Depression Therapists in L4B

Photo of Markham Psychological Services, Psychologist in L4B, ON
Markham Psychological Services
Psychologist, PhD, CPsych
Verified Verified
She provides treatment and coping skills for anxiety, depression and insomnia, support for life-transitions including separation/divorce/ & loss of a partner and retirement.
Dr. Christine Hansen, is a registered Ph.D psychologist in Clinical, Counselling and Rehabilitation Psychology with a thriving practices in Richmond Hill / Markham. She is a member of the College of Psychologists and the Ontario Psychological Association. Dr. Hansen obtained her doctorate in Counselling Psychology from U.of T.With 25 years + of experience obtained in diverse settings, she works with a variety of problems with clients from many cultural backgrounds. Working with a psychologist can facilitate changes and solutions sooner providing realistic solutions and strategies.
She provides treatment and coping skills for anxiety, depression and insomnia, support for life-transitions including separation/divorce/ & loss of a partner and retirement.
Dr. Christine Hansen, is a registered Ph.D psychologist in Clinical, Counselling and Rehabilitation Psychology with a thriving practices in Richmond Hill / Markham. She is a member of the College of Psychologists and the Ontario Psychological Association. Dr. Hansen obtained her doctorate in Counselling Psychology from U.of T.With 25 years + of experience obtained in diverse settings, she works with a variety of problems with clients from many cultural backgrounds. Working with a psychologist can facilitate changes and solutions sooner providing realistic solutions and strategies.
(855) 741-1303 View (855) 741-1303
Photo of Dr Carolyne Lee @ FLEX Psychology, Psychologist in L4B, ON
Dr Carolyne Lee @ FLEX Psychology
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Many people experience difficulty managing their emotions or feel “stuck” in life. Collaboratively, we will work together towards meaningful change. My approach is informed by Emotion-Focused, Cognitive-Behavioural, and Acceptance and Commitment therapies. I provide therapy to teens and adults, with particular expertise in depression, anxiety, relationship issues, and trauma/abuse.
Many people experience difficulty managing their emotions or feel “stuck” in life. Collaboratively, we will work together towards meaningful change. My approach is informed by Emotion-Focused, Cognitive-Behavioural, and Acceptance and Commitment therapies. I provide therapy to teens and adults, with particular expertise in depression, anxiety, relationship issues, and trauma/abuse.
(289) 809-6177 View (289) 809-6177
Photo of Marcus Chow, Registered Psychotherapist in L4B, ON
Marcus Chow
Registered Psychotherapist, MDiv, RP, CCFT, RMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Richmond Hill, ON L4B  (Online Only)
I work with clients in the areas of: depression & anxiety, grief & loss, trauma & abuse, anger management, self-esteem issues, boundaries, communication skills, life transitions, premarital counselling, marital relationship & family issues.
My passion is to walk along side with people during their journey towards healing and growth. I value each client as a unique individual, who deserves to be treated with compassion and respect. I believe that developing emotional maturity and gaining self-understanding are essential steps towards personal growth.Over the course of our lives, we all inevitably experienced some emotional wounds, which hinder us from personal growth. Counselling serves as a process to help us uncover those wounds and heal, and in the process, gain self-understanding and self-awareness, and be empowered to make changes towards holistic growth.
I work with clients in the areas of: depression & anxiety, grief & loss, trauma & abuse, anger management, self-esteem issues, boundaries, communication skills, life transitions, premarital counselling, marital relationship & family issues.
My passion is to walk along side with people during their journey towards healing and growth. I value each client as a unique individual, who deserves to be treated with compassion and respect. I believe that developing emotional maturity and gaining self-understanding are essential steps towards personal growth.Over the course of our lives, we all inevitably experienced some emotional wounds, which hinder us from personal growth. Counselling serves as a process to help us uncover those wounds and heal, and in the process, gain self-understanding and self-awareness, and be empowered to make changes towards holistic growth.
(855) 956-1329 View (855) 956-1329
Photo of Amreeta Kaur - The Inner Compass Therapist, Registered Social Worker in L4B, ON
Amreeta Kaur - The Inner Compass Therapist
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
13 Endorsed
Richmond Hill, ON L4B  (Online Only)
I provide a non-judgmental space, a gentle but direct approach, for you to learn how to understand your emotions, manage feelings of stress, anxiety or depression, develop an inner dialogue that is kinder and more forgiving, as well as learn to feel confident in who you are.
What if you can stop feeling anxious and overwhelmed, and start feeling more secure and confident? What if you are no longer striving to please others and are able to stop worrying about whether others are judging you? I can help you to overcome these nagging insecurities and listen to your inner compass so that you can build motivation, courageously make choices and connect with others authentically.
I provide a non-judgmental space, a gentle but direct approach, for you to learn how to understand your emotions, manage feelings of stress, anxiety or depression, develop an inner dialogue that is kinder and more forgiving, as well as learn to feel confident in who you are.
What if you can stop feeling anxious and overwhelmed, and start feeling more secure and confident? What if you are no longer striving to please others and are able to stop worrying about whether others are judging you? I can help you to overcome these nagging insecurities and listen to your inner compass so that you can build motivation, courageously make choices and connect with others authentically.
(647) 931-4223 View (647) 931-4223
Photo of Natalie Ho, Registered Psychotherapist in L4B, ON
Natalie Ho
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Richmond Hill, ON L4B  (Online Only)
I have experience providing services in both short-term and long-term contexts to adults who have presented with issues such as anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and grief.
The last few years have been hard on all of us. We have all grieved in some capacity, whether it be over the loss of a loved one, a relationship, a career, or simply the life that we knew before the world was changed by the pandemic. As someone who has been in therapy myself, I know how important it is to have a safe space in which we can process the ups and downs of life.
I have experience providing services in both short-term and long-term contexts to adults who have presented with issues such as anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and grief.
The last few years have been hard on all of us. We have all grieved in some capacity, whether it be over the loss of a loved one, a relationship, a career, or simply the life that we knew before the world was changed by the pandemic. As someone who has been in therapy myself, I know how important it is to have a safe space in which we can process the ups and downs of life.
(289) 272-8502 View (289) 272-8502
Photo of Affordable online counselling / Yalda Sharif, Counsellor in L4B, ON
Affordable online counselling / Yalda Sharif
Counsellor, MA
Verified Verified
Richmond Hill, ON L4B  (Online Only)
If you feel anxiety within your inner and outer life, relationship problems, feel depressed or have obsessive thoughts or behaviors, I am here to help you find the path through a better life and resolve your problems.
Life is blended with different stages and we are made to challenge life in different ways. Never give up! I have been accompanying my clients through their life transformations. Therapeutic sessions are such mutual teamwork. I hope to be the one who creates a miracle in your life. Every range of individuals from 12 are offered mental health services at Universal Counseling. I will help you even if you are in financial difficulties, just come before its too late! (Most insurances are covered by us). Book your first session at: https://www.universalcounseling.org/
If you feel anxiety within your inner and outer life, relationship problems, feel depressed or have obsessive thoughts or behaviors, I am here to help you find the path through a better life and resolve your problems.
Life is blended with different stages and we are made to challenge life in different ways. Never give up! I have been accompanying my clients through their life transformations. Therapeutic sessions are such mutual teamwork. I hope to be the one who creates a miracle in your life. Every range of individuals from 12 are offered mental health services at Universal Counseling. I will help you even if you are in financial difficulties, just come before its too late! (Most insurances are covered by us). Book your first session at: https://www.universalcounseling.org/
(365) 298-0225 View (365) 298-0225
Photo of Shabana B, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) in L4B, ON
Shabana B
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), RP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
My work focuses on a wide range of struggles including Anxiety, Depression, Personality Disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Relationship and Family struggles, and Stress.
I received her undergraduate degree in Health Science and later graduated with her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counselling. I am currently a professional member of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA) and a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). During my internship, I worked with teens, adults, and couples.
My work focuses on a wide range of struggles including Anxiety, Depression, Personality Disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Relationship and Family struggles, and Stress.
I received her undergraduate degree in Health Science and later graduated with her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counselling. I am currently a professional member of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA) and a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). During my internship, I worked with teens, adults, and couples.
(289) 236-0761 View (289) 236-0761
Photo of Dr. Katelyn Boersma @ FLEX Psychology, Psychologist in L4B, ON
Dr. Katelyn Boersma @ FLEX Psychology
Psychologist, PhD, CPsych
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Making the decision to disclose difficulties and seek out psychological services can be challenging. I work collaboratively with adult and adolescent therapy clients to develop a clear understanding of problems, building agreement on the core tasks of therapy to lead to meaningful changes. I utilize my training in Emotion-Focused, Cognitive-Behavioural, Psychodynamic, and Integrative therapies to address a diverse range of presenting concerns, including depression, anxiety, eating disorders, trauma (eg. sexual assault, childhood abuse), and personality difficulties. The foundation of our relationship will be our focus on establishing and maintaining a strong working-alliance rooted in empathy and trust.
Making the decision to disclose difficulties and seek out psychological services can be challenging. I work collaboratively with adult and adolescent therapy clients to develop a clear understanding of problems, building agreement on the core tasks of therapy to lead to meaningful changes. I utilize my training in Emotion-Focused, Cognitive-Behavioural, Psychodynamic, and Integrative therapies to address a diverse range of presenting concerns, including depression, anxiety, eating disorders, trauma (eg. sexual assault, childhood abuse), and personality difficulties. The foundation of our relationship will be our focus on establishing and maintaining a strong working-alliance rooted in empathy and trust.
(855) 586-7390 View (855) 586-7390
Photo of GTA Psychotherapy, Registered Psychotherapist in L4B, ON
GTA Psychotherapy
Registered Psychotherapist, RP, RSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Hello, and Welcome to our page! Our practice specializes in Addiction, Anxiety, Stabilizing emotions, Depression, Sexual and Physical Abuse, Family/Relationships problems, and self-esteem. Not only can we assist you by giving you tools that you can use to cope with your day-to-day mental health struggles, but we can help you find the root of the cause. We are a team of Psychotherapists and Social Workers combined we have over 25+years of experience working with clients that have challenges with their past trauma that comes up and their overall mental health that is affecting their quality of life.
Hello, and Welcome to our page! Our practice specializes in Addiction, Anxiety, Stabilizing emotions, Depression, Sexual and Physical Abuse, Family/Relationships problems, and self-esteem. Not only can we assist you by giving you tools that you can use to cope with your day-to-day mental health struggles, but we can help you find the root of the cause. We are a team of Psychotherapists and Social Workers combined we have over 25+years of experience working with clients that have challenges with their past trauma that comes up and their overall mental health that is affecting their quality of life.
(289) 217-3608 View (289) 217-3608
Photo of Schurmann Counselling & Life Coaching, Registered Social Worker in L4B, ON
Schurmann Counselling & Life Coaching
Registered Social Worker, BA, BSW, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Clients want to know why they are depressed or anxious.
As a counsellor, life coach and ADHD specialist, I draw on extensive experience to customize treatment that address each client’s mental, emotional, spiritual, relational and social needs. Unlike many counsellors who only focus on life issues, my expertise in life coaching is an additional specialty that benefits clients. My proven counselling techniques and practical life coaching tools provide quick results and equip clients with the know-how to self-manage their lives more effectively. I found that the majority of people need life skills training, whether it’s dealing with stress, anger or looking to improve their relationships.
Clients want to know why they are depressed or anxious.
As a counsellor, life coach and ADHD specialist, I draw on extensive experience to customize treatment that address each client’s mental, emotional, spiritual, relational and social needs. Unlike many counsellors who only focus on life issues, my expertise in life coaching is an additional specialty that benefits clients. My proven counselling techniques and practical life coaching tools provide quick results and equip clients with the know-how to self-manage their lives more effectively. I found that the majority of people need life skills training, whether it’s dealing with stress, anger or looking to improve their relationships.
(289) 207-6735 View (289) 207-6735
Photo of Hourzad Salehi, Registered Psychotherapist in L4B, ON
Hourzad Salehi
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RP, CCC
Verified Verified
"There are times in life when you feel overwhelmed, lost, anxious, depressed or need answers." "You don't need to go through it alone."
"There are times in life when you feel overwhelmed, lost, anxious, depressed or need answers." "You don't need to go through it alone."
(289) 796-0401 View (289) 796-0401
Photo of York Region CBT, Psychologist in L4B, ON
York Region CBT
Psychologist, PhD, CPsych, MA, ABA
Verified Verified
Our experienced team offers evidence-based approaches for concerns with children, youth, and adults such as anxiety, depression, stress management, insomnia, relationship issues, OCD, PTSD, marital difficulties, learning difficulties, child behavioural issues, ADHD/ADD, Autism, social anxiety, and grief.
We know it is difficult to find the help you need. We have expanded our team to include multiple disciplines (Applied Behaviour Therapy, social work, psychotherapy, and psychologists), to address the diversity of presenting concerns today. We try our best to match you with the best clinician for your needs, whether you require a formal diagnosis or are seeking counseling for mild concerns. We provide therapy for all ages, as well as psycho-educational, developmental, and socio-emotional assessments for children and adolescents. We welcome all, and if we can't find a fit for you we can provide you with referral options.
Our experienced team offers evidence-based approaches for concerns with children, youth, and adults such as anxiety, depression, stress management, insomnia, relationship issues, OCD, PTSD, marital difficulties, learning difficulties, child behavioural issues, ADHD/ADD, Autism, social anxiety, and grief.
We know it is difficult to find the help you need. We have expanded our team to include multiple disciplines (Applied Behaviour Therapy, social work, psychotherapy, and psychologists), to address the diversity of presenting concerns today. We try our best to match you with the best clinician for your needs, whether you require a formal diagnosis or are seeking counseling for mild concerns. We provide therapy for all ages, as well as psycho-educational, developmental, and socio-emotional assessments for children and adolescents. We welcome all, and if we can't find a fit for you we can provide you with referral options.
(905) 417-4442 View (905) 417-4442
Photo of Maryam Tavakoli, Registered Psychotherapist in L4B, ON
Maryam Tavakoli
Registered Psychotherapist, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Richmond Hill, ON L4B  (Online Only)
I work with individuals with various concerns. The main focus in my practice has been Anxiety, Depression, and Trauma. I also focus on family relationships and other personal relationships in addressing a client’s concerns. In my practice, I have a holistic approach to a person’s challenges and understand that one approach does not work for everyone. I am an EMDR trained clinician. I am also a Clinical Supervisor with formal training in supervision. I currently accept Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) members who require supervision. Please email me your resume.
I work with individuals with various concerns. The main focus in my practice has been Anxiety, Depression, and Trauma. I also focus on family relationships and other personal relationships in addressing a client’s concerns. In my practice, I have a holistic approach to a person’s challenges and understand that one approach does not work for everyone. I am an EMDR trained clinician. I am also a Clinical Supervisor with formal training in supervision. I currently accept Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) members who require supervision. Please email me your resume.
(289) 312-2047 View (289) 312-2047
Photo of Suzie Quan, Registered Social Worker in L4B, ON
Suzie Quan
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Life can present many different challenges. Some days can be more difficult than others. If you are experiencing feelings of stress, anxiety, depression, loss or loneliness, I am here for support. Whether the challenges include past pain, present stressors or concerns for your future, I can help you navigate through your days, explore ways to regain control of your life and create a better future with healthy relationships. I believe in every individual’s intrinsic worth and innate ability to tap into their strengths and rise out of life’s challenges. I am here to help you find your joy again.
Life can present many different challenges. Some days can be more difficult than others. If you are experiencing feelings of stress, anxiety, depression, loss or loneliness, I am here for support. Whether the challenges include past pain, present stressors or concerns for your future, I can help you navigate through your days, explore ways to regain control of your life and create a better future with healthy relationships. I believe in every individual’s intrinsic worth and innate ability to tap into their strengths and rise out of life’s challenges. I am here to help you find your joy again.
(289) 274-5590 View (289) 274-5590
Photo of Nada Elfeki, Registered Psychotherapist in L4B, ON
Nada Elfeki
Registered Psychotherapist, MEd, MSc
Verified Verified
My clients face a wide range of issues including: Depression, anxiety, chronic pain, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), life transitions, career transitions, relationship challenges and parenting issues. When I first start working with clients, we develop a list of goals that they would like to work towards so that our work is focused and directed. Some examples of goals my clients have worked towards and achieved include: acquiring tools to feel more in control of their depression and/or anxiety, becoming more assertive with others, improving their relationships and feeling more fulfilled with their career.
My clients face a wide range of issues including: Depression, anxiety, chronic pain, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), life transitions, career transitions, relationship challenges and parenting issues. When I first start working with clients, we develop a list of goals that they would like to work towards so that our work is focused and directed. Some examples of goals my clients have worked towards and achieved include: acquiring tools to feel more in control of their depression and/or anxiety, becoming more assertive with others, improving their relationships and feeling more fulfilled with their career.
(289) 277-6833 View (289) 277-6833
Photo of Sepideh Hossaini, Registered Psychotherapist in L4B, ON
Sepideh Hossaini
Registered Psychotherapist, MA Psy, RP, CSFT
Verified Verified
I appreciate you for taking the first steps towards a change. I have extensive experience and professional training working with individuals and couples seeking therapy for challenges such as anxiety disorders, depression, life transitions, grief/loss, self-improvement, relationship challenges, etc. I deeply value offering a compassionate and authentic presence in therapy. My approach is all about building on your strengths and exploring the powerful connection between your mind and body.
I appreciate you for taking the first steps towards a change. I have extensive experience and professional training working with individuals and couples seeking therapy for challenges such as anxiety disorders, depression, life transitions, grief/loss, self-improvement, relationship challenges, etc. I deeply value offering a compassionate and authentic presence in therapy. My approach is all about building on your strengths and exploring the powerful connection between your mind and body.
(226) 241-8312 View (226) 241-8312
Photo of Aurora Therapy & Neurofeedback, Registered Psychotherapist in L4B, ON
Aurora Therapy & Neurofeedback
Registered Psychotherapist
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
We are dedicated to work with clients experiencing anxiety, depression and C-PTSD complex cases.
We are a dedicated team of professionals who are passionate about supporting our clients and our community to heal and thrive from life’s challenges. We take pride in our unique holistic approach, based on combining the most advanced psychotherapy techniques with the latest research in Neurofeedback. Our therapeutic strengths go beyond talk-therapy by tailoring a specific approach to each client. This method considers the unique features to help clients achieve better regulation and connect with own inner resources of their brain, bodies and mind.
We are dedicated to work with clients experiencing anxiety, depression and C-PTSD complex cases.
We are a dedicated team of professionals who are passionate about supporting our clients and our community to heal and thrive from life’s challenges. We take pride in our unique holistic approach, based on combining the most advanced psychotherapy techniques with the latest research in Neurofeedback. Our therapeutic strengths go beyond talk-therapy by tailoring a specific approach to each client. This method considers the unique features to help clients achieve better regulation and connect with own inner resources of their brain, bodies and mind.
(289) 272-8903 View (289) 272-8903
Photo of Anujah Posarajah, Registered Psychotherapist in L4B, ON
Anujah Posarajah
Registered Psychotherapist, MSc
Verified Verified
Anujah is a Registered Psychotherapist, who has worked with children, adolescents aged 13 -19 & adults of various ages, and cultures in different settings, including: hospitals, non-profit organizations, private practice, and schools. She holds a Masters in Clinical Psychology and has been practicing for 7 years in the province of Ontario. Over the years Anujah has worked closely with clients struggling with addictions, eating disorders, depression, anxiety, chronic stress, anger management, life transitions, marital counselling, relationship navigation, parental guidance, and childhood trauma.
Anujah is a Registered Psychotherapist, who has worked with children, adolescents aged 13 -19 & adults of various ages, and cultures in different settings, including: hospitals, non-profit organizations, private practice, and schools. She holds a Masters in Clinical Psychology and has been practicing for 7 years in the province of Ontario. Over the years Anujah has worked closely with clients struggling with addictions, eating disorders, depression, anxiety, chronic stress, anger management, life transitions, marital counselling, relationship navigation, parental guidance, and childhood trauma.
(289) 806-5246 View (289) 806-5246
Photo of Aastha Jain, Registered Psychotherapist in L4B, ON
Aastha Jain
Registered Psychotherapist
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Richmond Hill, ON L4B  (Online Only)
Trauma, immigration related difficulties, and anxiety psychotherapist. You may be considering therapy to understand yourself better, or you may be going through some intense emotional pain and want relief. The reasons you are seeking therapy could be due to depression, panic attacks, relationship difficulties, feeling ‘empty’ or ‘stuck’. At times it may feel like traumatic experiences from the past are still affecting you in unexplainable ways. You may have experienced a deep loss, it could be the loss of a loved one, one’s homeland, or the loss in terms of unlived life. Whatever your reason might be, your feelings are valid.
Trauma, immigration related difficulties, and anxiety psychotherapist. You may be considering therapy to understand yourself better, or you may be going through some intense emotional pain and want relief. The reasons you are seeking therapy could be due to depression, panic attacks, relationship difficulties, feeling ‘empty’ or ‘stuck’. At times it may feel like traumatic experiences from the past are still affecting you in unexplainable ways. You may have experienced a deep loss, it could be the loss of a loved one, one’s homeland, or the loss in terms of unlived life. Whatever your reason might be, your feelings are valid.
(289) 206-7300 View (289) 206-7300
Photo of Nancy - Priftis, Registered Psychotherapist in L4B, ON
Nancy - Priftis
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RP
Verified Verified
As a therapist I aim to provide a safe and supportive environment where you can discuss personal and sensitive issues. I will work collaboratively with you to help you find the solutions that are best for you. Through psychotherapy you can explore negative emotions, gain insight to problematic thoughts and behaviours and learn healthy coping strategies that will help to rebuild your self confidence. If you are feeling depressed, anxious, stressed or overwhelmed therapy can help you overcome these feelings. If you are struggling in your relationships, therapy can help you create more satisfying and meaningful relationships.
As a therapist I aim to provide a safe and supportive environment where you can discuss personal and sensitive issues. I will work collaboratively with you to help you find the solutions that are best for you. Through psychotherapy you can explore negative emotions, gain insight to problematic thoughts and behaviours and learn healthy coping strategies that will help to rebuild your self confidence. If you are feeling depressed, anxious, stressed or overwhelmed therapy can help you overcome these feelings. If you are struggling in your relationships, therapy can help you create more satisfying and meaningful relationships.
(647) 952-6412 View (647) 952-6412

See more therapy options for L4B

Nearby Depression Counsellors Searches for L4B

See More Depression Counsellors
Depression Counsellors

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.