Like other wellness-focused retreats, a depression retreat can be a relaxing, healing experience. However, they aren’t a replacement for depression treatment.
Retreats can offer a break from the stress of daily life and an opportunity to focus on your mental health. You might have access to nature, creative activities, peer support, workshops, and more.
Typically, clinical depression is treated with a combination of therapy and medication. So, depending on the severity of your symptoms, a depression retreat alone may not be the best fit.
If you’ve ever attended a retreat, you know how impactful they can be. Retreats offer a break from stress and provide a rare opportunity to focus inward. You can attend retreats on a variety of themes. But many focus on the healing power of nature, mindfulness, meditation, and physical well-being.
Depression retreats [1] are described as a brief but intensive way to improve your mental health. These retreats often happen in stunning locations, and many offer luxurious amenities. A depression retreat can be an attractive option for people looking to unplug and practice self-care in a healing environment.
So, how do you know if a depression retreat is right for you? The answer is highly personal. But research shows that they can be effective for some people. In one small study [2], participants in a meditation retreat reported a reduction in stress, anxiety, and depression. However, it’s important to remember that depression retreats aren’t a replacement for mental healthcare. Depending on your symptoms, long-term therapy and/or medication might be a better option. Learning more about depression retreats can help you make a more informed choice for your mental health.
What a depression retreat can do for you
There’s a difference between feeling depressed and having major depressive disorder (MDD). But if you’re experiencing sadness, low mood, fatigue, a loss of motivation, or spending more time alone, a retreat can provide a powerful reset.
It can be harder to heal in an environment that’s contributing to your depression. If your home life is negatively affecting your mental health, a retreat can offer a welcome change of pace. You can learn some ways to recreate that peace at home with strategies they may teach at the retreat. Retreats can give you the tools, time, and space to reflect on your mental and emotional well-being that you might not have at home.
However, depression retreats can’t take the place of therapy and medication [3] (for those that need them). They can help you begin the healing process and give you tools to manage your depression that you can use at home and throughout your life. These retreats can provide a temporary reset while therapy can help you manage depression symptoms in the long term.
The care you need, when you need it
Learn how Rula can support your mental health journey
Activities you might experience at a depression retreat
What happens at a depression retreat can vary from one program to the next. Depending on the retreat’s location, staffing, and other resources, you may have access to:
Outdoor activities [4] like hiking, fishing, or rock climbing
Guided meditation [2]
Mindfulness education
Peer support groups
Fitness classes like yoga [5] or pilates
Nutritious or organic meals
Painting, journaling, and other forms of creative expression [6]
Workshops or classes on mental health topics
Scheduled breaks from talking, phones, and other technology to encourage self-reflection
All of these activities can support your well-being. They can also be incredibly enjoyable. If you have mild to moderate symptoms of depression, these activities may help you regulate your emotions, manage stress, and strengthen your mental health.
Key differences between depression retreats and therapy
At some depression retreats, you may have access to licensed therapists. Depending on how the program is structured and staffed, though, you might not get a formal evaluation or a personalized experience. This is because retreats are only for a limited time, and they aren’t the same as ongoing care.
Another important factor to be aware of is cost. Depression retreats can be costly and they often aren’t covered by insurance. For some, that investment may be worthwhile. But if this isn’t something you can realistically afford, know that you’re not alone. An option like teletherapy might be a better fit — especially with a provider who takes your insurance.
Lastly, if your depression symptoms are impacting your daily functioning or safety, you likely need more intensive support than a retreat can offer. In that case, it’s best to connect with a therapist or psychiatrist who can provide adequate treatment.
What to look for in depression treatment and support
Whether you decide to attend a depression retreat, work with a therapist and/or a psychiatrist, or both, what matters most is finding the right support for your needs. Here are a few things to consider as you review these options.
Personalized care: Effective mental health treatment isn’t a one-size-fits-all experience. The support you receive should reflect your unique diagnosis, preferences, strengths, and challenges.
Science-backed interventions: Whether you’re looking for a retreat or a provider, verify that they offer evidence-based depression services. Otherwise, you may not experience relief from your depression symptoms.
Affordability: Cost can be a barrier to mental healthcare. So, before signing up for a retreat or therapy, make sure you understand your financial obligations.
Integrated treatment: Research shows that a combination of therapy and medication [8] is often the best way to manage depression. You’ll need access to multiple providers (like a psychiatrist and therapist) if you’re interested in this approach.
When someone is considering a depression retreat, what matters most is whether the retreat offers the right kind of support for the person’s level of depression. It’s important to ensure that the structure, guidance, and staff are equipped to handle their specific needs.
Ashley Ayala, LMFT
Clinical reviewer
Find care with Rula
Depression retreats offer an opportunity to decompress and focus on your mental health. While the amenities you encounter at a depression retreat can vary, many incorporate nature, mindfulness, movement, art, and other self-care activities.
Retreats can be enjoyable, relaxing experiences. However, depression retreats shouldn’t be viewed as replacements for ongoing mental healthcare.
Remember, whether you choose to attend a retreat, therapy, or both, you deserve evidence-based services that reflect your personal needs. While a depression retreat can be helpful, it may not be sufficient for someone with clinical depression. In that case, a combination of therapy and medication may be more effective.
At Rula, we’re here to help you feel better. Rula makes it easy to find a licensed therapist or psychiatric provider who takes your insurance. That way, you don’t have to choose between great care and a price you can afford.
Rula patients pay about $15 per session with insurance, and 93% say they feel better after getting care through Rula. We have 21,000+ providers, and appointments are available as soon as tomorrow. We’re here to help you take the next step — wherever you are in your mental health journey.
References
- The new travel retreats addressing depression and grief https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20250102-the-new-travel-retreats-addressing-depression-and-grief
- Effectiveness of traditional meditation retreats: A systematic review and meta-analysis https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0022399916305049
- Major depressive disorder: Validated treatments and future challenges https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8610877/
- Effects of nature-based intervention in the treatment of depression: A multi-center, randomized controlled trial https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0272494422001955
- Depression and Anxiety Disorders: Benefits of Exercise, Yoga, and Meditation https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31083878/
- Creative Arts Interventions to Address Depression in Older Adults: A Systematic Review of Outcomes, Processes, and Mechanisms https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6331422/
Liz Talago
Liz Talago, M.ed. is a mental health professional turned content writer and strategist based in the Detroit metro area. As an independent consultant for mental health organizations, Liz creates meaningful connections between brands and their audiences through strategic storytelling. Liz is known for championing diverse perspectives within the mental health industry and translating bold ideas into inspiring, affirming digital experiences.
In her free time, you can find her hiking with her two German Shepherds, puttering around her dahlia garden, or spending time with her family.
Ashley Ayala, LMFT
Ashley is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who specializes in generational healing and family dynamics. Ashley has worked in schools, clinics, and in private practice. She believes that people’s relationships, including our relationship with ourselves, greatly shape our experiences in life.
Ashley is committed to empowering others to show up authentically and deepen their self understanding. This passion stems from taking a critical lens on her own life story and doing inner healing. One of her favorite quotes is “Be yourself and the right people will love the real you.”
Rula’s editorial process
Rula’s editorial team is on a mission to make science-backed mental health insights accessible and practical for every person seeking to better understand or improve mental wellness.
Members of Rula’s clinical leadership team and other expert providers contribute to all published content, offering guidance on themes and insights based on their firsthand experience in the field. Every piece of content is thoroughly reviewed by a clinician before publishing.
