Depression Therapists in Presidio Heights, San Francisco, CA

Photo of Robert Waska, Counselor in Presidio Heights, San Francisco, CA
Robert Waska
Counselor, LPCC, MFT, PhD
Verified Verified
Presidio Heights, San Francisco, CA 94118  (Online Only)
Waska has 35 years of clinical experience helping individuals with problems such as anxiety or depression.
Effective Anxiety Treatment. Psychotherapy can help you resolve the panic, self-doubt, nervousness, and insecurity. Anxiety can cripple your day-to-day happiness, your relationships, your career, and your self-worth. Obsessive thinking, compulsive behaviors, worry patterns, and social anxiety can be managed and mastered. I use research based counseling techniques to create change and lasting relief.
Waska has 35 years of clinical experience helping individuals with problems such as anxiety or depression.
Effective Anxiety Treatment. Psychotherapy can help you resolve the panic, self-doubt, nervousness, and insecurity. Anxiety can cripple your day-to-day happiness, your relationships, your career, and your self-worth. Obsessive thinking, compulsive behaviors, worry patterns, and social anxiety can be managed and mastered. I use research based counseling techniques to create change and lasting relief.
(415) 689-1009 View (415) 689-1009
Photo of Robert Waska, Counselor in Presidio Heights, San Francisco, CA
Robert Waska
Counselor, LPCC, MFT, PhD
Verified Verified
Presidio Heights, San Francisco, CA 94118  (Online Only)
Waska has 35 years of clinical experience helping individuals and couples with relationship issues, anxiety, and depression.
Resolving Relationship Problems: If you are reading this, you have already decided to try and improve things. In therapy, we will work together to help find relational solutions to sudden crisis points or ongoing chronic issues. I use interactive, supportive, and result driven counseling to change painful patterns that make it hard to establish loving connections as well as helping to solve communication breakdowns in current relationships. With focused dynamic therapy, you can undo destructive relational patterns and build healthy connections.
Waska has 35 years of clinical experience helping individuals and couples with relationship issues, anxiety, and depression.
Resolving Relationship Problems: If you are reading this, you have already decided to try and improve things. In therapy, we will work together to help find relational solutions to sudden crisis points or ongoing chronic issues. I use interactive, supportive, and result driven counseling to change painful patterns that make it hard to establish loving connections as well as helping to solve communication breakdowns in current relationships. With focused dynamic therapy, you can undo destructive relational patterns and build healthy connections.
(415) 418-7617 View (415) 418-7617
Photo of Dr. Behin Abedi, Psychologist in Presidio Heights, San Francisco, CA
Dr. Behin Abedi
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Presidio Heights, San Francisco, CA 94118  (Online Only)
I'm a clinical psychologist who is dedicated to empowering and helping people live fuller and more enriching lives. I have a supportive and collaborative treatment approach and adapt the therapeutic process to the unique needs, preferences, and goals of each individual. In doing so, I integrate different treatment modalities and evidence-based practices to help people become unstuck and improve their overall well-being. I'm skilled in treating a variety of presenting issues, including but not limited to anxiety, depression, grief/loss, relationships, career stress/change, self-esteem, identity, and other cultural-related stressors.
I'm a clinical psychologist who is dedicated to empowering and helping people live fuller and more enriching lives. I have a supportive and collaborative treatment approach and adapt the therapeutic process to the unique needs, preferences, and goals of each individual. In doing so, I integrate different treatment modalities and evidence-based practices to help people become unstuck and improve their overall well-being. I'm skilled in treating a variety of presenting issues, including but not limited to anxiety, depression, grief/loss, relationships, career stress/change, self-esteem, identity, and other cultural-related stressors.
(415) 853-5382 View (415) 853-5382
Photo of Jules Osborne, Marriage & Family Therapist in Presidio Heights, San Francisco, CA
Jules Osborne
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Presidio Heights, San Francisco, CA 94118
Are you tired of feeling that your anxiety/depression is in the driver’s seat and your innate creativity is held captive in the trunk? Are you ready for your anxiety/depression to take a back seat and choose what drives you - to feel creative, playful and confident. I am an expert in supporting creative folx who are feeling stuck, anxious, and alone and with no outlet, to feel seen and heard, and give expression to unspoken parts of themselves, to get clear on their needs, wants and their truth. Moving from a place of unbearable pain and stuckness to living full, creative, purpose-driven lives.
Are you tired of feeling that your anxiety/depression is in the driver’s seat and your innate creativity is held captive in the trunk? Are you ready for your anxiety/depression to take a back seat and choose what drives you - to feel creative, playful and confident. I am an expert in supporting creative folx who are feeling stuck, anxious, and alone and with no outlet, to feel seen and heard, and give expression to unspoken parts of themselves, to get clear on their needs, wants and their truth. Moving from a place of unbearable pain and stuckness to living full, creative, purpose-driven lives.
(628) 244-4271 View (628) 244-4271
Photo of Caitlin Wicks, Psychologist in Presidio Heights, San Francisco, CA
Caitlin Wicks
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Presidio Heights, San Francisco, CA 94118
I am here to tell you, you are not broken, even if your mind may tell you so. When we are anxious or in despair, we can’t think straight or engage our usual survival strategies. It can impact our health, body, emotions, relationships, perception of self and reality. We can't make sense of the distorted thoughts alone. We need a therapist to help guide us. I often help young women who are feeling shy, anxious, obsessive, depressed, struggling with perfectionism or life transitions. I enjoy helping girls and women achieve developmentally appropriate social-emotional, verbal and non-verbal communication skills.
I am here to tell you, you are not broken, even if your mind may tell you so. When we are anxious or in despair, we can’t think straight or engage our usual survival strategies. It can impact our health, body, emotions, relationships, perception of self and reality. We can't make sense of the distorted thoughts alone. We need a therapist to help guide us. I often help young women who are feeling shy, anxious, obsessive, depressed, struggling with perfectionism or life transitions. I enjoy helping girls and women achieve developmentally appropriate social-emotional, verbal and non-verbal communication skills.
(415) 649-5373 View (415) 649-5373
Photo of Valerie Crawford, Psychologist in Presidio Heights, San Francisco, CA
Valerie Crawford
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Presidio Heights, San Francisco, CA 94117
I work with my clients in a supportive and engaged way to achieve real personal growth and confidence. I help clients heal anxiety, depression, and relationship struggles and unhealthy patterns. I believe we all have within us what we need to flourish -- a nurturing therapeutic relationship can unlock your capacity to heal and thrive. With the support you've been longing for, you can feel better and more confident, more connected in your relationships, and be more successful. I use a variety of evidence-based approaches, depending on clients' needs. My orientation is relational, experiential, based in brain science.
I work with my clients in a supportive and engaged way to achieve real personal growth and confidence. I help clients heal anxiety, depression, and relationship struggles and unhealthy patterns. I believe we all have within us what we need to flourish -- a nurturing therapeutic relationship can unlock your capacity to heal and thrive. With the support you've been longing for, you can feel better and more confident, more connected in your relationships, and be more successful. I use a variety of evidence-based approaches, depending on clients' needs. My orientation is relational, experiential, based in brain science.
(415) 390-2872 View (415) 390-2872
Photo of Kelly Nguyen, Marriage & Family Therapist in Presidio Heights, San Francisco, CA
Kelly Nguyen
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
Presidio Heights, San Francisco, CA 94118
I find that trauma, grief, anxiety, depression, anger management, and cultural issues, can have a significant impact on our relationships.
Relationships are challenging no matter what. They are especially difficult if you've had minimal guidance in learning healthy ways of dealing with conflict or asking for what you need. This lack of exposure to healthy ways of relating can show up in friendships, in a romantic relationship or at work through behaviors such as avoidance, accommodation or other ineffective actions. The result is disconnection and dissatisfaction. It is important to understand how you show up in relationship in order to make a healthy change. I am here to help you with this process.
I find that trauma, grief, anxiety, depression, anger management, and cultural issues, can have a significant impact on our relationships.
Relationships are challenging no matter what. They are especially difficult if you've had minimal guidance in learning healthy ways of dealing with conflict or asking for what you need. This lack of exposure to healthy ways of relating can show up in friendships, in a romantic relationship or at work through behaviors such as avoidance, accommodation or other ineffective actions. The result is disconnection and dissatisfaction. It is important to understand how you show up in relationship in order to make a healthy change. I am here to help you with this process.
(415) 340-7035 View (415) 340-7035
Photo of Lisa Rosequist, Psychologist in Presidio Heights, San Francisco, CA
Lisa Rosequist
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Presidio Heights, San Francisco, CA 94118  (Online Only)
My services provide a safe space to explore and empower yourself and learn to overcome obstacles getting in the way of living your most fulfilling life. Clients come to me for treatment of a wide range of symptoms and disorders, including stress, anxiety, depression, PTSD, ADHD, performance psychology, concussion recovery, and executive coaching. Whether you are seeking targeted coaching on work performance or exploration of your past and current life circumstances, I offer a compassionate but focused approach to increasing fulfillment and success.
My services provide a safe space to explore and empower yourself and learn to overcome obstacles getting in the way of living your most fulfilling life. Clients come to me for treatment of a wide range of symptoms and disorders, including stress, anxiety, depression, PTSD, ADHD, performance psychology, concussion recovery, and executive coaching. Whether you are seeking targeted coaching on work performance or exploration of your past and current life circumstances, I offer a compassionate but focused approach to increasing fulfillment and success.
(650) 275-5474 View (650) 275-5474
Photo of Paul Beirne, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Presidio Heights, San Francisco, CA
Paul Beirne
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MA, LPCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Presidio Heights, San Francisco, CA 94118
I have experience treating a wide range of issues (depression, suicidal ideation, bullying, behavior problems, substance abuse, etc).
“Being able to feel safe with other people is probably the single most important aspect of mental health; safe connections are fundamental to meaningful and satisfying lives.” ― Bessel A. van der Kolk. My approach to treatment helps people identify the core issues that have been avoided and pushed aside in an emotionally safe environment. Through the process of consciousness raising and self exploration, lasting changes in thought patterns are made, and overall life improvement occurs. I work with people of all ages and have a wealth of experience working with teens and young adults.
I have experience treating a wide range of issues (depression, suicidal ideation, bullying, behavior problems, substance abuse, etc).
“Being able to feel safe with other people is probably the single most important aspect of mental health; safe connections are fundamental to meaningful and satisfying lives.” ― Bessel A. van der Kolk. My approach to treatment helps people identify the core issues that have been avoided and pushed aside in an emotionally safe environment. Through the process of consciousness raising and self exploration, lasting changes in thought patterns are made, and overall life improvement occurs. I work with people of all ages and have a wealth of experience working with teens and young adults.
(415) 358-2498 View (415) 358-2498
Photo of Whitney Lynch, Psychologist in Presidio Heights, San Francisco, CA
Whitney Lynch
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Presidio Heights, San Francisco, CA 94118
Perhaps you are seeking healthier ways to cope with stressful life experiences or want to make more enduring changes to how you relate to yourself and others. In my work, I aim to not only help you feel better but provide you the tools to lead a more meaningful life. I help clients recognize and harness their own personal strengths while learning new ways to challenge negative thought patterns and unhealthy behaviors that can keep us feeling stuck, depressed, and anxious.
Perhaps you are seeking healthier ways to cope with stressful life experiences or want to make more enduring changes to how you relate to yourself and others. In my work, I aim to not only help you feel better but provide you the tools to lead a more meaningful life. I help clients recognize and harness their own personal strengths while learning new ways to challenge negative thought patterns and unhealthy behaviors that can keep us feeling stuck, depressed, and anxious.
(415) 243-7249 View (415) 243-7249
Photo of Lara Curry, Marriage & Family Therapist in Presidio Heights, San Francisco, CA
Lara Curry
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Presidio Heights, San Francisco, CA 94118
My name is Lara Curry. I'm a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I've helped people struggling with anxiety, depression, alcohol use, relationship issues, and relapse prevention. I employ EMDR, Family Systems, Psychodynamic, Trauma-focused, and Solution-focused brief therapy modalities. I assume anyone seeking psychotherapy genuinely desires to help sort out the difficulties in their lives. I try to work as a co-investigator to understand the issues and help explain how they evolved and how to resolve them in an informal, caring partnership with my clients.
My name is Lara Curry. I'm a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I've helped people struggling with anxiety, depression, alcohol use, relationship issues, and relapse prevention. I employ EMDR, Family Systems, Psychodynamic, Trauma-focused, and Solution-focused brief therapy modalities. I assume anyone seeking psychotherapy genuinely desires to help sort out the difficulties in their lives. I try to work as a co-investigator to understand the issues and help explain how they evolved and how to resolve them in an informal, caring partnership with my clients.
(661) 271-6194 View (661) 271-6194
Photo of Rebecca Chadwick, Marriage & Family Therapist in Presidio Heights, San Francisco, CA
Rebecca Chadwick
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Presidio Heights, San Francisco, CA 94118
I help individuals who are feeling anxious, lost, disconnected, overwhelmed, unstable, or alone. These feelings may be related to a specific season of life or could be ways that you’ve felt for a long time. My areas of focus include anxiety, depression, developmental trauma, identity exploration, survivors of intimate partner abuse, life transitions, and relationship issues. My approach is compassionate, engaged, and warm.
I help individuals who are feeling anxious, lost, disconnected, overwhelmed, unstable, or alone. These feelings may be related to a specific season of life or could be ways that you’ve felt for a long time. My areas of focus include anxiety, depression, developmental trauma, identity exploration, survivors of intimate partner abuse, life transitions, and relationship issues. My approach is compassionate, engaged, and warm.
(628) 444-4877 View (628) 444-4877
Photo of Maureen K Fisher, Marriage & Family Therapist in Presidio Heights, San Francisco, CA
Maureen K Fisher
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Presidio Heights, San Francisco, CA 94118
I treat clients whose daily functioning, self image and way of relating to others has been negatively impacted by anxiety, depression, and various external or situational stressors. Compassion and collaboration are crucial in facilitating healing and creating a functional therapeutic rapport that allows for increasingly greater presence of mind. Education and 15 years of clinical experience underscore my belief that people can feel better as they practice more adaptive thinking and behavior in the present.
I treat clients whose daily functioning, self image and way of relating to others has been negatively impacted by anxiety, depression, and various external or situational stressors. Compassion and collaboration are crucial in facilitating healing and creating a functional therapeutic rapport that allows for increasingly greater presence of mind. Education and 15 years of clinical experience underscore my belief that people can feel better as they practice more adaptive thinking and behavior in the present.
(415) 423-1152 View (415) 423-1152
Photo of Davi Weisberger, Psychologist in Presidio Heights, San Francisco, CA
Davi Weisberger
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Presidio Heights, San Francisco, CA 94118
Over the past 30+ years I have helped people with a wide range of problems and challenges. These may include anxiety and worry, depression and sadness, relationship difficulties, work related stress, loss of a loved one, loss of a relationship, and difficulty with life transitions such as divorce, losing or changing jobs, becoming a parent, moving to a new city, facing an empty nest, and aging. I also see people who are struggling with old feelings from an earlier difficulty or trauma that are being triggered by some current life situation or event.
Over the past 30+ years I have helped people with a wide range of problems and challenges. These may include anxiety and worry, depression and sadness, relationship difficulties, work related stress, loss of a loved one, loss of a relationship, and difficulty with life transitions such as divorce, losing or changing jobs, becoming a parent, moving to a new city, facing an empty nest, and aging. I also see people who are struggling with old feelings from an earlier difficulty or trauma that are being triggered by some current life situation or event.
(628) 214-4749 View (628) 214-4749
Photo of Kristina Holloway, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Presidio Heights, San Francisco, CA
Kristina Holloway
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Presidio Heights, San Francisco, CA 94118
Whether you're grappling with depression, anxiety, trauma, or relationship issues, together we'll identify and clarify your wants, needs, and goals, then determine any barriers to your goals and the necessary steps to overcome them.
We all experience challenges in life. At times, these can seem beyond our ability to handle. I would like to offer you my support. I welcome individuals and couples of all ages, backgrounds, and orientations into the therapeutic journey.
Whether you're grappling with depression, anxiety, trauma, or relationship issues, together we'll identify and clarify your wants, needs, and goals, then determine any barriers to your goals and the necessary steps to overcome them.
We all experience challenges in life. At times, these can seem beyond our ability to handle. I would like to offer you my support. I welcome individuals and couples of all ages, backgrounds, and orientations into the therapeutic journey.
(925) 492-7266 View (925) 492-7266
Photo of Shanna Holladay, Marriage & Family Therapist in Presidio Heights, San Francisco, CA
Shanna Holladay
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Presidio Heights, San Francisco, CA 94118  (Online Only)
Have you been strugging with Depression, Relationship issues, or Life Transitions? I can help you find a place of acceptance and healing through our relationship and work together. I have been helping people change their lives for 20 years. I use an interactive, relational approach to help guide you toward a higher level of self-awareness, and improved self-esteem. I believe therapy works through exploring your relationships to others, and by developing our relationship and connection to each other. I provide a safe, non-judgmental space for us to explore who you are and who you want to be.
Have you been strugging with Depression, Relationship issues, or Life Transitions? I can help you find a place of acceptance and healing through our relationship and work together. I have been helping people change their lives for 20 years. I use an interactive, relational approach to help guide you toward a higher level of self-awareness, and improved self-esteem. I believe therapy works through exploring your relationships to others, and by developing our relationship and connection to each other. I provide a safe, non-judgmental space for us to explore who you are and who you want to be.
(415) 936-8372 View (415) 936-8372
Photo of Pacific Anxiety Group, Psychologist in Presidio Heights, San Francisco, CA
Pacific Anxiety Group
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Presidio Heights, San Francisco, CA 94118
The Pacific Anxiety Group (PAG) was founded in 2012 by four Stanford-trained clinical psychologists with expertise in the treatment of anxiety, stress, and depression, and a passion for bringing evidence-based treatment to our clients. Over the past eleven years, we have grown into a thriving group practice dedicated to providing compassionate, culturally-attuned, effective treatment to help children, teens, adults, couples, and families overcome obstacles and lead more fulfilling lives. We specialize in treatments that are known to help make a difference, including cognitive-behavior therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy.
The Pacific Anxiety Group (PAG) was founded in 2012 by four Stanford-trained clinical psychologists with expertise in the treatment of anxiety, stress, and depression, and a passion for bringing evidence-based treatment to our clients. Over the past eleven years, we have grown into a thriving group practice dedicated to providing compassionate, culturally-attuned, effective treatment to help children, teens, adults, couples, and families overcome obstacles and lead more fulfilling lives. We specialize in treatments that are known to help make a difference, including cognitive-behavior therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy.
(650) 352-3622 View (650) 352-3622
Photo of Becca F. Barnett, Psychologist in Presidio Heights, San Francisco, CA
Becca F. Barnett
Psychologist, MS, MDiv, PhD
Verified Verified
Presidio Heights, San Francisco, CA 94118
Waitlist for new clients
I specialize in treating people experiencing the effects of depression, anxiety, trauma (including adult survivors of childhood abuse and neglect), addictions and codependency, grief and loss, relationship issues, life transitions, existential concerns, spiritual and religious issues, self-actualization and beyond to selfless-actualization.
As a licensed psychologist skilled in providing psychotherapy that addresses the full spectrum of human experience, I collaborate with you to attain healing and resolution of your problems, advance in your growth and transformation, and increasingly realize your potential. I facilitate the integration of your sense of identity, purpose, and values with the way you live your life to endow it with greater authenticity and meaning. As an Episcopal priest and Buddhist practitioner, I foster your spiritual development and worldly integration. In these ways, I assist you in the creation of a more peaceful, happy, and fulfilling life.
I specialize in treating people experiencing the effects of depression, anxiety, trauma (including adult survivors of childhood abuse and neglect), addictions and codependency, grief and loss, relationship issues, life transitions, existential concerns, spiritual and religious issues, self-actualization and beyond to selfless-actualization.
As a licensed psychologist skilled in providing psychotherapy that addresses the full spectrum of human experience, I collaborate with you to attain healing and resolution of your problems, advance in your growth and transformation, and increasingly realize your potential. I facilitate the integration of your sense of identity, purpose, and values with the way you live your life to endow it with greater authenticity and meaning. As an Episcopal priest and Buddhist practitioner, I foster your spiritual development and worldly integration. In these ways, I assist you in the creation of a more peaceful, happy, and fulfilling life.
(415) 801-8173 View (415) 801-8173
Photo of Lauren Mizock, Psychologist in Presidio Heights, San Francisco, CA
Lauren Mizock
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Presidio Heights, San Francisco, CA 94118
I address issues with relationships, sexuality, gender, career, depression, anxiety, trauma, loss, stress, family, fertility, and parenting among other topics.
My goal is to create an empowering space to draw from your strengths in overcoming current challenges. I work collaboratively with clients to establish ongoing, flexible goals for therapy to make our sessions most effective. I individualize therapy to each person using a range of techniques and approaches. I am particularly interested in the stories we tell about our lives and the meaning we make of them. My clients describe me as warm, positive, and insightful.
I address issues with relationships, sexuality, gender, career, depression, anxiety, trauma, loss, stress, family, fertility, and parenting among other topics.
My goal is to create an empowering space to draw from your strengths in overcoming current challenges. I work collaboratively with clients to establish ongoing, flexible goals for therapy to make our sessions most effective. I individualize therapy to each person using a range of techniques and approaches. I am particularly interested in the stories we tell about our lives and the meaning we make of them. My clients describe me as warm, positive, and insightful.
(415) 843-8560 View (415) 843-8560
Photo of Nate Hinerman, Marriage & Family Therapist in Presidio Heights, San Francisco, CA
Nate Hinerman
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, MFT
Verified Verified
Presidio Heights, San Francisco, CA 94118
Hinerman's research and treatment approaches often intermingle philosophical and psychological approaches to topics such as human suffering, dying, loss, grief, depression, and anxiety.
Nate Hinerman, PhD, LMFT, is Dean of Undergraduate Programs at Golden Gate University, San Francisco, where he is also a tenured Professor of Psychology, as well as the Chair of the Psychology Department. He is also on the faculty at the University of San Francisco, teaching in the Nursing School, and in the Religious Studies Department. He serves as Chair of the San Francisco End of Life Network, a community-based support and education group for hospice and palliative care professionals and patients, now in its 23rd year (www.sfeol.org).
Hinerman's research and treatment approaches often intermingle philosophical and psychological approaches to topics such as human suffering, dying, loss, grief, depression, and anxiety.
Nate Hinerman, PhD, LMFT, is Dean of Undergraduate Programs at Golden Gate University, San Francisco, where he is also a tenured Professor of Psychology, as well as the Chair of the Psychology Department. He is also on the faculty at the University of San Francisco, teaching in the Nursing School, and in the Religious Studies Department. He serves as Chair of the San Francisco End of Life Network, a community-based support and education group for hospice and palliative care professionals and patients, now in its 23rd year (www.sfeol.org).
(628) 215-8084 View (628) 215-8084

See more therapy options for Presidio Heights, San Francisco

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.