What kind of treatment center is best for something with depression?

Question by Ashley Smith: What kind of treatment center is best for something with depression?
My life long friend is in a terrible state of depression. Suicide is thought of often, although I truly believe the action would never be taken due to an underlying compassion for family and friends. My friend has grown up with zero to little role-models and comes from a family (including extended) in which addiction runs through their blood. Drugs have been in and out their lives (everything from herion to xanax) and though they aren’t someone I would consider to be a recreational user, they always seem to be the fallback on when life gets rough. My friend is in such a depression that he can’t get the motivation to find a job in such a terrible economy, and is currently taking depression medicine. I know there is not much I can do personally for my friend for this point, except be there for them– they need to want to change themselves and are the only one that can do it. I do however, think he needs treatment where drug use can be targeted as well as his overall being as I do not think strictly a drug rehab is what he needs. They are out of work, thus have very little money and no insurance. They are my best friend, I care about an awful lot, and I don’t know how to help at this point aside from finding a treatment center that will work. I don’t know where to go or where to start looking. Googling treatment centers is very over whelming as I don’t know what to look for. Can anyone please lead me in any direction that may be of help? I feel like I’m simply at a loss.

Side note: the family is involved and aware of what is going on. They have been a tremendous help in being there as “friends” offering food, shelter, distractions, etc. Being that said, they are not at all helpful with the underlying issue and seem to go about life as if his depression and means of dealing with life and decision making do not exist. I feel as I am one of the only ones.

Best answer:

Answer by Mad Mac
You are concerned with a friends seeming depression. You think he needs a special treatment center. He is taking depression med’s. so some one had to write that prescription. That person is the best one to go to to find a treatment center. But, as you recognize, it is not up to you to do so; you can advise him to ask that doctor for a referral but your friend has to do it. Best back off doing all this diagnosing of him and his family, let the physicians do it and just “be there for him.”

Good luck to your friend.

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