Depression Psychiatrists in San Carlos, CA

Photo of Cynthia Florin, MD, Psychiatrist in San Carlos, CA
Cynthia Florin, MD
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
San Carlos, CA 94070
If you are experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship issues, problems with attention, are in a life transition, experiencing trauma and its consequences, or have wishes for a greater sense of authenticity, my 30 years of experience as a practicing psychiatrist and psychotherapist has convinced me that a good relationship with a mental health provider can help you understand, accept and value your unique story. I believe it is my passion for this work that has led me to be selected as one of the "Best Doctors in America" for 20 straight years.
If you are experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship issues, problems with attention, are in a life transition, experiencing trauma and its consequences, or have wishes for a greater sense of authenticity, my 30 years of experience as a practicing psychiatrist and psychotherapist has convinced me that a good relationship with a mental health provider can help you understand, accept and value your unique story. I believe it is my passion for this work that has led me to be selected as one of the "Best Doctors in America" for 20 straight years.
(650) 409-2688 View (650) 409-2688
Photo of Cordelia Ross, Psychiatrist in San Carlos, CA
Cordelia Ross
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Carlos, CA 94070  (Online Only)
She has expertise in the management of anxiety, depression, and ADHD in teens and young adults.
Dr. Cordelia Ross, MD is recognized by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology as both a general psychiatrist and a child and adolescent psychiatrist. She trained at Massachusetts General Hospital and McLean Hospital, both teaching hospitals at Harvard Medical School, and is currently a professor at the Stanford University Division of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry.
She has expertise in the management of anxiety, depression, and ADHD in teens and young adults.
Dr. Cordelia Ross, MD is recognized by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology as both a general psychiatrist and a child and adolescent psychiatrist. She trained at Massachusetts General Hospital and McLean Hospital, both teaching hospitals at Harvard Medical School, and is currently a professor at the Stanford University Division of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry.
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Photo of Dr Mark Chofla | Empathy Therapy, Psychiatrist in San Carlos, CA
Dr Mark Chofla | Empathy Therapy
Psychiatrist, DO
Verified Verified
San Carlos, CA 94071  (Online Only)
Dr. Mark Chofla is a board-certified psychiatrist and physician who completed his specialty residency training at the Los Angeles County + University of Southern California Medical Center. After receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior from the University of California at Davis, Dr. Chofla earned his medical degree from Midwestern University: Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Dr. Mark Chofla is a board-certified psychiatrist and physician who completed his specialty residency training at the Los Angeles County + University of Southern California Medical Center. After receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior from the University of California at Davis, Dr. Chofla earned his medical degree from Midwestern University: Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine.
(650) 582-2301 View (650) 582-2301
Photo of Michelle Kwok, Psychiatrist in San Carlos, CA
Michelle Kwok
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
San Carlos, CA 94070
As a board certified psychiatrist, I treat psychiatric conditions using the bio-psycho-social framework. Psychiatric illnesses may have biological causes, like thyroid problems, the effects of chemotherapy, strokes, or genetic predisposition. Psychiatric issues may also have psychological causes, such as the lack of coping skills, difficulty processing situations, or early life experiences. Finally, psychiatric disorders may have sociological explanations: overwhelming expectations of one's social setting, perhaps, or drastic changes in one's environment.
As a board certified psychiatrist, I treat psychiatric conditions using the bio-psycho-social framework. Psychiatric illnesses may have biological causes, like thyroid problems, the effects of chemotherapy, strokes, or genetic predisposition. Psychiatric issues may also have psychological causes, such as the lack of coping skills, difficulty processing situations, or early life experiences. Finally, psychiatric disorders may have sociological explanations: overwhelming expectations of one's social setting, perhaps, or drastic changes in one's environment.
(408) 831-3274 View (408) 831-3274

More Psychiatrists Nearby

Photo of Dr. Clarissa Doi, Psychiatrist in San Carlos, CA
Dr. Clarissa Doi
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Redwood City, CA 94061  (Online Only)
I am a double board-certified, Stanford-trained physician with over 14 years of experience specializing in anxiety and depression care for adults.
I am a double board-certified, Stanford-trained physician with over 14 years of experience specializing in anxiety and depression care for adults.
(949) 881-5764 View (949) 881-5764
Photo of Kristofer Joondeph-Breidbart, Psychiatrist in San Carlos, CA
Kristofer Joondeph-Breidbart
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Atherton, CA 94027
Clients come to work with me for many different reasons. In general, they are people who are ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth. They may be dealing with stress, anxiety, or depression, and are looking for a safe and supportive space to explore their emotions and thoughts. They have a desire to better understand themselves, to develop greater self-awareness, and to create lasting change in their lives. They are motivated to work collaboratively with a therapist to achieve their mental health goals, and are excited to begin their journey towards growth and healing.
Clients come to work with me for many different reasons. In general, they are people who are ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth. They may be dealing with stress, anxiety, or depression, and are looking for a safe and supportive space to explore their emotions and thoughts. They have a desire to better understand themselves, to develop greater self-awareness, and to create lasting change in their lives. They are motivated to work collaboratively with a therapist to achieve their mental health goals, and are excited to begin their journey towards growth and healing.
(617) 380-6203 View (617) 380-6203
Photo of Desiree Bonomo, Physician Assistant in San Carlos, CA
Desiree Bonomo
Physician Assistant, PMHNP
Verified Verified
San Mateo, CA 94404  (Online Only)
Exclusively focused on mental health issues, Bonmente treats a myriad of psychiatric conditions, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, sleep disorders, postpartum depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, panic attacks, OCD, and gender dysphoria.
We know asking for help is a challenging thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
Exclusively focused on mental health issues, Bonmente treats a myriad of psychiatric conditions, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, sleep disorders, postpartum depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, panic attacks, OCD, and gender dysphoria.
We know asking for help is a challenging thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
(650) 735-8319 View (650) 735-8319
Photo of Samantha Lau, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in San Carlos, CA
Samantha Lau
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, FNP
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Menlo Park, CA 94025
I specialize in ketamine/psychedelic assisted psychotherapy and psychiatric med management. Are you feeling anxious, depressed and/or unmotivated? Do your dreams and goals seem out of reach? Have you been told that you are physically present but emotionally absent in relationships? Maybe your difficult emotions get in your way and you want to move past them, but you aren’t sure how to do it. Have you been with a life coach but want to go further in your transformation? Are you staying in therapy but don’t seem to be going anywhere? You need more specific strategies and a better support system to empower yourself.
I specialize in ketamine/psychedelic assisted psychotherapy and psychiatric med management. Are you feeling anxious, depressed and/or unmotivated? Do your dreams and goals seem out of reach? Have you been told that you are physically present but emotionally absent in relationships? Maybe your difficult emotions get in your way and you want to move past them, but you aren’t sure how to do it. Have you been with a life coach but want to go further in your transformation? Are you staying in therapy but don’t seem to be going anywhere? You need more specific strategies and a better support system to empower yourself.
(805) 232-7756 View (805) 232-7756
Photo of VIP Integrative Health Care , Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in San Carlos, CA
VIP Integrative Health Care
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, FNP-BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Atherton, CA 94027
We specialize in anxiety, panic disorder, depression, trauma, ADHD, bipolar disorders and schizophrenia.
I create a safe, supportive and non‑judgmental environment for every client and understand the importance of empathy, trust, and kindness. My sympathetic, kindhearted and caring approaches to each individual patients make me capable of reaching the core of each of my patients’ issues and empowers them to enhance their awareness of their potentials in dealing with treatment and recovery. Tele Health Virtual Visits Available! Call us for psychiatric evaluations, medication management, prescriptions, addiction, anxiety/depression/bipolar/. We are here for you !
We specialize in anxiety, panic disorder, depression, trauma, ADHD, bipolar disorders and schizophrenia.
I create a safe, supportive and non‑judgmental environment for every client and understand the importance of empathy, trust, and kindness. My sympathetic, kindhearted and caring approaches to each individual patients make me capable of reaching the core of each of my patients’ issues and empowers them to enhance their awareness of their potentials in dealing with treatment and recovery. Tele Health Virtual Visits Available! Call us for psychiatric evaluations, medication management, prescriptions, addiction, anxiety/depression/bipolar/. We are here for you !
(657) 530-6371 View (657) 530-6371
Photo of Catalina Villa, Psychiatrist in San Carlos, CA
Catalina Villa
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
San Mateo, CA 94404  (Online Only)
Exclusively focused on mental health issues, Bonmente treats a myriad of psychiatric conditions, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, sleep disorders, postpartum depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, panic attacks, OCD, and gender dysphoria.
We know asking for help is a challenging thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
Exclusively focused on mental health issues, Bonmente treats a myriad of psychiatric conditions, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, sleep disorders, postpartum depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, panic attacks, OCD, and gender dysphoria.
We know asking for help is a challenging thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
(925) 940-7004 View (925) 940-7004
Photo of Samir Hamed, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in San Carlos, CA
Samir Hamed
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
San Mateo, CA 94403
Exclusively focused on mental health issues, Allied Healers treats a myriad of psychiatric conditions including anxiety, depression, ADHD, sleep disorders, postpartum depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, panic attacks, OCD, and gender dysphoria.
We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Allied Healers, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be.
Exclusively focused on mental health issues, Allied Healers treats a myriad of psychiatric conditions including anxiety, depression, ADHD, sleep disorders, postpartum depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, panic attacks, OCD, and gender dysphoria.
We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Allied Healers, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be.
(909) 415-5237 View (909) 415-5237
Photo of Mayumi Okuda Benavides, Psychiatrist in San Carlos, CA
Mayumi Okuda Benavides
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Atherton, CA 94027  (Online Only)
As an internationally recognized expert in the treatment of anxiety (social anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, generalized anxiety, panic disorder) and mood disorders (depression, bipolar disorder), and trauma (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder), I bring years of experience working with patients from around the world.
I want to congratulate you on taking the first steps towards self-improvement. You’ve tried everything: therapy, mindfulness, lifestyle changes, but are still struggling. I understand that making that first appointment can often be one of the biggest hurdles. As your psychiatrist, I will work closely with you every step of the way to determine the best treatment that is tailored specifically to your personal needs.
As an internationally recognized expert in the treatment of anxiety (social anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, generalized anxiety, panic disorder) and mood disorders (depression, bipolar disorder), and trauma (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder), I bring years of experience working with patients from around the world.
I want to congratulate you on taking the first steps towards self-improvement. You’ve tried everything: therapy, mindfulness, lifestyle changes, but are still struggling. I understand that making that first appointment can often be one of the biggest hurdles. As your psychiatrist, I will work closely with you every step of the way to determine the best treatment that is tailored specifically to your personal needs.
(831) 539-0572 View (831) 539-0572
Photo of Masaru Fisher, Psychiatrist in San Carlos, CA
Masaru Fisher
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
10 Endorsed
Burlingame, CA 94010  (Online Only)
The process of healing is a collaborative effort. Your role is to share with me your concerns and any issues which interfere with your or your loved one's daily life. Whether it be depression, anxiety, attention/focus or another mental heath topic, identifying the core issue is our first goal. I will then offer you my expert training and experience to recommend the best course of treatment to consider. Working together we will navigate along the healing process towards a happy, productive and satisfying quality of life.
The process of healing is a collaborative effort. Your role is to share with me your concerns and any issues which interfere with your or your loved one's daily life. Whether it be depression, anxiety, attention/focus or another mental heath topic, identifying the core issue is our first goal. I will then offer you my expert training and experience to recommend the best course of treatment to consider. Working together we will navigate along the healing process towards a happy, productive and satisfying quality of life.
(415) 689-5616 View (415) 689-5616
Photo of The Focus Doc, Psychiatrist in San Carlos, CA
The Focus Doc
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Menlo Park, CA 94025
specializes in treating cognitive issues related to ADHD, Anxiety, Brain Fog, Depression, OCD, and PTSD.
Dr. Dave Auluck, M.D. is a 3rd generation physician, 2nd generation psychiatrist, and physician educator. He is passionate about improving the mental health treatment experience. His mission is to ensure personalized, industry-leading, preeminent care is accessible and affordable. He has worked with thousands of patients over the years and overseen program development for tens of thousands of others. He truly understands there is no "one size fits all" approach.
specializes in treating cognitive issues related to ADHD, Anxiety, Brain Fog, Depression, OCD, and PTSD.
Dr. Dave Auluck, M.D. is a 3rd generation physician, 2nd generation psychiatrist, and physician educator. He is passionate about improving the mental health treatment experience. His mission is to ensure personalized, industry-leading, preeminent care is accessible and affordable. He has worked with thousands of patients over the years and overseen program development for tens of thousands of others. He truly understands there is no "one size fits all" approach.
(408) 351-7422 View (408) 351-7422
Photo of Catherine A Reed, Psychiatrist in San Carlos, CA
Catherine A Reed
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Palo Alto, CA 94303
I provide psychopharmacology, psychotherapy, and lifestyle modification to treat issues including depression, anxiety, OCD, and bipolar disorders.
Welcome to Peninsula Mental Health and the office of Catherine Reed, MD! My approach to caring for patients is collaborative and non-judgmental. My treatment emphasis is individually centered on assisting people in their entirety along their journey to wellness, rather than viewing them through the lens of a limited set of pathologies. My goal is healing in a welcoming, safe environment.
I provide psychopharmacology, psychotherapy, and lifestyle modification to treat issues including depression, anxiety, OCD, and bipolar disorders.
Welcome to Peninsula Mental Health and the office of Catherine Reed, MD! My approach to caring for patients is collaborative and non-judgmental. My treatment emphasis is individually centered on assisting people in their entirety along their journey to wellness, rather than viewing them through the lens of a limited set of pathologies. My goal is healing in a welcoming, safe environment.
(650) 684-5180 View (650) 684-5180
Photo of Lalaine Otadoy, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in San Carlos, CA
Lalaine Otadoy
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
San Mateo, CA 94404  (Online Only)
Exclusively focused on mental health issues, Bonmente treats a myriad of psychiatric conditions, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, sleep disorders, postpartum depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, panic attacks, OCD, and gender dysphoria.
We know asking for help is a challenging thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
Exclusively focused on mental health issues, Bonmente treats a myriad of psychiatric conditions, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, sleep disorders, postpartum depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, panic attacks, OCD, and gender dysphoria.
We know asking for help is a challenging thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
(650) 284-3856 View (650) 284-3856
Photo of Sham Singh, Psychiatrist in San Carlos, CA
Sham Singh
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
San Mateo, CA 94404  (Online Only)
Exclusively focused on mental health issues, Bonmente treats a myriad of psychiatric conditions, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, sleep disorders, postpartum depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, panic attacks, OCD, and gender dysphoria.
We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now welcoming new patients!
Exclusively focused on mental health issues, Bonmente treats a myriad of psychiatric conditions, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, sleep disorders, postpartum depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, panic attacks, OCD, and gender dysphoria.
We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now welcoming new patients!
(925) 709-5594 View (925) 709-5594
Photo of The Focus Doc, Psychiatrist in San Carlos, CA
The Focus Doc
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Burlingame, CA 94010
specializes in treating cognitive issues related to ADHD, Anxiety, Brain Fog, Depression, OCD, and PTSD.
Dr. Dave Auluck, M.D. is a 3rd generation physician, 2nd generation psychiatrist, and physician educator. He is passionate about improving the mental health treatment experience. His mission is to ensure personalized, industry-leading, preeminent care is accessible and affordable. He has worked with thousands of patients over the years and overseen program development for tens of thousands of others. He truly understands there is no "one size fits all" approach.
specializes in treating cognitive issues related to ADHD, Anxiety, Brain Fog, Depression, OCD, and PTSD.
Dr. Dave Auluck, M.D. is a 3rd generation physician, 2nd generation psychiatrist, and physician educator. He is passionate about improving the mental health treatment experience. His mission is to ensure personalized, industry-leading, preeminent care is accessible and affordable. He has worked with thousands of patients over the years and overseen program development for tens of thousands of others. He truly understands there is no "one size fits all" approach.
(415) 301-4583 View (415) 301-4583
Photo of Matthew May, Psychiatrist in San Carlos, CA
Matthew May
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Menlo Park, CA 94025
Perhaps you are suffering from anxiety or depression, would like better relationships or healthier habits? If so, I have some excellent news for you. There are many new and powerful therapy methods that can lead to rapid and profound improvements, even cures, without requiring medication. If this sounds interesting to you, I would be honored to work with you, collaboratively and compassionately, to help you achieve your goals.
Perhaps you are suffering from anxiety or depression, would like better relationships or healthier habits? If so, I have some excellent news for you. There are many new and powerful therapy methods that can lead to rapid and profound improvements, even cures, without requiring medication. If this sounds interesting to you, I would be honored to work with you, collaboratively and compassionately, to help you achieve your goals.
(650) 209-7669 View (650) 209-7669
Photo of Taylor Alexander, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in San Carlos, CA
Taylor Alexander
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
San Mateo, CA 94404  (Online Only)
Exclusively focused on mental health issues, Bonmente treats a myriad of psychiatric conditions, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, sleep disorders, postpartum depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, panic attacks, OCD, and gender dysphoria.
We know asking for help is a challenging thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
Exclusively focused on mental health issues, Bonmente treats a myriad of psychiatric conditions, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, sleep disorders, postpartum depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, panic attacks, OCD, and gender dysphoria.
We know asking for help is a challenging thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
(650) 882-6701 View (650) 882-6701

See more therapy options for San Carlos

Depression Psychiatrists

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 recognize 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 behavioral therapy (CBT) helps clients challenge their negative thoughts and beliefs, learn new behavioral strategies, and curb reactivity to distressing situations. Behavioral 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.