Depression Treatment Center in Louisiana

Treatment for depression at Acadiana Treatment Center in Sunset, LA

Depression is a mental health disorder that can cause a person to experience diminished energy, profound sadness, loss of self-confidence, pervasive hopelessness, and several additional similar effects.

Challenges related to emotions, energy, and confidence are far from uncommon among adolescents. However, the impact of depression is far more distressing than the typical phases that most adolescents go through during this time of growth and change.

Depression is actually a general term that is often applied to multiple forms of this disorder. The accurate clinical term for depression is depressive disorder. Two of the most common forms of depression that impact adolescents are major depressive disorder and persistent depressive disorder.

These and other types of depressive disorders that are listed in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) are differentiated by factors such as the nature, onset, and intensity of symptoms.

Adolescents who struggle with depression may experience pervasive sadness, loss of interest in significant activities, inability to experience pleasure, persistent thoughts of death, significant unintentional weight loss, disrupted sleep patterns, and a variety of additional distressing symptoms.

Depression can have a significant negative impact on an adolescent’s life. But depression is a treatable condition. With the right type and level of care, adolescents can learn to manage their symptoms and achieve improved mental health.

Acadiana Treatment Center offers personalized, age-appropriate depression treatment for adolescents ages 12-17. Residential depression treatment at our center in Sunset, Louisiana, is a comprehensive experience that features an array of customized therapeutic interventions, all of which are provided by compassionate professionals in a safe and supportive environment.

Helping your child get treatment for depression

If your child or another adolescent in your life has been struggling with depression, you may be experiencing an array of difficult emotions. You may be confused by their behavior, worried about their health, afraid of how depression may impact their life, and even frustrated by what they’re experiencing. Please know that reactions like these are absolutely valid and completely understandable.

If your child is struggling with depression, they need effective professional treatment. Depression is not a typical teen phase, and it will not go away on its own. To ensure that your child gets the care they need, please consider the following:

• First, of course, you want to ensure that your child is safe. Depression can increase a young person’s risk for self-harm or suicide. If you fear that your child is in imminent danger, summon your community’s first responders, call 911, or contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.
• Don’t be afraid to talk about depression, self-harm, or suicide with your child. Discussing these matters won’t “put ideas into their head” or otherwise increase their risk for negative outcomes. Having conversations about these topics can be difficult, but they can also be extremely valuable. Discuss your concerns, emphasize your love and support, and do whatever you can to keep the lines of communication open between you and your child.
• Educate yourself about depression among adolescents. Consult with your family doctor, contact a local mental health advocacy organization, or visit reputable websites. The more you learn about this disorder, the better prepared you’ll be to provide meaningful support and take effective action to help your child.
• Research effective treatment for adolescents who have depression. Remember, there’s no such thing as one perfect type of depression treatment for adolescents. Look for the types of depression treatment that seem to be best suited for your child. You will also want to identify sources of adolescent depression treatment that offer these types of care. Focus on finding the adolescent depression treatment program that’s the best fit for your child.
• Contact the adolescent depression treatment programs that you’ve identified. Any reputable treatment provider should be happy to answer all your questions, invite you to tour the center, and otherwise provide you with the information you need. Be wary of any program that cannot or will not provide you with the detailed information you’re seeking.
• While your child is in treatment for depression, take part in family therapy and all other family support opportunities that are available to you. This will allow you to remain a vital presence in your child’s life while they’re in treatment. It will also prepare you to provide the best possible support for your child after they’ve completed treatment and have returned home.

Throughout this entire experience, don’t lose sight of the fact that depression is a complex challenge, and recovery is a long-term process. Your child will experience both successes and setbacks during and after their time in treatment for depression. Manage your expectations, set reasonable goals, and plan to be a continued source of love and support.

Why consider getting depression treatment at Acadiana Treatment Center in Sunset, LA

Untreated depression can have a profound negative impact on an adolescent’s life. Young people who need, but do not receive, effective professional treatment for depression may be at increased risk for considerable harm in virtually all areas of their life.

Adolescents who are struggling with untreated depression may have difficulties in the context of their relationships, school, and self-image. Strained or ruined friendships, academic setbacks, and similar challenges are far from uncommon among adolescents who have untreated depression.

Unfortunately, such occurrences can lead to worsening symptoms, which in turn can put adolescents at risk for withdrawal, isolation, and self-defeating behaviors such as substance abuse or self-harm. Adolescents who continue to live with untreated depression may also experience physical health problems, co-occurring mental health challenges, and thoughts of suicide.

But when an adolescent receives proper treatment for depression from a reputable provider such as Acadiana Treatment Center, they can experience significant improvements in mental health and overall quality of life. While a young person is healing at our adolescent depression treatment center in Sunset, Louisiana, they will be under the constant supervision of a team of experienced professionals.

Acadiana Treatment Center is a safe, structured, and supportive environment for adolescents who have been living with depression. Here, adolescents receive the comprehensive depression treatment that reduces their risk for future harm and empowers them to heal from past damage.

Learn about the therapies used in the treatment of depression at Acadiana Treatment Center in Sunset, LA

At Acadiana Treatment Center, each adolescent who receives care for depression follows a personalized treatment plan. We develop these plans following a thorough assessment of each young person’s strengths, needs, and goals. Our focus on customized care means that no two young people will have identical experiences at our depression treatment center in Sunset, Louisiana.

The members of your child’s treatment team will monitor their progress throughout their time with us and revise their plan as necessary to ensure that they’re receiving maximum benefit from our therapies and other services.

Depending on a host of individual factors, your child’s personalized depression treatment plan at Acadiana Treatment Center may include the following elements:

Medical care: The Acadiana Treatment Center staff includes a medical doctor and a nurse practitioner. These experienced professionals are available to provide basic medical care for adolescents who are receiving treatment with us for depression and other mental health challenges. Adolescents typically meet with a member of our medical staff on a weekly basis, with additional meetings available as needed. If your child develops a complex medical condition during their time with us, they will be referred to the most appropriate healthcare provider in the Sunset, Louisiana, area.

Medication management services: Certain prescription medications can help adolescents who have been struggling with depression. If your child can benefit from this type of care, we can include medication management services in their personalized treatment plan. As is the case with all elements of your child’s care, you will be consulted and kept up to date on all medication-related decisions throughout your child’s time in treatment for depression at our center in Sunset, Louisiana.

Individual therapy: All adolescents who are receiving care for depression at Acadiana Treatment Center participate in regularly scheduled individual therapy sessions. These one-on-one meetings with a master’s-level therapist are excellent opportunities for adolescents to process their experiences at our center, address topics they may be hesitant to bring up in a group setting, and receive focused feedback from a member of their treatment team.

Adolescents typically take part in two individual therapy sessions per week throughout their time in treatment for depression, and they may schedule additional sessions as needed.

Family therapy: At Acadiana Treatment Center, we understand how the entire family can be affected when an adolescent struggles with depression. We also appreciate the vital role parents and other caregivers can play during and after a young person’s time in residential treatment for depression. For these reasons, we provide family therapy on a regular basis, typically once per week. Depending on what’s best for you, family therapy sessions may be held in person or via a conference call. All family therapy sessions at our treatment center in Sunset, Louisiana, are led by a master’s-level therapist.

Group therapy: At Acadiana Treatment Center, groups are an essential component of residential care for adolescents who have been dealing with depression. Groups are structured and supportive forums where young people can gain insights into important topics related to depression treatment and recovery, learn from the experiences of other adolescents who have had similar struggles, and share their own thoughts and feelings.

Adolescents who are receiving treatment for depression typically participate in two psychotherapy groups each week. These groups, which are led by a master’s-level therapist, are based on the cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) model, with elements of dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and other models incorporated as needed.

In addition to these psychotherapy groups, we also offer an array of educational groups on a variety of topics, such as the following:

• Health promotion and self-care
• Relaxation and anxiety management
• Healthy recreation
• Social skills
• Coping skills
• Conflict resolution
• Anger management
• Making decisions
• Setting goals
• Substance abuse prevention
• Independent living skills

Experiential therapy: Experiential therapy can be a valuable complement to traditional individual and group therapy for adolescents who are receiving residential treatment for depression. Various forms of experiential therapy can help adolescents process their experiences, express their emotions, and view their challenges from a new perspective.

During your child’s time at Acadiana Treatment Center, they may participate in a variety of experiential therapies, including art therapy, music therapy, other expressive activities, movement therapy, games, and play therapy. Activity-based therapeutic opportunities are incorporated into our daily schedule. We also typically offer at least one supervised outing each week.

Continuing care options for depression treatment

Residential care for depression at Acadiana Treatment Center can be an essential part of an adolescent’s path toward improved mental health. However, we understand that your child’s recovery will continue long after their time with us has concluded.

To ensure that your child is best prepared to maintain and build on the progress they make with us, we will provide you with a detailed discharge plan prior to the end of your child’s time at our depression treatment center in Sunset, Louisiana. As with all elements of the residential experience at Acadiana Treatment Center, this plan will be customized to reflect and address your child’s unique strengths, needs, and goals.

Some adolescents can benefit from structured step-down support after they complete our residential treatment program for depression. If your child needs this type of follow-on care, their discharge plan can include a referral to a partial hospitalization program (PHP) or intensive outpatient program (IOP). The discharge plan may also include a referral to a trusted provider of traditional outpatient services in your area, if we determine that this type of continuing care is in your child’s best interests.

The discharge plan may also include information about peer support groups, family support services, depression advocacy organizations, or any other resources that will be of value to your child and your family in the weeks, months, and years to come.

For additional details about our discharge planning process, to learn more about continuing care for depression, or for answers to any other questions you may have about any aspect of depression treatment at Acadiana Treatment Center, please contact us at your convenience. A member of our team is available 24/7 to provide you with the information you need so that you can make the best decisions for your child and your family.