When you’re experiencing mental health struggles like depression, treatment can be the best course of action. Talking to a therapist is usually one of the first steps that a provider will recommend when you’re experiencing symptoms of depression, such as major depressive disorder or persistent depressive disorder. By seeking outpatient therapy for depression, you’re taking control of your mental health to improve your quality of life.

Outpatient therapy for depression can help you learn about the root issues behind your symptoms, navigate situations that may be contributing to them and learn coping skills to reduce their negative effects on your everyday life.

Learning about what to expect from therapy can reduce the fear of uncertainty so that you can focus on the next step in your mental health journey. It’ll also give you an idea of when more intensive treatment might be needed, such as the Intensive Outpatient Program and Partial Hospitalization Program we offer at Guidelight.

What to expect from outpatient therapy for depression

Therapy is a pillar of depression treatment plans. Medication may also be necessary if symptoms are too severe to manage on a daily basis. Outpatient therapy usually involves seeing a psychotherapist on a regular basis, such as once a week.

In this article, we’ll discuss what you can expect from outpatient therapy for treating depression and the benefits that it can provide.

• You’ll be asked about your current and past mental health challenges.

Just like any other type of health care provider, a therapist will ask you for background information in your first session. For depression, they want to know about your current and past challenges, as well as your psychiatric history and medications. They’ll also ask about other co-occurring conditions, such as anxiety disorders or trauma. The more they learn about you, the better they can tailor their techniques to your needs.

If depression is your primary or only reason for seeking therapy, you’re likely to be asked questions like:

• How long have you experienced depression symptoms?
• What coping skills do you currently use to manage your symptoms?
• How has your depression affected your relationships?

• You’ll collaborate with your therapist to set goals for your treatment.

Since therapy is a journey, it’s important to determine the milestones that you want to hit along the way. Setting attainable yet challenging goals for your depression treatment can help you stay on track to becoming the person you’re capable of being while also feeling a sense of purpose for treatment. You can work together with your therapist to create goals that you hope to achieve throughout your time with them.

Goals for outpatient therapy for depression can be anything from figuring out the root triggers of your depression to finding the motivation to strive for a professional goal.

Examples of goals include:

• Improving your relationship with a specific person
• Learning coping skills for triggering events
• Gaining control over intense negative thought patterns
• Your therapist will ask you to challenge your negative thoughts.

A good therapist’s approach will include evidence-based techniques, such as cognitive behavioral therapy or mindfulness. A common occurrence in outpatient therapy is being asked, “Where do you think that feeling comes from?” Your therapist will want to help you recognize negative thought patterns so that you can try to change your perspective or determine the thought patterns’ connection to your symptoms. In challenging your negative thoughts, they may also encourage getting back to your routine and enjoyable tasks.

By challenging your negative thoughts, you can reframe them and determine if there’s actual evidence that supports them.

• Finding the right therapist is important.

It’s likely that you’ve met at least one person whom you looked to for support who wasn’t the best fit. This can mean anyone from a dentist to a boss. The same idea goes for your therapist. It’s OK if you don’t mesh well with the first one you meet, and you have to look for another. Finding the right therapist means that you’ve found someone who makes you feel comfortable and validated and believes in your ability to make positive changes.

You’ll know you found the right therapist if:

• You immediately opened up to them
• They listen in an active and attentive way
• You effectively communicate with one another

Guidelight can provide a higher level of care for depression

Outpatient therapy can help people with depression manage their symptoms so that they can be productive, make personal connections and chase their dreams. It takes time and patience to see the results, but it’s an endeavor worth starting. When you need a bit more intensive care beyond regular outpatient therapy sessions, Guidelight is here to help.

We provide an Intensive Outpatient Program and Partial Hospitalization Program for people with depression who need a structured level of care to address severe symptoms through individual and group therapy sessions.

Everyone has a seat at Guidelight. Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial evaluation. Our compassionate team is here for you every step of the way.