Depression, also known as major depressive disorder (MDD), is a condition that affects 280 million people in the world. It can be hard to find treatment for depression if you don’t know where to start. This is especially true for those in busy cities like Los Angeles. Here’s what you need to know about depression treatment options in Los Angeles.

What are some of the top symptoms of depression that can benefit from treatment?

There are many symptoms that a person with depression can experience. Do you think you may have one or more of the symptoms of MDD? Check out our MDD quiz here. Some of the most common symptoms that benefit from treatment include:

• Persistent sadness — One key symptom of depression is persistent sadness. A person experiencing depressive symptoms is likely to report a pervasive low mood. Many people with depression report feeling sad more often than not.
• Feelings of hopelessness — In addition to persistent sadness, someone with depression might also report feeling hopeless. They may think and act as if their life has no purpose or speak as if they don’t see themselves having a future.
• Near constant fatigue — Depression is usually associated with frequent bouts of fatigue. This may make getting out of bed to perform daily tasks difficult. They may feel as if they don’t have the energy to do even some of the simplest tasks, like brushing their teeth or showering.
• Irritability or increased anxiety — People experiencing depression will also often feel more irritable or anxious. They may become aggravated quickly or over seemingly small things.
• Loss of interest in daily activities — Many people who have depression will feel a loss of interest in performing the activities they once enjoyed doing. They may express little interest in their usual hobbies or interests. Many people with depression may prefer to spend time alone.
• Changes in eating habits — Depression can also lead a person to develop changes in their eating habits, maybe beginning to eat less each day or eating more than normal for them.
• Changes in sleep habits — Changes in sleep habits are also characteristic of depression. A person may start to get more sleep than usual or may experience insomnia.

What are some available types of depression treatment in Los Angeles?

At Lightfully, we offer several types of treatment in Los Angeles for someone experiencing depression:

• Intensive Outpatient Program — A common type of treatment in Los Angeles for people with depression is the Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). The IOP typically entails one psychotherapy session with a primary licensed clinical therapist per week. They also involve 10 to 15 psychotherapy group sessions led by a licensed clinical therapist. 
• Residential Treatment — Residential Treatment Programs can provide a higher level of support to clients struggling to manage their depression symptoms. Treatment is provided to clients in a comfortable, home-like environment so that clients can stabilize their symptoms. Most residential programs provide frequent psychotherapy sessions with a licensed clinical therapist and weekly meetings with a psychiatric provider. Group sessions occur around 20 to 25 times per week.
• Day Treatment Program — Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHPs) in Los Angeles, which may sometimes also be referred to as Day Treatment Programs, can be effective for people struggling with depression. These programs consist of attending treatment in an office setting during the daytime and returning home for nights. Most PHPs involve frequent individual psychotherapy sessions per week, weekly psychiatry sessions and 15 to 30 group sessions a week. 
• Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program — Virtual Intensive Outpatient Programs (vIOPs) are a type of outpatient treatment that can be effective for people with depression because they don’t require leaving your home for treatment. In LA, most vIOPs include weekly sessions with a licensed clinical therapist. They also include 10 to 15 group sessions per week.

Lightfully can provide treatment options to those with depression in Los Angeles

Our mission is to provide high-quality mental health care to various types of clients. The framework of our clinic consists of evidence-based, clearly defined, data-driven and whole-person-centered care. We have experience working with various mental health disorders, including major depressive disorder. That’s why we’re confident that we can help you manage the symptoms of your depression.

As outlined above, Lightfully offers various levels of care to both adults and teens, in Los Angeles and other California cities: Residential Treatment, Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), and Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), also referred to as our Day Treatment Program. We also offer a Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (vIOP) for adults. We meet each client where they are and create a personalized treatment plan, with each client’s plan fully customized for their needs. 

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.