Depression Therapists in 30134

Photo of Genesis of Life Inc, Licensed Professional Counselor in 30134, GA
Genesis of Life Inc
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Douglasville, GA 30134
Offering Mental Health Counseling Services: Anxiety, Anger Management, Depression Dissociative Disorders, Domestic Abuse/Violence, Grief Relationship Issues, Self Esteem Issues, Sexual Abuse, Trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Women's Issues.
Our focus is to help individuals heal, energize, and become aware of their inner strengths. We achieve this by providing a neutral safe space, listening to your concerns, and customizing a treatment plan for your individual needs.
Offering Mental Health Counseling Services: Anxiety, Anger Management, Depression Dissociative Disorders, Domestic Abuse/Violence, Grief Relationship Issues, Self Esteem Issues, Sexual Abuse, Trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Women's Issues.
Our focus is to help individuals heal, energize, and become aware of their inner strengths. We achieve this by providing a neutral safe space, listening to your concerns, and customizing a treatment plan for your individual needs.
(678) 498-1071 View (678) 498-1071
Photo of Shireen Andrea Hunte, Counselor in 30134, GA
Shireen Andrea Hunte
Counselor, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Douglasville, GA 30134  (Online Only)
I work with a wide range of issues, including depression, anxiety, unresolved emotional issues, self-esteem/self-empowerment, grief and loss, relationship/family issues, marital problems, trauma, anger management, behavioral disorders in children and adolescents, co-dependency issues, parenting, impulsive behaviors.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. I graduated from Argosy University with a M.A. in Community Counseling. I started my career providing mental health services to children, adolescents and adults in the community. My experiences have helped me to gain insight to family systemic problems. I utilize a variety of orientations and therapies to benefit my client's needs which include Cognitive Behavioral, Person Centered and Solution Focused. My goal is to combine my experiences, compassion and enthusiasm as a therapist to assist clients and families in making positive changes in their lives through self-awareness, empowerment, coping strategies and developing a positive mindset.
I work with a wide range of issues, including depression, anxiety, unresolved emotional issues, self-esteem/self-empowerment, grief and loss, relationship/family issues, marital problems, trauma, anger management, behavioral disorders in children and adolescents, co-dependency issues, parenting, impulsive behaviors.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. I graduated from Argosy University with a M.A. in Community Counseling. I started my career providing mental health services to children, adolescents and adults in the community. My experiences have helped me to gain insight to family systemic problems. I utilize a variety of orientations and therapies to benefit my client's needs which include Cognitive Behavioral, Person Centered and Solution Focused. My goal is to combine my experiences, compassion and enthusiasm as a therapist to assist clients and families in making positive changes in their lives through self-awareness, empowerment, coping strategies and developing a positive mindset.
(770) 629-0039 View (770) 629-0039
Photo of Nakeya Gore, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 30134, GA
Nakeya Gore
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Douglasville, GA 30134  (Online Only)
I offer online counseling to help adults recover from childhood wounds. These issues can present as depression, anxiety, stress, low-esteem and interpersonal challenges. I approach counseling as an opportunity to understand your story and help you develop a path to healing. It's human nature to want healthy relationships, meaningful work and activities you enjoy, in order to have a good quality of life. If you're experiencing ineffective communication skills, career dissatisfaction, parenting challenges, family/relationship stress or feelings overwhelm, I would be glad to help you improve upon these problems.
I offer online counseling to help adults recover from childhood wounds. These issues can present as depression, anxiety, stress, low-esteem and interpersonal challenges. I approach counseling as an opportunity to understand your story and help you develop a path to healing. It's human nature to want healthy relationships, meaningful work and activities you enjoy, in order to have a good quality of life. If you're experiencing ineffective communication skills, career dissatisfaction, parenting challenges, family/relationship stress or feelings overwhelm, I would be glad to help you improve upon these problems.
(678) 990-1022 View (678) 990-1022
Photo of Joseph G Adams, Licensed Professional Counselor in 30134, GA
Joseph G Adams
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Douglasville, GA 30134
I work a lot with mood disorders such as depression, bipolar disorder and anxiety.
As a Licensed Professional Counselor my goal is to provide a calm, safe and non-judgmental environment where one can address and deal with situations and issues that are causing pain. I believe that counseling is an active process that requires the client and the therapist to work together to achieve specific goals throughout the counseling process. I help clients find insight into themselves and assist them in building skills that help make managing life easier and more positive.
I work a lot with mood disorders such as depression, bipolar disorder and anxiety.
As a Licensed Professional Counselor my goal is to provide a calm, safe and non-judgmental environment where one can address and deal with situations and issues that are causing pain. I believe that counseling is an active process that requires the client and the therapist to work together to achieve specific goals throughout the counseling process. I help clients find insight into themselves and assist them in building skills that help make managing life easier and more positive.
(770) 574-6065 View (770) 574-6065
Photo of Justin R Murray, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 30134, GA
Justin R Murray
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Douglasville, GA 30134  (Online Only)
Have you felt out of sync, unable to communicate clearly, frustrated and wanting to try something different but unhappy with what you've tried? There is hope. Through therapy, I can help you learn new ways of communicating, finding new perspectives to barriers and working through individual or relationship struggles to have your needs and wants met. If you are having difficulty making it through your everyday, dealing with the stresses of life, or managing anxiety and depression; I can help. I will help you learn new coping skills using your own personal strengths to assist you with enhancing your quality of life.
Have you felt out of sync, unable to communicate clearly, frustrated and wanting to try something different but unhappy with what you've tried? There is hope. Through therapy, I can help you learn new ways of communicating, finding new perspectives to barriers and working through individual or relationship struggles to have your needs and wants met. If you are having difficulty making it through your everyday, dealing with the stresses of life, or managing anxiety and depression; I can help. I will help you learn new coping skills using your own personal strengths to assist you with enhancing your quality of life.
(678) 264-6381 View (678) 264-6381
Photo of Gabrielle Johnson, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 30134, GA
Gabrielle Johnson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Douglasville, GA 30134  (Online Only)
While my counseling style is eclectic, I utilize dialectical approaches to increase mindfulness and acceptance when coping with depression, anxiety and fear of loss.
"The past is for reference, not for residence". We will work together, briefly revisiting the past, to be better informed about your present. My therapeutic orientation is empowerment based, solution-focused and follows an ecological model of treatment, working with the person as a whole human being, not just its parts. This mindset fuels the therapeutic process. Within an atmosphere free of judgement, your intuitive process will be honored during our sessions.
While my counseling style is eclectic, I utilize dialectical approaches to increase mindfulness and acceptance when coping with depression, anxiety and fear of loss.
"The past is for reference, not for residence". We will work together, briefly revisiting the past, to be better informed about your present. My therapeutic orientation is empowerment based, solution-focused and follows an ecological model of treatment, working with the person as a whole human being, not just its parts. This mindset fuels the therapeutic process. Within an atmosphere free of judgement, your intuitive process will be honored during our sessions.
(678) 616-2356 View (678) 616-2356
Photo of Brigitta Respress, Licensed Professional Counselor in 30134, GA
Brigitta Respress
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC, MHC, CMFT, CDBT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Douglasville, GA 30134  (Online Only)
I have years of experience in effective therapies w/individuals, children (3-18), families, couples & adults, substance abuse, trauma, grief, domestic violence, anxiety/depression & PTSD.
Hello and welcome to the first day of self-discovery! Together we will create your roadmap to assist you with understanding how to get your needs met. Your privacy and confidentiality are always honored. The steps to create a trusting/congruent relationship will be developed by using Motivational Interviewing as my modality which promotes empowerment and hope. I'm here to meet you where you are with no judgement or preconceived notions. As we discover the fundamental issues of unrest/discomfort, I am committed to help you with continual growth by educating you as you transform your daily living to positive lifetime functioning.
I have years of experience in effective therapies w/individuals, children (3-18), families, couples & adults, substance abuse, trauma, grief, domestic violence, anxiety/depression & PTSD.
Hello and welcome to the first day of self-discovery! Together we will create your roadmap to assist you with understanding how to get your needs met. Your privacy and confidentiality are always honored. The steps to create a trusting/congruent relationship will be developed by using Motivational Interviewing as my modality which promotes empowerment and hope. I'm here to meet you where you are with no judgement or preconceived notions. As we discover the fundamental issues of unrest/discomfort, I am committed to help you with continual growth by educating you as you transform your daily living to positive lifetime functioning.
(678) 932-0612 View (678) 932-0612
Photo of Tokunbo Tocee Harmon, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 30134, GA
Tokunbo Tocee Harmon
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Douglasville, GA 30134  (Online Only)
My areas of expertise are trauma, depression, anxiety, grief and loss, weight loss, and chronic pain.
Hello! Is your challenge(s) overwhelming and you ARE & OR feel STUCK? I am here to work with you to manage those stressors. As a seasoned therapist with over 5 years’ experience helping my clients cultivate the skills and tools needed to thrive and manage their stressors and challenges; I invite you to give me the opportunity to work with you. If you are ready to do the work it takes to LIVE your BEST life then call me!
My areas of expertise are trauma, depression, anxiety, grief and loss, weight loss, and chronic pain.
Hello! Is your challenge(s) overwhelming and you ARE & OR feel STUCK? I am here to work with you to manage those stressors. As a seasoned therapist with over 5 years’ experience helping my clients cultivate the skills and tools needed to thrive and manage their stressors and challenges; I invite you to give me the opportunity to work with you. If you are ready to do the work it takes to LIVE your BEST life then call me!
(770) 629-8723 View (770) 629-8723
Photo of Solutions 2 Wellness And Recovery, LLC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 30134, GA
Solutions 2 Wellness And Recovery, LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Douglasville, GA 30134
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I empower individuals to experience emotional and mental health renewal, through gaining inner strength to overcome difficult situations and lead a rewarding life. I provide counseling services to Individuals and families facing difficult situations; involving emotional distress, grief and loss, relationship, community mental health and trauma issues. My services extends to providing In-home early intervention counseling to at-risk families with histories of physical and sexual abuse, neglect, school truancy , anger management, substance abuse , depression , grief and loss, adjustment and conduct disorders, oppositional defiant behaviors and high risk individuals for suicidal behaviors .
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I empower individuals to experience emotional and mental health renewal, through gaining inner strength to overcome difficult situations and lead a rewarding life. I provide counseling services to Individuals and families facing difficult situations; involving emotional distress, grief and loss, relationship, community mental health and trauma issues. My services extends to providing In-home early intervention counseling to at-risk families with histories of physical and sexual abuse, neglect, school truancy , anger management, substance abuse , depression , grief and loss, adjustment and conduct disorders, oppositional defiant behaviors and high risk individuals for suicidal behaviors .
(470) 558-0703 View (470) 558-0703
Photo of Syreeta Renee Smith, Licensed Professional Counselor in 30134, GA
Syreeta Renee Smith
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Douglasville, GA 30134
Mrs. Syreeta has experience working with people who suffer from anxiety, depression, grief, Bipolar Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder and various types of PTSD. With a wealth of knowledge of working in the public and private sector, Syreeta has helped clients to master coping skills, increased communication skills, increased self-esteem, increased motivation, minimize negative or unwanted behaviors, learn assertiveness and set boundaries. She is also connected to and supported by various psychiatrists and mental health providers to refer clients to the best level of care to meet their individual needs.
Mrs. Syreeta has experience working with people who suffer from anxiety, depression, grief, Bipolar Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder and various types of PTSD. With a wealth of knowledge of working in the public and private sector, Syreeta has helped clients to master coping skills, increased communication skills, increased self-esteem, increased motivation, minimize negative or unwanted behaviors, learn assertiveness and set boundaries. She is also connected to and supported by various psychiatrists and mental health providers to refer clients to the best level of care to meet their individual needs.
(678) 679-1495 View (678) 679-1495
Photo of Lonja R Jones, Licensed Professional Counselor in 30134, GA
Lonja R Jones
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Douglasville, GA 30134  (Online Only)
Hello. I am Lonja Jones, LPC and I want to help you lead a more balanced life. I have a long career working with individuals that are dealing with depression and anxiety. During my career, I have worked in various settings that include inpatient hospitals, outpatient clinics, and non profit agencies. I am available via telemental health to assist in developing a work/life balance. I am also able to assist you in managing life's stressful events.
Hello. I am Lonja Jones, LPC and I want to help you lead a more balanced life. I have a long career working with individuals that are dealing with depression and anxiety. During my career, I have worked in various settings that include inpatient hospitals, outpatient clinics, and non profit agencies. I am available via telemental health to assist in developing a work/life balance. I am also able to assist you in managing life's stressful events.
(678) 839-7428 View (678) 839-7428
Photo of Ted Ceccoli, Licensed Professional Counselor in 30134, GA
Ted Ceccoli
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, CH
Verified Verified
Douglasville, GA 30134
There are many reasons to seek professional counseling. Yours might be feeling "stuck" or overwhelmed with depression. Perhaps, stress and anxiety have become constant companions. Maybe panic has been intruding too often. Has grief taken over your thoughts? Whatever your struggle, my purpose is to guide you towards inner peace utilizing a variety of emotional, and if desired, spiritual techniques.
There are many reasons to seek professional counseling. Yours might be feeling "stuck" or overwhelmed with depression. Perhaps, stress and anxiety have become constant companions. Maybe panic has been intruding too often. Has grief taken over your thoughts? Whatever your struggle, my purpose is to guide you towards inner peace utilizing a variety of emotional, and if desired, spiritual techniques.
(678) 820-7319 View (678) 820-7319
Photo of Essential Matters Counseling & Therapy, LLC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 30134, GA
Essential Matters Counseling & Therapy, LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, CAMF, BCD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Douglasville, GA 30134
My focus is to help others to "become emotionally fit and live life." With over 17 years of clinical experience working with individuals, families, and children in Illinois, I am delighted to provide therapeutic interventions in the Douglasville area. I am certified in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and skilled in Child Trauma and Motivational Therapy. I have worked in a variety of settings including residential, community mental health, outpatient clinic, and private practice. I have experience in working with patients who suffer with depression, anxiety, adjustment orders, and more. My practice style is goal oriented and collaborative with the client in addressing their needs.
My focus is to help others to "become emotionally fit and live life." With over 17 years of clinical experience working with individuals, families, and children in Illinois, I am delighted to provide therapeutic interventions in the Douglasville area. I am certified in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and skilled in Child Trauma and Motivational Therapy. I have worked in a variety of settings including residential, community mental health, outpatient clinic, and private practice. I have experience in working with patients who suffer with depression, anxiety, adjustment orders, and more. My practice style is goal oriented and collaborative with the client in addressing their needs.
(678) 780-4012 View (678) 780-4012
Photo of Tameka L Bell, Licensed Professional Counselor in 30134, GA
Tameka L Bell
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Douglasville, GA 30134  (Online Only)
Our WANTS and WHYS intersect at the same location; which is where stressors of old are overcome with today's knowledge, strength, skills, and positivity. The ideal client only has to possess a willingness to evolve and a goal of sustaining a positive mindset once evolution is achieved. Areas of specialty: Adults & Teens, Young Professionals, Families, Couples, Life Transitions, Anxiety & Depression, Bipolar & Mood Disorders, Trauma & PTSD, Grief & Loss.
Our WANTS and WHYS intersect at the same location; which is where stressors of old are overcome with today's knowledge, strength, skills, and positivity. The ideal client only has to possess a willingness to evolve and a goal of sustaining a positive mindset once evolution is achieved. Areas of specialty: Adults & Teens, Young Professionals, Families, Couples, Life Transitions, Anxiety & Depression, Bipolar & Mood Disorders, Trauma & PTSD, Grief & Loss.
(678) 616-8309 View (678) 616-8309
Photo of James Tankersley, Licensed Professional Counselor in 30134, GA
James Tankersley
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Douglasville, GA 30134
Hello, I’m James! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 14 years of clinical experience. I am particularly interested in supporting clients who struggle with chronic pain issues, anxiety, depression, and chronic stress. My approach is a combination of Acceptance and Commitment (ACT), Dialectical (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Biofeedback, and Supportive therapy. I believe individuals can stop struggling with complex thoughts and emotions by responding in flexible and life-enhancing ways.
Hello, I’m James! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 14 years of clinical experience. I am particularly interested in supporting clients who struggle with chronic pain issues, anxiety, depression, and chronic stress. My approach is a combination of Acceptance and Commitment (ACT), Dialectical (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Biofeedback, and Supportive therapy. I believe individuals can stop struggling with complex thoughts and emotions by responding in flexible and life-enhancing ways.
(912) 400-0814 View (912) 400-0814
Photo of Katrice Hollins, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 30134, GA
Katrice Hollins
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Douglasville, GA 30134
Hi! My name is Katrice Hollins, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Georgia and the District of Columbia who has been in the helping profession for 20 years. I have worked in various fields, including social services, inpatient mental health, foster care, special education, and school mental health. Some common themes my clients seek help with are anxiety, depression, life transitions, self-esteem, personal development, self-care, stress management, parenting, trauma, relationships, and communication issues. I use a mix of Christian Counseling, Clinical Supervision and Licensed, Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), and more.
Hi! My name is Katrice Hollins, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Georgia and the District of Columbia who has been in the helping profession for 20 years. I have worked in various fields, including social services, inpatient mental health, foster care, special education, and school mental health. Some common themes my clients seek help with are anxiety, depression, life transitions, self-esteem, personal development, self-care, stress management, parenting, trauma, relationships, and communication issues. I use a mix of Christian Counseling, Clinical Supervision and Licensed, Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), and more.
(678) 824-8310 View (678) 824-8310
Photo of Adrienne Journey, Master Social Worker in 30134, GA
Adrienne Journey
Master Social Worker, LMSW, MSW, BA
Verified Verified
Douglasville, GA 30134  (Online Only)
Are you struggling to enjoy life because of depression and anxiety? Does it feel like, no matter how hard you try, you can't seem to move forward in life? Are you struggling to reach your life goals because of past trauma and hurt? Do you have a hard time putting words to your feelings? Have you tried to solve the problems in your life on your own and realized you might need help? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions then, just by being here, you have made the right choice and have already started on your path to healing.
Are you struggling to enjoy life because of depression and anxiety? Does it feel like, no matter how hard you try, you can't seem to move forward in life? Are you struggling to reach your life goals because of past trauma and hurt? Do you have a hard time putting words to your feelings? Have you tried to solve the problems in your life on your own and realized you might need help? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions then, just by being here, you have made the right choice and have already started on your path to healing.
(678) 921-3182 View (678) 921-3182
Photo of Tara Nichols, Licensed Professional Counselor in 30134, GA
Tara Nichols
Licensed Professional Counselor, MHC, LPC
Verified Verified
Douglasville, GA 30134
During this time of Covid 19 Crisis I am offering teletherapy appointments available for new and established patients. This will provide convenient and safe treatment options for all populations struggling. If you feel lost, alone, or stuck by deep feelings reach out for help today. I specialize in women's issues and children's services for individual counseling. I work with clients suffering with anxiety, depression, grief, loss, trauma, adjustment disorder, and other mental health disorders. Children's services include Parent Child Psychotherapy and individual therapy.
During this time of Covid 19 Crisis I am offering teletherapy appointments available for new and established patients. This will provide convenient and safe treatment options for all populations struggling. If you feel lost, alone, or stuck by deep feelings reach out for help today. I specialize in women's issues and children's services for individual counseling. I work with clients suffering with anxiety, depression, grief, loss, trauma, adjustment disorder, and other mental health disorders. Children's services include Parent Child Psychotherapy and individual therapy.
(770) 766-0065 x2 View (770) 766-0065 x2
Photo of Francine Gordon, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 30134, GA
Francine Gordon
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CACII, CAMS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Douglasville, GA 30134  (Online Only)
Francine specializes in providing proven therapeutic, healing strategies and techniques to reveal and heal challenges of depression, anxiety and panic attacks caused by traumatic experiences.
I am an experienced psychotherapist who is committed to working with helping you create a balanced life. I work with clients who are dealing with Anger, Depression and Anxiety. I also specialize in youth who are formally incarcerated. As a therapist I offer different avenues and resources to help individuals achieve their personal goals … whether it’s through therapy, coaching (individual/groups) or experiential workshops.
Francine specializes in providing proven therapeutic, healing strategies and techniques to reveal and heal challenges of depression, anxiety and panic attacks caused by traumatic experiences.
I am an experienced psychotherapist who is committed to working with helping you create a balanced life. I work with clients who are dealing with Anger, Depression and Anxiety. I also specialize in youth who are formally incarcerated. As a therapist I offer different avenues and resources to help individuals achieve their personal goals … whether it’s through therapy, coaching (individual/groups) or experiential workshops.
(678) 846-3536 View (678) 846-3536
Photo of Julia Anderson in 30134, GA
Julia Anderson
ART, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Douglasville, GA 30134
ART has been used to treat adults and children with post- traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, trauma from sexual abuse, phobias, obsessive compulsive disorder, physical and mental challenges, addictions, grief and job or relationship issues.
A unique approach to psychotherapy. ART is unique because the ART Therapist guides the client to replace the negative images in the mind that cause the symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress with positive images of the client’s choosing. Once the negative images have been replaced by positive ones, the triggers will be gone. Imagine, if you can, what it feels like to carry a heavy burden for years and then, all of a sudden, be able to let it go – years of carrying the effects of trauma gone during a single session with an ART therapist, This type of relief may seem unbelievable, but it does happen consistently with the use of A.R.T.
ART has been used to treat adults and children with post- traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, trauma from sexual abuse, phobias, obsessive compulsive disorder, physical and mental challenges, addictions, grief and job or relationship issues.
A unique approach to psychotherapy. ART is unique because the ART Therapist guides the client to replace the negative images in the mind that cause the symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress with positive images of the client’s choosing. Once the negative images have been replaced by positive ones, the triggers will be gone. Imagine, if you can, what it feels like to carry a heavy burden for years and then, all of a sudden, be able to let it go – years of carrying the effects of trauma gone during a single session with an ART therapist, This type of relief may seem unbelievable, but it does happen consistently with the use of A.R.T.
(678) 837-4043 View (678) 837-4043

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.