Pharmacological Treatment for Depression
The primary focus of the California Evidence-Based Clearinghouse for Child Welfare (CEBC) is to review and rate selected evidence-based psychosocial programs within child welfare. The CEBC is not designed to, nor does it have the capacity to be able to, review extensive medical and pharmacological treatments.
Pharmacological treatments for depression have been widely researched and demonstrated to be effective in the treatment of depression. Information on medications used in the treatment of depression is available from many reputable organizations, a selection of which we have listed below. Please click on these links for more information.
American Psychiatric Association (APA)
The APA has more than 39,200 members involved in psychiatric practice, research, and academia representing the diversity of the patients for whom they care.
As the leading psychiatric organization in the world, APA now encompasses members practicing in more than 100 countries.
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA)
DBSA is the leading national organization focusing on mood disorders, including depression and bipolar disorder. DBSA offers peer-based, wellness-oriented support and empowering services and resources available—online, in local support groups, in audio and video casts, or in printed materials. Through their extensive resources and 450 support groups across the country, DBSA reaches millions of people each year with in-person and online peer support; current, readily understandable information about depression and bipolar disorder; and empowering tools focused on an integrated approach to wellness.
- The DBSA webpage, Treatment Options provides a good overview of how mental health conditions are treated, what types of providers might be available to help, and the benefits of various treatments.
Mayo Clinic
The Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit medical practice dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of virtually every type of complex illness.
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
The NIMH is the lead federal agency for research on mental disorders. NIMH is one of the 27 Institutes and Centers that make up the National Institutes of Health (NIH), NIMH envisions a world in which mental illnesses are prevented and cured. The mission of NIMH is to transform the understanding and treatment of mental illnesses through basic and clinical research, paving the way for prevention, recovery, and cure.
Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
The SAMHSA is the agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation and to improve the lives of individuals living with mental and substance use disorders, and their families.
- The SAMHSA Mental Health webpage offers comprehensive information and valuable resources to support mental health and well-being.
Links last updated on 05/20/25.
