Depression Treatment in Boston, MA
At Arcara Personalized Psychiatry, you’ll receive steady, personalized depression care. Following a psychiatric evaluation, our experienced psychiatric nurse practitioners provide depression counseling and therapy in Boston, medication management, and more, either in person or virtually.
“When depression won’t go away on its own, it’s a medical condition that deserves real treatment, not just ‘pushing through’.”
– Arcara Psychiatry Team
What Is Depression?
Depression (also called clinical depression or major depressive disorder) is a mood disorder that changes how you think, feel, and function. It causes low mood, loss of interest, and trouble with daily life. Thankfully, it is manageable through structured, personalized treatment.
Common Symptoms of Depression
Depression symptoms can range from mild to severe and look different from person to person.
How Depression Feels Internally
- Ongoing sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness
- Loss of interest in usual activities
- Irritability, anger, or feeling on edge
- Sleeping too much or struggling to sleep
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Low energy and moving or thinking more slowly
- Trouble concentrating or making decisions
- Feelings of worthlessness or heavy guilt
- Unexplained headaches, stomach issues, or body pain
- Thoughts that life isn’t worth living or of suicide
What Depression Can Look Like on the Outside
- Big changes in sleep
- Noticeable fatigue or low energy
- Withdrawing from friends, family, and hobbies
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Seeming flat, numb, or feigning happiness
- Increased irritability, anger, or tearfulness
- Gently checking in and encouraging them to seek help
Risk Factors and Causes of Depression
While depression can impact anyone, the risk is higher if you have:
- Low self-esteem or strong self-criticism
- Family history of depression, bipolar disorder, or addiction
- Loss, money stress, relationship or job problems, or trauma
- Chronic illness, hormonal changes, alcohol, or other substance use
- Other mental health conditions like anxiety disorders, PTSD, or OCD; if you’re unsure whether it’s anxiety, depression, or both, read our anxiety vs. depression guide
When Should I Get Help for Depression?
Consider expert-led care if:
- Your mood is low most days for more than two weeks
- You’re struggling at work, school, or home
- You’ve lost interest in most things you usually enjoy
- You exhibit concerning changes in your behavior
- You feel stuck or like “nothing will ever change”
- You’ve attempted self-help options with no relief
Seek urgent help (emergency room, 988, or your doctor’s urgent line) if you have thoughts of harming yourself or ending your life, or any plan or intent to act on those thoughts.
How We Diagnose Depression at Arcara Psychiatry
At Arcara in Massachusetts, you’ll receive a thorough evaluation to ensure your treatment is tailored to get the best possible outcomes. During your first visit, you’ll:
Talk about your symptoms and daily routine
Review your medical and mental health history
Discuss family history, addiction, and medication
Be screened for anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and related conditions
Who Will I See at Arcara Psychiatry?
You’ll meet with experienced psychiatric nurse practitioners with over 30 years of combined mental health experience in the Boston area, focusing on adults and older adults with depression and other mood disorders.
Led by owner Kimberley Arcara, PMHNP-BC, a former RN of 12 years who trained in geriatric assisted living and later worked in an outpatient psychiatric clinic in Worcester, Arcara offers grounded, steady care built on real-world experience.
“We ensure your psychiatric nurse practitioner takes the time to get to know your needs, so your depression care comes from a place of genuine compassion.”
– Arcara Psychiatry Team
Depression Treatment Options
You’ll receive effective depression treatment in Boston that fits your life instead of a one-size-fits-all plan.
Medication Management for Depression
With medication, we’ll help you review severe major depressive disorder treatment options, adjust doses slowly, and check for side effects. Some people may also benefit from advanced options such as TMS for depression through trusted local providers. Our care treats mild to treatment-resistant depression.
Therapy and Counseling
If you’re seeking depression counseling in Boston, you’ll receive help choosing therapy that fits your goals and referrals to trusted Boston and MetroWest therapists. This can help with thinking patterns, coping, and other issues. We help seamlessly coordinate with your therapist, PCP, or other specialists as needed.
Lifestyle Changes and Coping Strategies
Small changes can support your treatment plan, such as short walks, a slow return to activities you used to enjoy, coping skills for depression, and better sleep routines. These lifestyle changes help make tasks more achievable and can help reduce harmful behavior, such as substance use.
Do I Need Medication, Therapy, or Both?
During your visit, you’ll talk about what treatment for depression is in your situation and what approaches match your symptoms and history.
- Mild depression can improve with therapy and lifestyle changes alone
- Moderate to severe depression responds best to a mix of therapy and medication
- If past treatment has not helped, you’ll review other options or referrals
Depression Treatment in Boston and Westborough, MA
Arcara Psychiatry offers depression treatment in the Boston and Westborough area:
- In-person visits in downtown Boston (53 State St, Suite 500)
- In-person visits in Westborough, MA (8 Lyman St)
- Telehealth options for adults in Massachusetts, when appropriate
“Get personalized, evidence-based care rather than quick, mismatched fixes.”
– Arcara Psychiatry Team
Contact Form
Frequently Asked Questions
How common is depression?
Depression is very common; about one in six adults will experience it at some point in life, so you are not alone in this.
How to get out of depression?
If you feel unsafe, call or text 988 right away. Long-term, most people improve with a plan that combines therapy, sometimes medication, and small daily steps you can learn from professional resources and programs.
How do I know if it’s depression or just stress or a rough patch?
If low mood or loss of interest lasts most days for two weeks or more and starts to affect your sleep, appetite, energy, or focus, it’s advisable to get evaluated. A nurse practitioner can help you understand whether you’re dealing with depression, stress, or another condition.
How long do antidepressants take to work?
Many people notice some improvement in 2–4 weeks, with fuller benefits often taking 6–8 weeks at a steady dose while you and your care provider check in and adjust if needed.
Can depression go away on its own?
Mild symptoms sometimes fade over time, but many people stay stuck longer than they need to, which is why getting support early is usually safer and more effective.
What is the treatment for depression?
Treatment often includes a combination of antidepressant medication, therapy (such as CBT), and small routine changes.
Do I have to take medication for depression?
Not everyone with depression needs medication, and we’ll review non-medication options with you. We can also help identify when medicine might help and what to expect if you decide to start or change it.
What if antidepressants haven’t worked for me before?
It’s common to need a different dose, another medication, a combination plan, or a closer look at other conditions. Our team can walk through what you’ve tried and what to adjust next.
Is depression a sign of weakness?
Not at all. Depression is a medical condition linked to genetics, brain chemistry, stress, and life events, and reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
If you’re also struggling with sleep, we have helpful resources about depression and insomnia. For questions during or after pregnancy, find out how long postpartum depression lasts from our guide.