Depression is a medical condition, not a weakness, and it is very treatable. At Hamilton Psychiatric Services in Hamilton, NJ, board-certified psychiatrist Dr. Mirza treats depression with a personalized mix of medication management, psychotherapy and FDA-cleared BrainsWay Deep TMS for depression that has not responded to medication.
Signs of Depression
Everyone has low days. Depression is different: the symptoms last at least two weeks, are present most of the day, and make it hard to work, study, look after a family or enjoy life. Common signs include:
- Persistent sadness, emptiness or hopelessness
- Losing interest or pleasure in things you used to enjoy
- Sleeping much more or much less than usual
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Tiredness and low energy, even after rest
- Trouble concentrating, remembering or making decisions
- Feeling worthless or excessively guilty
- Moving or speaking more slowly, or feeling restless
- Thoughts of death or suicide
Depression can also show up as irritability, physical aches without a clear cause, or pulling away from friends and family. If several of these signs fit you, an evaluation is the right next step.
In a crisis? Get help now
Hamilton Psychiatric Services is an outpatient practice and cannot respond to emergencies. If you or someone you know is in danger:
- Call or text 988 — Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, 24/7
- Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room
- Capital Health crisis line (Trenton, 24/7): 609-989-0192
Types of Depression We Treat
Major Depressive Disorder
Major depression involves episodes of at least two weeks with low mood or loss of interest, plus other symptoms that affect daily life. Episodes can happen once or return over the years, and early treatment lowers the chance of recurrence.
Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)
A lower-grade depression that lasts two years or more. Because it is long-lasting, many people come to think of it as their personality. Treatment often brings relief that patients did not expect was possible.
Treatment-Resistant Depression
When depression has not improved after two or more antidepressants at adequate doses, it is often called treatment-resistant. This is where a careful review of past treatment and options such as Deep TMS therapy make a real difference. Read more in our guide to treatment-resistant depression in NJ.
Anxious Depression
Depression and anxiety often occur together. Treating both at once, rather than one at a time, usually leads to better results. See also our page on anxiety disorders.
Depression Related to Life Events
Job loss, divorce, bereavement or a serious diagnosis can trigger depression. Short-term therapy and, when appropriate, medication can shorten recovery. Depression that alternates with periods of high energy may be bipolar disorder, which needs a different treatment approach, so an accurate diagnosis matters.
How We Treat Depression
1. A Thorough Psychiatric Evaluation
Treatment starts with a psychiatric evaluation. Dr. Mirza reviews your symptoms, medical history, past treatments and anything that might be contributing, such as sleep problems, thyroid issues, medications or substance use, so the plan is based on an accurate diagnosis.
2. Medication Management
For many patients, an antidepressant is an important part of recovery. Dr. Mirza chooses medication based on your symptoms, health history and how you have responded before, then adjusts the dose or approach at regular follow-ups. Learn more about medication management.
3. Psychotherapy
Talk therapy helps you understand what keeps depression going and builds practical skills to manage it. Dr. Mirza draws on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal, insight-oriented and supportive approaches. See our psychotherapy page.
4. BrainsWay Deep TMS
For depression that has not responded to medication, or for patients who cannot tolerate medication side effects, Hamilton Psychiatric Services offers BrainsWay Deep TMS. It is non-invasive, needs no anesthesia, and you can drive yourself to and from each session. A standard course is 36 sessions of about 20 minutes over roughly six weeks. Learn more on our Deep TMS therapy page or read how TMS therapy works.
5. Ongoing Follow-Up
Recovery is tracked over time. Regular follow-up visits, in person or by telehealth, help keep you well and catch any return of symptoms early.
Why Patients Choose Hamilton Psychiatric Services
- 30+ years of experience. Dr. Mirza is a board-certified psychiatrist who has treated depression in inpatient, outpatient and community settings.
- Every option under one roof. Evaluation, medication, therapy and Deep TMS are coordinated by the same psychiatrist.
- Convenient for Mercer County. Our Hamilton office is a short drive from Trenton, Lawrenceville and Princeton, with telehealth across New Jersey.
- Help with insurance. Our team verifies benefits and handles prior authorization for TMS.
Frequently Asked Questions About Depression Treatment
Ordinary sadness usually eases within days and does not stop you from functioning. Clinical depression lasts at least two weeks, is present most of the day nearly every day, and affects sleep, appetite, energy, concentration or interest in things you used to enjoy. If that sounds familiar, a psychiatric evaluation can give you a clear answer.
No. You can contact Hamilton Psychiatric Services directly at 609-631-7770 or through the online appointment request form. Some insurance plans require a referral for coverage, so we recommend checking your plan before your first visit.
Not responding to one medication does not mean treatment will not work. Dr. Mirza reviews what you have tried, the doses and how long you took them, then considers a different medication, a combination, psychotherapy, or FDA-cleared Deep TMS for treatment-resistant depression.
Many insurance plans and Medicare cover TMS for depression when clinical criteria are met, usually after two or more antidepressant trials. Our office helps verify your benefits and handles prior authorization before treatment starts.
Yes. Evaluations, medication management and psychotherapy are available by secure video to patients anywhere in New Jersey. TMS sessions take place in our Hamilton office.
Many people notice improvement within a few weeks of starting the right treatment. Antidepressants usually need 4 to 8 weeks for their full effect, and a standard Deep TMS course runs about 6 weeks. Dr. Mirza schedules regular follow-ups to track progress and adjust the plan.
Visit Our Hamilton Office
Hamilton Psychiatric Services, PC
1 Nami Lane, Suite 9
Hamilton, NJ 08619
Phone: 609-631-7770
Fax: 609-631-7774
Office hours
Monday – Thursday: 9 AM – 4:30 PM
Friday: by appointment
Saturday & Sunday: closed