Crownview Psychiatric Institute specializes in providing personalized treatment for adults who have severe depression and other complex mental health concerns.

Our dynamic approach is guided by the Unified Protocol for Transdiagnostic Treatment of Emotional Disorders. Within this framework, we incorporate the following elements:

  • Evidence-based, research-supported therapies
  • Innovative adjunct services
  • Life skills and work skills instruction
  • Wraparound support overseen by a case manager

Our center is an ideal environment for clients who have been experiencing particularly acute symptoms as well as those who have not responded well to prior treatment.

Our team of dedicated and compassionate treatment professionals works closely with each client to identify their needs and establish realistic goals. We then provide the focused care that can help them achieve these objectives and attain the best possible quality of life.

What Is Depression?

Depression is a mental health concern that is characterized by diminished mood, motivation, and energy levels. Everyone has moments of sadness or even despair. In most cases, these experiences are temporary. But if these feelings persist and become severe enough to impair a person’s ability to function, they may have depression.

The term depression may refer to several distinct disorders, such as the following:

  • Major depressive disorder: People who have this disorder will experience particularly severe symptoms that last most of the day, just about every day, for a period of at least two weeks.
  • Persistent depressive disorder: The symptoms associated with persistent depressive disorder are usually less severe than major depressive disorder, but they last much longer. To be diagnosed with persistent depressive disorder, a person must experience symptoms over a period of at least two years. This disorder was previously referred to as dysthymia.
  • Depressive disorder with seasonal pattern: This is the clinical term for what most people refer to as seasonal affective disorder, or SAD.
  • Depressive disorder with peripartum onset: This is the clinical term for what most people refer to as postpartum depression. The term “peripartum” indicates that symptoms may begin during pregnancy and persist after the baby is born.

Signs & Symptoms of Depression

Depression affects different people in different ways. Also, some people hide their symptoms more effectively than other people do. This means it’s not always easy to tell if someone you care about has been struggling with this disorder.

In general, though, the following signs and symptoms may indicate that a person has developed a depressive disorder:

  • They suffer from crushing sadness and a pervasive sense of hopelessness.
  • Their sleeping habits have changed. They may be sleeping much more than usual (hypersomnia) or they may have trouble falling asleep and staying asleep (insomnia).
  • They seem to have lost interest in topics, events, or activities that used to be very important to them. This may be accompanied by an overall inability to experience joy or pleasure.
  • They have begun to withdraw from family and friends.
  • They have much less energy than usual and they are often tired, even after they’ve had a full night’s sleep.
  • They have trouble focusing, concentrating, and making decisions.
  • Their appetite has changed, and they have unintentionally either lost or gained a significant amount of weight.
  • They frequently have stomach aches, headaches, and other types of generalized pain without an apparent cause.
  • They have difficulty sitting still. They often pace, wring their hands, or otherwise appear to be nervous or anxious.
  • They become overwhelmed when confronted with minor challenges or basic activities such as doing a load of laundry, making an important phone call, or even performing fundamental personal hygiene.
  • They have recurring thoughts of death and dying. This may include thoughts of suicide. They may talk about how the world would be a better place without them, or that they wish they could just go to sleep and not wake up.

Clearly, depression is much more severe than “a case of the blues.” Anyone who exhibits signs like these should consult with their family doctor or another qualified healthcare provider. Completing an assessment and receiving an accurate diagnosis are two important steps on the path to improved health.

Common Co-Occurring Disorders

People who develop depressive disorders may be at increased risk for the following co-occurring mental and behavioral health concerns:

  • Substance use disorders
  • Borderline personality disorder
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Certain eating disorders

The likelihood that a person many have a co-occurring disorder underscores the importance of receiving care at a center that can identify and address the full scope of their needs. Treating one disorder without addressing the other is highly unlikely to lead to a successful outcome.

Effects of Untreated Depression

When a person doesn’t get the type and level of care they need, they remain in danger for considerable physical, psychological, and social harm. The following are examples of the potential negative effects of untreated depression:

  • Broken or destroyed relationships
  • Inability to find and keep a job
  • Substance use / self-medicating
  • Onset or exacerbation of co-occurring mental health concerns
  • Medical problems due to poor self-care
  • Failure to establish financial independence
  • Social withdrawal and isolation
  • Pervasive sense of hopelessness and helplessness
  • Increased risk of self-harm
  • Suicidal thoughts and behaviors

Treatment for Depression at Crownview Psychiatric Institute

Treatment for depression at Crownview Psychiatric Institute often includes medication, psychotherapy, adjunct services, education, and wraparound support.

Medication

Every Crownview client meets with a psychiatrist. If this professional determines that they can benefit from an antidepressant or another prescription medication, we will include this service in their treatment plan.

Our team closely monitors each client’s use of and response to medication, and we will make any adjustments as necessary throughout the individual’s time in our care.

Therapy

Clients who have been impacted by depressive disorders and common co-occurring concerns may benefit from therapies such as the following:

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
  • Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
  • Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
  • Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy
  • Solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT)
  • Strengths-based therapy

We also offer several specialized groups, including expressive arts, wellness, trauma education, and self-expression.

Adjunct services

Clients who receive care for depression may also benefit from one or more of the following adjunct services:

  • GeneSight® testing
  • Psychological Testing
  • IV vitamins
  • IV ketamine
  • Spravato® treatment
  • Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)

Education

The educational component of treatment at our center includes life skills and work skills instruction:

  • Life skills: Topics may include housekeeping, personal hygiene, time management, diet and nutrition, household financial planning, and more.
  • Work skills: Clients participate in employment workshops, motivational interviewing, mock interviews, and several other career-related sessions.

Wraparound Support

An experienced case manager oversees each client’s care and communicates with their family. Case managers also ensure that clients are capable of connecting with community-based services, applying for benefits, navigating the public transportation system, and performing other essential functions.

Community & Connection

In addition to receiving quality clinical services and full wraparound support, Crownview clients also benefit from actively participating in a vibrant, welcoming community.

We understand that severe mental health concerns can have an isolating impact, and we want our center to be a place where every client can feel like they truly belong. The healthy relationships our clients form here – and the compassion they experience every day — are vital components of their care.

With each new connection a client makes, they discover the power of shared support. They also improve their ability to function more effectively within a community, which can help them make a successful transition out of treatment when their time with us is complete.

Learn More Today

If you or someone in your family has been struggling with acute symptoms of a depressive disorder or another mental health concern, Crownview Psychiatric Institute is here to help. Contact us today to learn more about our programs and services.