Major Depressive Disorder†
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If you've been living with depression — whether for months or years — you may already know that a prescription alone doesn't always tell the whole story. Major depressive disorder affects how you think, feel, sleep, and function, and its roots can be surprisingly complex. At Modern Human MD, Dr. Tran looks beyond the surface to understand what's driving your depression, including brain activity patterns, hormonal imbalances, inflammation, and lifestyle factors. The goal isn't just symptom management — it's helping you feel like yourself again.
Why People Choose Modern Human MD for Depression Care
TMS therapy — a non-medication, FDA-cleared option for major depressive disorder — offered on-site
Hormonal and metabolic evaluation to uncover underlying contributors often missed in standard care
A personalized plan that may combine neuromodulation, integrative medicine, and lifestyle support
A physician who listens, connects the dots, and treats you as a whole person — not just a diagnosis
Who This Approach May Help
- You've tried antidepressants but haven't found adequate relief or can't tolerate the side effects
- You've been told your labs are normal but still feel persistently low, flat, or exhausted
- You suspect hormonal shifts — perimenopause, thyroid changes, or other factors — may be playing a role
- You're looking for a non-medication option or want to reduce your reliance on medications
- Your depression has been difficult to treat and you're ready to try a more comprehensive approach
- You want a physician who understands both the biological and lifestyle dimensions of depression
- You're newly diagnosed and want to start with the most informed, personalized plan possible
Understanding What May Be Driving Your Depression
Depression isn't one-size-fits-all, and neither are its causes. For some people, disrupted brain signaling in key mood-regulating circuits is at the center of the picture — which is where TMS therapy can be particularly helpful. For others, hormonal imbalances, thyroid dysfunction, nutritional deficiencies, inflammation, or chronic stress may be significant contributors that go unaddressed in standard care. Dr. Tran takes time to evaluate the full landscape — your history, your labs, your hormones, your sleep, and your life — so that the care you receive is actually matched to what's happening in your body, not just what's most common on a checklist.
TMS Therapy for Major Depressive Disorder
Transcranial magnetic stimulation, or TMS, is an FDA-cleared, non-invasive treatment for major depressive disorder that uses gentle magnetic pulses to stimulate areas of the brain involved in mood regulation. It requires no anesthesia, no medication, and no downtime — most patients continue their normal routines throughout the course of treatment. TMS may be a good fit if antidepressants haven't worked well for you, if you've experienced difficult side effects, or if you simply prefer a non-medication path. Dr. Tran offers TMS on-site and will help you understand whether it's appropriate for your situation and what to realistically expect.
Before Your First Visit
- ✓Make a note of how long you've been experiencing symptoms and how they've changed over time
- ✓Think about what treatments you've already tried — medications, therapy, supplements — and how they felt
- ✓Consider whether there are patterns to your depression: seasons, hormonal cycles, sleep changes, or major life events
- ✓Bring any previous labs, psychiatric records, or evaluations — Dr. Tran will build from where you are, not from scratch
Important
Major depressive disorder is a serious medical condition, and care at Modern Human MD is designed to complement — not replace — any existing mental health support you have, including therapy or psychiatry. Dr. Tran will always be transparent about what this practice can offer and when a referral or collaborative approach is the right next step. Your safety and wellbeing come first.
Frequently Asked Questions
1How is this different from seeing a psychiatrist or therapist?
Dr. Tran is a board-certified family medicine physician with specialized training in TMS neuromodulation and integrative care. She focuses on identifying and addressing the biological contributors to depression — including hormonal health, metabolism, and brain activity — and can offer TMS therapy on-site. She works alongside therapists and psychiatrists rather than replacing them.
2What is TMS and is it right for me?
TMS stands for transcranial magnetic stimulation — an FDA-cleared, non-invasive treatment that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate mood-regulating areas of the brain. It may be a good option if antidepressants haven't worked well, if you've had significant side effects, or if you prefer to avoid medication. Dr. Tran will evaluate whether TMS is appropriate for your specific situation during your consultation.
3Can hormonal imbalances really cause or worsen depression?
Yes, they can. Hormonal shifts related to perimenopause, thyroid function, cortisol, or other factors are known to significantly affect mood and are often overlooked in standard depression evaluations. Dr. Tran routinely assesses these as part of a comprehensive picture.
4What if I'm already on an antidepressant?
That's completely fine. Many patients come to Modern Human MD while already taking medication, and Dr. Tran will work with what you have in place. TMS, for example, can be used alongside antidepressants. Any changes to your existing medications would be discussed carefully and collaboratively.
5How long does TMS treatment take?
A standard TMS course typically involves sessions conducted over several weeks. Each session is relatively brief, and most patients are able to drive themselves and return to their normal activities immediately afterward. Dr. Tran will walk you through the full timeline during your consultation.
6How does Modern Human MD handle payment for depression care?
Modern Human MD operates as a direct-pay practice, meaning care is not billed through insurance. All costs — including consultations and TMS therapy — are reviewed with you transparently in advance so you know exactly what to expect.
You don't have to keep trying the same things and hoping for different results.
Dr. Tran offers a thoughtful, comprehensive approach to major depressive disorder — including TMS therapy, hormonal evaluation, and integrative care — designed around your unique biology and your real goals.
Quick call • No obligation • Speak directly with our team