How does a psychiatrist treat depression?

With a full evaluation, a clear diagnosis, and a treatment plan that usually centers on medication management and regular follow-up, coordinated with therapy when you have a therapist.

How long does depression medication take to work?

Many antidepressant medications take several weeks to reach their full effect. Dr. Bowarshi schedules follow-up visits during that time to track your progress and adjust the plan if needed.

Do I need both therapy and medication?

Many adults do best with both. Therapy builds skills, and medication can lift symptoms enough to use them. Dr. Bowarshi focuses on the medical side and coordinates with your therapist.

Will I have to take medication forever?

Not necessarily. Some people take medication for a set period while they build skills in therapy, and others benefit from longer treatment. Dr. Bowarshi reviews this with you at each follow-up, and you are part of every decision.

What if medication has not worked for me?

You still have options. For depression that has not responded to several medications, Dr. Bowarshi offers TMS and Spravato® (esketamine) in the same office.

Where will I see Dr. Bowarshi?

Appointments take place in person at our office at 26843 Tanic Dr, Suite 101, in Wesley Chapel.

What should I bring to my first appointment?

Bring a photo ID, your insurance card, and a list of your current medications and doses. Notes on past treatments and what did or did not help are useful too.

Depression Psychiatrist in Wesley Chapel, FL

What you get

Now welcoming new adult patients in Wesley Chapel. Call (813) 867-2378 or request a call back below. Our team will call you during office hours to schedule your evaluation, check your insurance, and answer your questions.

In-person evaluation and diagnosis with a medical doctor
Medication management tailored to your symptoms and history
Advanced options (TMS and esketamine) when depression has not responded to medication

When to see a psychiatrist for depression

Depression is more than feeling sad for a few days. It is a persistent low mood or loss of interest that lasts for weeks and changes how you sleep, eat, think, and function. It is also treatable. A psychiatrist diagnoses depression and treats it medically, often after therapy alone or a prescription from a primary care doctor has not been enough.

It may be time to see a psychiatrist for depression if:

Low mood or loss of interest has lasted most of the day, nearly every day, for two weeks or more
Your sleep, appetite, or energy have changed noticeably
A medication from your primary care doctor has not helped enough
Therapy alone has not been enough
Depression is affecting your work, school, or relationships
You have felt this way before and it keeps coming back

How depression can show up

Ongoing low mood or loss of interest: a heaviness that will not lift, or losing interest in things you used to enjoy.
Depression with anxiety: they often happen together, and treating both at once works better than treating one alone.
When medication has not helped enough: if one or more medications have not worked, you are not out of options. There are advanced, in-office treatments for depression that does not respond to medication.
Changes in sleep, energy, and focus: broken sleep, low energy, or trouble concentrating are treatable symptoms, not personal failings.

Not sure where you fit? You do not need a diagnosis to call. Our team will help you book an evaluation.

How depression treatment works

1. A full psychiatric evaluation: Dr. Bowarshi reviews your symptoms, sleep, history, and what you have already tried.
2. A clear diagnosis and plan: you get a plain-language explanation of what is going on and the options available. You decide together where to start.
3. Medication management: when medication is the right fit, he prescribes it, tracks benefits and side effects, and adjusts the plan, coordinating with your therapist when you have one.
4. Follow-up and next steps: you see the same doctor at each follow-up. If depression does not respond to medication, he can discuss advanced in-office options.

Care from a board-certified MD at every visit

At our office you see Dr. Bowarshi himself, from your first evaluation to every follow-up. He trained in both internal medicine and psychiatry, with more than ten years of clinical experience focused on depression and anxiety. He offers advanced depression treatments in the same practice.

See a psychiatrist, not a rotating provider. Book your first visit with Dr. Bowarshi.

When medication alone has not been enough

Most adults feel better with the right medication and follow-up. When depression does not respond after several medications, Dr. Bowarshi offers two advanced treatments in the same practice, so you never have to start over with a new provider.

TMS therapy uses magnetic pulses to stimulate brain areas linked to mood. It is FDA-cleared for depression, drug-free, and done in the office.

Spravato® is an FDA-approved nasal spray for adults with treatment-resistant depression, given under supervision in our REMS-certified office.

Ask Dr. Bowarshi whether an advanced option fits your plan. Call (813) 867-2378.

Insurance accepted

Dr. Bowarshi accepts most major insurance plans, including Medicare, Tricare, United Healthcare, Aetna, Cigna, Florida Blue, and Humana. Our team checks your coverage before your first visit, so you know what to expect. Not sure about your plan? Call (813) 867-2378 and we will check your coverage.

Medicare TRICARE Florida Blue Aetna Cigna Humana UnitedHealthcare

Serving Wesley Chapel and North Tampa

Our Tanic Drive office serves adults across Wesley Chapel, including Seven Oaks, Meadow Pointe, Union Park, and Chapel Pines, plus Lutz, Land O' Lakes, Zephyrhills, and New Tampa communities like Tampa Palms and Hunters Green.

26843 Tanic Dr, Suite 101, Wesley Chapel, FL 33544. Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Closed Saturday and Sunday.

Wesley Chapel
Lutz
Land O' Lakes
Zephyrhills
Quail Hollow
New Tampa
Tampa Palms
Pebble Creek
Cross Creek
Union Park
Lexington Oaks
Hunters Green
Heritage Isles
Live Oak Preserve
Oakstead
Seven Oaks
Saddlebrook
Chapel Pines
Meadow Pointe

Book a depression appointment in Wesley Chapel

Call (813) 867-2378 or request a call back below. Our team will call you during office hours to schedule your evaluation, check your insurance, and answer your questions.

If you are struggling with thoughts of suicide or self-harm, you are not alone and help is available now. Call or text 988 (the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) any time, or call 911. This office does not provide emergency or crisis care.