WHAT WE TREAT
Depression Is Real. And It Is Treatable.
Depression is not sadness, weakness, or something you can push through. It is a medical condition and with the right diagnosis and care, most people see real, meaningful improvement.
21M
American adults experience at least one major depressive episode every year (NIMH / ADAA)
1 in 5
US adults will develop Major Depressive Disorder in their lifetime (ADAA)
#1 Cause
Of disability in the US for ages 15 to 44 (ADAA / WHO)
Treatable.
Most people with depression respond well to treatment when properly diagnosed (NIMH)
WHAT IS DEPRESSION
More Than Feeling Sad.
Depression is a serious mood disorder that affects how you feel, think, and function. It is not a passing low mood or a sign of weakness. It is a medical condition with neurological, biological, and psychological dimensions that responds well to proper treatment.
It can arrive suddenly or build gradually. It can look like deep sadness or it can look like numbness, irritability, or simply going through the motions without feeling present.
At Access Alliance, we take a careful, individualized approach to evaluating and treating depression because no two people experience it the same way.
TYPE 01
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): Persistent depressed mood or loss of interest lasting at least two weeks, significantly interfering with daily functioning.
TYPE 02
Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia): A chronic, lower-grade depression lasting two or more years. Less intense than MDD but long-lasting and often undertreated.
TYPE 03
Postpartum Depression: A major depressive episode occurring during pregnancy or after childbirth. More serious than the “baby blues” and requires proper clinical care.
TYPE 04
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Depression that follows a seasonal pattern, typically emerging in fall or winter and lifting in spring, linked to changes in light exposure.
TYPE 05
Depression with Psychotic Features: A severe form of depression accompanied by hallucinations or delusions, requiring specialized psychiatric evaluation and management.
Symptoms and How It Shows Up
Recognizing Depression in Real Life.
Depression can be loud and unmistakable or quiet, masked, and easy to dismiss as tiredness or stress.
Persistent low mood
Feeling sad, hopeless, or emotionally empty for most of the day, nearly every day, for two or more weeks.
Loss of interest or pleasure
No longer enjoying activities, hobbies, or relationships that once brought joy. A key hallmark of clinical depression.
Fatigue and low energy
Feeling physically and mentally exhausted even after rest, making even small tasks feel disproportionately difficult.
Sleep disturbances
Sleeping too much, too little, or waking in the early hours unable to fall back asleep.
Difficulty concentrating
Trouble focusing, remembering, or making decisions. Often mistaken for ADHD or aging in adults.
Worthlessness and guilt
Persistent negative self-talk, feeling like a
HOW WE EVALUATE & TREAT
A Careful Diagnosis. Care Beyond a Prescription.
Depression is one of the most treatable psychiatric conditions but only when properly diagnosed. We take time to distinguish depression from conditions that can look similar, understand what is driving it, and build a treatment plan that fits your life.
Treatment is individualized, regularly reviewed, and adjusted as you progress.
If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide or self-harm, please call or text 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) immediately, or go to your nearest emergency room. You can also reach the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741.
- \Comprehensive psychiatric evaluation
A thorough clinical interview exploring your mood history, symptoms, sleep, energy, relationships, and daily functioning.
- \ Ruling out contributing factors
Thyroid conditions, vitamin deficiencies, and sleep disorders can cause or worsen depression. We consider all contributing factors to ensure nothing is missed.
- \Medication magagement
We select, dose, and monitor medication carefully and make adjustments based on your response.
- \Therapy
We use evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Interpersonal Therapy, combined with psychiatric care.
- \Ongoing follow-up and adjustment
Regular check-ins to monitor progress, evaluate how treatment is working, and adjust your care plan as your needs evolve.
You Don’t Have to Feel This Way Forever.
Depression Is Treatable. Getting Help Is a Sign of Strength.
Whether you have been struggling for weeks or years, it is never too late to seek support. Our providers are here to listen without judgment, evaluate thoroughly, and build a plan that works for your life.
Book a Depression Evaluation.
Same-day appointments available. In-person and telehealth options.
Have Questions First?
We are happy to talk through your concerns before you commit to anything.
We provide evidence-based psychiatric evaluation and medication management for children, adolescents, and adults in a structured, compassionate clinical setting.
Services
Psychiatric Evaluation
Medication Management
Psychotherapy
Telepsychiatry / Outpatient
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310 Southwest 4th Av., 300 Portland, OR 97204