Depression Treatment

You Deserve to Feel Like Yourself Again

Depression is one of the most common and treatable mental health conditions. CARMAhealth's board-certified psychiatrists create personalized treatment plans, from medication management to TMS therapy, to help you find lasting relief.

Man standing in a bright kitchen with morning sunlight
Understanding Depression

More Than Feeling Sad

Depression goes beyond ordinary sadness. It can feel like a weight that makes everything harder, from getting out of bed to finding joy in things you used to love. Difficulty concentrating, changes in sleep or appetite, persistent fatigue, and a sense of hopelessness are all common experiences. If that sounds familiar, you are not alone. Depression is a medical condition, not a sign of weakness. It responds to evidence-based treatment, and the right care can make a real difference.

The Facts

A Common, Treatable Medical Condition

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, an estimated 21 million adults in the United States experienced at least one major depressive episode in 2021, making depression one of the most prevalent mental health conditions in the country. Recent CDC data shows that depression prevalence has risen significantly over the past decade, yet nearly 40 percent of those affected do not receive treatment.

Depression can stem from a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors. It is not caused by personal weakness and cannot simply be willed away. The good news is that it is highly treatable. Most people respond well to a combination of medication management and ongoing psychiatric care. For those who do not find adequate relief through medication alone, advanced options like TMS therapy, ketamine therapy, and Spravato (esketamine) offer additional paths forward.

At CARMAhealth, every treatment plan starts with a thorough psychiatric evaluation. Your board-certified psychiatrist reviews your symptoms, medical history, and goals to determine the right approach for you, whether that means starting with an antidepressant, exploring brain stimulation therapy, or combining multiple modalities for the best outcome. Depression frequently occurs alongside anxiety and insomnia, and for patients whose depression has not responded to multiple treatments, a focused approach to treatment-resistant depression may be the next step.

Insurance & Coverage

Most Major Plans Accepted

We accept 15+ insurance plans and offer self-pay options for services not covered by insurance.

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Aetna · BCBS · Cigna · United Healthcare · Humana · and 6 more

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Depression

Common signs include persistent sadness or emptiness, loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed, changes in appetite or weight, difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much, fatigue, trouble concentrating, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, and thoughts of death or self-harm. If you experience several of these symptoms for two weeks or more, it may be time to talk to a psychiatrist.

Consider scheduling a psychiatric evaluation if your symptoms last longer than two weeks, interfere with work or relationships, or do not improve with self-care. If you have tried antidepressant medication without sufficient relief, a psychiatrist can explore alternatives like dosage adjustments, medication changes, or advanced treatments such as TMS or ketamine therapy.

The most commonly prescribed antidepressants are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as sertraline, fluoxetine, and escitalopram. Other classes include SNRIs, atypical antidepressants, and tricyclics. Your psychiatrist will recommend a medication based on your symptoms, medical history, and any previous treatment responses. Visit our medication management page to learn more.

Yes. TMS therapy is FDA-cleared for major depressive disorder and has been studied for over 20 years. Research shows a 50 to 60 percent response rate in patients with treatment-resistant depression, with about one-third of responders achieving full remission. Sessions last approximately 20 minutes with no downtime. Learn more on our TMS therapy page.

Most insurance plans cover psychiatric evaluations and medication management for depression. Coverage for TMS therapy varies by plan but is increasingly covered for treatment-resistant depression. Spravato (esketamine) is FDA-approved and covered by many insurers. CARMAhealth accepts 15+ insurance plans and handles verification on your behalf. Visit our insurance page or call (512) 212-4670 for details.

Our Practitioners

Your Care, Led by Psychiatrists

Every depression treatment plan at CARMAhealth is designed and supervised by a board-certified psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner. From your initial evaluation through ongoing care, your treatment is guided by a licensed medical professional who specializes in mental health.

Carlos Tirado, MD, MPH
Carlos Tirado MD, MPH
Isela Werchan, MD
Isela Werchan MD
Jennifer Schaefer, MD
Jennifer Schaefer MD
Casey Coton, DO
Casey Coton DO
Steven Powell, MDDavid WalshLorie KmetzSally ReeseAlex DodsonAudrey Amburgey, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BCSamantha HurlbutDr. Robert UlrichDr. Jeff McCreightKim Sterling
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and the rest of our care team
Take the First Step

Start Feeling Like Yourself Again

Whether you're exploring treatment for the first time or looking for a new practitioner, our psychiatrists are here to listen.

Accepting new patients · 15+ insurance plans accepted · Telehealth available