Many people live with anxiety or depression for months without saying a word about it. When they do open up, the first question is usually the same. Is a primary care provider even the right person to tell?
At Dr. Marina Fest, DNP, in Staten Island, the answer is yes. Managing anxiety and depression is part of what we do here, and your visit is a safe place to bring it up.
How Primary Care Can Support Your Mental Health
Anxiety and depression affect how you sleep, how you eat, how you move, and how you connect with people around you. That makes them a health issue, not just an emotional one. Primary care is built to look at your whole health, and that includes what’s happening with your mental wellbeing.
Most people don’t realize their primary care provider can help with this. They assume they need a separate referral or a specialist before anything can be done. Starting with the provider you already see is often the most practical first step.
It’s Already Part of What We Treat
Anxiety and depression are included in our chronic disease management at this practice. They sit alongside conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and asthma. Mental health and physical health are connected, and we treat them that way.
If you’ve been holding back from mentioning low mood or constant worry at your appointments, please don’t. It belongs in the conversation.
We Start by Looking at the Full Picture
Before anything else, we want to understand what’s driving how you feel. Dr. Fest looks at lifestyle, nutrition, environment, and biology together. Sometimes anxiety or depression has a physical root like a hormonal shift or a thyroid issue, and a thorough evaluation helps us see that clearly.
Dr. Marina Fest, DNP, holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice and was trained at both NYU and Pace University. Her background covers cardiology, nephrology, dialysis, and rehabilitation.
Medications and Referrals Are Part of the Plan
If medication is right for your situation, we handle medicine management here. We track how things are working and adjust when needed. When a specialist makes more sense, we provide referrals, so you leave your appointment with a clear next step.
You won’t be handed a phone number and sent on your way. We stay involved in your care and make sure the path forward actually makes sense for you.
You Can See Us Without Coming In
We offer telehealth for patients in New York and Florida. If anxiety or low energy makes getting to the office difficult, a virtual visit works just as well. Same provider, same quality of care, and no commute required.
This matters because the hardest part of getting help is often just starting. Telehealth removes one more barrier, so that starting is a little easier.
We See Patients Starting at Age 14
Anxiety and depression don’t wait until adulthood. We work with patients 14 years and older, so teenagers can get proper support early. Catching these conditions at a younger age makes a real difference in how manageable they become over time.
Parents often aren’t sure where to take a teenager who seems withdrawn or overwhelmed. A primary care visit is a good first step, and it’s one we’re equipped to handle here.
Ready to Talk? Book Your Appointment Today
Living with anxiety or depression quietly is exhausting. You don’t have to keep doing that. Bring it up at your next visit, and we’ll figure out the right path forward together.
Book your appointment at drmarinafestdnp.com/book-now, call 718-285-4440, or email drmarinafest@gmail.com. We’re at 2627 Hylan Blvd D2, Staten Island, NY 10306. Hours are Monday through Wednesday, 9AM to 4PM, Thursday 11AM to 7PM, and Friday 9AM to 4PM.
FAQs
Can a primary care provider actually treat anxiety and depression?
Yes. We manage anxiety and depression as part of chronic disease management. We handle medications, monitor progress, and refer you to a specialist when needed.
Could a physical issue be causing my symptoms?
It’s possible. Hormonal changes and thyroid issues can show up as low mood or low energy. We evaluate lifestyle, nutrition, and biology together to check if something physical is involved.
What if I can’t make it to the office?
Telehealth is available for patients in New York and Florida. A virtual visit gives you the same care without the travel.
Can teenagers come in for this?
Yes. We see patients 14 and older. Teens dealing with anxiety or depression can get real primary care support here.
