Understanding Depression
At Twelve Oaks Psychiatry, we take depression seriously. Your first appointment is about understanding your full picture, your history, your daily experience, and what you actually want to feel like again. We build a treatment plan around you, not a diagnosis category.
Understanding Anxiety
Anxiety is not weakness and it is not something to simply “get over.” Whether you experience persistent worry that will not quiet down, physical symptoms like a racing heart or tight chest, or sudden moments of panic, these experiences are your nervous system signaling that it needs support.
We treat generalized anxiety, panic disorder, social anxiety, and anxiety that overlaps with depression or trauma. Many people carry more than one of these at once. Our approach meets you where you are, not where the textbook says you should be.
Our Treatment Approach
FAQ
FAQ
What is the difference between depression and anxiety?
Depression primarily affects mood, energy, and motivation — producing persistent sadness, fatigue, or loss of interest in activities. Anxiety primarily involves worry, fear, or nervous system activation — producing racing thoughts, physical tension, or panic. Many people experience both simultaneously. Both are treatable conditions, and both respond well to proper psychiatric evaluation and care.
What are common signs of depression?
Common signs of depression include ongoing sadness or emptiness, loss of interest in activities once enjoyed, changes in sleep or appetite, low energy, difficulty concentrating, and feelings of worthlessness. When several of these last longer than two weeks, a psychiatric evaluation can help clarify what is happening and what may help.
What are common signs of an anxiety disorder?
Common signs of an anxiety disorder include persistent or excessive worry, restlessness, difficulty concentrating, irritability, muscle tension, and trouble sleeping. Occasional anxiety is a normal part of life, but when worry becomes constant or interferes with daily activities, an evaluation can help determine whether treatment is appropriate.
Can depression and anxiety happen at the same time?
Yes. Depression and anxiety often occur together. Many people experience low mood alongside persistent worry, and the two can share symptoms such as trouble sleeping and difficulty concentrating. A psychiatric evaluation looks at the full picture rather than treating a single symptom in isolation.
Can anxiety and depression be treated with medication?
Yes. Medication is one tool in the treatment of both conditions. Antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, and other options may be appropriate depending on your specific situation, history, and preferences. At Twelve Oaks Psychiatry, medication is always discussed openly and is never prescribed without your full understanding and agreement.
When should someone see a psychiatric provider for depression or anxiety?
Consider a psychiatric evaluation when symptoms last more than two weeks, interfere with work, sleep, or relationships, or do not improve with self-care or talk therapy alone. A psychiatric nurse practitioner can assess whether medication or a combined treatment approach may help.
What is medication management for depression and anxiety?
Medication management is ongoing psychiatric care that includes evaluating symptoms, prescribing when appropriate, monitoring how a person responds, and adjusting treatment over time. At Twelve Oaks Psychiatry, Michael Hernandez, APRN, PMHNP-BC, provides medication management for depression and anxiety for both teens and adults.
What is the difference between anxiety and ADHD in adults?
Anxiety and adult ADHD can both cause restlessness and trouble concentrating, but the underlying cause differs. Anxiety centers on excessive worry and physical tension, while ADHD involves lifelong patterns of inattention and impulsivity. A psychiatric evaluation can tell them apart, since the treatment approaches are not the same.
Where can I find depression counseling in Cooper City?
Depression care in Cooper City is available at Twelve Oaks Psychiatry, led by Michael Hernandez, APRN, PMHNP-BC. Services include psychiatric evaluation and medication management for adults and adolescents, offered in person at 10400 Griffin Rd, Suite 201, Cooper City, and by telehealth across Florida.
Where can I find anxiety counseling in Cooper City?
Anxiety care in Cooper City is available at Twelve Oaks Psychiatry through psychiatric evaluation and medication management. Michael Hernandez, APRN, PMHNP-BC, treats generalized anxiety, panic, and related conditions for teens and adults, both in office and through statewide Florida telehealth.
Does insurance cover depression and anxiety treatment?
Many insurance plans cover psychiatric evaluation and medication management. Twelve Oaks Psychiatry accepts Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare and more. Patients are encouraged to confirm their specific in-network benefits directly with their insurer before the first visit.
How much does treatment cost in Florida without insurance?
Cost varies by provider and visit type. Twelve Oaks Psychiatry can discuss self-pay options for patients without in-network coverage. Contacting the office directly is the most accurate way to understand pricing for an initial evaluation compared with follow-up medication management visits.
Do you treat depression and anxiety via telehealth in Florida?
Yes. Telehealth appointments for depression and anxiety treatment are available across all of Florida. HIPAA-compliant video sessions are available same-day in many cases. Call (954) 947-1130 to schedule.
What should I do in a mental health emergency?
If you or someone else is in immediate danger or thinking about self-harm, call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency room. You can also call or text 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. In Florida, 2-1-1 connects you to local crisis support and referrals.