Depression Psychiatrists in 94941

Photo of Zachary D. Torry, MD, Psychiatrist
Zachary D. Torry
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Mill Valley, CA 94941
I specialize in all mood and anxiety disorders: Depression, Bipolar disorders, Generalized Anxiety, Panic Disorders, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and phobias.
I am a Board Certified Psychiatrist and provide medication management as well as psychotherapy to late teens and adults. My treatment philosophy incorporates a humanistic mind-body approach that appreciates the unique strengths and cultural background of each individual. My emphasis is on helping and not medicating. I strongly value the therapeutic relationship and make every effort to ensure that each patient's experience in treatment is comfortable and safe. And, importantly, I firmly believe in walking down the treatment path together.
I specialize in all mood and anxiety disorders: Depression, Bipolar disorders, Generalized Anxiety, Panic Disorders, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and phobias.
I am a Board Certified Psychiatrist and provide medication management as well as psychotherapy to late teens and adults. My treatment philosophy incorporates a humanistic mind-body approach that appreciates the unique strengths and cultural background of each individual. My emphasis is on helping and not medicating. I strongly value the therapeutic relationship and make every effort to ensure that each patient's experience in treatment is comfortable and safe. And, importantly, I firmly believe in walking down the treatment path together.
(650) 204-3992 View (650) 204-3992
Photo of Mark Swoiskin - Mark H. Swoiskin, MD, MD, Psychiatrist
Mark H. Swoiskin, MD
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Mill Valley, CA 94941
I specialize in: Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, Bipolar Disorder; and difficulties such as: feeling inadequate, inhibited, full of shame or guilt; self-defeating behavior; difficulties feeling close to others; confusion, anxiety, or dissatisfaction regarding sex or sexuality; chronic feelings of aloneness, emptiness, or deadness; concerns about emotional stability, irritability, or restlessness.
My personal philosophy is that each of us has a basic need to be deeply understood by another human being. We all yearn, suffer, and celebrate, often privately, and often in ways that are not fully known even to ourselves. I strive to help each person feel safe enough that such private and unknown thoughts and feelings can emerge and be explored together. Whether you are looking for help through a crisis or with a long-standing illness or sense of discontent, my aim is to understand who you uniquely are and how I can help you heal and grow.
I specialize in: Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, Bipolar Disorder; and difficulties such as: feeling inadequate, inhibited, full of shame or guilt; self-defeating behavior; difficulties feeling close to others; confusion, anxiety, or dissatisfaction regarding sex or sexuality; chronic feelings of aloneness, emptiness, or deadness; concerns about emotional stability, irritability, or restlessness.
My personal philosophy is that each of us has a basic need to be deeply understood by another human being. We all yearn, suffer, and celebrate, often privately, and often in ways that are not fully known even to ourselves. I strive to help each person feel safe enough that such private and unknown thoughts and feelings can emerge and be explored together. Whether you are looking for help through a crisis or with a long-standing illness or sense of discontent, my aim is to understand who you uniquely are and how I can help you heal and grow.
(415) 789-3757 View (415) 789-3757
Photo of Olga Segal, MD, Psychiatrist
Olga Segal
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Mill Valley, CA 94941
We offer a full range of psychiatric and psychological services: TMS, Telepsychiatry, Psychopharmacology - Medication Management, Psychotherapy, and Spravato (Also known as Esketamine). TMS Therapy is a therapy designed for the treatment of certain Neurological conditions, specifically Major Depressive Disorder. Remission from Depression. Knowledgeable approach to medication management. For patients who want to be seen at the convenience of their homes, we provide telepsychiatry options. Most Insurances are Welcome, including Medicare & Partnership (Beacon)
We offer a full range of psychiatric and psychological services: TMS, Telepsychiatry, Psychopharmacology - Medication Management, Psychotherapy, and Spravato (Also known as Esketamine). TMS Therapy is a therapy designed for the treatment of certain Neurological conditions, specifically Major Depressive Disorder. Remission from Depression. Knowledgeable approach to medication management. For patients who want to be seen at the convenience of their homes, we provide telepsychiatry options. Most Insurances are Welcome, including Medicare & Partnership (Beacon)
(415) 592-7451 View (415) 592-7451
Photo of Dave Auluck - The Focus Doc, MD, Psychiatrist
The Focus Doc
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Mill Valley, CA 94941
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) 324-6930 View (415) 324-6930
Photo of Chelsea Anne Young, MD, Psychiatrist
Chelsea Anne Young
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Mill Valley, CA 94941
I work with kids and adults, including peripartum women, for issues related to anxiety, depression, Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, ODD, DMDD, bipolar disorder, and postpartum depression and anxiety. I have special training in working with young children age 4-6 years old, kids with developmental disabilities, and pregnant and postpartum women. I have recently completed a yearlong Functional and Integrative Psychiatry Fellowship program led by Dr. James Greenblatt, the author of Finally Focused, who is a world-renowned Functional Psychiatry practitioner.
I work with kids and adults, including peripartum women, for issues related to anxiety, depression, Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, ODD, DMDD, bipolar disorder, and postpartum depression and anxiety. I have special training in working with young children age 4-6 years old, kids with developmental disabilities, and pregnant and postpartum women. I have recently completed a yearlong Functional and Integrative Psychiatry Fellowship program led by Dr. James Greenblatt, the author of Finally Focused, who is a world-renowned Functional Psychiatry practitioner.
(415) 843-8394 View (415) 843-8394
Photo of Shannon Pereira, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Shannon Pereira
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Mill Valley, CA 94941
My specialties include depression, anxiety, bipolar, trauma, schizophrenia, and ADHD as well as weight management and testosterone treatment.
Great to meet you! My goal is to help you overcome the challenges you are facing in a safe and comfortable environment to help you improve your quality of life. My passion is helping those with substance use disorders, including alcohol and opioid use disorder, safely detox from the substances and work towards a meaningful and long-lasting recovery. With a decade of experience serving a wide range of patients, I am a dual-certified family nurse practitioner and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. To ensure we have a productive first visit, please be sure to fill out your intake form in advance!
My specialties include depression, anxiety, bipolar, trauma, schizophrenia, and ADHD as well as weight management and testosterone treatment.
Great to meet you! My goal is to help you overcome the challenges you are facing in a safe and comfortable environment to help you improve your quality of life. My passion is helping those with substance use disorders, including alcohol and opioid use disorder, safely detox from the substances and work towards a meaningful and long-lasting recovery. With a decade of experience serving a wide range of patients, I am a dual-certified family nurse practitioner and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. To ensure we have a productive first visit, please be sure to fill out your intake form in advance!
(805) 953-7252 View (805) 953-7252
Photo of Shannon Pereira, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Shannon Pereira
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Mill Valley, CA 94941  (Online Only)
My specialties include depression, anxiety, bipolar, trauma, schizophrenia, and ADHD as well as weight management and testosterone treatment.
Great to meet you! My goal is to help you overcome the challenges you are facing in a safe and comfortable environment to help you improve your quality of life. My passion is helping those with substance use disorders, including alcohol and opioid use disorder, safely detox from the substances and work towards a meaningful and long-lasting recovery. With a decade of experience serving a wide range of patients, I am a dual-certified family nurse practitioner and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. To ensure we have a productive first visit, please be sure to fill out your intake form in advance!
My specialties include depression, anxiety, bipolar, trauma, schizophrenia, and ADHD as well as weight management and testosterone treatment.
Great to meet you! My goal is to help you overcome the challenges you are facing in a safe and comfortable environment to help you improve your quality of life. My passion is helping those with substance use disorders, including alcohol and opioid use disorder, safely detox from the substances and work towards a meaningful and long-lasting recovery. With a decade of experience serving a wide range of patients, I am a dual-certified family nurse practitioner and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. To ensure we have a productive first visit, please be sure to fill out your intake form in advance!
(323) 508-2308 View (323) 508-2308
Photo of Masaru Fisher, MD, Psychiatrist
Masaru Fisher
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
10 Endorsed
Mill Valley, CA 94941  (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 Catherine Theo, MD, Psychiatrist
Catherine Theo
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Mill Valley, CA 94941
We all have concerns that can leave us, well...uncomfortable. Depression, social anxiety, marriage issues, self-doubt, impaired focus...any of these can keep us from living our best lives. At the Couch Psychiatry Group, we treat the spectrum of mental health issues with special focus on anxiety, depression, and ADHD. Our goal is to empower you to recognize the dysfunctional patterns that have kept you stuck in the mire and give you the tools to fix them in the present and avoid them in the future.
We all have concerns that can leave us, well...uncomfortable. Depression, social anxiety, marriage issues, self-doubt, impaired focus...any of these can keep us from living our best lives. At the Couch Psychiatry Group, we treat the spectrum of mental health issues with special focus on anxiety, depression, and ADHD. Our goal is to empower you to recognize the dysfunctional patterns that have kept you stuck in the mire and give you the tools to fix them in the present and avoid them in the future.
(415) 938-5155 View (415) 938-5155
Photo of Joshua Levy - Josh Levy, MD - Cap MD Therapy, MD, Psychiatrist
Josh Levy, MD - Cap MD Therapy
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Mill Valley, CA 94941
I have the experience and knowledge of a Doctor of Medicine (MD), with the compassion and intuition of a therapist. Working for the suicide hotline with at-risk youth, I have developed effective strategies to help kids navigate their challenges and build resilience. Hello! I am Dr. Joshua Levy, a Board-Certified physician with a fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. I help young adults struggling with ADHD, anxiety, depression, and addiction to take control of their lives and develop stronger relationships and communication skills through an integrative approach including talk therapy, medications, and lifestyle coaching.
I have the experience and knowledge of a Doctor of Medicine (MD), with the compassion and intuition of a therapist. Working for the suicide hotline with at-risk youth, I have developed effective strategies to help kids navigate their challenges and build resilience. Hello! I am Dr. Joshua Levy, a Board-Certified physician with a fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. I help young adults struggling with ADHD, anxiety, depression, and addiction to take control of their lives and develop stronger relationships and communication skills through an integrative approach including talk therapy, medications, and lifestyle coaching.
(650) 870-2871 View (650) 870-2871
Photo of Shannon Wozniak, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Shannon Wozniak
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP
Verified Verified
Mill Valley, CA 94941  (Online Only)
Common psychiatric symptoms treated include: Anxiety, Depression, Addictions, Acute stress and Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD.
Shannon is a provider with 20 years of experience in psychopharmacology and medication management. Her clinical roles have included partnerships with various healthcare startups, hospital and community mental health affiliations, academics and the director of psychiatric services at a Bay Area nonprofit. In her private practice she values a collaborative treatment approach with her clients.
Common psychiatric symptoms treated include: Anxiety, Depression, Addictions, Acute stress and Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD.
Shannon is a provider with 20 years of experience in psychopharmacology and medication management. Her clinical roles have included partnerships with various healthcare startups, hospital and community mental health affiliations, academics and the director of psychiatric services at a Bay Area nonprofit. In her private practice she values a collaborative treatment approach with her clients.
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Photo of Dr. Kimberly Benton, MD, Psychiatrist
Dr. Kimberly Benton
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Mill Valley, CA 94941  (Online Only)
Hi! I’m a board certified psychiatrist practicing medicine in San Francisco and via video visits throughout the state of CA. I treat a variety of mental health conditions but the majority of my practice is focused on the treatment of depression, anxiety, stress, ADHD, and insomnia. I offer both medication and therapy for adults 18-65. For some people, medication can help alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life as issues are worked through. We can explore if this is a good option for you, or if changes need to be made to your current medication. My approach incorporates medication, psychotherapy, and lifestyle interventions.
Hi! I’m a board certified psychiatrist practicing medicine in San Francisco and via video visits throughout the state of CA. I treat a variety of mental health conditions but the majority of my practice is focused on the treatment of depression, anxiety, stress, ADHD, and insomnia. I offer both medication and therapy for adults 18-65. For some people, medication can help alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life as issues are worked through. We can explore if this is a good option for you, or if changes need to be made to your current medication. My approach incorporates medication, psychotherapy, and lifestyle interventions.
(415) 921-9619 View (415) 921-9619
Photo of Navmoon Singh Mann, MD, Psychiatrist
Navmoon Singh Mann
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Mill Valley, CA 94941  (Online Only)
I provide medication management for conditions like Depression, ADHD, Bipolar disorder, Anxiety, Post-traumatic stress disorder and Schizophrenia.
Mental health challenges can be overwhelming. You do not have to face your struggles alone — call us today for a consultation and start down the path towards better health.
I provide medication management for conditions like Depression, ADHD, Bipolar disorder, Anxiety, Post-traumatic stress disorder and Schizophrenia.
Mental health challenges can be overwhelming. You do not have to face your struggles alone — call us today for a consultation and start down the path towards better health.
(415) 687-3904 View (415) 687-3904
Photo of Moushumi Mukerji, PMHNP, CNM, MSN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Moushumi Mukerji
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, CNM, MSN
Verified Verified
Mill Valley, CA 94941
You are of the nature to heal and grow! Integrative and thoughtful use of medications, ketamine, & therapy. I treat most diagnoses- depression, bipolar, PTSD, complex traumas, ADHD, and OCD-but I am primarily interested in who you are and how I can help you, not in your diagnosis. As a former nurse-midwife I specialize in depression and anxiety during pregnancy and postpartum, perinatal loss, sexual trauma, PMS/PMDD, and menopause. I offer help with the unique psychological issues affecting people identified as women, immigrants, and people of color. I work with teens and adults up to age 65. Telehealth and in-person
You are of the nature to heal and grow! Integrative and thoughtful use of medications, ketamine, & therapy. I treat most diagnoses- depression, bipolar, PTSD, complex traumas, ADHD, and OCD-but I am primarily interested in who you are and how I can help you, not in your diagnosis. As a former nurse-midwife I specialize in depression and anxiety during pregnancy and postpartum, perinatal loss, sexual trauma, PMS/PMDD, and menopause. I offer help with the unique psychological issues affecting people identified as women, immigrants, and people of color. I work with teens and adults up to age 65. Telehealth and in-person
(530) 617-6032 View (530) 617-6032
Photo of Mel Ira Blaustein, MD, Psychiatrist
Mel Ira Blaustein
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Mill Valley, CA 94941
We are living through difficult times. With so much turmoil in the world and great divisiveness in our own country, many of us may be feeling anxious and worried. Anxiety and depression are on the rise, as well as alcohol and substance abuse problems, as we work to cope with our worries, fear, and pain. But it is important to remember that you are not alone.
We are living through difficult times. With so much turmoil in the world and great divisiveness in our own country, many of us may be feeling anxious and worried. Anxiety and depression are on the rise, as well as alcohol and substance abuse problems, as we work to cope with our worries, fear, and pain. But it is important to remember that you are not alone.
(415) 763-1742 View (415) 763-1742
Photo of Dr. Robert Loman, MD, Psychiatrist
Dr. Robert Loman
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Mill Valley, CA 94941  (Online Only)
How you feel matters. The approach used by Dr. Loman utilizes the biological, psychological, and social influences in treatment approach. Dr. Loman has over 10 years of experience in treating various mental health conditions. Conditions treated include: Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, OCD, Bipolar disorder, Schizoaffective Disorder, Personality Disorders, Somatic disorders, Substance Disorders, and Sleep Disorders.
How you feel matters. The approach used by Dr. Loman utilizes the biological, psychological, and social influences in treatment approach. Dr. Loman has over 10 years of experience in treating various mental health conditions. Conditions treated include: Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, OCD, Bipolar disorder, Schizoaffective Disorder, Personality Disorders, Somatic disorders, Substance Disorders, and Sleep Disorders.
(707) 306-8596 View (707) 306-8596
Photo of Melanie de Luna MD, MD, Psychiatrist
Melanie de Luna MD
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Mill Valley, CA 94941
I offer a personalized approach in my practice, taking into account the many factors that influence ones sense of well-being. I have advanced training in psychodynamic psychotherapy, medication management and integrative psychiatry. My areas of expertise include the treatment of depression, anxiety, mood lability, women's mental health and hormonal issues, particularly during pregnancy and post-partum, trauma, and interpersonal issues. Finding the right psychiatrist is a very personal decision. I am happy to talk with you by telephone or schedule an initial consultation to provide you with a better sense of my style and approach.
I offer a personalized approach in my practice, taking into account the many factors that influence ones sense of well-being. I have advanced training in psychodynamic psychotherapy, medication management and integrative psychiatry. My areas of expertise include the treatment of depression, anxiety, mood lability, women's mental health and hormonal issues, particularly during pregnancy and post-partum, trauma, and interpersonal issues. Finding the right psychiatrist is a very personal decision. I am happy to talk with you by telephone or schedule an initial consultation to provide you with a better sense of my style and approach.
(628) 333-2148 View (628) 333-2148
Photo of Walter E B Sipe - Walter E B Sipe MD, MD, Psychiatrist
Walter E B Sipe MD
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Mill Valley, CA 94941
As a psychiatrist, I specialize in providing care and alleviating the suffering associated with trauma, depression, anxiety, and chronic pain states in young people and adults. I take an integrated approach to your care, combining mindfulness approaches based on meditative practices with more traditional psychotherapy and--where appropriate--careful use of medications and supplements. My commitment is that your therapy make a profound difference in the areas of your life that are most important to you.
As a psychiatrist, I specialize in providing care and alleviating the suffering associated with trauma, depression, anxiety, and chronic pain states in young people and adults. I take an integrated approach to your care, combining mindfulness approaches based on meditative practices with more traditional psychotherapy and--where appropriate--careful use of medications and supplements. My commitment is that your therapy make a profound difference in the areas of your life that are most important to you.
(415) 799-4161 View (415) 799-4161
Photo of John Hartmann, MD, Psychiatrist
John Hartmann
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Mill Valley, CA 94941
I work with adolescents and adults (ages 16 and up) to address a variety of issues including depression, anxiety, substance abuse, relationship issues, career obstacles, and the process of coming to terms with difficult or traumatic life situations.
I am a board-certified psychiatrist with a private practice in San Francisco. I completed medical training at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill followed by psychiatry residency at UCSF. I have also received advanced psychotherapy training through the San Francisco Center for Psychoanalysis. I integrate a wide range of techniques and perspectives to provide individualized treatment to each patient.
I work with adolescents and adults (ages 16 and up) to address a variety of issues including depression, anxiety, substance abuse, relationship issues, career obstacles, and the process of coming to terms with difficult or traumatic life situations.
I am a board-certified psychiatrist with a private practice in San Francisco. I completed medical training at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill followed by psychiatry residency at UCSF. I have also received advanced psychotherapy training through the San Francisco Center for Psychoanalysis. I integrate a wide range of techniques and perspectives to provide individualized treatment to each patient.
(415) 610-5420 View (415) 610-5420
Photo of Raghu Kiran Appasani, MD, Psychiatrist
Raghu Kiran Appasani
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Mill Valley, CA 94941
Clinical interests lie in psychedelic therapy, mood disorders ( depression, bipolar), addiction, chronic/autoimmune medical illness, anxiety disorders, OCD spectrum, eating disorders, trauma, and personality spectrum conditions.
Dr. Raghu Kiran Appasani is an Integrative Psychiatrist, Neuroscientist, and Social Entrepreneur focused on bridging the gap between western and eastern practices to create a wholesome society by taking a proactive approach to health. His current interests lie at the intersection of psychodynamic psychotherapy, integrative/nutritional psychiatry, mental health literacy, advocacy, wellness, entrepreneurship, and psychedelics.
Clinical interests lie in psychedelic therapy, mood disorders ( depression, bipolar), addiction, chronic/autoimmune medical illness, anxiety disorders, OCD spectrum, eating disorders, trauma, and personality spectrum conditions.
Dr. Raghu Kiran Appasani is an Integrative Psychiatrist, Neuroscientist, and Social Entrepreneur focused on bridging the gap between western and eastern practices to create a wholesome society by taking a proactive approach to health. His current interests lie at the intersection of psychodynamic psychotherapy, integrative/nutritional psychiatry, mental health literacy, advocacy, wellness, entrepreneurship, and psychedelics.
(415) 426-2654 View (415) 426-2654
1
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.