What Is Inpatient Treatment for Depression?

Is treatment not working for your depression? You might need more support. Learn how inpatient treatment for depression provides 24/7 care in a safe, structured environment.

Inpatient treatment for depression, which is a serious and potentially serious mental health condition, offers a structured, 24/7 support system designed to stabilize and guide people toward recovery and healing. Depression can be debilitating, and inpatient treatment is sometimes the best option for those who are struggling. Here’s what to expect from the inpatient experience, more information on who’s best suited for inpatient treatment for depression, and tips on how to maintain recovery post-discharge.

What is inpatient treatment for depression?

Inpatient treatment, also known as residential treatment, involves staying at a hospital or specialized mental health treatment facility for a period of time to receive intensive care. This treatment option is designed for people with severe depression who may be at risk of harming themselves or others or who have not responded to outpatient treatment, which typically involves regular therapy sessions and medication management without overnight care. If you’re experiencing suicidal thoughts or are in danger of harming yourself, this is a mental health emergency. Contact The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 24/7 by calling or texting 988.

How does inpatient treatment for depression work?

Inpatient treatment provides 24/7 supervision, ensuring that patients’ safety and well-being are the number one priority. These types of treatment programs are structured with a daily schedule that often includes therapeutic activities such as art therapy or yoga, group therapy, and individual counseling catered towards each patient. Medical support is always available, with access to psychiatrists and other professionals for medication management and the treatment of co-occurring conditions, such as anxiety, substance abuse, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and more. Additionally, therapeutic interventions, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), are often provided by each patient’s treatment team to meet their specific needs and reach their recovery goals.

Signs that someone needs inpatient treatment

Inpatient treatment is typically recommended for people with severe depression whose symptoms are not improving with other treatments. This can include a partial hospitalization program (PHP), intensive outpatient program (IOP), or, in some cases, individual once-weekly therapy. Inpatient treatment is particularly helpful for those experiencing suicidal ideation, those struggling with daily functioning, or people dealing with co-occurring mental health disorders. Sometimes, people who require inpatient mental health treatment are diagnosed with persistent depressive disorder before entering treatment. Persistent depressive disorder is a chronic form of depression characterized by a consistently low mood lasting for at least two years, sometimes referred to as dysthymia.

Additionally, people who require intensive monitoring to effectively adjust medications and treatment plans may require an inpatient depression treatment program to ensure long-term mental health and wellness.

What to expect from inpatient treatment

The prospect of inpatient treatment can be daunting, especially if you or a loved one has never experienced it before. Understanding what to expect can alleviate some of the anxiety.

1. Upon arrival at a depression treatment center, patients undergo a thorough evaluation that includes a medical examination, psychiatric assessment, and discussions about their mental health history. Based on this assessment, a personalized treatment plan is created for each patient. A daily routine will include group therapy, individual therapy, recreational activities, regular meals, and rest for overall well-being.

2. Patients in inpatient depression treatment typically engage in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to identify and change negative thought patterns and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) to learn coping skills, emotional regulation, and how to deal with stressful situations. Group therapy offers the support of other people who are in the same inpatient or residential treatment program experiencing similar challenges, fostering a sense of connection and healing. Finally, family therapy is often included and encouraged to improve communication and understanding within the family unit.

3. A psychiatrist will evaluate whether medication is necessary as part of the treatment plan. The inpatient setting allows for close monitoring and adjustments to medication, ensuring the most effective treatment.

How long is inpatient treatment for depression?

The amount of time a patient stays at an inpatient depression treatment center (sometimes referred to as their length of stay) varies and is dependent on the severity of the depression and how the patient responds to treatment. It can range from a few days to several weeks. Before discharge, a plan is usually created by the patient’s treatment team to help them transition into outpatient care, ensuring continued mental health support.

What happens after inpatient treatment for depression?

Completing inpatient treatment is a big step in recovery, but the journey continues after leaving the inpatient depression treatment center. The period following inpatient treatment is a time of adjustment and continued healing. Here are four important steps that are crucial to maintaining the progress made during an inpatient stay and continuing on the path to recovery.

1. Transition to outpatient care

Most people move to an IOP, which includes ongoing supervision by a treatment team. IOPs provide a level of care that is less than inpatient treatment but more than once-weekly outpatient therapy. IOPs often include personal or group counseling to reinforce the skills learned during inpatient treatment, and a psychiatrist will make sure any medications prescribed remain effective and that side effects are managed.

2. Develop a relapse prevention plan

A key component of aftercare is developing a relapse prevention plan. This involves identifying situations or thoughts that trigger depression or other mental health stressors and working with your therapist to develop coping strategies tailored to your needs, such as mindfulness and stress management techniques.

3. Build a support network

Maintaining open communication with family and friends who were involved in your treatment is essential for ongoing support. Utilizing community resources, such as local support groups and mental health services, can provide additional layers of support and help reduce feelings of isolation.

4. Set realistic expectations

Recovery is an ongoing process. It’s important to set realistic goals and practice self-compassion as you navigate life after treatment. Understand that setbacks may occur, but with the right plan and support in place, they can be managed effectively. Having a crisis plan, which includes emergency contacts and safety measures, is also crucial for preventing and addressing potential relapses.

The importance of aftercare after inpatient treatment for depression

Aftercare is essential to sustaining the progress made during inpatient treatment. By continuing therapy, maintaining a strong support network, and focusing on self-care, people can continue their journey toward long-term recovery. The goal of aftercare is to empower people to live a fulfilling life while managing their mental health effectively.

How Charlie Health can help

If you or a loved one are struggling with depression, Charlie Health is here to help. Charlie Health’s virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) provides more than once-weekly mental health treatment for dealing with serious mental health conditions, including depression. Our expert clinicians incorporate evidence-based therapies into individual counseling, family therapy, and group sessions. With treatment, managing your mental health is possible. Fill out the form below or give us a call to start healing today.