Psychiatry and Psychology in Minnesota

Mood Disorders Unit

The Mood Disorders Unit at Mayo Clinic's campus in Rochester, Minn., provides inpatient treatment to adults whose depression or bipolar illness significantly affects their functioning or safety. A psychiatrist with specialized training in mood disorders directs your treatment.

The unit is in the Generose Building on the Saint Marys Hospital campus.

Comprehensive assessment

Individuals are generally admitted to the unit via a doctor's referral or through the Emergency Department. An initial evaluation by a Mayo Clinic doctor will address medical, emotional, behavioral, social, recreational, vocational and nutritional needs. Also included is a review of your psychiatric history, previous treatment and physical and health screening.

An experienced team of psychiatrists, registered nurses, social workers, psychologists, physician assistants and rehabilitation professionals reviews the initial assessment. In consultation with you, they create an individualized care plan to meet your needs. Tests or consultations with other medical specialties at Mayo Clinic are ordered, as needed.

Individualized treatment

Treatment options at the Mood Disorders Unit include cognitive behavioral therapy, medications, and, when indicated, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), or additional treatments.

Your active participation is essential to the treatment process, both in the hospital and after dismissal. Individuals set daily goals to move toward recovery. Daily visits by the treatment team, led by a psychiatrist, systematically assess your progress. Your partner and family members are encouraged to participate in treatment and recovery.

The intensive, seven-day-a-week treatment program incorporates medical therapies, cognitive behavioral therapy, education and support groups, discussion groups, family groups, and relaxation activities, as well as goal-directed individual time.

Daily activities address stress management, medication management, work/life balance, communication skills, and planning and goal-setting.

You remain in a secure environment, but are encouraged to maintain daily routines, such as exercise or personal and business communications. You and your treatment team decide on your level of independence — including criteria for leaving the unit.

After treatment in the Mood Disorders Unit, the medical team arranges follow-up appointments and referrals to hometown resources or individualized therapy.