Depression Outpatient Programs: Value, Success Rates and Flexibility

For the more than 17 million Americans living with depression, outpatient depression treatment may be the farthest thing from their minds. Many don’t believe that theirs is a problem that would be improved by treatment, and those who know that their depression is hurting their lives don’t know where to go to receive help.

The few who know about inpatient and outpatient depression treatment programs may feel intimidated by the potential cost of treatment and explore no further. But for those who take the time to discover how simple it is to find depression treatment help, the benefits can change the course of their illness.

Different types of depression may benefit more from different types of depression treatment. You can choose a more intensive program at a center dedicated to the treatment of depression on an outpatient basis or use the building blocks of support groups, personal therapy, group therapy, homeopathy and Western medicine to create your own unique plan. No matter what you’re looking for in depression treatment, we are here to help.

Who Needs Outpatient Depression Treatment?

There are a number of different types of mental health services available to those who suffer from the different types of depression. Outpatient depression treatment has been proven to be particularly effective in those who struggle with the following types of depression:

• Clinical depression
• Dysthymic disorder
• Major depressive disorder
• Unipolar depression
• Bipolar disorder
• Manic depressive disorder

Outpatient Treatment

One of the most effective forms of outpatient treatment is when the treatment center provides a comprehensive program to treat every aspect of your depression and its effects on your life. This requires working with a care plan coordinator to make sure you are being helped in the most effective way possible.

The depression treatment help you find here will include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), medication if necessary, group sessions and private therapy sessions. At a more affordable cost than residential treatment, these programs are time intensive and may provide you with a schedule of treatment but still allows you to maintain your responsibilities at home and work, so long as they do not interfere with treatment. Health insurance coverage may cover all or part of the cost depending upon the benefits of your policy.

Therapy

Seeing a therapist to treat depression is one of the most common forms of outpatient depression treatment. On your schedule, you can opt for weekly, twice weekly or thrice weekly sessions as you see fit. Here you will benefit from the guidance and training of a licensed therapist who can help you with the practical application of what you are learning. You will likely focus on new coping skills you will need in order to grow through your depression. Some therapists are qualified to prescribe anti-depressants as well as a tandem treatment to talk therapy.

Medication

For many, medication can be extremely helpful in the treatment of depression. Anti-depressants are very common, and they can help create a chemical balance in your brain that will help you better deal with depression and give you the space to learn coping skills through talk therapy. Most often, talk therapy combined with medication is the best course of treatment for patients seeking healing.

In some cases, your family physician may be able to help you, but he or she will usually request that you follow up monthly or begin to see a therapist regularly if you would like to continue your prescription. In some cases, they may offer you a referral to a more intensive depression treatment program.

Some patients may have to try a couple different medications before they find one that works well for them. Although it can feel frustrating or even extra-unnerving to have to experiment with medications, most people are able to find one — in one of the many classes of drugs for depression — that fits their needs and allows them to heal.¹

Where to Find Depression Treatment Resources

At Foundations Recovery Network we understand that depression affects every aspect of your life. We can help. Our compassionate team will listen to you and help you find the right treatment. Call us at 615-490-9376.

• ¹ “Depression.” National Alliance on Mental Illness, August 2017.