COMPASSIONATE DEPRESSION TREATMENT
Depression Treatment in Florida
Expert psychiatric care from licensed Florida psychiatrists. Telehealth statewide. Insurance accepted.
✓ Licensed Florida Psychiatrists
✓ Florida Telehealth Statewide
✓ Insurance Accepted
Ascend Psychiatry & 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.
Medically Reviewed by Cathleen Jane Gomez, MD
Psychiatrist | Founder, Ascend Psychiatry & Wellness
View Dr. Gomez's Full Profile →
Psychiatrist | Founder, Ascend Psychiatry & Wellness
View Dr. Gomez's Full Profile →
TYPES OF DEPRESSION WE TREAT
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
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 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 & 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. 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. 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.
What to Expect
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.
Insurance Accepted
All 16 carriers and their subsidiary plans.
BY UHC
BY UHC
BY UHC
BY CIGNA
BY AETNA
BY CIGNASureFitBY CIGNA
NALC Health
Don't see yours? Contact us — we may still accept it.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re experiencing persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy, changes in sleep or appetite, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, or thoughts of hopelessness for two weeks or longer, a psychiatric evaluation can help determine if depression treatment is appropriate.
Yes. Ascend Psychiatry & Wellness provides expert depression treatment to patients throughout Florida via secure telehealth appointments. You can attend appointments from anywhere in the state with internet access.
Our psychiatrists prescribe a full range of evidence-based antidepressants including SSRIs, SNRIs, and other psychiatric medications. We select medications based on your specific symptoms, medical history, and previous treatment responses.
Most antidepressants take 2-4 weeks for initial improvement and 6-8 weeks for full therapeutic effect. Continue taking your medication as prescribed and communicate with your psychiatrist about side effects or concerns.
Yes. We accept UnitedHealthcare/Optum, Cigna, and Aetna insurance. Cash pay options are also available: $300 for initial evaluation (60 minutes) and $150 for follow-up appointments (30 minutes).
Treatment duration varies by individual. Some people benefit from medication for a defined period, while others require long-term treatment. Your psychiatrist will work with you to determine the best approach for your situation.
Yes. Our psychiatrists have expertise in advanced treatment strategies for treatment-resistant depression, including medication optimization, combination therapy, augmentation strategies, and alternative psychiatric medications.
Click any Request Appointment button on our website to access our secure booking system through IntakeQ. You’ll be able to schedule your initial 60-minute psychiatric evaluation at a time that works for you.
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 & Wellness today to schedule your confidential psychiatric evaluation. Depression is treatable, and with expert psychiatric care, you can feel better.
Medical Disclaimer: The content on this page is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment. If you are experiencing a psychiatric emergency, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room. For mental health crisis support, you can also call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.