Does Insurance Cover Rehab for Depression?

You may have been struggling with depression for quite a while, and have tried to get better. You have gone the psychotherapy/antidepressant route, but nothing seems to relieve the dark cloud of depression. A depression rehab setting may be the best move at this point, but does insurance cover rehab for depression?

Thankfully, insurance providers now must adhere to laws that mandate at least some coverage for mental health services, including inpatient rehab settings. To learn more about insurance coverage for depression rehab, read on.

What is Depression?

Major depressive disorder is the second most prevalent mental health disorder in the U.S. after anxiety disorder. Nearly 15 million adults suffer from this debilitating mental health challenge, which represents 6% of all adults.

Depression can range from mild to severe, which is based on the number of symptoms that the person presents with. To be diagnosed with depression you must be exhibiting at least five of the symptoms for at least two weeks. The symptoms include:

• Feeling sad or hopeless most of the time.
• Sudden weight gain or loss.
• Change in sleep habits.
• Sluggish thinking and movements.
• Fatigue
• Loss of interest in the activities once enjoyed.
• Trouble concentrating or making decisions.
• Feelings of shame, guilt, or worthlessness.
• Suicidal thoughts or obsession with death.

The more severe the depression is, the more at-risk the person is for suicide. This is especially true if they also have co-occurring substance use disorder.

Why Don’t More People Get Needed Treatment for Depression?

Of the millions of people who suffer from depression, only 2/3 of them ever seek treatment. Here are some common barriers that might help explain this:

• They believe they can’t afford treatment; they assume insurance won’t cover it.
• They do not want to appear weak or out of control, which is especially true in men with depressive disorder.
• They are worried about the stigma attached to mental health challenges.
• They feel they don’t have time in their busy schedule to deal with a mental health challenge.

About Insurance Coverage for Depression Rehab

It’s true that mental health treatment can be pricy. Even so, insurance companies have come a long way in helping people receive the care they need. However, insurance plans have become very diverse, with each plan providing varying degrees of benefits for mental health treatment. It is up to the patient to obtain the coverage details for their own plan and to plan for out-of-pocket expenses.

These insurance providers offer some level of coverage for depression treatment:

• Aetna
• Anthem
• Asuris
• Blue Cross.
• Blue Cross Blue Shield.
• Cigna
• ComPsych.
• Coventry
• Empire BlueCross.
• Health Net.
• Humana
• MHN
• Magellan Behavioral Health.
• Medicare Parts A and B.
• Multiplan
• Optum
• Premera
• Tricare
• United Healthcare.
• ValueOptions
• Wellpoint

These insurance companies provide at least partial coverage for therapy, meds, and inpatient treatment. To access government or county-funded plans, visit SAMSHA, where a list of covered programs for depression treatment is offered.

What to Expect at a Rehab for Depression

There are different types of depression. These may include major depressive disorder, persistent depressive disorder, substance-induced depressive disorder, bipolar depression, and postpartum depression. This is one reason that the first attempt to treat the depression was not successful. If the therapist didn’t identify the specific type of depression, then the generic treatment is not effective.

Since each type of depression has its own unique features, rehab for depression may be the best treatment option. These programs offer a more tailored and intensive approach to treating depression. The patient will first undergo a thorough intake assessment, and a customized treatment plan is designed just for them.

Here is what you can expect at a residential rehab for depression:

Antidepressants. A doctor will select the best antidepressant for the patient’s specific type of depression. These drugs take about four weeks to become effective in subduing the depression symptoms. It is common for the doctor to trial more than one drug to find the best fit for the patient.

Psychotherapy. Therapy is a central treatment element for someone battling depression.  These talk sessions with a licensed therapist allow the patient to explore possible sources of the depression, such as loss and grief, divorce, financial problems, past trauma, or loneliness. There are several types of evidence-based therapy that are useful in treating depression. However, CBT is the treatment most often used for depression.

Group therapy. When receiving treatment in rehab for depression, patients gather as a group to share their feelings or struggles with each other. These chats are directed by a clinician who will present topics to discuss.

Adjunct therapies. Sometimes a patient will be treatment resistant and may benefit from adjunct therapies. These might include eye movement desensitization reprocessing or brain stimulation techniques such as TMS.

Holistic. Holistic methods can enhance the clinical treatment effects. Holistic activities are helpful in reducing stress and anxiety while in treatment. They might include art therapy, journaling, meditation, and yoga.

Diet. The treatment program will ensure a healthy diet that will nourish the brain and improve wellbeing. A healthy diet includes lean proteins, whole grains, nuts, legumes, low-fat dairy, and fresh fruits and veggies.

Exercise. Regular exercise is shown to boost mood by releasing the feel-good chemicals called endorphins. In treatment, the patients are encouraged to engage in physical activities to help lift the depression.

If you find that your depression is causing impairment in your daily functioning, it is time to seek intensive treatment. A residential mental health treatment setting provides a deeper dive into the reasons for the depression. Once those are determined, the range of depression treatments is much wider than what you would get in outpatient treatment.

Elevation Behavioral Health Luxury Rehab for Depression

Elevation Behavioral Health offers a private residential setting that is the perfect place for healing if you are struggling with depression. Our program blends evidence-based therapies, medication, and holistic therapies while providing a safe, tranquil environment. Call us today to learn if your insurance covers rehab for depression at (888) 561-0868.