Mental Healthcare: Treating Anxiety, Depression, and ADHD with Compassion and Clinical Excellence

At Health Express Clinics in Lewisville, mental healthcare is not an afterthought—it’s a core part of how we help our patients live healthier, more fulfilled lives. As a board-certified family physician, I’ve spent over a decade treating individuals struggling with conditions like anxiety, depression, ADHD, and related mental health challenges. These are not rare issues—they affect our families, our neighbors, and our community.

Whether you’re searching for anxiety treatment, ADHD evaluation, or a therapist near me, we’re here to guide you through evidence-based, compassionate care in a setting you trust.

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Why Mental Health Is Primary Care

Mental health isn’t separate from physical health—it’s deeply connected. In my practice, I often see symptoms like fatigue, headaches, insomnia, and digestive problems that trace back to underlying mental health conditions.

“When a patient walks in with unexplained physical symptoms, I always consider the possibility of anxiety or depression hiding underneath. It’s more common than most people realize.”
— Dr. Harveer Parmar, MD

At Health Express Clinics, we incorporate behavioral health screening into every annual physical and follow the latest AAFP and USPSTF guidelines to detect early signs of emotional distress.

Top 5 Mental Healthcare Questions Patients Ask

1. What’s the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist?
    • A psychologist provides therapy (talk therapy, CBT, behavioral interventions) but does not prescribe medications.
    • A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in mental health, able to diagnose complex conditions and prescribe psychiatric medications.

    As a primary care provider, I bridge the gap—I can evaluate symptoms, offer initial treatment, and refer you to the right specialist when needed.

2. Can I get anxiety or depression treatment at a primary care clinic?

Yes. Most cases of mild to moderate anxiety or depression are effectively managed by primary care physicians using a combination of:

  • Clinical interviews
  • Validated screening tools (e.g., PHQ-9, GAD-7)
  • Medication options (SSRIs, SNRIs, etc.)
  • Counseling or therapy referrals

We have relationships with local therapists and psychiatrists across Dallas-Fort Worth to ensure continuity of care.

3. What’s the best treatment for ADHD or ADD?

ADHD (formerly called ADD) is treated with:

  • Stimulant medications (e.g., Adderall, Vyvanse)
  • Non-stimulants (e.g., Strattera, Guanfacine)
  • Behavioral therapy
  • School accommodations (504 plans, IEPs) for children

At Health Express Clinics, we provide diagnostic evaluations for ADHD, especially in adolescents and adults who were never formally diagnosed in childhood.

4. What are the symptoms of untreated anxiety or depression?
  • Poor concentration
  • Sleep disturbance
  • Chronic fatigue
  • Social withdrawal
  • Feelings of hopelessness or panic
  • Physical symptoms like chest tightness, IBS, or headaches

“One of the most heartbreaking things I see is someone who’s been suffering silently for years, thinking it’s just stress. When they finally get diagnosed and treated, it changes their life.”
— Dr. Harveer Parmar, MD

5. Is medication always necessary?

Not always. We follow a stepped-care model:

    • First-line: Therapy, lifestyle changes, sleep optimization, exercise
    • Second-line: Antidepressants or anti-anxiety meds
    • Alternative: Mindfulness-based CBT, supplements, or neurofeedback (under supervision)

Anxiety Treatment: What Works?

Anxiety disorders affect over 18% of U.S. adults, and we see it frequently in both teens and adults at our clinics in Lewisville, Carrollton, and Denton.

First-Line Options:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): The gold standard
  • Lifestyle changes: Caffeine reduction, regular exercise, sleep hygiene
  • Mindfulness-based therapy: Especially for generalized anxiety

Second-Line Options:

  • SSRIs: Sertraline, Escitalopram
  • SNRIs: Duloxetine, Venlafaxine
  • Buspirone: For GAD
  • Beta-blockers: For performance-related anxiety

A 2023 meta-analysis in JAMA Psychiatry confirmed that both CBT and SSRIs are effective first-line treatments for generalized anxiety and panic disorder.

Depression Treatment: A Personalized Approach

Depression often goes undiagnosed. At Health Express Clinics, we use the PHQ-9 tool and clinical interviews to detect early symptoms.

What We Often See:

  • Moms with postpartum depression, blaming it on “baby blues”
  • Teens with irritability and fatigue, chalked up to “mood swings”
  • Middle-aged men who present with only physical symptoms like insomnia or back pain

Our Protocol:

  • Rule out physical causes (thyroid issues, anemia, B12 deficiency)
  • Start with talk therapy or referrals
  • If moderate to severe, offer antidepressant medications

“Depression treatment is not one-size-fits-all. I’ve had patients thrive on therapy alone, and others who only stabilized with medication. The key is tailoring treatment to the person—not the diagnosis.”
— Dr. Harveer Parmar, MD

ADHD and ADD: More Than Just Distraction

ADHD isn’t just a childhood issue. In fact, many adults only recognize it after their children are diagnosed.

Symptoms in Adults:

  • Disorganization
  • Poor time management
  • Impulsivity
  • Forgetfulness
  • Job or relationship instability

Diagnosis at Health Express Clinics:

  • Clinical interview + validated ADHD rating scales
  • Medical rule-outs (sleep apnea, depression, thyroid issues)
  • Follow-up monitoring of response to treatment

Treatment:

First-Line

Second-Line

Alternative

Stimulants (Adderall, Vyvanse)

Non-stimulants (Strattera, Guanfacine)

CBT, executive coaching, Omega-3 supplementation 

Local Relevance: Mental Health Trends in Lewisville & DFW

  • Texas ranks among the lowest in mental healthcare access, per Mental Health America (2023 report)
  • In Lewisville and Denton County, we’ve seen a rise in teen mental health concerns, especially post-pandemic
  • High rates of anxiety and depression in professionals, especially in tech, education, and healthcare

To meet these needs, we provide:

  • Mental health screening at all checkups
  • Partnerships with local therapists
  • Medication management + lifestyle counseling
  • Referrals to psychiatrists and neuropsych testing when needed

Real Cases (Anonymized)

  • A 32-year-old woman came in for fatigue. Labs were normal. On screening, PHQ-9 = 18. She’d been silently battling depression for years. She responded well to sertraline and weekly CBT.
  • A high school athlete came for a sports physical. His grades had dropped, and he was forgetful. We diagnosed ADHD and started low-dose Vyvanse—with follow-up and improvement in both academic and athletic performance.
  • A 45-year-old teacher developed panic attacks after a car accident. We used CBT and propranolol for situational anxiety, avoiding long-term meds.

    When to Seek Emergency or Specialist Care

    Refer immediately or call 911 for:

    • Suicidal thoughts or self-harm
    • Psychosis (hallucinations, delusions)
    • Severe substance abuse relapse
    • Bipolar mania episodes

    “Primary care is where most mental health conversations begin, but we recognize when it’s time to escalate care to psychiatry or crisis support.”
    — Dr. Harveer Parmar, MD

Misconceptions We Commonly Hear

❌ “If I take anxiety meds, I’ll be hooked for life.”
✔️ Most anti-anxiety meds are non-addictive SSRIs, not habit-forming. We carefully avoid long-term benzodiazepines unless clinically necessary.

❌ “ADHD is overdiagnosed in kids.”
✔️ True, it can be overdiagnosed—but it’s also frequently underdiagnosed in girls and adults, where symptoms present differently.

❌ “Therapy is just talking—it doesn’t work.”
✔️ Evidence-based therapies like CBT are proven to be as effective as medications for mild to moderate conditions.

Summary: Mental Health Is Health

At Health Express Clinics, we’re breaking the stigma by integrating mental healthcare into everyday primary care. Whether you’re seeking treatment for anxiety, struggling with depression, or wondering if you have ADHD, we’re here to listen, diagnose, and help you heal.

✅ Personalized care plans
✅ On-site mental health screenings
✅ Medication management & referrals
✅ Trusted support, close to home

    Schedule a Mental Health Appointment Today

    Ready to feel like yourself again? Book an appointment at Health Express Clinics and take the first step toward better mental health.

    📍 Locations in Lewisville, Denton, and Carrollton
    📅 Call us or schedule online for discreet, compassionate care
    🔍 Search terms: Therapist near me, Psychiatrist near me, Anxiety treatment, Depression treatment

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