---
type: Condition
title: Depression
description: Major depression as evaluated and treated by CARMAhealth with medication management, TMS therapy, ketamine therapy, and Spravato.
resource: https://carmahealth.com/conditions/depression
tags: [carmahealth, condition, depression, mood-disorder, psychiatry]
timestamp: 2026-07-08T20:00:00Z
---

# Depression

Condition profile within the [CARMAhealth](../carmahealth.md) bundle. Facts below are drawn from the provider's own condition page, retrieved 2026-07-08.

## How CARMAhealth describes it

CARMAhealth frames depression as a common, treatable medical condition — not a sign of personal weakness — arising from a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors. Described symptoms include persistent sadness or emptiness, loss of interest, changes in sleep or appetite, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, and thoughts of death or self-harm; the site suggests evaluation when several symptoms persist for two weeks or more.

The provider notes depression frequently co-occurs with [anxiety](./anxiety.md) and [insomnia](./insomnia.md), and treats non-response to multiple medications as a distinct focus: [treatment-resistant depression](./treatment-resistant-depression.md).

## Screening / evaluation approach

Every treatment plan starts with a [psychiatric evaluation](../services/psychiatric-evaluation.md) in which a board-certified psychiatrist reviews symptoms, medical history, and goals before recommending an approach.

## Treatment options offered

- [Medication management](../services/medication-management.md) — described as first-line; antidepressant selection (SSRIs such as sertraline, fluoxetine, escitalopram; also SNRIs, atypicals, tricyclics) with ongoing monitoring.
- [TMS therapy](../services/tms-therapy.md) — for depression not responding to medication; described as FDA-cleared, non-invasive, ~20-minute sessions.
- [Ketamine therapy](../services/ketamine-therapy.md) — listed as an advanced option when medication alone is insufficient.
- [Spravato (esketamine)](../services/spravato.md) — listed as an additional advanced path.

## Claims noted (attributed)

- The site states, citing NIMH, that an estimated 21 million U.S. adults experienced at least one major depressive episode in 2021.
- The site states, citing CDC data, that depression prevalence has risen over the past decade and nearly 40 percent of those affected do not receive treatment.
- The site states TMS is FDA-cleared for major depressive disorder, has been studied for over 20 years, and that research shows a 50–60 percent response rate in treatment-resistant depression with about one-third of responders achieving full remission.
- The site states most insurance plans cover psychiatric evaluation and medication management for depression; TMS coverage varies by plan; Spravato is FDA-approved and covered by many insurers.
- The site states care is led by board-certified psychiatrists or psychiatric nurse practitioners.

## Sources

- Live page: https://carmahealth.com/conditions/depression — Retrieved 2026-07-08.
- Mirror: https://mr.carmahealth.com/conditions/depression — Retrieved 2026-07-08.