Laboratory Testing
Sometimes, understanding your mental health also means looking at your physical health.
Depending on your symptoms, health history, and medications, laboratory testing may be recommended to help rule out medical conditions that can affect your mood, energy, sleep, concentration, or overall well-being. Lab work may also be used to make sure certain medications are safe for you and to monitor your health during treatment.
What We May Check
🩸 Blood Count (CBC)
Looks at your blood cells and can help identify things like anemia or signs of infection that may contribute to feeling tired or unwell.
🧪 Kidney & Liver Function (CMP)
Checks how your kidneys and liver are working and looks at things like blood sugar and electrolytes.
🦋 Thyroid Function
Checks your thyroid, which can affect mood, anxiety, energy, sleep, and concentration.
💊 Vitamin B12 & Folate
Checks important vitamins that support your brain, nerves, energy, and concentration.
☀️ Vitamin D
Checks your vitamin D level when clinically appropriate.
🩸 Iron & Ferritin
Checks your iron levels and stored iron, which may be relevant when evaluating fatigue or difficulty concentrating.
🍬 Blood Sugar / A1C
Checks your blood sugar and may be especially important when monitoring certain psychiatric medications.
❤️ Cholesterol & Triglycerides
Checks cholesterol and other blood fats that may be important for your overall health and medication monitoring.
🤰 Pregnancy Testing
May be recommended when appropriate before starting or changing certain medications.
💊 Medication-Specific Testing
Some medications require additional blood work to make sure the medication is at a safe level and that your body is tolerating it appropriately.
How Lab Orders Work
If laboratory testing is recommended:
1. We discuss the testing during your appointment.
We’ll explain what is being tested and why it may be helpful for your care.
2. Your lab order is provided.
If testing is clinically appropriate, you will receive a laboratory order with the specific tests requested.
3. You visit a laboratory of your choice or an available participating laboratory.
The blood draw and testing are completed by the laboratory—not during your telehealth appointment.
4. The laboratory processes your samples.
You may be responsible for any laboratory fees or costs not covered by your insurance.
5. Results are reviewed as part of your care.
When results are available, they can be reviewed in the context of your symptoms, medications, and overall treatment plan. Additional follow-up may be recommended when needed.
Your Testing Is Personalized
You may not need every test listed above. Laboratory testing is recommended based on your individual symptoms, medical history, medications, and treatment needs.
Our goal is to look at the whole picture—not just your mental health symptoms.
