Depression Treatment in Northern Virginia
Compassionate, evidence-based care for children, teens, and adults struggling with depression — right here in Ashburn and Loudoun County.
Understanding Depression
Depression is far more than occasional sadness. It is a serious medical condition that affects how you think, feel, and function in daily life. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, nearly 21 million adults in the United States experience at least one major depressive episode each year, and depression is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. At Lansdowne Mental Health Services in Ashburn, Virginia, our experienced psychiatric providers offer comprehensive depression treatment tailored to each patient's unique needs.
Depression does not discriminate — it can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, or background. The good news is that depression is highly treatable. With the right combination of professional care, most patients experience significant improvement in their symptoms and quality of life.
Types of Depression We Treat
Depression presents in several forms, each with distinct characteristics. Our Northern Virginia providers are experienced in diagnosing and treating all major types:
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
Major depressive disorder is characterized by persistent feelings of deep sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed. Symptoms must be present for at least two weeks and significantly impair daily functioning. MDD can occur as a single episode or recur throughout a person's life.
Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)
Persistent depressive disorder, formerly called dysthymia, involves a chronically low mood lasting two years or more. While symptoms may be less intense than MDD, the prolonged nature of this condition can significantly erode quality of life and daily functioning over time.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Seasonal affective disorder follows a predictable seasonal pattern, most commonly occurring during fall and winter months when daylight hours decrease. Residents throughout Loudoun County and Northern Virginia may be particularly susceptible during the region's colder months. SAD responds well to targeted treatment including light therapy, medication, and psychotherapy.
Recognizing Depression Symptoms
Depression can look different depending on a person's age. Recognizing the signs early is the first step toward getting help.
In Children and Teens
- ✓Irritability, anger outbursts, or frequent crying
- ✓Declining academic performance or school refusal
- ✓Social withdrawal from friends and family
- ✓Changes in eating and sleeping patterns
- ✓Complaints of physical symptoms such as headaches or stomachaches
In Adults
- ✓Persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness
- ✓Loss of interest or pleasure in previously enjoyed activities
- ✓Fatigue, low energy, or difficulty completing routine tasks
- ✓Difficulty concentrating, making decisions, or remembering
- ✓Changes in appetite, weight, or sleep patterns
- ✓Thoughts of death, self-harm, or suicide
Our Depression Treatment Approach
At Lansdowne Mental Health Services, we believe effective depression treatment requires a personalized, multi-faceted approach. Our Ashburn-based providers work collaboratively with each patient to develop a care plan that addresses their specific symptoms, medical history, and treatment goals.
Psychiatric Medication Management
Our board-certified providers carefully evaluate whether antidepressant medication is appropriate for your situation. We monitor your response closely, adjusting dosages and medications as needed to maximize benefit while minimizing side effects. Ongoing medication management ensures your treatment remains effective over time.
Psychotherapy
Talk therapy is a cornerstone of depression treatment. Our clinicians utilize evidence-based modalities including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and supportive psychotherapy to help you identify negative thought patterns, develop healthy coping strategies, and build resilience.
Exomind Non-Invasive Neurostimulation (TMS)
For patients who have not achieved adequate relief with traditional treatments, we offer Exomind neurostimulation therapy. This innovative, non-invasive approach targets specific brain circuits involved in mood regulation. Exomind sessions are comfortable, require no anesthesia, and can be completed during a brief office visit at our Lansdowne location.
Genesight Genetic Testing
Choosing the right antidepressant can involve trial and error. Genesight pharmacogenomic testing analyzes your DNA to help predict how you may respond to commonly prescribed psychiatric medications. This information allows our providers to make more informed prescribing decisions from the start, potentially reducing the time it takes to find effective treatment.
When to Seek Help for Depression
If you or a loved one has been experiencing symptoms of depression for more than two weeks, it is important to seek a professional evaluation. Depression rarely improves on its own without treatment, and early intervention is associated with faster recovery and better long-term outcomes.
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger or experiencing thoughts of suicide, please call 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) or go to your nearest emergency room.
Why Choose Lansdowne Mental Health Services
- ✓Board-certified psychiatric providers with extensive experience treating depression across all age groups
- ✓Comprehensive evaluations that consider the full picture of your mental and physical health
- ✓Advanced treatment options including Exomind TMS and Genesight genetic testing
- ✓Convenient location in Lansdowne serving Ashburn, Leesburg, Sterling, and all of Loudoun County
- ✓Telehealth appointments available for added flexibility
- ✓Warm, supportive environment focused on patient comfort and confidentiality
Related Services
Depression often co-occurs with other conditions. Explore our related treatment services:
Depression Treatment FAQs
You should consider seeking professional help if you experience persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, changes in sleep or appetite, difficulty concentrating, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness, or thoughts of self-harm lasting two weeks or more. Early intervention leads to better outcomes, so do not hesitate to reach out even if your symptoms feel mild.
We offer a personalized, multi-modal approach to depression treatment. Depending on your needs, your care plan may include psychiatric medication management, psychotherapy, Exomind non-invasive neurostimulation (TMS), and Genesight genetic testing to identify the most effective medications for your unique biology. Our providers collaborate with you to find the right combination.
Most major insurance plans cover depression treatment, including psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and therapy. Our office accepts a wide range of insurance providers. We recommend calling our office or checking our website for the most current list of accepted plans, and our staff can help verify your benefits before your first visit.
Research consistently shows that a combination of therapy and medication is often the most effective approach for moderate to severe depression. However, mild depression may respond well to therapy alone. During your initial evaluation, our providers will discuss all options and help you make an informed decision based on your symptoms, history, and personal preferences.
Exomind is a non-invasive neurostimulation therapy that uses targeted low-intensity electrical currents to stimulate specific brain regions involved in mood regulation. Unlike traditional TMS, Exomind sessions are comfortable and require no sedation. It is especially beneficial for patients who have not responded well to medications or who prefer a non-pharmaceutical treatment option.
Take the First Step Toward Feeling Better
You do not have to face depression alone. Our compassionate team in Ashburn is ready to help you or your loved one start the path to recovery. Schedule an evaluation today.