|  | Conditions Treatments | Depression

Treatment Facilities for Depression

Treatment for depression can take several forms. Depending on the type and severity of the depression, an assessment can be made to determine the appropriate treatment facility. Inpatient and outpatient counseling offer many of the same services but are different in their primary purpose. Understanding the types of treatment facilities available is important if you or someone you love has been diagnosed with depression.

  1. Outpatient Treatment Facilities

    • A person who is suffering with depression symptoms can be treated in an outpatient setting if there are no psychotic symptoms or dangerous behavior that requires hospitalization. Outpatient treatment facilities can incorporate the use of medications to treat depressive symptoms while offering therapy to address the issues contributing to the depression. Counseling usually addresses the causes of depression as well as helping the depressed person develop effective coping strategies. Therapy can be done individually or with the family involved. Family support is often useful in establishing a realistic treatment plan. The goal of outpatient counseling is to help the depressed person learn to manage her depression symptoms and work to resolve current stressors.

    Group Treatment

    • Some treatment facilities provide group therapy as a means of treating depression. A combination of education and support can be useful in treating depression. These groups can take various forms and may be more support-based rather than therapeutic groups. A healthy support system is vital to recovery from depression. Facilities offering groups should be able to explain their theoretic approach and give a detailed description of the type of therapy they provide.

    Acute Treatment Facilities

    • Many times depression becomes so severe that it can not be managed in an outpatient setting. Inpatient facilities are designed to address symptoms that interfere in daily functioning. Patients may be hospitalized for a couple of days to stabilize their mood and ensure the patient is not a danger to themselves or anyone else. Extreme depression symptoms like isolation, delusions and suicidal ideation may require hospitalization. Patients can be admitted voluntarily, or family members or professional can have them involuntarily committed if they present a danger. An evaluation will be conducted, and appropriate treatment will be determined.

    Long-Term Treatment Facilitites

    • After an acute hospitalization, many patients will be transferred to a long-term inpatient facility or a residential treatment center for depression treatment. Antidepressants may be prescribed, and counseling will begin to address the root of the depression. Individual and group counseling are usually offered. Hospitalizations can last a few days or a few months. Once the patient's mood has stabilized and he is no longer a danger to himself, he will be released to receive outpatient treatment.

    Finding Treatment

    • If you are looking for a treatment center for depression, you can talk with your physician about local facilities. Sites like the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy and the American Counseling Association provide a directory of local providers in your area. Be sure to ask questions, and don't hesitate to interview the clinician before committing to a provider.

Depression - Related Articles