Mental health services are professional support systems designed to diagnose, treat, and manage mental health conditions like depression.
Psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, counselors, social workers, and other mental health professionals can provide these services.
They range from crisis intervention to long-term therapy and rehabilitation.
I went to a psychologist to receive my official depression diagnosis and afterward, to get treatment, which I highly recommend because it went a long way toward feeling better.
Mental health services for depression
Depression is a common mental health condition that can be treated through various services, depending on its severity and the individual’s needs.
These are the main types of mental health services available for treating depression:
- Psychotherapy (talk therapy)
Helps individuals recognize and change negative thought patterns. Multiple varieties of CBT exist.
Focuses on improving relationships and social interactions.
Useful for people with intense emotional distress, including suicidal thoughts.
Explores unconscious thoughts and experiences that contribute to mental illnesses.
- Medication management
Medications like SSRIs (fluoxetine, sertraline) and SNRIs (venlafaxine) help balance brain chemicals.
Antidepressants helped stabilize my mood, but it took a couple of weeks to kick in.
A psychiatrist assesses the need for medication and monitors possible side effects.
- Crisis and emergency services
24/7 support from professionals (988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the U.S.).
Hospitalization is recommended for those experiencing severe depressive episodes or suicidal thoughts.
- Support groups and peer support
Led by a professional who allows individuals to share experiences and coping strategies.
Non-professional groups, such as the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, offer shared experiences.
- Inpatient and residential treatment
Utilized for severe depression, especially if there is a risk of self-harm.
Intensive therapy in a structured environment.
- Community-based and online services
Online counseling through video calls or messaging.
Provide low-cost or free therapy and psychiatric care.
Emergency response teams provide immediate support.
- Alternative and complementary therapies
Help reduce stress and improve emotional regulation.
Physical activity improves mood and brain function.
I noticed that my psychological state worsens after not training for a few weeks on end.
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- Art or music therapy
Encourages expression of emotions in creative ways.
Several other mental health services can support people with depression and other mental health conditions.
These services may not always be first-line treatments, but they can be valuable depending on the person’s needs.
Here are some additional options:
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- Helps individuals navigate the mental health system by connecting them to therapists, psychiatrists, housing services, and financial assistance programs.
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- Often provided through community mental health centers, social workers, or nonprofit organizations.
- Assertive community treatment (ACT) and intensive outpatient programs (IOP)
A multidisciplinary team provides long-term, community-based treatment for those with severe mental illness, helping with medication, therapy, and daily life skills.
Offers intensive outpatient therapy sessions several times a week for people who need more than standard outpatient therapy but don’t require hospitalization.
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- A step between inpatient and outpatient care, where individuals attend structured therapy during the day but return home at night.
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- Provides intensive treatment, including group therapy, medication management, and skill-building.
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- Helps individuals with depression and mental illness develop life skills, manage symptoms, and re-enter the workforce or education system.
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- Vocational rehab programs assist with job training, employment placement, and workplace accommodations.
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- Many religious organizations offer counseling from a faith-based perspective, which can be beneficial for individuals who integrate spirituality into their mental health journey.
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- Services may include pastoral counseling, chaplain services, or faith-based support groups.
- Alternative and holistic approaches
Interacting with horses to develop emotional awareness and coping skills.
Outdoor programs that are designed to build resilience and emotional well-being.
While I haven’t followed this particular therapy, I do notice that I instantly feel better and more relaxed when I’m in nature.
Using diet to improve mental health, like omega-3s and gut health connections.
Some individuals find relief through complementary medicine.
- ECT, TMS, and other advanced treatments
Used for severe depression when other treatments fail. It involves brief electrical stimulation of the brain under anesthesia.
A non-invasive treatment that uses magnetic fields to stimulate brain activity and reduce depressive symptoms.
Emerging treatments show promise for treatment-resistant depression.
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- Many schools have counselors, psychologists, and crisis intervention teams available for students who need them.
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- Employers may offer Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) for free short-term counseling and mental health support.
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- Mobile apps like Headspace, Calm, Woebot, Moodfit, and BetterHelp offer guided therapy, meditation, journaling, and self-help exercises.
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- Unlike crisis hotlines, warm lines are non-emergency phone services run by trained peers who offer emotional support and guidance.
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- Local community centers, mutual aid groups, and mental health organizations often run these services.
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- Depression impacts relationships as well. Family or couples therapy helps loved ones understand depression and build supportive environments.
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- Emotionally focused therapy (EFT) and family systems therapy are commonly used approaches.
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- Some therapists incorporate certified therapy animals into treatment.
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- Service animals can be prescribed for emotional support or assistance with psychiatric conditions.
- Psychodrama and expressive arts therapy
Uses role-playing and storytelling to process emotions.
Incorporates painting, dance, music, or creative writing to help individuals explore emotions in a non-verbal way.
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- Sleep disorders often worsen depression. Some sleep specialists work with psychiatrists to regulate sleep cycles using light therapy, melatonin, or cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I).
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- Chronotherapy (adjusting sleep/wake cycles) can be used for seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and bipolar depression.
Creating and adhering to a tight sleep schedule is probably the best thing I’ve ever done to get my depression under control. I have so much more energy now and think a lot more positively just by getting more sleep.
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- Some individuals need legal advocacy for disability rights, workplace accommodations, or mental health-related legal issues.
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- Nonprofits like the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) offer advocacy programs.
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- Culturally sensitive therapy, such as Black mental health services and indigenous healing circles, ensures mental health care is relevant to a person’s background.
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- Horticultural therapy (gardening) has been shown to improve mood and reduce negative sensations.
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- Ecotherapy programs focus on the healing power of nature, outdoor activities, and conservation work.
Final note
Many resources exist to diagnose, manage, and treat depression.
Mild to moderate depression can probably be self-treated without the need for professional intervention or the use of medication.
Severe and sometimes moderate depression will almost always require qualified guidance and medication to deal with the hindering side effects to live somewhat normally.
Nevertheless, it’s always beneficial to seek out a specialist who can help steer you through the whole recovery process and assist when needed.
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