Depression Treatment & Therapy
Compassionate, evidence-based care for major depression, persistent depressive disorder, and related mood disorders
Understanding Depression
Depression is more than just feeling sad or going through a rough patch—it's a serious medical condition that affects how you feel, think, and handle daily activities. Depression affects approximately 21 million adults in the United States, making it one of the most common mental health conditions.
The good news is that depression is highly treatable. Between 80% and 90% of people with depression eventually respond well to treatment. With proper care, you can feel better and reclaim your life.
21M+
Adults affected annually
80-90%
Treatment success rate
#1
Cause of disability worldwide
Types of Depression We Treat
Depression presents in various forms, each requiring specialized treatment approaches.
Characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities. Symptoms last at least two weeks and significantly impact daily functioning.
- Severe depressed mood, most of the day
- Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
- Significant impact on work, relationships, and self-care
- Can occur as single or recurrent episodes
Chronic depression lasting two years or longer. While symptoms may be less severe than major depression, their persistent nature significantly affects quality of life.
- Depressed mood for most of the day
- Symptoms present for 2+ years
- May include periods of major depression
- Impacts long-term functioning and wellbeing
Depression that occurs during pregnancy or after childbirth. More severe than "baby blues," it requires professional treatment and affects the ability to care for oneself and baby.
- Severe mood swings
- Difficulty bonding with baby
- Overwhelming fatigue
- Thoughts of harming self or baby
Depression that follows a seasonal pattern, typically beginning in fall/winter and improving in spring/summer. Related to reduced sunlight exposure affecting brain chemistry.
- Depression during specific seasons
- Increased sleep and appetite
- Weight gain and social withdrawal
- Low energy and difficulty concentrating
Severe depression accompanied by psychotic features such as delusions or hallucinations. Requires immediate professional treatment and often hospitalization.
- Severe depressive symptoms
- Delusions (false beliefs)
- Hallucinations (false perceptions)
- Requires intensive treatment
Depressive episodes that occur as part of bipolar disorder, alternating with periods of mania or hypomania. Requires different treatment than unipolar depression.
- Depressive episodes in bipolar disorder
- Alternates with manic/hypomanic episodes
- Requires mood stabilizers
- Different treatment from MDD
Signs & Symptoms of Depression
Depression affects your emotions, thoughts, physical health, and behavior.
- Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" mood
- Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
- Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities
- Irritability, frustration, or restlessness
- Difficulty experiencing positive emotions
- Crying spells for no apparent reason
- Emotional numbness or feeling "empty"
- Difficulty thinking, concentrating, or remembering
- Difficulty making decisions
- Negative or distorted thinking patterns
- Thoughts of death or suicide
- Rumination (dwelling on negative thoughts)
- Poor self-esteem
- Difficulty focusing on tasks
- Slowed thinking or processing
- Fatigue or decreased energy
- Sleep disturbances (insomnia or oversleeping)
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Unexplained aches and pains
- Headaches or digestive problems
- Slowed movement and speech
- Decreased sex drive
- Chronic pain without clear cause
- Withdrawing from family and friends
- Neglecting responsibilities
- Decreased performance at work or school
- Losing interest in previously enjoyed activities
- Substance abuse
- Neglecting personal hygiene
- Avoiding social situations
- Increased risk-taking behaviors
Our Comprehensive Treatment Approach
We offer evidence-based treatments proven highly effective for depression.
Thorough Assessment
Comprehensive evaluation to accurately diagnose depression type, assess severity, identify contributing factors, and screen for co-occurring conditions like anxiety or substance use.
Multiple evidence-based therapy approaches have been proven effective for depression:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors
- Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): Address relationship issues contributing to depression
- Behavioral Activation: Increase engagement in positive activities
- Problem-Solving Therapy: Develop skills to handle life stressors
- Mindfulness-Based Therapy: Reduce rumination and increase present-moment awareness
When appropriate, medications can effectively treat depression. We prescribe and monitor:
- SSRIs: First-line treatment (Prozac, Zoloft, Lexapro, etc.)
- SNRIs: Effective for depression and pain (Effexor, Cymbalta)
- Bupropion: Helps with energy and focus
- Mirtazapine: Helpful for sleep and appetite
- TCAs: Older medications, still effective for some
- MAOIs: For treatment-resistant depression
For treatment-resistant depression, we offer or refer for:
- Esketamine (Spravato): Rapid-acting nasal spray for resistant depression
- TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation): Non-invasive brain stimulation
- ECT (Electroconvulsive Therapy): Highly effective for severe depression
- Combination treatments: Multiple medications or therapy + medication
Evidence shows lifestyle changes significantly impact depression:
- Exercise: Regular physical activity is as effective as medication for mild-moderate depression
- Sleep: Sleep hygiene and treating sleep disorders
- Nutrition: Balanced diet supporting brain health
- Light Therapy: Particularly effective for SAD
- Social Connection: Rebuilding relationships and support networks
Regular follow-up to monitor progress, adjust treatment, and prevent relapse:
- Regular medication monitoring
- Symptom tracking and assessment
- Treatment adjustments as needed
- Relapse prevention planning
- Long-term maintenance care
Benefits of Depression Treatment
With proper treatment, most people with depression experience significant improvement.
- Improved Mood: Relief from persistent sadness, hopelessness, and emotional pain
- Increased Energy: Reduced fatigue and greater ability to engage in daily activities
- Better Sleep: Improved sleep quality and normal sleep patterns
- Restored Interest: Return of pleasure and interest in activities you once enjoyed
- Improved Concentration: Better focus, memory, and decision-making abilities
- Enhanced Relationships: Improved connections with family, friends, and colleagues
- Better Work Performance: Increased productivity and ability to meet responsibilities
- Reduced Physical Symptoms: Relief from pain, digestive issues, and other physical complaints
- Hope for the Future: Restored optimism and ability to envision positive outcomes
- Improved Physical Health: Better overall health as depression's physical effects diminish
When to Seek Help
Depression is treatable. Seek help if you experience:
- Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" mood lasting 2+ weeks
- Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed
- Significant changes in sleep, appetite, or weight
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
- Fatigue or loss of energy nearly every day
- Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt
- Withdrawal from family, friends, or social activities
- Thoughts of death or suicide
Crisis Resources
If you're having thoughts of suicide or self-harm, get help immediately:
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
Emergency: Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room
You are not alone. Help is available 24/7.
Frequently Asked Questions
Some people notice improvement within 2–4 weeks of starting treatment. Antidepressants typically take 4–6 weeks to reach full effect. Therapy shows benefits within 8–12 sessions for many people. Complete recovery often takes several months.
Research shows that for mild-to-moderate depression, therapy alone can be very effective. For moderate-to-severe depression, a combination of therapy and medication is often most effective. We'll work with you to determine the best approach.
No, antidepressants don't change your personality. They help restore normal brain chemistry so you can feel like yourself again. Many people say they finally feel like "their old self" once treatment works.
For a first episode of depression, treatment typically continues for 6–12 months after symptoms improve to prevent relapse. Some people need longer-term treatment, especially if they've had multiple episodes.
Depression can recur, especially if you've had multiple episodes. However, with proper treatment and maintenance care, many people remain depression-free. We work on relapse prevention strategies as part of treatment.
If initial treatment isn't effective, we have many other options, including different medications, therapy approaches, combination treatments, and advanced therapies like TMS or esketamine. Most people find an effective treatment with persistence.
You Don't Have to Suffer Alone
Depression is treatable, and you can feel better. Our compassionate team is here to help you find hope and healing.