Anxiety & Depression Treatment
What If There's a Reason You Feel This Way?
Depression and anxiety aren't always what they seem. Before prescribing medication, we investigate what's actually causing your symptoms.
U.S. adults struggle with anxiety
Have undiagnosed medical causes
Achieve sustained improvement
Days to first appointment
Sound Familiar?
Is This You?
Patients seeking comprehensive treatment for anxiety and depression often share these experiences
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.
Incomplete treatment often means incomplete diagnosis. There may be more to investigate.
The New Crisis
Something shifted—pandemic stress, life changes, health issues. You've never felt this way before and don't know where to start.
New-onset symptoms often have identifiable triggers that targeted treatment can address.
The Medication Maze
You've tried multiple antidepressants. Some helped briefly, others made things worse. You're tired of trial and error.
Failed medications often indicate underlying factors preventing proper response.
The Physical Symptoms
Your anxiety shows up physically—racing heart, shortness of breath, GI issues, insomnia. Doctors say it's 'just anxiety.'
Physical symptoms deserve investigation. They're often clues to what's really happening.
"For the first time, I understand why I feel this way."
The Question Most Psychiatrists Don't Ask
"You're depressed. Here's Zoloft."
But why are you depressed? Is it your thyroid slowing your brain? Iron deficiency impairing your neurotransmitters? Vitamin D deficiency? Hormone changes? Sleep apnea robbing you of restorative rest? Or is it truly a primary mood disorder?
The answer determines whether medication will work—or waste years of your life.
What We Investigate
Medical Conditions That Cause Depression & Anxiety
These conditions are frequently missed—and antidepressants won't fix them
Thyroid Dysfunction
Both hypo- and hyperthyroidism cause depression, anxiety, and panic symptoms
Iron Deficiency
Low ferritin impairs neurotransmitter function, worsening depression and anxiety
Vitamin D Deficiency
Linked to depression, especially in winter months or those with limited sun
B12/Folate Issues
Essential for serotonin and dopamine synthesis; deficiency mimics depression
Sleep Disorders
Untreated sleep apnea dramatically increases anxiety and depression risk
Hormone Imbalances
Perimenopause, low testosterone, and cortisol issues affect mood profoundly
The Difference
Standard Psychiatry vs. Diagnostic Approach
| Standard Approach | Our Approach | |
|---|---|---|
| Evaluation time | 15-30 minutes | 75-90 minute comprehensive assessment |
| Assessment scope | Symptom checklist → medication | Medical investigation → root cause → targeted treatment |
| Lab work | Rarely ordered | Thyroid, iron, vitamins, hormones as indicated |
| Treatment approach | Start antidepressant, adjust as needed | Treat underlying causes, medication if still needed |
| Follow-up care | Monthly med checks indefinitely | Intensive → Optimization → Quarterly maintenance |
| Long-term goal | Manage symptoms with medication | Achieve lasting stability, minimize medication needs |
Your Path Forward
How We Treat Anxiety & Depression
A systematic approach to lasting improvement
Comprehensive Evaluation
75-90 minute deep dive into your symptoms, history, medical factors, and previous treatments. Lab work ordered to investigate contributing causes.
Root Cause Identification
Lab results reviewed. Is it thyroid? Iron? Sleep? Hormones? True depression/anxiety? Or a combination? The answer determines the treatment.
Targeted Treatment
Treatment addresses identified causes—nutritional support, hormone optimization, sleep treatment, and/or psychiatric medication if indicated.
Optimization & Maintenance
Most achieve significant improvement within 2-3 months. Once stable, quarterly check-ins maintain your progress with minimal disruption.
Sustained Improvement
within 2-3 months of treatment
Real Results, Real Relief
78% of patients achieve significant, sustained improvement within 2-3 months—because we identify and treat root causes rather than just managing symptoms.
"Treatment-resistant depression" is often undiagnosed thyroid dysfunction. Anxiety that won't respond to medication may be untreated sleep apnea. When the real cause is found and treated, many patients improve dramatically—sometimes with less medication than expected.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do antidepressants take to work?
Most patients notice improvement within 4-6 weeks, though some feel changes sooner. However, if underlying medical factors aren't addressed, medications may work poorly or not at all.
Are antidepressants addictive?
SSRIs and SNRIs are not addictive in the traditional sense, but stopping abruptly can cause discontinuation symptoms. We always taper gradually when stopping.
Do I have to take medication?
Not necessarily. Some patients improve significantly by treating underlying medical causes alone. Medication is one tool among many, not a requirement.
What about therapy?
Therapy (CBT, ACT, mindfulness) is highly effective for anxiety and depression. We can coordinate with therapists or recommend options that complement your treatment.
What to Expect
Your First Appointment
Your 75-90 minute evaluation goes far beyond a symptom checklist. We explore your complete history—when symptoms started, what makes them better or worse, what treatments you've tried, and what other health factors might be contributing.
Based on our discussion, we order targeted lab work to investigate potential medical causes. This isn't a shotgun approach—it's strategic investigation based on your specific presentation.
You'll leave with a clear understanding of what we're investigating, what the timeline looks like, and what to expect next.
Evaluation Details
- Initial Evaluation 75-90 minutes
- Lab Results 3-5 business days
- Format In-person or telehealth
- Insurance Most major plans
- Location Chandler, AZ + Telehealth
Ready to Feel Better?
Free 15-minute consultation to discuss your symptoms and whether our approach is right for you.
Call (310) 955-1041Ready to Understand Why You Feel This Way?
New patients typically seen within 3-5 days. Most major insurance accepted.
Schedule Your Evaluation