Compassionate Depression Treatment from Expert Psychiatrists
Depression Treatment from Expert Psychiatrists
Ascend Psychiatry and Wellness provides expert depression treatment to patients across Florida through convenient, confidential telepsychiatry appointments.
If you're experiencing persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, changes in sleep or appetite, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, or thoughts of hopelessness, our Florida psychiatrists can help. Depression is a treatable medical condition, and with the right psychiatric care, you can feel better and reclaim your life.
Types of Depression We Treat
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
Major depressive disorder, also known as clinical depression, is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness lasting two weeks or longer. Our psychiatrists provide comprehensive evaluation and treatment for major depression, including medication management with antidepressants such as SSRIs, SNRIs, and other psychiatric medications proven effective for treating depressive symptoms.
Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)
Persistent depressive disorder involves chronic depression lasting two years or more. While symptoms may be less severe than major depression, the prolonged nature of dysthymia significantly impacts quality of life. Our Florida psychiatrists specialize in long-term medication management strategies to help you achieve sustained relief from chronic depressive symptoms.
Treatment-Resistant Depression
When depression doesn't respond adequately to standard antidepressant medications, you may have treatment-resistant depression. Our psychiatrists have expertise in advanced treatment strategies, including medication optimization, combination therapy, augmentation strategies, and alternative psychiatric medications to help patients who haven't found relief with initial treatments.
Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression affects many new mothers and can occur during pregnancy or after childbirth. Our compassionate psychiatrists provide specialized treatment for perinatal and postpartum depression, carefully selecting medications that are safe and effective while considering breastfeeding and your baby's health.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Seasonal affective disorder causes depression symptoms during specific times of the year, typically fall and winter months. Our psychiatrists offer treatment options including antidepressant medications, light therapy recommendations, and lifestyle modifications to help you manage seasonal depression.
Our Approach to Depression Treatment
Comprehensive Psychiatric Evaluation
Your depression treatment begins with a thorough psychiatric assessment conducted via secure telehealth. Our psychiatrists take time to understand your symptoms, medical history, previous treatments, family history of mental health conditions, current medications, lifestyle factors, and treatment goals. This comprehensive evaluation allows us to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
Evidence-Based Medication Management
Antidepressant medications are often a cornerstone of effective depression treatment. Our psychiatrists have extensive expertise in psychopharmacology and stay current with the latest research on depression medications. We prescribe and manage medication options tailored to your specific symptoms and medical profile. We carefully select medications based on your symptoms, medical conditions, other medications you take, and potential side effects. We start with appropriate dosages and adjust as needed to maximize effectiveness while minimizing unwanted effects.
Holistic Depression Treatment
At Ascend Psychiatry and Wellness, we recognize that successful depression treatment extends beyond medication alone. Our holistic approach considers lifestyle factors that significantly impact mood and mental health including nutrition and diet, exercise and physical activity, sleep hygiene, stress management, and social connection. While psychiatric medications often provide essential symptom relief, combining medication with healthy lifestyle practices produces the best outcomes for long-term depression recovery.
Ongoing Monitoring and Adjustment
Depression treatment is not one-size-fits-all, and finding the right medication or combination may take time. Our psychiatrists provide regular follow-up appointments to monitor your response to treatment, assess side effects, and make necessary adjustments. We stay with you throughout your treatment journey, modifying your care plan as your needs evolve.
Coordinated Mental Health Care
We believe comprehensive depression treatment often requires a team approach. While our psychiatrists focus on medication management and psychiatric care, we work closely with your therapist, psychologist, or counselor who may provide psychotherapy such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy, or other evidence-based talk therapy approaches. We also coordinate with your primary care physician to address any medical conditions that may contribute to depression, such as thyroid disorders, vitamin deficiencies, chronic pain, or other health issues.
Benefits of Telepsychiatry for Depression Treatment
Our Florida telepsychiatry platform makes depression treatment accessible and convenient. Attend appointments from the privacy of your home, eliminating travel barriers and making it easier to maintain regular follow-up appointments, which is crucial for depression treatment success. Access expert psychiatric care regardless of your location in Florida while reducing stigma and anxiety that some patients feel about seeking mental health treatment.
What to Expect from Depression Treatment
Most antidepressant medications take 2-4 weeks before you begin noticing improvement in depression symptoms, with full therapeutic effects often taking 6-8 weeks or longer. It's important to continue taking your medication as prescribed even if you don't feel immediate relief. Our psychiatrists will monitor your progress closely during this period. Many antidepressants cause mild side effects initially, which often diminish after the first few weeks. We discuss potential side effects upfront and work with you to manage them or adjust medications if needed.
Take the First Step Toward Feeling Better
You don't have to struggle with depression alone. Our Florida psychiatrists are here to help you find relief and rediscover hope. Contact Ascend Psychiatry and Wellness today to schedule your confidential psychiatric evaluation. Depression is treatable, and with expert psychiatric care, you can feel better.