Depression

When depression is worth addressing

Everyone has hard days. Depression is different. It tends to last for weeks or longer and can affect many parts of life at once.

People often notice a persistent low or empty mood, loss of interest in things they used to enjoy, changes in sleep or appetite, low energy, trouble concentrating, and feelings of guilt or worthlessness. Some people feel irritable rather than sad.

If these feelings have lingered or are affecting your work, relationships, or daily routine, it is worth talking with a psychiatrist. You do not have to wait until things feel unbearable.

How I approach depression

My approach is thoughtful, unhurried, and personal. Depression has many causes and looks different from person to person, so I take time to understand your history and what has been going on before we discuss a plan.

Care is collaborative and evidence-based. Depending on what fits you, that may include education, practical steps, coordination with a therapist, and medication when it is appropriate.

What your first appointment looks like

We begin with a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation to make sure we’re a good fit. If we move forward, your first visit is a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation. This is an in-depth conversation about your clinical history and current concerns that ends with a personalized treatment plan.

From there, follow-up visits let us track how you’re doing and fine-tune your plan over time. All visits are virtual, for adults across California.

Medication and ongoing care

When medication is part of the plan, I focus on antidepressant options with strong evidence and adjust carefully based on how you respond. Antidepressants often take a few weeks to show their full effect, so we stay in close contact early on.