Depression Treatment in Southlake, TX
Prime Behavioral Health is a licensed psychiatric practice providing board-certified care for Depression Treatment in Southlake, TX and the surrounding areas. Our practice is led by Dr. Vishal Shah, MD, Board Certified in Adult and Child/Adolescent Psychiatry with over five years of experience serving the Dallas-Fort Worth region, alongside four certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners. We accept most major insurance plans including Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield PPO, Optum, United Healthcare, and Cigna. Read verified patient reviews on Google. Telemedicine appointments are available for eligible patients. Call 817-778-8884 or schedule your new patient appointment online to begin.
Depression Treatment in Southlake, TX: From Evaluation to Advanced Care
Major depressive disorder is one of the most prevalent and debilitating psychiatric conditions in the United States. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), approximately 21 million adults experience at least one major depressive episode annually, and the condition is the leading cause of disability for people ages 15 to 44. Depression is not a character flaw, a lack of resilience, or a choice. It is a clinical condition with documented neurobiological mechanisms that responds to evidence-based treatment.
Prime Behavioral Health provides comprehensive depression treatment in Southlake, TX and throughout the DFW region, from initial psychiatric evaluation through medication management, FDA-approved NeuroStar TMS therapy, and GeneSight pharmacogenomic testing for patients who have not responded to prior medication trials.
Understanding Major Depressive Disorder
Major depressive disorder is defined by the presence of at least five of nine core symptoms present most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks. These symptoms must cause meaningful impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning. Core symptoms include persistent sad, empty, or hopeless mood; loss of interest or pleasure in previously enjoyed activities; significant changes in appetite or weight; insomnia or hypersomnia; fatigue and loss of energy; feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt; difficulty concentrating or making decisions; psychomotor slowing or agitation; and recurrent thoughts of death or suicide.
Depression presents differently across individuals. Some patients primarily experience low mood and hopelessness. Others present with irritability, physical symptoms, or cognitive impairment rather than obvious sadness. Adolescents often exhibit irritability and behavioral changes rather than visible sadness. Understanding the full range of depression presentations is critical to accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment planning.
Treatment-Resistant Depression and NeuroStar TMS Therapy
Approximately 30% of people with major depressive disorder experience treatment-resistant depression (TRD), defined as inadequate response to at least two antidepressant medications at appropriate doses for adequate durations. TRD does not mean depression is untreatable. It means that standard first-line approaches have not been sufficient, and more specialized interventions are needed.
NeuroStar TMS therapy is the primary advanced treatment offered at Prime Behavioral Health for treatment-resistant depression. TMS delivers focused magnetic pulses to the prefrontal cortex, the brain region that shows reduced activity in depression, stimulating neural activity and restoring healthier mood regulation. Sessions last 19 to 37 minutes, require no sedation, and allow patients to return to normal activities immediately. Clinical evidence shows approximately 50% of TRD patients achieve significant improvement, and one in three achieves full remission lasting 12 or more months. TMS is FDA-approved for adults and adolescents ages 15 and older.
GeneSight DNA Testing: Personalized Medication Guidance
For patients who have experienced inadequate response or significant side effects from prior antidepressant trials, GeneSight pharmacogenomic testing provides genetic insight into which medications are most likely to be effective and well-tolerated based on individual genetics. Prime Behavioral Health offers GeneSight testing as a component of personalized depression care, particularly for patients navigating treatment-resistant depression where medication selection is especially critical.
A Comprehensive Approach to Depression Treatment
Effective depression treatment begins with accurate diagnosis. A thorough psychiatric evaluation at Prime Behavioral Health reviews symptoms, duration, severity, functional impact, medical history, family psychiatric history, and prior treatment responses. This evaluation establishes the specific type of depression, identifies any co-occurring conditions such as anxiety or PTSD, and guides an individualized treatment plan.
Treatment options are then tailored based on each patient’s clinical picture. Some patients begin with medication management. Others who have already tried multiple medications proceed directly to TMS therapy evaluation. Many benefit from a combination approach that includes medication management, TMS therapy, therapy referrals, and lifestyle guidance. Telemedicine follow-up appointments make ongoing depression care accessible for patients throughout the DFW region.
Meet Our Providers
Dr. Vishal Shah, MD – Psychiatrist and Medical Director
Dr. Vishal Shah is a board-certified psychiatrist and Medical Director of Prime Behavioral Health. He earned undergraduate degrees in Genetics and Computer Science from Rutgers University and his Medical Doctorate from Saba University of Medicine, graduating with honors. Dr. Shah completed a three-year Adult Psychiatry Residency at Howard University Hospital and a two-year Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship at Akron Children’s Hospital. He is Board Certified in both Adult Psychiatry and Child/Adolescent Psychiatry and brings expertise in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), Motivational Interviewing, and crisis management.
Barbara Schoen Johnson, PhD, APRN, PMHNP – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Dr. Barbara Schoen Johnson holds a PhD in Nursing from Texas Woman’s University and is board certified in Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Nursing by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. She completed her PMHNP certification at the University of Texas at Arlington and served 16 years as a Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner at Cook Children’s Behavioral Health Outpatient Clinic. She has authored two nationally recognized psychiatric nursing textbooks, earned the AJN Book of the Year Award, and was named among the Great 100 Nurses of Dallas-Fort Worth.
Mariah Mathews, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Mariah Mathews is board certified in Child, Adolescent, and Adult Psychiatric Nursing by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. She holds a Master of Science in Nursing from Eastern Kentucky University and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Missouri-Columbia. She brings seven years of pediatric RN experience from Children’s Health Dallas and completed clinical rotations at UT Southwestern Outpatient Adult Psychiatry and Children’s Health Plano.
Keri Kendall, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Keri Kendall is board certified in Child, Adolescent, and Adult Psychiatric Nursing by the American Nurses Credentialing Center and holds a Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Texas at Arlington. Prior to her psychiatric specialization, she practiced as a cardiac nurse and a school nurse. She is committed to helping each patient develop a clear path toward long-term mental health and daily wellness.
Pragya Pathak, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-C – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Pragya Pathak is a Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner by both the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and the State of Texas. She holds a Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Texas at Arlington (2025) and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Texas Woman’s University (2016). She brings over eight years of psychiatric inpatient nursing experience from UT Southwestern Medical Center and completed clinical rotations in outpatient psychiatry and the ECT Service.
View full provider credentials and bios
Why Choose Prime Behavioral Health
| What We Offer | What It Means for You |
| Board-Certified Psychiatrist (Dr. Shah, MD) | Physician-led care with dual board certification in adult and child/adolescent psychiatry |
| 4 Licensed Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners | Multidisciplinary team with broad availability across all age groups |
| FDA-Approved NeuroStar TMS Therapy | Clinically proven non-medication depression treatment with documented 12-month results |
| TMS Approved for Ages 15 and Older | Qualifying teens access the same advanced treatment as adults |
| Major Insurance Accepted | Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield PPO, Optum, United Healthcare, Cigna |
| Telemedicine Available | Virtual follow-ups reduce travel for busy families and professionals |
| Full Lifespan Psychiatric Care | Children, adolescents, and adults all served under one practice |
| GeneSight DNA Testing Available | Genetic guidance to reduce medication trial-and-error |
| 5+ Years Serving DFW | Established psychiatric practice with deep North Texas community roots |
Frequently Asked Questions About Depression Treatment in Southlake, TX
What is major depressive disorder?
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a clinical psychiatric condition characterized by persistent low mood, loss of interest or pleasure, and a range of cognitive, physical, and emotional symptoms that significantly impair daily functioning. Unlike normal sadness or grief, MDD persists most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks, and is not proportionate to life circumstances. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately 21 million adults in the United States experience at least one major depressive episode annually.
What are the most common symptoms of depression?
Core symptoms of major depressive disorder include persistent sad, empty, or hopeless mood; loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed; significant changes in appetite or weight; sleep disturbances including insomnia or excessive sleep; fatigue and loss of energy; difficulty concentrating or making decisions; feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt; psychomotor slowing or agitation; and recurrent thoughts of death or suicide. At least five of these symptoms must be present most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks for a clinical diagnosis.
How is depression clinically diagnosed?
Depression is diagnosed through a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation conducted by a licensed clinician. No blood test or imaging study diagnoses depression. The evaluation reviews symptom pattern, duration, severity, functional impact, medical history, family psychiatric history, prior treatment responses, and any co-occurring conditions such as anxiety, PTSD, or bipolar disorder. Accurate diagnosis matters because it determines which treatment approach is most likely to be effective for each patient.
What types of depression does Prime Behavioral Health treat?
Prime Behavioral Health evaluates and treats major depressive disorder, treatment-resistant depression, persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia), seasonal affective disorder, postpartum depression, and depression co-occurring with anxiety disorders, PTSD, bipolar disorder, ADHD, or substance use. A comprehensive evaluation identifies the specific depressive presentation and guides the most targeted treatment approach.
Is depression treatable?
Yes. Depression is among the most treatable psychiatric conditions. With appropriate treatment, most people with depression experience significant symptom improvement. Response rates to a first antidepressant trial are approximately 40 to 60%. For patients who do not respond to medication, additional options including TMS therapy, medication augmentation, and psychotherapy produce meaningful improvement in the majority of patients who pursue them. Early treatment typically produces better outcomes than waiting for symptoms to become severe.
What treatment options for depression are available at Prime Behavioral Health?
Treatment options include comprehensive psychiatric evaluation and diagnosis; medication management with SSRIs, SNRIs, atypical antidepressants, and augmentation strategies; FDA-approved NeuroStar TMS therapy for treatment-resistant depression; GeneSight DNA testing to guide medication selection; therapy referrals for CBT and other evidence-based psychotherapy; and telemedicine follow-up appointments for ongoing care. Treatment plans are individualized based on each patient’s symptom profile, history, and goals.
How does NeuroStar TMS therapy help depression?
NeuroStar TMS therapy delivers precisely focused magnetic pulses to the prefrontal cortex, the brain region responsible for mood regulation that shows reduced activity in depression. This stimulation helps restore healthier neural activity patterns, improving mood, motivation, and emotional regulation without medication. TMS therapy is FDA-approved for major depressive disorder in adults and adolescents ages 15 and older. Clinical data shows approximately 50% of patients with treatment-resistant depression achieve significant improvement, and one in three achieves full remission.
Who qualifies for TMS therapy for depression?
TMS therapy is FDA-cleared for patients ages 15 and older with major depressive disorder who have not achieved adequate relief from at least one antidepressant medication at a therapeutic dose. Patients with certain metal implants near the head, including cochlear implants or deep brain stimulators, are not candidates. A comprehensive psychiatric evaluation at Prime Behavioral Health determines whether TMS is clinically appropriate for each patient before beginning treatment.
Is TMS therapy for depression covered by insurance?
Yes. Most major insurance plans including Medicare and Tricare cover TMS therapy for depression after at least one antidepressant trial without sufficient relief. Prime Behavioral Health accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield PPO, Optum, United Healthcare, and Cigna, and verifies your specific TMS benefits before treatment begins. Call 817-778-8884 to discuss your coverage.
What is treatment-resistant depression and how common is it?
Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) is generally defined as depression that has not responded adequately to at least two different antidepressant medications at therapeutic doses for adequate durations. Approximately 30% of people with major depressive disorder experience treatment-resistant depression. TRD does not mean depression is untreatable. TMS therapy, medication augmentation, GeneSight pharmacogenomic testing, and combination approaches produce meaningful improvement in the majority of TRD patients who pursue them.
How does depression affect daily functioning?
Depression impairs cognitive function, motivation, energy, sleep, appetite, concentration, decision-making, and the ability to experience pleasure. These impairments affect job performance, academic achievement, relationship quality, physical health, and personal safety. Left untreated, depression tends to worsen over time and can lead to social withdrawal, career disruption, relationship breakdown, and in severe cases, suicidal ideation. The earlier treatment begins, the better the functional outcomes tend to be.
Does depression cause sleep problems?
Yes. Sleep disruption is one of the most common symptoms of major depressive disorder, affecting approximately 75% of depressed patients. The most characteristic pattern is early morning awakening, waking at 3 to 5 AM unable to return to sleep, though difficulty falling asleep and middle-of-the-night waking are also common. Depression alters sleep architecture by disrupting REM latency, reducing slow-wave deep sleep, and fragmenting sleep cycles. Treating the underlying depression typically produces significant sleep improvement.
Can depression cause physical symptoms without a medical explanation?
Yes. Depression frequently produces somatic symptoms including headaches, muscle aches, chronic fatigue, gastrointestinal problems, and unexplained pain. These physical symptoms are mediated by the nervous system changes that depression produces and are not imagined. Many patients with depression are diagnosed first with a medical condition when their primary complaint is physical. When physical symptoms occur alongside persistent low mood or loss of interest, a psychiatric evaluation is warranted.
Is medication always needed to treat depression?
Not always. For mild to moderate depression, psychotherapy including CBT can produce meaningful improvement without medication. For moderate to severe depression or when depression significantly impairs functioning, medication is typically part of the treatment plan. TMS therapy provides an effective non-medication option for patients who have not responded to antidepressants or who prefer to avoid long-term medication use. A psychiatrist evaluates your specific situation before recommending any particular treatment path.
How long does depression treatment take to produce results?
Antidepressant medications typically produce initial improvement within two to four weeks, with full therapeutic benefit taking six to eight weeks. TMS therapy produces mood improvement progressively over the four to six week treatment course, with many patients noticing changes around weeks three to four. Psychotherapy produces improvement over eight to sixteen sessions. Individual response varies, and close psychiatric monitoring allows for treatment adjustment when expected improvement is not occurring on schedule.
What is the difference between depression and sadness?
Sadness is a normal emotional response to loss, disappointment, or difficulty. It is proportionate to circumstances, typically resolves as circumstances improve or time passes, and does not significantly impair the ability to function. Depression is a medical condition that persists regardless of circumstances, is disproportionate to any specific event, does not resolve with time alone, and significantly impairs functioning across multiple life domains. A person can experience sadness without depression, and depression often occurs without a clear precipitating event.
Can depression affect teenagers differently than adults?
Yes. Adolescent depression often presents with different symptoms than adult depression, including irritability and hostility rather than visible sadness, academic decline, social withdrawal, increased conflict at home, somatic complaints, and risk-taking behavior. These presentations are frequently mistaken for typical teenage behavior, leading to underdiagnosis. Prime Behavioral Health’s child and adolescent psychiatric team is trained to identify and treat adolescent depression, including TMS therapy for teens ages 15 and older with treatment-resistant depression.
Does depression get worse without treatment?
For most people, untreated depression does not resolve on its own and typically worsens over time. Each untreated depressive episode increases the likelihood of future episodes and raises the risk of chronicity. Secondary consequences including social withdrawal, relationship damage, career impairment, and development of co-occurring anxiety or substance use disorders compound the original condition. Early professional treatment is significantly more effective than waiting.
Are telemedicine appointments available for depression treatment?
Yes. Prime Behavioral Health offers telemedicine psychiatric appointments for eligible patients for medication management, follow-up visits, and ongoing depression monitoring. Initial evaluations and TMS therapy require in-person visits at the Southlake office. Telemedicine is available for patients throughout the DFW region who need convenient ongoing depression care.
What is GeneSight DNA testing and how does it help with antidepressant selection?
GeneSight is a pharmacogenomic test that analyzes genetic variations that affect how your body metabolizes specific psychiatric medications. It provides information about which medications are likely to be effective, which may require dose adjustment, and which may carry higher risk of side effects based on your genetics. GeneSight testing is available at Prime Behavioral Health and is particularly useful for patients who have experienced inadequate response or significant side effects from previous antidepressant trials.
Can lifestyle changes support depression treatment?
Lifestyle factors including regular aerobic exercise, sleep optimization, social connection, structured daily routine, and dietary patterns that support neurological health all contribute meaningfully to depression treatment outcomes. Research shows aerobic exercise produces antidepressant effects comparable to low-dose medication for mild to moderate depression. These approaches are not replacements for clinical treatment in moderate to severe depression but are important adjuncts that most psychiatrists incorporate into comprehensive treatment plans.
Does anxiety commonly co-occur with depression?
Yes. Approximately 50 to 60% of people with major depressive disorder also have at least one anxiety disorder. The two conditions share neurological pathways and often require treatment that addresses both simultaneously. Treating only the depression while leaving anxiety untreated, or vice versa, typically produces incomplete recovery. Prime Behavioral Health evaluates the full clinical picture and designs treatment plans that address both conditions as present.
What is seasonal affective disorder and does Prime Behavioral Health treat it?
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a subtype of major depressive disorder with a seasonal pattern, typically beginning in fall or winter and remitting in spring. It shares the core symptoms of major depressive disorder but follows a predictable seasonal cycle. Treatment options include light therapy, medication management, and psychotherapy. Prime Behavioral Health evaluates and treats seasonal affective disorder as part of comprehensive depression care.
How does Prime Behavioral Health approach treatment-resistant depression?
Prime Behavioral Health approaches treatment-resistant depression through comprehensive evaluation including review of all prior medication trials, GeneSight DNA testing when appropriate, and assessment of TMS therapy candidacy. NeuroStar TMS therapy is the primary advanced treatment for TRD offered at the practice, with clinical data showing approximately 50% of patients achieving significant improvement and one-third achieving full remission. Medication augmentation strategies are also considered and implemented under close psychiatric oversight.
How do I get started with depression treatment at Prime Behavioral Health?
Call 817-778-8884 or complete the online appointment request form at primebehavioralhealth.com. No referral is required. Your first appointment is a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation lasting approximately 60 to 90 minutes. Bring a list of current medications, prior treatment history, and any relevant medical records. Prime Behavioral Health accepts most major insurance plans and is currently accepting new patients throughout the DFW area.
Areas We Serve
Prime Behavioral Health serves patients from Southlake and throughout the greater Dallas-Fort Worth region, including:
- Grapevine, TX
- Colleyville, TX
- Keller, TX
- Fort Worth, TX
- Trophy Club, TX
- Flower Mound, TX
- Hurst, TX
- Denton, TX
- Dallas, TX
- View all service areas
Get Depression Treatment Care at Prime Behavioral Health
If you or a family member in Southlake, Colleyville, Grapevine, Keller, Trophy Club, or the greater Dallas-Fort Worth region is struggling with depression treatment, Prime Behavioral Health is ready to help. Our board-certified psychiatrist Dr. Vishal Shah, MD, and licensed psychiatric team have over five years of experience providing comprehensive psychiatric care for depression treatment. We accept Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield PPO, Optum, United Healthcare, and Cigna, and offer telemedicine appointments for added convenience. Read our verified patient reviews on Google, then schedule your new patient evaluation online or call Prime Behavioral Health at 817-778-8884.