Depression Treatment for Young Adults in New York City & Washington, D.C.

At The Dorm, we specialize in treating multidiagnostic young adults and clinically-complex cases, with 92% of our clients joining us with more than one diagnosis.

As part of our individualized approach, we consider each client’s full clinical picture—social environment, academics, work, family, medication, identity, and neurodevelopmental factors—to provide a multi-pronged, evidence-based treatment plan that not only addresses the diagnostic presentations but teaches young adults lifelong skills to manage their symptoms, build community, and find meaning and fulfillment that is lasting.

As a result of care, our clients report 131% improvement in overall well-being, including greater acceptance, self-worth, joy, acceptance and belonging.

Our clinicians are trained in several gold-standard modalities for treating depression, including:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Supports coping strategies to manage negative thought patterns and reduce emotional distress.

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT): Structured space for developing therapeutic skills to manage difficult emotions and decrease conflict in relationships.

RO-DBT: Evidence-based group to help clients identify and address excessive self-control or overcontrol in their everyday lives.

Executive Function: For individuals struggling with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), a skills-based group for learning to manage and regulate basic cognitive and emotional processes.

Mindful Self-compassion: Through psychoeducation, group process, and experiential methods, clients learn mindfulness practices and how to cultivate self-compassion.

Medication Support & Management: Our team excels in collaborating closely with your existing psychiatrist and our team is also available to make a referral for ongoing medication management with providers in DC or NYC. Get in touch to learn more.

At The Dorm, no two treatment plans are alike, and our schedules are tailored to individual client needs and goals. However, for a primary diagnosis of depression, a treatment plan may include:

• Specialized Individual & Group Therapy: Our expert clinicians draw on several gold-standard treatments for depression as part of our robust group therapy offerings and individual treatment plans. Therapies for depression focus on helping individuals modify negative thoughts, behaviors and emotional responses.

• Psychoeducation: The Dorm excels at providing psychoeducation at both the group, individual, and family levels for any client struggling with depression. We find that education helps to de-stigmatize, support, validate and empower clients and their families for long-term outcomes.

• Socialization and Community-building: People struggling with depression can often isolate themselves from others, struggle in social situations, or have low self-esteem. At The Dorm, we recognize the power of being part of a supportive community and are also empathetic to the challenges that this may pose for individuals diagnosed with depression. Social skills coaching, groups, and community-based events and activities offer safe, supported environments to gain critical coping skills during recovery.

• Family Therapy: Our robust family services provide loved ones with the psychoeducation and skills they need to support their young adult, whether that’s through our weekly support groups, parent coaching, collaboration with care teams, or weekly check-ins, we collaborate with families every step of the way if it’s clinically indicated.

• Life Skills: Individuals who are diagnosed with depression may struggle with critical executive functioning skills, leading to frustration and negative coping strategies. At The Dorm, we provide comprehensive individual and group-based life skills training both in the home, through individual and group therapy, and in our community clubhouses.

• Health & Wellness Services: Nutrition, yoga, meditation, mindfulness, and various forms of exercise are often key components in treating depression for long-term outcomes. These holistic treatments are shown to help with symptom management and stress relief in individuals diagnosed with depression and other mood disorders.

• Collaboration with Psychiatrist and Existing Clinical Professionals: Medication often plays a key role in the treatment of depression. The Dorm will also work closely with outside treating psychiatrists to help ensure medication is being utilized effectively and optimally.

At The Dorm, you’re not only working with our expert clinicians, you are joining a committed, mixed-milieu community that supports your mental health recovery every step of the way. Our unique approach to care has lasting outcomes: Fifty-eight percent of clients at The Dorm report experiencing depression, with average admission scores indicating severe symptoms. By discharge, these scores drop to moderate levels—a clinically significant improvement.

Learn more about who we treat and our unique community model.

Get in touch to learn more.