Depression Therapists in 74136

Photo of Chris Passmore, LPC, MA, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Chris Passmore
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MA, NCC
Verified Verified
Tulsa, OK 74136
I am comfortable talking about anything on your mind! I am experienced with anxiety, depression, stress management, anger management, grief, trauma, PTSD, ADHD, OCD, and substance abuse, among many other things.
Hi! I'm Chris. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and I hold a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I believe that everyone could use someone to talk to about life's stressors and I would love to talk to you! If you choose to invite me on your mental health journey you will be gaining a positive, encouraging, and genuine partner for your journey towards healing, growth, and wellness.
I am comfortable talking about anything on your mind! I am experienced with anxiety, depression, stress management, anger management, grief, trauma, PTSD, ADHD, OCD, and substance abuse, among many other things.
Hi! I'm Chris. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and I hold a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I believe that everyone could use someone to talk to about life's stressors and I would love to talk to you! If you choose to invite me on your mental health journey you will be gaining a positive, encouraging, and genuine partner for your journey towards healing, growth, and wellness.
(918) 509-3795 View (918) 509-3795
Photo of James C. Burnham, EdD, LPC, Counselor
James C. Burnham
Counselor, EdD, LPC
Verified Verified
Tulsa, OK 74136  (Online Only)
Are you suffering from trauma or depression, been diagnosed with PTSD, an anxiety disorder, or constantly fighting through waves of debilitating depression? Have you been the object of relational abuse or gaslighting? If the answer is yes, then I can help. I treat those who have nowhere else to turn or have just about given up. Whether you are a victim of trauma, suffered an unforgettable childhood experience, or simply need someone to talk to, I am here to help.
Are you suffering from trauma or depression, been diagnosed with PTSD, an anxiety disorder, or constantly fighting through waves of debilitating depression? Have you been the object of relational abuse or gaslighting? If the answer is yes, then I can help. I treat those who have nowhere else to turn or have just about given up. Whether you are a victim of trauma, suffered an unforgettable childhood experience, or simply need someone to talk to, I am here to help.
(918) 727-8287 View (918) 727-8287
Photo of Deborah S Tommey, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Deborah S Tommey
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
Tulsa, OK 74136
Areas of focus and experience are stress-related issues, including anxiety and panic, depression, trauma transformation, grief, and loss, LGBTQ concerns, dementia, cognitive impairments, and caregiver stress.
As a licensed therapist, I recognize that all clients are unique individuals and different types of therapy work differently with everyone. I work to assess clients and gain an understanding of what type of therapy will be most successful. Predominantly, I practice Person-Centered and Solution-focused therapy and combine some Gestalt and Existential techniques. In addition, I have a holistic approach. I start with an optimistic view of all individuals and provide a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere, without judgment, where you can find answers that help you move forward and establish what you want to achieve in talking.
Areas of focus and experience are stress-related issues, including anxiety and panic, depression, trauma transformation, grief, and loss, LGBTQ concerns, dementia, cognitive impairments, and caregiver stress.
As a licensed therapist, I recognize that all clients are unique individuals and different types of therapy work differently with everyone. I work to assess clients and gain an understanding of what type of therapy will be most successful. Predominantly, I practice Person-Centered and Solution-focused therapy and combine some Gestalt and Existential techniques. In addition, I have a holistic approach. I start with an optimistic view of all individuals and provide a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere, without judgment, where you can find answers that help you move forward and establish what you want to achieve in talking.
(918) 771-9649 View (918) 771-9649
Photo of Tammy Laakso, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Tammy Laakso
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
Tulsa, OK 74136
I specialize in meeting with people where they are and providing an inclusive environment to address trauma, depression, anxiety, relationships, and conflict resolution.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. I have helped others with life situations for decades. This brought me to pursue an education and licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor. I work with individuals, couples, and families. I offer an inclusive environment and faith-based Christian counseling. Through Grace and Hope, I will work with you to identify your passions, personality, strengths, and weaknesses and forge a path to fulfillment. The goals you set will be the direction we work on together. I work with clients who struggle with trauma, depression, anxiety, relationships, and conflict.
I specialize in meeting with people where they are and providing an inclusive environment to address trauma, depression, anxiety, relationships, and conflict resolution.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. I have helped others with life situations for decades. This brought me to pursue an education and licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor. I work with individuals, couples, and families. I offer an inclusive environment and faith-based Christian counseling. Through Grace and Hope, I will work with you to identify your passions, personality, strengths, and weaknesses and forge a path to fulfillment. The goals you set will be the direction we work on together. I work with clients who struggle with trauma, depression, anxiety, relationships, and conflict.
(918) 265-1217 View (918) 265-1217
Photo of Ashlee Kinas, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Ashlee Kinas
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Tulsa, OK 74136
Ashlee Kinas is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Oklahoma who has been practicing since 2011. She obtained her Masters of Social Work from Oklahoma University and her Bachelor of Social Work from Northeastern State University in Broken Arrow, OK. Ashlee greatly enjoys working with teenagers and adults using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Client Centered Therapy, and Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. She has experience working with eating disorders, trauma, LGBTQ+ informed, depression, grief, OCD, relationship issues, women's health issues and anxiety disorder
Ashlee Kinas is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Oklahoma who has been practicing since 2011. She obtained her Masters of Social Work from Oklahoma University and her Bachelor of Social Work from Northeastern State University in Broken Arrow, OK. Ashlee greatly enjoys working with teenagers and adults using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Client Centered Therapy, and Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. She has experience working with eating disorders, trauma, LGBTQ+ informed, depression, grief, OCD, relationship issues, women's health issues and anxiety disorder
(918) 203-1555 View (918) 203-1555
Photo of Dawn Ferrill-Belanger, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Dawn Ferrill-Belanger
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Tulsa, OK 74136
Dawn Ferrill-Belanger, LCSW Trauma Therapist As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Dawn Ferrill-Belanger, provides a caring, non-judgmental, active listening approach that puts people at ease and helps them sort out their life issues. Dawn is an EMDR therapist enabling clients to heal from anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, phobias, and many other crippling issues. Providing a holistic approach, she also offers inner healing, CBT, coping skills, marriage counseling, social support, faith, integrative and nutritional medicine for mental health, and education.
Dawn Ferrill-Belanger, LCSW Trauma Therapist As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Dawn Ferrill-Belanger, provides a caring, non-judgmental, active listening approach that puts people at ease and helps them sort out their life issues. Dawn is an EMDR therapist enabling clients to heal from anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, phobias, and many other crippling issues. Providing a holistic approach, she also offers inner healing, CBT, coping skills, marriage counseling, social support, faith, integrative and nutritional medicine for mental health, and education.
(918) 233-6838 View (918) 233-6838
Photo of Scott Thomas, MA,  LPC,  LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Scott Thomas
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LPC, LMFT
Verified Verified
Tulsa, OK 74136
Scott's main areas of focus include trauma / PTSD, depression, anxiety, life adjustments, spiritual issues including but not limited to spiritual and ritual abuse, as well as couples therapy as it relates to an individual's core areas of concern.
Scott Thomas is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Licensed Marital and Family Therapist, who has been practice since 1996. He has graduated from two different graduate school with three master's degrees and 1/2 his Ph.D. with a focus in Counseling Psychology and Theology. Two of his favorite clinical forms of therapy are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Scott believes in a whole person approach to therapy; we are a spirit, we have a soul, and we life in a body.
Scott's main areas of focus include trauma / PTSD, depression, anxiety, life adjustments, spiritual issues including but not limited to spiritual and ritual abuse, as well as couples therapy as it relates to an individual's core areas of concern.
Scott Thomas is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Licensed Marital and Family Therapist, who has been practice since 1996. He has graduated from two different graduate school with three master's degrees and 1/2 his Ph.D. with a focus in Counseling Psychology and Theology. Two of his favorite clinical forms of therapy are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Scott believes in a whole person approach to therapy; we are a spirit, we have a soul, and we life in a body.
(918) 228-6569 View (918) 228-6569
Photo of David Baatar, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
David Baatar
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Tulsa, OK 74136
It’s okay to not be okay. Asking for help is the bravest thing you can do. I am here to help! Are you feeling anxious or depressed? Maybe for you it’s anger, withdrawal, or feelings of hopelessness. Maybe you are having relational issues or struggling to work through trauma. Maybe you are a parent struggling to manage tough behaviors with your child. Whatever you are feeling and whatever you are going through, your feelings are valid and you are worthy of help. Sometimes our worries and problems feel so big and so overwhelming, it’s hard to find our way through without a guide and a little extra support. I get it, life is hard!
It’s okay to not be okay. Asking for help is the bravest thing you can do. I am here to help! Are you feeling anxious or depressed? Maybe for you it’s anger, withdrawal, or feelings of hopelessness. Maybe you are having relational issues or struggling to work through trauma. Maybe you are a parent struggling to manage tough behaviors with your child. Whatever you are feeling and whatever you are going through, your feelings are valid and you are worthy of help. Sometimes our worries and problems feel so big and so overwhelming, it’s hard to find our way through without a guide and a little extra support. I get it, life is hard!
(918) 393-4493 View (918) 393-4493
Photo of Lisa Dawson, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Lisa Dawson
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Tulsa, OK 74136
Her main areas of focus are the LGBTQ+ community, play therapy, perinatal mental health, ADHD, Autism, depression, perinatal/postpartum, PTSD, women's issues, self-harm, and trauma.
Lisa Morrell Dawson, is an LPC-Supervisor who has been practicing since 2010. She graduated from MidAmerica Nazarene University in Olathe, KS with a master’s degree in counseling. Lisa also has a master’s degree in early childhood education from Emporia State University in Emporia, KS. Lisa believes the therapeutic relationship, built on trust and empathy, is the key for healing for most.
Her main areas of focus are the LGBTQ+ community, play therapy, perinatal mental health, ADHD, Autism, depression, perinatal/postpartum, PTSD, women's issues, self-harm, and trauma.
Lisa Morrell Dawson, is an LPC-Supervisor who has been practicing since 2010. She graduated from MidAmerica Nazarene University in Olathe, KS with a master’s degree in counseling. Lisa also has a master’s degree in early childhood education from Emporia State University in Emporia, KS. Lisa believes the therapeutic relationship, built on trust and empathy, is the key for healing for most.
(918) 262-4388 View (918) 262-4388
Photo of Brittne Thompson, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Brittne Thompson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Tulsa, OK 74136
Brittne Thompson, LCSW, is a Licensed Clinical Therapist who is passionate about helping clients heal from trauma and/or emotional wounds. She believes that hurts can lead to damaging beliefs that cause one to experience feelings of depression and anxiety. She enjoys helping clients process and "re-story" these hurts in a way that brings freedom and acceptance. Brittne's hope is to not only understand the client but to also help the client understand himself or herself in a deeper way so that they can make the changes they desire to see in their lives.
Brittne Thompson, LCSW, is a Licensed Clinical Therapist who is passionate about helping clients heal from trauma and/or emotional wounds. She believes that hurts can lead to damaging beliefs that cause one to experience feelings of depression and anxiety. She enjoys helping clients process and "re-story" these hurts in a way that brings freedom and acceptance. Brittne's hope is to not only understand the client but to also help the client understand himself or herself in a deeper way so that they can make the changes they desire to see in their lives.
(918) 265-3282 View (918) 265-3282
Photo of Yvonne Lewis, MDiv, MS, LPC, BSP, Licensed Professional Counselor
Yvonne Lewis
Licensed Professional Counselor, MDiv, MS, LPC, BSP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Tulsa, OK 74136
Waitlist for new clients
I help clients work through life transitions, depression, anxiety, relationships and loss.
Do you want to get well? Let me tell you, healing is hard work, but it's so worth it! I'm the therapist you come to when you need to go deep, without being judged. Expect tears. I welcome them. That's part of the healing process. That lump in your throat could be unprocessed trauma! In 2020, I became a Certified Brainspotting Therapist, specializing in treating trauma and getting to the root issue. I work with adults and other therapists who need to process their own trauma. Private entrance available for clients who need more confidentiality. Church hurt? I'm a Christian and can help you navigate your journey to heal.
I help clients work through life transitions, depression, anxiety, relationships and loss.
Do you want to get well? Let me tell you, healing is hard work, but it's so worth it! I'm the therapist you come to when you need to go deep, without being judged. Expect tears. I welcome them. That's part of the healing process. That lump in your throat could be unprocessed trauma! In 2020, I became a Certified Brainspotting Therapist, specializing in treating trauma and getting to the root issue. I work with adults and other therapists who need to process their own trauma. Private entrance available for clients who need more confidentiality. Church hurt? I'm a Christian and can help you navigate your journey to heal.
(539) 233-4585 View (539) 233-4585
Photo of Marla Murray, MS, LPC-C, Pre-Licensed Professional
Marla Murray
Pre-Licensed Professional, MS, LPC-C
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Tulsa, OK 74136  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Every person on the earth needs to feel safe, valued, loved, and respected. My job as a therapist is to help clients tap into their God-given skills, abilities, and strengths to discover the jewel hidden beneath all the pain, depression, anxiety, and loss. People need to know their life has a purpose, and when they win and overcome, they give others hope and courage that they can do the same. The goal is freedom and the ability to live the life God intended. We will laugh, cry, and scream if necessary.
Every person on the earth needs to feel safe, valued, loved, and respected. My job as a therapist is to help clients tap into their God-given skills, abilities, and strengths to discover the jewel hidden beneath all the pain, depression, anxiety, and loss. People need to know their life has a purpose, and when they win and overcome, they give others hope and courage that they can do the same. The goal is freedom and the ability to live the life God intended. We will laugh, cry, and scream if necessary.
(918) 380-3207 View (918) 380-3207
Photo of Melissa Thorman, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Melissa Thorman
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Tulsa, OK 74136
Melissa strives to create a therapeutic relationship in which clients feel empowered and respected. She guides people towards growth and developing the skills they need to overcome life's struggles. Having experience helping people of all ages, she has worked extensively with children and families addressing trauma, depression, anxiety, ADHD, and life adjustments.
Melissa strives to create a therapeutic relationship in which clients feel empowered and respected. She guides people towards growth and developing the skills they need to overcome life's struggles. Having experience helping people of all ages, she has worked extensively with children and families addressing trauma, depression, anxiety, ADHD, and life adjustments.
(918) 701-1383 View (918) 701-1383
Photo of Piper Shaw, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Piper Shaw
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Tulsa, OK 74136
Waitlist for new clients
I help adolescents and adults resolve issues with unhealthy life patterns such as depression, anxiety, conflict, anger, and help them find hope, forgiveness, and healing.
We all have hiccups in life and situations that knock us down. It takes a lot of strength and courage to reach out for help. If you have stumbled upon this page and are tired of feeling the way you do, I want to help you find wholeness. If you are at a place in life where you wonder what happened and how you got to where you are, I want to help you find your happiness.
I help adolescents and adults resolve issues with unhealthy life patterns such as depression, anxiety, conflict, anger, and help them find hope, forgiveness, and healing.
We all have hiccups in life and situations that knock us down. It takes a lot of strength and courage to reach out for help. If you have stumbled upon this page and are tired of feeling the way you do, I want to help you find wholeness. If you are at a place in life where you wonder what happened and how you got to where you are, I want to help you find your happiness.
(918) 262-4536 View (918) 262-4536
Photo of Marilyn A Daniel, BSHS, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Marilyn A Daniel
Licensed Professional Counselor, BSHS, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
Tulsa, OK 74136
Healing the core causes of Depression/anxiety, and trauma related therapy in a safe, warm environment is a strong skill of mine.
Marilyn's strength lies in treating & supporting others attain their goals. With 21 years experience working with adults, families & children/adolescents in matters of depression, anxiety, Stress and life changes in general- all people naturally gravitate toward wellness & healing. Marilyn employs CBT, Brief solution focused, Eclectic treatment approaches. Also, Marilyn has been instructing parents on moving children from power struggles to cooperation & peace for 21 years. Available: Tue - Fri. 10AM to 6PM and Saturday by appointment. She looks forward to a short consultation to discern a good fit for a therapeutic relationship.
Healing the core causes of Depression/anxiety, and trauma related therapy in a safe, warm environment is a strong skill of mine.
Marilyn's strength lies in treating & supporting others attain their goals. With 21 years experience working with adults, families & children/adolescents in matters of depression, anxiety, Stress and life changes in general- all people naturally gravitate toward wellness & healing. Marilyn employs CBT, Brief solution focused, Eclectic treatment approaches. Also, Marilyn has been instructing parents on moving children from power struggles to cooperation & peace for 21 years. Available: Tue - Fri. 10AM to 6PM and Saturday by appointment. She looks forward to a short consultation to discern a good fit for a therapeutic relationship.
(918) 203-7415 View (918) 203-7415
Photo of Judith Anne Branum, LPC-S, BCN, Licensed Professional Counselor
Judith Anne Branum
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC-S, BCN
Verified Verified
Tulsa, OK 74136
Waitlist for new clients
As a licensed professional counselor, I enjoy facilitating the process of lasting change in families, couples and individuals who feel 'stuck' in cycles that lead to feelings of hopelessness, depression, anger and sadness. I presently work with children, adolescents and adults who want help finding a way through anxiety, depression, mood disorders, attachment issues and trauma. I also provide neurofeedback at this time. Neurofeedback is a non-invasive approach to training our brain rhythms and can help with ADHD, depression, PTSD and peak performance issues.
As a licensed professional counselor, I enjoy facilitating the process of lasting change in families, couples and individuals who feel 'stuck' in cycles that lead to feelings of hopelessness, depression, anger and sadness. I presently work with children, adolescents and adults who want help finding a way through anxiety, depression, mood disorders, attachment issues and trauma. I also provide neurofeedback at this time. Neurofeedback is a non-invasive approach to training our brain rhythms and can help with ADHD, depression, PTSD and peak performance issues.
(918) 471-4025 View (918) 471-4025
Photo of Stephanie Rowland, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Stephanie Rowland
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Tulsa, OK 74136
I specialize in anxiety, depression, and LGBTQ+ issues.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has worked in the mental health field since 2005, which has allowed me to work with a diverse population and a variety of mental health issues. I work with adolescents or adults. I love working with teenagers and want to help set them up for success as adults.
I specialize in anxiety, depression, and LGBTQ+ issues.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has worked in the mental health field since 2005, which has allowed me to work with a diverse population and a variety of mental health issues. I work with adolescents or adults. I love working with teenagers and want to help set them up for success as adults.
(918) 203-8274 View (918) 203-8274
Photo of Karin Price, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Karin Price
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Tulsa, OK 74136
Karin Price is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She graduated from the University of Indiana with a master's degree in social work and her specialty is individual counseling. Karin is dedicated to promoting the well-being of each person by providing a personalized approach through cognitive behavior therapy, solution focused therapy and trust based relational interventions. Many of the individuals she works with are struggling with depression, anxiety or trauma. Also, since Karin has lived in other countries, she provides a unique approach to therapy that is tailored to those returning to live in the United States.
Karin Price is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She graduated from the University of Indiana with a master's degree in social work and her specialty is individual counseling. Karin is dedicated to promoting the well-being of each person by providing a personalized approach through cognitive behavior therapy, solution focused therapy and trust based relational interventions. Many of the individuals she works with are struggling with depression, anxiety or trauma. Also, since Karin has lived in other countries, she provides a unique approach to therapy that is tailored to those returning to live in the United States.
(918) 265-0292 View (918) 265-0292
Photo of Molly Meyer, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Molly Meyer
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
Tulsa, OK 74136
Change is often scary, but with it, life can improve! Taking control or knowing what you want may seem too difficult. When we are ready, having a teammate can help us make the most of it. Therapy doesn't have to be overwhelming and scary. The goal is to partner with someone trained in providing support and guidance on your journey. Whether struggling with depression, anxiety, anger or facing a past trauma, changes are possible!
Change is often scary, but with it, life can improve! Taking control or knowing what you want may seem too difficult. When we are ready, having a teammate can help us make the most of it. Therapy doesn't have to be overwhelming and scary. The goal is to partner with someone trained in providing support and guidance on your journey. Whether struggling with depression, anxiety, anger or facing a past trauma, changes are possible!
(918) 708-1357 View (918) 708-1357
Photo of Richard Wheat, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Richard Wheat
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Tulsa, OK 74136
His primary areas of focus in counseling are addressing anxiety and depression related disorders, he also has experience treating substance use disorders.
Richard Wheat is a Licensed Professional Counselor who has been practicing since completion of grad school in 2012. He graduated from Evangel University in Springfield Missouri with a Master's of Science in Counseling Psychology. Richard's treatment approach includes using cognitive behavioral therapies along with aspects of solution focused treatments, motivational interviewing, supportive counseling and psychoeducation to work with the patient to address and change thoughts and behaviors to improve day to day functioning for the patient.
His primary areas of focus in counseling are addressing anxiety and depression related disorders, he also has experience treating substance use disorders.
Richard Wheat is a Licensed Professional Counselor who has been practicing since completion of grad school in 2012. He graduated from Evangel University in Springfield Missouri with a Master's of Science in Counseling Psychology. Richard's treatment approach includes using cognitive behavioral therapies along with aspects of solution focused treatments, motivational interviewing, supportive counseling and psychoeducation to work with the patient to address and change thoughts and behaviors to improve day to day functioning for the patient.
(918) 265-3400 View (918) 265-3400
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.