Depression Treatment in Orlando, Florida

Orlando Outpatient Center treats depression in adults through a mental health intensive outpatient program (IOP) in Maitland, just north of Orlando. You attend structured therapy several days a week, in person or by telehealth, and go home each day. To talk with our team, call (407) 968-7717.

Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions in the United States, and it is treatable. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, most people improve with the right treatment, even when symptoms have lasted a long time.

Signs of Depression

Everyone feels low sometimes. Depression is different: symptoms last most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks and get in the way of work, school or relationships. Common signs include:

• A sad, anxious or empty mood that does not lift
• Loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy
• Feeling hopeless, guilty or worthless
• Low energy or constant fatigue
• Trouble concentrating, remembering or making decisions
• Sleeping too much or too little
• Changes in appetite or weight
• Irritability or restlessness
• Thoughts of death or suicide

If you are thinking about suicide or are in crisis, call or text 988 (the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) or call 911 right away. IOP is not an emergency service.

When Is IOP the Right Level of Care for Depression?

An intensive outpatient program sits between weekly therapy and inpatient care. It may be a good fit if:

• Weekly therapy alone has not been enough to improve your symptoms
• Depression is affecting your job, school or family life
• You are stepping down after a hospital stay or residential program and want continued support
• You are safe to live at home and can attend sessions several days a week
• You also use alcohol or drugs to cope and want help with both

Our admissions team will talk with you about your symptoms and history and recommend the level of care that fits. If you need more support than IOP can offer, we will help you find it.

How Our Mental Health IOP Treats Depression

Treatment in our IOP combines group therapy, individual counseling and skills practice you can use right away. Your plan may include:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to spot and change the thought patterns that keep depression going
• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) skills for managing intense emotions, distress and relationships
• Group therapy with peers who understand what you are going through
• Individual sessions with your counselor every other week
• Family involvement when it helps your recovery

If you take an antidepressant or other medication, let us know during your assessment so we can coordinate your care with your prescriber.

Depression and Substance Use

Depression and substance use often go together. Some people drink or use drugs to cope with low mood, and substance use can make depression worse. Our dual diagnosis approach treats both conditions at the same time in hybrid groups, so one does not undo progress on the other.

Schedule, Telehealth and Program Length

Mental health IOP groups meet in the afternoon on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, and hybrid groups meet weekday mornings, with telehealth sessions on Fridays and Saturdays. Most people attend nine or more hours a week for up to 12 weeks, depending on their progress. Telehealth sessions are available to Florida residents. Read more in our telehealth overview.

Insurance and Getting Started

Many health plans cover mental health IOP, but coverage depends on your plan. Our team can check your benefits for free before you start. Visit our insurance page or call (407) 968-7717.

• Call or submit a form. We will listen, answer your questions and check your insurance.
• Complete an assessment. A clinician reviews your symptoms and goals.
• Start treatment. You begin IOP on a schedule that fits your life.

We also treat related conditions, including anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD and trauma. If depression started after a death or another major loss, our grief counseling can help. See all the mental health conditions we treat.

Depression Treatment FAQs