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Depression and substance use often co-occur. Many people with depression try to self-medicate—intentionally or unintentionally—with drugs or alcohol. On the other hand, chronic substance use can also trigger depressive episodes and disorders. The Discover Recovery team knows how challenging it can be to quit using drugs and alcohol when your mental health gets in the way. Our co-occurring depression treatment program can help you or a loved one find strength and discover a new path while managing mental health symptoms in recovery.

Support for depression
and substance use

Depression and substance use often co-occur. Many people with depression try to self-medicate, intentionally or unintentionally, with drugs or alcohol. On the other hand, chronic substance use can also trigger depressive episodes and disorders.

The Discover Recovery team knows how challenging it can be to stop using drugs and alcohol when mental health concerns get in the way. If you’ve been searching for clinics for depression in Washington or Oregon, our depression treatment program can help you or a loved one find strength and discover a new path while managing mental health symptoms in recovery. 

Is Discover Recovery the right next step for you or a loved one?

What are the symptoms and signs of depression?

Depression isn’t just sadness. It can affect your energy, motivation, relationships, and ability to function day to day. Common signs and symptoms include: 

  • Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed 
  • Persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness 
  • Fatigue or low energy, even after rest 
  • Changes in appetite or weight 
  • Difficulty concentrating or making decisions 
  • Feelings of worthlessness or guilt 
  • Irritability or anger 
  • Thoughts of death or suicide 

When depression overlaps with addiction, it often intensifies the cycle of self-medication and emotional distress. Treating both conditions together leads to better outcomes and long-term healing.  

How does therapy help in the treatment of depression?

Therapy is one of the most effective tools for managing depression. We use individualized, evidence-based therapy to help you: 

  • Understand the root causes of depression 
  • Identify triggers and build healthier coping strategies 
  • Reframe negative thinking patterns 
  • Improve emotional regulation 
  • Strengthen self-worth and connection 

You may enter treatment feeling stuck in patterns you can’t break. Therapy provides the structure and support to help you move forward.

What are the different types of therapies for depression?

Our Camas, Long Beach, and Portland depression treatment programs include a wide range of therapeutic approaches tailored to the needs of each person. Some core methods we use include: 

  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): Helps you challenge negative thoughts and replace them with realistic, empowering beliefs 
  • Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT): Focuses on emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness 
  • Mindfulness-based therapy: Helps you stay grounded in the present moment and reduce rumination 
  • Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS): A non-invasive, medication-free treatment used for major depression in some cases 
  • Group and family therapy: Provides support and connection with others in recovery 
  • Medication management: Monitored medication regimens to control symptoms so therapy is more effective 

These therapies are offered across both our residential programs and our outpatient programs.  

Co-occurring depression treatment at Discover Recovery

Co-occurring depression treatment is available at all of our locations. Our integrated approach can help you or a loved one learn to cope with mental health symptoms and quit using drugs or alcohol. 

Stop self-medicating

Drugs and alcohol can seem like an easy way to break out of the numb, down, and draining feelings caused by depression. On the other hand, chronic substance use can also cause mood disorders like depression. 

Our treatment program will help you or a loved one break the cycle of addiction with medical or residential detox if needed. We also provide support during early recovery in our residential treatment programs, where you’ll receive 24/7 support in a well-appointed, private/semi-private room.  

Find new ways to cope

Evidence-based talk and behavioral therapies are a major part of treatment in both our residential and outpatient programs. We’ll work with you or your loved one to create a personalized therapy plan that’s meaningful to your mental health, substance use history, and goals for the future. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and mindfulness-based methods are just some of the therapies our team specializes in.  

Become resilient

When you start treatment at Discover Recovery, you’re not working with a team that just wants you to get sober. We want to help you heal, and that means addressing the root cause of addiction, working on your mental health, and connecting with others in recovery. By understanding more about the connection between your substance use and mental health—and gaining new perspectives during group therapy—you can build resilience that will help you succeed in long-term recovery.  

Make your mental health a priority

Your mental health is central to your overall well-being, and we want to help you find ways to make it easier to manage it. Medication is a safe, effective part of treatment for many people. If you could benefit from a medication management plan, we can develop one and monitor your progress throughout treatment. We’ll also help you create an aftercare plan and connect you with important resources for life after treatment. 

How we care for treatment-resistant depression

We don’t separate mental health from addiction because they rarely exist apart. Our integrated treatment approach is designed to support people living with both depression and substance use, starting from day one of care. 

In our residential programs in Camas and Long Beach, WA, clients receive 24/7 clinical support, including medical detox if needed, followed by a structured treatment plan that blends individual therapy, group work, and psychiatric care. Depression is addressed head-on through evidence-based methods like CBT, DBT, mindfulness, and medication management, all while building the foundation for sobriety. 

For those in our outpatient program in Portland, OR, we offer both PHP and IOP levels of care, providing flexible scheduling for clients who need intensive support while maintaining daily responsibilities. Clients attend therapy sessions multiple times per week, continue working on their mental health goals, and receive care that evolves as their recovery progresses. 

At every level, we ensure that treatment is coordinated, personalized, and grounded in dual diagnosis expertise, helping clients not just get sober but truly feel better.  

What are the different types of mood disorders?

Not all depression looks the same. Discover Recovery provides care for clients experiencing a range of mood disorders, including: 

  • Major depressive disorder (MDD): Characterized by persistent sadness, low energy, and changes in sleep or appetite 
  • Persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia): A chronic form of depression with less severe but longer-lasting symptoms 
  • Seasonal affective disorder (SAD): Depression that typically occurs in fall and winter months, often related to lack of sunlight 
  • Bipolar disorder: Episodes of deep depression that alternate with periods of elevated mood or mania 

Our clinicians are trained to assess and diagnose mood disorders accurately, ensuring you or your loved one receives the right level of care and support. 

Seek treatment at Discover Recovery today

You don’t have to choose between treating your mental health or your addiction. We help you do both at the same time, in the same place, with the same compassionate team. Whether you’re struggling with depression and alcohol, anxiety and opioids, or long-term emotional numbness that hasn’t responded to previous care, we’re here to help.  

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