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3 Treatment Goals for Depression

Depression and addiction often go hand in hand, with each condition serving to exacerbate the other. This can lead to a vicious cycle of substance abuse and negative moods, making it difficult to break free from either condition. However, there is hope for those who are struggling with depression and addiction. By addressing depression as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, you can take steps to improve your mood and reduce your risk of relapse. Identifying treatment goals for depression is an important part of this process.

Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery offers depression treatment in Colorado that can help you reach your goals. Call 833.448.0127 today to learn more about how to get started on your journey to recovery.

The Connection Between Depression and Addiction

Depression and addiction are so closely linked that they are often referred to as co-occurring disorders. People who suffer from depression are more likely to turn to drugs or alcohol as a means of self-medication, seeking to numb the pain and feel a brief sense of relief. Unfortunately, substance abuse only makes depression worse over time, leading to a downward spiral of negative thoughts and behaviors. Conversely, people who struggle with addiction may be more susceptible to developing depression due to the effects that drugs or alcohol have on the brain. These substances can disrupt the chemicals in the brain that regulate mood, leading to a cycle of highs and lows that can be difficult to manage.

Some of the signs that you would benefit from depression treatment include:

  • Feelings of hopelessness or helplessness
  • Loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyable
  • Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
  • Weight gain or loss without dieting
  • Irritability and restlessness

With the right approach to treatment, you can experience a shift in your mood and outlook on life.

How Depression Treatment Can Support Your Recovery Goals

Treating depression as part of a comprehensive addiction recovery plan can be critical for long-term success. Addressing underlying mental health conditions can help reduce the risk of relapse and improve overall quality of life. Depression treatment can take many forms, depending on the severity of the condition and the patient’s individual needs. From medication to therapy to lifestyle changes, there are a variety of methods that can be used to manage depression. By working with a healthcare professional to develop an individualized treatment plan, patients can take important steps toward building a healthier, happier future.

3 Important Goals for Depression Treatment

A few of the most important goals to consider when treating depression include:

1. Addressing Underlying Causes

By identifying and treating the root causes of depression, patients can begin to break the cycle of negative moods and substance abuse.

2. Establishing Healthy Coping Skills

Effective coping mechanisms are critical for managing depressive symptoms and avoiding relapse. This might involve learning stress-reduction techniques, developing healthy routines, or connecting with support groups.

3. Building a Strong Support System

Social support can be a critical asset for those in recovery. Building a network of loved ones, peers, and healthcare providers can provide a crucial safety net during times of stress or need.

Call Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery to Start Treatment

Depression and addiction are complex conditions that are difficult to manage on their own. By addressing depression as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, patients can work towards building a brighter future. With effective depression treatment, it is possible to break free from the cycle of negative moods and substance abuse and establish a healthier, happier way of life. If you or a loved one is struggling with depression or addiction, don’t hesitate to reach out to Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery today.

Call 833.448.0127 or connect with our team online to start treatment.

Finding the Best Treatment for Depression

Colorado is slightly above the national average for the number of adults who are experiencing depression. To treat the symptoms of depression and any corresponding addiction, men and women can find support through several types of treatment programs. The best treatment for depression includes a combination of behavioral and medical support to treat the physical and mental side effects of this illness. Enrolling in a depression treatment program can prevent symptoms from worsening and causing major disruptions at home, work, or school.

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, our depression treatment program works with individuals who are struggling with depression and ready to make a positive change. During admissions, we will run a full assessment to determine the best treatment options to treat the severity of the depression and any corresponding addiction or other disorder. Patients will participate in group and private therapy while receiving medication to minimize any symptoms that are causing any issues with recovery. If you or a loved one is struggling with depression, reach out to our compassionate team by calling 833.448.0127 today to take that first step toward a better future.

How to Tell if You Need Depression Treatment

Depression affects each person in different ways. While some people will experience mild symptoms for a few days or weeks, others will be debilitated by their emotions and unable to function for weeks or months at a time. In most cases, people will self-medicate with alcohol or drugs or combine them with their anti-depressant medication to heighten the effects. They think they are helping, but the reality is they are worsening their depression and causing addiction to their prescription medication or other drugs or alcohol.

Some of the signs that you need depression treatment include:

  • You feel overwhelming sadness or hopelessness, and you have to drink or use drugs to get through the day.
  • Activities that you used to enjoy no longer bring you pleasure.
  • You are abusing anti-depressant medication.
  • You have worsening depression symptoms or thoughts of suicide.

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we offer the best treatment for depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and other mental health disorders. Therapists work privately with each patient to help them understand the reasons behind their depression and build healthy coping skills for managing their symptoms and triggers.

Finding the Best Treatment for Depression

Depression is a complicated illness to treat as symptoms are unique to the individual, as are the causes and triggers. The right treatment options for each person will depend on the severity of their symptoms and any co-occurring substance use disorder that has developed.

The best treatment for depression includes:

  • Behavioral therapy—Cognitive-behavioral therapy is one of the best therapy options for treating depression, addiction, and other mental health disorders. It works by helping patients talk through the reasons behind their depression and learn to process those feelings without triggering any cravings or other negative behavior. Behavioral therapy shows patients the power within them to make real changes in the way they think and see the world around them.
  • Medication-assisted treatment—Certain medications are very effective in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety. Patients who are going through addiction withdrawals will receive medication that will minimize their withdrawal symptoms and cravings and allow them to focus 100% on their recovery.
  • Family therapy—Rebuilding relationships is an important step in the recovery process. Family therapy allows parents, spouses, and children to come in and talk about the addiction and any frustrations or anger they have. They will learn all about depression and how it can impact everyone in the family, and how they can create a supportive environment at home.

The best treatment for depression will depend on the severity of your symptoms and if there are any withdrawal symptoms due to drinking or drug abuse. When you enroll in a treatment program, trained specialists will run a full assessment to determine the best treatment for your physical and mental health.

For the Best Depression Treatment Near You, Choose Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery

Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery supports men and women from all walks of life who are struggling with depression, substance abuse, or other mental health disorders. We base our programs on each patient’s unique symptoms to create a more beneficial treatment experience. The types of therapy we offer include:

  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy
  • Dialectical behavior therapy
  • Family therapy
  • Neurofeedback therapy
  • Group and individual therapy

If you are doing a google search for depression treatment near me, click on the link for Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery. Call 833.448.0127 or fill out our online form today to talk with one of our team members.

Pandemic Blues: How to Deal With Lingering Depression Amid COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected everyone in some form or another. Many people began working at home instead of spending time in an office. Birthday parties and other celebrations went virtual. No matter how your life was disrupted as a result of COVID-19, if you struggle with depression, you might have found it difficult to maintain your mental health during this time. However, a depression treatment program can help. As the world begins to heal from the effects of the pandemic, you can also find hope through therapy, counseling, and medication.

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we offer depression treatment programs to help you get through the pandemic and come out of it healthier and happier. Reach out to one of our therapists today at 833.448.0127 if you are struggling with depression amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Does COVID-19 Make You Depressed?

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, individuals and families have had to adapt to changing guidelines to keep themselves and others safe. These changes may have led to feelings of isolation, confusion, or even hopelessness. For those who struggle with mental health issues like anxiety or depression, the pandemic may have exacerbated these conditions. While COVID-19 does not cause depression as one of its symptoms, the dramatic changes in the way society lives can contribute to feelings of depression.

Symptoms of Depression

While the symptoms of depression can vary, some of the most common include:

  • Trouble sleeping
  • Sudden mood changes
  • Lack of concentration
  • Substance abuse
  • Lack of energy
  • Sleeping all day

If you are experiencing any of these problems or think you may be feeling depressed, reach out to a depression treatment program today. For those who also struggle with substance use issues, a dual diagnosis treatment program can help.

What to Do if You Are Feeling Depressed

The best thing to do if you are feeling depressed is to reach out to a medical professional. Talk to your doctor or reach out to a depression treatment program. Certain medications can effectively treat depression, and therapy sessions with an experienced healthcare provider can help you develop healthy coping skills.

It can also be helpful to talk to the people in your life about what you’re experiencing. Your loved ones will want to support you as you begin to heal from the effects of depression. You might also find that you have friends and family members who struggle in similar ways. Group therapy and support groups can also provide support for your journey to recovery.

Staying active can help you feel relief from depression. Find a form of movement that you enjoy. This might include yoga, walking, biking, or participating in exercise classes. If you don’t feel comfortable in a group exercise class just yet, try a virtual class or exercise program instead.

One thing to not do while you’re struggling with depression is turn to drugs and alcohol to help you cope. While these substances might provide short-term relief, they can also exacerbate the symptoms of depression.

Depression Treatment at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we are available to help you manage the symptoms of depression effectively with depression treatment programs geared toward helping you through these unusual times. The tools you learn today can help you throughout your life. And if you are also struggling with co-occurring substance use issues, our center can help you on the journey to recovery through therapy and medication-assisted treatment.

If you or someone you know is having trouble getting through the current pandemic, they may be suffering from COVID-19 depression and not even know it. Talk to one of our trained therapists at 833.448.0127 today and start your recovery to a better life.

VERIFY INSURANCE

Cortland Mathers-Suter

MSSA
Managing Partner

Cortland Mathers-Suter entered the treatment space after his own battle with addiction. He first worked as a peer mentor, before starting clinical work while completing his Masters of Science in social administration from Case Western Reserve University where he focused on policy and direct practice. Cortland moved to Colorado in 2015 to start his first addiction treatment program, AspenRidge Recovery. Under his tenure, AspenRidge Recovery became a two-location, nationally accredited organization. He has since spent the last two years researching and developing what is now Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery (CMAR).

According to Cortland, “Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery is the most important organization I have had the honor to help build. We’re offering a service that seeks to not only improve the lives of our patients but also evolve how we look at medication-assisted treatment in Colorado entirely. Most individuals receiving medication-assisted care only receive medication and urinalysis. Sure you can call that ‘treatment,’ but you can’t call that ‘recovery.’ Our model is about adding the missing recovery component, and thus affords an opportunity to achieve lasting change for each patient and the industry.”

Cortland and his treatment programs have received numerous honors. These include Colorado Business Magazine’s “GenXYZ” award, the 2020 “Titan 100” award, and his program AspenRidge Recovery was both a finalist for “Best Healthcare Company” and named in the “Company’s to Watch” by Colorado Business Magazine as well. He has been interviewed and quoted by numerous publications for his “addiction expertise”, including News Week, 5280 Magazine, the Denver Post, Elephant Journal, Colorado Biz Mag, and TheRecoverySource.org.

Tyler Whitman

Compliance/HR Administrator

Tyler is originally from Omaha, Nebraska. He worked in manufacturing administration for 18 years until he chose to pursue recovery from alcohol addiction, which led him to Chicago, Illinois. Since then, Tyler gained experience in retail, retail pharmacy, and healthcare as a vaccine coordinator for a local Colorado clinic. At the clinic, Tyler discovered that healthcare was the career change he had been looking for. His newfound passion for healthcare, combined with his lived experience with addiction, brought him to Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery as an Office Administrator.

In his free time, Tyler enjoys cooking, hiking, and skiing. He is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Health Services Administration from Regis University.

Simmeren Boanvala

BA
Outreach and Admissions Representative

Simmeren comes to CMAR after several years working admissions in inpatient psychiatry and addiction. A first-generation Colorado Native, Simmeren attended CU Boulder, where she earned a BA in psychology. Simmeren is currently completing her CAC III while working toward her master’s degree in marriage and family therapy.

According to Simmeren, “I joined CMAR because I believe in the quality and importance of the program whole-heartedly. My goal at CMAR is to guide each prospect who calls CMAR to find the best possible pathway to their recovery”. Simmeren currently lives in her hometown with her dog and cat.

Tyler Hale

Tyler Hale

Community Partnership Lead

Tyler Hale began his career in addiction treatment following a decades-long fight with his own substance abuse issues. Since achieving long-term recovery, Tyler has held various positions in direct care, client services, admissions and outreach departments at various addiction treatment organizations. From sober living program director to outreach director to admissions director at a drug and alcohol treatment program, Tyler consistently finds himself in leadership roles within the addiction treatment space.

Tyler is originally from Chicago, IL, where he graduated from Loyola University Chicago with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Bioethics. Thereafter, Tyler built a successful career in the tech industry, before finding sobriety and a subsequent calling to help others. Tyler joined the team at CMAR because he believes in the efficacy of comprehensive and patient-centered outpatient treatment. In his free time Tyler enjoys camping, hiking and spending time with his newborn son.

Kirstin O’Carroll

MSW
Engagement and Relations Director

Kirstin O’Carroll started her career in addiction and mental health services 23 years ago after graduating with an MSW from The Oho State University. Hired directly from an internship program, she served as a case manager and vocational specialist on a community treatment team in Columbus, OH, working to help severely mentally ill adults remain at home and in a community setting. Within the same organization, she later transitioned to clinical assessment and crisis intervention services with children, adolescents, and adults. Through these experiences, she learned the importance of providing empathetic, high-quality care and the need to “start wherever the patient is” with regard to finding the best treatment & solutions for her patients.

After seven years, Kirstin made a career change to diagnostic sales and worked for several Fortune 500 companies as an acute care sales specialist. She is delighted to return “home” to her passion for helping others and believes her new role as community engagement coordinator for CMAR is the perfect alignment of both her clinical and sales skills. When not promoting CMAR, she can be found reading, running, hiking, watching movies, and spending time with her husband Dennis and senior canine son Reggie.

Thomas Mazzarella

LAC
Primary Therapist

Thomas is a Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC) in the State of Colorado and a Licensed Addictions Specialist (LCAS) in the State of North Carolina with particular expertise in the treatment of chronic Substance Abuse Addiction and Dependency.

Thomas is dedicated to Individual, Couples, Family, and Group Counseling and Therapy for individuals with Substance Use and Mental Health issues and concerns.

James Jackman

CAS
Primary Therapist

James Jackman is a Certified Addiction Specialist and has been practicing addiction treatment in Colorado since 2015. James is pursuing his bachelor’s degree in psychology from Metropolitan State University Denver. James is a traditional CBT therapist specializing in childhood events that lead to adult addictions.

James has received special training in Family Systems, Inner Child, Maladaptive Schemas, and Adverse Childhood Experiences. James has worked in many treatment settings throughout his career and uses a client-centered treatment approach to help one recover from destructive patterns that facilitate addiction. In addition, James enjoys working with rescue animals and advocates for several local rescue organizations outside of work.

Outside of the office, Megan enjoys spending time with her two German Shepherds and her cat. She is passionate about fostering animals through various local rescues to find adoptive homes for dogs and cats in need.

Megan Hanekom

LPC, LAC, NCC
Therapist & Clinical Compliance Officer

Megan is a licensed counselor who has worked in various mental health and addiction treatment environments. She practices cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing and believes in pulling from various therapeutic approaches to best support each individual. Megan received her bachelor’s in psychology and Spanish from Concordia College. She relocated from North Dakota to Colorado where she earned a master’s in counseling psychology from the University of Denver.

Outside of the office, Megan enjoys spending time with her two German Shepherds and her cat. She is passionate about fostering animals through various local rescues to find adoptive homes for dogs and cats in need.

Maggie Coyle

MA, LPC
Primary Therapist

Maggie Coyle, MS, MA, LPP, LPCC has worked in the mental health and addictions counseling field for the past six years. She has extensive experience in working in the varying levels of mental health and addictions treatment as well as with diverse populations.

She practices cognitive-behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy as primary intervention methods. She has earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology as well as a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling both from Northern State University in Aberdeen, SD. She has also earned a master’s degree in addictions counseling from the University of South Dakota in Vermillion, SD. Maggie moved from South Dakota to Colorado in June 2020 and is excited to be a part of the CMAR team.

Michael Damioli

LCSW, CSAT
Clinical Director

Michael Damioli has been passionately working in the fields of addiction treatment and mental health since 2012. He has held a variety of different roles within the addiction recovery space, ranging from peer support to direct clinical practice. Notably, Michael was part of a leadership group that developed a small therapy practice into a nationally branded addiction treatment program, which offers multiple levels of care to recovering professionals. Michael is a strong believer in the family disease model of addiction and has focused much of his clinical work and training on supporting families impacted by addiction. He also specializes in treating individuals suffering from co-occurring chemical and process addictions.

Michael is honored to be leading the clinical care team at CMAR and believes that excellent clinical care begins by simply treating a patient with dignity and respect. Michael is a strong advocate for ethical reform within the addiction treatment field and is excited to promote CMAR as an ethical and thought leader throughout the treatment & recovery industry. Michael earned his master’s degree in social work from the University of Denver and is independently licensed as a clinical social worker with the state of Colorado. He holds an advanced post-graduate certificate in marriage and family therapy from the Denver Family Institute as well as an advanced certificate in sexual addiction counseling from the International Institute of Trauma and Addiction Professionals.

Dwight-Duncan

Dwight Duncan

Psy.D
Psychologist

Dr. Duncan was born and spent most of his early life in California. He received his doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of Denver in 1987. He is a licensed psychologist as well as a licensed addiction counselor. He has had extensive training and experience throughout his professional career in medical psychology, mindfulness, integrated behavioral healthcare, and substance abuse.

Dr. Duncan is married and has one daughter, a neurologic physical therapist in Los Angeles.

Susan-Miget

Susan Miget

NP
Medical Provider

Susan has been in healthcare for more than 20 years. She was an ICU nurse for nine years, then returned to school and completed her master of nursing and family nurse practitioner degree at the University of Missouri-St. Louis in 2007. She practiced pain management for many years before developing her current passion for addiction treatment.

Susan has transitioned her practice to focus entirely on addiction treatment. She has worked in residential treatment, partial hospitalization (PHP), and intensive outpatient (IOP) programs. Susan most enjoys working with patients one-on-one in a private office to protect their confidentiality and ensure top-rate care. Knowing that addiction can affect anyone, anywhere, and at any time, Susan continues to strive to make treatment more accessible and confidential.

Whitney-Grant

Whitney Grant

MSN, FNP-BC, ARNP, RN, CPN
Medical Provider

Whitney Grant is an experienced family nurse practitioner with experience and expertise in medication-assisted treatment. Whitney earned her BSN at the University of Miami before moving on to achieve a master of science in nursing degree there as well, becoming a nurse practitioner immediately thereafter.

Whitney has since achieved board certification from the ANCC as a family nurse practitioner. After spending her entire formative and educational years in South Florida, Whitney moved to Denver in 2018 to pursue a career as a provider in family practice, sub-specializing in addictions medicine. Whitney has worked under the guidance of Dr. Nathaniel Moore, CMAR’s medical director, since moving to Denver.

Nathaniel Moore

MD
Medical Director

Dr. Nathan Moore is board-certified by the American Board of Family Medicine. Dr. Moore attended Stanford University in Palo Alto, CA for his undergraduate work and then attended Duke University School of Medicine and obtained his M.D. in 1995. Dr. Moore then came to Colorado and completed his residency in family medicine at the University of Colorado’s Family Medicine Program at Rose Medical Center.

Dr. Moore practices primarily at our Aurora location. He provides comprehensive family medicine services and has a special interest in addiction medicine, treating patients with opioid use disorder as well as alcohol addiction.

Dr. Moore is married with three children. He enjoys mountain biking, running, and golf.