Depression Treatment in Los Angeles

At the Crossroads Institute, we understand that depression can be overwhelming and isolating. That's why our team of dedicated professionals is here to provide high-quality care and support for individuals struggling with depression. We understand how vital it is to find the right treatment approach in order to help individuals cope with their symptoms and ultimately lead better lives.

What is Depression?

Depression is a serious condition that negatively affects your ability to work, quality of life, and relationships, and sometimes can be a life-threatening condition. Common symptoms of depression include persistent feelings of sadness or loss of interest, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, changes in sleep or appetite, irritability, and thoughts of suicide or death. Luckily, there are constant advancements in the treatment of depression, and we offer a variety of treatment options at Crossroads.

How Long Can Someone Have Depression?

Most people experience some amount of depression in their lives, including mourning after a loss, seasonal depression, or depression related to life circumstances. For most people, their depression lifts within a few months and they are able to go back to feeling mostly energized and optimistic about life. However, for those few, which currently is about 6% to 17% of everyone in America, depending on your gender, age, and ethnicity, depressive feelings can last more than 6 months, or for decades.

Psychotherapy for Depression

Research shows that psychotherapy is as effective as medication for mild to moderate depression. For conditions more than mild depression, a consultation with a psychiatrist may be needed to reach optimal outcomes. For moderate to severe depression, most people need to meet with a psychiatrist for medication management and a psychologist for talk therapy.

Medication Management for Depression

For those with moderate to severe depression, medication may be needed to feel better. There are many different classes of medications to treat depression, so if one medication does not work or you experience unacceptable side effects, then there are other medications that can be tried. Sometimes, more than one medication can be used at the same time to reach optimal efficacy. Most medications for depression need to be used on a long-term basis to maintain improvements.

TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) for Depression

TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) is an FDA-approved treatment for depression and other serious conditions. A trial of TMS therapy consists of 36 daily treatment sessions, excluding weekends, and most people experience significant improvements or even remission from their depressive symptoms.

Does Insurance Cover TMS for Depression?

How Does TMS Compare to Alternative Depression Treatments?

TMS is a safer alternative to ECT (Electroconvulsive Therapy), which has been the traditional “last resort” treatment for Major Depressive Disorder, with fewer side effects.

Another recent treatment for depression includes Esketamine and Ketamine, which may provide immediate relief for many. In contrast to TMS, which has long-lasting effects, positive effects from Esketamine and Ketamine treatment are usually short-lived.

When is it Time to Seek Help for Depression?

If you have been struggling with depressive symptoms for more than a few weeks, it is important to seek professional help. If the symptoms are severe and impair your ability to function in life, then seeking help should be done sooner rather than later. A consultation with a psychiatrist or psychologist can help identify the best course of treatment for your particular situation. With the right treatment plan and support, it is possible to manage depression and find relief from its symptoms so that you can live a satisfying life.