I've not been in a residential treatment center but I just thought I would say that I have struggled on and off with depression for around 9 years, and although it does come back, whenever I've been on antidepressants it's helped a lot (like right now I am taking mirtazapine and it has relieved my depression pretty much completely... just struggling with anxiety now but no meds for that). My depression has never been "bad enough" to need to be inpatient though and I know for some people it is necessary... but, don't give up hope if you can't have inpatient, there is still help out there in the meantime and the things they would do in inpatient can also be done outpatient.

It's good you are seeing a new psychiatrist, how often will you see her/him? Maybe they can best advise you what you need and maybe work on some things together if inpatient isn't possible right now. Good luck.