Depression Psychologists and Therapists in Melbourne, VIC

Photo of Julia Derry, Counsellor, MSc, ACA-L4
Julia Derry
Counsellor, MSc, ACA-L4
Melbourne, VIC 3000
I work with adults who are experiencing difficulties with issues such as anxiety, depression, stress, relationship issues, grief and loss, identity issues, anger management, low self-esteem, coping and adjustment issues, parenting issues, well being and self care.
I've counselled adults for several years in various mental health settings and taught counselling in a Masters of Counselling at a Melbourne university. I offer clients a warm, kind and caring space. I think it's these qualities that create a safe, honest and genuine connection. With a relationship with these qualities, you can explore a better way forward.
I work with adults who are experiencing difficulties with issues such as anxiety, depression, stress, relationship issues, grief and loss, identity issues, anger management, low self-esteem, coping and adjustment issues, parenting issues, well being and self care.
I've counselled adults for several years in various mental health settings and taught counselling in a Masters of Counselling at a Melbourne university. I offer clients a warm, kind and caring space. I think it's these qualities that create a safe, honest and genuine connection. With a relationship with these qualities, you can explore a better way forward.
(03) 9118 9034 View (03) 9118 9034
Photo of Chris Madden, Counsellor, MA, ACA-L2
Chris Madden
Counsellor, MA, ACA-L2
Melbourne, VIC 3000
I work with people who are struggling with persistent anxiety and depression; repeated painful patterns in relationships; loss, grief, or unresolved trauma; questions of identity or sense of self; conflict around sexuality, desire, or intimacy; shame, guilt, or harsh self-criticism; feeling stuck or unable to move forward; or wrestling with questions that feel difficult to articulate or name.
I'm a qualified counsellor with a background in visual art. In sculpture, my process is one of layering and uncovering—of allowing for something unexpected to emerge through close attention and curiosity. In a similar way, therapy can bring patterns, memories, and underlying meanings into focus. As a therapist, I offer a space where people can discuss their thoughts, feelings, and personal history in an environment that is open, confidential, and free from judgement. My role is not to provide advice or ready-made solutions, but to support the process of exploration and encourage curiosity along the way.
I work with people who are struggling with persistent anxiety and depression; repeated painful patterns in relationships; loss, grief, or unresolved trauma; questions of identity or sense of self; conflict around sexuality, desire, or intimacy; shame, guilt, or harsh self-criticism; feeling stuck or unable to move forward; or wrestling with questions that feel difficult to articulate or name.
I'm a qualified counsellor with a background in visual art. In sculpture, my process is one of layering and uncovering—of allowing for something unexpected to emerge through close attention and curiosity. In a similar way, therapy can bring patterns, memories, and underlying meanings into focus. As a therapist, I offer a space where people can discuss their thoughts, feelings, and personal history in an environment that is open, confidential, and free from judgement. My role is not to provide advice or ready-made solutions, but to support the process of exploration and encourage curiosity along the way.
(08) 6725 3425 View (08) 6725 3425
Photo of Danny J Italia - Rainbow Psychology - Danny Italia, Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Rainbow Psychology - Danny Italia
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Melbourne, VIC 3004
He deals with all types of presenting issues including depression, anxiety, trauma/PTSD, relationship/family problems, addictions and those that affect the LGBTIQA+ community.
Sessions are fully bulk billed with a valid Medicare card and GP referral/mental health care plan (up to 10 sessions per calendar year). If you do not have a Medicare card then rates can be negotiated especially if you have private health insurance or overseas visitor cover.
He deals with all types of presenting issues including depression, anxiety, trauma/PTSD, relationship/family problems, addictions and those that affect the LGBTIQA+ community.
Sessions are fully bulk billed with a valid Medicare card and GP referral/mental health care plan (up to 10 sessions per calendar year). If you do not have a Medicare card then rates can be negotiated especially if you have private health insurance or overseas visitor cover.
(03) 7003 2210 View (03) 7003 2210
Photo of Eleasa Pearce - Eleasa Pearce - People Psychology, Psychologist, PsyBA General
Eleasa Pearce - People Psychology
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Melbourne, VIC 3000
Eleasa Pearce has extensive experience counselling clients and can help you if you’re experiencing: Anxiety Panic Attacks Phobias (Fear of specific things / situations) Trauma and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Early childhood trauma Depression Relationship issues / counselling and interpersonal issues Eco anxiety and client grief Values exploration Burnout Workplace stress and career change Communication skills Grief and loss Chronic pain Stress-related conditions Coaching Anger Management Sleep difficulties Medicare, Private Health Insurers, NDIS, TAC and WorkCover Psychologist Reports.
Eleasa is a highly empathetic and compassionate psychologist with a strong focus on client centred care. She creates a safe and supportive space for clients to explore their life challenges. Eleasa uses an integrative approach individually tailored for each client so they can reach their own goals, while also promoting greater wellbeing, growth & resilience.
Eleasa Pearce has extensive experience counselling clients and can help you if you’re experiencing: Anxiety Panic Attacks Phobias (Fear of specific things / situations) Trauma and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Early childhood trauma Depression Relationship issues / counselling and interpersonal issues Eco anxiety and client grief Values exploration Burnout Workplace stress and career change Communication skills Grief and loss Chronic pain Stress-related conditions Coaching Anger Management Sleep difficulties Medicare, Private Health Insurers, NDIS, TAC and WorkCover Psychologist Reports.
Eleasa is a highly empathetic and compassionate psychologist with a strong focus on client centred care. She creates a safe and supportive space for clients to explore their life challenges. Eleasa uses an integrative approach individually tailored for each client so they can reach their own goals, while also promoting greater wellbeing, growth & resilience.
(03) 7003 2671 View (03) 7003 2671
Photo of David Lococo, Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
David Lococo
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Online Only
You may be feeling depressed, anxious, stressed or angry.
Through a careful assessment of your current problems, I will help you to identify and overcome the obstacles that are keeping you stuck, while helping you live a more rewarding and engaging life. In many cases, I help people to feel like their former selves. I achieve this through using sound psychological approaches that have proven to work.
You may be feeling depressed, anxious, stressed or angry.
Through a careful assessment of your current problems, I will help you to identify and overcome the obstacles that are keeping you stuck, while helping you live a more rewarding and engaging life. In many cases, I help people to feel like their former selves. I achieve this through using sound psychological approaches that have proven to work.
(03) 9068 6213 View (03) 9068 6213
Photo of Suzanne Klotz - Suzanne Klotz - People Psychology, Psychologist, PsyBA General
Suzanne Klotz - People Psychology
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Melbourne, VIC 3000
Get help by seeing Suzanne, who has extensive experience with: Anxiety, Panic Attacks & Anxiety Stress, Phobias (Fear of specific things / situations), Depression, Grief & Loss, Bereavement, Relationship Issues, Couples Counselling, Marriage Counselling, Premarital Counselling, Workplace Stress, Alcohol Abuse & Dependency, PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), Trauma, Adjustment Disorder, ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) & ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder), Adoption Issues, Anger Management, Bipolar Disorder (BD), Career Guidance, Chronic Pain, Codependency Disorder & Divorce Counselling
Suzanne has a warm, approachable and empathic approach. In therapy, she aims to create a space where a person feels understood, accepted and supported as they make the changes that they want to in life. Suzanne is an experienced registered psychologist, with over 17 years experience in counselling and clinical environments.
Get help by seeing Suzanne, who has extensive experience with: Anxiety, Panic Attacks & Anxiety Stress, Phobias (Fear of specific things / situations), Depression, Grief & Loss, Bereavement, Relationship Issues, Couples Counselling, Marriage Counselling, Premarital Counselling, Workplace Stress, Alcohol Abuse & Dependency, PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), Trauma, Adjustment Disorder, ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) & ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder), Adoption Issues, Anger Management, Bipolar Disorder (BD), Career Guidance, Chronic Pain, Codependency Disorder & Divorce Counselling
Suzanne has a warm, approachable and empathic approach. In therapy, she aims to create a space where a person feels understood, accepted and supported as they make the changes that they want to in life. Suzanne is an experienced registered psychologist, with over 17 years experience in counselling and clinical environments.
(03) 7003 2585 View (03) 7003 2585
Photo of Douglas James Kirk - Douglas Kirk - People Psychology, Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Douglas Kirk - People Psychology
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Melbourne, VIC 3000
Get help by seeing Doug, who has extensive experience with: Anger Management Antisocial Personality Anxiety Bi-polar Borderline Personality Disorder Depression, Domestic Violence Gambling Intellectual Disability Life Transitions Relationship Issues Self-esteem Stress Suicidal Ideation Trauma PTSD Douglas Kirk is a registered psychologist with AHPRA.
Doug takes a person-centred approach, ensuring that you are heard, valued, and empowered. By focusing on your needs, strengths, and goals, he cultivates a supportive and collaborative environment. As a trauma-informed practitioner, he acknowledges the profound impact of past experiences on well-being and integrate sensitivity with evidence-based strategies
Get help by seeing Doug, who has extensive experience with: Anger Management Antisocial Personality Anxiety Bi-polar Borderline Personality Disorder Depression, Domestic Violence Gambling Intellectual Disability Life Transitions Relationship Issues Self-esteem Stress Suicidal Ideation Trauma PTSD Douglas Kirk is a registered psychologist with AHPRA.
Doug takes a person-centred approach, ensuring that you are heard, valued, and empowered. By focusing on your needs, strengths, and goals, he cultivates a supportive and collaborative environment. As a trauma-informed practitioner, he acknowledges the profound impact of past experiences on well-being and integrate sensitivity with evidence-based strategies
(03) 9133 0996 View (03) 9133 0996
Photo of Joshua Comyn, Psychotherapist, PhD, ACA-L3
Joshua Comyn
Psychotherapist, PhD, ACA-L3
1 Endorsed
Online Only
While, like other people, you might suffer from anxiety, depression, or trauma, how and why you suffer remains unique to you.
Something isn’t quite right. It may be that you can’t stop yourself from worrying. Or you are compulsively avoiding things (places, people, certain situations). Perhaps you find yourself flying into a sudden, uncontrollable, panic. It may be that you are feeling down: you can’t shake the sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness in your life. You may be feeling worthless and guilty too. It could be your relationships that aren’t working (partner, friends, family, boss, or colleagues). Perhaps past experiences are haunting you so that you lose your connection to the present and the people in it. Perhaps it's all of the above.
While, like other people, you might suffer from anxiety, depression, or trauma, how and why you suffer remains unique to you.
Something isn’t quite right. It may be that you can’t stop yourself from worrying. Or you are compulsively avoiding things (places, people, certain situations). Perhaps you find yourself flying into a sudden, uncontrollable, panic. It may be that you are feeling down: you can’t shake the sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness in your life. You may be feeling worthless and guilty too. It could be your relationships that aren’t working (partner, friends, family, boss, or colleagues). Perhaps past experiences are haunting you so that you lose your connection to the present and the people in it. Perhaps it's all of the above.
(03) 7003 2150 View (03) 7003 2150
Photo of Rohita Atri - Rohita Atri - People Psychology, Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Org. Psych.
Rohita Atri - People Psychology
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Org. Psych.
Melbourne, VIC 3000
Her key interests lie in supporting clients in emotional management, anxiety, stress and depression.
She has a caring and collaborative approach, with a focus on building accountability and strategies to support the client. Rohita is comfortable with providing an engaging session via telehealth, which allows the client to have these sessions from the comfort of their own home and to avoid commute times.
Her key interests lie in supporting clients in emotional management, anxiety, stress and depression.
She has a caring and collaborative approach, with a focus on building accountability and strategies to support the client. Rohita is comfortable with providing an engaging session via telehealth, which allows the client to have these sessions from the comfort of their own home and to avoid commute times.
(03) 7003 2992 View (03) 7003 2992
Photo of Patrick Ruggles, Psychotherapist, PACFA
Patrick Ruggles
Psychotherapist, PACFA
Melbourne, VIC 3000
His approach assists individuals in working through somewhat insoluble issues to bring relief from existential malaise, depression, anxiety, repetitive interpersonal difficulties, and somatic disturbances.
Patrick has previous studies in Psychology, Neuroscience and Eastern Philosophy and is current member of the Lacan Cirlce of Australia. In addition, Patrick is a lecturer in Psychology and Counselling at the Cairnmillar Institute.
His approach assists individuals in working through somewhat insoluble issues to bring relief from existential malaise, depression, anxiety, repetitive interpersonal difficulties, and somatic disturbances.
Patrick has previous studies in Psychology, Neuroscience and Eastern Philosophy and is current member of the Lacan Cirlce of Australia. In addition, Patrick is a lecturer in Psychology and Counselling at the Cairnmillar Institute.
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Photo of Helen Su, Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Helen Su
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Online Only
I do long-term work with high-functioning clients who experience cycles of depression and/or anxiety, or trauma.
Since starting my career in psychology in 2009, I have enjoyed worked with adults of all ages. Some of the issues that have been brought to therapy include struggles with mood, motivation, trauma (complex or single incident), identity development, family conflict, career/workplace challenges, academic/study problems and more. My clients come from all walks of life: fellow health professionals, students, teachers, stay-at-home moms, career women, new migrants, second generation Australians - all of who are just trying to navigate what mental health means to them and what they want out of life.
I do long-term work with high-functioning clients who experience cycles of depression and/or anxiety, or trauma.
Since starting my career in psychology in 2009, I have enjoyed worked with adults of all ages. Some of the issues that have been brought to therapy include struggles with mood, motivation, trauma (complex or single incident), identity development, family conflict, career/workplace challenges, academic/study problems and more. My clients come from all walks of life: fellow health professionals, students, teachers, stay-at-home moms, career women, new migrants, second generation Australians - all of who are just trying to navigate what mental health means to them and what they want out of life.
0451 271 869 View 0451 271 869
Photo of Rodrigo Latorre, Psychologist, MA, PsyBA Endorsed
Rodrigo Latorre
Psychologist, MA, PsyBA Endorsed
Melbourne, VIC 3000
Welcome, just a little about me, I practice Clinical Psychology using evidence-based therapeutic approaches and much of my work is from a psychodynamic perspective, with a welcoming and respectful approach. I have nearly 20 years of experience in private practice supporting people from different backgrounds and ages including children, adolescents, adults, couples and families, although I now see only individual adults or teenagers in session.
Welcome, just a little about me, I practice Clinical Psychology using evidence-based therapeutic approaches and much of my work is from a psychodynamic perspective, with a welcoming and respectful approach. I have nearly 20 years of experience in private practice supporting people from different backgrounds and ages including children, adolescents, adults, couples and families, although I now see only individual adults or teenagers in session.
(03) 7003 2026 View (03) 7003 2026
Photo of Roberta Szekeres, Psychologist, PsychD, PsyBA Endorsed
Roberta Szekeres
Psychologist, PsychD, PsyBA Endorsed
Melbourne, VIC 3000
I aspire to be a warm, engaging and non-judgmental clinical psychologist who is passionate about improving the well-being and growth of my clients. I practice a holistic and empowering approach in therapy to help clients better cope with challenging life situations and reach their potential. I have worked as a clinical psychologist for 13 years, primarily in private clinics. Before becoming a clinical psychologist, I spent several years abroad as a social worker and teaching at universities.
I aspire to be a warm, engaging and non-judgmental clinical psychologist who is passionate about improving the well-being and growth of my clients. I practice a holistic and empowering approach in therapy to help clients better cope with challenging life situations and reach their potential. I have worked as a clinical psychologist for 13 years, primarily in private clinics. Before becoming a clinical psychologist, I spent several years abroad as a social worker and teaching at universities.
(03) 7003 2949 View (03) 7003 2949
Photo of Patricia Evans, Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Patricia Evans
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
2 Endorsed
Melbourne, VIC 3000
I support individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma, PTSD, sleep difficulties, stress, and adjustment challenges.
I value warmth and empathy, to build solid therapeutic relationships, and work with evidence-based frameworks, drawing from cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), mindfulness-based CBT, and eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR).
I support individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma, PTSD, sleep difficulties, stress, and adjustment challenges.
I value warmth and empathy, to build solid therapeutic relationships, and work with evidence-based frameworks, drawing from cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), mindfulness-based CBT, and eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR).
(03) 7003 2277 View (03) 7003 2277
Photo of Zave Leo N - Zave Leo, Counsellor
Zave Leo
Counsellor
Online Only
I became a counsellor to be with people and help them feel less alone. All experiences are welcome - whatever your background, identity, or journey, you have a place here. Magic comes from feeling safe and heard - with me, you don't have to brace for judgment, hide who you are, or do anything “correctly”. Your story is valued and you aren’t a problem to be solved. The power of therapy is not a formula to me, nor is it effective because of a framework. It works because you show up. You deserve compassion as you navigate your life and find what feels authentic to you.
I became a counsellor to be with people and help them feel less alone. All experiences are welcome - whatever your background, identity, or journey, you have a place here. Magic comes from feeling safe and heard - with me, you don't have to brace for judgment, hide who you are, or do anything “correctly”. Your story is valued and you aren’t a problem to be solved. The power of therapy is not a formula to me, nor is it effective because of a framework. It works because you show up. You deserve compassion as you navigate your life and find what feels authentic to you.
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Photo of Kim Dang - KD Psychology, Psychologist, PsyBA General
KD Psychology
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Melbourne, VIC 3004
Kim is a registered psychologist who is experienced in delivering individual counselling and psychotherapy, assessments, and report writing to diverse populations across the lifespan (adults, adolescents, children). She believes that every client is unique in their needs, goals, and life experiences and takes an individualised client-focused approach in her practice of psychology.
Kim is a registered psychologist who is experienced in delivering individual counselling and psychotherapy, assessments, and report writing to diverse populations across the lifespan (adults, adolescents, children). She believes that every client is unique in their needs, goals, and life experiences and takes an individualised client-focused approach in her practice of psychology.
0490 022 973 View 0490 022 973
Photo of Fiona Halliday - Fiona Halliday - People Psychology, Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Fiona Halliday - People Psychology
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Melbourne, VIC 3000
Get help by seeing Fiona, who has extensive experience with: Women’s issues Domestic Abuse Domestic Violence (DV) Family Violence Stress management Anxiety Depression Self esteem Assertiveness Identity issues Change and transition Grief and bereavement Wellbeing and balance Self-Esteem Life Coaching Spirituality Meaning and Purpose Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Issues, Counselling, Coaching and De-Briefing Workplace Issues Workplace Bullying Medicare, Private Health Insurers provider Psychologist Reports
I am an experienced psychologist and therapist of 23 years plus. I have worked across diverse roles in the public, non-government and non-profit sectors and in employee assistance programs, as well as in private practice. I am genuinely committed and passionate about people and the therapy space and the work of self awareness and I walk the talk.
Get help by seeing Fiona, who has extensive experience with: Women’s issues Domestic Abuse Domestic Violence (DV) Family Violence Stress management Anxiety Depression Self esteem Assertiveness Identity issues Change and transition Grief and bereavement Wellbeing and balance Self-Esteem Life Coaching Spirituality Meaning and Purpose Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Issues, Counselling, Coaching and De-Briefing Workplace Issues Workplace Bullying Medicare, Private Health Insurers provider Psychologist Reports
I am an experienced psychologist and therapist of 23 years plus. I have worked across diverse roles in the public, non-government and non-profit sectors and in employee assistance programs, as well as in private practice. I am genuinely committed and passionate about people and the therapy space and the work of self awareness and I walk the talk.
(03) 7003 2481 View (03) 7003 2481
Photo of Anita Bonollo - Anita Bonollo - People Psychology, Psychologist, PsyBA General
Anita Bonollo - People Psychology
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Melbourne, VIC 3000
She has extensive experience counselling clients and can help you with anxiety, stress, panic attacks, or depression; coping with pain, post-trauma (PTSD), OCD, or workplace issues; managing weight loss; couples therapy and sports psychology.
Anita has specialist knowledge and has in-depth experience working with clients experiencing drug and alcohol abuse, cigarette smoking, gambling and other addictions. She can help you to build assertiveness, confidence, self-esteem and better communications.
She has extensive experience counselling clients and can help you with anxiety, stress, panic attacks, or depression; coping with pain, post-trauma (PTSD), OCD, or workplace issues; managing weight loss; couples therapy and sports psychology.
Anita has specialist knowledge and has in-depth experience working with clients experiencing drug and alcohol abuse, cigarette smoking, gambling and other addictions. She can help you to build assertiveness, confidence, self-esteem and better communications.
(03) 9068 5232 View (03) 9068 5232
Photo of Helen Werts - RMB Psychology, Psychologist, MPsych, MAPS
RMB Psychology
Psychologist, MPsych, MAPS
Online Only
The key to successful therapy is the therapeutic relationship you and I develop over time. I know that you need to be seen, heard, validated and be able to trust me so I can provide you a safe trauma-informed care and practice. This model focuses on providing you with a safe space to explore and understand your life. I ask 'What happened to you?' and I bear witness to your story. I am a Level 3 Internal Family Systems Therapist, EMDR Consultant (in training), and a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (in training Advanced). On occasions, I am also Program Assistant on IFSI trainings in Australia.
The key to successful therapy is the therapeutic relationship you and I develop over time. I know that you need to be seen, heard, validated and be able to trust me so I can provide you a safe trauma-informed care and practice. This model focuses on providing you with a safe space to explore and understand your life. I ask 'What happened to you?' and I bear witness to your story. I am a Level 3 Internal Family Systems Therapist, EMDR Consultant (in training), and a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (in training Advanced). On occasions, I am also Program Assistant on IFSI trainings in Australia.
(03) 8372 0563 View (03) 8372 0563
Photo of Sarai Dee, Social Worker, AMHSW
Sarai Dee
Social Worker, AMHSW
Melbourne, VIC 3000
I have experience working creatively with grief and loss, bereavement, non-directive pregnancy options counselling, anxiety and depression and other mental health challenges in health and community settings.
I am a social work counsellor and Sensorimotor art therapist with experience working with women, children, adolescents and people from the LGBTQIA+ communities to improve their mental health and wellbeing. If offer in person and telehealth appointments
I have experience working creatively with grief and loss, bereavement, non-directive pregnancy options counselling, anxiety and depression and other mental health challenges in health and community settings.
I am a social work counsellor and Sensorimotor art therapist with experience working with women, children, adolescents and people from the LGBTQIA+ communities to improve their mental health and wellbeing. If offer in person and telehealth appointments
(03) 8104 9134 View (03) 8104 9134

See more therapy options for Melbourne

Depression Therapists
What is the goal of therapy for depression?
Therapy for depression has several major goals. One is to relieve the mental pain of depression, which distorts feeling and thinking so that sufferers cannot see beyond their current state of mind or envision feeling better. Another is to give people the mental tools to recognise and correct the kinds of distorted thinking that turn a problem into a catastrophe and lead to despair. Therapy also teaches people how to process negative emotions in constructive ways, so they have more control over their own emotional reactivity. And it helps people regain the ability to see themselves positively, the motivation to do things, and the capacity for pleasure.

What happens in therapy for depression?
Perhaps most important, no matter the type of therapy, patients form an alliance with the therapist; that connection is therapeutic in itself, plus it becomes an instrument of change. Patients learn to identify and to challenge their own erroneous beliefs and thoughts that amplify the effects of negative experiences. They learn to identify situations in which they are especially vulnerable. And they learn new patterns of thinking and behaving. They may be given “homework” assignments in which they practice their developing skills. In addition, good therapists regularly monitor patients to assess whether and how much the condition is improving.

What therapy types help with depression?
Several types of short-term therapy have been found effective, each targeting one or more areas of dysfunction. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) helps clients challenge their negative thoughts and beliefs, learn new behavioral strategies, and curb reactivity to distressing situations. Behavioural activation (BA) is a form of therapy often used in conjunction with CBT; it focuses on engagement in rewarding activity as a pathway to changing negative feelings and disturbed mood. Another widely used approach is interpersonal therapy (IPT), which targets the social difficulties that both give rise to and get exacerbated by depression. Therapists may combine approaches as needed.

Can therapy for depression be done online?
Studies have found that online therapy can be highly effective for treating depression, although it may be more challenging to build a good therapist-patient alliance on screen than in person—at least at first. However, online therapy can offer considerable advantages. Accessibility and convenience are tops among them. Some people actually find it easier to talk about problems online than in person. While online therapy typically limits visibility of facial expression and body gestures that give important nonverbal cues to a patient’s state of mind, it can give therapists a glimpse into a patient’s world and life, providing information that can be highly useful in guiding therapy.

How effective is therapy for depression?
Many studies show that therapy is highly effective provided that patients complete the prescribed course of therapy, commonly 16 to 20 sessions. Over the long term, it is more effective than medication and the effects are more enduring. As a result, psychotherapy has the power not just to relieve current suffering but to prevent future episodes of the disorder. Therapy reverses the dysfunction in neural circuitry that disposes individuals to a negative view of themselves, the world, and their future and they acquire coping techniques, problem-solving skills, and understanding of their own vulnerabilities that are useful over the course of a lifetime.