Depression Retreat Thailand
Get professional depression treatment in a safe, therapeutic environment away from your daily stressors. Our depression retreat programme provides the intensive care you need to overcome hopelessness, rediscover joy, and build the future you deserve.
Asia’s only
CARF-accredited
Licensed by the
Thai Health Ministry
Featured in
How Our Depression Retreat Works
Our person-centred, trauma-informed approach recognises that depression often stems from trauma and adverse life experiences that have left you feeling hopeless, empty, and unable to find joy in activities you once loved.
Rather than just managing symptoms, we focus on healing depressive episodes and the deeper wounds that contribute to your condition, creating a foundation for genuine, long-term recovery.
When you arrive, you will receive a personalised treatment plan guided by our Treatment Roadmap, which takes you through structured phases that alleviate your symptoms, address their root causes, and equip you for a confident return to your daily life.
In our therapeutic setting, far away from the people, places, and situations that aggravate your symptoms,
you will find the intensive support and specialised care necessary to truly heal.
Personalised Depression Retreat at The Dawn Thailand
Your journey at The Dawn begins with a personalised treatment plan tailored to your needs and structured around our Treatment Roadmap. We will guide you through progressive phases that help you overcome your symptoms, address their underlying causes, and prepare you for lasting emotional wellness.
Comprehensive Assessment
and Stabilisation
Weeks 1 to 2
We begin with a thorough evaluation of your depression history and current symptoms.
Using standardised assessments like the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), we evaluate your mental state and identify underlying causes contributing to your condition.
This assessment allows us to create a tailored treatment plan that addresses both your presenting symptoms and their root issues.
Our clinical team will also review and adjust current medications as needed.
If substance use is also present, we provide medically supervised detox onsite, ensuring a seamless transition into your depression therapy.
Managing Your Presenting Symptoms
Weeks 2 to 5
Next, we focus on stabilising your mood and equipping you with practical tools to navigate daily life with greater ease.
You will learn to recognise and manage your stressors and move through challenges with resilience.
Therapies include:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to change negative thought patterns that fuel depression
- Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) to improve emotional regulation skills
- Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) to develop present-moment awareness
- Psychoeducation to understand your depression and recovery process
- Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for treatment-resistant depression (optional)
We also integrate holistic wellness practices to support your overall healing and reinforce your new coping skills.
Addressing
Root Causes
Weeks 5 to 12
This phase is essential for preventing future depressive episodes.
Through specialised, trauma-focused therapies, we explore and resolve the underlying trauma and experiences that have contributed to your depression.
Therapies include:
- Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF-CBT) to process traumatic experiences safely
- Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) to reduce the emotional intensity of traumatic memories
Holistic Depression Treatment in Thailand by Specialist Team
Our clinical team is led by Western-trained therapists, psychiatrists, and addiction specialists, each bringing extensive expertise in addiction recovery, trauma, and co-occurring mental health treatment. Our hiring standards are rigorous, and our clients work directly with senior clinicians from their first day of treatment to their last.
Dr. Panu Khuwuthyakorn
Dr. Mollie O’Riordan
Robert Everitt
Paolo Veneracion
Mitch Khine Win
Depression and Anxiety Outcomes After Treatment at The Dawn
At The Dawn, we measure every client’s progress using the Beck Depression Inventory and the GAD-7 at both intake and discharge, and we publish what we find. The figures below cover all of our clients rather than those attending our depression retreat alone.
| What We Measure | % of Clients Who Improved |
% of Clients Who Went from Severe to Mild/Minimal |
|---|---|---|
| Depression (BDI) | 91% | 74% |
| Anxiety (GAD-7) | 85% | 73% |
Outcomes: 2022 to 2025
Retreats for depression and anxiety become the right next step when outpatient therapy and medication have not brought the relief you hoped for, or when your symptoms have made it difficult to manage work, relationships and everyday responsibilities. Remaining at home keeps you surrounded by the very pressures that contribute to your depression and anxiety, and an hour of outpatient therapy each week can only achieve so much against them.
At our depression retreat in Thailand, you step away from those pressures altogether and can give your recovery your full attention. You receive therapy every day, medical oversight throughout, and the support of a team who come to know you well – all in one place. If you are unsure whether residential treatment is right for you, our admissions team will be glad to talk through your situation and help you decide.
At The Dawn, most people stay approximately 60 days, but your treatment length depends on various factors, such as how severe your depression and anxiety are, your personal circumstances, and your progress during treatment.
For those experiencing treatment-resistant depression, complex trauma, or multiple mental health conditions alongside depression such as anxiety, an extended stay of around 90 days enables us to deliver more thorough care and establish a stronger foundation for lasting recovery.
After your initial assessment, we will collaborate to decide the optimal duration for your specific depression treatment needs.
Retreats for depression and anxiety at The Dawn use a person-centred, trauma-informed approach that understands both conditions often develop from unresolved trauma, difficult life experiences, or circumstances that have become too overwhelming to manage alone.
Instead of only treating surface-level symptoms, we address your current depression and anxiety along with the deeper issues that contribute to these conditions and interfere with your ability to function in relationships, work, and daily activities.
Your treatment combines proven Western therapeutic methods like CBT, DBT, and TMS with scientifically-backed Eastern wellness practices including mindfulness, yoga, and massage therapy.
When substance use is also present as a way to cope with depression or anxiety, we provide integrated dual diagnosis care that treats both conditions as interconnected parts of your healing journey.
This multifaceted approach supports your complete recovery, mentally, emotionally, and physically, creating lasting transformation at every level.
Several factors set The Dawn apart from other retreats for depression:
- Asia's only CARF-accredited centre: This internationally recognised gold standard is awarded exclusively to elite treatment centres that consistently deliver:
- evidence-based treatment methods
- person-centred, trauma-informed care
- strict compliance with the highest international safety and care protocols
- Highly personalised approach: Instead of applying generic treatment protocols, we perform in-depth evaluations of your depression history and recovery objectives to develop a fully individualised treatment plan. Our Treatment Roadmap then takes you through structured phases designed to promote deep healing at a manageable pace.
- Comprehensive treatment: We integrate cutting-edge therapies like TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) with established Western therapeutic approaches and proven Eastern wellness practices to support your mental, emotional, and physical recovery.
- Expert clinical team: You will work with specialised depression treatment professionals trained in the UK, US, and Australia. Our low staff-to-client ratio guarantees dedicated attention and support throughout your entire recovery process.
- Therapeutic environment: Our depression retreat offers a peaceful sanctuary far away from everyday pressures, allowing you to focus entirely on your healing journey without distractions.
- Ongoing support: Our Free Lifetime Aftercare Programme ensures continuous support to help you sustain your mental wellness after returning home.
- Exceptional value: All of this is available at significantly lower costs than comparable Western facilities while maintaining the same clinical standards.
What it’s Like to Stay at Our Depression Retreat in Thailand
Each day at The Dawn balances structured therapy sessions with time to process and recharge. You will attend individual and group therapy sessions, engage in wellness activities, and have quiet time in a private room nestled in nature, with full access to our wellness facilities when you need them. Here’s an example of what a typical day looks like at our depression retreat:
| 07:00: | Group Exercise |
|---|---|
| 08:00: | Breakfast |
| 09:30: | Process Group / Support Group Meetings |
| 11:00: | Group Therapy / Group Activity |
| 12:00: | Lunch |
| 12:45: | Focus Group |
| 14:30: | Individual Therapy / Fitness Training / Mindfulness Meditation / TMS (optional) |
| 18:00: | Dinner |
| 19:00: | Wind Down / Massage |
| 20:00: | Daily Journal Time |
| 21:30: | Bedtime |
A Safe, Luxury Setting Designed for Recovery
Staying in your home environment while battling depression keeps you exposed to the stressors that aggravate your symptoms.
Our depression retreat is intentionally located in peaceful riverfront grounds outside Chiang Mai, removing you from these daily pressures and creating an environment that promotes calm, reflection, and healing.
Your private, comfortable accommodation comes with full access to wellness facilities, providing the serene therapeutic space you need to rebuild your strength and develop the coping skills essential for lasting recovery.
Holistic Treatment from World-class Clinicians
We maintain the highest standards when selecting our depression treatment specialists.
You will work with expert clinicians trained in the UK, US, and Australia, each bringing extensive experience in trauma-informed care and evidence-based depression therapies.
These professionals guide you through a treatment programme that blends advanced Western therapies with wellness practices such as mindfulness, yoga, and massage, all scientifically proven to improve mental and physical wellness.
This integrated approach addresses all aspects of your wellbeing, establishing the foundation for profound and lasting recovery.
Why Choose The Dawn for Depression Retreat
Asia’s only CARF-accredited centre
CARF is the gold-standard for U.S. treatment centres, ensuring adherence to the highest international standards of client care, safety, and evidence-based treatment tailored to your needs.
Blend of Western therapy & Eastern wellness
We combine Western therapies like CBT, DBT, and TMS with holistic Eastern practices like mindfulness, yoga and massage, all scientifically proven to help you manage your stressors and build healthy coping skills.
Specialised treatment for dual diagnosis
Our integrated approach treats both mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, or PTSD and co-occurring substance use disorders, helping you build a stronger foundation for long-term wellbeing.
World-class care at 1/3 the price
Get the same standard of care you would expect from top Western facilities at a fraction of the price. Our lower cost allows for longer stays, giving you the time and space needed for deeper, more sustainable recovery.
Highly personalised treatment plans
Your customised treatment plan, guided by our Treatment Roadmap, is based on comprehensive assessments and your recovery goals, giving you the best chance at lasting recovery.
Dedicated trauma programme
Our Trauma Programme includes trauma-focused therapies to help you safely process adverse life experiences through individual therapy, group work, and somatic treatments designed specifically for trauma recovery.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
We are the only non-hospital facility in Thailand offering TMS as an option, an FDA-approved treatment that’s highly effective for treatment-resistant depression when traditional medications have not delivered results.
What Our Clients Say About Depression Treatment
in Thailand at The Dawn
Posted on Google
Mark o' sullivan46 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I have to say the treatment I received in the Dawn for childhood trauma, adhd and mild depression was excellent, they go above and beyond to make sure you get the best treatment. I came in here on 2% battery and leaving at 80%. But the best thing is I’ve got the tools and support to get me to 100% when I get home . The facilities are awesome from the grounds to the gym and the rooms are amazing. The chefs , the cleaners and support team are just amazing couldn’t ask for anything better . I am definitely recommending the Dawn to anyone that is feeling not right and need help The Dawn is the place to be to receive the help you need I would highly recommend And if I could give a 50 star review I would 😁Posted on Google
Amit (lehri) bansal53 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
**5/5 Stars — One of the Best Investments of My Life** I went to The Dawn with absolutely no idea what an addiction rehab would be like or what to expect. It turned out to be far better and more effective than I could have ever imagined. **Pre-Admissions** Daryl and Marcus gave me a detailed walkthrough of what to expect and asked all the right questions, which gave me immense confidence right from the start. While there are millions of businesses out there just to make money, fields like medicine, teaching, and addiction recovery are beyond that. * **Support & Non-Doctor Staff (5.5/5):** Absolutely incredible. They aren't just handling logistics; they act like family or close friends. They take care of everything and are always there if you need to talk, share, or ask for help. Special shoutouts to Merry and AJ Abdullah! * **Therapists (5/5):** Fortunate to work with Ken and Jayvee, who are both amazing. Jayvee helped me understand key concepts one-on-one and gave me practical solutions for my thoughts and struggles. Ken's psychoeducational group sessions blew my mind—he truly knows this field inside and out. Raymond was also fantastic, incredibly patient, and knowledgeable. * **Facilities (4/5):** Above average. Luxury is subjective (what one person calls amazing, another might not), but I found it comfortable and solid. * **Food (3.5/5):** Good, but room for minor tweaks. **The Standout Highlight: Peer Support** What I didn't see coming was how powerful the peer community would be. Seeing people struggling with similar challenges—substance, behavioral, trauma, and mental health—supporting each other created an immediate sense of family. That comfort and shared understanding was the absolute highlight of my stay. **One Area for Improvement** For clients dealing with process/tech addictions (online gambling, crypto trading, social media, shopping, or adult content), there needs to be tighter device control. Paying $20k–$25k a month, I’d expect them to either block problematic websites on client devices (similar to restricting alcohol/substances) or provide managed devices pre-loaded only with essential apps like WhatsApp, email, and music. **Final Verdict** An amazing place that genuinely cares. They even let me stay two extra days free of charge because I mistakenly booked the wrong return flight—proof that it’s not just about the money for them. Huge thanks to Ken, Jayvee, Raymond, AJ Abdullah, Jack, Merry, and the entire support team!Posted on Google
Natalie Prescott58 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I had a beautiful experience at this facility. The staff were all so kind and eager to assist with your needs. The buildings, rooms, and apartments themselves were all well kept and conducive to calm living. The grounds were beautiful and well-landscaped. The services and amenities provided are top-tier. More specifically, I visited the wellness center here and was able to participate in the sound bath. What an amazingly relaxing AND rejuvenating experience. I’d be happy come back for wellness experiences like this.Posted on Google
Kevin Desroeux58 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I recently visited this wellness center and had a wonderful experience. The lady who gave us the tour was amazing—friendly, knowledgeable, and passionate about the center. She made us feel very welcome from the moment we arrived. The facilities and buildings are absolutely beautiful, with a peaceful atmosphere that helps you relax right away. Everything is well maintained and thoughtfully designed. I also had my very first sound bowl healing experience, and it was fantastic. It was both relaxing and enjoyable, and I'm very glad I had the opportunity to try it. I highly recommend this place to anyone looking for wellness, relaxation, and a beautiful environment.Posted on Google
Ananta73 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
What an experience, I have have gained so much from being here to the fact I extended my stay from 4 weeks to 5. The team specially- mitch, jack, Nora, marie, AJ, tai, mai, yaa, kaan and all the other people i have forgotten to mention were brilliant in there work. There nursing team is very good to and make sure u are comfortable and getting your meds on time specially- boy and dr zaw. The food has been fantastic also just that it lacked a bit of variety on a few days other than that exceptional. The gym, massages, therapies, pool were the highlight. There hk team is very prompt and goes above and beyond to provide you comfortable and clean rooms, could add a evening turn down service for the price they are charging, overall superb brilliant exceptional experience. Thank you the dawn for make me into who i am today.Posted on Google
Lyndsey Young79 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I had the pleasure of visiting The Dawn today for a tour, and I was genuinely so impressed with everything they have to offer. The facilities are beautiful, peaceful and thoughtfully designed, with such a great range of activities and experiences available for guests. We also had the opportunity to take part in a sound bath healing session, which was honestly wonderful. It was incredibly relaxing, and I could really feel the benefits afterwards. It was such a lovely way to slow down, switch off and completely unwind. The whole experience left me feeling calm, refreshed and very impressed with The Dawn. From what I saw today, it seems like a truly supportive and welcoming environment for people working through addiction or mental health challenges, with a real focus on healing, wellbeing and recovery. I would highly recommend The Dawn to anyone looking for professional support in a peaceful and caring setting.+4Posted on Google
Genesys99 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
If you feel like your life has fallen apart and you can’t see a way out, I’ve been there too. My work, relationships, and mental health collapsed all at once, and I fell into severe depression, crying every day, isolating myself, and feeling completely lost. In that desperation I searched for a way out. That’s when I started looking online and calling different places and eventually found The Dawn Thailand in Chiang Mai. The first time on the phone call, I spent more than an hour crying while sharing what was happening to me. Instead of judgment, I was met with deep understanding. I received a space that held my tears and gave me something I hadn’t felt in a long time, here is a safe place to say, “I’m not okay”. During almost two months in the Wellness Enhancement & Rehab Program, the experienced therapists and team designed a treatment plan that truly fit who I am and helped me untangle the knots in my life carefully. For safety reasons, there are the support team & the nurse on duty at all times. The Dawn could be a refuge - a trusted place, a gentle shaded road where the environment itself. No need to run, walk more slowly & strongly. My mental state improving step by step and my mind grows lighter. If you’re reading my life journey and searching for a way out. The Dawn Thailand became a safe home for me >> a place I could trust when everything else felt overwhelming. It might become that place for you too. You’re not alone !+1Posted on Google
Amanda Griffiths133 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I had a truly life changing experience at the Dawn. Between the gorgeous grounds, the AMAZING support staff, knowledgeable therapists, fun excursions, fitness fun, delicious healthy meals, discrete nursing staff, pool & gym all located in the peaceful valley by the mountains, it is hard to leave! I am so grateful for this life changing experience and would recommend it to anyone having a hard time in life and looking for answers. I'm sleeping better, feeling mch stronger, happier, more grounded, and have a renewed sense of purpose and skills to handle hard things in life. Will be back to do the deeper work in the near future, namaste! 🙏+25Posted on Google
Joe Bryan147 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I can say without a shadow of a doubt that selling my car to fund my time at The Dawn was the absolute best decision of my entire life. Healing is rarely ever supposed to be comfortable. In a community setting like this, you will run into every type of personality that exists in the outside world, often in its most extreme form. Other clients will complain, and the process will feel incredibly challenging at times. But there is a profound, undeniable healing that happens through authentic connection. Here, I learned to get used to discomfort, to finally speak aloud the things heavily tied to guilt, shame, anxiety, and fear. I learned that it is okay to say the wrong thing, and that true growth happens when you allow yourself to drop the mask and be seen. The staff and doctors here are elite professionals who intimately understand the mechanics of trauma: Robert, my focus therapist, is genuinely the best therapist I have ever had in my entire life. Helen, the clinical director, proved to be not only an exceptionally skilled practitioner in the healing process during our brief talks, but also an avid, inspiring leader. The entire staff, from the nurses to the support team, is incredibly polite, compassionate, and professional. In two months, I did not encounter a single person who showed attitude or didn't want to be here. I chose the Viva package (off-site residence) for two months, though due to renovations, I spent the first six weeks on-site. While the Viva accommodations are perfectly good enough to get the job done, staying on-site is incredibly useful because it gives you immediate access to professional help, nurses, and medications at odd hours of the night. Furthermore, being on-site allowed me to utilize the amenities, like the gym and the piano, for an extra two hours a day, which is surprisingly worth it. Every single aspect of the programming is intentionally tailored toward mental health and nervous system regulation. The activities, including TRE (Trauma Releasing Exercises), sound healing, massage, yoga, and Muay Thai kickboxing, are purposeful. Even the food is scientifically part of the narrative. Having studied nutrition for mood stability myself, I immediately noticed the intentional inclusion of beets, pumpkin seeds, and dried apricots. Furthermore, when the intense "cycle" of processing trauma triggered massive cravings for carbohydrates and chocolate, I was incredibly grateful that the dining room always had cookies and snacks on hand, and that the store had plenty of treats to help. If you are considering coming here for trauma, I HIGHLY recommend booking 56 days over 28. That extension grants you access to the specialized trauma group. You absolutely need those first 28 days in the regular groups just to stabilize, understand the process, and learn how the community works before diving into the deepest layers of your past. I thought I learned everything I needed until I entered the second group, and I couldn't believe how much deeper the path of connection and acceptance could go. It may not feel comfortable every day, but please trust that this place knows exactly what they are doing. I am leaving with a sense of groundedness I didn't think was possible, and I cannot wait to see where life takes me from here. — Joseph+13Posted on Google
Sipim Sornbanlang156 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Had the opportunity to visit The Dawn for the first time and learn more about its rehabilitation program—a place where people come to heal, reflect, and recover from various traumatic experiences. What struck me most was the atmosphere. Nestled among the natural beauty of Chiang Mai, The Dawn feels more like a sanctuary than a treatment center. Peaceful, serene, and thoughtfully designed, it offers an environment where anyone seeking recovery can truly focus on finding their path toward healing and renewal.
Why Choose Thailand for Your Depression Retreat
You can trust that your care meets the same rigorous standards as high-quality depression retreats in the US and UK.
As Asia's only CARF-accredited centre, we adhere to the strict guidelines for clinical care and safety that govern top-tier treatment facilities in the US. This means we use evidence-based treatment methods tailored to your individual needs rather than generic treatment protocols.
Our track record speaks for itself: We maintain a 90% programme completion rate, with 96% of our clients recommending The Dawn to others.
This exceptional standard of care comes at significantly lower costs than comparable Western facilities, allowing you to invest in longer, more comprehensive treatment without compromising on quality.
Yes, The Dawn accepts insurance from leading healthcare providers worldwide for mental health retreat.
Coverage varies depending on your specific insurance plan and provider, so we recommend consulting directly with your insurance company about their coverage for international mental health treatment to ensure all your questions are answered prior to beginning treatment.
Many clients find that even with partial coverage, the significantly lower costs of treatment in Thailand compared to Western facilities can make comprehensive mental health retreat more accessible and affordable than local options.
Not at The Dawn. All therapy sessions and daily activities are provided in English. Our team speaks fluent English and includes licensed professionals trained in the US, UK, and Australia, so you will never have to worry about being misunderstood or lost in translation. Most of our clients are from the US, UK, and Australia, creating a familiar cultural environment for your recovery journey.
Why Choose Inpatient Depression Retreat Over Outpatient Therapy
Inpatient depression treatment delivers the continuous and comprehensive care that outpatient treatment cannot provide. At The Dawn, all aspects of your treatment, from therapy sessions and medical care to wellness activities and peer support are coordinated within our facility, allowing you to focus completely on healing without logistical complications.
Inpatient – Removes you from the environment that perpetuates your depression, giving you space to heal without constant exposure to stressors that worsen your symptoms.
Outpatient – Keeps you exposed to the same stressors and situations that contribute to your depression while managing treatment alongside daily responsibilities.
Inpatient – Accelerates your progress with daily treatment combining therapy, group sessions, TMS, and wellness practices.
Outpatient – Slows your progress significantly with only weekly or bi-weekly sessions that require exceptional motivation during difficult periods.
Inpatient – Provides convenient access to all aspects of depression treatment in one location, eliminating logistical stress when you are already struggling to cope.
Outpatient – Requires you to coordinate multiple appointments across different locations and providers, adding stress when your energy is already depleted.
Inpatient – Connects you with others facing similar depression challenges through group therapy, helping you realise you are not alone in your journey.
Outpatient – Limits you to individual sessions only, leaving you without peer support from others who truly understand your depression journey.
Stories of Hope and Healing
Leanne's Journey: From Trauma to Healing at The Dawn
From Trauma to Hope: Real Recovery Story at The Dawn
Why choose mental health treatment at The Dawn?
We accept all major international insurance plans
FIND OUT HOW WE CAN HELP YOU AND GET STARTED ON THE PATH TO A BETTER LIFE.

