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Depression is undoubtedly one of the most prevalent mental health disorders across the world. Unfortunately, its prevalence is currently on the rise, with various studies reporting an upward trend during the past few years with no commensurate increase in its treatment. [1] Experts believe that every one out of ten Americans currently suffers from depression, and not all of them seek the treatment they need.
Following these alarming statistics, many depression rehab centers have opened up, both in the public and private sectors. However, deciding which one to choose has become more difficult due to the high number of options available. Learning how to shortlist the best depression treatment centers is imperative if you wish to seek help for an underlying depressive disorder, as your recovery entirely depends on it.
Choosing the Best Depression Treatment Centers 2024: Factors to Consider
There are many aspects to consider while choosing from the available depression treatment centers. Some of these aspects are more crucial than others, and may vary from person to person.
Specialties
Every depression treatment center specializes in managing a different set of psychiatric issues. For instance, some have a specialty in handing people with mood disorders, while others treat dual diagnosis. It is critical to choose a rehab that treats depression as a specialty so that they can provide the best care and support.
Therapies & Treatments
For mental health issues like depression, a variety of therapy choices and treatment modalities are available. The best depression treatment centers offer multiple therapies according to what works well for each client. Avoid choosing a rehab that provides a very limited set of treatment modalities, as it may not benefit every patient equally.
Amenities
One of the greatest differences between various depression rehab centers is the amenities they provide. Some of these rehabs are luxury centers that provide an environment equivalent to that of a 5-star hotel, whereas others provide a basic setup with an adequate level of comfort. The choice varies depending on what an individual needs and their budget.
Location
When it comes to location, the best depression treatment centers are always conveniently located. The convenience can also vary from one person to another, as some prefer the rehab to be closer to home so that they can seek treatment while carrying out other obligations. Others may prefer going away from home to a far-off exotic location where they can recover in peace. Regardless of the personal choices, the rehab location must be able to separate patients from their depressive triggers so that they can fully focus on recovering.
Treatment Duration
When it comes to depression treatment, various lengths of programs are available. Some rehabs claim to heal the problem within a few weeks, while others may take up to a month. Remember that long-term problems, such as depression, are usually not manageable within a few weeks. Experts believe that a long-term treatment program, usually one lasting up to 60 to 90 days, must be joined to fully recover. Hence, as you shortlist a depression rehab for yourself, always check if they offer long-term options.
Cost of Treatment
Treatment cost is one of the most important deciding factors when it comes to choosing a depression residential treatment center. The cost can generally vary from one rehab to another depending on the length of the program, level of care needed, and location. Remember that the best rehab for you is the one that you can afford or, alternatively, your insurance program covers. In this way, you can truly focus on healing without having to worry about finances. A
Outpatient Vs. Inpatient Care
Depression inpatient treatment centers provide patients the highest level of care in the most rigorous environment, where they have to follow rigorous schedules and remain under constant supervision. Such an environment is perfect for people recovering from long-term depression with several relapses in the past. However, not everyone can spare time to join an inpatient treatment center, particularly people with strict work schedules or other responsibilities, such as childcare. For them, joining a rehab that offers a flexible outpatient rehab may be a better option. Carefully evaluate if you need an inpatient or an outpatient program, as it may depend on your needs. [2] A rehab can also guide you on what may suit you the best.
Once you have carefully evaluated all aspects mentioned above, selecting the best depression center can become easier. Ensure you consider all variables and identify the most essential aspects. Based on this information, choose a facility that best suits your needs and requirements. It may be difficult to find a rehab that perfectly fits your needs; however, many of them can rightfully assist you toward recovery.
Ten Questions to Ask Before Choosing the Best Depression Rehab
It is common to feel confused about choosing a rehab for depression treatment. To make things easier, consider asking the rehab the following questions.
Do your programs include evidence-based methods?
Some depression rehabs use innovative and unique methods, while others rely on the tried and tested ones. Both can be viable; however, ensure that you choose a facility whose treatment methods are based on solid scientific facts.
Are your program features adequate for my requirements and needs?
Different depression rehabs cater to different needs and requirements. For instance, if your depressive disorder is severe and requires supervised treatment, does your choice of rehab cater to this need by providing an inpatient program? Alternatively, if you have tried to overcome depression multiple times in the past but relapse after completing treatment, does the rehab of your choice provide aftercare services to ensure that it does not happen again?
Does your facility provide holistic mental health care?
Long-term recovery is hard to achieve and requires laying down a solid foundation that stays put for the rest of your life. For this to happen, it is imperative to address the fundamental causes of depression, such as focusing on mental well-being and health instead of merely controlling symptoms. Depression is mostly about a person instead of only being associated with a certain behavior or situation.
A rehab that provides holistic mental health care adopts a more comprehensive approach to depression treatment. For example, it may also focus on diagnosing and treating co-existing issues while encouraging patients to develop other strengths like resilience and empowerment. The goal is the creation of satisfying lives free from any triggers that lead to relapses.
Will the rehab provide post-recovery assistance?
Recovery is a lifelong process that does not end with the conclusion of ongoing treatment. Many people who successfully complete treatment for depression end up relapsing when they return to their normal life. To minimize this risk, it is imperative to ask a rehab if it provides post-recovery assistance in the form of aftercare services. These services may include 12-step counseling programs in the community, regular follow-ups with a therapist, alumni programs and meetings, etc.
Does your program include family support and education?
A mental health disorder, such as depression, is never confined to a single person. Diseases like these are long-term, and their impacts are far-stretched, often involving a victim’s loved ones. This is why one must always select a rehab that also focuses on and supports family members. The best depression treatment centers always have family therapy as a part of their regular programs, which usually have two goals. [3] First, this therapy aims to equip the family with the resources and abilities needed to help their loved one live a depression-free life. Secondly, this therapy helps reduce the impact of depression on their own lives.
Is there a spiritual component to this program?
While not all people believe in religious healing, many prefer joining a treatment center that provides spiritual treatment, like 12-step meetings with a religious element. Consider what your needs are in terms of having a religious or spiritual angle to depression recovery and ask the rehab if it offers it.
Are there any physical components to your treatment program?
While all depression treatment centers provide therapy and counseling for the underlying issue, only a few focus on their patients’ physical health. Research has repeatedly proven that physical variables, including diet and exercise, are crucial to the effectiveness of the overall treatment. Hence, always inquire about education and training in terms of physical health and wellbeing, such as the availability of adventure therapy, yoga, swimming and exercise slots, etc. Meditation is another way of achieving physical well-being while focusing on depression treatment.
Similarly, always ask what services the rehab offers in terms of diet and nutrition. Diet is crucial for overall well-being, and neglecting it can lead to a state of physiological tension, which may slow down depression recovery.
Does your facility offer individualized services?
Treatment needs greatly vary from one person to another. For instance, some people may prefer joining an all-senior program to battle depression, while others may need a gender-specific rehab. Other individual characteristics may include LGBTQ rehabs, programs for handicapped individuals, and age-specific treatment. Tailored programs and treatments always provide people with a greater chance of success. So always ask ahead of time if your rehab of choice is willing to fulfill your special requirements.
Does your treatment program teach life skills?
To live a well-recovered post-depression treatment, a rehab must teach life skills to its patients. Basic skills, such as job training, personal finance, and healthy emotional regulation, are essential to keep rage and stress under control. These abilities also help people prevent obstacles, like relapses, so ensure that the rehab you choose provides life skills teaching as a part of their program.
What is your definition of a “successful recovery”?
This question can be extremely difficult to answer as everyone has a different definition of recovery. To get the proper answer, inquire about a rehab’s expectations when it comes to post-therapy outcomes and check how they measure success. Pay close attention to how they answer this question and notice how their answer makes you feel. If you feel that their response is similar to your definition of recovery, it may be wise to go ahead and begin treatment. It may also be a good idea to talk to someone who has attended therapy at the rehab and ask them about their experience.
Always remember that the level of success is always for a patient to determine. Hence, finding the most accurate treatment center is crucial. Once this treatment center gives a patient the right tools to break free from a depressive disorder, they can start focusing on a healthier, balanced life.
FAQs
When should I choose a depression residential treatment center?
An expert may recommend choosing an inpatient depression rehab center if you present with the following symptoms with severe intensity:
- Insomnia
- Suicidal thoughts
- Feeling too exhausted to take care of yourself or others
- Having audible or visual hallucinations
What is the criterion for the best depression treatment center?
Remember that there is no fixed criterion when it comes to declaring a depression rehab the best of all. This is because the treatment needs and personal requirements may vary from one person to another. What one person may consider the best may not be the most appropriate for the other.
References
1 Goodwin RD, Dierker LC, Wu M, Galea S, Hoven CW, Weinberger AH. Trends in US depression prevalence from 2015 to 2020: the widening treatment gap. American Journal of Preventive Medicine. 2022 Nov 1;63(5):726-33.
2 Driessen M, Schulz P, Jander S, Ribbert H, Gerhards S, Neuner F, Koch-Stoecker S. Effectiveness of inpatient versus outpatient complex treatment programs in depressive disorders: a quasi-experimental study under naturalistic conditions. BMC psychiatry. 2019 Dec;19:1-0.
3 Henken T, Huibers MJ, Churchill R, Restifo KK, Roelofs JJ, Cochrane Common Mental Disorders Group. Family therapy for depression. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 1996 Sep 1;2010(1).
