When two or more antidepressants haven't provided adequate relief, that pattern is meaningful clinical data — not bad luck. Dr. Farkas specializes in identifying why previous treatments failed and choosing the next step strategically, using her MD/PhD neuroscience training.
When two or more antidepressants haven't provided adequate relief, that pattern is meaningful clinical data — not bad luck. Dr. Farkas specializes in identifying why previous treatments failed and choosing the next step strategically, using her MD/PhD neuroscience training.
Dr. Farkas brings a rare combination of MD/PhD neuroscience training, NIH research center experience, and clinical expertise to the evaluation and treatment of treatment-resistant depression. Her 60–90 minute new patient evaluations are designed to understand your full picture — medical history, prior treatments, contributing factors — before any treatment begins.
Effective treatment requires accurate diagnosis. Dr. Farkas's rigorous diagnostic approach ensures the right condition is identified and treated — not just the most common one that looks similar.
Persistent symptomsSymptoms lasting weeks to months affecting daily functioning
Functional impairmentWork performance, relationships, or self-care are affected
Prior treatment historyMay have tried other approaches without adequate relief
Diagnostic uncertaintyPrior diagnoses may not fully explain the symptom picture
Quality of life impactEnjoyment of daily activities and relationships is reduced
Treatment Approach
How Dr. Farkas treats Treatment-Resistant Depression
Evidence-based, neurobiologically-informed care. The treatment plan is built around your specific situation — not a protocol template.
🔍
Comprehensive Evaluation
60–90 minute new patient evaluation covering full psychiatric, medical, family, and medication history. Validated diagnostic tools confirm clinical impressions. No rushing, no templates.
🧬
Neurobiological Strategy
Medication selection is informed by Dr. Farkas's PhD-level understanding of mechanism — not trial-and-error. If previous medications failed, that pattern informs the next strategic step.
📊
Measurement-Based Tracking
Progress tracked with standardized outcome measures (PHQ-9, GAD-7) at every follow-up visit. Objective data drives adjustments — not just subjective impression.
🤝
Collaborative Planning
Every recommendation comes with an explanation. You understand your diagnosis, why each medication was chosen, and what to expect. Treatment decisions are made together.
🚫
"No Harm" Philosophy
Side effects — weight gain, sexual dysfunction, cognitive fog — are not acceptable trade-offs. They are problems to solve. Treatment success requires both symptom relief and preserved quality of life.
🔄
Long-Term Optimization
Treatment evolves as your life does. Dr. Farkas adjusts, simplifies, and deprescribes proactively — never leaving you on a regimen that's no longer serving you.
Getting Started
What to expect from your first appointment
A new patient evaluation with Dr. Farkas is 60–90 minutes — not a rushed intake. It covers your full psychiatric and medical history, prior diagnoses, all medications tried, and what has or hasn't worked. You'll leave with a clear diagnosis, a treatment plan you understand and agree with, and a follow-up already scheduled.
Telehealth is available throughout South Carolina, New York, and Virginia. In-person appointments are available at our Hilton Head Island, SC office.
Comprehensive evaluation — not a 15-minute intake
Full review of prior diagnoses and medication history
Clear explanation of findings and treatment rationale
