Get Compassionate Mental Health Support In Rockville, MD
Struggling with anxiety, depression, or emotional challenges? At Aurora Primary Care in Rockville, MD, we provide confidential, compassionate mental health support and well-being in a comfortable primary care setting. From stress management to medication support, we’re here to help you feel better and function at your best every day.
- Longer, unhurried visits in a private, judgment-free environment
- Continuity of care, same trusted doctor who knows your full story
- Direct access for support between visits via text, call, or video
- Transparent, membership-based pricing with no surprise bills
The Difference: Primary Care Mental Health vs Traditional Mental Healthcare
When you’re struggling emotionally, getting help shouldn’t be complicated. Traditional mental healthcare often means long waits, high costs, and fragmented care between your doctor and therapist. Aurora’s Direct Primary Care integrates mental health support into your primary care, giving you faster access, continuity, and a doctor who sees the whole picture of your health.
Accessible & Welcoming
Many people feel more comfortable starting mental health care with their trusted primary care doctor rather than seeing a psychiatrist. We provide confidential support in a familiar, welcoming setting, reducing barriers and fosters comfort.
Mind-Body
Connection
Your mental and physical health are deeply connected. We address both together by managing how anxiety affects your sleep, how depression impacts chronic conditions, and how stress shows up in your body.
Faster Access
to Care
No months-long waits for psychiatry appointments. Get same-day or next-day visits, direct messaging, and telehealth support when you need it, all included in your membership.
What Is Mental Well-Being?
Mental health support in primary care involves evaluating, managing, and addressing emotional and psychological concerns through a personalized, whole-person approach. We focus on understanding your unique experiences, including life stressors, sleep, relationships, and physical health, and offering strategies to help you navigate challenges and improve your daily functioning.
At Aurora Primary Care, mental health is not separate from your overall health. We work with you to create a plan that may include lifestyle changes, coping strategies, and, when appropriate, medication management.
Common Mental Health Concerns We Address
We provide support and treatment for a variety of mental health needs, including:
- Depression and persistent low mood
- Anxiety and panic attacks
- Performance and social anxiety
- Stress and burnout
- Sleep difficulties related to mental health
- Grief and adjustment disorders
- Mild to moderate mood disorders
- Medication management for mental health conditions
Disclaimer: For severe mental health crises or suicidal thoughts, call 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or go to your nearest emergency department. We’re here for ongoing management and support.
Comprehensive Mental Health Care Included in Your Membership
Your DPC membership covers the mental health support you need, including regular check-ins, medication management, and direct access to your doctor. Because we don’t bill insurance per visit, you can get help when you need it without worrying about copays or session limits.
What’s included
- Confidential mental health visits, in person or via telehealth
- Medication management for anxiety, depression, and related conditions
- Development of coping strategies and stress management techniques
- Lifestyle and wellness recommendations for sleep, nutrition, and exercise
- Direct messaging for support between scheduled visits
- Will provide referrals to see therapists or psychiatrists when specialized care is needed
Ancillary services
- If lab work is needed to rule out thyroid issues, vitamin deficiencies, or other medical causes of mood changes, we offer testing at transparent deeply discounted pricing. Costs are significantly lower than typical retail rates. We will always notify you of costs beforehand.
Note: Beginning January 1, 2026, HSA funds will be allowed to pay for qualified DPC memberships. Check with your HSA administrator for details.
How Mental Health Support Works at Aurora (Confidential, Personal, Continuous)
- Initial conversation: Open, supportive discussion about your symptoms, challenges, and goals in a private, judgment-free environment where you're heard.
- Personalized plan: Together, we create a treatment approach that fits your life. This may include lifestyle changes, coping skills, medication, or referrals to therapy.
- Ongoing support: Regular check-ins to monitor your progress, adjust medications if needed, and provide encouragement, with direct access between visits via text or call.
- Coordinated care: If you need therapy or psychiatric specialist care, we coordinate referrals and work closely with your mental health providers for seamless support.
Why Choose Aurora Primary Care For Mental Health?
- Compassionate, non-judgmental environment where you feel safe to share
- Experienced physician trained in mental health integration and whole-person care
- Personalized care plans tailored to your symptoms, lifestyle, and goals
- Direct access to your doctor, with no waiting weeks for follow-up appointments
- Convenient Rockville location with telehealth options for added privacy and flexibility
- Affordable, transparent pricing through membership, with no per-visit fees or surprise bills
Real Patients, Real Results
We were visiting DC recently and our grandchild needed urgent care. Dr. Malhotra provided exceptional & compassionate care. She was warm and immediately connected with the child. Her kindness, patience, and genuine concern made all the difference during this stressful time. We’re so grateful!
Mary E.
Dr. Malhotra is a gem! She has gone above and beyond to offer compassionate, thoughtful care by really listening to my health concerns and helping me make informed medical choices. She has helped me navigate kidney stones and hypertension and I am healthier today because of her care. I wish I could give more than five stars!
Melanie N.
I am 55 years old and compared to my other physicians Dr. Malhotra is far superior. She is very knowledgeable, takes a practical approach to medicine, and most of all she listens. She makes it a point to follow up with all my other doctors to ensure that she has a complete picture of my health.
BBClark
Dr. Malhotra is the best medical provider I've had in my 25 yrs living in the US. She listens carefully, explains in detail, does not rush, and is thorough in her examinations and overall health profile. Her global practice has exposed her to many medical conditions, including tropical illnesses I've had, and she understands alternative complementary treatments while remaining scientifically grounded. I cannot recommend her highly enough.
Erika F.
About Dr. Malhotra
- Board-certified family physician
- 25+ years experience across the U.S. and internationally
- Worked with leading healthcare systems: Johns Hopkins-Sibley, GWU-MFA, Adventist Health, One Medical, Henry Ford Health
- Patient-centered, holistic care approach addressing mind and body together
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Primary care physicians are trained to diagnose and treat mild to moderate anxiety and depression, including prescribing medications like SSRIs or SNRIs. Many patients prefer starting with their primary care doctor because it's less stigmatizing and more accessible than seeing a psychiatrist. If your condition is severe or complex, we'll coordinate referrals to mental health specialists while continuing to support your overall care.
We complement therapy and psychiatry rather than replace them. Dr. Malhotra can prescribe medications, provide medical management, and address the physical aspects of mental health, such as sleep, exercise, and nutrition. Therapists provide specialized talk therapy, including CBT and DBT. If you need both, we coordinate care. For severe mental illness, we refer to psychiatrists while continuing primary care support.
Absolutely. All mental health conversations and treatments are confidential and protected by HIPAA laws. Your mental health information will not be shared without your consent, except in rare cases required by law, such as risk of harm to self or others. We provide a private, safe space for you to discuss your concerns openly.
That's exactly what we'll discuss together. Mild anxiety or depression may improve with lifestyle changes and coping strategies alone. Moderate to severe symptoms often respond best to a combination of therapy and medication. Dr. Malhotra will help you understand your options and create a plan that feels right for you, and we can adjust it as you progress.
Yes. You'll keep your insurance for specialist care, including psychiatrists and therapists, hospital visits, and prescription medications. Your Aurora membership covers primary care mental health visits and medication management. Many patients use insurance for prescriptions while avoiding copays for doctor visits through membership.
For urgent concerns between visits, you can reach Dr. Malhotra directly via phone, text, or the patient portal, often getting same-day guidance. For mental health crises, suicidal thoughts, or severe symptoms, call 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or go to your nearest emergency department. We'll provide follow-up care and support after any crisis stabilization.
Yes. Dr. Malhotra can prescribe medications commonly used for anxiety, depression, and related conditions, including SSRIs, SNRIs, and others. We'll monitor your response, adjust dosages, and manage any side effects through regular check-ins. For complex medication regimens, we may refer you to a psychiatrist while continuing coordinated primary care.
It depends on your symptoms and treatment plan. Initially, you may need visits every 2 to 4 weeks to monitor medication response and symptom changes. Once stable, many patients check in monthly or quarterly. The benefit of membership is flexibility. You can schedule visits as needed without worrying about copays for each appointment.
Mental health support at Aurora works especially well if you:
- Have mild to moderate anxiety, depression, or stress-related concerns
- Prefer starting with a trusted primary care doctor rather than a psychiatrist
- Want longer appointments and direct access to your provider
- Need medication management without the high cost of specialist visits
- Value integrated care that addresses your mind and body together
The best way to find out is to schedule a free meet & greet to discuss your concerns in a confidential, no-pressure conversation.
It's ideal if you:
- Have ongoing conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, or thyroid disorders
- Want longer visits and a doctor who knows your complete history
- Value direct access through text, call, or telehealth without surprise bills
The best way to find out is to schedule a free meet & greet with Dr. Malhotra, with no pressure or obligation.
Take the First Step Toward Better Mental Health
You don’t have to face anxiety, depression, or emotional challenges alone. Join Aurora for compassionate mental health support in a welcoming primary care setting, with longer visits, direct access, and clear pricing. Pre-tax HSA payment eligibility begins January 2026.
