Depression Support

Depression is common and treatable. With the right plan and steady follow up, most people improve. Your advocate listens to your goals, explains options in plain language, and stays with you through each step.

Find the Right Care Team and Treatments

We help you explore choices and build a care plan that fits your life

• Match with therapists who offer approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy or interpersonal therapy
• Connect with primary care or psychiatry for evaluation and medication when appropriate
• Locate culturally responsive and language specific providers if needed
• Identify virtual and in person options with flexible hours

Coordinate Referrals, Authorizations, and Scheduling

We take the logistics off your plate

• Arrange referrals from primary care to therapy or psychiatry
• Confirm prior authorizations and plan requirements
• Schedule first visits and set reminders
• Share visit summaries with your care team when you ask us to

Navigate Insurance and Costs

We help you understand coverage and lower out of pocket costs

• Verify benefits for therapy, psychiatry, and medications
• Check copays, deductibles, and visit limits
• Find in network providers and community clinics
• Explore patient assistance and low cost programs

Prepare for Appointments and Evaluations

Show up ready and confident

• Clarify your goals and questions for the visit
• Organize symptom history, medications, and past treatments
• Practice how to describe mood, sleep, appetite, and energy changes
• Review screening tools so results make sense to you

Medication Support When Needed

Make informed choices and stay safe

• Discuss common medicines, benefits, and side effects in plain language
• Set up reminders and refill planning
• Coordinate with your prescriber if you notice new or worsening symptoms
• Track what is working and what is not

Therapy that Fits Your Needs

Find a style and schedule that works

• Compare therapy types and what to expect in sessions
• Identify telehealth platforms and local offices
• Problem solve barriers like time, privacy, or transportation
• Plan for homework and practice between visits

Safety First and Crisis Planning

Your well being comes first

• Create a personal safety plan with warning signs and supports
• List people to contact and how to reach them quickly
• Identify local urgent care or crisis walk in services
• Help caregivers understand how to support you

Daily Routines and Community Support

Small steps add up

• Build simple routines for sleep, meals, movement, and social connection
• Link to peer groups, faith communities, and senior centers
• Explore benefits for food, housing, transportation, and utilities
• Coordinate with caregivers to share tasks and reduce stress

Ongoing Follow Up and Progress Check ins

We stay with you

• Regular check ins to see what is improving and what is still hard
• Update goals and care plans as your needs change
• Coordinate between therapists, prescribers, and primary care
• Track screenings and preventive care

When to Reach Out for Extra Help

Contact us sooner rather than later if you notice

• Thoughts of self harm or suicide
• Sudden mood changes or worsening symptoms
• Trouble with medicines or side effects
• Missed appointments or gaps in care

How Understood Care Advocates Help

You get a steady partner who

• Listens without judgment and respects your choices
• Explains options clearly so you can decide with confidence
• Handles logistics and paperwork
• Coordinates your team so care feels connected
• Supports you and your family every step of the way

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Get Started

Call us at 646 904 4027 or book a time at https://app.understoodcare.com to meet your advocate and create your heart care plan.