Frequently Asked Questions

Psychiatry is a medical specialty that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental health conditions. It involves techniques, such as medication and/or therapy, to help individuals improve their wellbeing.

After your initial assessment, we'll create a personalized care plan just for you. This plan might include therapy, follow-up lab tests, coordination with other members of your care team (such as your therapist or primary care provider), and/or medication if needed. Your care plan will be tailored to your specific needs based on the provider's clinical assessment and the questionnaires you completed. Your first visit usually lasts about 45-60 minutes.

Therapy is a process of learning more about oneself through the use of psychological techniques and interventions. Working towards positive change and personal growth with the guidance and support of a trained professional.

A Case Manager is a professional who coordinates and oversees patient care and communication while working with a team of healthcare providers to ensure that the patient's treatment plan is followed and their needs are met.

Nurses work closely with all members of the care team, providing assessments and monitoring mental health symptoms. They support care delivery being patient advocates and by providing teaching to patients and families.

Friends and family play an important role in your care. Their role is to provide support, encouragement, and a sense of connection and belonging. They are encouraged to be active participants in your care journey, encouraging you during each step and being part of your care team.

At Defina, we embrace technology. In addition to regular check-ins, we also monitor your health remotely through the use of wearable devices or questionnaires. This will allow the care team to track your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your care plan.

Home Health is an important part of mental healthcare for those needing extra support. This service can include a range of assessment and treatment options for those who have difficulty in other settings.

What we eat plays an essential role in how we function. Education about healthy foods affects both mental and physical well being. A balanced diet has been shown to improve energy levels, mood and physical fitness.

For your appointment, you will need to be in your state of residence. This helps us ensure that we are providing care in compliance with state regulations.

Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) is major depressive disorder that hasn't adequately responded to at least two different antidepressant medications, each taken at proper doses for a sufficient duration (typically 6-8 weeks per medication).

Key facts:

• Approximately 30% of people with depression experience treatment resistance

• TRD is a clinical designation, not a permanent label

• "Resistant" doesn't mean untreatable—it means standard approaches haven't worked yet

Common reasons depression appears treatment-resistant:

1. Misdiagnosis: Bipolar depression, ADHD, or anxiety disorders can look like depression but require different treatment

2. Inadequate trials: Previous medications weren't given at effective doses or for long enough

3. Metabolic factors: Your genetics may affect how you process certain medications (pharmacogenomic testing can reveal this)

4. Co-occurring conditions: Substance use, medical conditions, or untreated anxiety can block antidepressant response

5. Psychosocial factors: Ongoing trauma, relationship issues, or life stressors may require therapy alongside medication

How Defina approaches treatment-resistant depression:

1. Verify the diagnosis — Ensure we're treating the right condition

2. Audit previous treatments — Confirm medications were truly given adequate trials

3. Consider pharmacogenomic testing — Identify if metabolism issues are affecting drug response

4. Optimize therapy — Ensure evidence-based psychotherapy (CBT, behavioral activation) is part of your plan

5. Explore advanced options — When appropriate, treatments like ketamine therapy (coming soon to Defina)

6. Track everything — Our measurement-based approach ensures we're making data-driven decisions, not guessing

If you've tried multiple antidepressants without relief, you're not out of options. Treatment-resistant depression requires a systematic, precision approach—exactly what Defina was built to provide.