Columbia Mental Health is dedicated to supporting your mental health. If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, we encourage you to reach out for immediate support through your local crisis services by dialing 988, contacting your local emergency services, or visiting your local emergency room.
Clinical depression, also known as major depressive disorder (MDD), is more common than many people realize. In 2021, 8.3% of U.S. adults reported having had at least one major depressive episode.1 If you’ve recently been diagnosed with clinical depression, it’s important to understand that you aren’t alone and that there are treatments to help you manage your symptoms.
Depression can feel like a weight that makes even simple tasks feel overwhelming. At Columbia Mental Health, we offer a full range of depression treatment options, including individual therapy, psychiatric medication management, and innovative interventions like NeuroStar® TMS therapy and Spravato® treatment. Our clinics throughout the Washington D.C. metro region are equipped to help you find relief through care plans that reflect your needs.
Clinical depression explained: Symptoms and the importance of professional intervention
Major depressive disorder isn’t just feeling sad. It’s a mental health diagnosis with persistent symptoms that interfere with your social interactions, work, school, and a host of responsibilities people have in their lives. It also doesn’t always look the same in every person, which means loved ones may have difficulty seeing the symptoms in someone experiencing it.
Some of the most common symptoms include:
- Persistent sadness or low mood
- Loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Difficulty sleeping—or sleeping too much
- Trouble focusing or making decisions
- Fatigue and low energy
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or hopelessness
- Thoughts of death or suicide
It’s essential to understand that you haven’t done anything to bring these symptoms on. Clinical depression isn’t a choice. It’s a mental health condition that requires professional intervention. Treatment is available, and at Columbia Mental Health, our team is committed to finding the right path forward for you.
What causes major depressive disorder?
There’s no single cause of major depressive disorder. Instead, it typically results from a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental factors. These can include:
- Genetics or family history of depression
- Imbalances in brain chemistry or hormones
- Past trauma or significant life stressors
- Chronic health conditions
- Lack of social support or isolation
Not everyone with these risk factors will develop clinical depression, and some people may be affected without an obvious trigger. That’s why professional evaluation and support are so important. If you or a loved one is exhibiting these symptoms, you can get the support you need by seeking quality mental health care. You don’t have to go through this alone, and you don’t have to accept your symptoms as permanent.
When to seek support for depression
If your symptoms have lasted more than two weeks, or if they are beginning to interfere with your ability to maintain your regular routines, it may be time to speak with a mental health professional. Don’t wait until things feel “bad enough.” Early treatment can make a significant difference in recovery and your overall wellness.
Treatment options for clinical depression at Columbia Mental Health
Treating clinical depression involves finding the right combination of strategies for each individual. Sometimes depression can be resistant to traditional treatments, which is why clinical experience is essential. An effective treatment team will collaborate with clients to come up with solutions that bring them the most relief. Many people benefit from a blend of therapy, medication, and interventional services.
Traditional approaches to treatment for clinical depression
At Columbia Mental Health, we offer therapy from licensed providers specializing in evidence-based approaches, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and other tailored modalities. Therapies like these can help reframe negative thinking patterns, build coping skills, and strengthen emotional resilience. Our therapists personalize care plans based on each client’s needs and may draw from various therapeutic methods.
Psychiatric providers at our clinics also work closely with clients to find medication options, like SSRIs or SNRIs, that can help alleviate symptoms.
Advanced interventional treatments
We offer advanced interventional treatments for individuals with treatment-resistant depression, or for those who haven’t experienced relief from traditional options:
NeuroStar TMS therapy
This FDA-approved treatment uses magnetic pulses to stimulate areas of the brain that regulate mood. It’s non-invasive, doesn’t require medication, and is delivered in short sessions over several weeks.
Spravato® (esketamine) treatment
Spravato® is a nasal spray medication for treatment-resistant depression. It provides rapid relief when paired with an oral antidepressant. This is also an excellent option for clients who haven’t responded well to other medications.
What to expect from depression treatment at Columbia Mental Health
Our approach to treatment is never one-size-fits-all. At Columbia Mental Health, you’ll find a diverse staff that treats every client as a unique individual who deserves their own path to wellness.
A treatment plan may include:
- A one-on-one intake session with a therapist
- Ongoing therapy tailored to your goals
- Psychiatric medication evaluation and management
- NeuroStar TMS sessions (typically 20–40 minutes each)
- In-clinic Spravato® sessions with medical monitoring
- Regular follow-ups to adjust your care plan as needed
We’re here to meet you where you are—whether you’re just starting out on your mental health journey or exploring new treatment options after years of trying.
Call Columbia Mental Health for services in the D.C. metro region
Columbia Mental Health is helping people manage their mental health across the D.C. metro region and strengthening our community with the care they need to thrive. Call us today at 703.682.8208 to learn more.
For new clients, please click here to schedule an appointment. For existing clients, please click here and find your office location to contact your office directly.
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