Photo of Katharine (Kayt) Pattee, Marriage & Family Therapist in 91107, CA
Katharine (Kayt) Pattee
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Pasadena, CA 91107
I help you build tools to overcome your anxiety and depression.
You're feeling blocked; emotionally or creatively. You're worried about the future and wanting to feel like you again. You are ready to let go of all that no longer serves you so you can freely move forward in your life and live up to your highest potential. Whether this is a solo journey, or includes your partner, you are ready to evolve.
I help you build tools to overcome your anxiety and depression.
You're feeling blocked; emotionally or creatively. You're worried about the future and wanting to feel like you again. You are ready to let go of all that no longer serves you so you can freely move forward in your life and live up to your highest potential. Whether this is a solo journey, or includes your partner, you are ready to evolve.
(424) 329-1929 View (424) 329-1929
Photo of Christine D Scher, Psychologist in 91107, CA
Christine D Scher
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Pasadena, CA 91107
Anxiety and depression are two of the most common concerns around- if these kinds of things are affecting your ability to meet your personal goals or simply enjoy your life, you're not alone. I specialize in "treatments that work"- scientifically supported therapies for anxiety, depression, and related difficulties, including worry, panic, sleep problems, and difficulties with concentration and decision-making. In therapy, my clients work to develop or increase coping skills they can use long after treatment ends.
Anxiety and depression are two of the most common concerns around- if these kinds of things are affecting your ability to meet your personal goals or simply enjoy your life, you're not alone. I specialize in "treatments that work"- scientifically supported therapies for anxiety, depression, and related difficulties, including worry, panic, sleep problems, and difficulties with concentration and decision-making. In therapy, my clients work to develop or increase coping skills they can use long after treatment ends.
(626) 658-4219 View (626) 658-4219
Photo of Colleen Stathatos, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 91107, CA
Colleen Stathatos
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Pasadena, CA 91107
In addition to trauma treatment I also have expertise in treating anxiety, panic disorders, and depression.
Are you feeling stuck? Maybe you feel stuck in the past or present. Maybe it's hard to feel hopeful about the future. It's easy to become trapped in painful memories and negative experiences. A negative experience could be one life changing event or many smaller events that accumulate over time. I specialize in treating people who have experienced trauma. Trauma takes many forms but always takes a toll. Trauma can make you feel overwhelmed, insecure, and hopeless. Trauma can make you forget who you used to be.
In addition to trauma treatment I also have expertise in treating anxiety, panic disorders, and depression.
Are you feeling stuck? Maybe you feel stuck in the past or present. Maybe it's hard to feel hopeful about the future. It's easy to become trapped in painful memories and negative experiences. A negative experience could be one life changing event or many smaller events that accumulate over time. I specialize in treating people who have experienced trauma. Trauma takes many forms but always takes a toll. Trauma can make you feel overwhelmed, insecure, and hopeless. Trauma can make you forget who you used to be.
(213) 401-0305 View (213) 401-0305
Photo of Caryn Bickel, Marriage & Family Therapist in 91107, CA
Caryn Bickel
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pasadena, CA 91107  (Online Only)
Telehealth, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Certified Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Interpersonal Therapy for Depression, Behavioral strategies; habits stacking, Self Care skills.
I am a seasoned therapist with over 20 yrs of experience. I exclusively provide Telehealth (video sessions) for both CA and AZ residents! I am passionate about the process of therapy as well as efforts to reduce stigma and help increase access to quality mental health care. I utilize a holistic approach with an emphasis on CBT, Mindfulness techniques to help others identify the strategies and habits intended to improve overall well being and quality of life. I'm happy to support you while helping you better understand your Self, your relationships and overall life from a fresh new perspective.
Telehealth, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Certified Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Interpersonal Therapy for Depression, Behavioral strategies; habits stacking, Self Care skills.
I am a seasoned therapist with over 20 yrs of experience. I exclusively provide Telehealth (video sessions) for both CA and AZ residents! I am passionate about the process of therapy as well as efforts to reduce stigma and help increase access to quality mental health care. I utilize a holistic approach with an emphasis on CBT, Mindfulness techniques to help others identify the strategies and habits intended to improve overall well being and quality of life. I'm happy to support you while helping you better understand your Self, your relationships and overall life from a fresh new perspective.
(323) 745-2360 View (323) 745-2360
Photo of Megan Pitsios, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 91107, CA
Megan Pitsios
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pasadena, CA 91107
I specialize in working with individuals and couples coming into parenthood through postpartum struggles, grief and loss, infertility, foster care and/or adoption, identity issues, or depression and anxiety.
Are you feeling anxious, irritable, or foggy these days? Do you resent your partner or snap at them over little things? The changes that have come with growing a family feel overwhelming, but it’s hard to admit that you aren’t doing ok. Everyone says this is the best time of your life, but you barely recognize yourself. Your body and mind are exhausted, and you feel like you don’t know where to begin. You want to regain balance, focus, and a sense of who you are now beyond just being a parent or trying to become a parent. Let me help you find your way back to you.
I specialize in working with individuals and couples coming into parenthood through postpartum struggles, grief and loss, infertility, foster care and/or adoption, identity issues, or depression and anxiety.
Are you feeling anxious, irritable, or foggy these days? Do you resent your partner or snap at them over little things? The changes that have come with growing a family feel overwhelming, but it’s hard to admit that you aren’t doing ok. Everyone says this is the best time of your life, but you barely recognize yourself. Your body and mind are exhausted, and you feel like you don’t know where to begin. You want to regain balance, focus, and a sense of who you are now beyond just being a parent or trying to become a parent. Let me help you find your way back to you.
(626) 427-6512 View (626) 427-6512
Photo of Jean Qianru Zhao, Marriage & Family Therapist in 91107, CA
Jean Qianru Zhao
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pasadena, CA 91107  (Online Only)
I specialize in helping adults with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and stressful life changes.
Life presents us with many difficulties. When things are unsatisfying or overwhelming, our mind naturally responds with emotional distress that might manifest as anxiety, anger, sadness, helplessness or shame. We often find it hard to navigate these feelings because dealing with the sources can be very intense and complicated, especially when we lack support. I'm here to provide a safe and supportive space where you can explore and express yourself freely. Together, we can navigate your difficult experiences, process any unresolved issues, and work toward a better relationship with yourself.
I specialize in helping adults with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and stressful life changes.
Life presents us with many difficulties. When things are unsatisfying or overwhelming, our mind naturally responds with emotional distress that might manifest as anxiety, anger, sadness, helplessness or shame. We often find it hard to navigate these feelings because dealing with the sources can be very intense and complicated, especially when we lack support. I'm here to provide a safe and supportive space where you can explore and express yourself freely. Together, we can navigate your difficult experiences, process any unresolved issues, and work toward a better relationship with yourself.
(323) 801-6868 View (323) 801-6868
Photo of Patricia Morales, Psychologist in 91107, CA
Patricia Morales
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Pasadena, CA 91107
I have over a decade of training and experience providing therapy to children, adolescences and adults. I believe that people have a great deal of resiliancy and strength and that there are times in our lives that we need help to uncover and remember how strong we are. I work with people to uncover their own strengths to help themselves out of any situation that arises in their lives. I have a great deal of experience in treating trauma related disorder such as depression and anxiety.
I have over a decade of training and experience providing therapy to children, adolescences and adults. I believe that people have a great deal of resiliancy and strength and that there are times in our lives that we need help to uncover and remember how strong we are. I work with people to uncover their own strengths to help themselves out of any situation that arises in their lives. I have a great deal of experience in treating trauma related disorder such as depression and anxiety.
(626) 551-4880 View (626) 551-4880
Photo of Naala Richards, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 91107, CA
Naala Richards
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Pasadena, CA 91107
Hello. My name is Naala Richards. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in both California and Colorado. I hope to be your person amidst this busy life, who holds space for you, as you tend to pain, grief, sadness, anxiety, anger, self-doubt, and any other thoughts and feelings. My goal is to be a nonjudgmental support and guide as you move towards wholeness and healing. I work with teenagers and adults. I have specific experience working with grief, loss, depression, anxiety, life transitions, and supporting those living with chronic health issues.
Hello. My name is Naala Richards. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in both California and Colorado. I hope to be your person amidst this busy life, who holds space for you, as you tend to pain, grief, sadness, anxiety, anger, self-doubt, and any other thoughts and feelings. My goal is to be a nonjudgmental support and guide as you move towards wholeness and healing. I work with teenagers and adults. I have specific experience working with grief, loss, depression, anxiety, life transitions, and supporting those living with chronic health issues.
(442) 250-4020 View (442) 250-4020
Photo of L. Nicolas Psychotherapy with Wise Heart Healing, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 91107, CA
L. Nicolas Psychotherapy with Wise Heart Healing
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Pasadena, CA 91107
We have all envisioned some version of our ideal selves. Often times past hurts or traumas can affect our lives so that we act out from a place of brokenness rather than healing and compassion. The dissonance our present selves and who we aspire to be can lead to frustration, depression, anxiety, and despair. If you are feeling stagnant and looking for ways to shift out of unhealthy self-defeating patterns, you have come to the right place.
We have all envisioned some version of our ideal selves. Often times past hurts or traumas can affect our lives so that we act out from a place of brokenness rather than healing and compassion. The dissonance our present selves and who we aspire to be can lead to frustration, depression, anxiety, and despair. If you are feeling stagnant and looking for ways to shift out of unhealthy self-defeating patterns, you have come to the right place.
(323) 688-5542 View (323) 688-5542
Photo of Denise Seidman, Marriage & Family Therapist in 91107, CA
Denise Seidman
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Pasadena, CA 91107
My name is Denise Seidman. I have been a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist for 22 years. I use an integrative approach to therapy to see what fits my clients best. My focus areas of practice include anxiety and depression, relationship issues, grief, life transitions, separation and divorce, co-parenting, and work-related issues. I typically work with clients who are experiencing major life transitions that impact their relationships with loved ones or colleagues in their work environment. I help my clients work through depression and/or anxiety related to their life stressors.
My name is Denise Seidman. I have been a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist for 22 years. I use an integrative approach to therapy to see what fits my clients best. My focus areas of practice include anxiety and depression, relationship issues, grief, life transitions, separation and divorce, co-parenting, and work-related issues. I typically work with clients who are experiencing major life transitions that impact their relationships with loved ones or colleagues in their work environment. I help my clients work through depression and/or anxiety related to their life stressors.
(760) 313-7201 View (760) 313-7201
Photo of Dacoda Todoran, Psychologist in 91107, CA
Dacoda Todoran
Psychologist, LCP
Verified Verified
Pasadena, CA 91107
Using evidenced-based CBT and DBT approaches, relational/solution-focused approaches, and life coaching, I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, grief/loss, women's mental health issues, life transitions/adjustment, relationship issues and interpersonal conflict, and career identity issues.
As a licensed clinical psychologist in the state of California, I've spent much of my career working in hospital-based and outpatient settings using evidenced-based CBT and DBT approaches, relational/solution-focused approaches, and life coaching. In my practice, I offer the opportunity to help people learn to process and better understand the relationship they have with their thoughts, feelings (emotions and physiology), and behaviors. I have found that my style and approach are a good fit for a broad range of adults, from younger to older, who are experiencing stress.
Using evidenced-based CBT and DBT approaches, relational/solution-focused approaches, and life coaching, I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, grief/loss, women's mental health issues, life transitions/adjustment, relationship issues and interpersonal conflict, and career identity issues.
As a licensed clinical psychologist in the state of California, I've spent much of my career working in hospital-based and outpatient settings using evidenced-based CBT and DBT approaches, relational/solution-focused approaches, and life coaching. In my practice, I offer the opportunity to help people learn to process and better understand the relationship they have with their thoughts, feelings (emotions and physiology), and behaviors. I have found that my style and approach are a good fit for a broad range of adults, from younger to older, who are experiencing stress.
(323) 831-7846 View (323) 831-7846
Photo of Margaret T. Ben Hafsi, Marriage & Family Therapist in 91107, CA
Margaret T. Ben Hafsi
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Pasadena, CA 91107  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I help with: Personal Growth and Self-Esteem, improving self-confidence, overcoming depression or anxiety, understanding relationships, learning to communicate more effectively, healing from trauma, processing emotions, narcissistic abuse and recovery, complex childhood trauma (CPTSD), burnout, work-related stress, and making space to gain insight.
Being human is challenging. Even if things look okay on the outside, we often don't feel so wonderful on the inside. Many of us spend time replaying past events, imagining future events, and worrying about all of the above. If you want to explore the underlying causes of what's bothering you, come into alignment with yourself, and live in harmony with your deepest true values, then you are an excellent candidate for therapy. Therapy does take work, and I'm here to support you and help you stay motivated and curious during your personal path to healing.
I help with: Personal Growth and Self-Esteem, improving self-confidence, overcoming depression or anxiety, understanding relationships, learning to communicate more effectively, healing from trauma, processing emotions, narcissistic abuse and recovery, complex childhood trauma (CPTSD), burnout, work-related stress, and making space to gain insight.
Being human is challenging. Even if things look okay on the outside, we often don't feel so wonderful on the inside. Many of us spend time replaying past events, imagining future events, and worrying about all of the above. If you want to explore the underlying causes of what's bothering you, come into alignment with yourself, and live in harmony with your deepest true values, then you are an excellent candidate for therapy. Therapy does take work, and I'm here to support you and help you stay motivated and curious during your personal path to healing.
(323) 395-0036 View (323) 395-0036
Photo of Marketa Velehradska, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 91107, CA
Marketa Velehradska
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Pasadena, CA 91107
I am a licensed clinical social worker with 11 years of experience providing psychotherapy to adults and teens. I have an extensive training in cognitive behavioral therapy but utilize an eclectic treatment approach that includes behavioral, mindfulness and interpersonal therapy. I specialize in treatment of depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, as well as trauma and PTSD. I strive to provide a safe and nurturing environment for clients to explore their current challenges and develop healthier coping mechanisms. I am committed to helping each individual achieve their goals. Please call or email me with additional questions or to set up an appointment.
I am a licensed clinical social worker with 11 years of experience providing psychotherapy to adults and teens. I have an extensive training in cognitive behavioral therapy but utilize an eclectic treatment approach that includes behavioral, mindfulness and interpersonal therapy. I specialize in treatment of depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, as well as trauma and PTSD. I strive to provide a safe and nurturing environment for clients to explore their current challenges and develop healthier coping mechanisms. I am committed to helping each individual achieve their goals. Please call or email me with additional questions or to set up an appointment.
(323) 863-5596 View (323) 863-5596
Photo of Vanessa Espinosa, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 91107, CA
Vanessa Espinosa
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pasadena, CA 91107
Specialties include, but are not limited to working with women, depression/anxiety, trauma, and loss.
Therapy is a unique opportunity for exploration and understanding of one's own story, and can facilitate healing and transformation during trying times. In my practice, I work collaboratively with clients to uncover and strengthen their inner wisdom, while teaching them skills needed to maneuver through life's challenges, changes and transitions. I provide a supportive and hope-filled environment that allows for a journey of self-discovery, and helps to foster self-love, self-compassion, and acceptance.
Specialties include, but are not limited to working with women, depression/anxiety, trauma, and loss.
Therapy is a unique opportunity for exploration and understanding of one's own story, and can facilitate healing and transformation during trying times. In my practice, I work collaboratively with clients to uncover and strengthen their inner wisdom, while teaching them skills needed to maneuver through life's challenges, changes and transitions. I provide a supportive and hope-filled environment that allows for a journey of self-discovery, and helps to foster self-love, self-compassion, and acceptance.
(562) 551-6164 View (562) 551-6164
Photo of PsychE Therapy Inc., Psychologist in 91107, CA
PsychE Therapy Inc.
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Pasadena, CA 91107
PsychE Therapy Inc. was created by Dr. Elleni Koulos to promote overall wellness and healing, with a focus on treating the whole person. We value and emphasize the connection between Mind, Body, Soul, Spirit and Heart. Each of us face challenges on our unique journey through life, at times resulting in feelings of depression, anxiety, grief, low self-esteem and body image issues. PsychE Therapy Inc. will work with you and your family to provide support and to develop a specialized treatment plan to meet your specific needs. This may include traditional talk therapy, art, music and other therapeutic interventions.
PsychE Therapy Inc. was created by Dr. Elleni Koulos to promote overall wellness and healing, with a focus on treating the whole person. We value and emphasize the connection between Mind, Body, Soul, Spirit and Heart. Each of us face challenges on our unique journey through life, at times resulting in feelings of depression, anxiety, grief, low self-esteem and body image issues. PsychE Therapy Inc. will work with you and your family to provide support and to develop a specialized treatment plan to meet your specific needs. This may include traditional talk therapy, art, music and other therapeutic interventions.
(818) 790-0418 View (818) 790-0418
Luann Martenson
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Pasadena, CA 91107
My practice provides a unique blend of therapy and coaching. I specialize in helping individuals realize their full potential. This usually means giving people the boost they need to get from where they are to where they want to be. I help people manage transitions, anxiety, depression, adult attention deficit disorder, work place concerns, relationship issues, and look at factors that promote balance both professional and personal needs. My effectiveness in coaching developed as the result of first-hand executive-level experience where I have coached both executives and managers.
My practice provides a unique blend of therapy and coaching. I specialize in helping individuals realize their full potential. This usually means giving people the boost they need to get from where they are to where they want to be. I help people manage transitions, anxiety, depression, adult attention deficit disorder, work place concerns, relationship issues, and look at factors that promote balance both professional and personal needs. My effectiveness in coaching developed as the result of first-hand executive-level experience where I have coached both executives and managers.
(626) 869-8917 View (626) 869-8917
Photo of Kathleen Telser, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist in 91107, CA
Kathleen Telser, LMFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Pasadena, CA 91107
Some of the issues my therapy addresses are sexual abuse, relationship distress, depression, childhood trauma, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Emotional and physical trauma, when unresolved, can leave us feeling alone, misunderstood, disconnected and sometimes shamed. It can keep us from forming the relationships we seek and alienate us from the intimacy we might desire. In a non-judgmental way, I engage my clients to help them find meaning and growth through a combination of deep understanding and emotional presence. My approach is attachment-based and focuses on attunement and self-acceptance. When working with couples as well as individuals, I use Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT).
Some of the issues my therapy addresses are sexual abuse, relationship distress, depression, childhood trauma, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Emotional and physical trauma, when unresolved, can leave us feeling alone, misunderstood, disconnected and sometimes shamed. It can keep us from forming the relationships we seek and alienate us from the intimacy we might desire. In a non-judgmental way, I engage my clients to help them find meaning and growth through a combination of deep understanding and emotional presence. My approach is attachment-based and focuses on attunement and self-acceptance. When working with couples as well as individuals, I use Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT).
View
Photo of Mary Aroyan, Marriage & Family Therapist in 91107, CA
Mary Aroyan
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Pasadena, CA 91107
My practice provides psychotherapy and crisis intervention assessing a spectrum of mental health issues, mainly focused on: depression, anxiety, domestic violence, grief, trauma, and abuse.
CHANGE! Does something need to change? Are you overwhelmed, sad, anxious, or unsure of what's going on? There's hope! You're already on the right track; hardest step is to admit you need help. All individuals are capable of change and therapy can bring new insight to the changes that you want to see within yourself, relationships and other sectors of your life. I am here to provide you with tools and coping skills to accomplish that change in a safe and relaxing environment set at a comfortable pace to ease the process that can often be difficult.
My practice provides psychotherapy and crisis intervention assessing a spectrum of mental health issues, mainly focused on: depression, anxiety, domestic violence, grief, trauma, and abuse.
CHANGE! Does something need to change? Are you overwhelmed, sad, anxious, or unsure of what's going on? There's hope! You're already on the right track; hardest step is to admit you need help. All individuals are capable of change and therapy can bring new insight to the changes that you want to see within yourself, relationships and other sectors of your life. I am here to provide you with tools and coping skills to accomplish that change in a safe and relaxing environment set at a comfortable pace to ease the process that can often be difficult.
(323) 746-1189 View (323) 746-1189
Photo of Pamela Coleman, Marriage & Family Therapist in 91107, CA
Pamela Coleman
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Pasadena, CA 91107
My name is Pamela Coleman, and I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 24 years of experience in the mental health field. My approach to therapy is client-entered, and my focus areas are adults of all ages, adolescents, couples, and families. My overall approach is eclectic, but I hold an attachment theory-based perspective. I am trauma-informed and trauma-responsive. My focus has been on clients that have experienced differing levels of trauma and, as a result, are having difficulty functioning in some area(s) of their life. This may be demonstrated as anxiety, avoidance, depression, or many other ways.
My name is Pamela Coleman, and I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 24 years of experience in the mental health field. My approach to therapy is client-entered, and my focus areas are adults of all ages, adolescents, couples, and families. My overall approach is eclectic, but I hold an attachment theory-based perspective. I am trauma-informed and trauma-responsive. My focus has been on clients that have experienced differing levels of trauma and, as a result, are having difficulty functioning in some area(s) of their life. This may be demonstrated as anxiety, avoidance, depression, or many other ways.
(951) 379-3477 View (951) 379-3477
Photo of Masood Moghaddam, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 91107, CA
Masood Moghaddam
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pasadena, CA 91107
I work with adults across the lifespan through individual and couples therapy, and specialize in treating anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, and life transitions.
You’ve taken a courageous step in searching for a therapist and I’m glad you’re here. I’m Masood Maghaddam, a bicultural/bilingual Licensed Clinical Social Worker supporting clients’ goals toward positive change. I use an integrative approach, utilizing both behavioral and psychodynamic methods that’s personalized to your specific needs. Whether you’re wanting to improve your quality of life and strengthen relationships or facing anxiety or depression, I’m here to help and empower you on this healing journey.
I work with adults across the lifespan through individual and couples therapy, and specialize in treating anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, and life transitions.
You’ve taken a courageous step in searching for a therapist and I’m glad you’re here. I’m Masood Maghaddam, a bicultural/bilingual Licensed Clinical Social Worker supporting clients’ goals toward positive change. I use an integrative approach, utilizing both behavioral and psychodynamic methods that’s personalized to your specific needs. Whether you’re wanting to improve your quality of life and strengthen relationships or facing anxiety or depression, I’m here to help and empower you on this healing journey.
(925) 588-7656 View (925) 588-7656
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.