Depression Therapists in 53045

Photo of Meredith Stoner Heath, LCSW, SAC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Meredith Stoner Heath
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, SAC
Verified Verified
Brookfield, WI 53045  (Online Only)
I specialize in working with clients experiencing depression, anxiety, addictions, life transitions, difficulties with work-life balance, postpartum issues, and family/relationship conflict.
Welcome! I’m Meredith Stoner Heath (she/her), and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker licensed in both Wisconsin and Illinois. It’s not easy to accept help or to open up to someone new. I believe when clients feel safe and accepted, they are able to make the most change, so I strive to provide an empathetic and compassionate environment that is free of judgement where clients can feel open to sharing their feelings and struggles. During our sessions, we will collaborate together to develop personalized goals that will help you to make the changes you want to see in your life and improve your overall health and well-being.
I specialize in working with clients experiencing depression, anxiety, addictions, life transitions, difficulties with work-life balance, postpartum issues, and family/relationship conflict.
Welcome! I’m Meredith Stoner Heath (she/her), and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker licensed in both Wisconsin and Illinois. It’s not easy to accept help or to open up to someone new. I believe when clients feel safe and accepted, they are able to make the most change, so I strive to provide an empathetic and compassionate environment that is free of judgement where clients can feel open to sharing their feelings and struggles. During our sessions, we will collaborate together to develop personalized goals that will help you to make the changes you want to see in your life and improve your overall health and well-being.
(262) 300-7548 View (262) 300-7548
Photo of Elizabeth Johnson, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Elizabeth Johnson
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Brookfield, WI 53045
Waitlist for new clients
I specialize in relationship concerns, anxiety, depression, life transitions and hoarding.
I approach each therapeutic relationship with compassion, empathy, and a genuine commitment to supporting clients in their pursuit of happier, healthier, and more fulfilling lives. It is my privilege to walk alongside individuals, couples, and families on their path toward healing, growth, and resilience.
I specialize in relationship concerns, anxiety, depression, life transitions and hoarding.
I approach each therapeutic relationship with compassion, empathy, and a genuine commitment to supporting clients in their pursuit of happier, healthier, and more fulfilling lives. It is my privilege to walk alongside individuals, couples, and families on their path toward healing, growth, and resilience.
(262) 947-4763 View (262) 947-4763
Photo of Dr. Therese Borges, PhD, Psychologist
Dr. Therese Borges
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Brookfield, WI 53045  (Online Only)
I can help address a variety of concerns including, but not limited to, anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, grief/loss, identity development, overcoming painful experiences, and overall well-being.
Life is filled with peaks and valleys and it is my goal to help you navigate life's challenges and aid in your personal growth to become the best and healthiest version of yourself. I view therapy as a collaborative process and believe that you are the expert in your own life. I provide a safe and supportive space for you to start doing the deep and rewarding work of facing your struggles and moving towards a more fulfilling and meaningful life.
I can help address a variety of concerns including, but not limited to, anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, grief/loss, identity development, overcoming painful experiences, and overall well-being.
Life is filled with peaks and valleys and it is my goal to help you navigate life's challenges and aid in your personal growth to become the best and healthiest version of yourself. I view therapy as a collaborative process and believe that you are the expert in your own life. I provide a safe and supportive space for you to start doing the deep and rewarding work of facing your struggles and moving towards a more fulfilling and meaningful life.
(414) 501-7008 View (414) 501-7008
Photo of John Weaver, PsyD, Psychologist
John Weaver
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Brookfield, WI 53045
Are you worried that depression is becoming a chronic problem? Are you interested in addressing your issues without medication or with the least amount of medication possible? Do you want to learn healthy thinking skills, to be in better control of your emotions, and to align your actions with your deepest values? Mindfulness skills are simple to learn and helpful to use. Research has shown that up to 40% of those who apply mindfulness practices to manage the symptoms of depression have been able to successfully eliminate anti-depressant medication without relapsing for more than 5 years.
Are you worried that depression is becoming a chronic problem? Are you interested in addressing your issues without medication or with the least amount of medication possible? Do you want to learn healthy thinking skills, to be in better control of your emotions, and to align your actions with your deepest values? Mindfulness skills are simple to learn and helpful to use. Research has shown that up to 40% of those who apply mindfulness practices to manage the symptoms of depression have been able to successfully eliminate anti-depressant medication without relapsing for more than 5 years.
(262) 293-6943 View (262) 293-6943
Photo of Laura L Pauly, PhD, Psychologist
Laura L Pauly
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Brookfield, WI 53045
With a caring interactive approach I help clients unhook from past emotional habit patterns to create more fulfilling relationships and a happier life. --Through a greater sense of self-awareness, release of past pain, and application of technique, clients can: *Overcome depression, anxiety and low self esteem to express greater confidence and creativity *Reduce anger and conflict to improve communication and build stronger relationships. *Heal past issues, fears, hurts, and mistrust to achieve true intimacy and commitment.
With a caring interactive approach I help clients unhook from past emotional habit patterns to create more fulfilling relationships and a happier life. --Through a greater sense of self-awareness, release of past pain, and application of technique, clients can: *Overcome depression, anxiety and low self esteem to express greater confidence and creativity *Reduce anger and conflict to improve communication and build stronger relationships. *Heal past issues, fears, hurts, and mistrust to achieve true intimacy and commitment.
(262) 423-4091 View (262) 423-4091
Photo of Anita Astley, MEd, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Anita Astley
Marriage & Family Therapist, MEd, LMFT
Verified Verified
Brookfield, WI 53045
Anita Astley is the founder and CEO of "Building Healthy Relationships" LLC and published author of “Unfuck Your Life and Relationships" (Simon & Schuster). She is a licensed individual, couples, and family therapist with over 25 years of experience in helping people navigate life's challenges including basic communication issues to depression, anxiety, emotional and physical intimacy issues, separation and divorce, conflict resolution, and infidelity to name a few. Ms.Astley is "solution focused" and believes there is a "solution" to every problem and arriving there successfully is possible through professional guidance & support.
Anita Astley is the founder and CEO of "Building Healthy Relationships" LLC and published author of “Unfuck Your Life and Relationships" (Simon & Schuster). She is a licensed individual, couples, and family therapist with over 25 years of experience in helping people navigate life's challenges including basic communication issues to depression, anxiety, emotional and physical intimacy issues, separation and divorce, conflict resolution, and infidelity to name a few. Ms.Astley is "solution focused" and believes there is a "solution" to every problem and arriving there successfully is possible through professional guidance & support.
(262) 300-7231 View (262) 300-7231
Photo of Kathy Schaetzke, MS, LPC, MBA, Licensed Professional Counselor
Kathy Schaetzke
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, MBA
Verified Verified
Brookfield, WI 53045
I work with a broad range of mental health issues such as stress, anxiety, depression, anger, grief and loss.
I know from my own experience how difficult it is to take the first step toward getting help. Once you've done that, you must face the difficult task of choosing a therapist. This is a very important and personal decision since the success of treatment is dependent on the client/therapist relationship. I believe the therapist/client relationship should be a collaborative one where we work as a team toward your goals.
I work with a broad range of mental health issues such as stress, anxiety, depression, anger, grief and loss.
I know from my own experience how difficult it is to take the first step toward getting help. Once you've done that, you must face the difficult task of choosing a therapist. This is a very important and personal decision since the success of treatment is dependent on the client/therapist relationship. I believe the therapist/client relationship should be a collaborative one where we work as a team toward your goals.
(414) 795-9390 View (414) 795-9390
Photo of Jen Beckley, PhD, Psychologist
Jen Beckley
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brookfield, WI 53045  (Online Only)
I am a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in the assessment and treatment of adults with anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive and related disorders. This includes OCD, phobias, social anxiety, panic attacks, generalized anxiety and worry, perfectionism, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, body dysmorphia, hoarding, trichotillomania (hair-pulling), and excoriation (skin-picking). My approach is motivational, structured, and practical utilizing evidence-based cognitive behavioral therapy techniques.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in the assessment and treatment of adults with anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive and related disorders. This includes OCD, phobias, social anxiety, panic attacks, generalized anxiety and worry, perfectionism, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, body dysmorphia, hoarding, trichotillomania (hair-pulling), and excoriation (skin-picking). My approach is motivational, structured, and practical utilizing evidence-based cognitive behavioral therapy techniques.
(262) 228-2482 View (262) 228-2482
Photo of William Hoffman, MA, LPC, LPCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
William Hoffman
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, LPCC
Verified Verified
Brookfield, WI 53045
My areas of focus include anxiety, depression, relationship issues, life stressors, substance use disorders, adolescent and adult athletic performance, academic performance and anxiety; and professional performance issues (including C-Suite level executive challenges).
I provide counseling services to individuals (16+) and couples seeking to address challenges they may be facing and are seeking to improve and enhance their mental, emotional, and physical health and wellness. I believe in empowering individuals via a client-centered approach to recognize existing strengths and discover new ones that will enable them to achieve their goals and make positive changes.
My areas of focus include anxiety, depression, relationship issues, life stressors, substance use disorders, adolescent and adult athletic performance, academic performance and anxiety; and professional performance issues (including C-Suite level executive challenges).
I provide counseling services to individuals (16+) and couples seeking to address challenges they may be facing and are seeking to improve and enhance their mental, emotional, and physical health and wellness. I believe in empowering individuals via a client-centered approach to recognize existing strengths and discover new ones that will enable them to achieve their goals and make positive changes.
(262) 600-3356 View (262) 600-3356
Photo of Leticia Mayes, MS, LPC, CCTP-II, Licensed Professional Counselor
Leticia Mayes
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, CCTP-II
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Brookfield, WI 53045
Have you or your child/adolescent found yourself in a very dark, messy, or hard place in life? Does it feel like you are stuck in quicksand and no matter what you try, you can't get out? I am here to support you in your journey to find relief from overwhelming emotions and painful memories due to trauma, anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, or self-harm. I am also here to help parents and children work through attachment obstacles due to adoption or foster care related concerns. It's important to me that each person feels safe in their body and environment while also gaining the ability to trust and connect with others.
Have you or your child/adolescent found yourself in a very dark, messy, or hard place in life? Does it feel like you are stuck in quicksand and no matter what you try, you can't get out? I am here to support you in your journey to find relief from overwhelming emotions and painful memories due to trauma, anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, or self-harm. I am also here to help parents and children work through attachment obstacles due to adoption or foster care related concerns. It's important to me that each person feels safe in their body and environment while also gaining the ability to trust and connect with others.
(262) 300-7562 View (262) 300-7562
Photo of Ivan Ruvalcaba, Licensed Professional Counselor
Ivan Ruvalcaba
Licensed Professional Counselor
Verified Verified
Brookfield, WI 53045
Ivan's strengths include helping people struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, family conflict, and general mental health concerns.
Ivan Ruvalcaba is a Licensed Professional Counselor providing mental health services to people ages five through adulthood in both English and Español. Ivan is experienced in assisting individuals, families, groups, and couples with many varied concerns. Ivan's therapeutic approaches combine aspects of solution-focused, cognitive-behavioral, (CBT), motivational interviewing, and person-centered counseling. As a native Spanish speaker and immigrant, he also has a culturally sensitive lens through which he approaches therapy, taking special care to meet the needs of a diverse populace.
Ivan's strengths include helping people struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, family conflict, and general mental health concerns.
Ivan Ruvalcaba is a Licensed Professional Counselor providing mental health services to people ages five through adulthood in both English and Español. Ivan is experienced in assisting individuals, families, groups, and couples with many varied concerns. Ivan's therapeutic approaches combine aspects of solution-focused, cognitive-behavioral, (CBT), motivational interviewing, and person-centered counseling. As a native Spanish speaker and immigrant, he also has a culturally sensitive lens through which he approaches therapy, taking special care to meet the needs of a diverse populace.
(262) 588-4096 View (262) 588-4096
Ryan Sershon
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Brookfield, WI 53045
Ryan is inspired by those who have overcome adversity in their lives and who are learning to work through their challenges, even when it is difficult. Ryan specializes in working with adults, couples and adolescents facing depression, anxiety, substance dependence, cooccurring disorders, mood disorders, anger and relationship issues. He uses an integrative approach to therapy including cognitivebehavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), motivational interviewing and personcentered therapy.
Ryan is inspired by those who have overcome adversity in their lives and who are learning to work through their challenges, even when it is difficult. Ryan specializes in working with adults, couples and adolescents facing depression, anxiety, substance dependence, cooccurring disorders, mood disorders, anger and relationship issues. He uses an integrative approach to therapy including cognitivebehavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), motivational interviewing and personcentered therapy.
(262) 228-4803 View (262) 228-4803
Photo of Angela Johnson, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Angela Johnson
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Brookfield, WI 53045
Angie Johnson is a Licensed Professional Counselor who provides therapy for children, adolescents, and adults. She specializes in the treatment of anxiety, depression, relationship and family issues, eating disorders, and traumatic experiences. Angie earned her undergraduate and Masters degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. She has a broad range of clinical experience, including adolescent hospital inpatient and in-home services. Angie has been practicing since 1998.
Angie Johnson is a Licensed Professional Counselor who provides therapy for children, adolescents, and adults. She specializes in the treatment of anxiety, depression, relationship and family issues, eating disorders, and traumatic experiences. Angie earned her undergraduate and Masters degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. She has a broad range of clinical experience, including adolescent hospital inpatient and in-home services. Angie has been practicing since 1998.
(262) 588-4244 View (262) 588-4244
Photo of Barbara Temple, Licensed Professional Counselor
Barbara Temple
Licensed Professional Counselor
Verified Verified
Brookfield, WI 53045
Specialties include marital, including blended family issues affairs, relationship issues, depression, anxiety, sexual abuse, grief and trauma, including EMDR.
I am a Nationally Certified Counselor, who specializes in Christian counseling. While working to resolve the issues bringing you to counseling, I will also seek to help you understand yourself more deeply so that you may enjoy lasting change and a closer relationship with God. My hope is that you will develop a sense of well-being that extends to all areas of your life. My approach to treatment is integrative, and draws from cognitive behavioral, solutions focused, and emotionally focused therapy. Although treatment approaches are important, I believe having a solid relationship with you is what facilitates change.
Specialties include marital, including blended family issues affairs, relationship issues, depression, anxiety, sexual abuse, grief and trauma, including EMDR.
I am a Nationally Certified Counselor, who specializes in Christian counseling. While working to resolve the issues bringing you to counseling, I will also seek to help you understand yourself more deeply so that you may enjoy lasting change and a closer relationship with God. My hope is that you will develop a sense of well-being that extends to all areas of your life. My approach to treatment is integrative, and draws from cognitive behavioral, solutions focused, and emotionally focused therapy. Although treatment approaches are important, I believe having a solid relationship with you is what facilitates change.
(262) 588-4288 View (262) 588-4288
Photo of Monica Pedraza, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Monica Pedraza
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Brookfield, WI 53045
Monica is a skilled Licensed Professional Counselor and Substance Abuse Counselor with over 10 years of experience. She serves clients across the lifespan from 5 to 64 years of age. Sessions may be specialized to care for individuals or families. Her areas of expertise include anxiety, depression, mood disorders, ADHD and substance dependence. Life changes, trauma/abuse and self-esteem development are also areas that are frequently focused on.
Monica is a skilled Licensed Professional Counselor and Substance Abuse Counselor with over 10 years of experience. She serves clients across the lifespan from 5 to 64 years of age. Sessions may be specialized to care for individuals or families. Her areas of expertise include anxiety, depression, mood disorders, ADHD and substance dependence. Life changes, trauma/abuse and self-esteem development are also areas that are frequently focused on.
(262) 588-4174 View (262) 588-4174
Photo of Christopher Borden, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Christopher Borden
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Brookfield, WI 53045
He treats a broad range of concerns including ADHD, oppositional and defiant behaviors, adjustment disorders, depression, anxiety, mood disorders, personality disorders, PTSD, issues related to parenting, and substance use disorders and other addictions.
Christopher Borden is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Clinical Substance Abuse Counselor who provides outpatient psychotherapy to children, adolescents, and adults. Christopher incorporates mindfulness into his practice and his therapeutic approach includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Areas of particular interest to Christopher include child and adolescent behavioral problems, addictive behaviors, the LGBTQ+ community, and professionals going through adjustments in their careers.
He treats a broad range of concerns including ADHD, oppositional and defiant behaviors, adjustment disorders, depression, anxiety, mood disorders, personality disorders, PTSD, issues related to parenting, and substance use disorders and other addictions.
Christopher Borden is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Clinical Substance Abuse Counselor who provides outpatient psychotherapy to children, adolescents, and adults. Christopher incorporates mindfulness into his practice and his therapeutic approach includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Areas of particular interest to Christopher include child and adolescent behavioral problems, addictive behaviors, the LGBTQ+ community, and professionals going through adjustments in their careers.
(262) 588-4943 View (262) 588-4943
Photo of Matthew Rimer, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Matthew Rimer
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Brookfield, WI 53045
These include mood disorders like bipolar disorder and depression, anxiety disorders including generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety, panic disorder, OCD, PTSD as well as personality and substance use disorders.
Matthew E. Rimer is a compassionate and experienced therapist eager to work with you to help you achieve your goals. He is skilled in a number of treatment techniques and will collaborate with you to make sure sessions are meeting your needs. Matt delivers effective counseling with kindness, respect, integrity and humor. He can support clients through difficult life transitions such as grief, job loss, relationship stress or financial concerns and is also an expert in treating a wide range of mental health issues.
These include mood disorders like bipolar disorder and depression, anxiety disorders including generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety, panic disorder, OCD, PTSD as well as personality and substance use disorders.
Matthew E. Rimer is a compassionate and experienced therapist eager to work with you to help you achieve your goals. He is skilled in a number of treatment techniques and will collaborate with you to make sure sessions are meeting your needs. Matt delivers effective counseling with kindness, respect, integrity and humor. He can support clients through difficult life transitions such as grief, job loss, relationship stress or financial concerns and is also an expert in treating a wide range of mental health issues.
(262) 588-4239 View (262) 588-4239
Photo of Cassidy Evanich, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Cassidy Evanich
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Brookfield, WI 53045
Currently, she specializes in working with adolescents aged 14 and older, adults, and couples experiencing issues related to substance use, anxiety, depression, trauma, and other life stressors.
Cassidy is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Substance Abuse Counselor. She earned her undergraduate degree in Social Work from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and then went on to earn her Master s in Social Work degree with a specialty in substance abuse and mental health from the University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee. As a therapist, she feels honored she was given the opportunity to support her clients on their journey of healing and self-improvement. She enjoys watching as her clients develop greater awareness around their behaviors and gain the necessary skills to navigate the many challenges in life.
Currently, she specializes in working with adolescents aged 14 and older, adults, and couples experiencing issues related to substance use, anxiety, depression, trauma, and other life stressors.
Cassidy is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Substance Abuse Counselor. She earned her undergraduate degree in Social Work from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and then went on to earn her Master s in Social Work degree with a specialty in substance abuse and mental health from the University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee. As a therapist, she feels honored she was given the opportunity to support her clients on their journey of healing and self-improvement. She enjoys watching as her clients develop greater awareness around their behaviors and gain the necessary skills to navigate the many challenges in life.
(262) 592-5200 View (262) 592-5200
Photo of Brit Witty, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Brit Witty
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Brookfield, WI 53045
Brit Witty is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Wisconsin who has been practicing since 2023. She graduated from Marquette University with a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Brit's clinical experience has been in Depression Recovery Partial Hospitalization Programs that utilized CBT, DBT, and behavioral activation to improve quality of life and symptoms of mood dysregulation diagnoses. Due to her practice history, Brit's approach to therapy is client-centered and emotion-focused, supported by elements of dialectical and cognitive behavioral therapies.
Brit Witty is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Wisconsin who has been practicing since 2023. She graduated from Marquette University with a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Brit's clinical experience has been in Depression Recovery Partial Hospitalization Programs that utilized CBT, DBT, and behavioral activation to improve quality of life and symptoms of mood dysregulation diagnoses. Due to her practice history, Brit's approach to therapy is client-centered and emotion-focused, supported by elements of dialectical and cognitive behavioral therapies.
(262) 239-4521 View (262) 239-4521
Photo of Autumn Vaassen, MSW,  LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Autumn Vaassen
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Brookfield, WI 53045
Autumn Vaassen, LCSW is a therapist at LifeStance Health in Wisconsin. Autumn has a Bachelor’s degree and Master’s degree in Psychology from UWEau Claire. She works with adults of all ages, providing compassionate support as they navigate challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and substance use disorders. Autumn creates a safe and welcoming environment, encouraging clients to explore their thoughts and feelings while working towards making meaningful changes in their lives.
Autumn Vaassen, LCSW is a therapist at LifeStance Health in Wisconsin. Autumn has a Bachelor’s degree and Master’s degree in Psychology from UWEau Claire. She works with adults of all ages, providing compassionate support as they navigate challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and substance use disorders. Autumn creates a safe and welcoming environment, encouraging clients to explore their thoughts and feelings while working towards making meaningful changes in their lives.
(888) 992-2125 View (888) 992-2125
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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.