If you’ve been advised to go to a depression treatment center, it’s understandable to feel nervous. Understanding the differences between the different types of programs and treatment plans offered can help you feel more at ease so you can focus on getting the treatment you need for your depression.

Read on to learn about different types of depression treatment centers so you can discuss your options with your healthcare provider and healthcare team.

Types of Depression Treatment Centers

Depending on the level of care you may need and how severe your depression is, you may be admitted into one of these treatment programs:

Inpatient Hospitalization

Inpatient depression treatment is for people with severe depression who need 24-hour care or hospitalization. A person may be admitted to an inpatient program because they have serious suicidal thoughts, are a risk to themselves or to others, or are having a severe episode of depression. A depressive episode is considered severe if, for example, it comes with psychosis or if it makes it impossible for you to care for basic needs, such as showering or feeding yourself. Inpatient care means you stay overnight for a period of time. On average, inpatient stays are three to seven days long, although a person might stay much longer if needed.

If you need help right now:

• Call 911 if you’re in immediate danger.
• In the U.S., you can call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. This service is free and available 24/7.

Residential Treatment

In residential treatment, you also stay at a facility. However, residential programs have fewer restrictions than inpatient treatment. Residential care is for severe depression that isn’t posing a risk to your safety or the safety of others. Residential treatment is long-term treatment that usually lasts between 60 and 90 days.

Residential treatment is long-term treatment that usually lasts between 60 and 90 days.

Partial Hospitalization

Partial hospitalization can be an option after an inpatient or residential stay. It can also be an alternative to hospitalization when 24-hour care isn’t needed. It usually includes six to eight hours of treatment per day, several days a week. On the days you go in, you’ll go home to sleep at night.

Intensive Outpatient Treatment

In an intensive outpatient program, you attend three-hour treatment sessions several times a week. Although intensive outpatient treatment is still very structured, it allows you to keep up with other aspects of your life. You can still attend school or hold a job while you’re attending this type of program. This type of treatment usually lasts eight to 12 weeks.

What To Expect When You Arrive at a Depression Treatment Center

When you first start inpatient or residential treatment at a hospital or depression treatment center, you’ll have an evaluation and talk to mental health practitioners about your depression. They will review your mental health history, along with your family and medical history. This assessment can help determine how severe your depression is and if you have any other health conditions or personal issues that may be contributing to your condition.

Because every case of depression is unique, the treatment center staff will need to understand your particular situation to prepare an appropriate and effective treatment plan. Treatment centers usually have teams of mental health professionals — including therapists, social workers, nurses, and psychiatrists — who provide comprehensive care. They can each address certain aspects of your case and work together to coordinate treatment.

Treatment centers usually have teams of mental health professionals — including therapists, social workers, nurses, and psychiatrists — who provide comprehensive care.

Once you’ve been admitted to a treatment center, you’ll be shown around and given a room where you will sleep. These are often shared rooms, which can provide some company while you’re in treatment at the center. Depression treatment centers are designed to be safe environments. Staff will monitor the facility to be sure everyone is accounted for.

You’ll Be Given a Daily Schedule

Each treatment center has its own structure, but you can expect to be given a schedule of what you’ll be doing each day. With residential or inpatient depression treatment, your schedule will usually include three meals a day. In addition, you may have regular appointments and meetings, such as the following:

• Set times for medications, if needed
• Therapy sessions
• Consultations with a psychiatrist
• Support groups
• Day trips
• Visits from family members

Inpatient hospitalization is usually short-term and focuses on urgent care that may be needed for a mental health crisis. The purpose of inpatient hospitalization is to help people with serious depression feel better and safe. This means they will be watched closely all day and night to provide the support they need.

Residential care, partial hospitalization, and intensive outpatient therapy all focus on longer-term mental health treatment and goals.

Types of Treatment

At a depression treatment center, your treatment plans will be tailored to fit your specific symptoms and needs. Different types of treatment focus on particular aspects of depression care and help you learn coping skills to manage your depression over time. Here are some of the treatment options that might be available:

• Medication management — This involves creating a clear schedule for taking prescribed medication and monitoring any side effects. A psychiatrist usually oversees this.
• Individual psychotherapy — Also known as talk therapy, this is one-on-one time with a trained social worker or therapist. Techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) may be used to help you develop healthy habits and reduce negative thinking.
• Group therapy — In this setting, one or two therapists lead a group of people to share experiences in a supportive and healing environment.
• Family therapy — Family sessions help loved ones understand depression better and create a supportive environment to discuss feelings about the situation.
• Psychoeducation — This type of therapy combines elements of CBT, group therapy, and education about depression.
• Mindfulness training and other relaxation techniques — These methods can help manage stress and anxiety that are often linked to depression.

The goal of treatment at a center is to provide you with psychological, medical, and social support. You will also have time to rest, which is often important for your healing process.

Supportive Programs

Most treatment centers offer supportive programs that teach practical skills to help you manage daily life better after your time at a depression treatment center. Here are some examples of these supportive programs:

• Vocational training — To help you learn job skills and develop good work habits
• Life skills training in activities of daily living (ADLs) — To help with practical skills for independent living, such as healthy eating, meal preparation, personal hygiene, managing money, social skills, and using public transportation
• Physical activity and exercise — To help with your overall well-being
• Support groups — To connect with peers facing similar challenges, share feelings, and get helpful tips, although they may not be led by a therapist

These types of programs help with self-care, managing daily tasks safely, and improving overall health and well-being.

When You Leave a Depression Treatment Center

Your treatment team will work with you to plan for any care you may need after your time at the depression treatment center. Discharge planning is an important step in the recovery process.

Most people transition into outpatient care after their time at a depression treatment center. Outpatient care may involve weekly sessions with a psychotherapist, medication management by a psychiatrist, or attending a support group. An aftercare plan will ensure you have the resources you need to avoid relapsing into severe depression and to continue your depression treatment effectively.

Join the Conversation

On MyDepressionTeam, people share their experiences with depression, get advice, and find support from others who understand.

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