New Smyrna Beach · South Daytona · Deland, FL
Depression Treatmentin New Smyrna Beach, South Daytona & DeLand, FL
Maybe you're still showing up — to work, to your family, to your friends — but underneath it, everything feels heavier than it should. Depression doesn't always look like staying in bed all day. We provide compassionate, personalized depression treatment for children, teens, and adults across New Smyrna Beach, South Daytona, and DeLand, Florida.
Depression Doesn't Always Look the Way You'd Expect
Some people continue working, raising families, and managing daily responsibilities while experiencing significant depressive symptoms — sometimes informally described as "high-functioning depression," though it isn't a formal clinical diagnosis. Others experience a pattern sometimes called atypical depression, which may include mood that briefly lifts in response to something good, along with symptoms like increased sleep or appetite and heightened sensitivity to rejection.
Signs and Symptoms of Depression
Depression can affect mood, thinking, sleep, energy, relationships, and daily functioning. Symptoms vary by age and individual experience.
Persistent low mood or emptiness
Trouble concentrating or deciding
Irritability, especially in children and teens
Fatigue that rest doesn't fix
Sleep or appetite changes
Social withdrawal
Loss of interest in things you enjoyed
Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
Holding it together for everyone else
Thoughts of death or suicide are also a symptom of depression and should always be taken seriously. See crisis resources below.
Read more on our blog: high-functioning depression and atypical depression.
Who We Treat
We tailor the evaluation and treatment approach to the age and life stage of the person in front of us.
Including years of carrying this quietly
Adults
Adolescents
Navigating mood changes
Caregivers included
Children (age 8+)
We currently provide depression care for patients age 8 and older, depending on clinical needs and appointment availability.
Depression vs. Bipolar Disorder: How to tell the difference? Bipolar disorder involves depressive episodes too, which is exactly why it's sometimes mistaken for depression alone. The distinguishing factor is a history of manic or hypomanic episodes. See Bipolar Disorder Treatment.
How Depression is Diagnosed
Evaluation starts with listening, not a checklist alone.
Full symptom history
What you're experiencing and what's already been tried
Mood history
Including any history of manic or hypomanic episodes
Evaluation for overlapping conditions
Considers anxiety, ADHD, or medical factors
Clear treatment recommendation
Discussed and decided on together
Our Approach to Depression Care
Thorough evaluation
Considers overlapping conditions like anxiety or ADHD
Medication management
Selection, monitoring, and adjustments over time
Therapy coordination
Referrals or coordination with an existing therapist
Lifestyle & routine support
Sleep, activity, and daily structure
Ongoing monitoring
Tracking symptoms, side effects, and response to treatment
Depression may occur alongside anxiety, ADHD, sleep difficulties, or trauma-related symptoms. A comprehensive evaluation can help identify concerns that may be affecting mood and daily functioning.
Tell us a bit about what you're experiencing
01
Inquire
In-person appointments available, along with virtual options. A $100 deposit is required to book a self-pay/out-of-network initial evaluation, applied toward your total appointment cost.
What to Expect
Intake paperwork
Including insurance info, ahead of your first visit
02
Initial evaluation
Comprehensive in-person psychiatric evaluation
03
Treatment plan
Personalized, with close early follow-up
04
Meet Your Provider
Sandra MacSweeney, MHA, FNP-C, PMHNP-C
Holds a Master's degree in Advanced Practice Nursing with a specialization in psychiatric mental health from Nova Southeastern University. Florida board-certified to treat patients across the lifespan, with a focus on evidence-based, whole-person care.