Most people associate rehab with drug and alcohol addictions. However, there are similar residential mental health facilities that specialize in mental health disorders beyond just substance use disorders. Inpatient treatment for depression in a residential setting allows patients to immerse themselves in an environment that is fully focused on improving mental health.
Understanding Depression
Depression is a mood disorder that can be classified into 8 different subcategories defined by the American Psychiatric Association:
- Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder
- Major Depressive disorder
- Persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia)
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder
- Substance/medication-induced depressive disorder
- Depressive disorder due to another medical condition
- Other specified depressive disorder
- Unspecified Depressive Disorders
All the above depressive disorders share common features such as sadness, emptiness, or irritability. They also are accompanied by significant changes in cognitive function and even bodily functions.
Depressive disorders are a common occurrence for mental health practitioners. Both genetic factors and environmental factors play a role, and other neurodegenerative diseases have been associated with higher rates of depression.
Unfortunately, about 60% of people with depression do not get treatment for their mental illness. This is partially due to negative social stigmas surrounding depression and mental health disorders in our society. Society has trained us to think that depression is something we can just “get through” and that “it will go away with time.”
There are effective treatment options available to the general public that insurance companies will gladly help pay for. These companies understand the detriment depression can have on a person’s overall health and know that the earlier the treatment comes, the better.
One of the most effective ways to treat and overcome depression is to enroll in a mental health center that can provide a multifaceted approach, evaluating all aspects of a person’s life.
Residential Inpatient Depression Rehab vs. Psychiatric Hospital
A depression rehab isn’t the same as a psychiatric hospital, psych ward, or mental asylum.
Depression Rehab is done at a mental health rehabilitation center, most often in a comfortable residential setting. This produces a homely feeling where a patient has a normal room rather than a hospital bedroom. They provide various therapeutic arrangements such as psychotherapy, artistic expression, physical activities, etc. They may also provide medications if the patient desires them.
Psychiatric hospitals, psych wards, or mental asylums are hospital buildings that care for a greater number of people. People with mental health conditions are usually ordered by law to go here for broadly varying reasons. Staff typically have a highly structured schedule they keep you to. They do provide psychotherapy and medication, but patients may only see a doctor once a week as they are occupied with a large number of patients to care for.
Best Treatment Options for Depression
There is no one treatment that is “best” or right for everyone. Therapists and psychologists will work closely with patients to address specific concerns and symptoms that are unique to each person. They will likely evaluate and diagnose patients through psychiatric tests and measure chemicals in the body, like hormones.
The treatment strategies that come out of these evaluations may include psychotherapy and medication. A combination of both treatment options has been associated with higher success rates.
What is Inpatient Treatment for Depression Like?
When you call or message a mental health treatment center, they will sympathetically ask questions related to your specific condition. They will explain their processes in detail and answer questions a patient may want to be answered before they’re admitted. In addition, the admission specialists will verify insurance information to determine how the patient’s insurance company will help pay for inpatient depression treatment.
The first thing that happens upon arrival at a residential mental health center will be a psychiatric evaluation to start developing a tailored program to meet the patient’s needs. That plan will likely involve working with mental health professionals such as psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and nurses.
Therapeutic sessions will be done in both individual and group settings, perhaps even family settings. Depending on the tailored plan, you may also receive medicines to supplement any therapies provided. These sessions may be a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy, expressive therapy, or physical activity.
How Long is Inpatient Depression Rehab?
A typical stay at an inpatient depression rehab is 28 days. Insurance companies won’t often cover extended stays at a mental health facility unless uncommon circumstances merit it. However, that patient may stay for months at a time if they wish.
Great progress can be achieved in the first month of inpatient rehab. And continuing care in an outpatient setting can maintain therapy and medications to help a patient as long as needed.
Do I Need Inpatient Treatment for Depression?
Some people may not know when to seek inpatient treatment for their depression. Because of language in society, we may confuse depression for temporary sadness that many people go through. Most people aren’t educated on the real meaning of depression or depression as a real mental health condition.
The first step before seeking inpatient treatment usually is to see a mental health counselor and follow their treatment plan. However, if this first option doesn’t help and persistent feelings of depression and hopelessness continue, you may want to explore inpatient treatment options.
Some signs that inpatient treatment may be the answer are:
- Ongoing addiction struggles with drugs, alcohol, gambling, eating, etc.
- Relationships or family struggles related to sadness, guilt, negativity, or agitation
- Isolationist behavior and a lack of motivation to enjoy activities with others
- Persistent suicidal ideation
Finding The Inpatient Depression Treatment Center That’s Best For You
If you’ve been struggling with depression and have received treatment without significant improvement, you may want to start checking residential inpatient treatment options. There are a number of different mental health care centers that offer inpatient treatment in residential settings. Look for locations, facilities, treatment options, and pricing that are right for you.
Some mental health centers are more specialized in certain mental conditions than others. So, you should consider asking them upfront about their programs, specialties, and experience.
If you’re looking for a treatment center in Orange County, our admission specialists at D’Amore Healthcare will gladly discuss our personal services and processes with you. We’re located in Huntington Beach and have dedicated ourselves to becoming the best Orange County Mental Health Treatment Center.
Don’t suffer any longer; Get help today.
