Introduction Community-based free clinics face unique challenges in treating depression. This research letter presents initial findings from an exploratory, in-progress study aimed at understanding barriers to depression care at a free clinic in South Florida. Methods A survey was distributed to primary care providers at the clinic that assessed barriers to depression care and ways to mitigate them. Results Nine of twelve providers responded. Providers felt confident using screening tools for depression but did not feel as confident about screening workflows. Providers felt more comfortable managing patients’ existing antidepressants versus prescribing new antidepressants. The most significant barriers providers faced in managing depression were (1) Patients’ social determinants of health, (2) Lack of outside referral options, and (3) Lack of in-house mental health resources. They indicated the most helpful improvement the clinic could make for depression services would be having an in-house social worker/licensed clinical therapist. Discussion Initial findings show that providers at this free clinic are confident in their ability to screen and treat depression, but factors including unclear workflows, inconsistent patient follow-up, and lack of referral options make it challenging to manage depression in this setting. Conclusion Initial findings of this pilot study suggest that procedural and situational barriers, not provider knowledge or willingness, limit the treatment of depression in this free clinic. An ongoing second phase of this study is surveying clinic patients to understand patient-facing barriers to mental health care in this setting.