Mental health
Depression treatment in Ohio
Outpatient treatment for major depressive disorder and persistent depressive disorder at four intensities, with cognitive behavioral therapy as the main approach and antidepressant management by a nurse practitioner. Treated whether or not substance use is part of the picture.
- Ambulatory detox
- Not applicable
- Treated at
- Partial hospitalization, Intensive outpatient, Outpatient, Virtual IOP, Alumni program
- Where
- Columbus, Dayton
- Admissions
- (614) 665-8878
Depression as a diagnosis
Major depressive disorder is narrower than a low week. The criteria are depressed mood or a loss of interest in nearly everything, present most of the day and nearly every day for at least two weeks, with enough further symptoms to total five: sleep and appetite going wrong in one direction or the other, concentration failing, movement slowing or the reverse, guilt attached to things that are not your fault, thoughts of death or suicide. Persistent depressive disorder is lower in intensity and runs two years or more.
Leora treats depression whether or not substance use is part of the picture. The assessment covers symptom history, previous treatment, medical history, sleep, current medications and safety, and it sets the level of care.
Levels of care
- Partial hospitalization
- 5 days a week, about 6 hours a day. 4 hours of therapy group, 1 hour of relapse prevention, 1 hour of nurse education, plus 1 to 2 individual sessions. Lunch provided, nurse practitioner weekly.
- Intensive outpatient
- 3 to 5 days a week, 3 hours of group a day, 9 to 15 hours a week. Nurse practitioner every 2 to 3 weeks.
- Outpatient
- 1 to 2 days a week, 2 hours of group plus individual sessions, usually a step down.
- Virtual IOP
- fully remote, anywhere in Ohio, with morning, afternoon and evening sessions.
- Changing level
- planned with your team. Stepping back up does not mean starting over.
Medication management
Leora offers medication management with a licensed psychiatrist, and you meet with a nurse practitioner about your medication. SSRI and SNRI antidepressants are the usual starting points. Sleep and appetite often improve in the first two weeks while mood takes four to six, which is the stretch where people quit and conclude that medication does not work for them.
Appointments are weekly in partial hospitalization and every two to three weeks in intensive outpatient and outpatient, close enough to catch side effects and adjust a dose rather than abandon a medication early. An antidepressant you arrive on gets reviewed, and it stays unless there is a reason to change it. Medication is optional.
The therapy used
Cognitive behavioral therapy is the main approach. For depression much of it is behavioral, rebuilding activity before motivation returns.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy, which tests the conclusions depression draws about you
- Dialectical behavior therapy skills for distress and emotion regulation, which matter when self harm or suicidal thinking is present
- Motivational interviewing and family therapy
- Case management for work, benefits, housing, and appointments you have not been able to make
Limits of outpatient care
Leora has no beds and does not provide overnight care. Depression with active suicidal intent, a recent attempt, psychotic features, or an inability to stay safe between sessions needs a higher level of care than any outpatient program. If the assessment finds that, you are told so. If you are in immediate danger, call 911. The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is 988, by call or text.
After the program
The alumni program offers ongoing counseling, help finding work and twelve step meetings after treatment.
Common questions
Do you treat depression on its own, without an addiction?
How long does an antidepressant take to work?
Do I have to take medication to be in the program?
Can I keep working while I am in treatment?
Is treatment covered by insurance?
Where this is offered
Hope inspired
Talk to admissions about the right next step.
Outpatient addiction and mental health treatment in Columbus and Dayton, Ohio, from ambulatory detox to outpatient therapy groups. Walk-ins welcome. Call now, or leave your number and admissions will call you back.
