Why treatment quality matters

Choosing a depression treatment program can be a powerful first step toward sustainable mental health. Depression is highly treatable, but not all depression treatment programs are created equally. 

High-quality depression treatment programs are not one-size-fits-all. You deserve proper support from exceptionally trained, compassionate experts. 

A program like a Residential Treatment Center (RTC) is personalized to fit your needs and treatment goals. Depression treatment requires many tools and therapeutic techniques to support long-term healing.

Our experts combine structured support with compassionate and interactive sessions that include individual therapy sessions, group or family therapy sessions, on-site yoga and movement opportunities, and more. 

When you’re choosing a depression treatment program, it can feel overwhelming to try to find one that checks off all your boxes. Remember that your needs are valid, and you can and should explore as many programs as you need to before you feel comfortable selecting one. 

Today’s blog will help you understand what qualities you should look for in a high-quality depression treatment program. 

• Use an evidence-based therapeutic model

High-quality depression treatment should include evidence-based therapeutic techniques. Some treatment modalities may be more effective than others for treating depression. It’s also important that your clinical provider feels comfortable using many modalities to find what works best for you. Examples of effective evidence-based therapies for treating depression include: 

• Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)   

DBT teaches clients new strategies for managing their stress and regulating their emotions. This can be beneficial for those struggling with intense emotions or self-destructive tendencies. 

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) 

CBT is different from DBT because it focuses on identifying negative thought patterns. CBT can teach clients how to plan healthier coping strategies to regulate their emotions.   

• Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) 

ACT encourages clients to accept their thoughts and feelings, rather than trying to resist them. This approach can support healthier thought patterns and help build emotional stability. 

• Provide consistent and coordinated clinical care

A high-quality depression treatment program will include access to various mental health professionals. This may include licensed therapists to lead individual sessions, group sessions or family sessions. 

You might have a psychiatrist on your care team to help with medicine management, if that is in your treatment plan. Treatment programs for depression that are 24/7 will provide you with oversight from experienced mental health professionals. 

• Follow a structured daily schedule

A high-quality treatment program for depression will stick to a structured schedule during your care. By following a daily routine, you can reduce feelings of uncertainty about how your program will be run. Supportive structure can help you create feelings of safety and focus. 

For example, our Intensive Outpatient Program provides three to six hours of programming a day, five days a week. It’s a good idea to inquire if the program you’re looking at follows a predictable, but supportive structure. 

• Build practical skills for everyday life

At Lightfully, in combination with your weekly personalized treatment plans, our experts include weekly outings. This allows you to practice any of the skills or coping strategies you’ve learned in real-life situations. Practicing your new skills can make it easier for you to rely on these strategies after you complete your treatment program. 

• Offer ongoing support through transitions

Lastly, it’s important to explore what kind of support your treatment program can provide to you after you complete your program. Look for programs that offer structured support for people transitioning to different levels of treatment, such as step-down care options or alumni networks. For instance, after completion of an RTC that provides 24/7 support, you might consider moving down to a program that doesn’t provide overnight care, such as a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP). 

Some treatment centers might connect you to alumni members who have completed the same treatment program as you. A post-treatment program, like an alumni program, is a great way to meet people who have similar experiences to yours. 

Choosing a path forward

At Lightfully, our experts understand that you are a whole person and should be treated as such. Our clinical care team uses our Precision Care Model (PCM) as the framework for every treatment plan they create. PCM addresses the fundamental, interconnected processes that are the basis of mental health conditions, such as depression. 

Lightfully’s approach remains the same across our four levels of care. Each client will receive a treatment plan fully tailored to them. Our experts rely on evidence-based techniques that are backed by scientific evidence to show effectiveness. 

Change is possible. When you’re ready to take the first step, reach out to our Admissions Concierge Team. We’ll take the next steps together, toward the fullest, brightest version of you.