--- title: "Depression Treatment in Austin, TX | CARMAhealth" description: "Board-certified psychiatrists treating depression with medication, TMS, and ketamine therapy in Austin, TX. Schedule your evaluation today." canonical: https://carmahealth.com/conditions/depression source: https://carmahealth.com/conditions/depression mirror_of: carmahealth.com content_hash: sha256:1f68d0db35ff4af3acf02efc9871f28aa8c125974a77aa5dcedd2c407d77c11d generated_at: 2026-07-08T23:20:17.555Z robots: noindex, follow --- 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. [Schedule Your Evaluation](/new-patients) [Check Insurance Coverage](/insurance) (image: 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](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/major-depression), 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](https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db527.htm) 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](/services/medication-management) and ongoing psychiatric care. For those who do not find adequate relief through medication alone, advanced options like [TMS therapy](/services/tms-therapy), [ketamine therapy](/services/ketamine-therapy), and [Spravato (esketamine)](/services/spravato) offer additional paths forward. At CARMAhealth, every treatment plan starts with a thorough [psychiatric evaluation](/services/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](/conditions/anxiety) and [insomnia](/conditions/insomnia), and for patients whose depression has not responded to multiple treatments, a focused approach to [treatment-resistant depression](/conditions/treatment-resistant-depression) may be the next step. Treatment Options ## How We Treat Depression [ ### Psychiatric Evaluation Your treatment starts here. A comprehensive evaluation to understand your symptoms, history, and goals so your psychiatrist can build the right plan. Learn more ](/services/psychiatric-evaluation)[ ### Medication Management First-line treatment for depression. Your psychiatrist prescribes and optimizes antidepressant medication tailored to your needs, with ongoing monitoring. Learn more ](/services/medication-management)[ ### TMS Therapy For depression that has not responded to medication. FDA-cleared, non-invasive brain stimulation with no systemic side effects. Sessions take just 20 minutes. Learn more ](/services/tms-therapy) Insurance & Coverage ## Most Major Plans Accepted We accept 15+ insurance plans and offer self-pay options for services not covered by insurance. +6 more [Verify Your Coverage](/insurance) [Call (512) 212-4670](tel:5122124670) 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](/services/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](/services/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](/services/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](/insurance) or call [(512) 212-4670](tel:+15122124670) 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. [Meet Our Practitioners](/providers) [Schedule an Appointment](/new-patients) (image: Carlos Tirado, MD, MPH) Carlos Tirado MD, MPH (image: Isela Werchan, MD) Isela Werchan MD (image: Jennifer Schaefer, MD) Jennifer Schaefer MD (image: Casey Coton, DO) Casey Coton DO (image: Steven Powell, MD) (image: David Walsh) (image: Lorie Kmetz) (image: Sally Reese) (image: Alex Dodson) (image: Audrey Amburgey, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC) (image: Samantha Hurlbut) (image: Dr. Robert Ulrich) (image: Dr. Jeff McCreight) (image: Kim Sterling) +12 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. [Book an Appointment](/new-patients) [Call (512) 212-4670](tel:5122124670) Accepting new patients · 15+ insurance plans accepted · Telehealth available