Often, the best place to start is with a general practitioner, who can rule out other diseases that can mimic depression. Psychological evaluation and counseling may be available through your local public health agencies. Most universities and some corporations also have counseling centers that offer treatment to affiliated individuals. Treatment by a private-practice psychologist or psychiatrist may be the best option for persons with medical insurance. Most health insurance policies now reimburse for mental health therapy, although unfortunately often at a lower rate than for other kinds of illnesses.
Treatment is generally some combination of talk-therapy and medication.
Support groups for persons with depression are common in most metropolitan areas. Check your newspaper for times and locations. Sharing feelings and experiences with others who understand the pain can be healing for the depressed individual. Volunteer peer counselors from your church or other community service group may also be able to help. An empathetic ear can make all the difference in a crisis situation.