Portland, Maine Depression Treatment Center

How Depression Works in the Brain

Depression involves chemical changes in the brain. The amygdala is a part of the brain that plays an important role in processing emotions. When an individual experiences stressful life situations, the amygdala is activated, leading to the development of negative feelings about the world or oneself. Chronic levels of stress can lead to neurons no longer being able to function, and a decrease of dopamine in the brain, or the chemical associated with feelings of pleasure. 

Depression Disorders We Treat at Our Portland, Maine Mental Health Clinic

At Bishop Health, our Portland, ME, depression treatment center focuses on treating the depressive disorders outlined in the Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). The DSM is the standard classification tool utilized by healthcare professionals within the United States. At Bishop Health, not only do we treat common depressive disorders, such as Major Depressive Disorder, but we also help treat severe or treatment-resistant depression.  

Major Depressive Disorder

Major Depressive Disorder is a type of depressive disorder characterized by periods of a low or sad mood in addition to periods of lacking interest in hobbies, activities, and more. 

Severe or Mild Depression

At Bishop Health, we help treat mild and severe depressive disorders, including those who have already received some form of treatment but didn’t receive adequate relief from symptoms.

Our Evaluation & Diagnosis of Depressive Disorders

If you or someone you love is experiencing symptoms of depression, it is important to receive a diagnosis by a medical provider in order to determine if a depressive disorder is present and if so, which treatment option would be most beneficial. At Bishop Health, we can provide each individual with an in-depth psychological assessment to identify exactly which mental health concern they are experiencing. 

Portland, Maine Outpatient Depression Treatment

At Bishop Health, we offer various outpatient, depression treatment programs. 

The outpatient treatment services offered at Bishop Health Portland, Maine include: 

• Psychiatric Services
• Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
• Individual Therapy
• Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

IOPs offer intensive care to those experiencing mental health disorders, such as depression, who do not need ‘round-the-clock residential care. The planned and adaptable treatment schedule provided by this program allows each individual the opportunity to receive therapy and support, while still managing their everyday obligations and duties. An IOP’s main objective is to provide the tools and coping mechanisms needed to properly manage depressive symptoms. To learn more about the IOP located in South Portland, Maine, contact us today. 

Depression Treatment Options

Various treatment options can be used to help those experiencing depressive disorders. At Bishop Health, we offer a wide-range of depression treatment options, including psychotherapy, individual, group, and family therapy, and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS).

Therapy & Counseling

Individual therapy, or psychotherapy, is the process by which an individual talks one-on-one with a licensed mental health professional to help them process their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, while also developing adaptive coping and communication techniques. 

At Bishop Health, we utilize the following evidence-based therapeutic modalities during counseling sessions: 

• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
• Dialectical-Behavior Therapy
• Mindfulness and Meditation

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

Transcranial magnetic stimulation, or TMS, utilizes a targeted magnetic field to stimulate areas of the brain to help control mood. TMS is used to help treat depressive disorders, such as major depressive disorder, or persistent depressive disorder.