Depressive Disorders

Depression Medication Management in Iowa

At Bold Behavioral Health, I provide telehealth medication management for adults across Iowa who are living with depression. Visits happen by secure video from wherever you are, and new patients are typically seen within 5–7 days.

I’m Scott Arno, PA-C, a psychiatric provider and my role is to evaluate your symptoms carefully, talk through whether medication is a good fit, and manage it safely over time, in coordination with your care team.

What depression can look like

Depression is more than feeling sad and it appears differently across genders. Common signs include:

  • A low, empty, or irritable mood most of the day, most days
  • Loss of interest or pleasure in things you usually enjoy
  • Changes in sleep or appetite
  • Low energy or constant fatigue
  • Trouble concentrating or making decisions
  • Feeling worthless, guilty, or like a burden
  • Moving or thinking noticeably slower or more restlessly than usual

When these symptoms last for two weeks or longer and get in the way of work, relationships, or daily life, an evaluation is worth having.

Depressive disorders include major depressive disorder and persistent depressive disorder, which is a longer-lasting, lower-grade depression.

How medication management works

Medication is one tool, not the only one. Many people do best when medication, therapy, and holistic measures work together. Some start with one and then add the other later.

  1. A careful evaluation. We review your symptoms, history, past treatments, sleep, substance use, and other medications. I also screen for bipolar disorder before starting an antidepressant, because the treatment approach is different.
  2. A shared decision. If medication makes sense, we talk through the options, what to expect, side effects, and your preferences. Nothing is started without your agreement.
  3. Starting and adjusting. Antidepressants often take several weeks to show their full effect, so we plan check-ins and adjust doses based on how you are doing, not on a fixed script.
  4. Safety monitoring. Early in treatment and after any dose change, we keep a closer eye on mood, side effects, and any increase in thoughts of self-harm.
  5. Ongoing follow-up. Once you are stable, visits space out. We revisit the plan regularly, including whether and when to continue, change, or taper.

If something else may be contributing, such as a medical condition, sleep problems, or another mental health condition like anxiety or ADHD, we talk about that too, and I may suggest checking in with your primary care provider before initiating treatment.

Working with your therapist

If you see a therapist, with your consent, I can easily coordinate with them. I can share updates them or your primary (based on your consent) so your care team is working for you. If you don’t have a therapist yet, I can talk with you about what kind of support might help and refer you to a therapist accepting new patients.

What your first visit looks like

You’ll complete intake paperwork before your appointment. The first visit is 60 minutes done by secure video. Follow-up visits are usually shorter, and we’ll set how often we meet based on how you are doing.

Who this is for

This service is for adults in Iowa with depression who want ongoing medication management. It is not a crisis or emergency service. If you are having thoughts of harming yourself, call or text 988 (the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), or call 911, or go to the nearest emergency room.

Insurance and payment

I currently accept Wellmark commercial plans, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and self-pay.

Get started

Request an appointment or call 515-207-9693. Therapists and primary care providers can find referral details on the For Referring Providers page.

Depressive Disorders: FAQ

Do I need to be in therapy to see you? No. Medication management is a separate service. Many people also do therapy, and I’m happy to coordinate with your therapist, with your written consent.

How long does it take for an antidepressant to work? Often several weeks. Some people notice small changes sooner and some need longer or a dose change. We plan check-ins so we can adjust based on how you are doing.

Will I be on medication forever? Not necessarily. Some people take medication for a period and then taper with guidance, and others stay on it longer. We revisit that decision together at regular visits.

What if I’ve tried medication before and it didn’t work? That’s useful information. We’ll review what you took, at what dose, for how long, and why it stopped, and use that to plan next steps. I won’t promise a specific result.

Can you treat depression and anxiety or ADHD together? Yes. These conditions often overlap, so I look at the whole picture and treat in a way that fits it. If your needs go beyond medication management, I’ll tell you and help you find the right support.