What the Assessment Covers Before Any Therapy Starts
Every depression treatment plan at The Valens Clinic opens with a detailed psychological and psychiatric evaluation. The assessment looks at symptom patterns, how long they have lasted, their severity, and anything else affecting them, such as co-existing anxiety or a medical condition. A clinical psychologist and a psychiatrist draw on that same assessment rather than running separate ones.
The Therapy a Clinical Psychologist Delivers
Cognitive behavioural therapy is the modality most commonly named for depression at The Valens Clinic, alongside interpersonal therapy and other structured approaches chosen for a specific patient. A clinical psychologist works through these across regular sessions and adjusts the approach as symptoms shift, rather than running a fixed number of sessions regardless of progress.
When Medication Enters the Plan, and When It Does Not
Not every depression treatment plan includes medication. Where it does, a psychiatrist manages that side of the plan, explains the decision, and monitors it over time. The psychiatrist works alongside the clinical psychologist, not in place of the therapy already underway. Some patients respond to psychological therapy alone, without medication ever becoming part of the plan.
What Happens When Standard Treatment Has Not Helped Enough
When standard psychological therapy and medication do not resolve a patient’s depression, The Valens Clinic reviews the case for an advanced treatment pathway such as esketamine treatment, rather than repeating the same plan indefinitely. That review happens separately from standard care, once standard care has not done enough.
When It Is Time to Get Assessed
Persistent low mood lasting weeks, loss of interest in things that used to matter, disrupted sleep or appetite without another explanation, and difficulty functioning at work or in relationships are all reasons The Valens Clinic gives for seeking an assessment. Thoughts of hopelessness or self-harm call for an assessment straight away, not a wait-and-see approach.
Start a Depression Assessment
Book a depression assessment with The Valens Clinic to find out which combination of therapy and medication fits your situation.