Starting inpatient treatment for depression is a courageous step, and naturally, one of the first questions many people ask is: How long will it take?
The truth is, there’s no single timeline that fits everyone. Recovery from depression is deeply personal, and the length of stay in an inpatient setting depends on several important factors, including the severity of symptoms, any co-occurring conditions, and how a person responds to care.
At St. Mary’s Wellness Center, we understand that healing doesn’t happen on a schedule—it happens with the right support, environment, and treatment plan. That’s why we provide individualized timelines based on clinical assessments and progress, not a pre-set calendar.
Our inpatient program combines 24/7 clinical supervision, evidence-based therapies, and holistic support in a setting that’s more like a retreat than a hospital. Clients are given space to slow down, stabilize, and rebuild—without pressure or judgment.
If you or a loved one is considering inpatient care for depression, knowing what to expect can help ease some of the uncertainty.
We’ll look at the key factors that influence how long inpatient depression treatment may last—and why it’s often one of the most important investments in your long-term wellness.
What Influences the Length of Inpatient Depression Treatment?
The length of inpatient treatment for depression depends on several personal and clinical factors, including:
- Severity and duration of symptoms: Someone experiencing acute symptoms, such as suicidal ideation, severe hopelessness, or functional impairment, —may need a longer stay than someone with mild to moderate symptoms.
- Co-occurring mental or substance use disorders: If depression is accompanied by anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, or substance use, treatment often takes more time to address all contributing factors effectively.
- Previous treatment history: Individuals who have tried outpatient care, therapy, or medications in the past without lasting improvement may benefit from a more extended stay for deeper stabilization.
- Personal goals and progress: The timeline is flexible and based on how the client responds to therapy. Some people feel ready after 30 days, while others need more time to feel emotionally steady and confident in their coping skills.
At St. Mary’s Wellness Center, most inpatient stays last 30 to 45 days, but longer care is available and often recommended for more complex cases. Our goal is never to rush the process—it’s to ensure you receive the time and support you need to heal fully and safely.
What Inpatient Depression Treatment Looks Like at St. Mary’s Wellness Center
Inpatient depression treatment at St. Mary’s Wellness Center is designed to be structured, supportive, and healing from the moment you arrive. Unlike hospital-based programs focused solely on crisis stabilization, our residential approach combines clinical excellence with a warm, retreat-like setting that fosters long-term recovery.
Each day follows a consistent, therapeutic routine—seven days a week—to help restore stability and promote mental clarity. Clients participate in a blend of individual therapy, group sessions, and skills-based classes, creating a foundation for emotional regulation and personal growth.
We offer a range of evidence-based therapies, including:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to target negative thinking and emotional reactivity
- Group therapy for connection and shared insight
- Mindfulness practices to reduce stress and enhance awareness
- SPRAVATO® (esketamine nasal spray) for treatment-resistant depression, administered under medical supervision
Clients live in a private, non-institutional residential setting that promotes peace and privacy, creating the kind of safe environment needed to focus on healing without external pressures.
Every client receives a personalized treatment plan, which is regularly reviewed and updated based on clinical progress.
When the time is right, many clients transition into our Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) or Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) to continue their recovery with ongoing support and flexibility.
Ready to Learn More About Inpatient Depression Care?
If you’re wondering whether inpatient care is the next right step, we’re here to help you find clarity. Our team offers confidential, judgment-free guidance to answer your questions, verify insurance, and help you explore your options.
Timelines vary, but one thing stays the same: when care is personalized and compassionate, healing is always possible. Contact us or visit our Admissions page to take the first step.
Frequently Asked Questions About Inpatient Treatment for Depression
How long is inpatient treatment for depression, on average?
At St. Mary’s Wellness Center, most inpatient depression treatment programs last between 30 and 45 days. This window provides enough time for many individuals to stabilize, engage in consistent therapy, and begin developing healthier patterns and coping strategies. However, some clients—especially those with long-standing or treatment-resistant depression—may benefit from longer stays, depending on clinical needs and how they progress in treatment.
Can inpatient treatment be extended if needed?
Yes. One of the strengths of our approach at St. Mary’s is that we tailor timelines to each client, not the other way around. Throughout your stay, our clinical team conducts regular assessments to monitor progress and adjust the care plan accordingly. If additional time is needed to reach specific goals or stabilize further, we can extend treatment to ensure you’re fully supported.
What happens after inpatient treatment ends?
Inpatient care is often just the beginning of the recovery journey. When clients are ready to transition out of residential treatment, we typically recommend stepping down into one of our lower levels of care, such as:
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP): Structured therapy without 24/7 residence
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP): Flexible care that allows more independence
For others, we help coordinate outpatient therapy or connect them to community-based supports such as peer groups or aftercare counseling. The goal is a smooth transition that maintains momentum while offering the right level of support.
Is 30 days enough to treat depression?
For some, yes—but it depends. Thirty days may be enough to stabilize symptoms, adjust medication, and gain key therapeutic tools. However, healing from depression—especially when it’s chronic, severe, or connected to trauma—often takes more time. Longer treatment allows for deeper emotional work, more time to build trust in therapy, and a stronger foundation for lasting change.
Can you leave the inpatient treatment early?
While clients are not physically required to stay, early discharge is strongly discouraged unless clinically recommended. Leaving treatment before your care team believes you’re ready can disrupt progress, increase the risk of relapse, and undermine the work you’ve already done. We encourage open communication with our team if concerns arise—our job is to support you, not keep you in treatment longer than necessary.
How do I know if inpatient treatment is the right program for me?
Inpatient treatment may be a good fit if:
You’re experiencing severe or worsening depression
You’ve had thoughts of self-harm or are struggling with safety
Outpatient therapy or medication hasn’t been enough
Inpatient care provides a safe, structured environment with 24/7 clinical oversight—ideal for stabilizing, gaining clarity, and receiving intensive support away from daily stressors.
Does insurance cover inpatient depression treatment?
Yes, in many cases. St. Mary’s Wellness Center accepts most out-of-network insurance plans, which often help offset the cost of care. However, we do not currently accept TRICARE, Ambetter, Medicare, or Medicaid. Our admissions team will work with you to verify your benefits and explain what’s covered before you make any decisions.
What makes St. Mary’s different from a hospital-based inpatient program?
St. Mary’s Wellness Center provides residential mental health treatment in a calm, retreat-like setting, rather than a sterile or clinical hospital environment. Our facility offers:
Private, non-institutional living spaces
7-day-a-week therapeutic programming
A combination of evidence-based and holistic therapies
Access to advanced treatments like SPRAVATO®
24/7 support from licensed professionals
We don’t just stabilize symptoms—we help clients rebuild their lives with purpose, connection, and resilience.
