Depression Treatment in Massachusetts
Care for low mood, low energy and loss of interest by secure video, with the same psychiatric nurse practitioner every visit.
Questions first? Call 617-858-8276. Booking and intake run through our secure, HIPAA-compliant patient portal.
Clinically reviewed by Joseph Lavoie, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC · Last reviewed
The short answer
Depression treatment in Massachusetts usually involves talk therapy, medication or both, based on a full psychiatric evaluation. At Journey Psychiatric Care, you see the same board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner by video for every visit.
Depression is a medical condition, not a weakness
Depression is more than a bad week. It is a low mood or loss of interest that lasts at least two weeks and changes how you sleep, eat, think and get through the day. It can creep in slowly, and many people put off getting help because they think they should be able to push through it.
Your care is with Joseph Lavoie, PMHNP-BC, a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner. He is not a physician, and he can diagnose, prescribe and provide therapy in Massachusetts. Because he handles both, your medication and your conversations stay connected.
Depression is treatable. Most people improve with care, though it can take some time and some adjusting to find what works for you.
Depression also tends to travel with other problems. Many people with low mood also have anxiety, poor sleep or trouble focusing. Your evaluation looks at all of it, so the plan treats what is really going on.
Major depression
Low mood or loss of interest most of the day, nearly every day, for two weeks or more.
Long-lasting low mood
A milder depression that hangs on for two years or more and starts to feel like your personality.
Depression after big changes
Low mood after a birth, a loss, a move or a health problem that has not lifted with time.
Signs of depression
The National Institute of Mental Health lists symptoms like these. You do not need all of them:
- Feeling sad, empty or hopeless much of the time
- Losing interest in things you used to enjoy
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Low energy and feeling slowed down
- Trouble concentrating or making decisions
- Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
- Thoughts of death or suicide
If you are having thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 now, or call 911. You do not have to wait for an appointment.
Treatment options
Psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, helps you change patterns of thinking and behavior that keep depression going. Antidepressants help many people, especially with moderate or severe depression. Many people do best with both.
Antidepressants usually take several weeks to show their full effect, and the first one is not always the right one. Joseph will explain what to expect and adjust with you. Read how long antidepressants take to work and SSRI side effects for more.
Some low moods are part of bipolar disorder, which is treated differently. Your evaluation asks about past highs as well as lows, so the treatment matches the diagnosis.
How care works
- Book a new-patient evaluation. Pick a time online through the secure booking page. The website itself never asks for health details.
- Your first video visit. Joseph asks about your symptoms, history, medications, sleep, stress and what you want to change.
- A plan you understand. You leave knowing the working diagnosis, the options, and why one is suggested over another.
- Follow-ups with the same clinician. Joseph sees you at every visit, so the plan builds on what you already told him.
Insurance
Journey Psychiatric Care is in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna/Evernorth, Oscar Health, Oxford, Point32Health and UnitedHealthcare. Out-of-network invoices are available. Contact us for current self-pay rates.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if it is depression or just stress?
Stress usually eases when the pressure lets up. Depression tends to stick around for weeks, and it drains the enjoyment out of things that used to feel good. If your mood has been low for two weeks or more, an evaluation can help sort it out.
Do I need medication for depression?
Not always. Therapy alone works for many people with mild to moderate depression. For more severe depression, research shows that medication plus therapy often works better than either alone. Joseph will explain your options so you can choose.
How long will I need to take an antidepressant?
It varies. Many people stay on an antidepressant for several months after they feel better, to lower the chance of the depression coming back. Never stop suddenly on your own. Joseph will plan any change with you.
What if my first antidepressant does not work?
That is common and does not mean treatment will fail. The next step might be a dose change, a different medication, adding therapy, or a combination. Joseph checks in regularly so changes happen on time.
Can depression be treated by telehealth?
Yes. Evaluation, therapy and medication follow-up all work well by video for most people. If you need lab work or an in-person exam, Joseph will help you arrange it locally.
Does insurance cover depression treatment?
Most commercial plans cover mental health care. Journey Psychiatric Care is in-network with seven Massachusetts insurers, listed on the insurance page.
Can you work with my primary care provider?
Yes. With your permission, Joseph can share updates with your primary care provider or therapist. That keeps everyone on the same page about medications and lab work.
What if I am having thoughts of suicide?
Call or text 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, or call 911. Telehealth visits are not emergency care. Once you are safe, ongoing treatment can help.
Take the next step in your journey.
Same clinician every visit. Telehealth anywhere in Massachusetts.
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