October is Depression Awareness Month. The initial procedure for treating depression is a psychiatric evaluation, during which the provider asks about symptoms, sleep, energy levels, history, and goals, then develops a treatment plan that may include medication. Anthem plans typically cover this type of outpatient mental health service, and Arbor Wellness accepts Anthem in Las Vegas.
Making the appointment is often the hardest part. Not knowing what will happen at that first visit can keep people from booking at all. Here’s exactly what to expect when you start depression treatment in Las Vegas, and how your Anthem coverage fits in.
Key Takeaways:
- Depression is Common and Treatable: According to NIMH, treatment options include medication, psychotherapy, or a mix of the two.
- The First Visit Is a Conversation: You do not have anything to prove at that first visit.
- Anthem Coverage: Outpatient mental health care includes medication management and evaluations.
When Should I See a Psychiatric Provider for Depression?
Seek psychiatric services if feelings of sadness, disinterest, alterations in sleeping or eating patterns, or hopelessness persist almost every day for two or more weeks.
By the numbers: According to the NIMH, 21 million American adults (8.3%) experienced at least one major depressive episode in 2021.
The National Institute of Mental Health lists symptoms that last most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks, including:
- Constant sadness, anxiety or flat mood.
- No interest in pleasurable activities.
- Issues with sleep or appetite.
- Trouble concentrating or feeling fatigued.
- Feeling hopeless or worthless.
If you’re having thoughts of harming yourself, call or text 988 now to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
What Happens at the First Appointment?
The first appointment is a psychiatric evaluation: a conversation about symptoms, history, current medications, and goals that ends with a treatment plan.
- Check-in and insurance: We’ve already verified your Anthem benefits.
- Your story: Your provider asks about your symptoms, how long you’ve had them, your sleeping habits, your stress levels, and any treatments you have had before.
- Health history: The doctor would like to know about your old medical conditions, medications, and disorders within your family.
- Screening: Simple questionnaires help determine your symptoms and follow how things progress.
- Your plan: Together you decide next steps, which may include medication, therapy, or both.
What If Medication Is Recommended?
If medication is recommended, follow-up visits track benefits and side effects, since antidepressants usually take several weeks to work fully.
Antidepressants often take several weeks to reach full effect. Follow-up medication management visits check how you’re feeling, watch for side effects, and adjust as needed. Learn more about medication management in Las Vegas.
Does Anthem Cover Depression Treatment?
Anthem plans generally cover psychiatric evaluations and medication management for depression as outpatient mental health care.
Carelon manages Anthem mental health benefits. Most PPO plans don’t require a referral. See Anthem plans we accept or read more about depression care at Arbor Wellness.
Reaching out is a strength, not a weakness.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long is the first depression treatment visit?
A psychiatric evaluation is longer than a follow-up visit. Your appointment confirmation lists the time to plan for. - Will I have to start medication at the first visit?
Not necessarily. Your provider explains options, and you decide together. - Does Anthem cover depression treatment?
Anthem plans generally cover psychiatric evaluations and medication management for depression as outpatient mental health care.
Get Started at Arbor Wellness
Arbor Wellness Mental Healthcare is in-network with Anthem and most major insurance plans. Book online or call or text 702-830-9588. We verify your benefits before your first visit, in our Las Vegas office on W. Sahara Ave. or by telehealth anywhere in Nevada.
About Arbor Wellness Mental Healthcare: Arbor Wellness is a Las Vegas psychiatric practice at 8687 W. Sahara Ave., Suite 100, Las Vegas, NV 89117, providing psychiatric evaluations and medication management for children 6 and up, teens, and adults, in person and by telehealth anywhere in Nevada. In network with Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Medicare, Nevada Medicaid, and most major insurance. Best of Las Vegas 2025 Gold, Best Medical Practice. Call or text 702-830-9588.
Medically reviewed by Nicole Gregorio, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC, Clinical Director at Arbor Wellness Mental Healthcare.
Sources:
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/mental-health-medications
https://988lifeline.org/
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/major-depression
