Depression · Ages 10 and up
Care for depression, one step at a time.
Depression can make even small things feel heavy, including reaching out for help. Great Minds offers individualized care for depression. We see patients ages 10 and up, including children, adolescents, and adults, in person in Chester, Virginia by appointment, or by secure telehealth.
- Now accepting new patients
- In person or telehealth
- Ages 10 and up
If you are thinking about suicide or harming yourself, you don't have to wait for an appointment. Call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) any time, day or night, or chat at 988lifeline.org. If you are in immediate danger, call 911. Great Minds does not provide emergency or crisis services.
What depression can feel like
Depression looks different from person to person. Some common signs:
- Persistent low moodFeeling sad, empty, or hopeless most of the day, most days.
- Loss of interestThings you used to enjoy no longer feel good, or feel like effort.
- Low energyFeeling tired or drained, even after rest.
- Sleep changesSleeping much more or much less than usual.
- Appetite changesEating more or less than usual, sometimes with weight changes.
- Trouble concentratingFinding it hard to focus, remember things, or make decisions.
- Feeling worthless or guiltyBeing unusually hard on yourself, or feeling like a burden.
- IrritabilityEspecially in teens, depression can show up as irritability or anger rather than sadness.
These are common experiences, not a diagnosis. Medical conditions, some medications, and other mental health conditions can cause similar symptoms, which is why a full evaluation matters.
When it may be time to get help
Consider an evaluation if:
- Low mood or loss of interest has lasted two weeks or longer
- It is getting in the way of work, school, or relationships
- You are pulling away from people or things you care about
- Your sleep, appetite, or energy has changed noticeably
- You have tried to manage it on your own and it is not lifting
Depression rarely travels alone
Depression often overlaps with other concerns, such as anxiety, ADHD, trauma-related symptoms, and sleep problems. A comprehensive evaluation looks at the whole picture, so your care addresses what is actually going on.
How Great Minds helps
- A comprehensive evaluation
A 45 to 60 minute first visit to understand your symptoms, history, functioning, concerns, and goals.
- A personalized treatment plan
An individualized approach based on your evaluation. Medication recommendations are individualized, never automatic.
- Supportive therapy when it helps
Supportive therapy may be incorporated into your care when clinically appropriate.
- Ongoing follow-up
Follow-up visits to monitor progress and adjust your plan when appropriate.
Personalizing medication decisions
If medication is part of your plan, GeneSight pharmacogenomic testing may show how your body responds to many commonly prescribed psychiatric medications. Ask about it at your visit.
In person or by telehealth
In person at our Chester, Virginia office by appointment, or by secure telehealth. You must be physically located in one of these states at the time of your appointment:
Costs
| Initial psychiatric evaluation | $250 self-pay |
| Follow-up visit | $150 self-pay |
Virginia patients can also use one of 15 accepted insurance plans. See plans. Washington State patients can use one of 10 accepted plans, and Washington, D.C. patients can use CareFirst. In other states, care is self-pay while insurance credentialing is underway.
Depression care questions
Do you treat depression in children and teens?
Yes. Great Minds provides depression care for patients ages 10 and up, including children, adolescents, and adults. In young people, depression can look like irritability, withdrawal, or changes in school performance, not only sadness.
Will I be prescribed medication for depression?
Not automatically. Medication recommendations are individualized and depend on the psychiatric evaluation, clinical history, and treatment needs.
I've tried antidepressants before. Can you still help?
Yes. Your evaluation includes the medications you have tried and how they worked for you. GeneSight pharmacogenomic testing may also help inform medication decisions. Ask about it at your visit.
Do you offer therapy for depression?
Supportive therapy may be incorporated into psychiatric care when clinically appropriate. Great Minds is not a standalone weekly psychotherapy practice. If you need a more specialized or ongoing therapy, we will refer you to an appropriate therapist.
Can depression be treated by telehealth?
Yes, subject to applicable state telehealth requirements. Telehealth visits are available in Virginia, Washington, D.C., Maryland, Washington State, Colorado, Connecticut, Arizona, and Massachusetts, and you must be physically located in one of those states at the time of your appointment. In-person visits are available at our Chester, Virginia office by appointment.
Are there conditions you do not treat?
Yes. Great Minds is primarily a telehealth practice. For safety and appropriate evaluation, we do not provide care for suicidal crises, psychosis, or schizophrenia, which need in-person evaluation and a higher level of support. If you are in crisis, call or text 988, or call 911.
What if I am having thoughts of suicide?
Please reach out now. Call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), available 24 hours a day, or call 911 if you are in immediate danger. Great Minds does not provide emergency or crisis services.
More questions? See our full FAQ or call (804) 295-4344.
Taking the first step is a conversation, not a commitment.
Book an evaluation online, or call us with your questions first. Now accepting new patients, ages 10 and up.