Depression Treatment in Portland, ME | Portland Mental Health & Psychiatry

Understanding Depression

What Is Depression?

Major depressive disorder is more than sadness or a low mood that passes. It is a persistent medical condition that affects how you feel, think, sleep, and function — often for weeks, months, or years at a time. Depression changes the brain's mood-regulating circuits, which is why willpower alone rarely resolves it.

The encouraging news is that depression is highly treatable. When first-line antidepressants and therapy don't bring enough relief, interventional options like TMS and Spravato can reach people who had begun to lose hope. At Portland Mental Health & Psychiatry, your psychiatrist, therapist, and interventional team coordinate one connected plan.

Portland Mental Health & Psychiatry reception area in Portland, Maine — Our Portland, Maine clinic

Recognizing the Signs

Common Signs & Symptoms

Everyone is different, and this list is not exhaustive. A licensed clinician can provide an accurate evaluation.

Persistent sad, empty, or hopeless mood most of the day
Loss of interest or pleasure in activities you used to enjoy
Fatigue or loss of energy nearly every day
Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
Changes in sleep — insomnia or sleeping too much
Changes in appetite or weight
Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt
Thoughts of death or suicide

By the Numbers

Depression in Context

21M+

U.S. adults experience a major depressive episode each year

~30%

of people with depression don't respond adequately to standard antidepressants

83%

of treatment-resistant patients respond meaningfully to TMS

Sources: National Institute of Mental Health; clinical TMS outcome data.

Types & Presentations

Common Forms of Depression

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

What it is: Episodes of intense depressive symptoms lasting two weeks or longer that interfere with daily life.

Signs: Low mood, loss of interest, sleep and appetite changes, fatigue, difficulty concentrating.

How we treat it: Psychiatry and therapy first-line; TMS or Spravato when episodes are severe or resistant.

Treatment-Resistant Depression

What it is: Depression that has not improved after two or more adequate antidepressant trials.

Signs: Ongoing symptoms despite medication; discouragement after multiple attempts.

How we treat it: TMS and Spravato are specifically designed for this group.

Persistent Depressive Disorder

What it is: A chronic, lower-grade depression lasting two years or more.

Signs: Long-standing low mood, low self-esteem, low energy that feels 'normal.'

How we treat it: Combined therapy and medication management, with interventional options if needed.

How We Help

Treatment for Depression at Portland Mental Health & Psychiatry

There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for depression. Because we offer the full spectrum of care under one roof, we can match you to the right approach — and change course quickly if the first plan isn't working.

Primary Treatment

TMS Therapy

For depression, we most often lead with TMS Therapy. Explore how it works and whether it's right for you.

Learn About TMS Therapy

Other treatments we may combine or consider:

Spravato (Esketamine) Psychiatry & Medication Management Therapy & Counseling

Our Approach

Evidence-Based Care

Our clinicians tailor proven approaches to your needs.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

identifies and reshapes the thought patterns that fuel depression.

Behavioral Activation

rebuilds momentum by reconnecting you with meaningful, rewarding activity.

Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)

addresses relationship patterns and life transitions that affect mood.

Mindfulness-based approaches

reduce rumination and build tolerance for difficult emotions.

Medication Management

Our psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners provide expert medication management — selecting, adjusting, and combining antidepressants based on your history and response, and recommending interventional care when medications alone fall short.

Explore Psychiatry

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

You have options. Roughly a third of people don't respond adequately to standard antidepressants — that's exactly who TMS and Spravato were developed to help. We'll review what you've tried and recommend the next step.

Both are covered by most major plans, Medicare, and MaineCare when criteria are met. We handle prior authorization for you.

Therapy and antidepressants typically take several weeks. Spravato can bring relief within days for some patients, while TMS builds over a 6–9 week course.

Usually no. TMS and Spravato are designed to work alongside your existing regimen. Any changes are made carefully with your psychiatrist.

Depression Treatment in Portland, Maine