Anxiety and Depression Treatment in Albuquerque

Most patients begin noticing improvement within 4-6 weeks of starting treatment, with substantial symptom relief by 8-12 weeks. However, full recovery and stabilization often take 3-6 months. Treatment duration varies based on severity, individual response, and whether this is your first episode or a recurrent condition. Many patients continue medication for 6-12 months after symptoms resolve to prevent relapse, while others may require longer-term management. The key is patience. Mental health recovery is a journey, not an instant fix, and we'll support you throughout every phase.

Not necessarily. Treatment decisions are individualized based on symptom severity, your preferences, and what evidence suggests will be most effective. For mild depression or anxiety, therapy alone or lifestyle interventions may be sufficient. However, for moderate-to-severe symptoms, research consistently shows that medication combined with therapy produces the best outcomes. Medication isn't a sign of weakness. It is a medical treatment for a medical condition, just as insulin treats diabetes. We'll discuss all options transparently, respect your concerns, and work together to find an approach you're comfortable with while ensuring you receive effective treatment.

Body1MD is a direct primary care practice and does not bill insurance. Members pay the practice directly through a month-to-month membership ($100/month under age 50, $150/month for age 50 and older) with no annual contract, and evaluation and medication management for anxiety and depression are part of your primary care with Dr. Hemmen. Counseling and psychiatry take place outside the practice, so your health insurance still matters: under the Mental Health Parity Act, plans that offer mental health benefits must cover them comparably to physical health conditions, and it is worth checking your plan's behavioral health benefits. Many direct primary care members keep insurance or a high-deductible plan for specialists, hospital care, and imaging. Dr. Hemmen's office can explain how outside labs, imaging, and prescriptions are handled before you join. Cost should never be the reason you don't get help.

Treatment resistance happens, and it's important to communicate this honestly with Dr. Hemmen. If a medication isn't working after 6-8 weeks at therapeutic doses, we can try a different medication class, add an augmenting agent, or adjust your regimen. If therapy isn't helping, we can refer you to a different therapist or recommend a different therapeutic approach, because finding the right therapist fit matters tremendously. Sometimes underlying conditions like thyroid disorders or vitamin deficiencies interfere with treatment response, which we can investigate. The key message: lack of initial response doesn't mean you're treatment-resistant or that nothing will help. It often means we need to adjust the approach, and when treatment remains difficult, referral to a psychiatrist for specialist evaluation is an important next step. We won't give up on you.

Yes. Body1MD members have direct access to Dr. Hemmen by phone and text between visits, which matters when you are starting or adjusting a medication and have a question about side effects or how you are feeling. He will advise whether a phone check-in is enough or you should come in, and same- or next-day appointments are available in most cases. Visits are designed to last up to an hour, so there is time to talk without feeling rushed. If you are working with a counselor or psychiatrist, ask whether they offer video sessions; research shows therapy by telehealth works well for many people with anxiety and depression. If you are in crisis, do not wait for a callback: call or text 988 or call 911.

Most medications prescribed for depression and anxiety (particularly SSRIs and SNRIs) are not addictive and do not cause dependence. These medications work gradually on brain chemistry rather than producing euphoria or cravings. However, discontinuing them abruptly can cause withdrawal-like symptoms, so we taper slowly when it's time to stop. Benzodiazepines (like lorazepam or alprazolam), sometimes used short-term for severe anxiety, do carry addiction risk and are prescribed cautiously for brief periods or intermittent use. We prioritize non-addictive options whenever possible and closely monitor any controlled substances. The goal is always safe, effective treatment that improves your quality of life without creating new problems.