Mood disorders affect how people experience daily life, from energy levels and sleep to motivation and relationships. At Cura Mind and Wellness, we provide full-spectrum care for patients across the Houston metro. In-person services are offered in Richmond, TX, and telehealth brings expert care to patients throughout Houston and Fort Bend County.
Treatment is directed by Vivian Emuobe, MSN, BSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC, a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with experience in inpatient psychiatry, outpatient leadership, and program development. She integrates medication management, therapy, and advanced options like TMS and IV ketamine into clear, individualized plans.
What are mood disorders?
Mood disorders are conditions that primarily affect emotional regulation. They are more than temporary ups and downs. They involve persistent patterns of depression, elevated mood, or both, and can interfere with school, work, and personal life.
We evaluate and treat:
- Major Depressive Disorder – Persistent sadness, fatigue, loss of interest.
- Bipolar Disorder – Cycles of depression and mania or hypomania.
- Cyclothymic Disorder – Fluctuating low-level mood swings over years.
- Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia) – Long-term low mood that erodes confidence and motivation.
- Mood changes linked to trauma, ADHD, or medical conditions – Often misdiagnosed without a careful evaluation.
Symptoms patients in Houston often describe
Mood disorders are highly individual, but common concerns include:
- Feeling “stuck” in sadness or irritability,
- Sleeping too much or too little,
- Loss of interest in social life and hobbies,
- Racing thoughts or energy surges followed by crashes,
- Appetite changes and unexplained weight shifts,
- Difficulty concentrating on work or school tasks,
- Strained relationships due to mood swings or withdrawal,
- Hopelessness or thoughts of giving up.
When symptoms last more than two weeks or repeatedly disrupt daily life, treatment can help.
Why accurate diagnosis is critical
Misdiagnosis is common with mood disorders. For example, bipolar depression can look like major depression, but treatment is different. Antidepressants without a stabilizer may worsen symptoms in bipolar patients. That is why we complete a comprehensive intake, which includes history, family background, medical review, validated screening tools, and differential diagnosis to confirm the condition before recommending a plan.
How we treat mood disorders
Medication management
Medication can regulate mood by balancing neurotransmitters. We prescribe antidepressants, mood stabilizers, or antipsychotics depending on the condition. For patients who have struggled with side effects or non-response, we offer pharmacogenomic gene testing in Richmond to guide safer, more precise choices.
Psychotherapy
Therapy provides long-term tools to manage mood fluctuations. We use:
CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)
To identify and shift negative thought patterns.
Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)
To address relationship conflicts and social supports.
Behavioral Activation
To rebuild routines and positive activities.
Psychoeducation
To understand triggers, relapse warning signs, and strategies for daily life.
Advanced treatments
For treatment-resistant depression, we offer TMS therapy and IV ketamine. Both are available at our Richmond location. These interventions can reduce severe symptoms when standard care is not enough.
Lifestyle strategies
We emphasize sleep consistency, balanced nutrition, regular exercise, and stress reduction as part of every plan. These changes reinforce stability and prevent relapse.
A practical approach for Houston patients
Patients share how mood disorders affect them in Houston’s demanding environment:
- Struggling with deadlines at energy companies or hospitals due to fatigue,
- Withdrawing from family events in Sugar Land or Katy,
- Missing classes at UH or Rice because of low motivation,
- Overspending during elevated moods, creating financial stress,
- Driving anxiety during mood shifts, avoiding work commutes.
We build plans that address real-world challenges, balancing medication, therapy, and coping strategies for daily life.
What progress looks like
Progress does not mean never feeling sad or irritable again. It means:
- More consistent mood stability,
- Better sleep and appetite regulation,
- Greater productivity at work or school,
- Stronger relationships with fewer conflicts,
- Reduced hospitalizations or crisis episodes,
- Increased confidence in managing stress.
We track improvement with validated tools and patient-reported outcomes so gains are visible and measurable.
A stepwise roadmap for treatment
We often structure care in phases:
- Phase 1 – Stabilization: Initial evaluation, safety planning, medication start, and early therapy skills.
- Phase 2 – Symptom reduction: Dosing adjustments, structured therapy sessions, and lifestyle changes.
- Phase 3 – Consolidation: Strengthening coping tools, improving routines, and restoring work or school performance.
- Phase 4 – Maintenance: Longer intervals between visits, relapse prevention planning, booster sessions for stressful seasons.
This structure keeps progress visible while allowing flexibility.
FAQs – Mood Disorder Treatment in Houston and Richmond
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Depression involves persistent low mood, while bipolar disorder includes both depression and mania or hypomania.
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If mood changes last more than two weeks, disrupt daily life, or cause functional impairment, an evaluation is recommended.
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Not always. Mild cases may improve with therapy and lifestyle changes alone, while moderate to severe cases often benefit from medication.
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Yes. Therapy teaches coping skills, stabilizes routines, and prevents relapse, especially when combined with medication.
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We review history, consider gene testing, and may recommend TMS or IV ketamine as advanced options.
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Yes. Most therapy and medication management can be delivered securely online. Advanced treatments are provided in person at the Richmond office.
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Some notice improvement within weeks, while full stability often takes several months of consistent treatment.
Why patients choose Cura Mind and Wellness
- Board-certified leadership with expertise in psychiatric evaluation and treatment,
- Integrated care that includes therapy, medication management, gene testing, TMS, and IV ketamine,
- Whole-person focus on sleep, stress, nutrition, and exercise,
- Patient-centered plans with clear written goals after each visit,
- Accessible care with telehealth across Houston and in-person visits in Richmond.
Take the next step toward stability
Mood disorders can make life unpredictable, but effective treatment restores balance. At Cura Mind and Wellness, we provide structured, compassionate care for patients across Houston, with in-person services in Richmond. Whether your goal is returning to work, restoring energy, or strengthening relationships, our team will help you build a plan for lasting stability.