Photo of Angie Pelletier -Juarez, Psychologist in Oakland, CA
Angie Pelletier -Juarez
Psychologist, CP
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94601
I specialize in treating individuals from diverse backgrounds who struggle with mental health issues such as trauma, depression, anxiety, stress, and domestic or intimate partner violence.
Dr. PJ, also known as Dr. Angie Pelletier, is a clinical psychologist with over a decade of experience. She applies a holistic methodology that takes into account mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual considerations to help people gain a better understanding of themselves. Her focus areas include trauma, grief and loss, depression, anxiety, intimate partner violence (IPV)/Domestic Violence (DV) victims, life and career transitions, and relationship issues, among others. Dr. PJ stresses the importance of identifying personal strengths and cultivating coping strategies to meet life's challenges.
I specialize in treating individuals from diverse backgrounds who struggle with mental health issues such as trauma, depression, anxiety, stress, and domestic or intimate partner violence.
Dr. PJ, also known as Dr. Angie Pelletier, is a clinical psychologist with over a decade of experience. She applies a holistic methodology that takes into account mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual considerations to help people gain a better understanding of themselves. Her focus areas include trauma, grief and loss, depression, anxiety, intimate partner violence (IPV)/Domestic Violence (DV) victims, life and career transitions, and relationship issues, among others. Dr. PJ stresses the importance of identifying personal strengths and cultivating coping strategies to meet life's challenges.
(562) 278-0875 View (562) 278-0875
Photo of Leslie Hammer, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Oakland, CA
Leslie Hammer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94602
Connecting with nature has been shown to reduce stress, loneliness, depression, and anxiety and provides a rich landscape for personal growth and healing.
Welcome! Are you drawn to the natural world when you need to feel more grounded, calm, or inspired? Are you looking to broaden your community of support? I work with people primarily outside in the natural world, engaging in ecotherapy practices. We would meet at a local park in the East Bay Area, where we would sit, walk, or explore the area while tending to whatever stresses, questions, or emotions are arising in you.
Connecting with nature has been shown to reduce stress, loneliness, depression, and anxiety and provides a rich landscape for personal growth and healing.
Welcome! Are you drawn to the natural world when you need to feel more grounded, calm, or inspired? Are you looking to broaden your community of support? I work with people primarily outside in the natural world, engaging in ecotherapy practices. We would meet at a local park in the East Bay Area, where we would sit, walk, or explore the area while tending to whatever stresses, questions, or emotions are arising in you.
(510) 726-7017 View (510) 726-7017
Photo of Mekdes Yilma, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Mekdes Yilma
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94611
As Audre Lord said, "Self-care is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation." Hello, I'm Mekdes! I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist working out of Fresno, CA. Deciding to seek counseling services is a huge step. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship conflict, or parenting challenges, participating in therapy can give you the boost that you need to start living your best life again! As a therapist, I consider it a privilege to be allowed to walk alongside you on your journey of healing.
As Audre Lord said, "Self-care is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation." Hello, I'm Mekdes! I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist working out of Fresno, CA. Deciding to seek counseling services is a huge step. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship conflict, or parenting challenges, participating in therapy can give you the boost that you need to start living your best life again! As a therapist, I consider it a privilege to be allowed to walk alongside you on your journey of healing.
(510) 480-3651 View (510) 480-3651
Photo of Irene Schell Capuchino, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Irene Schell Capuchino
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LPCC, ATR-BC
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94601  (Online Only)
My approach to counseling begins with careful listening to understand your unique situation and personal goals. I will listen without judging you or rushing to a quick fix that might not be applicable for your specific situation. Many of my clients enter counseling feeling alone or overwhelmed by feelings of sadness, anxiety, anger, or stress. They may feel stuck in painful relationships that aren't working, or stuck with intense feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, dread, or inner pain. My treatment approach is gentle, educational, and experiential.
My approach to counseling begins with careful listening to understand your unique situation and personal goals. I will listen without judging you or rushing to a quick fix that might not be applicable for your specific situation. Many of my clients enter counseling feeling alone or overwhelmed by feelings of sadness, anxiety, anger, or stress. They may feel stuck in painful relationships that aren't working, or stuck with intense feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, dread, or inner pain. My treatment approach is gentle, educational, and experiential.
(510) 343-7798 View (510) 343-7798
Photo of Nancy Gonzalez-McKenzie, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Oakland, CA
Nancy Gonzalez-McKenzie
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94611
You are the expert in your life and I look forward to meeting with you where you are in life.
You are the expert in your life and I look forward to meeting with you where you are in life.
(619) 949-1362 View (619) 949-1362
Photo of The Village Mental Health Group, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
The Village Mental Health Group
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94605  (Online Only)
My name is Tanisha Simpson and my clinical experience includes working with children, teens, and adults with severe mental illnesses and individuals in crisis. I am a compassionate, solutions-oriented professional dedicated to providing exceptional care and devising creative treatment plans for children, adolescents, and adults dealing with multiple issues. I developed a passion and personal commitment to two things: fostering a positive learning environment for individuals with various backgrounds and maximizing individual and family performance.
My name is Tanisha Simpson and my clinical experience includes working with children, teens, and adults with severe mental illnesses and individuals in crisis. I am a compassionate, solutions-oriented professional dedicated to providing exceptional care and devising creative treatment plans for children, adolescents, and adults dealing with multiple issues. I developed a passion and personal commitment to two things: fostering a positive learning environment for individuals with various backgrounds and maximizing individual and family performance.
(951) 420-7370 View (951) 420-7370
Photo of Marshawn Rodgers, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Oakland, CA
Marshawn Rodgers
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94611
Hello, my name is Marshawn Rodgers. I am a psychotherapist who is available to create a safe, nonjudgmental space for you to express feelings, fears, struggles, and eventual victories. Congratulations on taking the first steps to heal. Begin by acknowledging your courage to discuss your struggles and make your hope a reality. I would welcome the opportunity to work with you.
Hello, my name is Marshawn Rodgers. I am a psychotherapist who is available to create a safe, nonjudgmental space for you to express feelings, fears, struggles, and eventual victories. Congratulations on taking the first steps to heal. Begin by acknowledging your courage to discuss your struggles and make your hope a reality. I would welcome the opportunity to work with you.
(619) 413-0135 View (619) 413-0135

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Miranda Dinkins, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Oakland, CA
Miranda Dinkins
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Leandro, CA 94578
Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, or life transitions, I will help you recognize underlying problems, fully realize your strengths and adjust certain behaviors and thoughts to see things a different, healthier way.
Hello! I'm Miranda Dinkins, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I thrive to offer professional therapy services that provide a comforting, warm, and inviting space for individuals to feel safe. Where individuals will have the opportunity to practice experiencing true emotions, processing past traumas, and mending scars in a healthy and appropriate way to eventually develop self-love, acceptance of self and identity, and confidence in taking on the next steps in life.
Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, or life transitions, I will help you recognize underlying problems, fully realize your strengths and adjust certain behaviors and thoughts to see things a different, healthier way.
Hello! I'm Miranda Dinkins, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I thrive to offer professional therapy services that provide a comforting, warm, and inviting space for individuals to feel safe. Where individuals will have the opportunity to practice experiencing true emotions, processing past traumas, and mending scars in a healthy and appropriate way to eventually develop self-love, acceptance of self and identity, and confidence in taking on the next steps in life.
(408) 539-3092 View (408) 539-3092
Photo of GWhitlock- New Leaf Counseling and Psychotherapy, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
GWhitlock- New Leaf Counseling and Psychotherapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94705  (Online Only)
I implement the necessary tools to those experiencing mild to moderate depression and/or anxious mood states, unresolved childhood trauma, and women of color dealing with bias and racism.
Welcome: I see you juggling work, family, relationships, and cultural identity while your self care has been placed on the back burner. As a woman of color, you may find yourself working twice as hard yet often getting half as much for your trouble. You want to live a full juicy life yet find yourself feeling stuck. I see you and I've got your back. It is my passion to support and encourage women (and a few sensitive men) who are ready to move past surviving to thriving. I work with women of all races and I am especially passionate in supporting Black Women and WOC who are desiring to be seen and heard.
I implement the necessary tools to those experiencing mild to moderate depression and/or anxious mood states, unresolved childhood trauma, and women of color dealing with bias and racism.
Welcome: I see you juggling work, family, relationships, and cultural identity while your self care has been placed on the back burner. As a woman of color, you may find yourself working twice as hard yet often getting half as much for your trouble. You want to live a full juicy life yet find yourself feeling stuck. I see you and I've got your back. It is my passion to support and encourage women (and a few sensitive men) who are ready to move past surviving to thriving. I work with women of all races and I am especially passionate in supporting Black Women and WOC who are desiring to be seen and heard.
(707) 785-8526 View (707) 785-8526
Photo of Lanore Giegerich, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Lanore Giegerich
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
El Cerrito, CA 94530
After graduating, I received years of training experience working with death and dying, multicultural issues, anxiety, depression, adjustment disorders, sexual abuse, and meditation.
It is my belief that we are all experts in our own lives and personal experiences. My role as Marriage Family Therapist is to work collaboratively with my clients to find solutions that work for them as an individual. I provide initial assessments and brief individual psychotherapy. I am bi-lingual Spanish speaking, and I hold a BA in Anthropology and Latin American Studies from UCSC. I graduated with a Master's degree in Counseling Psychology.
After graduating, I received years of training experience working with death and dying, multicultural issues, anxiety, depression, adjustment disorders, sexual abuse, and meditation.
It is my belief that we are all experts in our own lives and personal experiences. My role as Marriage Family Therapist is to work collaboratively with my clients to find solutions that work for them as an individual. I provide initial assessments and brief individual psychotherapy. I am bi-lingual Spanish speaking, and I hold a BA in Anthropology and Latin American Studies from UCSC. I graduated with a Master's degree in Counseling Psychology.
(562) 568-5869 View (562) 568-5869
Photo of Gerardo Salinas, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Oakland, CA
Gerardo Salinas
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94103
My name is Gerardo Salinas. I have been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Therapist for more than 12 years. I have experience working with adults, youth, and families from varied life experiences. I enjoy working with clients from diverse backgrounds. I offer Talk, Play Therapy, Mindfulness, Art Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help resolve conflict, improve communication, and work to resolve trauma with both children and adults. Another focus I have is on early attachment and developmental needs. I also offer parent coaching to help with challenging behaviors at school or in the home.
My name is Gerardo Salinas. I have been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Therapist for more than 12 years. I have experience working with adults, youth, and families from varied life experiences. I enjoy working with clients from diverse backgrounds. I offer Talk, Play Therapy, Mindfulness, Art Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help resolve conflict, improve communication, and work to resolve trauma with both children and adults. Another focus I have is on early attachment and developmental needs. I also offer parent coaching to help with challenging behaviors at school or in the home.
(442) 259-6410 View (442) 259-6410
Photo of The Mindful Lemon , Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
The Mindful Lemon
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Berkeley, CA 94704  (Online Only)
Our mission is to provide quality online mental health and substance abuse services while breaking down the barriers of traditional, office based therapy. Traditional mental health and substance abuse treatment tends to focus on what makes you sick, what you are lacking but at The Mindful Lemon, our clinicians let you sit in the driver’s seat, focusing on your strengths and assets to help you become the best version of you! This can be via traditional talk therapy, medication management, mindfulness techniques, an emphasis on health, wellness and fitness or any combination of the above.
Our mission is to provide quality online mental health and substance abuse services while breaking down the barriers of traditional, office based therapy. Traditional mental health and substance abuse treatment tends to focus on what makes you sick, what you are lacking but at The Mindful Lemon, our clinicians let you sit in the driver’s seat, focusing on your strengths and assets to help you become the best version of you! This can be via traditional talk therapy, medication management, mindfulness techniques, an emphasis on health, wellness and fitness or any combination of the above.
(341) 888-7667 View (341) 888-7667
Photo of Nesreen Alsoraimi, Psychologist in Oakland, CA
Nesreen Alsoraimi
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94107  (Online Only)
At the core of healing and growth is a solid and caring relationship with oneself and others. I aim to foster this while addressing your specific needs. I honor each individual I meet with and take a uniquely tailored and collaborative approach to therapy. Pursuing your goals with creativity, compassion and humor can help make the "work" of therapy flow more naturally and comfortably. I can help you gain insight in addressing various aspects of your individualized healing process holistically, which may include expressive art therapy, nature therapy, relational-cultural therapy as well as more traditional approaches.
At the core of healing and growth is a solid and caring relationship with oneself and others. I aim to foster this while addressing your specific needs. I honor each individual I meet with and take a uniquely tailored and collaborative approach to therapy. Pursuing your goals with creativity, compassion and humor can help make the "work" of therapy flow more naturally and comfortably. I can help you gain insight in addressing various aspects of your individualized healing process holistically, which may include expressive art therapy, nature therapy, relational-cultural therapy as well as more traditional approaches.
(858) 212-0929 View (858) 212-0929

Online Therapists

Photo of Nastacia Parham, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Nastacia Parham
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Livermore, CA 94551  (Online Only)
This can often present in the form of anxiety, depression, somatic symptoms, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
My name is Nastacia Parham, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in the greater Sacramento County area in CA, and I work with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with adults (18+) and specialize in individual therapy treating diverse populations experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, and trauma using an integrated approach of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Multicultural Therapy to help find their inner strength to overcome adversity and find ways to cope and build long-term resiliency.
This can often present in the form of anxiety, depression, somatic symptoms, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
My name is Nastacia Parham, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in the greater Sacramento County area in CA, and I work with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with adults (18+) and specialize in individual therapy treating diverse populations experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, and trauma using an integrated approach of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Multicultural Therapy to help find their inner strength to overcome adversity and find ways to cope and build long-term resiliency.
(925) 732-5754 View (925) 732-5754
Photo of Gerardo Joshua Salinas, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Oakland, CA
Gerardo Joshua Salinas
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Jose, CA 95112
My Goal is to provide a space that feels warm, non-judgmental and more importantly helpful. I work with adults, teens, and children who are experiencing trauma, depression, anxiety, and grief. I believe that navigating these experiences feels better when we get to work through them with someone else. I offer Talk Therapy, Play Therapy, Mindfulness Techniques, Art Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, to help resolve conflict, improve communication, and work to resolve trauma with a focus on early attachment and developmental needs. I also offer parent coaching to help with challenging behaviors at school or in the home.
My Goal is to provide a space that feels warm, non-judgmental and more importantly helpful. I work with adults, teens, and children who are experiencing trauma, depression, anxiety, and grief. I believe that navigating these experiences feels better when we get to work through them with someone else. I offer Talk Therapy, Play Therapy, Mindfulness Techniques, Art Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, to help resolve conflict, improve communication, and work to resolve trauma with a focus on early attachment and developmental needs. I also offer parent coaching to help with challenging behaviors at school or in the home.
(831) 263-4141 View (831) 263-4141
Photo of Sana Sarfaraz, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Sana Sarfaraz
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Jose, CA 95130  (Online Only)
In my practice, I have helped adults, adolescents and children deal with a wide range of issues including grief, loss trauma, anxiety, depression, adjustment issues, multicultural issues, self-esteem issues, personal growth, and workplace growth.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read my profile. Adversity is a part of life and we all experience it and feel isolated. However, I believe it can be an opportunity to grow stronger. I use strength-based supportive approaches that promote growth and healing. My approach focuses on deep care and respect for you. I value your experiences, thoughts and feelings and apply a non-judgmental stance making my sessions a comfortable experience. I focus on providing a collaborative and supportive environment where you can express yourself freely.
In my practice, I have helped adults, adolescents and children deal with a wide range of issues including grief, loss trauma, anxiety, depression, adjustment issues, multicultural issues, self-esteem issues, personal growth, and workplace growth.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read my profile. Adversity is a part of life and we all experience it and feel isolated. However, I believe it can be an opportunity to grow stronger. I use strength-based supportive approaches that promote growth and healing. My approach focuses on deep care and respect for you. I value your experiences, thoughts and feelings and apply a non-judgmental stance making my sessions a comfortable experience. I focus on providing a collaborative and supportive environment where you can express yourself freely.
(408) 351-4053 View (408) 351-4053
Photo of Araceli Vega, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Oakland, CA
Araceli Vega
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
West Sacramento, CA 95691  (Online Only)
Thinking of seeking therapy with a professional that can assist in providing suggestions on how to improve your daily living, decision making, relationships, and career choices? Do you want help with learning coping skills that can aid you during stressful times, your anxiety, depression, and/or trauma? Or, just want someone to talk to that can remain neutral when sharing complex issues or mental health struggles?
Thinking of seeking therapy with a professional that can assist in providing suggestions on how to improve your daily living, decision making, relationships, and career choices? Do you want help with learning coping skills that can aid you during stressful times, your anxiety, depression, and/or trauma? Or, just want someone to talk to that can remain neutral when sharing complex issues or mental health struggles?
(916) 702-3458 View (916) 702-3458
Photo of Nicholas Davis, Counselor in Oakland, CA
Nicholas Davis
Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
Hello! I'm Nick Davis, a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), based in San Diego, California working with clients throughout California via telehealth. I work primarily with adolescents and young adults and specialize in a variety of areas including but not limited to depression, anxiety, trauma, impulsivity, and suicidal ideation. I typically work with adolescents and young adults dealing with a variety of relational and transitional concerns. This most typically manifests in the form of anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, interpersonal conflicts within relationships, suicidal thoughts, and self-harming urges.
Hello! I'm Nick Davis, a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), based in San Diego, California working with clients throughout California via telehealth. I work primarily with adolescents and young adults and specialize in a variety of areas including but not limited to depression, anxiety, trauma, impulsivity, and suicidal ideation. I typically work with adolescents and young adults dealing with a variety of relational and transitional concerns. This most typically manifests in the form of anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, interpersonal conflicts within relationships, suicidal thoughts, and self-harming urges.
(916) 527-9532 View (916) 527-9532
Photo of Luz Amanda Guzman, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Luz Amanda Guzman
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Walnut Creek, CA 94598  (Online Only)
I have years of experience and passionate about working through a relational, person centered attachment lens with individuals, children, and families addressing issues such as anxiety, depression, self-esteem, major life transitions and, supporting new and expectant parents.
Hi, I'm so glad you are here. My therapeutic approach centers on creating more opportunities for space and reflection. My hope is that our sessions will feel casual and warm, that you feel met right where you are, and that I provide skills and perspective as you work towards your best self. Becoming a parent can be overwhelming and all consuming. I’ve been there. The first few years of my daughter’s life were a blur. I felt lost and like I was not a good enough parent. I felt like I was losing myself. I knew the parent I wanted to be, but did not know how to get there. That is when I knew something needed to change.
I have years of experience and passionate about working through a relational, person centered attachment lens with individuals, children, and families addressing issues such as anxiety, depression, self-esteem, major life transitions and, supporting new and expectant parents.
Hi, I'm so glad you are here. My therapeutic approach centers on creating more opportunities for space and reflection. My hope is that our sessions will feel casual and warm, that you feel met right where you are, and that I provide skills and perspective as you work towards your best self. Becoming a parent can be overwhelming and all consuming. I’ve been there. The first few years of my daughter’s life were a blur. I felt lost and like I was not a good enough parent. I felt like I was losing myself. I knew the parent I wanted to be, but did not know how to get there. That is when I knew something needed to change.
(925) 694-1811 View (925) 694-1811
Photo of Taneesha Chambers, Counselor in Oakland, CA
Taneesha Chambers
Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
San Jose, CA 95125
Hello, I'm Taneesha! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor who is passionate about assisting people while on their journey toward healing and growth in the face of the challenges they may be currently experiencing and/or past traumas that may be causing distress. I have experience with ages 18-97 and have worked with clients with many different experiences and diagnoses including Anxiety, Depression, PTSD/Trauma, Substance Abuse, Bipolar Disorder, Suicidal Ideation, and more.
Hello, I'm Taneesha! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor who is passionate about assisting people while on their journey toward healing and growth in the face of the challenges they may be currently experiencing and/or past traumas that may be causing distress. I have experience with ages 18-97 and have worked with clients with many different experiences and diagnoses including Anxiety, Depression, PTSD/Trauma, Substance Abuse, Bipolar Disorder, Suicidal Ideation, and more.
(408) 763-4866 View (408) 763-4866
Depression Therapists

What is the goal of therapy for depression?

Therapy for depression has several major goals. One is to relieve the mental pain of depression, which distorts feeling and thinking so that sufferers cannot see beyond their current state of mind or envision feeling better. Another is to give people the mental tools to 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.