Depression Treatment
Evidence-based treatment for depression in Mercer, McDowell, and Wyoming counties
Understanding Depression in Rural West Virginia
Professional depression treatment in Southern West Virginia. Our licensed therapists and psychiatrists provide evidence-based care for major depressive disorder, persistent depressive disorder, and seasonal affective disorder.
At Southern Highlands Community Mental Health Center, we've been providing evidence-based care for depression in Mercer, McDowell, and Wyoming counties since 1968. As a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC), we understand the unique challenges facing rural Appalachian communities—economic hardship, limited access to specialists, transportation barriers, and the stigma that still surrounds mental health care in small towns.
Our integrated care model means you don't need to drive hours to see a psychiatrist in Charleston or coordinate between multiple providers across different systems. Your therapist, psychiatrist, case manager, and peer support specialist work as one team, sharing information and adjusting your treatment plan together. This coordination—rare in rural healthcare—leads to better outcomes and fewer gaps in care.
Why Local, Integrated Care Matters
In Southern West Virginia, the nearest psychiatric hospital may be 90 minutes away. The nearest trauma specialist might only accept private insurance. And if you're in crisis at 10 PM on a Saturday, your options are often limited to an emergency room that isn't equipped for mental health emergencies.
We're different. Our 24/7 Crisis Stabilization Unit is staffed by local clinicians who know our community. When you call our crisis line, you're not routed to a national call center—you're speaking with someone who understands what it means to live in Princeton, Mullens, or Rockview. And because we're a CCBHC, we cannot turn you away due to inability to pay. If you need help, we provide it—regardless of insurance status.
Our Treatment Approach for Depression
Treatment begins with a comprehensive evaluation where we learn about your symptoms, medical history, current stressors, and goals. We don't use cookie-cutter treatment plans. What works for someone in a large city with robust family support may not work for someone in rural Appalachia managing chronic pain, unemployment, or caring for aging parents while working two jobs.
Your treatment plan may include individual therapy, medication management with our psychiatrists, group therapy, peer support from someone who's been through similar challenges, and case management to help with practical barriers like transportation, insurance navigation, or connecting to other community resources. If you need more intensive support, we offer residential treatment programs and can coordinate with primary care, schools, courts, or other providers.
"[REPLACE WITH REAL CLINICIAN QUOTE: Include specific insights about treating depression in rural Appalachia, unique challenges faced by patients in Southern WV, and the clinician's approach to care. 2-3 sentences. Example: 'Depression in rural Appalachia often goes hand-in-hand with economic hardship, isolation, and limited access to care. At SHCMHC, we understand these unique challenges and provide integrated support that addresses both mental health and practical barriers like transportation and insurance.']"
— [CLINICIAN NAME], [CREDENTIALS] (e.g., Dr. Sarah Mitchell, MD, Medical Director)
What to Expect: Your First Visit
1. Scheduling & Walk-Ins
Call (304) 425-9541 to schedule an appointment, or walk in during office hours at any of our six locations. If you're in crisis, our 24/7 Crisis Stabilization Unit is always available—no appointment needed.
2. Initial Evaluation (60-90 minutes)
A licensed clinician will meet with you to understand what you're experiencing, how long symptoms have been present, what's helped or hasn't helped in the past, and what your goals are. We'll ask about medical history, medications, family history, and current stressors. This isn't an interrogation—it's a conversation to help us understand how to best support you.
What to bring: Photo ID, insurance card (if you have one), list of current medications, and any questions you want to ask. If you don't have insurance, we'll discuss sliding-scale fees and help you apply for coverage if eligible.
3. Treatment Planning
Together, we'll create a treatment plan tailored to your needs. This might include weekly therapy sessions, a psychiatric evaluation for medication, group therapy, or connection to peer support. We'll explain what each service involves, how often you'll be seen, and what the goals are. You're part of the decision-making process—this is your treatment, and your input matters.
4. Ongoing Care & Coordination
Your care team meets regularly to discuss your progress and adjust treatment as needed. If you're also seeing a primary care doctor, we can coordinate with them (with your permission). If you need help with transportation, housing, or other practical barriers, our case managers can connect you to community resources. Recovery isn't linear, and we're here for the long haul.
Common Signs & Symptoms
If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, professional help is available:
- Persistent sadness or empty mood
- Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
- Changes in sleep patterns (insomnia or oversleeping)
- Significant weight loss or gain
- Fatigue and loss of energy
- Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Thoughts of death or suicide
Treatment Options
Our comprehensive approach to treating depression includes:
Individual therapy (CBT, interpersonal therapy)
Medication management with psychiatrist
Group therapy and peer support
Lifestyle counseling and wellness planning
Why Choose SHCMHC for Depression Treatment?
56 Years of Experience
Trusted mental health care since 1968
Expert Team
Licensed psychiatrists, therapists, and counselors
6 Convenient Locations
Serving Mercer, McDowell, and Wyoming counties
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does treatment for depression usually take?
Will I need to take medication for depression?
What if I don't have insurance or can't afford treatment?
Can I see the same therapist every time, or will I see different people?
What if I need help outside of office hours?
Visit Us at Any Location
We have 6 convenient locations throughout Southern West Virginia. Find the clinic nearest you.
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Ready to Start Your Recovery?
Take the first step toward better mental health. Our compassionate team is here to help.