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Rehab Centers for Depression and Feeling Sad

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seeking professional treatment for depression

Published: March 31, 2025

Reviewed by Matthew N. Parker, MD

Depression is quite common in the United States and is the most common mental disorder worldwide and one that affects people of all ages and demographics. And while not everyone who lives with depression chooses to seek mental health care treatment, there are countless benefits that professional help and treatment for depression can offer.

Among these many benefits is an environment that provides structured and effective care using evidence-based therapies proven successful when treating depression. Read on to learn more about the different types of depression treatment as well as to learn about the importance of seeking help in achieving long-term depression recovery.

Why Seeking Treatment for Depression Is Important

While depression is a lot more common than people may think, it is not as common for people to seek professional treatment for their depression.

Unfortunately, untreated mental illness is contributing to a mental health crisis in the United States and many people are not able to access the treatment that they need.

Consequences of Untreated Depression

Leaving depression untreated can have serious short-term and long-term consequences, and can even lead to death by suicide in the worst of cases.

Consequences of untreated depression include:

  • Increased risk of or worsening of suicidal thoughts and self-harm
  • Worsening depression symptoms
  • Damage to personal relationships with friends and family
  • Increased frequency of physical illness
  • Increased risk of substance abuse
  • Difficulty meeting responsibilities such as work and school

Benefits of Professional Treatment

On the other hand, seeking professional treatment for depression can have many benefits, both immediate and long-lasting.

Benefits of treatment for depression include:

  • Relief from the symptoms of depression
  • Better personal relationships
  • Better communication skills
  • Better sleep and eating habits
  • Improved physical health
  • Happier environment at home
  • Greater problem-solving and decision-making skills
  • Greater coping skills and daily life skills

How Early Intervention Leads to Better Outcomes

As with many types of illness, early intervention almost always leads to better outcomes, and the earlier the better.

Among the benefits of early intervention when seeking help for depression include a reduced chance of relapse and a better chance of achieving a complete recovery.

What to Expect in a Depression Treatment Center

While every depression treatment center is unique and has its offerings, there are a few things you can expect to find standard in most treatment facilities.

The Initial Assessment and Diagnosis Process

Your treatment will always begin with an individual assessment and evaluation, where you will receive confirmation of your depression diagnosis and it will be determined what other mental health disorders you need treatment for, if any.

During this process, you can also establish which treatments for depression you have already tried and discuss any medications you have taken for depression.

Personalized Treatment Plans Based on Severity and Needs

After you have been evaluated you will be given a personalized treatment plan based on how severe your needs are and what treatments would be best for you.

Treatment options you can expect in depression treatment centers include:

  • Individual therapy
  • Group therapy
  • Family therapy
  • Support groups
  • Behavioral health therapy
  • Medication management
  • Continuing care support
  • Relapse prevention support

Role of Medical Professionals and Therapists in Recovery

Both medical professionals and therapists are vital in recovery, as they both provide essential services for mental health.

Medical professionals are needed to monitor the health of patients as well as to prescribe medications and manage their use.

Therapists and other mental health professionals, on the other hand, are crucial for providing various kinds of therapy and counseling to patients in both individual and group settings.

Different Treatment Methods for Depression

Depression is treated with a variety of methods which usually involve some combination of therapy and medication, along with the potential for holistic and alternative treatments as well.

Psychotherapy (Talk Therapy)

Psychotherapy is the most common type of therapy for depression and is typically performed in a one-on-one setting but can also be done as group therapy.

Types of psychotherapy that are effective in treating depression include:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT therapy focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors to positive ones by addressing triggers and learning new coping mechanisms.
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): DBT therapy focuses on emotion regulation through learning different skills like mindfulness and distress tolerance, and can be a very effective treatment for a variety of mental health issues.
  • Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): IPT therapy is a time-limited and goal-focused form of talk therapy that is most often used to treat major depressive disorder. It focuses on the patient’s interpersonal relationships and how they affect their mood.

Medication

Mental health medication is often used in combination with therapy and can include both antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications depending on a person’s symptoms.

It is not always the right choice for everyone, however, and should only be taken at the recommendation of your physician or treatment team.

If medications are prescribed during depression treatment, the patient will be closely monitored to see how they are feeling and whether they are experiencing any side effects.

Common medications prescribed for depression include:

  • SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors)
  • SNRIs (Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors)
  • MAOIs (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors)

Holistic Approaches

Holistic depression treatment in mental health care can be a great alternative treatment in addition to evidence-based treatments or after evidence-based treatments have been unsuccessful.

Examples of holistic approaches to mental health care include:

  • Mindfulness and meditation: these are techniques that can help people to relax and which can provide a lot of relief from stress and anxiety.
  • Exercise and nutrition in mental health: improved physical well-being can lead to improved mental well-being, and exercise and a healthy diet can both contribute to this.

Types of Depression Treatment Centers

Depression treatment centers are available in several different forms depending on the level of care and types of treatment that a person needs.

Inpatient Treatment Centers

Inpatient depression treatment is often the best option for people who need a highly structured environment and 24/7 supervision. This type of treatment may start with a period of stabilization for people who need it and is often used when people may be a potential harm to themselves or others.

Outpatient Treatment Programs

Outpatient treatment, on the other hand, is often ideal for people who need to continue to maintain their daily responsibilities, such as their job or family, while in treatment. This type of mental health rehab offers the most flexibility and typically allows people to schedule therapy or counseling appointments on an as-needed or regularly scheduled basis.

It is also possible to find intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) and partial hospitalization programs (PHP) for people who need more intensive treatment but prefer to reside at home.

Residential Treatment Centers

Residential care is a type of long-term inpatient care that is best for severe cases and people who need a significant amount of supervision.

Furthermore, residential depression treatment facilities often offer a combination of therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes as treatment.

Specialized Treatment Programs for Depression

In addition to different levels of care, it is often possible to find specialized treatment programs for different demographics.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment

Dual diagnosis treatment is designed for individuals who struggle with both a mental health disorder and a co-occurring substance use disorder. This integrated approach combines mental health care with addiction treatment, ensuring that both conditions are addressed simultaneously for more effective recovery.

In addition to therapy and counseling for mental health, dual diagnosis treatment often includes detox services and medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to help manage substance use, providing a well-rounded, comprehensive path to healing.

Teen and Adolescent Depression Treatment

There are also depression treatment centers specifically designed for teens and young adults, recognizing the unique challenges they face.

Common factors contributing to anxiety and depression in teens include peer pressure, eating disorders, physical and social changes, ADHD, academic stress, and family dynamics. These specialized centers provide an environment where teens can connect with peers and receive support from professionals trained in adolescent mental health, creating a more comfortable and effective setting for treatment.

Treatment Centers for Women and Men

Many depression centers offer treatment that is either exclusive to men or exclusive to women, or which offers gender-separate programs or gender-specific treatment within the same facility.

This is because both men and women often feel safer and more comfortable around their gender during treatment. This is especially true for people who have experienced domestic abuse or sexual violence of any kind.

Veterans and Depression Treatment Programs

There are also programs available that are designed to address veteran mental health, specifically veterans with depression and other mental health disorders, many of which may be offered directly through the VA for free or at low cost.

Veterans suffer from unique challenges like PTSD and are also more likely to have a problem with substance abuse as well, and veteran-specific programs will address these issues.

How to Choose the Right Depression Treatment Center

It is important to choose the best depression treatment center for yourself or a loved one, as one cannot open up to help unless they are in an environment that is safe and comfortable.

Factors to Consider

While you may have factors that are personally important for you to look for when seeking a mental health facility, you should also look for certain marks of high quality.

Qualities to look for in a depression treatment center include:

  • Accredited by national organizations
  • Highly rated rehab center reviews on Google and other platforms
  • Has positive client testimonials available
  • Offers a wide variety of evidence-based therapies and treatments
  • Offers specialized programs

Cost and Insurance Coverage Options

It is important to find a treatment center that is affordable and fits well with your budget and insurance coverage. Some facilities may only accept private insurance while others accept state-funded insurance for treatment as well.

It also may be possible to find facilities that offer financial assistance such as payment plans or sliding fee scales based on income, to help all people access the services they need.

Finding a Center That Matches Personal Needs

Any treatment center that you choose should always offer a customized treatment plan, as everyone has different needs when it comes to mental health conditions and recovery.

You should also choose a treatment center that offers the appropriate level of care and that offers services within your budget.

FAQs About Treatment Centers for Depression

The following are questions that are frequently asked about treatment centers for depression.

What are the signs that someone should seek professional help for depression?

If you have a loved one that you are concerned needs professional help for depression, you can keep an eye out for the following signs:

  • They are experiencing sadness or hopelessness that continues for weeks or months
  • They are no longer interested in activities and hobbies they once enjoyed
  • There are changes in their sleeping or eating habits
  • They are having thoughts about or talking about suicide or hurting themselves
  • Their low moods are impacting their relationships, work, or school

How long does treatment for depression usually last?

There is no set length of time for depression treatment or amount of therapy sessions, and treatment lasts as long as each needs.

Inpatient and residential programs may have set lengths of time for their programs, however, such as 30 days or 90 days, but this may be flexible.

Do I need medication to treat my depression, or can I recover without it?

It is not necessary to treat your depression with medication, though some people find that the best treatment is a combination of therapy and medication.

You should always talk to your healthcare provider and discuss the pros and cons of medication before deciding for yourself.

Are depression treatment centers covered by insurance?

Yes, depression treatment centers are almost always covered by insurance, though the amount of coverage a person has may depend on their specific policy or plan.

In addition to private insurance, some depression treatment centers may also accept state-funded or military insurance plans like Medicare, Medicaid, and TRICARE.

Can I receive treatment for depression if I also have anxiety or another mental health disorder?

Yes, it is typically possible to be treated for multiple mental health disorders at the same time, especially as they are often related to one another in some form.

Treating multiple mental health disorders at the same time can ensure that both have less chance of returning once a state of recovery is achieved.

Can I still work or go to school while receiving treatment for depression?

Yes, you can still work or go to school while receiving depression treatment as long as you are attending an outpatient program.

This often works for people who need more flexibility in their treatment schedules and for those whose illness is not so severe that they would need 24/7 care and supervision.

What are the benefits of holistic or alternative depression treatments?

Holistic and alternative depression treatments can offer a lot of benefits, especially if you have tried traditional depression treatments without success.

Alternative treatments are usually used in combination with evidence-based treatments and can work to treat a person’s mind, body, and spirit.

Finding a Free, Confidential Source for Treating Depression

Once you have decided to seek professional depression treatment help, it is important to have access to resources that are free and confidential.

What RehabNet Is and How It Helps Individuals Find Treatment

RehabNet is a top resource for connecting individuals to mental health treatment and substance abuse treatment all around the United States.

Furthermore, people can search for treatment centers by location, treatment type, insurance type, or veteran-specific care in each state.

Free and Confidential Assistance in Locating Treatment Centers

The assistance provided at RehabNet is always free, private, and confidential for everyone who needs it.

In addition, we provide a helpline that you can call anytime you have questions or need guidance in finding confidential treatment options.

How to Get Started With RehabNet

To get started with RehabNet for yourself or a family member you can call our helpline at any time or fill out our contact form.

You can also feel free to browse through any of our 100% free mental health resources at any time.

Get the Help You Need for Depression Today

If you or a loved one is currently struggling with depression, know that you are far from alone and that professional treatment is just what many people need to change their lives and achieve depression recovery.

Not only can depression treatment success help you to ease your symptoms, but it can also help you to achieve long-term recovery and mental wellness and lead a happier, healthier, and more productive life.

When you are ready to start depression treatment in your area, contact us at RehabNet for assistance in seeking professional help nearby.