't feel judged and feel that I am actually cared about.
Shalane
Circle Medical is the future of primary care! I have had great experiences with all of the providers I have seen, and I appreciate the convenience of attending appointments with the app. It is confidence-inspiring to be able to talk about sensitive medical issues from home or anywhere else. Love the speed and ease of booking appointments.
Jordon
Each provider I have encountered is kind and extremely thorough. I never feel rushed as you often do in a typical primary care setting.
Brice
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
It’s so easy to schedule your appointments, never miss time off from work again! I use Circle Medical as my primary care provider and love the support and care I receive.
Britney
My provider is honestly the best I have ever had the pleasure of seeing. Her “bedside manner” and the amount of care and concern she has for her patients (and patients as real humans, not just numbers) is beyond compare.
Orlando
Very quick availability; very thorough and compassionate providers; easy to navigate the app; health insurance accepted and no hidden fees.
Kash
Circle Medical has finally given me access to the kind of care that not only works best for me, but also cares about me.
Madden
The interface is extremely easy to use. My interactions have been extremely helpful and insightful with answering all of my questions. I never felt judged or uncomfortable with my interactions.
Chasity
My provider is absolutely amazing. Very compassionate, listens, provides feedback, and takes her time. I feel very comfortable and confident with my care.
Arielle
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
The app is convenient, easy to use, and lets me schedule appointments on short notice (such as for paxlovid for COVID infection). Excellent experience, and my healthcare provider meets my needs.
Logan
Circle Medical is easy to use and accepts a lot of insurances. I felt like my provider cared about me and we have begun to form a relationship. In regular offices I always feel rushed or unheard but somehow Circle Medical feels more personal. Requesting a refill is easy and you can check on the status.
Anna
I have struggled for years with my health issues, but always ran into barriers in getting affordable treatment. With Circle Medical, I saw a provider, received a diagnoses, and am already on treatment. All within a few days! They listen and also make getting help so easy.
Luciana
Helpful, kind, understanding staff and medical professionals who take time to hear you! Thank you all. It’s been a game changer for me!
Polly
This was my first experience using something like this and the entire process was very helpful. The staff responded promptly when I had questions and I absolutely love my provider. I was very nervous about the process but she made me feel comfortable and helped me feel like I wasn’t alone. I am so happy I found Circle Medical
Alden
Because the doctors are very professional and also they have compassion unlike others in the past
Jared
The providers are very knowledgeable, friendly and available. I’ve met with multiple providers, never had any issues.
Xavier
I was listened to, given advice and got a chance to say what worked for me in the past. We then went through some questions and got me the meds I needed.
Rylan
Convenient for a busy wife, mom, teacher, and grad student lifestyle. Helps me put my own health first.
Selina
Circle Medical has made everything easy from scheduling appointments to obtaining my prescriptions. My provider is also very easy to talk to and knowledgeable.
Efrain
Great service and caring doctors.
Eric
Very understanding!! And absolutely adore the chat portal, where I can express how I'm feeling!!! Thank you Circle Medical 🙏 This journey wouldn't be possible without y'all's help! ❤
Casey
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
