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Depression Treatment with Bellaire Primary Care

Depression is a serious mood disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness that interfere with daily functioning. It’s more than just feeling down; depression significantly impacts a person’s thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and overall well-being. Key aspects of depression include:

  1. Symptoms:
    • Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood
    • Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
    • Changes in appetite and weight
    • Sleep disturbances (insomnia or oversleeping)
    • Fatigue or loss of energy
    • Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
    • Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt
    • Thoughts of death or suicide
  2. Duration:
    • Symptoms typically last most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks
  3. Impact:
    • Interferes with work, school, social activities, and relationships
    • Can affect physical health, causing unexplained aches and pains
  4. Types:
    • Major depressive disorder
    • Persistent depressive disorder
    • Postpartum depression
    • Seasonal affective disorder

Treatment plans are typically individualized based on the severity of depression and individual needs. A combination of psychotherapy, medication, and lifestyle changes is often most effective

Psychotherapy

1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT):
Focuses on changing negative thinking patterns
Typically 8-16 weeks of structured therapy
2. Interpersonal Therapy (IPT):
Examines personal relationships and interactions
Usually 8-16 sessions
3. Psychodynamic Therapy:
Explores unconscious thought processes and past experiences
Aims to resolve feelings associated with past events
4. Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT):
Combines cognitive therapy with mindfulness meditation
Often delivered in 8 weekly two-hour group sessions

Medications:

  • Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
  • Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)
  • Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs)
  • Atypical Antidepressants
  • Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)

Lifestyle Changes

  • Exercise:
    Regular physical activity can improve mood
    Aim for 30 minutes a day
  • Healthy Diet:
    Focus on balanced nutrition
    Limit sugar and fat intake
  • Sleep Hygiene:
    Maintain consistent sleep schedule
    Create a comfortable sleep environment
  • Social Support:
    Engage in activities you enjoy
    Connect with friends and family

Other Treatments

  • Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT):
    For severe depression resistant to other treatments
    Involves controlled electric currents through the brain
  • Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS):
    Non-invasive procedure using magnetic fields
    Stimulates specific areas of the brain

Depression Quick Answers

  • All providers are board-certified
  • While providers are not psychiatrists, they are able to evaluate and treat mental health disorders including Anxiety, Depression, and other mental health conditions

Details:

  • Initial intake appointment is 30 minutes,
  • Follow up appointments are 15 minutes

The fastest and easiest way to get in touch with our care team or your provider is to message us through our secure patient portal, which is 100% HIPAA-compliant and is required for us to be able to discuss patient-related health issues. You can also call (281) 973-0024

  • Controlled medication treatments are available only to Texas Residents. 
  • Cost of prescriptions medications vary widely depending on your insurance plan and choice of pharmacy

For Video Visits: patients can be located anywhere, but must be reside in the state of Texas

For in person visits: clinic location is 11548 Bellaire Bvld. Houston, TX 77072

See our list of accepted insurances. Please call our office (281) 973-0024 to confirm we take your insurance before your visit

Frequently Asked Questions

For New Patient Video/Virtual visits:

  • Click on “Make an Appointment” button to check provider’s availability. After booking appointment, you will receive text message confirming appointment.
  • You will also receive a request to fill out our New Patient Intake form and HIPPA/office policy form.
  • Please email a copy of your ID (driver’s license) and insurance card (front and back) to ID@bellaireprimarycare.com to verify your identity and insurance information prior to your appointment.
  • If you are scheduled for a Video/Virtual visit, you will receive a  text message with a doximity link at your scheduled time. Click on the link and you will be immediately connected to your provider. No need to download any special software or app. 

For New In-person visits:

  • Please arrive to your appointment 15 minutes prior to make sure no delays in your care. 
  • Bring insurance card and ID 
  • Compile your medical history, including any previous mental health diagnoses or treatments.
  • List all current medications, vitamins, and supplements, including dosages.
  • Write down specific questions, concerns, or issues you want to discuss during the appointment
  • Document your symptoms and concerns
  • Prepare to share openly: Be ready to discuss your feelings, thoughts, and experiences candidly. Consider how your symptoms affect your daily life and be prepared to explain this to your doctor
  • Be prepared for the appointment structure:
    • Expect the doctor to ask detailed questions about your medical history and perform a psychiatric evaluation.
    • Be ready to fill out questionnaires or rating scales to assess your symptoms.
    • Consider physical symptoms:
      • Don’t forget to mention any physical symptoms, as they can be related to depression or anxiety.
      • Remember to be honest and open with your doctor, as this will help them provide the most appropriate care and support for your mental health needs

Yes. All of our board-certified primary care providers at Bellaire Primary Care are able to diagnose and treat common mental health conditions, including Anxiety and Depression, and usually for a significantly lower cost than seeing a psychiatrist or psychologist.

No, but all of our board-certified primary care providers are able to diagnose and treat common mental health conditions, including Anxiety, Depression, and ADHD.  For more complex cases, a psychiatrist’s expertise may be necessary (referrals can be provided)

Initial Evaluation is 30 minutes.

Follow up appointments are 20 minutes

We accept most PPO insurance plans.. See our list of accepted insurances. Please call our office (281) 973-0024 to confirm we take your insurance before your visit