Depression Treatment Center

There are various types of treatment centers for depression. Understanding the differences in types of facilities available can help you narrow down choices when seeking the most appropriate place for treatment. Facilities are designed to handle a range of symptoms from minimal to extreme, such as suicidal and homicidal ideation.

Theoretical Approaches

Depending on the theoretical approach of the facility, treatment can be addressed in several ways. Some facilities focus on the problem and the management of the problem while others are more focused on finding solutions. Some centers will spend a lot of time exploring the past while others will focus predominately on the present. Asking questions about the center's approach can help determine if it is the right type of placement for you or your loved one.

Support Groups

There are various groups that serve as a combination of education and support designed to help treat depression. These groups can be primarily for support or active therapeutics groups. Developing a support system and having people with whom you can relate can be extremely advantageous. Groups take place at hospitals and local community centers as well as counseling centers. It is important to verify the credentials of the group counselors if the group is designed to be therapeutic. 

Outpatient Treatment

People who are dealing with milder depression symptoms can be treated in an outpatient setting. These centers are available in several forms and treat depression from several therapeutic approaches. Outpatient treatment can also incorporate medications to treat depressive symptoms. A psychiatrist can collaborate with an outpatient therapist to ensure that the patient is stable and receiving the right medication. Counseling may be individual or family based. Many treatment centers involve a support system and group counseling. Treatment will address the causes of depression as well as help patients develop coping strategies to deal with stressors.

Long Term Inpatient and Residential Treatment

Long term inpatient facilities are designed to incorporate psychopharmocology with counseling to begin addressing the causes of depression and develop an effective treatment plan. Most patients will receive some form of medication and engage in individual and group counseling while in treatment. Hospitalizations can last from a few days to a few months and serve the purpose of stabilizing a patient's mood. Once a patient is out of crisis and has stopped expressing extreme moods and manifesting extreme behavior, the patient will progress to outpatient treatment.

Acute Inpatient Treatment

The treatment of depression has changed over the years and there are now many more options available. Inpatient facilities are designed to address severe symptoms that are interfering in a person's daily functioning. Patients usually come to these facilities after expressing serious symptoms like extreme isolation, psychotic thinking and suicidal thoughts or after intentionally harming themselves. Patients can be admitted voluntarily or involuntarily for evaluation and treatment planning.