Psychiatrists in Union County, NJ
Dr. Leopold Bolona
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Westfield, NJ 07090
Dr. Leopold Bolona is a compassionate psychiatrist in private practice in Westfield and Brick, and Freehold NJ seeing adults only at this time. The practice has 9 Nurse Practioners offering comprehensive diagnostic evaluations and individualized treatment for a variety of issues such as: Depression, anxiety, OCD, ADHD, addiction and more. 6 Therapist ready to assist all of our patients. The practice offers both in person and telehealth. All offices offer Genetic testing and Neuropsych testing. The Westfield and Freehold office also offers both TMS and Spravato for Treatment Resistant Depression.
Dr. Leopold Bolona is a compassionate psychiatrist in private practice in Westfield and Brick, and Freehold NJ seeing adults only at this time. The practice has 9 Nurse Practioners offering comprehensive diagnostic evaluations and individualized treatment for a variety of issues such as: Depression, anxiety, OCD, ADHD, addiction and more. 6 Therapist ready to assist all of our patients. The practice offers both in person and telehealth. All offices offer Genetic testing and Neuropsych testing. The Westfield and Freehold office also offers both TMS and Spravato for Treatment Resistant Depression.
Robert Kirk
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Cranford, NJ 07016
My client's issues may include academic issues, relationships, job stress, grieving, and alcohol/substance use. They would need help managing pronounced symptoms/episodes of difficulty with focus, attention, and staying organized; anxiety or depression; hyper-vigilance/arousal, poor/low frustration tolerance, and/or exhibit behaviors of avoidance; mood dysregulation; alcohol/substance withdrawal; or difficulty with sleep. Their overall goal would be to experience, at minimum, a significant reduction in frequency, intensity, and duration of pronounced symptoms, and perhaps with some of the symptoms, elimination of them.
My client's issues may include academic issues, relationships, job stress, grieving, and alcohol/substance use. They would need help managing pronounced symptoms/episodes of difficulty with focus, attention, and staying organized; anxiety or depression; hyper-vigilance/arousal, poor/low frustration tolerance, and/or exhibit behaviors of avoidance; mood dysregulation; alcohol/substance withdrawal; or difficulty with sleep. Their overall goal would be to experience, at minimum, a significant reduction in frequency, intensity, and duration of pronounced symptoms, and perhaps with some of the symptoms, elimination of them.
Akinlabi Sanusi
Psychiatrist, MD, MPH
Verified Verified
Rahway, NJ 07065
My special areas of experience include Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, and Bipolar disorder.
I am a Board Certified Psychiatrist committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate care to patients. I completed a residency training in General and Adult Psychiatry at Richmond University Medical Center, Staten Island, New York, an affiliate program of the Mount Sinai Icahn School of Medicine, New York. My treatment approach is based on the understanding that every individual is unique in their experience and needs. After a careful assessment of your symptoms, I will work with you in creating the treatment plan that suits you best.
My special areas of experience include Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, and Bipolar disorder.
I am a Board Certified Psychiatrist committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate care to patients. I completed a residency training in General and Adult Psychiatry at Richmond University Medical Center, Staten Island, New York, an affiliate program of the Mount Sinai Icahn School of Medicine, New York. My treatment approach is based on the understanding that every individual is unique in their experience and needs. After a careful assessment of your symptoms, I will work with you in creating the treatment plan that suits you best.
Shavar Chase
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP-, BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Westfield, NJ 07090
Dr. Shavar Chase, DNP, PMHNP-BC. I founded my practice to specialize in treating the family including children, adolescents, adults and older adults with or who believe they may have difficulty with Psychiatric and Mental Health challenges. I have practiced as a Registered Nurse in an array of specialties for over 31 years. I also have specialized in Psychiatric, Mental Health and Addictions treatment for the past 14 years. As a solution focused Psychiatric and Mental Health Advanced Nurse Practitioner, it's my goal to assist you in reducing symptoms that impact your ability to function at home, at work, at school or at play.
Dr. Shavar Chase, DNP, PMHNP-BC. I founded my practice to specialize in treating the family including children, adolescents, adults and older adults with or who believe they may have difficulty with Psychiatric and Mental Health challenges. I have practiced as a Registered Nurse in an array of specialties for over 31 years. I also have specialized in Psychiatric, Mental Health and Addictions treatment for the past 14 years. As a solution focused Psychiatric and Mental Health Advanced Nurse Practitioner, it's my goal to assist you in reducing symptoms that impact your ability to function at home, at work, at school or at play.
P & P Psychiatric and Recovery Center LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, APN-C
Verified Verified
Springfield, NJ 07081
Dr. Olubunmi Adetule DNP, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner-BC with a rich background in patient assessment, clinical diagnoses, and treatment plan formulation. I provide culturally competent care across-the-lifespan (children, adolescents, adults, couples, seniors) to clients with diverse mental health needs including substance abuse treatment and management, with the aim of improving their overall state of affairs. I am compassionate and devoted to my patients, I am a skilled and an experienced healthcare provider who will evaluate and manage your case with the utmost care and high regard for confidentiality standards.
Dr. Olubunmi Adetule DNP, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner-BC with a rich background in patient assessment, clinical diagnoses, and treatment plan formulation. I provide culturally competent care across-the-lifespan (children, adolescents, adults, couples, seniors) to clients with diverse mental health needs including substance abuse treatment and management, with the aim of improving their overall state of affairs. I am compassionate and devoted to my patients, I am a skilled and an experienced healthcare provider who will evaluate and manage your case with the utmost care and high regard for confidentiality standards.
Seth Michael Dorsky
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Summit, NJ 07901
Dr. Seth Dorsky is a Harvard trained child and adolescent psychiatrist. He completed his child and adolescent fellowship at Boston Children's Hospital where he held 2 academic appointments: one as a clinical fellow at Harvard Medical School and one as fellow in child and adolescent psychiatry at Boston Children's Hospital. Dr. Dorsky received his undergraduate degree from Brown University, attended medical school at the University of Vermont, and completed his adult psychiatry residency at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia. Dr. Dorsky is dual board certified in child and adolescent psychiatry and adult psychiatry.
Dr. Seth Dorsky is a Harvard trained child and adolescent psychiatrist. He completed his child and adolescent fellowship at Boston Children's Hospital where he held 2 academic appointments: one as a clinical fellow at Harvard Medical School and one as fellow in child and adolescent psychiatry at Boston Children's Hospital. Dr. Dorsky received his undergraduate degree from Brown University, attended medical school at the University of Vermont, and completed his adult psychiatry residency at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia. Dr. Dorsky is dual board certified in child and adolescent psychiatry and adult psychiatry.
Marc Cantillon
Psychiatrist, MD, FAPA, FANA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Summit, NJ 07902
Sadness, ADD, addiction, relationships, other anguish? No matter what pain you bear, there is hope, with care, scientific evidence, and if needed legal help. For every problem, there are solutions: I have witnessed personal change, growth at any age. For children: identity and learning; for adults work/other responsibilities, or staying active and fully enjoying the wisdom of a mature life. Together we identify the issue(s), talking support CBT therapy and/or medication including natural complementary, exercises, work coaching. For fees, I work flexibly with those patients who have out of network coverage so they are reimbursed.
Sadness, ADD, addiction, relationships, other anguish? No matter what pain you bear, there is hope, with care, scientific evidence, and if needed legal help. For every problem, there are solutions: I have witnessed personal change, growth at any age. For children: identity and learning; for adults work/other responsibilities, or staying active and fully enjoying the wisdom of a mature life. Together we identify the issue(s), talking support CBT therapy and/or medication including natural complementary, exercises, work coaching. For fees, I work flexibly with those patients who have out of network coverage so they are reimbursed.
Online Psychiatrists
ADHD, Mood & Behavior Center
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Cedar Knolls, NJ 07927
Hubsher, Sterchele & Muthusawmy are all board certified child, adolescent & adult psychiatrists specializing in ADHD, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety & Stress, OCD & ASD.
ADHD, Mood & Behavior Center is a comprehensive Child, Adolescent & Adult psychotherapy center, available ONLINE throughout NJ & NY, from the comfort of your home, and in person in northern NJ. Our three board certified child, adolescent & adult psychiatrists are devoted to the evaluation and treatment of emotional, behavioral, social, academic & employment difficulties, including ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, Depression, Anxiety, Stress, Autism Spectrum Disorder, OCD, learning issues, bullying & video game addiction, and collaborate with our highly trained therapists to find solutions and bring stability to the child, adult or family.
Hubsher, Sterchele & Muthusawmy are all board certified child, adolescent & adult psychiatrists specializing in ADHD, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety & Stress, OCD & ASD.
ADHD, Mood & Behavior Center is a comprehensive Child, Adolescent & Adult psychotherapy center, available ONLINE throughout NJ & NY, from the comfort of your home, and in person in northern NJ. Our three board certified child, adolescent & adult psychiatrists are devoted to the evaluation and treatment of emotional, behavioral, social, academic & employment difficulties, including ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, Depression, Anxiety, Stress, Autism Spectrum Disorder, OCD, learning issues, bullying & video game addiction, and collaborate with our highly trained therapists to find solutions and bring stability to the child, adult or family.
Robert Kirk
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Glassboro, NJ 08028
My client's issues may include academic issues, relationships, job stress, grieving, and alcohol/substance use. They would need help managing pronounced symptoms/episodes of difficulty with focus, attention, and staying organized; anxiety or depression; hyper-vigilance/arousal, poor/low frustration tolerance, and/or exhibit behaviors of avoidance; mood dysregulation; alcohol/substance withdrawal; or difficulty with sleep. Their overall goal would be to experience, at minimum, a significant reduction in frequency, intensity, and duration of pronounced symptoms, and perhaps with some of the symptoms, elimination of them.
My client's issues may include academic issues, relationships, job stress, grieving, and alcohol/substance use. They would need help managing pronounced symptoms/episodes of difficulty with focus, attention, and staying organized; anxiety or depression; hyper-vigilance/arousal, poor/low frustration tolerance, and/or exhibit behaviors of avoidance; mood dysregulation; alcohol/substance withdrawal; or difficulty with sleep. Their overall goal would be to experience, at minimum, a significant reduction in frequency, intensity, and duration of pronounced symptoms, and perhaps with some of the symptoms, elimination of them.
Blissful Minds Wellness Center, LCC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Marlton, NJ 08053
Visit blissfulmindspsych.com to schedule. I provide medication management for Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, PTSD, Trauma, Sleep or Insomnia, and includes Motivational Interviewing, CBT, and Solution-Based. This is a telehealth-only practice. In essence, we do not initiate a controlled medication (such as benzodiazepines), by DEA regulations. Private pay rates are $150 for follow-up and $275 for initial evaluation. My goal as a psychiatric nurse practitioner is to provide compassionate, holistic, and evidence-based care to individuals struggling with mental health challenges.
Visit blissfulmindspsych.com to schedule. I provide medication management for Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, PTSD, Trauma, Sleep or Insomnia, and includes Motivational Interviewing, CBT, and Solution-Based. This is a telehealth-only practice. In essence, we do not initiate a controlled medication (such as benzodiazepines), by DEA regulations. Private pay rates are $150 for follow-up and $275 for initial evaluation. My goal as a psychiatric nurse practitioner is to provide compassionate, holistic, and evidence-based care to individuals struggling with mental health challenges.
Victory Psych Consultation Services
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, - BC, MA
Verified Verified
Blackwood, NJ 08012
We specialize in caring for the most common psychiatric conditions that include; Depression, Insomnia, Anxiety, Panic disorder, Bipolar Disorder, PTSD, OCD, ADD/ADHD, Trauma-focused treatment, Substance Abuse, & Dual Diagnosis.
I am a Board-Certified Advanced Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC). I have been providing proficient psychiatric assessment, diagnosis, and treating diverse psychiatric conditions across the lifespan since June 2021. I provide initial assessments and follow-ups, medication management, hospital ER psychiatric liaison consultation, and collaborative care. I have over twenty-five years of experience in psychiatric nursing care, managing patients with mental health crises, and caring for clients in both short and long-term settings. My professional strengths include the use of evidence-based treatment approaches.
We specialize in caring for the most common psychiatric conditions that include; Depression, Insomnia, Anxiety, Panic disorder, Bipolar Disorder, PTSD, OCD, ADD/ADHD, Trauma-focused treatment, Substance Abuse, & Dual Diagnosis.
I am a Board-Certified Advanced Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC). I have been providing proficient psychiatric assessment, diagnosis, and treating diverse psychiatric conditions across the lifespan since June 2021. I provide initial assessments and follow-ups, medication management, hospital ER psychiatric liaison consultation, and collaborative care. I have over twenty-five years of experience in psychiatric nursing care, managing patients with mental health crises, and caring for clients in both short and long-term settings. My professional strengths include the use of evidence-based treatment approaches.
Psychiatric and Behavioral Health Care LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Mount Holly, NJ 08060
ANCC Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner licensed in the States of New Jersey and Pennsylvania and providing treatment for patients with substance use disorder, depression, anxiety, bipolar and related disorders, attention-deficit /hyperactivity disorder, schizophrenia, and schizoaffective disorder, and PTSD. Philosophy of care is based on the foundations of respect and promotion of self-determination for all patients. These two attributes promotes trust, patient satisfaction, and improved quality of life for my patients.
ANCC Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner licensed in the States of New Jersey and Pennsylvania and providing treatment for patients with substance use disorder, depression, anxiety, bipolar and related disorders, attention-deficit /hyperactivity disorder, schizophrenia, and schizoaffective disorder, and PTSD. Philosophy of care is based on the foundations of respect and promotion of self-determination for all patients. These two attributes promotes trust, patient satisfaction, and improved quality of life for my patients.
Jason Dean
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Teaneck, NJ 07666 (Online Only)
Dean also extends his expertise to adults struggling with depression, anxiety, and relationship issues.
Dr. Dean is a child and adolescent psychiatrist, specializing in a combination of psychotherapy and medication management. Dr. Dean delves deep into the root causes of anxiety and behavioral issues. Unlike many psychiatrists, Dr. Dean understands that symptoms are merely the surface of a much larger picture. By treating the whole person, not just the symptoms, Dr. Dean uncovers the underlying issues in social-emotional development, paving the way for a healthier and more fulfilling life.
Dean also extends his expertise to adults struggling with depression, anxiety, and relationship issues.
Dr. Dean is a child and adolescent psychiatrist, specializing in a combination of psychotherapy and medication management. Dr. Dean delves deep into the root causes of anxiety and behavioral issues. Unlike many psychiatrists, Dr. Dean understands that symptoms are merely the surface of a much larger picture. By treating the whole person, not just the symptoms, Dr. Dean uncovers the underlying issues in social-emotional development, paving the way for a healthier and more fulfilling life.
Sajjad A. Zaidi
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Freehold, NJ 07728
specializes in the psychiatric treatment of children, teens and adults with: ADHD, Autism, Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety Depression, Developmental delays, Learning Disorders, Opposition and Substance Abuse.
Sajjad Zaidi, M.D. is Medical Director and founder of Freehold Child Diagnostic Center, Inc. Dr. Zaidi is Triple Board Certified in Psychiatry/Neurology, Child & Adolescent Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine. Dr. Zaidi's background has encompassed over thirty years of extensive and diverse experience in the field of Child, Adolescent & Family Psychiatry. Office locations in Freehold and Neptune, NJ.
specializes in the psychiatric treatment of children, teens and adults with: ADHD, Autism, Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety Depression, Developmental delays, Learning Disorders, Opposition and Substance Abuse.
Sajjad Zaidi, M.D. is Medical Director and founder of Freehold Child Diagnostic Center, Inc. Dr. Zaidi is Triple Board Certified in Psychiatry/Neurology, Child & Adolescent Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine. Dr. Zaidi's background has encompassed over thirty years of extensive and diverse experience in the field of Child, Adolescent & Family Psychiatry. Office locations in Freehold and Neptune, NJ.
Mega Professional Healthcare Services
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP-, BC
Verified Verified
Maplewood, NJ 07040 (Online Only)
Mega Professional Healthcare Services, manage by Ernest Akwaboah, APN, PMHNP-BC, provides comprehensive evidence based mental health treatments for children, adults and elderly individuals with various mental health conditions, including schizophrenia, major depression, mood disorders, psychotic disorders, ADHD, personality disorders and other mental health disorders. Feeling down, sad or persistent anxiety, or need mental health support, then we do it all! We perform mental health evaluation, all-inclusive behavioral treatment, medication management and symptoms monitoring. Call or Email ernestakwaboah@gmail.com, call 973-342-6323
Mega Professional Healthcare Services, manage by Ernest Akwaboah, APN, PMHNP-BC, provides comprehensive evidence based mental health treatments for children, adults and elderly individuals with various mental health conditions, including schizophrenia, major depression, mood disorders, psychotic disorders, ADHD, personality disorders and other mental health disorders. Feeling down, sad or persistent anxiety, or need mental health support, then we do it all! We perform mental health evaluation, all-inclusive behavioral treatment, medication management and symptoms monitoring. Call or Email ernestakwaboah@gmail.com, call 973-342-6323
Jake Rosenberg
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Haddonfield, NJ 08033 (Online Only)
Dr. Jake works with patients of all backgrounds to collaboratively target mental health concerns. Areas of focus include ADHD, anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD, bipolar, addiction, and psychosis.
Dr. Jake works with patients of all backgrounds to collaboratively target mental health concerns. Areas of focus include ADHD, anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD, bipolar, addiction, and psychosis.
Joseph Gagnon Jr.
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CRNP, PMHNP, MSN, BS, RN-BC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Jersey City, NJ 07310 (Online Only)
Joe specializes in the treatment of ADHD (including adult-onset ADHD), Anxiety Disorders, Depression, Movement Disorders (specifically Tardive Dyskinesia), Psychotic Disorders (including early onset Schizophrenia and Schizoaffective Disorder), Bipolar Disorder, and Autism Spectrum Disorder. He has extensive experience in treating both children and adolescents. Additionally, he holds a waiver for utilizing Medications for Addiction Treatment (MAT) in assisting individuals struggling with Substance Use Disorders.
Joe specializes in the treatment of ADHD (including adult-onset ADHD), Anxiety Disorders, Depression, Movement Disorders (specifically Tardive Dyskinesia), Psychotic Disorders (including early onset Schizophrenia and Schizoaffective Disorder), Bipolar Disorder, and Autism Spectrum Disorder. He has extensive experience in treating both children and adolescents. Additionally, he holds a waiver for utilizing Medications for Addiction Treatment (MAT) in assisting individuals struggling with Substance Use Disorders.
Gagandeep Singh, MD, LLC
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Freehold, NJ 07728
The practice of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, as well as Adult Psychiatry, is as exciting as it is varied.
This specialty is truly one of the last bastions in modern medicine that allows the practitioner to 'connect' with the patient, and one where the value of the patient's input is not underestimated.
My clinical interests include childhood and adolescent depression, other mood disorders, ADHD, child and adolescent anxiety disorders such as OCD, and post traumatic stress disorder. I also work with adults on all of the above issues. I look forward to helping you!
The practice of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, as well as Adult Psychiatry, is as exciting as it is varied.
This specialty is truly one of the last bastions in modern medicine that allows the practitioner to 'connect' with the patient, and one where the value of the patient's input is not underestimated.
My clinical interests include childhood and adolescent depression, other mood disorders, ADHD, child and adolescent anxiety disorders such as OCD, and post traumatic stress disorder. I also work with adults on all of the above issues. I look forward to helping you!
Robert Kirk
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Voorhees, NJ 08043
My client's issues may include academic issues, relationships, job stress, grieving, and alcohol/substance use. They would need help managing pronounced symptoms/episodes of difficulty with focus, attention, and staying organized; anxiety or depression; hyper-vigilance/arousal, poor/low frustration tolerance, and/or exhibit behaviors of avoidance; mood dysregulation; alcohol/substance withdrawal; or difficulty with sleep. Their overall goal would be to experience, at minimum, a significant reduction in frequency, intensity, and duration of pronounced symptoms, and perhaps with some of the symptoms, elimination of them.
My client's issues may include academic issues, relationships, job stress, grieving, and alcohol/substance use. They would need help managing pronounced symptoms/episodes of difficulty with focus, attention, and staying organized; anxiety or depression; hyper-vigilance/arousal, poor/low frustration tolerance, and/or exhibit behaviors of avoidance; mood dysregulation; alcohol/substance withdrawal; or difficulty with sleep. Their overall goal would be to experience, at minimum, a significant reduction in frequency, intensity, and duration of pronounced symptoms, and perhaps with some of the symptoms, elimination of them.
Zindadil Gandhi
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Marlton, NJ 08053
Anxiety, Depression, Anger, Irritability, Guilt, Feeling of lack of control, Inability to pay attention, Sleeplessness are few of the many reasons that keep us from feeling happy. When experienced on daily basis, these can significantly interfere with our performance and relationships. We wish to be happy, to perform at our best. When these experiences are due to a psychiatric condition, it warrants appropriate treatment. I am a Board Certified Child, Adolescent and Adult Psychiatrist. I practice Evidence Based Psychiatry to treat multiple psychiatric and behavioral conditions in Children, Teenagers and Adults.
Anxiety, Depression, Anger, Irritability, Guilt, Feeling of lack of control, Inability to pay attention, Sleeplessness are few of the many reasons that keep us from feeling happy. When experienced on daily basis, these can significantly interfere with our performance and relationships. We wish to be happy, to perform at our best. When these experiences are due to a psychiatric condition, it warrants appropriate treatment. I am a Board Certified Child, Adolescent and Adult Psychiatrist. I practice Evidence Based Psychiatry to treat multiple psychiatric and behavioral conditions in Children, Teenagers and Adults.
See more therapy options for Union County
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.