Healthcare Services

Primary Care Mental Health in Houston

Understanding Mental Health

Mental health covers the emotional, psychological and social well-being of individuals and affects how one acts and behaves in certain situations. Good mental health is important for coping with stress, navigating life's many challenges and maintaining healthy relationships.

Factors such as genetics, biology, environment and life experiences can contribute to the development of mental health disorders. Appropriate interventions vary significantly depending on the patient’s challenges.

Although primary care physicians are not focused on psychological care, they can help with the initial diagnosis and provide referrals for a range of mood disorders, from depression and anxiety to more severe conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. They can also prescribe medications for some types of mental health disorders and work with other St. Hope Healthcare specialists on developing an action plan to help improve the lives of Houston patients.

Why It's Important to Discuss Mental Health with Your Primary Care Physician

Your primary care physician serves as your first point of contact for managing your overall health, including your mental well-being.

Regular discussions about mental health during primary care visits are important for several reasons:

• Early Identification: Your primary care physician can identify potential signs and symptoms of mental health conditions during routine check-ups. This allows for early intervention and treatment.
• Holistic Care: Addressing mental health concerns alongside physical health issues promotes overall holistic wellness and makes sure that all aspects of your health are properly addressed.
• Preventive Care: Like physical disorders, mental disorders can worsen over time if not treated. Open discussions about mental health with your primary care physician can help prevent symptoms from getting worse and reduce this risk.

Can Primary Care Physicians Prescribe Medications for Mental Health Issues?

Yes, primary care physicians can prescribe medications for certain mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety and ADHD. However, the extent of prescribing may vary depending on the physician's training, experience and comfort level.



In cases where more specialized care is necessary, your primary care provider may instead refer you to a psychiatrist or other mental health specialist to receive a medication prescription.

Comprehensive Mental Health Services in Houston, TX

At St. Hope Healthcare, we offer a wide range of mental health services tailored to meet the unique and diverse needs of our patients.

This includes:

• Mental Health Assessments: Assessments may include interviews, standardized questionnaires and psychological testing to gather information about a patient's mental health concerns.
• Individual Counseling: Our licensed therapists utilize evidence-based therapeutic techniques to address a wide range of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, trauma, grief and relationship difficulties. Through counseling, patients gain insight, develop coping skills and work toward achieving their mental health goals.
• Medication Management: Our providers conduct thorough evaluations, prescribe appropriate medications if needed and monitor patients' responses to treatment.
• Group Therapy: St. Hope Healthcare offers group therapy sessions facilitated by trained mental health professionals. Group therapy provides opportunities for individuals to connect with others facing similar challenges, share experiences and learn from one another in a supportive group setting.
• Crisis Intervention and Support: In times of crisis or mental health emergencies, our healthcare team is available to provide timely intervention and support. We offer crisis intervention services to help individuals stabilize during periods of heightened distress, assess safety concerns and coordinate appropriate care resources.

Affordable Mental Health Care in Houston, TX

Unfortunately, many people fail to seek help for their mental health due to limited finances. At St. Hope Healthcare, we believe that cost should not be a barrier to accessing mental health care.

That’s why we accept various forms of insurance coverage and participate in state and federal programs to ensure that mental health services are both affordable and accessible to all individuals, regardless of their financial circumstances.

Comprehensive Mental Health Services in Houston, TX

St. Hope Healthcare offers telehealth services for mental health appointments, providing convenient access for individuals who prefer remote care over in-person visits.

Telehealth appointments allow patients to connect with mental health professionals via video chat to access therapeutic interventions from the comfort and privacy of their own homes.

Seek Mental Health Care in Houston With the Help of St. Hope Healthcare

If you or a loved one are struggling with mental health concerns, our compassionate and empathetic team at St. Hope Healthcare is here to help every step of the way.

Schedule a mental health appointment with us today here on our website or give us a call at (713) 778-1300.