What Is Depression?
Depression, or major depressive disorder, is a common and serious mood condition that affects how you feel, think, and function. It involves persistent low mood or loss of interest that lasts at least two weeks and interferes with daily life. Persistent depressive disorder is a longer-lasting, often lower-grade form.
Depression can follow a loss or major stress, but it can also appear without an obvious cause. It often occurs with anxiety, trauma, chronic stress, and substance use.
Recognizing Depression: Symptoms and How It Shows Up
Symptoms include persistent sadness or emptiness, loss of interest, fatigue, trouble sleeping or sleeping too much, changes in appetite, difficulty concentrating, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, and thoughts of death or suicide.
Depression can be easy to hide. Some adults keep working and caring for others while feeling numb or exhausted inside. If you are having thoughts of harming yourself, call or text 988 or call 911.
The Link Between Depression and Substance Use
Depression and substance use often feed each other. Alcohol is a depressant and can deepen low mood, while other substances may offer short relief followed by a crash. Depression can also make it harder to stay in recovery. Treating them together reduces the chance that one condition undermines progress on the other.
How FOY Approaches Depression
Treatment at FOY draws on CBT to address negative thought patterns, behavioral activation to rebuild routine and meaning, DBT skills for emotion regulation, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) to reduce relapse into depressive thinking, and trauma-focused work when needed. Yoga, breathwork, movement, and nutritional guidance support the clinical work.
Adults Living With Depression Who Need More Than Weekly Therapy
Our clients with depression are often adults who have tried weekly therapy or medication and still struggle, who have recently stepped down from a higher level of care, or who also use alcohol or drugs. PHP and IOP provide more support while you remain at home.
FAQs
What are the signs of clinical depression?
Signs include persistent sadness or emptiness, loss of interest in activities, fatigue, changes in sleep and appetite, trouble concentrating, feelings of worthlessness, and thoughts of death. Symptoms lasting at least two weeks and affecting daily life warrant an evaluation.
What is the difference between sadness and depression?
Sadness is a normal response to loss or stress and usually passes. Depression is more persistent, affects many areas of life, and often does not lift on its own.
Can depression and substance use be treated together?
Yes. Integrated treatment addresses both conditions at once with one team and one plan.
Can PHP or IOP help with depression?
Yes, particularly when weekly therapy has not been enough. PHP and IOP provide structured support several days a week, which can help rebuild routine, motivation, and coping skills.
Is depression treatment at FOY only therapy?
Therapy is the core, supported by holistic practices. Your team will discuss what is appropriate for you.
What should I do if I am having suicidal thoughts?
Call or text 988, or call 911. FOY’s admissions line is not an emergency service.
Does insurance cover PHP or IOP for depression?
Many plans cover PHP and IOP for depression when medical necessity criteria are met, and federal parity law requires mental health and substance use benefits to be comparable to medical benefits. FOY is in-network with Blue Shield, Cigna, and TRICARE through TriWest, and we verify your benefits at no cost.
Does FOY accept out-of-network PPO insurance for depression treatment
Yes. FOY works with out-of-network PPO plans from Anthem, Aetna, Multiplan, HMC HealthWorks, and Blue Cross Blue Shield. Many PPO plans reimburse part of PHP and IOP costs after your out-of-network deductible is met. We explain your deductible, coinsurance, and out-of-pocket maximum before you decide, and we handle prior authorization paperwork.
How is PHP or IOP different from weekly therapy for depression?
Weekly therapy can be hard to sustain when depression saps energy and motivation. PHP and IOP provide scheduled, structured days that make it easier to participate.
Start PHP and IOP Treatment in Agoura Hills, California
Talk with our admissions team, check your insurance for free, and find out which level of care fits. Admissions is available Monday to Friday. FOY welcomes adults from Agoura Hills, Calabasas, Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, the San Fernando Valley, and across Los Angeles and Ventura Counties, as well as adults from across the United States who can travel to attend in person.
Confidential. No obligation. In a crisis, call or text 988, or call 911.
This page is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice.