Compassionate, Cutting-Edge Depression Treatment in Mt Kisco, NY
Depression is one of the most common and debilitating mental health conditions in the world — but it is also one of the most treatable, especially with the right team and the right tools. At TMS of Westchester, we offer a comprehensive range of depression treatments, from therapy and medication to FDA-cleared TMS Therapy and advanced neuromodulation. If you or someone you love is struggling, help is available. Call (914) 241-0758 to schedule a consultation in Mt Kisco, NY.
What Is Depression?
Depression is far more than persistent sadness. It is a serious medical condition that affects how a person thinks, feels, and functions in daily life — often robbing them of the ability to enjoy the people, activities, and experiences that once brought them joy. Depression is not a character flaw, a weakness, or something a person can simply “snap out of.” It is a brain-based illness that requires professional evaluation and treatment.
According to the DSM-5, published by the American Psychiatric Association, a diagnosis of major depressive disorder requires the presence of either a persistently low mood or a marked loss of interest or pleasure in most activities, along with at least four of the following symptoms occurring over a two-week period:
Depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day. Significant loss of interest or pleasure in most activities. Unexplained weight loss or gain of 5% or more within a month. Sleeping too much or difficulty sleeping (insomnia or hypersomnia). Noticeable restlessness or psychomotor slowing observed by others. Persistent fatigue or loss of energy. Feelings of worthlessness or excessive, inappropriate guilt. Difficulty concentrating, thinking clearly, or making decisions. Recurring thoughts of death or suicide, or a specific plan or attempt.
If you recognize these symptoms in yourself or someone you care about, reaching out to a qualified psychiatric professional is the most important step you can take. At TMS of Westchester, we provide a compassionate, non-judgmental environment where your symptoms will be heard, understood, and addressed.
Types of Depression
Depression is not a single condition — it encompasses several distinct disorders, each with its own features and treatment considerations:
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): The most common form, characterized by one or more episodes of profound depression lasting at least two weeks and significantly impairing daily function.
Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD/Dysthymia): A chronic, lower-grade form of depression lasting two or more years. Patients may describe feeling chronically “down” or “not themselves” for most of their adult lives.
Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD): Depression that has not responded adequately to two or more antidepressant trials at appropriate doses and duration. TRD affects over 4 million people in the U.S. and is a primary focus of our advanced therapies at TMS of Westchester.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): A pattern of depressive episodes tied to seasonal changes, most commonly beginning in fall or winter and remitting in spring.
Postpartum Depression: Depression occurring after childbirth, affecting new mothers and sometimes fathers or partners, requiring specialized evaluation and care.
What Causes Depression?
The precise cause of depression is not fully understood, but research consistently points to a combination of neurobiological, genetic, psychological, and environmental factors. At the neurological level, depression is associated with reduced activity in brain networks that regulate mood, motivation, and reward — including the prefrontal cortex and limbic system. Neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine play important roles in these networks, which is why medications targeting these systems can be effective for many patients.
Genetic predisposition plays a meaningful role — depression tends to run in families — as do chronic stress, trauma, significant life events, medical conditions, hormonal changes, and substance use. Understanding the unique combination of factors contributing to your depression is central to how our team at TMS of Westchester designs your individualized treatment plan.
Depression Treatment at TMS of Westchester
At TMS of Westchester, we believe that every patient deserves access to the most effective treatment available for their specific type and severity of depression — not simply the most familiar. Our comprehensive approach may include one or more of the following:
Psychotherapy: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and other evidence-based talk therapies are a cornerstone of depression treatment. Therapy helps patients identify and change negative thought patterns, develop healthy coping strategies, and address the underlying psychological factors contributing to their depression.
Medication Management: Antidepressants — including SSRIs, SNRIs, and other classes — are effective for many patients with depression. Our psychiatrists at TMS of Westchester carefully evaluate your history, current medications, and individual needs before prescribing, and monitor your response with regular follow-up. Pharmacogenomic testing is also available to guide more precise prescribing. Learn more about our Medication Management services.
TMS Therapy: For patients who have not achieved adequate results from antidepressants, TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) Therapy is an FDA-cleared, non-invasive, drug-free alternative that has been shown to produce significant and lasting relief from depression. TMS targets the specific brain regions involved in mood regulation using precisely calibrated magnetic pulses. At TMS of Westchester, we have delivered over 20,000 TMS treatments with an 80% significant improvement rate.
Accelerated TMS (SAINT): For patients who need faster results, our Accelerated TMS program delivers a full course of TMS in just five days. The SAINT trial demonstrated nearly 80% remission rates with improvements measurable in as little as 2.3 days.
One-D TMS: Our most condensed option, One-D TMS delivers a full TMS protocol in a single structured day — ideal for patients with severe treatment-resistant depression or those who cannot commit to a multi-week schedule.
MeRT: MeRT (Magnetic e-Resonance Therapy) offers the most personalized neuromodulation approach available, using qEEG and EKG data to build a treatment protocol based on each patient’s unique brain wave signature.
Spravato (Esketamine): For patients with treatment-resistant depression or MDD with suicidal ideation, Spravato is an FDA-approved nasal spray that targets the NMDA receptor system and can produce rapid symptom relief within hours to days.
Contact TMS of Westchester at (914) 241-0758 or visit our New Patients page to take the first step toward lasting relief from depression in Mt Kisco, NY.
Frequently Asked Questions — Depression
How do I know if what I am feeling is depression or just a rough patch?
Normal periods of sadness, grief, or low mood are a natural part of life and typically improve over time or in response to changed circumstances. Depression, by contrast, is persistent — lasting at least two weeks — and involves a cluster of symptoms that interfere with your ability to function at work, in relationships, or in daily life. If your low mood is not lifting, or if you are experiencing physical symptoms such as sleep disruption, appetite changes, or fatigue alongside emotional distress, a professional evaluation at TMS of Westchester can help clarify what you are experiencing.
What is treatment-resistant depression, and does TMS of Westchester treat it?
Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) refers to depression that has not responded adequately to at least two antidepressant medications at appropriate doses and duration. It is more common than many people realize — affecting over 4 million Americans. At TMS of Westchester, TRD is a primary focus of our advanced therapies, including TMS Therapy, Accelerated TMS, One-D TMS, MeRT, and Spravato.
Is TMS Therapy effective for depression?
Yes. TMS Therapy is FDA-cleared for major depressive disorder in patients who have not responded adequately to antidepressant medications. At TMS of Westchester, we have delivered over 20,000 TMS treatments and achieve an 80% significant improvement rate. Many patients who have struggled with depression for years experience meaningful, lasting relief with TMS.
How long does depression treatment take before I see results?
The timeline varies depending on the treatment approach. Antidepressants typically take four to eight weeks to produce noticeable improvement. Standard TMS Therapy produces results over a six-week course, with many patients noticing changes within the first two to three weeks. Accelerated TMS can produce results in as little as 2.3 days. Spravato can produce relief within hours. Our team will help you select the approach best aligned with your timeline and clinical needs.
Can depression be treated without medication?
Yes. TMS Therapy, MeRT, and psychotherapy are all effective, drug-free depression treatment options available at TMS of Westchester. Many patients choose TMS specifically because they want to avoid the systemic side effects of antidepressants or have not tolerated medications well in the past. Our team will evaluate whether a medication-free approach is appropriate for your situation.
Does depression affect physical health as well as mental health?
Yes. Depression has significant physical health consequences. It is associated with disrupted sleep, appetite changes, fatigue, chronic pain, increased inflammation, and a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. The relationship between depression and physical health is bidirectional — physical illness can contribute to depression, and depression can worsen physical health outcomes. This is one reason why treating depression comprehensively is so important. At TMS of Westchester, we take both the mental and physical dimensions of your health into account.
What should I do if I am having thoughts of suicide or self-harm?
If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide or self-harm, please seek help immediately. Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, or go to your nearest emergency room. You can also call TMS of Westchester at (914) 241-0758 — our team takes all expressions of suicidal ideation seriously and will help connect you with the level of care you need. You are not alone, and effective help is available.