In crisis? Call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. In an emergency, call 911. This practice does not provide emergency care.
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Depression treatment in Houston & across Texas
What depression actually looks like
Sadness is a very common symptom, but it can mean different things based on the context. Depression can often be present when nothing is enjoyable and things require more effort to do. It can show up as slowed thinking, difficulty making ordinary decisions, waking up early in the morning, lower appetite and/or irritability. You do not feel like yourself.
At Tentie Psychiatry we make sure to carefully assess your symptoms and to understand you as a person, in order to provide the most accurate assessment of your situation and to offer the best treatment possible.
When is it time to see a psychiatrist?
- Symptoms have lasted more than a few weeks and are not improving.
- Work, relationships or basic self-care are being affected.
- You have thoughts of death or of not wanting to be here. If you are currently having thoughts of harming yourself, please call 988 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Treatment options
Several classes of antidepressant medications have good response evidence. The right choice of medication depends on a careful review of your history and of previous medication trials with good outcomes or unwanted adverse effects. Augmentation strategies exist for partial response to antidepressants. Psychotherapy has strong independent evidence for treatment and works well in combination with medications.
Good sleep, physical activity and daylight, among others, are great additions to your wellbeing.
All treatment options are carefully reviewed with you, and you will have ample time and understanding to make the right decisions without feeling pressured.
Reviewed by José M. Torrijos, MD Board-certified adult psychiatrist, licensed in Texas. Last reviewed September 2026.
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Frequently asked
How long before an antidepressant works?
Some sleep and appetite changes appear within one to two weeks. Mood and interest typically take four to six weeks at an adequate dose. Judging a medication too early is the most common reason a workable treatment gets discarded.
I’ve tried several medications and none worked. Is there any point?
Yes, and this is one of the more productive reasons to come in. Non-response often traces back to an inadequate dose or duration, an unrecognised bipolar spectrum illness, or an untreated medical contributor. A full re-evaluation is the right next step, not a fourth prescription.
Will medication change my personality?
It should not. Emotional blunting is a recognised side effect of some antidepressants and it is specifically asked about at follow-up, because most patients will not raise it unprompted. If it happens, it is a reason to adjust treatment.
Do I need therapy as well as medication?
For moderate to severe depression the combination generally outperforms either alone. Dr. Torrijos will coordinate with your therapist, or help you find one.
What if I’m having thoughts of suicide?
If you are in immediate danger, call 911, or call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. This practice does not provide emergency or after-hours care. Suicidal thoughts are a common symptom of depression and something you can raise directly in an appointment — they are treated as clinical information, not as a reason to be turned away.