Living with depression can feel overwhelming, exhausting, and isolating. If symptoms are interfering with your ability to function, work, or enjoy life, psychiatric medication may be an effective part of treatment. Coastal Breeze Mental Health provides expert medication management for depression in Santa Cruz, delivered by licensed psychiatric providers who focus exclusively on evidence-based prescribing and ongoing medication optimization.

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We do not offer psychotherapy or counseling. Our role is to evaluate, prescribe, monitor, and adjust psychiatric medications safely and thoughtfully.​

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What Is Depression?

Depression is a medical condition that affects mood, energy, sleep, concentration, motivation, and overall functioning. It is more than feeling sad or stressed and often requires professional treatment.

Common symptoms include:

• Persistent low mood or emptiness

• Loss of interest or pleasure

• Fatigue or low energy

• Changes in sleep or appetite

• Difficulty concentrating

• Feelings of guilt or worthlessness

• Irritability or emotional numbness

If these symptoms last more than two weeks or interfere with daily life, psychiatric evaluation is appropriate.

 

Medication Management for Depression

Medication management involves a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation followed by careful selection and monitoring of antidepressant or mood-related medications when clinically appropriate.

Our depression medication management services include:

• Psychiatric diagnostic evaluation

• Medication selection based on symptoms, history, and side-effect profile

• Ongoing dose adjustments and optimization

• Monitoring for effectiveness and side effects

• Medication changes when treatment is not effective

• Coordination with your therapist or primary care provider if applicable

We prioritize safe prescribing, clear communication, and realistic expectations.

 

Conditions We Treat With Medication

We provide medication management for:

• Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

• Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)

• Depression with anxiety symptoms

• Depression related to hormonal changes or life stressors

• Depression co-occurring with ADHD or trauma histories

If depression is part of a more complex psychiatric picture, we will discuss appropriate treatment options or referrals.

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What We Do Not Provide

To be clear and transparent:

• We do not provide therapy or counseling

• We do not offer talk therapy sessions

• We do not replace a therapist

If therapy is recommended, we can help coordinate care with a licensed therapist in Santa Cruz or surrounding areas.

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Why Choose Coastal Breeze Mental Health?

Patients seeking psychiatric care in Santa Cruz often want:

• A provider who specializes in medication management

• Appointments that are focused, efficient, and grounded

• Care that respects individual goals and tolerances

• Clear explanations of medication options and risks

Our practice is designed specifically for medication management, allowing us to focus on accurate diagnosis, responsible prescribing, and ongoing treatment refinement.

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Serving Santa Cruz and Surrounding Areas

We provide depression medication management for adults in:

• Santa Cruz

• Downtown Santa Cruz

• Westside Santa Cruz

• Live Oak

• Soquel

• Capitola

• Scotts Valley

• Aptos

• Watsonville

Telehealth appointments are available depending on clinical appropriateness and regulatory requirements. We are licensed in the state of California and can see patients via Telehealth as long as the patient resides in California. 

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When to Seek Psychiatric Medication Treatment

You may benefit from psychiatric medication management if:

• Depression symptoms persist despite lifestyle changes or therapy

• Symptoms interfere with work, school, or relationships

• You have tried medications in the past without good results

• Side effects are limiting your ability to stay on treatment

• Your primary care provider recommends psychiatric care

Medication decisions should always be individualized and guided by a qualified psychiatric professional.

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Schedule a Depression Medication Evaluation

If you are looking for depression medication management in Santa Cruz, Coastal Breeze Mental Health is here to help. Our focus is thoughtful, evidence-based psychiatric care designed to support long-term stability and functioning.

Contact us today to schedule an evaluation and take the next step toward effective treatment.