According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (the DSM-5), an individual who is experiencing Major Depression must be assessed for the following symptoms:2
Symptoms of Psychotic Depression include delusions, or false beliefs, as well as hallucination, seeing or hearing something that is not there. According to the DSM-5, Psychotic features may be mood-congruent, (meaning that all delusions and/or hallucinations are consistent with typical depressive themes of personal inadequacy, self-harm, guilt, disease, death, nihilism, or deserved punishment), or mood-incongruent, (delusions and/or hallucinations don’t involve these typical depressive themes).
AMFM is here to help you or your loved one take the next steps towards an improved mental well-being.
There are a variety of different antipsychotic medications and antidepressant medications that have been proven as effective treatment (in combination with psychological treatment) for depression. Some types of antidepressants are listed here, but inquire with a licensed medical professional or psychiatrist for detailed information on different treatments. Never take psychiatric medication unless it is prescribed to you, and be sure to consult with medical professionals in case of external risk factors.
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) and Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SSNIs) are antidepressant medications that treat different neurotransmitters in order to block the reabsorption of serotonin or norepinephrine, keeping more of the chemicals in the synaptic cleft. Some popular SSRIs include Sertraline, Fluoxetine Citalopram and Escitalopram. Both SSRIs and SSNIs are effective treatments for depression, but depend upon the individual, and should be approached with medical guidance and mental health professional advice.
If you’re currently on medications for any other medical conditions, it’s important to review any over-the-counter medications and their interactions with a medical professional. Click here to learn more about the importance of medication management.
Therapeutic Treatment for depression is always recommended, whether in combination with psychiatric care, or separately from psychiatry. While small lifestyle changes like daily physical activity, regular exercise, and stepping outside into the sunlight when possible are helpful tactics, psychotherapy is highly regarded as the most effective method of mental health care for those struggling with mental disorders.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is most commonly referred to as “talk therapy,” and is designed to help process emotions. Qualified professionals offer psychological therapy to move forward with healthy ways of engaging in interpersonal relationships and alleviating physical and emotional distress.
ECT is a form of “Shock Therapy,” designed for brain stimulation, and only utilized in cases of severe depression. While ECT has historically gotten a bad reputation, when properly administered it can be a useful tool for those who cannot accept psychiatric assistance.
TMS is a type of therapy that uses magnetic pulses to treat depression by stimulating certain areas of the brain. This is a noninvasive method of treatment that some mental health programs offer.
A Mission For Michael (AMFM) provides treatment for adults experiencing various conditions. Depression support is a phone call away – call 866-478-4383 to learn about our current treatment options.
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Inpatient Treatment for Depression refers to residential, or live-in mental health care programming in a facility. Inpatient treatment allows you or your loved one to engage in interpersonal therapy with licensed therapists and group therapy sessions, while healing in a safe and supportive environment. Inpatient mental health programming for depression usually also provides the highest level of care, with 24/7 clinical care, psychiatry and medication management, and personalized treatment plans for lasting well-being.
Outpatient Treatment (IOP or PHP) programs offer comprehensive mental health care at a more flexible schedule, with both in-person and virtual options available. Unlike residential care, outpatient treatment can offer online therapy and programming, but without 24/7 clinical teams on staff. Outpatient treatment plans still offer a combination of individual and group therapy, through a holistic approach, but in a less structured environment.
If you have been struggling with one or more of the depression symptoms we have mentioned, know that you’re not alone. A Mission For Michael has admission counselors available around the clock to help determine which treatment options can assist you in managing depression. Contact us today to begin your confidential and free mental health assessment.
Depression can present differently among those experiencing depressive symptoms. There are several forms of depression, each of which have their own features and recommended treatments. While this is not an exhaustive list of mental health depression conditions, it does highlight some of the most common:
Yes, most health insurance companies provide some form of coverage for depression treatment. This often includes both inpatient and outpatient care, depending on your symptoms. Coverage generally applies to therapy, counseling, and medication management services. Your plan may have limitations, exclusions, or required authorizations.
We encourage you to verify your coverage with AMFM Mental Health Treatment to understand the full scope of your benefits. This is especially true if you’re looking for specific treatments, like postpartum depression treatments or persistent depressive disorder treatment options.
Insurance can be complicated but we are here to help. AMFM has over a decade of experience in the mental health field and is in-network with many large insurance providers.
By using our form, we can quickly determine if you are in-network at one of our facilities. Insurance benefits vary greatly depending on the policy you have, so we obtain a detailed quote of your coverage.
It usually takes between sixty to ninety minutes depending on the time of day.
Our team will check insurance coverage and determine the benefits available to you for mental health services.
We also have private pay options available.
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Psychotic depression can include intense depressive symptoms along with delusions (fixed false beliefs) or hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or sensing things that aren’t there). If you notice these symptoms in yourself or a loved one, we encourage you to reach out for an assessment as soon as possible.
Yes. In some cases, a major depressive episode can become so severe that it includes psychotic symptoms like delusions or hallucinations (often called “psychotic depression” or “depression with psychotic features”). The reverse can also happen: people who experience a primary psychotic disorder may later develop depressive symptoms due to changes in brain chemistry, the stress of symptoms, or the impact on relationships, work, and daily life. Because these symptoms can overlap and the right treatment depends on the underlying cause, we recommend a professional assessment so we can determine the safest level of care and build an effective treatment plan.
We take a combined-care approach. Many people benefit from psychiatric support (including medication management when appropriate) alongside therapy. Treatment plans can include evidence-based modalities like CBT and DBT, and we tailor care to your symptoms, safety needs, and clinical history.
Residential treatment is live-in care that provides a highly structured setting with 24/7 clinical support, psychiatry, and ongoing therapy. Outpatient options like PHP and IOP offer comprehensive treatment with more flexibility, and may include both in-person and virtual programming, depending on the level of care.
In many cases, yes—most major insurance providers offer some coverage for depression treatment, including therapy and medication management. Coverage can vary by plan, so our team can help you verify benefits and understand any requirements like authorizations or limitations.
“Psychotic depression.” NHS, https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/psychotic-depression/. Accessed 15 May 2025.
“DSM-5 Criteria: Major Depressive Disorder.” Florida Program for Behavioral Health Improvements and Solutions, https://floridabhcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/MDD_Adult-Guidelines-2019-2020.pdf. Accessed 15 May 2025.
Chokhawala K, Stevens L. Antipsychotic Medications. [Updated 2023 Feb 26]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519503/
“APA Dictionary of Psychology.” APA Dictionary of Psychology, https://dictionary.apa.org/cognitive-behavior-therapy. Accessed 20 February 2025.
“What is EMDR?” EMDR Institute, https://www.emdr.com/what-is-emdr/. Accessed 20 February 2025.
