Depression
Depression treatment in Redlands, CA
Evaluation, medication management, and psychotherapy — in person in Redlands or by telehealth anywhere in California.
This can get better
Depression is not a failure of willpower.
Depression is often described as sadness, but many people experience it as flatness — a loss of interest in things that used to matter, a heaviness that makes ordinary tasks feel enormous, or a persistent sense of moving through the day at a distance from it.
It also lies. Depression tells you this is permanent, that it is your fault, and that reaching out is not worth the trouble. Those thoughts are symptoms, not accurate assessments of your situation.
Depression is one of the most treatable conditions in psychiatry. Most people improve substantially with the right treatment, and the goal is not just fewer symptoms — it is feeling like yourself again.
What depression can look like
It doesn’t always look like crying. Often it looks like nothing at all from the outside.
- Low mood, or feeling emotionally flat and disconnected
- Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy
- Fatigue that sleep doesn’t resolve
- Sleeping far more or far less than usual
- Appetite or weight changes in either direction
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Feelings of worthlessness or disproportionate guilt
- Irritability — especially common in men and adolescents
- Physical aches without a clear medical cause
- Thoughts of death, or that others would be better off
If you’re having thoughts of suicide
Please reach out right now. Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7 and free. If you are in immediate danger, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.
Our office is not a crisis service and we can’t respond to urgent messages outside business hours — but if you’re safe and looking to start ongoing care, we’d be glad to hear from you.
How Janae approaches depression care
Look at the whole picture
Janae reviews your history, current symptoms, and past treatments — and screens for contributors like thyroid problems, sleep disorders, and bipolar disorder, which is frequently misdiagnosed as depression.
Build a plan together
Medication, psychotherapy, or both, depending on what fits. Janae is trained to provide both, and she explains what to expect and how long it typically takes before you decide.
Adjust until it works
The first medication isn’t always the right one. Regular follow-up means changes get made based on how you’re actually doing, rather than leaving you on something that only partly helps.
Common questions
Is it depression or just a rough patch?
Difficult stretches are part of life, and sadness after a loss or setback is normal. Depression is more persistent — typically two weeks or longer of low mood or loss of interest, along with changes in sleep, appetite, energy, or concentration. The clearest signal is duration and function: if it’s been going on for weeks and it’s affecting your ability to work, connect with people, or take care of yourself, it’s worth an evaluation.
How long do antidepressants take to work?
Most take four to six weeks for full effect, though some people notice changes in sleep or energy sooner. This lag is one reason follow-up visits matter — it’s common to need a dose adjustment or a different medication before finding the right fit, and that’s a normal part of the process rather than a sign that treatment is failing.
I tried an antidepressant before and it didn’t help. Is it worth trying again?
Often yes. Antidepressants work through different mechanisms, and not responding to one doesn’t predict how you’ll respond to another. It’s also worth reviewing whether the original dose was adequate, whether it was taken long enough, and whether something else was contributing — such as an undiagnosed condition, a thyroid problem, or bipolar disorder mistaken for depression.
Do I have to take medication?
No. Medication is one option among several. Psychotherapy is effective for many people, and some do best with a combination. Janae is trained to provide both, and she’ll discuss what’s likely to help in your situation rather than defaulting to a prescription.
Can depression be treated by telehealth?
Yes. Depression is well suited to telehealth, and Janae sees patients by secure video anywhere in California. When low energy and motivation make getting to an appointment feel impossible, attending from home removes a barrier that otherwise keeps people from starting treatment.