Depression Treatment in Atlanta, Georgia
At our specialized depression treatment program in Atlanta, we utilize evidence-based treatments that target both the neurobiological and psychological aspects of depression, incorporating advanced modalities such as neurofeedback, cognitive behavioral therapy, and brain-based interventions.
At Peachtree Wellness, we believe in creating a supportive, understanding environment where healing can occur through the powerful combination of scientific innovation and compassionate care.
Learn more about our mental health treatment programs or call us now at 770-202-1260.
Atlanta, Georgia Depression Treatment Options
At Peachtree Wellness Solutions, we offer various depression treatment options to help individuals wherever they’re at on their recovery journey. Each level of care is designed with the complex needs of each client in mind, fully staffed by Master’s Level Clinicians, MDs and Behavioral Health Technicians.
From intensive and round-the-clock monitoring, to outpatient levels of care, our team can help recommend the most depression treatment program.
Our depression treatment options include:
Inpatient & Residential Treatment
Our residential treatment program for depression provides round-the-clock monitoring and support. It is designed for people with severe depressive symptoms who are unable to function normally and individuals who could harm themselves or others.
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
Our Partial Hospitalization Program provides the same level of intensity and structure as our inpatient & residential program. The only difference is that people can return home in the evenings or to a supportive living facility.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
Our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is a step-down level of care from our PHP. It offers more flexibility and freedom as people continue to transition back into their everyday routines. Admission into IOP is determined on a case-by-case basis.
Outpatient Depression Treatment
Our Outpatient Mental Health Rehab Program (OP) is designed for people who need ongoing depression treatment ranging from once a week to several times weekly. Admission into outpatient treatment is determined on a case-by-case basis.
Take Our Free Depression Test
If you need help understanding the severity of your depression, our free assessment tool can help.
The First Step To Treatment: Understanding Your Diagnosis
While our depression screening test can help you make sense of how you’ve been feeling, it’s not a diagnostic tool.
Properly diagnosing depression requires an evaluation by a medical professional or our admissions team who can thoroughly assess your history, symptoms, and overall mental health.
Clinical Depression Criteria
Depression diagnosis follows guidelines established in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), the standard reference used by healthcare providers. According to the DSM-5, a diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder requires:
- The presence of five or more specific symptoms during the same two-week period
- At least one of the symptoms must be either:
- Depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day
- Markedly diminished interest or pleasure in almost all activities (anhedonia)
DSM-5 Depression Symptoms
To meet diagnostic criteria, you must experience five or more of these depression symptoms nearly every day for at least two weeks:
- Depressed mood most of the day (feeling sad, empty, or hopeless)
- Markedly diminished interest or pleasure in almost all activities
- Significant weight loss or weight gain when not dieting, or decreased/increased appetite
- Insomnia or hypersomnia (sleeping too little or too much)
- Psychomotor agitation or retardation (restlessness or slowed movements observable by others)
- Fatigue or loss of energy
- Feelings of worthlessness or excessive/inappropriate guilt
- Diminished ability to think or concentrate, or indecisiveness
- Recurrent thoughts of death, recurrent suicidal ideation without a specific plan, or a suicide attempt
Additionally, these symptoms must cause significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning, and must not be attributable to another medical condition or substance use.
Understanding your diagnosis is the first step toward effective treatment. Our team is here to help you navigate this process with compassion and expertise.
Types of Depression
Understanding the specific type of depression you’re experiencing is crucial for developing an effective treatment plan tailored to your needs.
At Peachtree Wellness, we conduct comprehensive assessments to identify the precise nature of your depression, allowing us to provide targeted interventions that address your unique challenges. Below, we explore the most common types of depression, their distinctive features, and how they might affect your daily life.
Treatment-Resistant Depression
Despite trying multiple depression treatments, those suffering from TRD often find themselves stuck in a cycle of despair.
Postpartum Depression
Our structured postpartum depression treatment helps women overcome their illness and establish a healthy pattern of being a new mother.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that follows a seasonal pattern, typically occurring during the fall and winter months.
Medications For Depression
Medications play a vital role in depression treatment for many individuals. At Peachtree Wellness, we recommend antidepressants that work by influencing your brain’s neurotransmitter systems—the chemical messengers that regulate mood, emotion, and cognition.
With proper medical supervision, these medications can help alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life.
SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors)
SSRIs are typically the first-line medication treatment for depression due to their effectiveness and relatively mild side effect profile. They work by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, a neurotransmitter associated with feelings of well-being and happiness.
SNRIs (Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors)
SNRIs work on two neurotransmitters: serotonin and norepinephrine. By increasing levels of both, these medications can help with mood regulation and may be particularly effective for depression with associated pain or anxiety symptoms.
TCAs (Tricyclic Antidepressants)
TCAs are an older class of antidepressants that affect multiple neurotransmitter systems. While highly effective, they are typically prescribed when newer medications haven’t provided relief, due to their stronger side effect profile.
MAOIs (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors)
MAOIs are one of the earliest types of antidepressants. They work by blocking the enzyme monoamine oxidase, which breaks down neurotransmitters like serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. MAOIs are typically reserved for cases where other treatments have failed.
At Peachtree Wellness, our medical team offers psychiatry services and works closely with each patient to find the most effective medication with the fewest side effects. Medication treatment is most effective when combined with therapy and lifestyle modifications as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
Psychological Treatments For Depression
Psychological treatments, also known as talk therapies or psychotherapies, form a crucial component of effective depression treatment.
These evidence-based approaches help individuals understand the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that contribute to depression while developing practical skills to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most extensively researched and effective treatments for depression. CBT focuses on identifying and challenging negative thought patterns and beliefs that contribute to depressive symptoms. By recognizing how thoughts influence emotions and behaviors, clients learn to replace distorted thinking with more balanced perspectives.
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with mindfulness practices derived from Eastern meditation. Originally developed for borderline personality disorder, DBT has proven effective for depression, particularly when accompanied by emotional dysregulation or self-destructive behaviors.
Individual Therapy
Individual therapy provides a confidential, one-on-one relationship with a trained therapist who can tailor treatment specifically to your needs. This personalized approach allows for in-depth exploration of personal history, relationship patterns, and unique challenges that may contribute to depression.
Group Therapy
Group therapy brings together individuals experiencing similar challenges under the guidance of one or more trained therapists. For depression treatment, groups typically involve 5-10 members who meet regularly to share experiences, provide mutual support, and learn coping skills.
Family Therapy
Family therapy recognizes that depression affects not just the individual but the entire family system. This approach brings together family members to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and develop a shared understanding of how depression impacts relationships.
Altnerative Treatments For Depression
While traditional approaches like medication and psychotherapy remain the foundation of depression treatment, many individuals benefit from complementary and alternative therapies.
At Peachtree Wellness, we embrace a comprehensive approach to healing that incorporates evidence-based alternative treatments to enhance recovery and promote overall well-being. These integrative methods can be particularly beneficial when combined with conventional treatments as part of a personalized care plan.
Holistic Therapy
Holistic therapy addresses the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—rather than just treating symptoms of depression.
Red Light Therapy
During red light therapy sessions, patients sit, stand, or lie down for a short period of time using infrared red lights at the scalp.
Biosound Therapy
Biosound therapy is an innovative treatment that combines biofeedback, music therapy, and vibrational stimulation.
Genetic Testing
Genetic testing for depression treatment involves analyzing specific genes that influence how your body processes medications.
Music Therapy
Music therapy utilizes the natural emotional and physiological responses to music to address psychological, cognitive, and social needs.
At Peachtree Wellness, we carefully integrate these alternative approaches into individualized treatment plans, ensuring that each client receives the combination of therapies best suited to their unique needs and preferences. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive healing experience that addresses depression from multiple perspectives, maximizing the potential for lasting recovery.
Begin Depression Treatment in Atlanta Today
Our compassionate and caring team provides comprehensive treatment options customized to your needs. Let us help you take the first steps to a better tomorrow with you in control of your depression.
Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation.
More on Depression
How Long Does Depression Treatment Last?
Recovery from depression is different for each person. As such, treatment can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months for our residential treatment, PHP, and IOP. Our OP treatment usually lasts much longer since it is ongoing aftercare and support.
More: How Long Is Inpatient Treatment for Depression?
What Happens Once Depression Treatment Is Over?
After completing a residential, PHP, or IOP, most people generally transition to a lower level of care until they only require OP treatment.
Before OP treatment is over, our clients work with their therapists to develop an effective aftercare plan with ongoing support and follow-up care as needed.
How Much Does Depression Treatment Cost?
The cost of depression treatment in Atlanta can vary depending on the level of care and services. However, most health insurance plans provide coverage for depression treatment. Please feel free to contact our admissions specialist to discuss your insurance coverage and mental health benefits.
The Biology of Depression
Depression causes changes in the brain’s chemistry and structure the longer it goes untreated. Most often, neurotransmitters, natural chemicals in the brain that help regulate mood, are affected and not released normally. The reduction in dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine results in an imbalance and causes depressive symptoms.
In addition, studies have shown various regions of the brain look differently for people with depression. Some of the differences can be attributed to excess cortisol, which is released when exposed to excessive anxiety and stress for a prolonged period.
More Articles on Depression
- The Link Between Depression and Eating Disorders
- Depression, Anxiety & Vitamin D: The Connection
- Self-Sabotaging & Depression: The Symptoms
- Can Depression Make You Sick?
- Symptoms of High-Functioning Depression
- Am I Depressed Or Lazy? Understanding the Differences
- Depression in Women
- Depression in Men
- What is Moderately Severe Depression?

Medically Reviewed
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Bryon McQuirt
Last Updated on:
March 13, 2025
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