Anxiety & Depression Treatment
When Anxiety or Depression Needs a Closer Look
We review your symptoms, medication history, sleep, and medical history before deciding which treatment options to discuss.
Reviewed in the initial evaluation
States served by telehealth
Arizona in-person office
Rancho Palos Verdes in-person office
Sound Familiar?
Is This You?
These are some reasons people ask us to review an anxiety or depression diagnosis.
The Long Sufferer
You've dealt with anxiety or depression for years. Medications help somewhat, but you're still not yourself. You've accepted 'managing' instead of thriving.
We review what helped, what did not, and which questions remain open.
A New Pattern
Something shifted—pandemic stress, life changes, health issues. You've never felt this way before and don't know where to start.
We ask when symptoms began and what else changed around that time.
The Medication Maze
You've tried multiple antidepressants. Some helped briefly, others made things worse. You're tired of trial and error.
Medication response and side effects belong in the evaluation.
The Physical Symptoms
Your anxiety shows up physically—racing heart, shortness of breath, GI issues, insomnia. Doctors say it's 'just anxiety.'
We review physical symptoms alongside your medical and treatment history.
The evaluation starts with your history and what has already been tried.
The Question We Start With
What has changed, and what has already been tried?
We ask about sleep, medical history, medications, and previous treatment. Existing test results may help; new testing depends on what the evaluation shows.
The point is to make the next treatment decision from the full history.
What We Investigate
Medical Factors We Review When Indicated
Your history guides which questions need testing or coordination with another clinician.
Testing isn't a fixed checklist.
We review your history and existing results, then decide which questions need another look.
Thyroid History
We review prior thyroid results and decide whether new testing is indicated.
Iron Status
We ask whether iron studies or ferritin have been checked and whether another look is warranted.
Vitamin D
We review existing results when relevant instead of ordering a fixed panel for everyone.
B12 and Folate
History and prior testing guide whether these levels need review.
Sleep
We ask about sleep quality, timing, and possible sleep-disorder evaluation.
Hormone Changes
We ask about timing, symptoms, and prior care when hormone changes may matter.
The Difference
Questions That Shape the Evaluation
| Clinical question | What we review | |
|---|---|---|
| First visit | What needs a closer look? | Review of symptoms and treatment history |
| Treatment history | What has already been tried? | Review response, side effects, and remaining symptoms |
| Testing | Which question would a test answer? | Review prior results; order targeted tests when indicated |
| Care plan | What do the findings support? | Discuss treatment options, including medication when appropriate |
| Follow-up | What needs monitoring? | Set visit timing around treatment and response |
| Next decision | Is the plan helping? | Reassess symptoms, function, and adverse effects |
Your Path Forward
How We Treat Anxiety & Depression
Each step depends on the findings and your response.
Initial Evaluation
A visit to review symptoms, treatment history, sleep, and medical factors. Testing depends on the clinical question.
Review the Findings
We explain what the history and any relevant results show, what remains uncertain, and which options make sense to discuss.
Treatment Plan
The plan may include psychiatric medication, coordination with other clinicians, therapy, or further evaluation, depending on your needs.
Follow-up
We review response and side effects, then adjust the plan and visit timing as needed.
Built from your history
reviewed as treatment progresses
What Happens After the Evaluation
We explain the working diagnosis, which questions remain open, and the options we recommend. If treatment starts, follow-up is where we check response, side effects, and function.
Medication may be part of the plan. We may also review existing records, request targeted testing, or coordinate with other clinicians when the history points in that direction.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do antidepressants take to work?
Response varies by medication and person. At follow-up, we review symptom changes and side effects before deciding whether the plan needs adjustment. Keep taking medication as prescribed unless your prescriber advises a change.
Are antidepressants addictive?
Generally, no. Antidepressants are not considered addictive in the way substances of misuse are. But stopping suddenly or missing doses can cause withdrawal symptoms. Do not change your dose or stop on your own; make a plan with your prescriber.
Do I have to take medication?
Not necessarily. We discuss medication alongside other appropriate options after reviewing your history and goals. The recommendation depends on the evaluation.
What about therapy?
We can coordinate with your therapist or discuss a referral when therapy belongs in the plan.
For medication safety guidance, see NHS guidance on antidepressants and withdrawal and NIH MedlinePlus on dose changes.
What to Expect
Your First Appointment
Your evaluation reviews when symptoms started, what changes them, what treatments you have tried, and which health factors need attention.
We review prior results first. New testing is considered when it would help answer a question raised by your history or symptoms.
We explain the next steps, including any testing, treatment, or follow-up we recommend.
Evaluation Details
- Initial Evaluation Visit details confirmed before scheduling
- Testing When indicated
- Format In-person or telehealth
- Coverage Reviewed before scheduling
- Location Gilbert, AZ or Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
Ready to Feel Better?
Free 15-minute consultation to discuss your symptoms and whether our approach is right for you.
Call (310) 955-1041Who you may work with
Horizon Peak psychiatric care is provided by Canybec Sulayman, PMHNP-BC, MBA, and Sharon Hernandez, PMHNP-BC. Canybec practices in California and Arizona. Sharon accepts appointment requests from California adults. Provider matching depends on state, clinical fit, insurance or self-pay, and current scheduling options.
Ready for a Closer Look?
Request an evaluation. We review clinical fit, location, and insurance or self-pay details before placing a visit on the schedule. Appointment availability varies.
Request an Evaluation