Binghamton Mood Disorders Institute Clinical Services:

The Binghamton Mood Disorders Institute is pleased to offer clinical services to individuals suffering from unipolar depression.

Comprehensive Depression Assessment:
The first step towards relief from depression is a comprehensive assessment. Understanding the ways in which depression affects an individual and the specific type of depression a person experiences is essential to making informed treatment recommendations. Our clinic offers a thorough assessment focused on depression and related concerns. Information is gathered during detailed structured clinical interviews and via self-report questionnaires. The assessment process typically takes 2-3 hours. For children, information is gathered from both the child and parent(s). Assessment services are offered separately from therapy and we are happy to provide these specialized services for individuals that intend to seek services elsewhere or who have worked with ongoing providers to decide that a comprehensive depression assessment would be beneficial to them.

Symptoms of depression include:

• Depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day for at least two weeks
  
• Less interest or pleasure in most or all usual activities
  
• Significant change in appetite or weight
  
• Insomnia or sleeping too much
  
• Fatigue or loss of energy
  
• Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt
  
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
  
• Thoughts of suicide
  

Cognitive Therapy:
The Binghamton Mood Disorders Institute offers cognitive therapy for depression to members of the community (including University students and employees). Cognitive therapy is an empirically-based treatment for depression that has been shown in a number of studies to significantly reduce depression and reduce the risk of depression relapse. Cognitive therapy is a goal-oriented therapy that focuses on solving concrete problems.

Cognitive therapy is collaborative in that both the patient and therapist take an active role in therapy. The therapist works as a coach, suggesting strategies that tend to work for different problems and the patient then works during and between sessions to practice the strategies and determine which ones work best. At the BMDI, we offer treatment for both adults and children suffering from depression. Sessions are typically held once a week, with treatment lasting for approximately 12-16 weekly sessions. The exact number of sessions is determined based on each patient’s needs. Please note that the number of therapy slots available varies based on staff availability. However, if we are not able to offer therapy services, we will work with you to recommend other alternatives.

Fees:
The staff of the Binghamton Mood Disorders Institute are pleased to offer these specialized services at significantly reduced fees. Fees per session are determined by one’s annual income and number of dependents. If you are interested in having us calculate your fee, please call.

How to schedule a Comprehensive Depression Assessment:
If you are interested in finding out more about receiving clinical services through the Binghamton Mood Disorders Institute please contact us by phone at (607) 777-3304. When you call, you will speak with a clinician about your primary concerns to determine whether a more comprehensive assessment is warranted. If so, we will schedule a time for you to come to the clinic to complete the assessment. Additionally we will calculate your per-visit fee and answer any questions you may have about our clinic or the services we provide. If it seems like you would be better served elsewhere, we will do our best to refer you to a treatment provider who would be a better match for your concerns.