You've Been Fighting Alone for Too Long

Antidepressants that don't work or leave you feeling numb. Therapy once a week that helps a little but never quite enough. Doctors who keep trying new medications while you struggle just to get through each day.

The exhaustion. The hopelessness. The guilt about not being able to "just snap out of it." The isolation. The feeling that you're a burden to everyone who cares about you. The fear that this is just who you are now.

"Before The Bridge I was taking several medications daily. I hardly left my house and was sleeping most days away. I lost hope of ever leading a normal productive life. After The Bridge, my life completely changed. I'm now able to live life without depending on medication."

— Stephanie B., Fibromyalgia & Depression

Why Traditional Depression Treatment Falls Short

Most depression treatment is designed for convenience, not effectiveness. Fifteen-minute medication checks every few months. One therapy session per week while you're still juggling work, family, and all the stressors that feed your depression.

This approach might work for mild depression. But when you're dealing with major depression, chronic depression, or treatment-resistant depression—when you've been suffering for years—you need something more intensive.

Our 21-day residential program is different because:

  • Daily psychiatric oversight – Our physician sees you daily, optimizing medications in real-time based on your response
  • 6-8 hours of treatment daily – Individual therapy, group therapy, healing activities every single day
  • Complete removal from triggers – No work stress, relationship conflicts, or daily pressures while you heal
  • Trauma-informed care – We address the underlying causes, not just symptoms
  • Comprehensive approach – Therapy, medication, bodywork, movement, nutrition, all working together
  • Time for real change – 21 days allows neurological healing that weekly appointments cannot provide
21 Days of Intensive Healing
6-8 Treatment Hours Daily
20 Max Guests (Small Groups)

How The Bridge Treats Depression

Understanding Depression Holistically

Depression isn't just a chemical imbalance. It's a complex condition involving brain chemistry, trauma history, thought patterns, inflammation, sleep disruption, nervous system dysregulation, and often unprocessed grief or loss.

Treating it with medication alone—or therapy alone—rarely creates lasting recovery. You need a comprehensive approach that addresses all the factors keeping you stuck.

Your 21-Day Journey

Week 1: Stabilization & Assessment

  • Comprehensive psychiatric evaluation and diagnosis
  • Review and optimization of current medications
  • Sleep assessment and restoration (often the first thing to improve)
  • Beginning trauma-informed individual therapy
  • Nutritional assessment and anti-inflammatory meal plan
  • Gentle introduction to group therapy and supportive community

Week 2: Deep Therapeutic Work

  • Daily individual therapy addressing core issues
  • EMDR or somatic therapy for trauma processing
  • Medication adjustments based on daily observation and response
  • Group therapy on depression-specific topics (cognitive patterns, shame, grief)
  • Bodywork to release stored emotional tension
  • Mindfulness and nervous system regulation practices
  • Gradual reintroduction to movement and nature

Week 3: Integration & Relapse Prevention

  • Solidifying new thought patterns and coping skills
  • Creating your personalized wellness plan for home
  • Relationship work and communication skills
  • Crisis planning and safety strategies
  • Final medication optimization with clear aftercare plan
  • Connection to ongoing support resources

What's Included in Your 21 Days

  • Private accommodations in our peaceful Utah retreat facility
  • All meals designed to support mental health (anti-inflammatory, nutrient-dense)
  • Daily individual therapy sessions
  • Daily psychiatric care and medication management
  • Group therapy sessions
  • Trauma processing (EMDR, somatic experiencing)
  • Massage therapy and bodywork
  • Acupuncture for depression and anxiety
  • Guided nature therapy and gentle movement
  • Yoga, meditation, breathwork (depression-adapted)
  • Nutritional counseling
  • Sleep therapy and optimization
  • Art therapy and creative expression
  • Pool, hot tub, wellness amenities
  • $500 travel credit toward airfare/transportation

Who This Retreat Is For

You might be ready for The Bridge if:

  • You've struggled with depression for months or years despite treatment
  • Multiple antidepressants haven't provided adequate relief (treatment-resistant depression)
  • Depression has cost you jobs, relationships, or your quality of life
  • You're barely functioning—struggling to work, parent, or care for yourself
  • Suicidal thoughts are present (we have 24/7 support and crisis protocols)
  • Anxiety, trauma, or chronic pain accompany your depression
  • Weekly therapy sessions aren't creating the change you need
  • You're ready to invest three weeks in intensive healing

Types of Depression We Treat

  • Major Depressive Disorder – Severe depression affecting daily functioning
  • Treatment-Resistant Depression – Depression that hasn't responded to multiple medications or therapies
  • Chronic Depression (Dysthymia) – Long-term, persistent low mood
  • Postpartum Depression – Depression following childbirth
  • Seasonal Depression – Depression related to seasonal changes
  • Depression with Anxiety – Co-occurring depression and anxiety disorders
  • Depression with Chronic Pain – Depression intertwined with physical pain conditions
  • Depression with Trauma – Depression rooted in past traumatic experiences

Why The Bridge for Depression?

Joint Commission Accredited
We meet the gold standard for mental health care quality—not all retreat centers do.

21+ Years of Experience
Since 2003, we've specialized in treatment-resistant depression and complex mental health conditions.

Daily Psychiatric Care
Our physician sees guests daily—not monthly—allowing real-time medication optimization impossible in outpatient settings.

Trauma-Informed Approach
We understand that most depression has roots in unprocessed trauma and adverse experiences.

Small, Compassionate Environment
Maximum 20 guests ensures individualized attention and genuine therapeutic relationships.

Southern Utah Healing Setting
Our peaceful desert location provides the calm environment your nervous system needs to heal.

Insurance Accepted
Most major insurance plans cover residential depression treatment. We'll verify your benefits before you commit.

Travel & Logistics

We're located in Washington, Utah, just outside St. George in Southern Utah. The closest airports are:

  • Las Vegas (LAS) – 90 minutes by car
  • Salt Lake City (SLC) – 4 hours by car
  • St. George Regional (SGU) – 20 minutes (limited flights)

Every guest receives a $500 travel credit to offset airfare, mileage, rental car, or shuttle costs. Many guests fly into Las Vegas and rent a car or use our shuttle service.

What to Pack: Comfortable clothing, current medications, personal toiletries (basics provided), journal or notebook. Leave work stress at home—this time is for you.

Investment & Insurance

Our all-inclusive 21-day depression retreat program ranges from $18,000-$24,000 depending on your specific needs. This includes everything: lodging, meals, all therapies, psychiatric care, activities, and your $500 travel credit.

Most insurance plans cover residential mental health treatment for major depression. Coverage is especially strong for treatment-resistant depression or when depression is severe. Many guests have out-of-pocket costs between $3,000-$8,000 after insurance.

Our admissions team will verify your insurance benefits at no cost before you apply. We also offer payment plans to make treatment accessible.

Compare the investment:
21 days of intensive treatment = approximately 2 years of weekly therapy sessions. Most people spend more than this on years of medications, therapy, and lost work time while continuing to suffer. This is an investment in actually getting better.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is a depression retreat different from outpatient therapy?
A residential depression retreat provides intensive, daily treatment that weekly therapy cannot match. Instead of 50 minutes per week while juggling life stress, you receive 6-8 hours of therapy, healing activities, and support every day for 21 days. You're completely removed from triggers and stressors, allowing your mind and body to focus entirely on healing. Our multidisciplinary team collaborates on your care daily, not fragmented appointments with providers who don't communicate.
Will this work if therapy and medications haven't helped?
Many guests arrive with treatment-resistant depression after years of failed medications and therapy. What makes our approach different is the intensity, duration, and integration. We combine multiple evidence-based therapies, address underlying trauma, optimize medications with daily physician oversight, and give your nervous system 21 days to reset. This creates breakthroughs that weekly appointments cannot.
Do I have to stop my antidepressants?
No. Our medical team reviews all current medications and never requires you to stop anything. However, with daily physician oversight, we can optimize your medications more effectively than typical monthly psychiatrist visits. Some guests find better relief with medication adjustments, while others successfully taper under medical supervision. All changes are gradual and based on your response.
What if I'm too depressed to participate?
Severe depression is exactly what we treat. Our staff understands that depression makes everything feel impossible. We meet you where you are—whether that's struggling to get out of bed or barely able to engage. Activities are adapted to your energy levels, and our compassionate team provides the structure and support you need when motivation is gone.
Does insurance cover depression retreats?
Yes, most major insurance plans cover residential mental health treatment for major depression. Coverage is especially strong when depression is severe, treatment-resistant, or accompanied by suicidal ideation. Our admissions team will verify your benefits at no cost and help you understand out-of-pocket costs before you commit.
How much does the depression retreat cost?
Our all-inclusive 21-day program ranges from $18,000-$24,000. This includes all lodging, meals, therapy, psychiatric care, activities, and treatments. Most insurance plans cover 50-80% of costs. Every guest receives a $500 travel credit. Many guests have out-of-pocket costs between $3,000-$8,000 after insurance. Payment plans available.
Is this only for major depression?
We treat major depression, chronic depression, treatment-resistant depression, postpartum depression, and depression with co-occurring conditions like anxiety, trauma, or chronic pain. What matters most is that outpatient care hasn't provided the relief you need and you're ready for intensive treatment.
What happens after 21 days?
You leave with a comprehensive aftercare plan including: optimized medications, ongoing therapy recommendations, daily practices for maintaining progress, crisis planning, and connection to support resources. Many guests continue with our alumni community and monthly check-ins. The goal is to give you the foundation and tools for sustained recovery, not a temporary fix.

Guest Stories

"Before The Bridge I was taking several medications daily. I hardly left my house and was sleeping most days away. I lost hope of ever leading a normal productive life. After The Bridge, my life completely changed. The Bridge helped me find strength to be active, healthy and happy again."

— Stephanie B., Depression & Fibromyalgia

"After 10 years of depression and six different antidepressants, I thought this was just my life now. The Bridge helped me understand the trauma driving my depression and gave me tools that actually work. I'm not 'cured,' but I'm living again instead of just surviving."

— Rachel M., Treatment-Resistant Depression

"The staff is amazing and the program is life-changing. I will never be able to thank them enough. This place gave me my life back when I thought I'd lost it forever. Worth every penny and every mile I traveled to get there."

— Jennifer L., Major Depression & Anxiety

Related Conditions We Treat