Comprehensive, Compassionate Care for Depressive Disorders
Depression can feel like you’re carrying a weight that no one else can see — one that follows you into every room, every relationship, and every quiet moment. You may have tried to push through on your own, wondering if what you’re experiencing is serious enough to seek help — or whether depression therapy is really meant for someone like you. It is. You don’t have to keep struggling with depression on your own.
Depression is not a personal failing or a sign of weakness. It’s a real, recognized medical condition that affects millions of Americans, touching every aspect of daily life — relationships, work, physical health, and your sense of who you are. Whatever you’re going through, whether it’s mild depression that’s quietly draining your joy, moderate depression that’s making each day a struggle, or severe depression that feels completely overwhelming, you don’t have to go on feeling this way.
Help is available, and recovery is possible.
At The Terrebonne Group, our team of licensed mental health professionals provides expert depression therapy to individuals throughout New Orleans and Louisiana. We take the time to truly understand your experience and develop an effective treatment plan tailored to your unique needs — because no two people experience depression in exactly the same way. Our goal: to help you feel like yourself again.
Understanding Depression and Depressive Disorders
Clinical depression, also known as major depressive disorder, is a serious mental health condition — not simply a matter of negative emotions or a rough patch. An accurate diagnosis from a qualified mental health professional is the essential first step toward effective treatment.
Common Symptoms of Depression
Mental health professionals identify depressive symptoms across several categories:
Emotional and Cognitive: Persistent sadness or hopelessness, loss of interest in activities, difficulty concentrating, negative thoughts, feelings of worthlessness, and in severe cases, suicidal thoughts.
Physical: Changes in appetite, trouble sleeping or sleeping too much, fatigue, and physical aches without clear medical causes.
Behavioral: Withdrawal from family members, decreased productivity, and changes in behavior patterns affecting relationships.
Types of Depressive Disorders
The American Psychiatric Association recognizes several distinct depressive disorders:
Major Depressive Disorder involves persistent symptoms that significantly interfere with the ability to work, sleep, and enjoy daily life. Healthcare providers evaluate symptom severity, duration, and impact to reach an accurate diagnosis.
Persistent Depressive Disorder (previously called dysthymia) is characterized by chronic depression lasting two years or longer. Though symptoms may be less intense than major depressive disorder, persistent symptoms significantly affect quality of life.
Seasonal Affective Disorder follows a seasonal pattern, typically occurring in fall and winter. Light therapy — involving exposure to bright artificial light to stimulate nerve cells — has proven effective, often combined with cognitive behavioral therapy and other treatment options.
Bipolar Disorder and Other Mood Disorders involve alternating periods of depression and elevated mood, requiring careful evaluation and customized approaches to treating depression.
Common Symptoms of Depression
Mental health professionals identify depressive symptoms across several categories:
Emotional and Cognitive: Persistent sadness or hopelessness, loss of interest in activities, difficulty concentrating, negative thoughts, feelings of worthlessness, and in severe cases, suicidal thoughts.
Physical: Changes in appetite, trouble sleeping or sleeping too much, fatigue, and physical aches without clear medical causes.
Behavioral: Withdrawal from family members, decreased productivity, and changes in behavior patterns affecting relationships.
Types of Depressive Disorders
The American Psychiatric Association recognizes several distinct depressive disorders:
Major Depressive Disorder involves persistent symptoms that significantly interfere with the ability to work, sleep, and enjoy daily life. Healthcare providers evaluate symptom severity, duration, and impact to reach an accurate diagnosis.
Persistent Depressive Disorder (previously called dysthymia) is characterized by chronic depression lasting two years or longer. Though symptoms may be less intense than major depressive disorder, persistent symptoms significantly affect quality of life.
Seasonal Affective Disorder follows a seasonal pattern, typically occurring in fall and winter. Light therapy — involving exposure to bright artificial light to stimulate nerve cells — has proven effective, often combined with cognitive behavioral therapy and other treatment options.
Bipolar Disorder and Other Mood Disorders involve alternating periods of depression and elevated mood, requiring careful evaluation and customized approaches to treating depression.
Evidence-Based Depression Treatments
We utilize research-supported approaches proven effective for treating depression, coordinating therapy sessions and medication management under one roof.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive behavioral therapy is one of the most thoroughly researched depression treatments available. This structured form of behavioral therapy involves talking through and identifying distorted thinking patterns, replacing them with healthier behaviors and more balanced perspectives. During cognitive behavioral therapy sessions, you will recognize automatic negative thoughts, challenge unhelpful behavior patterns, practice behavioral activation to re-engage with meaningful activities, and build lasting coping skills to regulate emotions. Research from the National Institute of Mental Health consistently demonstrates that cognitive behavioral therapy produces significant, lasting improvements in depressive symptoms.
Psychodynamic Psychotherapy
Psychodynamic psychotherapy explores how past experiences and unconscious behavioral patterns contribute to depression. This approach helps patients gain insight into the underlying causes of their negative emotions, work through unresolved grief and relationship issues, and develop greater self-awareness. Dr. Terrebonne specializes in this integrative method, which helps patients understand how early experiences shape their current struggles.
Interpersonal Therapy
Interpersonal therapy focuses on relationship issues and life transitions that contribute to or worsen depression symptoms. This structured approach, which involves talking through communication patterns and interpersonal conflicts, helps you navigate significant life changes and build stronger connections.
Behavioral Activation
Behavioral activation is a key component of behavioral therapy that counters the withdrawal and inactivity common in depression. By gradually re-engaging with meaningful activities, patients disrupt the cycle of depression and build forward momentum.
Antidepressant Medications
For moderate depression and severe depression, medication can be a vital part of comprehensive care. Dr. Lisa Legeaux, our Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, provides expert medication management services.
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are often the first medication prescribed for treating depression. These medications influence mood by affecting nerve cells in the brain to increase serotonin availability and help relieve symptoms.
Serotonin Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) affect multiple brain chemicals to relieve depression and regulate emotions, targeting both serotonin and norepinephrine to improve mood.
Tricyclic Antidepressants and other formulations are also available. Dr. Legeaux carefully evaluates each patient's history and health conditions to determine the appropriate medication and same dose adjustments based on individual response. Blood tests may be recommended to rule out underlying medical conditions contributing to depressive symptoms.
Most antidepressant medications require several weeks to show full benefits, with noticeable changes typically emerging in the first few weeks of consistent use.
Research consistently shows that combining talk therapy with medication management produces better outcomes than either treatment alone, particularly for major depressive disorder and chronic depression.
Lifestyle & Self-Care Support
Supporting your treatment plan with healthy daily habits plays an important role in managing depressive symptoms:
Physical Activity: Regular exercise improves depression symptoms by releasing mood-enhancing chemicals and reducing blood pressure and stress.
Healthy Diet: A healthy diet rich in whole foods, lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids supports mental health and helps stabilize mood.
Sleep Hygiene: Addressing trouble sleeping through consistent routines and a restful environment significantly impacts depressive symptoms.
Stress Management: Techniques such as progressive muscle relaxation, mindfulness, and deep breathing help regulate emotions and reduce the burden of persistent symptoms.
Dietary and Herbal Supplements: While some dietary supplements and herbal supplements are marketed for depression, it's important to consult your healthcare provider before use, as some herbal supplements can interact with medications.
What to Expect from Treatment
Initial Consultation
Your journey begins with a comprehensive evaluation where your mental health professional will assess your symptoms of depression, discuss your goals, and explore contributing health conditions. This forms the foundation of your individualized treatment plan.
Ongoing Therapy Sessions
Therapy sessions typically occur weekly, and most patients begin to notice their symptoms improve within several weeks of consistent treatment. Our practice addresses depression across the lifespan through individualized treatment, from young adults navigating career and identity challenges to older adults managing life transitions and health conditions.
Duration of Treatment
The length of treatment varies widely. Mild or moderate depression may be effectively addressed in 12–20 sessions of cognitive behavioral therapy, while chronic depression or persistent depressive disorder often benefits from longer-term psychodynamic psychotherapy extending over months or years. For mental health concerns that include co-occurring mood disorders or other conditions, a more comprehensive approach is developed collaboratively.
Our Depression Treatment Specialists
Meet the Team Behind Your Depression Recovery
Monica Stevens, Ph.D.
Lisa Legeaux, DNP
Insurance and Fees
As a private pay practice, we focus on providing high-quality, unhurried care. Psychotherapy sessions are $200 for 50 minutes; initial consultations are $225 for 60 minutes. We provide detailed receipts and guidance to help you pursue out-of-network reimbursement.
Contact Us
Begin Your Recovery Today
Depression is treatable, and recovery is possible. Contact The Terrebonne Group to schedule your initial consultation.
Call us at (504) 864-0800 or send us your request through the form.
In-person sessions are available at our office in Mid-City New Orleans, and teletherapy is available throughout Louisiana.
If you are in immediate distress, please call or text 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) or text HOME to 741741 (Crisis Text Line).
Ready to Begin?
Contact Us
Begin Your Recovery Today
Depression is treatable, and recovery is possible. Contact The Terrebonne Group to schedule your initial consultation.
Call us at (504) 864-0800 or send us your request through the form.
In-person sessions are available at our office in Mid-City New Orleans, and teletherapy is available throughout Louisiana.
If you are in immediate distress, please call or text 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) or text HOME to 741741 (Crisis Text Line).
Ready to Begin?
FAQS
Frequently Asked Questions About Depression and Therapy
How do I know if I need professional help for depression?
If you've been experiencing persistent symptoms of depression — such as prolonged sadness, loss of interest in activities, trouble sleeping, fatigue, or negative thoughts — for more than two weeks, it's worth consulting a mental health professional. You don't need to be in crisis to benefit from therapy. In fact, early intervention often prevents mild depression from progressing into moderate depression or severe depression. If depressive symptoms are interfering with your daily life, relationships, or work performance, reaching out is a healthy and important step.
How long does it take to start feeling better?
The timeline for improvement varies depending on the type and severity of your depressive disorder, the treatment approach, and individual factors. Many patients begin to notice that their symptoms improve within several weeks of consistent therapy. Antidepressant medications typically require several weeks to reach their full effect, with changes often emerging in the first few weeks of use. It's important to maintain realistic expectations — recovery from depression is a gradual process, not an overnight change. Your mental health professional will regularly assess your progress and adjust your treatment plan as needed.
Will I need medication, or can talk therapy alone treat my depression?
Not everyone with depression requires medication. Many individuals successfully address mild or moderate depression through talk therapy alone, particularly with cognitive behavioral therapy or psychodynamic psychotherapy. Medication is typically considered when depressive symptoms are severe, when therapy hasn't provided sufficient relief, or when depression is significantly impairing daily functioning. At The Terrebonne Group, the decision to incorporate medication is always made collaboratively between you and your healthcare providers. Research shows that combining talk therapy with medication management often produces the best outcomes for moderate depression and major depressive disorder.
Is teletherapy effective for treating depression?
Yes. Research shows that teletherapy can be equally effective as in-person sessions for treating depression, particularly for mild or moderate depression. The Terrebonne Group offers secure, HIPAA-compliant virtual therapy sessions to patients throughout Louisiana, including those in Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Mandeville, Covington, and Slidell. Whether you choose in-person or virtual sessions, you'll receive the same high level of personalized, evidence-based care from our licensed mental health professionals.
Can depression affect my physical health?
Absolutely. Depression is not solely a mental health condition — it has significant implications for physical health as well. Untreated depression has been linked to weakened immune function, increased risk of cardiovascular disease and high blood pressure, chronic pain, disrupted sleep, and changes in appetite that can lead to nutritional deficiencies. The relationship between mental and physical health is deeply interconnected, which is why our approach addresses both. Lifestyle factors such as regular exercise, a healthy diet, and good sleep hygiene are incorporated into treatment planning alongside therapy and, when appropriate, medication.
Does The Terrebonne Group accept insurance?
We operate as a private pay practice and do not bill insurance directly. However, most patients successfully obtain reimbursement through their insurance company's out-of-network mental health benefits, often recovering 50% or more of session costs. We provide detailed receipts and guidance to help you navigate the reimbursement process. You can also use the Fair Health Consumer website to research typical reimbursement rates in your area.
What is the difference between major depressive disorder and persistent depressive disorder?
Major depressive disorder involves episodes of intense depressive symptoms that significantly disrupt daily life, while persistent depressive disorder (formerly called dysthymia) is characterized by chronic depression that lasts two years or longer. Persistent depressive disorder symptoms are often less severe but can be equally disruptive over time due to their long-term nature. Both conditions respond well to professional treatment, though the approach and duration of therapy may differ. An accurate diagnosis from a licensed mental health professional is essential to determining the most effective treatment plan for your specific situation.
What's the difference between cognitive behavioral therapy and psychodynamic psychotherapy?
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a structured, goal-oriented approach that focuses on identifying and changing negative thoughts and unhelpful behavior patterns contributing to depression. It tends to be shorter-term and highly practical, with measurable goals and skill-building as central components. Psychodynamic psychotherapy, by contrast, takes a deeper look at how past relationships, early experiences, and unconscious patterns influence your current emotional state. It is typically longer-term and well-suited for individuals who want to understand the root causes of their depression rather than focusing primarily on symptom management. Many patients benefit from an integrative approach that draws from both methods.
What alternative treatments are available if my depression doesn't improve with standard therapy or medication?
When depression treated through traditional talk therapy and medication doesn't produce sufficient relief, alternative treatments may be considered. Brain stimulation therapies such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) use targeted magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells involved in mood regulation. rTMS delivers repeated magnetic pulses to specific areas of the brain and is most commonly used when depression has not responded adequately to antidepressants or talk therapy. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) remains one of the most effective options for severe, treatment-resistant depression. While these brain stimulation therapies are recognized and effective options, they are not services currently offered at The Terrebonne Group. Your mental health professional will evaluate your progress, discuss whether these other treatments may be appropriate for your situation, and can provide referrals to qualified specialists in the New Orleans area.
