Mental Health Care & Counseling

Compassionate, Affordable Care When You Need It

Integrated mental health support including counseling, medication management, and ongoing care. Because your mind deserves the same attention as your body.

Mental health is health. Period.

You Don't Have to Struggle Alone

Just as you’d see a doctor for diabetes or high blood pressure, seeking support for depression, anxiety, or other mental health concerns is a sign of strength—not weakness.

At Garcia Family Medicine, we integrate mental health care into your primary care because we treat the whole person, not just physical symptoms.

You deserve:

To feel like yourself again
Relief from constant worry or sadness
Support without judgment
Professional help that’s actually affordable
A doctor who sees the connection between mind and body

Your mental health affects everything: Your physical health, relationships, work, sleep, energy, and quality of life.

We're here to help.

Mental Health + Primary Care
= Better Outcomes

Why treating mental and physical health together makes sense.

Many mental health symptoms have physical causes and many physical health problems affect mental well-being. That’s why we treat both, together.

What Makes Our Approach Different

Integrated Care

Your mental health provider IS your primary care doctor. Dr. Tess sees the whole picture—how your thyroid affects your mood, how stress impacts your blood pressure, how depression changes your sleep.

Medication + Counseling

For DPC members, medication management is included in your monthly membership. Add counseling when you need talk therapy support. Both available in one place.

Ongoing Relationship

You’re not starting over with a new therapist who doesn’t know you. Dr. Tess already knows your health history, your life circumstances, your goals. This continuity improves outcomes.

Mental Health Services
Comprehensive Mental Health Support

Medication Management

Included in DPC Membership ($99/month)

Depression treatment using non-controlled medications (e.g., SSRIs, SNRIs)
Anxiety treatment with non-controlled medications
ADHD management using non-stimulant medications
Mood stabilizers (non-controlled)
Sleep support using non-controlled medications
Medication adjustments and clinical monitoring
Side effect management
Safe prescribing practices

This practice does not prescribe controlled substances, including benzodiazepines, stimulants, Suboxone®, or medications used for detoxification.

Professional Counseling

$85/Hour (Highly Competitive Pricing)

Individual therapy sessions
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques
Stress management strategies
Coping skills development
Grief and loss support
Life transitions
Relationship concerns
Behavioral change support

We also coordinate referrals to specialized therapists when needed.

Mental Health Screening & Assessment

Depression screening (PHQ-9)
Anxiety assessment (GAD-7)
ADHD evaluation
Substance use screening
Suicide risk assessment
Functional impairment evaluation
Comprehensive mental health history

Early detection leads to better outcomes.

Crisis Support

Same-day urgent appointments for DPC members
24/7 access to Dr. Tess for crisis guidance
Safety planning
Emergency resource coordination
Hospital coordination if needed

If you’re in crisis: Call 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or 911 for immediate help.

Signs It's Time to Seek Mental Health Support

Many people wait too long to seek help. Here are signs it’s time to reach out: Common Signs

Emotional Signs

Persistent sadness or hopelessness lasting more than 2 weeks
Excessive worry or anxiety that interferes with daily life
Mood swings that affect relationships or work
Feeling emotionally numb or disconnected
Irritability or anger out of proportion to situations
Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed

Physical Signs

Sleep problems (too much or too little)
Appetite changes (significant weight loss or gain)
Persistent fatigue or low energy
Physical aches and pains with no clear cause
Digestive issues related to stress or anxiety

Behavioral Signs

Severe Warning Signs

(Seek Immediate Help)

If You're in Crisis

The Sooner You Seek Help, The Better

Early intervention leads to:

Faster symptom improvement
Better long-term outcomes
Prevention of worsening symptoms
Improved quality of life
Better physical health

You don’t have to be in crisis to deserve support. If you’re struggling, that’s enough reason to reach out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mental Health Care & Counseling Questions Answered

Q: Do I need to be a DPC member to receive mental health care?

A: You can receive mental health services whether or not you’re a DPC member, but membership offers significant cost savings.

For DPC Members:

Monthly membership: $99
First appointment: $200
All follow-up visits with Dr. Tess: included in membership (unlimited)
Counseling sessions: $85 per session (in addition to membership

For Non-Members:

Each visit with Dr. Tess: $200
Counseling sessions: $150 per session

Why Membership Makes Sense:

The value becomes clear in your first month. Dr. Tess always schedules a follow-up visit two weeks after the initial mental health appointment. As a member, this second visit is included at no additional cost. For non-members, that’s another $200.

Q: Will my mental health treatment be kept private?

A: Yes, absolutely. All medical care and mental health care are classified as Protected Health Information (PHI) and are safeguarded under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Your medical and mental health information cannot be released to anyone without your written authorization.

Q: Can Dr. Tess prescribe controlled substances for ADHD or anxiety?

A: No, Dr. Tess does not prescribe controlled substances. For ADHD, she uses non-stimulant medications as part of her treatment approach. For anxiety, she offers effective medication options that do not include benzodiazepines. Her treatment plans focus on safe, non-controlled alternatives while providing comprehensive mental health care tailored to your individual needs.

Q: How quickly can I get an appointment for mental health concerns?

A: DPC members typically get same-day or next-day appointments. New patients can usually be seen within 3-5 days—much faster than typical psychiatry wait times of weeks or months.

Q: Do you provide therapy/counseling, or just medication?

A: We offer both! Dr. Tess provides medication management for mental health conditions, and we also have counseling services available. Our approach treats the whole person—Spirit, Body, and Soul—combining medical treatment with therapeutic support to give you comprehensive mental health care. Counseling sessions are available at $85 per session for DPC members and $150 per session for non-members.

Q: What if I need a specialist like a psychiatrist or psychologist?

A: Dr. Tess will work closely with you to determine if specialized care is needed. If your situation requires the expertise of a psychiatrist or psychologist, she will provide appropriate referrals and coordinate your care to ensure you receive the comprehensive support you need.

Unfortunately, there is currently a shortage of psychiatrists and psychologists, and getting an appointment with one will definitely take time. In recent investigations of mental health providers, Dr. Tess has found that much of the “psychiatric” work is now being performed by psychiatrically-trained nurse practitioners. Ultimately, the choice is yours—whether you prefer to wait months for a psychiatrist, see a psychiatric nurse practitioner sooner, or continue your care with Dr. Tess. As your primary care provider, she remains an integral part of your healthcare team and will continue to support your overall wellness throughout your treatment.

Q: Can you treat children and adolescents?

A: Yes, Dr. Tess includes pediatric care in our practice, but there are age-specific guidelines for mental health treatment:

For Depression and Anxiety: Dr. Tess treats children ages 10 and older. Treating depression and anxiety in children younger than 10 with antidepressant medications requires more specialized care.

For ADHD: Dr. Tess can perform ADHD evaluations beginning at age 6. However, since she does not prescribe controlled substances, she does not prescribe stimulant medications like Ritalin or Adderall. Instead, she uses effective non-stimulant medications that are not controlled substances to manage ADHD.

Dr. Tess will work with you to determine the best treatment approach for your child and provide referrals to specialists when appropriate.

Q: Will I be on medication forever?

A: Not necessarily. Medication for depression and anxiety is used to reduce symptoms and help you cope more effectively while you work through counseling. This allows you to engage more fully in therapy and develop healthy coping strategies. Dr. Tess typically recommends patients plan to stay on medication for at least a year, but your treatment plan will be individualized based on your progress and needs. Your medication regimen will be regularly reviewed and adjusted as appropriate throughout your care.

Q: What if medication makes me feel worse?

A: Most medications require an adjustment period when you first start taking them, and Dr. Tess provides close monitoring during this time. She doesn’t simply prescribe medication and send you on your way—when starting psychoactive medications, she schedules a follow-up appointment within 2 weeks to assess how you’re responding.

In rare cases, some patients may experience increased suicidal thoughts. This is why Dr. Tess makes herself available 24/7 by text. If you experience concerning symptoms, you can reach out immediately, and she will call you back to evaluate your situation over the phone.

Q: Can you help with substance abuse issues?

A: We provide initial support, evaluation, and referrals to appropriate treatment programs for substance use disorders. For active addiction, specialized treatment is typically required, and we will help coordinate your care with the right providers.

It’s important to note that Dr. Tess does not prescribe controlled substances, so she cannot provide medication-assisted tapering for substances such as opioids or benzodiazepines. However, she remains committed to supporting your recovery journey by connecting you with specialized addiction treatment resources and continuing to provide comprehensive primary care as part of your overall wellness plan.

Q: Do you prescribe benzodiazepines (Xanax, Valium, etc.)?

A: No, Dr. Tess does not prescribe benzodiazepines such as Xanax or Valium. However, she successfully treats anxiety using various effective medications that are not controlled substances. Her approach focuses on safe, non-addictive alternatives that provide relief from anxiety symptoms while supporting your long-term mental health and wellness.

Q: How long are counseling sessions?

A: Standard counseling sessions are 50 to 60 minutes. However, Dr. Tess is known as the “Listening Doctor” and will not interrupt you at the one-hour mark if you’re actively working through an important issue. If the session extends an additional 30 minutes, there is an extra $50 fee. This flexible approach ensures you receive the time and attention you need without feeling rushed.

Q: Can I do telehealth for mental health appointments?

A: Dr. Tess has found that telehealth appointments can disrupt the natural interaction with patients and hinder the development of a strong doctor-patient relationship, which is essential for effective mental health care. While she will accommodate telehealth appointments in certain circumstances—such as when either she or you are out of town—she strongly prefers that counseling sessions be conducted face-to-face. This in-person approach allows for deeper connection and more effective therapeutic support.

Q: What if I'm in crisis after hours?

A: Dr. Tess is available 24/7 and can be reached by text for guidance, whether you’re a DPC member or receiving counseling as a non-member.

For life-threatening emergencies: Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. However, it’s always best to contact Dr. Tess first if possible—she may be able to meet you at the office to evaluate and treat your situation.

For suicidal thoughts: Call or text 988 (the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) for immediate support. You can also reach out to Dr. Tess at any time.

Your safety is our highest priority, and Dr. Tess is committed to being there for you when you need help most.

Q: Will mental health treatment affect my job or insurance?

A: No. Both your mental health and physical health information are protected under HIPAA, and nothing from our sessions can be released to anyone without your signed permission. Since we don’t deal with insurance companies, there are no insurance records or claims that could impact your coverage or employment. Your care remains completely confidential and private.

Q: Can I bring a family member to my appointments?

A: Absolutely, if that makes you more comfortable. Family involvement can be helpful for treatment planning and support, especially for ADHD or severe depression.

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