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What Is Depression?

Depression is a mental health condition that can affect how you feel, think, and function. It can change your sleep, appetite, concentration, and ability to enjoy activities. Unlike passing sadness, depression can persist and interfere with daily life.

Major depressive disorder involves a pattern of symptoms that includes depressed mood or loss of interest, typically lasting at least two weeks. Persistent depressive disorder involves longer-lasting symptoms, often continuing for two years or more.[1] A qualified professional can assess your symptoms and determine the diagnosis and care you need.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 322 million people in the world have depression and it is 1.5 times more common among women than among men.[2] 

Depression does not have a single cause. Biological factors, family history, stressful experiences, and other health conditions can all contribute. Having depression is not a personal failure, and seeking care is a meaningful step toward improving your well-being. 

Common Signs and Symptoms of Depression

Depression looks different from person to person. Some people feel deeply sad; others experience numbness, irritability, or a loss of connection to things that once mattered.

Common symptoms include:[1]

  • Persistent sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness.
  • Less interest or pleasure in activities.
  • Low energy or ongoing fatigue.
  • Sleeping too much, difficulty sleeping, or waking unusually early.
  • Changes in appetite or weight.
  • Trouble concentrating, remembering things, or making decisions.
  • Feelings of guilt or worthlessness.
  • Withdrawal from friends, family, or responsibilities.
  • Thoughts of death or suicide.

A symptom list cannot diagnose depression. If these changes persist or affect your daily life, speak with a health care professional.

If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or need immediate crisis support, call or text 988. In a life-threatening emergency, call 911.

When Should You Seek Treatment for Depression?

Consider seeking help when changes in your mood, energy, or motivation make it difficult to manage work, relationships, or basic self-care. You can also reach out if symptoms are worsening, previous treatment has not provided enough support, or you are using alcohol or drugs to cope.

You do not have to wait until symptoms become severe. An assessment can help clarify what you are experiencing and whether weekly therapy, a structured outpatient program, or a higher level of care is appropriate. Urgent safety concerns require immediate assessment and may call for emergency or inpatient care. 

Depression IOP in Los Angeles: What the Program Looks Like

Treatment is built around the individual. Your experiences, current challenges, previous treatment, and recovery goals help guide the care plan.

For clients with depression and a co-occurring substance use disorder, care addresses both concerns together. Treatment can draw from individual counseling, group therapy, behavioral therapies, psychiatric support, and practical recovery skills.

Therapy creates space to understand patterns, work through difficult experiences, and practice healthier ways of responding to stress. Psychiatric evaluation and medication management may also be part of care when clinically appropriate. Antidepressants are one treatment option for depression, and decisions about medication should involve a qualified prescriber.

Your treatment needs may change over time. Discussing what is helping, what remains difficult, and what support you need next allows the plan to evolve with you.

Depression Treatment Programs Available in Sherman Oaks

THC Recovery offers several levels of outpatient care and recovery support. The appropriate program depends on your clinical needs, safety, and ability to participate. Our team can explain current availability and whether a program fits your situation.

Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)

A partial hospitalization program provides a structured daytime treatment setting while allowing participants to return home outside program hours. PHP offers more intensive support than standard outpatient care and may be appropriate when symptoms require frequent therapeutic attention without around-the-clock supervision.

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

An intensive outpatient program includes multiple treatment sessions each week. IOP offers regular therapy and skill development while leaving time outside treatment for daily responsibilities. It may serve as an initial level of care or a transition from a more intensive program.

Outpatient Program (OP)

Our outpatient program provides ongoing support with less structure than PHP or IOP. Outpatient care can help clients continue practicing skills, address challenges as they arise, and maintain connection to treatment as their needs change.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment

When depression occurs alongside a substance use disorder, dual diagnosis treatment addresses both conditions within a coordinated plan. This approach considers how mood symptoms and substance use affect one another, rather than expecting you to manage either concern alone.

Medication-Assisted Treatment for Co-Occurring Addiction

For eligible clients with certain substance use disorders, Medication-Assisted Treatment combines prescribed medication with counseling and behavioral care. It may support addiction recovery when depression is also present. Addiction-focused MAT and antidepressant treatment serve different purposes; a clinician can explain which options are relevant to your needs.

Aftercare Support

Recovery continues beyond a structured program. Aftercare support helps clients plan for ongoing care, stay connected to recovery resources, and navigate challenges after treatment. 

Family Support

Depression and addiction can affect the people closest to you. Family support can help loved ones better understand recovery, communicate more effectively, and develop healthier ways to offer support.

Therapies Used to Treat Depression in Sherman Oaks, CA

Different therapies serve different purposes. THC Recovery offers a range of approaches that may be incorporated based on your assessment, goals, and co-occurring concerns. Your plan does not need to include every modality to be useful.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive behavioral therapy helps you identify and work with unhelpful patterns of thinking and behavior. For depression, this can include examining harsh self-judgments and taking manageable steps toward activities that bring connection, purpose, or enjoyment. 

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Dialectical behavior therapy teaches skills involving mindfulness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and relationships. These skills may support clients who experience intense emotions or struggle to cope with distress alongside depression. 

Individual Therapy

Individual therapy offers one-on-one time to explore your concerns and treatment goals. Sessions can focus on personal experiences, relationships, coping patterns, and obstacles that make daily life difficult.

Group Therapy

Group therapy provides opportunities to learn with others in a therapeutic setting. Sharing experiences, receiving feedback, and practicing skills can help clients build connections during treatment. 

Motivational Interviewing

Motivational Interviewing explores your own reasons for change and any uncertainty about treatment or recovery. It can help you identify meaningful goals and consider practical steps toward them. 

Trauma and PTSD Therapy

When trauma-related concerns coexist with depression, trauma and PTSD therapy may become part of the treatment plan. Care considers how past experiences affect your present sense of safety, relationships, and ability to cope.

EMDR Therapy

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a trauma-focused approach that may be appropriate for some clients with distressing memories or PTSD. Its inclusion depends on clinical assessment; it is not automatically part of every depression treatment plan. 

Life Skills Therapy

Life skills therapy focuses on practical areas such as communication, organization, and daily routines. For clients whose symptoms have disrupted everyday functioning, these skills can support the process of rebuilding consistency.

Holistic Therapy

Holistic therapy provides complementary approaches within a broader care plan. Mindfulness and other supportive activities can create opportunities to practice self-awareness and stress management alongside clinical treatment.

Relapse Prevention Therapy

For clients with co-occurring addiction, relapse prevention therapy addresses situations, emotions, and patterns associated with returning to substance use. Planning for difficult periods can help clients respond to mood-related triggers and seek support earlier. 

Depression and Addiction: Treating Both Together

Some people use alcohol or drugs to cope with emotional pain. Substance use and withdrawal can also complicate mood symptoms, making it difficult to understand what is contributing to depression.

THC Recovery’s integrated approach considers both mental health and substance use. Treatment can include identifying triggers, developing coping skills, reviewing psychiatric needs, and building a support plan.

Our harm reduction approach recognizes that recovery goals and experiences differ. Care focuses on reducing harm and supporting meaningful progress through an individualized plan. 

What to Expect When Starting Depression Treatment in California

The first step is to contact our admissions team and share what you are looking for. You can ask about available programs, treatment schedules, eligibility, and insurance.

A clinical assessment helps identify your symptoms, treatment history, and any substance use or other concerns that need attention. This information guides recommendations about the level of care and services that may fit your needs.

As treatment progresses, your goals and response to care help shape the next steps. Planning for continued support is part of preparing for life beyond a structured program.

Accessing Depression Treatment in Sherman Oaks and Los Angeles, CA

THC Recovery is located in Sherman Oaks, within the San Fernando Valley, and serves individuals seeking mental health and addiction treatment throughout the greater Los Angeles area.

Our service area includes:

  • Sherman Oaks
  • Los Angeles
  • Burbank
  • Encino
  • Glendale
  • North Hollywood
  • Pasadena
  • Santa Clarita
  • Van Nuys
  • West Hollywood
  • Woodland Hills
  • Communities throughout the San Fernando Valley

When considering outpatient treatment, it helps to discuss your schedule, transportation, and the frequency of visits required. Our team can explain available programs and help you explore care that fits your clinical needs.

THC Recovery — The Healthier Choice Recovery
15335 Morrison St, Suite 218–220
Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
Phone: 818-538-3060

Our team can also help you review insurance benefits. Coverage and out-of-pocket costs depend on your plan, the recommended services, and any authorization requirements.

Verify your insurance benefits or contact our team to learn more about depression treatment in Sherman Oaks and the Los Angeles area.

Get Help for Depression at THC Recovery

When depression makes life feel difficult, reaching out can be a first step toward support. THC Recovery in Sherman Oaks, CA, helps people throughout Los Angeles explore personalized care for mental health and co-occurring addiction concerns.

Call 818-538-3060 to discuss your needs, contact admissions, or verify your insurance.

Frequently Asked Questions About Depression Treatment

How do I know whether I need depression treatment?

If changes in your mood, interest, energy, or sleep persist or interfere with everyday life, an assessment can help. You don't need a confirmed diagnosis to ask a professional for support.

What is the difference between PHP, IOP, and outpatient treatment?

PHP generally provides the most intensive daytime structure of these options. IOP includes multiple sessions each week, while standard outpatient care offers less frequent support. A clinical assessment helps determine the right level of care. 

Can I receive treatment while continuing to work?

Some outpatient programs may fit around work or other responsibilities. The right arrangement depends on your symptoms and the program schedule. Ask THC Recovery about current scheduling before making plans.

Does depression treatment always involve medication?

No. Depression treatment may involve psychotherapy, medication, or both. A qualified clinician can discuss options based on your symptoms, preferences, and health history. 

Can THC Recovery treat depression and addiction together?

THC Recovery offers dual diagnosis treatment for co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. The team can assess your needs and explain which services are appropriate. 

Does insurance cover depression treatment?

Many insurance plans include mental health benefits, but coverage varies. Benefits verification can clarify coverage, authorization requirements, and potential costs for the recommended program. 

References:

  1. The National Institute on Mental Health (NIMH): Depression
  2. The World Health Organization (WHO): Depression

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