The National Institute of Mental Health reports that symptoms of depression include persistent feelings of sadness, feelings of hopelessness, lack of interest in previously enjoyable activities, fatigue, trouble sleeping, eating too much or too little, trouble concentrating and suicidal thoughts which may lead to suicide attempts. Numerous hospitals in Atlanta provide treatment for depression.
Outpatient Treatment
Some hospitals provide outpatient treatment for depression. Patients visit regularly to see a psychiatrist that prescribes and monitors medications, attend individual counseling sessions and attend support group meetings as needed. Mental health care professionals recommend outpatient treatment for patients that can function reasonably well in the community, at home and at work or school and that don't feel suicidal. Some hospitals in Atlanta offer outpatient treatment for depression, including the Atlanta VA Medical Center. Many patients that need outpatient treatment for depression seek treatment in private practices, though, not from hospitals.
Intensive Outpatient
Intensive outpatient treatment offers an alternative to inpatient hospitalization for people that need something more than standard outpatient treatment. Mental health care professionals often recommend intensive outpatient treatment for patients that do not pose a risk to themselves or others and that can reliably show up for treatment every day. Patients spend much of the day at the hospital but return home in the evenings, allowing them to receive intensive treatment while still spending time with their families and in the community. Several hospitals in Atlanta offer intensive outpatient treatment for depression, including Ridgeview Institute and Anchor Hospital.
Inpatient Treatment
Inpatient treatment provides intensive treatment in a secure setting. Mental health care professionals recommend inpatient treatment for patients that are suicidal or that might harm someone else. Those that cannot care for themselves at home due to severe depression may also need inpatient care. They receive around the clock care, medication, counseling, education and social services in a safe environment. Several hospitals in Atlanta offer inpatient treatment for depression, including Ridgeview Institute, Anchor Hospital and the Atlanta VA Medical Center.
Treatment for Adolescents
Adolescents experience depression a bit differently than adults do. They often act out and have behavior problems. They respond to treatment differently, too. Some hospitals in Atlanta offer specialized treatment for adolescents, including Ridgeview Institute, Anchor Hospital and Inner Harbor, a residential treatment center.
Treatment Components
Hospitals for depression in Atlanta offer a variety of treatment components, including psychiatric evaluation, medication management, individual counseling, group counseling, family counseling, patient education and therapeutic recreational activities. Some also offer experiential treatments like art therapy, animal assisted therapy and Ropes challenge courses. Inner Harbor residential treatment center for adolescents even offers equine therapy. Hospitals that treat adolescents for depression also offer educational services.
