Outpatient Depression Treatment in Tewksbury & South Portland

Learn how we treat depression at our Tewksbury, Massachusetts, and South Portland, Maine facilities.
Pillars Clinical Team

Licensed clinicians & counselors

Shawn Kelly, LMHC
This page was clinically reviewed by Shawn Kelly, LMHC
Clinical Director | Clinical Review Policy

Living with depression can make it difficult to regulate emotions, maintain motivation, sustain relationships, experience a stable sense of self-worth, or cope with everyday stress. At Pillars Health Group, we provide compassionate, evidence-based depression treatment that helps adults build healthier coping skills, improve mood regulation, and reduce symptoms that interfere with daily life. Whether you’ve recently been diagnosed or have been struggling with depression for years, our experienced team is here to help you work toward lasting emotional stability and meaningful recovery.

Treating Depression in Tewksbury & South Portland

Depression is a mental health condition characterized by persistent sadness, loss of interest or pleasure, low energy, changes in sleep or appetite, difficulty concentrating, and feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness. Individuals living with depression may find it hard to manage daily responsibilities, maintain relationships, or feel engaged in work, school, or family life.

At Pillars Health Group, we provide comprehensive outpatient treatment for adults experiencing depression. Our clinical team develops individualized treatment plans that combine evidence-based therapy, psychiatric care, medication management when appropriate, and practical coping skills to help individuals reduce symptoms and rebuild a more balanced, fulfilling life.

Our depression treatment program is designed for individuals who:

  • Experience persistent sadness, low mood, or emotional numbness
  • Struggle with loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
  • Have difficulty managing energy, motivation, or daily tasks
  • Experience changes in sleep, appetite, or concentration
  • Need more support than traditional weekly therapy provides
  • Are transitioning from a higher level of care or seeking structured outpatient treatment

Do You Need Depression Treatment?

Many individuals living with depression go undiagnosed or untreated for long periods of time. Symptoms are often dismissed as stress or fatigue, but professional treatment can provide the structure, support, and tools needed to improve emotional well-being and overall functioning.

You may benefit from depression treatment if you experience:

  • Persistent low mood
  • Loss of interest or pleasure in activities
  • Fatigue or low energy
  • Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
  • Feelings of hopelessness or helplessness
  • Changes in sleep patterns (insomnia or oversleeping)
  • Changes in appetite or weight
  • Irritability or emotional withdrawal
  • Low self-esteem or feelings of worthlessness
  • Social isolation or withdrawal from others
  • Difficulty keeping up with work, school, or responsibilities
  • Thoughts of self-harm or suicide

If these symptoms have been present for an extended period and are impacting your daily life, it may be time to seek professional evaluation and treatment.

Types of Depressive Disorders We Treat

At Pillars Health Group, we treat a range of depressive disorders, recognizing that each requires a personalized approach to care.

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

Major depressive disorder (MDD) involves intense or recurring episodes of low mood and loss of interest or pleasure in activities. These symptoms significantly interfere with daily functioning, affecting work, relationships, energy levels, and overall quality of life.

Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)

Persistent depressive disorder, also known as dysthymia, is a chronic form of depression characterized by a long-lasting low mood. While symptoms may be less severe than major depression, they are ongoing and can still meaningfully impact motivation, self-esteem, and day-to-day functioning.

Other Specified or Unspecified Depressive Disorders

Other specified or unspecified depressive disorders include cases where individuals experience significant depressive symptoms that cause distress or impairment but do not fully meet the criteria for a specific depressive diagnosis. Even without a precise classification, these symptoms are clinically important and benefit from structured, evidence-based treatment.

Depression Related to Life Stressors or Transitions

We also support individuals experiencing depressive symptoms connected to life events such as grief, major transitions, relationship changes, or workplace stress. While these symptoms may be situational, they can still become persistent or severe enough to require clinical support.

Depression with Co-Occurring Conditions

Many individuals experience depression alongside other mental health conditions such as anxiety disorders, PTSD, or substance use disorders. These co-occurring conditions can intensify symptoms and complicate recovery, which is why we provide integrated, coordinated care that addresses the full clinical picture.

Depression Symptoms We Treat

Depression affects people in different ways, but commonly includes emotional symptoms such as persistent sadness, irritability, or emotional numbness; cognitive difficulties like trouble concentrating, memory problems, and indecisiveness; physical symptoms including fatigue, sleep disturbances, appetite changes, and unexplained aches; and behavioral changes such as social withdrawal, reduced motivation, and difficulty maintaining daily routines. In more severe cases, individuals may also experience thoughts of self-harm or suicide, which we address with compassionate, safety-focused, and evidence-based clinical support.

How Our Depression Program Works

Every individual’s experience with depression is unique, which is why treatment begins with a comprehensive clinical assessment.

During your assessment, our team will evaluate:

  • Your symptoms
  • Mental health history
  • Medical history
  • Current functioning
  • Treatment goals
  • Any co-occurring conditions such as anxiety, PTSD, or substance use disorders

Based on your assessment, we’ll recommend the outpatient program that best fits your needs.

Some individuals benefit from our Full-Day Outpatient Treatment Program, while others are appropriate for our Half-Day Outpatient Treatment Program. Throughout care, your treatment plan is regularly reviewed and adjusted based on your progress.

Our Treatment Approach for Depression

Our multidisciplinary team uses evidence-based approaches designed to reduce depressive symptoms, improve emotional resilience, and support long-term recovery.

Treatment may include:

Evidence-Based Therapies

Our clinicians utilize therapies supported by research, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) skills, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), mindfulness-based interventions, behavioral activation, and stress management techniques.

Psychiatry

Our psychiatric providers conduct comprehensive evaluations and work closely with therapists to ensure coordinated, individualized care.

Medication Management

Medication may be helpful for some individuals experiencing depression, particularly when symptoms are moderate to severe or persistent. Our psychiatric providers evaluate options carefully and monitor progress throughout treatment.

Group Therapy

Group therapy provides a supportive environment to build coping skills, reduce isolation, improve communication, and connect with others facing similar challenges.

Family Support

When appropriate, family members may participate in education and support services designed to improve communication and strengthen relationships.

Other Clinical Services

Depending on individual needs, treatment may also include psychoeducation, relapse prevention planning, mindfulness training, crisis planning, and coordination with outside providers.

Our Levels of Care for Depression Treatment

Pillars Health Group offers flexible outpatient programs that allow individuals to receive structured treatment while continuing to live at home. During your assessment, our admissions team will recommend the level of care that best fits your needs.

Full-Day Outpatient Treatment (PHP)

Our Full-Day Outpatient Treatment Program (Partial Hospitalization Program) provides several hours of structured treatment each day, up to five days per week. This level of care is ideal for individuals who need intensive support without inpatient hospitalization.

Example of Full-Day Schedule for Depression Treatment

Time Activity
09:00 am Check-In and Goal Setting
09:45 am Group Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
10:45 am Behavioral Activation Skills Group
12:30 pm Lunch Break
01:00 pm Journaling
01:30 pm Psychoeducation, Clinical Skills Development
02:45 pm Wrap-Up
03:30 pm Check-Out

Half-Day Outpatient Treatment (IOP)

Our Half-Day Outpatient Treatment Program (Intensive Outpatient Program) provides structured care while allowing individuals to maintain work, school, or family responsibilities. Sessions typically occur three to five days per week depending on clinical needs.

Example of Half-Day Schedule for Depression Treatment

Morning Program

Time Activity
09:00 am Check-In and Goal Setting
09:45 am Group Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
10:45 am Behavioral Activation Skills Group
12:30 pm Check-Out

Evening Program

Time Activity
05:30 pm Check-In and Goal Setting
06:30 pm Group CBT / Skills Training
07:30 pm Behavioral Activation Group
09:00 pm Check-Out

What to Expect During Outpatient Depression Treatment

Beginning treatment for depression can feel overwhelming, but our goal is to make the process supportive, structured, and approachable.

When you arrive:

  • You don’t need to bring anything special
  • We’ll guide you through the intake and admission process step by step
  • You’ll meet members of your treatment team
  • Your individualized treatment plan and schedule will be reviewed

Treatment length varies depending on your goals, symptom severity, and clinical needs. Some individuals complete treatment within several weeks, while others benefit from longer-term structured outpatient care before transitioning to traditional weekly therapy.

We also offer free insurance verification before admission so you can better understand your coverage and any potential costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Choose Pillars Health Group for Depression Treatment?

Choosing the right treatment provider is an important step toward improving mood, restoring motivation, and building long-term coping skills. At Pillars Health Group, we combine clinical expertise with compassionate, individualized care designed to help adults manage depression and improve overall quality of life.

Patients choose us because of our:

  • Experienced multidisciplinary team of licensed mental health professionals
  • Specialized outpatient programs for adults with depression and co-occurring conditions
  • Individualized treatment plans based on comprehensive assessments
  • Integrated approach combining therapy, psychiatry, and medication management when appropriate
  • Strong focus on evidence-based treatments such as CBT and behavioral activation
  • Supportive group environment that reduces isolation and promotes recovery
  • Practical skill-building focused on daily functioning and emotional resilience
  • Accredited programs that meet high standards for quality and care

Our goal isn’t simply to reduce symptoms of depression—it’s to help individuals restore motivation, rebuild connection, improve self-understanding, and create lasting habits that support long-term wellness.

Get Depression Treatment in Tewksbury, Massachusetts & South Portland, Maine

If depression symptoms are interfering with your work, relationships, or daily life, you don’t have to face them alone. The experienced team at Pillars Health Group is here to help you understand your options and find the level of care that’s right for you.

Take the first step today by calling our team at 855-828-0575 to speak with a caring admissions specialist. We offer free insurance verification to help you understand your coverage before beginning treatment.

Get treatment at either of our outpatient locations:

With the right treatment, individuals living with depression can improve mood stability, regain motivation and energy, strengthen coping skills, and reconnect with a greater sense of purpose and daily balance. We’re here to support you every step of the way.

Still have questions?

We're here to help. Reach out to our admissions team today — no pressure, just answers.

Pillars Clinical Team

Licensed clinicians & counselors

Our clinical team includes licensed therapists, counselors, and prescribers with decades of combined experience in outpatient mental health and addiction care.

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Our admissions team can verify your insurance and schedule intake — often same week.

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