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Older Adult Therapy SessionDriven by innovation and a commitment to improving long-term outcomes, researchers and clinicians at the Depression Recovery Center (DRC) are changing the future of mental health care.

Depression is one of the most common and debilitating illnesses in the world, affecting more than 21 million people in the United States each year. Despite the availability of treatments, many people still experience symptoms that dramatically impact their daily lives. Over 30% of people with major depressive disorder don't respond to first-line psychotherapy or antidepressant medication treatments. Many are left relying on trial and error. Even when symptoms improve, relapse can be common. To help prevent relapses, for example, we offer courses in mindfulness and resiliency, which help you gain powerful tools to manage a stressful world.

At the DRC at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center in Columbus, Ohio, we’re redefining what's possible for those living with this complex condition. Our mood disorder specialists are building a care model that combines advanced neuroscience research, personalized treatments and a commitment to helping patients find lasting recovery.

Nationally recognized for excellence

Ohio State’s DRC is a nationally recognized Center of Excellence dedicated to reshaping the future of mood disorder care.

Ongoing research in the DRC uses tools from neuroscience to understand brain function at the circuit level. With our personalized, evidence-based approach to care, we strive to help people with all types of depression get better quickly, including those living with longer-lasting or harder-to-treat forms of depression. At the DRC, individuals with any type of depression can find hope for overcoming their mental health conditions.

Treatments and services

Our approach to treatment is different. We start with a comprehensive evaluation — using advanced tools not used in other settings — to find the best treatment. From standard first-line treatments to fast-acting medicines and noninvasive brain stimulation, we offer a wide range of care options designed to fit each person’s needs.

Unlike many depression programs, we offer a wide range of treatments, including interventional psychiatry options, that go beyond antidepressants and talk therapy and allow us to personalize treatment recommendations based on an individual’s needs and across all levels of severity.

We don’t stop at symptom relief. Our team is focused on helping patients achieve long-term recovery. We use specific therapies to prevent relapse, build resilience and support lasting well-being.

Pillars of our services and treatments include:

  • Precision diagnostics using advanced tools that guide a treatment plan tailored to everyone’s unique needs
  • First-line treatments, including medication and psychotherapy, for those likely to respond to standard care
  • Fast-acting interventions, such as ketamine and esketamine, for rapid symptom relief
  • Noninvasive brain stimulation, such as transcranial magnetic stimulation, to enhance brain circuit function safely in an outpatient setting
  • Recovery-focused psychotherapies to address chronic forms of depression, prevent relapse, and promote lasting well-being

Learn more about the Depression Recovery Center

Jay Fournier, PhD, explains how Ohio State’s approach to treating depression is unique, and discusses the various treatment options we have that may not always be available elsewhere.

Leading the way in depression research and treatment

Translational research pipeline: We bridge basic neuroscience and real-world care, offering people with depression access to new pilot treatments and clinical trials.

Next-generation therapies: From ketamine and esketamine to neuromodulation technologies, we lead the exploration of novel interventions.

Precision psychiatry: Our team is developing predictive biomarkers and advanced biomedical screening tools to match people with the customized treatments that will most likely work for them.

Whole-person care: Our clinical programs combine innovative science with evidence-based psychotherapy, medication and interventions designed specifically to promote long-term recovery.

Optimizing recovery for people with depression

Jay Fournier, PhD, describes Ohio State’s active research program in the cognitive affective neuroscience of personality and depression.

Refer a patient

To refer a person to the Depression Recovery Center, please call 614-293-9600 or email drc@osumc.edu to speak with a staff member in our clinic.

Ways to give

Mental health care remains a national challenge, and through initiatives such as the DRC, Ohio State is committed to making a difference. The reality is that your financial support might ultimately lead to the next breakthrough in depression research, patient care or treatment innovation.

If you’re ready to help, please review the available donation options below:

Explore ways to give

More about the Depression Recovery Center