Depression can affect far more than your mood. It can change how you sleep, think, work, connect with others, and manage everyday responsibilities. You may feel persistently sad or empty, lose interest in things you once enjoyed, or simply feel unlike yourself.
I am Dr. Tanya Underwood, a board-certified adult psychiatrist with more than 25 years of clinical experience. Through secure virtual appointments, I provide thoughtful psychiatric evaluations and personalized medication management for adults throughout Arizona.
You do not have to sort through these symptoms by yourself. We can begin by understanding what you are experiencing and developing a treatment plan based on your individual needs.
Depression Is More Than Feeling Sad
Everyone experiences difficult days, disappointment, and periods of sadness. Depression is different. Symptoms may persist, return repeatedly, and begin interfering with work, relationships, physical health, motivation, or daily routines.
Depression can appear differently from one person to another. Some people experience obvious sadness. Others primarily notice exhaustion, irritability, loss of motivation, difficulty concentrating, disrupted sleep, or a sense of emotional numbness.
What to look for
Common Signs of Depression
Persistent sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness
Low energy or ongoing fatigue
Changes in sleep, including insomnia or sleeping too much
Irritability, frustration, or restlessness
Withdrawing from family, friends, or responsibilities
Thoughts of death, self-harm, or suicide
Loss of interest or pleasure in activities
Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
Changes in appetite or weight
Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
Unexplained physical discomfort
Not everyone experiences every symptom. The frequency, intensity, and duration of symptoms can also vary. A professional evaluation can help determine whether depression, another condition, a medical issue, medication effects, or a combination of factors may be contributing to how you feel.
What to look for
Common Signs of Depression
Persistent sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness
Low energy or ongoing fatigue
Changes in sleep, including insomnia or sleeping too much
Irritability, frustration, or restlessness
Withdrawing from family, friends, or responsibilities
Thoughts of death, self-harm, or suicide
Loss of interest or pleasure in activities
Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
Changes in appetite or weight
Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
Unexplained physical discomfort
Not everyone experiences every symptom. The frequency, intensity, and duration of symptoms can also vary. A professional evaluation can help determine whether depression, another condition, a medical issue, medication effects, or a combination of factors may be contributing to how you feel.
A Thorough Psychiatric Evaluation
Your care begins with a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation. I take time to learn about your symptoms, medical history, previous treatment, current medications, sleep, stressors, relationships, and personal goals.
Depression can overlap with anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, trauma-related conditions, substance use, sleep problems, and certain medical conditions. Looking at the full picture is important before deciding on a diagnosis or treatment approach.
Because this is a solo practice, you work directly with me from your first evaluation through ongoing follow-up care. You will not be passed between rotating providers.
Personalized Depression Treatment
Treatment should be based on the individual, not a one-size-fits-all formula. Depending on your symptoms, history, preferences, medical situation, and previous treatment response, your care plan may include medication management, psychotherapy with an appropriate provider, healthy routine changes, or a combination of approaches.
When medication is appropriate, I explain the options, expected benefits, possible side effects, and what we will monitor together. Follow-up appointments allow us to assess your response, make thoughtful adjustments, and address questions as they arise.
Do not begin, stop, or change psychiatric medication without speaking with a qualified health care provider.
Secure Virtual Care Throughout Arizona
All appointments are provided through secure video or phone visits, allowing adults throughout Arizona to receive psychiatric care without traveling to an office.
Underwood Psychiatry currently serves adults across Arizona, including patients in Tucson, Phoenix, Tempe, Mesa, and surrounding communities.
Reasons for Virtual Care
Have a demanding work or family schedule
Prefer the privacy and comfort of home
Want consistent access to the same psychiatrist
Live outside a major city
Find it difficult to travel when symptoms are worse
Direct, personalized care
Why Choose Dr. Tanya Underwood?
Board-certified adult psychiatrist
Personalized psychiatric evaluations
Direct care from the same physician
Compassionate, respectful communication
More than 25 years of clinical experience
Thoughtful medication management
Secure telemedicine throughout Arizona
Questions
Depression FAQs
How do I know if I should speak with a psychiatrist about depression?
Consider seeking an evaluation when changes in mood, motivation, sleep, concentration, energy, or daily functioning persist, keep returning, or begin interfering with your work, relationships, health, or quality of life. An evaluation can help clarify what may be contributing to your symptoms.
Can depression cause physical symptoms?
Yes. Some people experience fatigue, changes in sleep or appetite, headaches, digestive problems, unexplained aches, or a general sense of being physically slowed down. A health care provider may also consider whether a medical condition or medication could be contributing to these symptoms.
Does everyone with depression need medication?
No. Treatment depends on the individual. Some people benefit from psychotherapy, medication, lifestyle changes, or a combination of approaches. Medication recommendations are made only after an evaluation and discussion of your symptoms, history, preferences, and medical needs.
Does Dr. Underwood provide psychotherapy?
Underwood Psychiatry focuses on psychiatric evaluations and medication management. When psychotherapy would be helpful, it may be included in the overall treatment plan with an appropriate therapist or other qualified professional.
Can depression appointments be completed online?
Yes. Dr. Underwood provides secure virtual psychiatric appointments for adults located in Arizona. You can attend from a private location using a phone, tablet, or computer.
Do you accept insurance?
Underwood Psychiatry works with several insurance plans and also offers self-pay options. Coverage varies by plan. Please view the Insurance information on the website or contact the practice to confirm current participation and benefits.
Take the First Step Toward Feeling Like Yourself Again
If depression is affecting your daily life, a thoughtful psychiatric evaluation can help you better understand what is happening and what treatment options may be appropriate. Request an appointment with Dr. Tanya Underwood for secure, personalized psychiatric care from anywhere in Arizona.