Psychiatric assessment, psychotherapy and careful medication management for adults — in İzmir or online.
If you are an English speaker in İzmir struggling with depression, Dr. Ömer Orhun Ercan provides full psychiatric care in English: a thorough diagnostic assessment, evidence-based psychotherapy, and medication when appropriate — combined in one coordinated plan. Appointments are available in person in Güzelbahçe or online across Turkey and abroad. Depression is highly treatable, and most people improve significantly with the right combination of approaches.
Everyone has difficult weeks. Depression is different: the low mood settles in and stays, colors everything you do, and stops responding to the things that usually help — rest, good news, time with people you love. Clinically, we look for symptoms that persist most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks, and that interfere with work, relationships or daily routines.
For internationals, depression often has an added layer. Moving to a new country strips away the daily structures that quietly hold mood together — familiar work, close friends nearby, speaking your own language all day. What looks like 'failure to adapt' is sometimes a depressive episode that deserves proper treatment, not more willpower.
A psychiatric evaluation also rules out look-alikes. Thyroid problems, vitamin deficiencies, sleep disorders and medication side effects can all mimic depression. As a medical doctor, Dr. Ercan considers these possibilities and requests laboratory tests when the picture warrants it.
The first session is a 75-minute assessment, conducted entirely in English if you prefer. It covers your current symptoms, their history, your medical background, sleep, substance use, life circumstances and previous treatment experiences. The aim is a clear diagnostic picture and an honest conversation about what treatment options fit your situation.
You leave the first appointment with a concrete plan: whether psychotherapy alone is a reasonable starting point, whether medication is worth considering, how often to meet, and what to expect in the first weeks. Nothing is decided over your head — treatment choices are explained and made together.
For mild to moderate depression, evidence-based psychotherapy — particularly cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) — is often an effective first step. It works on the thinking patterns and behavioral loops that keep depression going: withdrawal, rumination, self-criticism, and the shrinking of daily life.
For moderate to severe depression, or when therapy alone has not been enough, antidepressant medication can make a substantial difference. Because Dr. Ercan is a psychiatrist — a medical doctor — assessment, therapy and prescribing happen in one place. Medication choices are conservative and explained clearly: what the medication does, when effects typically appear, what side effects to watch for, and how long treatment usually lasts. Antidepressants are not addictive and are tapered gradually when the time comes.
Where trauma or loss plays a central role in the depression, EMDR can be integrated into the treatment plan alongside or instead of classical talk therapy.
Structured, evidence-based psychotherapy targeting the thought patterns and behaviors that maintain depression. Conducted in English, in person or online.
Careful antidepressant selection, dose adjustment and follow-up by a medical doctor — with clear information about effects, side effects and duration.
When depression is rooted in trauma, loss or difficult life events, EMDR helps process those experiences so they lose their grip on daily mood.
Therapy and medication coordinated in one plan, with online sessions available for follow-up or full treatment when you cannot attend in person.
In-person in Güzelbahçe, İzmir — on the western coast, with free parking. Around 25–35 minutes by car from central districts such as Alsancak and Konak, and convenient for Urla, Seferihisar and Çeşme.
Online consultations in English are available across Turkey and abroad via secure video — see online psychiatry.
Yes. Assessment, psychotherapy and medication follow-up can all be conducted in English. Describing your inner state precisely matters in depression treatment, and doing it in your own language removes a real barrier.
No. Medication is one option, not a requirement. For mild to moderate depression, psychotherapy alone is often a reasonable first step. If medication is recommended, the reasons are explained and the decision is made together — and it is reviewed regularly rather than continued indefinitely by default.
It varies with severity and history. Many people notice meaningful improvement within 6–12 weeks of starting treatment, whether that is therapy, medication or both. Follow-up appointments are typically spaced further apart as you improve.
Yes. Online consultations in English are available across Turkey and abroad via secure video. For most situations an initial in-person evaluation is preferred when feasible, but fully online treatment is possible when distance makes visits impractical.
Tell someone now and do not wait for an appointment. In Turkey you can call 112 for emergencies. If you are having thoughts of suicide, this is a medical emergency that deserves immediate attention — and it is also a treatable symptom, not a permanent state.
The first session is used to understand your situation and agree on a personalized plan — in person in Güzelbahçe, or online from wherever you are.
This page was prepared and reviewed by Ömer Orhun Ercan, MD — Psychiatrist (Uzm. Dr.). It is for informational purposes only and does not replace a medical examination, diagnosis or treatment.