Depression Treatment Clinic

Learn about depression

Sadness is a human emotion that everyone experiences throughout their lives. Whether it be the result of a negative experience or simply feeling overwhelmed by the stressors of everyday life, it is normal to struggle with feelings of despair. For most people, these feelings are fleeting and they will eventually be able to overcome them. Some individuals, however, experience feelings of sadness and despair to such an extent that it begins to take over their lives. For these people, their negative emotions take control of their minds to the point that they find that they are no longer able to function appropriately on a daily basis. Even the seemingly simplest of tasks take great effort to complete, leading these individuals to feel worthless and helpless to change. But life does not have to be this way. Depression is a treatable illness, and there is help waiting.

At Vermilion Behavioral Health Systems in Lafayette, Louisiana, we understand that suffering from a depressive disorder can have a devastating impact on a person’s life, so we provide specialized programming designed to meet the sensitive needs of these individuals. With a clear focus on client care and patient safety, our goal is to provide compassionate, individualized, comprehensive, and high quality care and treatment for individuals who are struggling with psychiatric concerns, chemical dependency issues, or co-occurring disorders. At Vermilion’s mental health clinic, we aim to promote each individual’s mental, emotional, and social wellness by utilizing proven therapeutic techniques and providing a safe and structured treatment environment that is conducive to true healing. You do not have to look far for help. The staff at Vermilion is here for you.

Why consider treatment for depression at Vermilion Behavioral Health Systems in Lafayette, LA

Being plagued by the symptoms of a depressive disorder can have devastating consequences on an individual’s life. Things such as going to work or school, maintaining daily responsibilities, and interacting socially can suddenly seem impossible. The exhaustion that these symptoms have on those suffering from depression only perpetuates the cycle of despair as these individuals find themselves incapable of fulfilling obligations, making them feel worse about themselves. For these people, the future may seem bleak, but it does not have to be.

Inpatient treatment services are known to be extremely successful at providing people with the thorough care they need in order to treat their depression. Upon entering an inpatient treatment clinic, individuals are immediately offered a respite from the aspects of their daily lives that have been causing them so much distress. In doing so, the weight of the various responsibilities they feel pressured to complete is lifted, allowing them to focus solely on becoming well. In addition to the support that they will receive from various mental health professionals, spending time at an inpatient mental health rehab also allows individuals to meet other people who are struggling with issues similar to their own and receive support from them as well. Through a variety of different therapeutic approaches, inpatient services can guide you down the path to healing.

Vermilion Behavioral Health Systems philosophy and benefits

For over 30 years, Vermilion Behavioral Health Systems in Lafayette has prided itself in being the most comprehensive, free-standing provider of behavioral health services in the area, providing exceptional patient care in the safest environment possible. Our multidisciplinary team of specialty clinical staff, including addiction specialists, social workers, counselors, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurses, mental health technicians, recreational therapists, and case managers, is devoted to maintaining optimal training and development to increase competency with all of the different populations that we serve. We strive to help our patients explore and process issues and challenges and increase insight and understanding of their own mental health and chemical dependency concerns. By encouraging family involvement and enlisting community support, we aim to assist those who come to us for care in meeting their treatment goals while in the hospital and beyond.

Types of depression treatment offered at Vermilion Behavioral Health Systems in Lafayette, LA

Upon first arriving at Vermilion’s mental health clinic, all patients will receive a free, confidential level of care screening by one of our Assessment and Referral Specialists. After gathering all pertinent information, the A&R Specialist will review the evaluation with one of our psychiatrists, who will then recommend the level of care best suited to meet the patient’s needs.

At Vermilion, we believe in the power of using rational emotive behavioral therapy (REBT) as our main approach to treatment. We have found that this therapeutic model is suited for treating both acute and short-term lengths of stay due to its effectiveness in working quickly by focusing on skill-building, as well as by identifying and disputing irrational beliefs and cognitive distortions. By implementing this REBT approach to treatment, the therapeutic interventions that are incorporated at our inpatient behavioral health rehab include the following:

Detoxification: For adults who come to us dealing with chemical dependency concerns, we provide fully-monitored medical detox services. As part of the 12-step model of recovery, we implement the idea of “rational recovery,” designed to provide patients with the recovery skills that can last a lifetime and prevent future struggles with addiction.

Medication management: One aspect of fully treating the symptoms of depression comes in the form of medication, typically through the use of antidepressants. Each patient will meet with a psychiatrist on a regular basis in order to monitor the effectiveness of any medication that is prescribed and to make any necessary changes.

Group therapy: Group therapy is the main component of treatment at our inpatient psychiatric clinic. Various groups are held on a daily basis and may include discussions on:

• Mental illness education
• Anger management and conflict resolution
• Healthy relationships, including developing effective communication skills and appropriate boundaries
• Goal-setting
• Problem-solving
• Medication education
• Holistic wellness

Individual therapy: Individual counseling sessions are held on an as-needed basis and provide patients with time to meet one-on-one with their therapist in order to discuss any specific concerns or struggles that they are facing, as well as to reflect on goals that have been reached.

Family therapy: We believe that positive changes are initiated through the family unit as a whole, which is why we strongly encourage the family members of our patients to actively participate in the therapeutic process. Family therapy sessions are designed to address issues that affect the entire family and begin the process of identifying solutions. We also offer parents and caregivers education on mental illness and medication management so that they can effectively help their loved one.

Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT): This form of therapy is designed to help people create a rich and meaningful life, while developing the skills needed to effectively handle the pain and stress that comes with life’s experiences.

In order to provide a fully comprehensive therapeutic experience, Vermilion also provides the following:

• Experiential therapies
• Expressive therapies
• Recreation therapy

Continuing care and levels of treatment for depression

At Vermilion’s behavioral health rehab in Lafayette, LA, we believe that thorough planning is critical to ensuring a patient is discharged into the most supportive environment possible after their inpatient stay. By doing so, we are able to promote a positive continuity of care and quality of life, maximize stabilization, and minimize the need for re-hospitalization. Our social services staff works with each patient’s treatment team to develop a discharge plan based on the patient’s needs, resources, preferences, geographic location of residence, family involvement, and community resources. With patient consent, this plan is then passed on to the designated discharge planner who initiates referrals, schedules appointments, and finalizes any other necessary arrangements.

Whatever your needs may be, the staff at Vermilion Behavioral Health Systems will do everything in their power to get you back on the road to a happy, healthy life.