Depression Treatment

Depression Treatment San Jose and Los Gatos, CA

Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions in the United States, affecting millions of people each year. At Lumos Psychiatric Services, we offer people struggling with depression the treatment they need to finally win their battle against depressive symptoms.

There’s no reason to suffer when there are so many effective treatment options available. Schedule your first appointment today, and let’s get you on the road to a happier, more productive life.

Happy man after depression treatment in San Jose & Los Gatos, CA

What is Depression?

Everyone feels down every once in a while, but when feelings of sadness linger for extended periods and disrupt your daily functioning, this is recognized as clinical depression.

Symptoms of Depression

There are numerous types of depression, each with its unique symptoms. No two patients will have the same list of symptoms, but they may experience:

  • Ongoing feelings of sadness or hopelessness
  • Crippling fatigue, even when well-rested
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Loss of interest in enjoyable activities
  • Over- and under-eating
  • Recurring thoughts of self-blame
  • Difficulty remembering things
  • Trouble concentrating
  • Withdrawal from family and friends
  • Angry outbursts
  • Irritability
  • Thoughts of self-harm

Causes and Risk Factors of Depression

Depression is a complex mental health disorder, and it often arises from a mix of factors. Understanding these can be essential in both prevention and treatment.

Key causes and risk factors include:

  • Genetics – Some individuals may be more prone to depression due to their genetics
  • Family history – A family history of depression may increase the risk
  • Traumatic or stressful life events – Events such as loss, trauma, or significant life changes can trigger depression
  • Medical conditions – Chronic illnesses or hormonal changes may contribute to depression
  • Substance abuse Abuse of alcohol or drugs can increase the risk of depression
  • Personality traits – Low self-esteem or being overly dependent, pessimistic, or easily overwhelmed by stress can also contribute

Therapy for Depression

Therapy for depression is an effective part of our overall depression treatment strategy here at Lumos Psychiatric Services. Dr. Sarbani Maitra and her team help patients with depression explore their life experiences to gain a better understanding of themselves and the moments of meaning in their lives. They also help patients develop healthy coping strategies, create positive behaviors, make lifestyle changes, and regain a sense of control and satisfaction in their lives.

Depression Medication

We have found that a combination of therapy and depression medication helps most patients find dramatic relief from their depressive symptoms. There are several medications available today, making it easier than ever to find a medication that works for you.

Man happy after his depression treatment in San Jose and Los Gatos, CA
Woman who is happy after her depression treatment in San Jose and Los Gatos, CA

Types of Depression

Lumos Psychiatric Services helps patients with all types of depression manage their symptoms and live with greater joy. We specialize in include but are not limited to:

  • Major Depressive Disorder – Feeling depressed on most days
  • Persistent Depressive Disorder – Sadness that lasts two years or more
  • Manic Depression – Also known as bipolar disorder, manic depression causes wide mood swings from extreme highs (mania) to extreme lows
  • Seasonal Depression – Brought on by the dark, cold days of winter
  • Psychotic Depression – Occurs along with hallucinations, paranoia, or delusions
  • Postpartum Depression – Occurs in the weeks and months after giving birth
  • Premenstrual Dysmorphic Disorder – More severe than premenstrual syndrome, patients with PMDD experience depression along with other symptoms at the beginning of their periods

Depression FAQs

Does a psychiatrist really help with depression?

Yes, psychiatrists are trained in diagnosing and treating depression through therapy, medication, and personalized treatment plans.

How do psychiatrists treat patients with depression?

Psychiatrists use a combination of diagnosis, therapy, medication, lifestyle recommendations, and ongoing monitoring to treat depression.

Which Dr. is best for depression?

A psychiatrist or psychologist, specializing in mental health disorders, is typically the best choice for treating depression. At Lumos Psychiatric, Dr. Maitra is ready to help you with your individual needs. We serve patients in San Jose and Los Gatos, California, as well as surrounding towns. We also offer telepsychiatry services if you feel more comfortable with that option.

How do psychiatrists test for depression?

Psychiatrists test for depression through clinical interviews, standardized questionnaires, physical examination, and observation to accurately diagnose and tailor treatment.

Lifestyle and Wellness Tips for Managing Depression

Managing depression often involves a combination of professional treatment and self-care. Simple lifestyle changes can make a significant difference in mood and well-being. Consider incorporating the following strategies into your daily routine:

  • Healthy eating habits – Nutrient foods can boost overall wellness
  • Regular exercise – Physical activity, even mild exercise, can lift mood
  • Sleep – Ensuring enough quality sleep each night supports mental health
  • Mindfulness and meditation – Practicing mindfulness or meditation can foster a positive mindset
  • Avoid alcohol and drugs – Reducing or eliminating substances that can negatively impact mood
  • Seek social support – Connecting with friends, family, or support groups can provide emotional comfort
  • Avoid making major life decisions – While feeling overwhelmed, try to postpone significant life changes

Remember, while these tips can be helpful, professional medical assistance through therapy or medication is often vital in treating depression. Working closely with a healthcare provider to create a tailored plan can provide the best pathway to recovery.

Take the first step toward managing your depression today at our psyshiatric clinic in San Jose and Los Gatos, CA.

You don’t have to struggle with depression when there’s help right here in Los Gatos / San Jose. Fill out the form below to schedule your appointment with Dr. Sarbani Maitra, and take the first step toward living a life where depression doesn’t hold you back.

Dr. Maitra is awesome! I can't say enough about her. She cares about her patients and has a great team of co-workers. Swati goes above and beyond and handles extra tasks for me. More than recommended for anyone who wants a great professional at an accommodating clinic with a lovely team of staff members. Thanks for everything, guys!

-A. A.

I didn't want to consult a psychiatrist because my lifestyle demanded mental health therapy. I thought I could do it all, handle it all, and be the superwoman everyone thought I was and my family expected of me...anxiety and depression took over my life and I tried everything to rise above it. In my 20s, I was diagnosed with ADHD. Left untreated, the symptoms tormented my life and hurt people I loved. Dr. Maitra is compassionate and the best psychiatrist around. She helped me understand I had a biological imbalance, not just a mental illness. She gave me the strength to share my journey without shame. Dr. Maitra has also been helping me with other private concerns, so I'm confident and hopeful I can overcome these too. Her office is gorgeous and her team handles the important aspects! I would recommend her to anyone who needs a second or third opportunity, is hesitant about a diagnosis, fears judgment, or has lost hope!

She's humble and kind. If you trust her, she can change your life too!

-I. A.

Dr Maitra is a genuine docter I have seenUntil now. She is giving me treatment forDepression. She is so Flexible and had been there for me every time I had a problem. She gives good medicine for depression.She is an amazing docter.
I found Dr Maitra and her wonderful staff during the pandemic. She was one of the very few doctors who responded to my many emails. Dr. Maitra is one of a kind! She is compassionate, genuinely cares about her patients, and willing to meet them where they are to help them get well.
I love Lumos. Not only is Dr. Maitra a caring, warm, smart and experienced Psychiatrist, her staff is also caring and efficient. Can't ask for a better team.
Dr. Maitra is very caring, compassionate and concerned about patient health. My wife is her patient. Dr. Maitra is so sweet that my wife sees her niece in her.She understands the patient current and past situation and tries to accommodate and help and work around that.She doesn’t enforce her opinions and listens patiently about patient situations and prescribes medication that a patient can tolerate.She works with patient and not against. I am fortunate to have her treat my wife.I would highly recommend Dr. Maitra.
Dr. Maitra is awesome! I can't say enough about her. She cares about her patients and has a great team of co-workers. Swati goes above and beyond and handles extra tasks for me. More than recommended for anyone who wants a great professional at an accommodating clinic with a lovely team of staff members. Thanks for everything, guys!
I would highly recommend Dr. Maitra. She is the best psychiatrist i have come across. She listens so patiently, and her approach is so honest and remarkable.
Lumos Clinical has been a God send for my Wife and I. Dr Maitra is someone who is extremely intelligent and qualified in her field and she is also very compassionate and understanding.She has a way of getting through to people, empathizing with them and really helping them. Then there is Riya, and if you are lucky enough to speak to her, you already know she exhibits the upmost compassion, empathy and care. She was a large reason I chose to take my Wife to Lumos and it led us to an amazing Dr and rest of staff.
I cannot express how great my appreciation is for the staff and Doctors at Lumos Clinic. Dr Maitra and Swati have changed my view of psychiatric help because of their unending kindness and accommodation- I can schedule appointments over text increasing the likelihood I will get help. If you’re looking for help then I can’t recommend this clinic more. Dr Maitra has a diverse background working with a wide variety of patients, she’s incredibly smart, non-judgemental and has made the difference for me when other doctors in San Jose couldn’t.
Dr Maitra has been treating our son who has an eating disorder. She is the first doctor that my son has liked and she has had a lot of successes with our son. She is flexible and hard working and her staff is very professional. She has good instincts and incites. Strongly recommended.
Dr. Maitra is the most caring and compassionate doctor I have ever worked with. She takes her time to understand her patient's needs and is genuinely interested in helping her patients. She won't suggest a course of action that isn't in the patient's best interest. Her team is also amazing. Swati is on top of everything. She's literally the best administrator I've ever worked with. This clinic is the best, and I highly recommend them.
Dr. Maitra And Her Staff Are The Most Effective Team. Dr. Maitra Takes Out Time To Personally Ensure The Well Being of Her Clients. Dr. Maitra Is Profesional And Compassionate. The Team Also Works Together With Care When Speaking With The Client And Scheduling Accurate Calendar Invitations!Thank You And Your Team For All You Do!Blessings!💙🔥🙏🏼💥✝️🦋💜
Highly recommended! Dr Maitra is a great doctor and also she is very human and sensible to the patient concerns. 5 out of 5 stars definitely!
Dr. Is the best in the world
I was quite reluctant to find a psychiatrist becuase I just didn’t want to fathom That I needed mental health assistance in the way I lived my life. I thought I could do it all, cope with it all- be the super woman that others thought me to be and my family expected out of me…anxiety and at depression took over my life and I tried everything to rise above it all…. I was diagnosed with ADDHD in my twenties but had stopped taking medication because I didn’t want to jeopardize the health of my unborn babies as some of the ADDHD medication posed pre-natal issues as well as birth defects. ( I had 4 children during the course of this time period of my life ) but unresolved anxiety and symptoms of ADDHD kept haunting not just my life but negatively impacted those I loved the most. I knew I had to face the demons and bring resolve to live a more fruitful life and become the best version of myself!I conducted a ton of due diligence and my research lead me to dr Maitra. Dr Maitra diagnosed me quickly and came up with a treatment plan that worked. She is caring, kind and frankly the best psychiatrist anyone could find. She didn’t make me feel like I had a mental illness but that I had a chemical imbalance that needed to be dealt with . For ex diabetics need insulin due to an imbalance and I required medication due to the chemical imbalance I had in my genetic makeup.Because of her I have the courage to share my journey - I’m not afraid or ashamed to share. Dr maitra has been helping me with some other private issues and I have the confidence and hope that I will be able to over come these issues as well. Her office is beautiful and she has a staff that’s on top of the details that matter ! I highly recommend her to anyone that needs a second chance or third chance, for anyone that is unsure about a diagnosis, for anyone that feels the fear of being judged, for anyone that has lost hope!She’s down to earth and has a heart of Gold she changed my life and I’m sure she has the ability to change yours if you just take the leap of faith and trust her like I did!:)
If you’re looking for a psychiatrist you have found one. Have been seeing her for 8 months and I highly recommend her. Despite a gap of several months she has been a rock to lean on. Throughout our sessions I continue to be surprised and impressed by her kindness, flexibility, manner and her ability to simplify seemingly complicated situations or emotional reactions. She is new to the area but her office is already growing and her awesome staff(Swati) are able to text to schedule or change appointments. We’ve only met via Microsoft teams but I feel closer to her than doctors I’ve met in person. Schedule with her she is non-judgemental and an extremely smart well-rounded person. You will love her!
Wonderful Doctor. She listens carefully, never hurries and make you feel comfortable talking about your symptoms. Her support and medication helped me a lot. She patiently analyzed and treated my issue. Followup emails and scheduling is great. The staff are friendly and thorough about details.
Dr. Maitra has remarkable listening skills. She understands her patients needs and partners with them to ensure good heath. I strongly recommend her and her conscientious team.
I came to get my blood drawn and Kosar and Lina were really kind and professional. They explained every step and made sure I was comfortable and understood what was going on. Great staff👍🏼
I have had the pleasure of being associated with Dr Maitra for some time now and seen how her patients react to her. The right support matters - here's a doctor who will put you first, be genuinely empathetic, be effective and has enabled her staff to provide a concierge level service that's focussed on patient care, comfort and bringing genuine relief. This is the ‘care’ in Health care that really matters and Dr. Maitra does it right!
The best Doctor I’ve seen! She’s kind, she listened well , she works with you for your goals. She also went out of her way to help with treatment. I recommend her highly. Very practical and down to earth.
Highly recommend their psychiatric practice, they put patient care first!
Dr.maitra is very compassionate and caring towards her patients.I highly recommend her.
I have had the pleasure of being associated with Dr Maitra for some time now and seen how her patients react to her. The right support matters - here's a doctor who will put you first, be genuinely empathetic, be effective and has enabled her staff to provide a concierge level service that's focussed on patient care, comfort and bringing genuine relief. Health care done right!
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Dr. Sarbani Maitra,
MD, Psychiatrist

Meet Dr. Maitra

Sarbani Maitra, MD is a board eligible psychiatrist. She has a Bachelors in Science from Tennessee Technological University in Chemistry leading up to her doctorate of medicine from the American University of the Caribbean Medical School. She then went on to gain clinical experience at Queen’s Hospital (erstwhile Old Church Hospital), London U.K. for a period of three years. She pursued her residency in Psychiatry at Meharry Medical College in Nashville Tennessee after working in research on women’s health issues at the Center of Women’s Health and Research. Dr Maitra has extensive experience working in both inpatient and outpatient settings managing patients across the spectrum with psychotic disorders, mood disorders, trauma-related disorders and patients struggling with substance use disorders. She believes in an integrated approach to mental health which includes the biopsychosocial approach. [Read More]