We see and hear a lot about depression. Actually, as I write I see a anti-depressant medication commercial on television. Everyone has ups and downs in mood, but, how do you know that it is depression? Here are some signs of depression:

1. Hopelessness. It's more than the problem at hand. With depression, it's about having a feeling that nothing will get better and there is nothing you can do about it. 

2. Loss of Interest in Daily Activities. Maybe there are activities and/or hobbies that you used to enjoy. Do you still find enjoyment from those activities? Or, have you lost the ability to find enjoyment from those things? If you have a hard time finding enjoyment in activities you once enjoyed, you might be suffering from depression. 

3. Anger and/or Irritability. Feeling angry or irritable is often a symptom of another problem. With depression, your temper could be short and things can easily get on your nerves. Anger and irritability is a symptom of being unhappy.

4. Fatigue. Do you find yourself to be tired and/or physically drained? With depression - normal everyday tasks can be tiring and draining. 

5. Low Self Esteem. If you experience strong feelings of guilt or worthlessness, you may be suffering from depression. If you harshly criticize yourself for a fault or mistake, it could be a sign that something else is going on. 

6. Concentration Problems. Trouble focusing, making decisions or remembering things are all signs of depression. 

7. Appetite Changes. If you notice a significant weight loss or weight gain - it may be due to a change in appetite. 

8. Suicidal Thoughts. If you are thinking about suicide, you likely have depression. 

There's help for depression. I would be happy to see you in my office and help you get the help you need, call and make an appointment: 651.646.8985. If you are reading this and you are not in the Minneapolis-St. Paul Metro Area, you can find a therapist in your area by going to www.psychologytoday.com, click on "Find a Therapist." If you need to talk with someone right now, call 1.800.273.TALK.

Health insurance can be confusing. When it comes to therapy,  you might need to call you insurance company and find out what is covered. Make sure  you get the answers you need by following this example: (Download this Worksheet)

"My name is ____. I'm interested in going to River City Clinic for help with my mental health and I am calling to verify my benefits. First, I would like some general information."

Policy Effective Date: _______
Office Visit Co Pay: ____
Deductible: ____
Out of Pocket Max: ____
Do my deductibles, co-pays and co-insurance apply toward my out of pocket max? ____
How much of my deductible have I spent this year? ____
Do I need a referral to see a mental health/behavioral health therapist? ____
If yes, who needs to refer me? ____
Is River City Clinic (Clinic Director: Mark Hansen) and/or Heather Holt in-network? ____
If not, how does my insurance work if River City Clinic and Heather Holt is out of network? ____

Individual Therapy
River City Clinic usually uses CPT codes 90834 and 90837 for these services. 
What's my co-pay/co-insurance? ____
Is there a limit on the number of sessions per year? ____
If so, how many individual therapy sessions per year? ____
Is authorization required for individual therapy? ____

Lastly, ask for the representative's name: ____