Photo of Dr. Cassidy Blair, Psychologist in 92612, CA
Dr. Cassidy Blair
Psychologist, MA, PsyD
Verified Verified
Irvine, CA 92612
I specialize in treatment of Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar D/O, variety of Addictions, Trauma, Intimacy and Relationship Issues, Eating D/O, Life Coaching and Performance Coaching.
WE OFFER EVENING AND WEEKEND APPOINTMENTS. My goal is to help you improve the quality of your life and make positive changes by reducing your Anxiety, Depression, eliminating stress, Addiction, and gaining back control. You will achieve a much higher quality of life in a safe, exclusive and caring environment. I will support you to discover your inner strength, and develop effective coping skills. You will experience freedom from emotional pain and feel empowered to achieve your goals and dreams. I provide CONCEIRGE care to executives and professionals.
I specialize in treatment of Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar D/O, variety of Addictions, Trauma, Intimacy and Relationship Issues, Eating D/O, Life Coaching and Performance Coaching.
WE OFFER EVENING AND WEEKEND APPOINTMENTS. My goal is to help you improve the quality of your life and make positive changes by reducing your Anxiety, Depression, eliminating stress, Addiction, and gaining back control. You will achieve a much higher quality of life in a safe, exclusive and caring environment. I will support you to discover your inner strength, and develop effective coping skills. You will experience freedom from emotional pain and feel empowered to achieve your goals and dreams. I provide CONCEIRGE care to executives and professionals.
(424) 888-6124 View (424) 888-6124
Photo of Trinity Wang, Marriage & Family Therapist in 92612, CA
Trinity Wang
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Irvine, CA 92612  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
*Please email me to schedule an appt* Have you ever found yourself asking “What was I thinking?” or thought, “I should have done this differently!” I get it, and you’re not alone in these thoughts! They are signs that you’re hoping for change. Whether you’re experiencing conflicts in your relationship, cross-cultural challenges, academic concerns, or you’re taking time for self-exploration, you’re likely feeling overwhelmed, scared, anxious, or even depressed through it all. I’m here to work with you in turning these challenges into the freedom you’re pursuing.
*Please email me to schedule an appt* Have you ever found yourself asking “What was I thinking?” or thought, “I should have done this differently!” I get it, and you’re not alone in these thoughts! They are signs that you’re hoping for change. Whether you’re experiencing conflicts in your relationship, cross-cultural challenges, academic concerns, or you’re taking time for self-exploration, you’re likely feeling overwhelmed, scared, anxious, or even depressed through it all. I’m here to work with you in turning these challenges into the freedom you’re pursuing.
(949) 979-7355 View (949) 979-7355
Photo of Sharon Hou, Marriage & Family Therapist in 92612, CA
Sharon Hou
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MDiv, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Irvine, CA 92612  (Online Only)
你好!Life is a long journey; we all struggle at some point. Battling with pains and dark thoughts, you long for having a breakthrough to experience healing. In chaos and confusion, you want to find your way and rebuild confidence. I am here to walk the journey of restoration with you. I will accompany you to resolve your interpersonal problems and emotional wounds. My integrative approach tailors to your needs in dealing with depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship issues, life transitions, sexual confusion, and spiritual struggles that you may be experiencing. Take action to email me for any question you have.
你好!Life is a long journey; we all struggle at some point. Battling with pains and dark thoughts, you long for having a breakthrough to experience healing. In chaos and confusion, you want to find your way and rebuild confidence. I am here to walk the journey of restoration with you. I will accompany you to resolve your interpersonal problems and emotional wounds. My integrative approach tailors to your needs in dealing with depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship issues, life transitions, sexual confusion, and spiritual struggles that you may be experiencing. Take action to email me for any question you have.
(949) 681-9628 View (949) 681-9628
Photo of Farrell Brooke Eisenberg, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 92612, CA
Farrell Brooke Eisenberg
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Irvine, CA 92612
I also treat binge eating disorder, depression, anxiety, OCD, ASD, mood disorders, and many others.
I strive to provide an inclusive feeling in my practice where everyone’s uniqueness is embraced, explored, and celebrated. I utilize a variety of modalities including Psychodynamic, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, DBT, and Mindfulness. After practicing for more than 20 years what I have learned is that therapy is not one size fits all, success and progress look different for each person, everybody is doing their best always no matter what, and in the end the best predictor of treatment success is the relationship we create in our work together. If we can build a trusting relationship then the journey will be successful.
I also treat binge eating disorder, depression, anxiety, OCD, ASD, mood disorders, and many others.
I strive to provide an inclusive feeling in my practice where everyone’s uniqueness is embraced, explored, and celebrated. I utilize a variety of modalities including Psychodynamic, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, DBT, and Mindfulness. After practicing for more than 20 years what I have learned is that therapy is not one size fits all, success and progress look different for each person, everybody is doing their best always no matter what, and in the end the best predictor of treatment success is the relationship we create in our work together. If we can build a trusting relationship then the journey will be successful.
(949) 694-7587 View (949) 694-7587
Photo of Alysia St. Clair, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 92612, CA
Alysia St. Clair
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Irvine, CA 92612
Alysia is a warm, compassionate, caring clinician who provides a calm safe environment to work through life's challenges. Alysia has extensive experience working with a variety of populations including depression, anxiety, relationship challenges, and trauma. She uses Evidenced-Based Practices including mindfulness, DBT, EMDR, and CBT to help clients work through struggles. She is an expert on addiction and trauma based interventions. Alysia is certified as an Advanced Mindfulness Practitioner. She is genuinely compassionate and engages deeply with her clients.
Alysia is a warm, compassionate, caring clinician who provides a calm safe environment to work through life's challenges. Alysia has extensive experience working with a variety of populations including depression, anxiety, relationship challenges, and trauma. She uses Evidenced-Based Practices including mindfulness, DBT, EMDR, and CBT to help clients work through struggles. She is an expert on addiction and trauma based interventions. Alysia is certified as an Advanced Mindfulness Practitioner. She is genuinely compassionate and engages deeply with her clients.
(424) 262-1521 View (424) 262-1521
Photo of Scott Donovan, Marriage & Family Therapist in 92612, CA
Scott Donovan
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Irvine, CA 92612
If you're experiencing past traumas, anxiety, depression, or relationship problems and are tired of walking through these struggles alone, I may be the right therapist for you. I'll work with you with empathy, compassion, and understanding to help you through your past traumas, anxiety, and depression, so you can live in the present. You can expect a safe and down-to-earth environment, where you can express yourself without judgment.
If you're experiencing past traumas, anxiety, depression, or relationship problems and are tired of walking through these struggles alone, I may be the right therapist for you. I'll work with you with empathy, compassion, and understanding to help you through your past traumas, anxiety, and depression, so you can live in the present. You can expect a safe and down-to-earth environment, where you can express yourself without judgment.
(760) 961-5370 View (760) 961-5370
Photo of Jean Qianru Zhao, Marriage & Family Therapist in 92612, CA
Jean Qianru Zhao
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Irvine, CA 92612  (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 Annalisa Thomas, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 92612, CA
Annalisa Thomas
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Irvine, CA 92612
Hi, My name is Annalisa Thomas. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of California, Georgia, and North Carolina. I focus on meeting the client where they are. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution focused, strengths-based, and motivational interviewing approaches. I typically work with individuals aged 18-65. I also work with couples. The conditions I most comfortably treat are depression, anxiety, self-esteem, women's health issues, life transitions, career challenges, relationship issues, conflict resolution/boundary setting, and OCD.
Hi, My name is Annalisa Thomas. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of California, Georgia, and North Carolina. I focus on meeting the client where they are. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution focused, strengths-based, and motivational interviewing approaches. I typically work with individuals aged 18-65. I also work with couples. The conditions I most comfortably treat are depression, anxiety, self-esteem, women's health issues, life transitions, career challenges, relationship issues, conflict resolution/boundary setting, and OCD.
(661) 486-5280 View (661) 486-5280
Photo of Behzad Bernous, Psychologist in 92612, CA
Behzad Bernous
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Irvine, CA 92612
I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and Professor of Psychology. I work with a wide range of emotional and behavioral issues, providing services that span from therapy for depression and anxiety to parenting support, couples counseling, individual therapy, and psychological testing. I offer my services in a comfortable, non-judgmental, and supportive atmosphere in English and Farsi.
I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and Professor of Psychology. I work with a wide range of emotional and behavioral issues, providing services that span from therapy for depression and anxiety to parenting support, couples counseling, individual therapy, and psychological testing. I offer my services in a comfortable, non-judgmental, and supportive atmosphere in English and Farsi.
(949) 238-6705 View (949) 238-6705
Photo of Hannah Williams, Marriage & Family Therapist in 92612, CA
Hannah Williams
Marriage & Family Therapist, JD, LMFT
Verified Verified
Irvine, CA 92612
I have helped clients navigate through struggles with depression, anxiety, trauma, anger, abuse, low self-esteem, grief and loss, goal attainment, life transitions and more.
Helping you journey toward self-discovery, personal growth, and true happiness is something I feel deeply passionate about. I believe that we are all self-healers and that change is always possible. There are times when life's challenges can be so overwhelming that it consumes every part of us, affecting our productivity, how we see ourselves, and how we connect to others. I am dedicated to helping my clients discover their own inner strengths and resources, gain new insights and develop new skills that can be utilized to overcome any issues or challenges and help restore confidence, peace and fulfillment in your life.
I have helped clients navigate through struggles with depression, anxiety, trauma, anger, abuse, low self-esteem, grief and loss, goal attainment, life transitions and more.
Helping you journey toward self-discovery, personal growth, and true happiness is something I feel deeply passionate about. I believe that we are all self-healers and that change is always possible. There are times when life's challenges can be so overwhelming that it consumes every part of us, affecting our productivity, how we see ourselves, and how we connect to others. I am dedicated to helping my clients discover their own inner strengths and resources, gain new insights and develop new skills that can be utilized to overcome any issues or challenges and help restore confidence, peace and fulfillment in your life.
(657) 239-3538 View (657) 239-3538
Photo of Mitra Golriz Counseling & Therapy, Marriage & Family Therapist in 92612, CA
Mitra Golriz Counseling & Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Irvine, CA 92612  (Online Only)
Certified in DBT and EMDR providing individual and group therapy to help with symptoms related to anxiety, depression, PTSD, self destructive behaviors, childhood trauma, that is impacting your adult life. Therapy is not a one-size-fits-all, let me assess what is going on for you and learn about the areas of stress in your life. I use a variety of methods including Mindfulness, Emotionally Focused therapy, Trauma focused, and CBD.
Certified in DBT and EMDR providing individual and group therapy to help with symptoms related to anxiety, depression, PTSD, self destructive behaviors, childhood trauma, that is impacting your adult life. Therapy is not a one-size-fits-all, let me assess what is going on for you and learn about the areas of stress in your life. I use a variety of methods including Mindfulness, Emotionally Focused therapy, Trauma focused, and CBD.
(949) 429-4683 View (949) 429-4683
Photo of Dr. Alison Ahn - Telehealth Available in 92612, CA
Dr. Alison Ahn - Telehealth Available
PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Irvine, CA 92612  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I specialize in anxiety, depression, complex trauma, PTSD and family or relationship issues such as dating, pre-marital counseling, marital conflict, parenting, and intergenerational problems.
What troubles your heart? Where do you feel stuck, overwhelmed, discouraged or stressed in life? I am here to listen and walk with you through your frustration, pain, loss, grief or emotional distress. You will be able to break free of your unhealthy life patterns that trouble your heart and gain new insight, awareness, strength, joy, and hope. Call me at 949-345-1073 for free consultation.
I specialize in anxiety, depression, complex trauma, PTSD and family or relationship issues such as dating, pre-marital counseling, marital conflict, parenting, and intergenerational problems.
What troubles your heart? Where do you feel stuck, overwhelmed, discouraged or stressed in life? I am here to listen and walk with you through your frustration, pain, loss, grief or emotional distress. You will be able to break free of your unhealthy life patterns that trouble your heart and gain new insight, awareness, strength, joy, and hope. Call me at 949-345-1073 for free consultation.
(949) 894-4338 View (949) 894-4338
Photo of Dianne Mason, Marriage & Family Therapist in 92612, CA
Dianne Mason
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Irvine, CA 92612
Waitlist for new clients
My special interests include religious and spiritual trauma and transitions, depression and anxiety, childhood trauma, and relationship challenges.
Hi, I'm so glad you are here! I believe that stories have immense power to influence the way we see ourselves, others, and the world. Sometimes the stories we carry with us are uplifting and hopeful. However, far too often the stories we hear in our families and culture relay a message that there is something wrong with us, that we are broken, flawed, or unworthy. I also believe that we each have a Self that is unflawed and enduring, and often what we need most is to reconnect to our Selves through healing practices, deep conversation, and re-authoring our stories in a way that is more authentic to who we are.
My special interests include religious and spiritual trauma and transitions, depression and anxiety, childhood trauma, and relationship challenges.
Hi, I'm so glad you are here! I believe that stories have immense power to influence the way we see ourselves, others, and the world. Sometimes the stories we carry with us are uplifting and hopeful. However, far too often the stories we hear in our families and culture relay a message that there is something wrong with us, that we are broken, flawed, or unworthy. I also believe that we each have a Self that is unflawed and enduring, and often what we need most is to reconnect to our Selves through healing practices, deep conversation, and re-authoring our stories in a way that is more authentic to who we are.
(657) 214-4767 View (657) 214-4767
Photo of Ilana Grines, Marriage & Family Therapist in 92612, CA
Ilana Grines
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Irvine, CA 92612
Together we can address issues related to stress, relationships, work, anxiety, and depression.
Hello, I am Ilana! I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the State of California (LMFT #116296). I work with individuals and families from a variety of backgrounds. I have experience in a multitude of settings, including schools, private practice, and community mental health. My therapeutic approach incorporates CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), Solution-Focused Therapy, and Client-Centered Therapy. I believe that therapy is collaborative and encourage my clients to grow in a safe, therapeutic environment.
Together we can address issues related to stress, relationships, work, anxiety, and depression.
Hello, I am Ilana! I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the State of California (LMFT #116296). I work with individuals and families from a variety of backgrounds. I have experience in a multitude of settings, including schools, private practice, and community mental health. My therapeutic approach incorporates CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), Solution-Focused Therapy, and Client-Centered Therapy. I believe that therapy is collaborative and encourage my clients to grow in a safe, therapeutic environment.
(949) 570-4639 View (949) 570-4639
Photo of Nadia Teymoorian, Marriage & Family Therapist in 92612, CA
Nadia Teymoorian
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, PsyD
Verified Verified
Irvine, CA 92612
My extensive experience includes providing Counseling Services for Geriatrics, Adults, adolescents and Couples who struggle with a variety of issues such as Depression, Anxiety, Anger Management, Self Esteem issues, Domestic violence, Substance abuse, Sexual Abuse, Marital and pre-marital issues, Interpersonal and Relationship issues.
There are circumstances in life that can prevent individuals to enjoy life to its fullest. Regardless of the reason, psychotherapy is a powerful and beneficial tool for healing and personal growth. I'm here to offer you support and guidance through the process. My approach is tailored to each individual based on each individual’s unique needs that sometimes involves identifying strengths, building self-confidence and self-acceptance as well as challenging unhealthy beliefs and coping strategies in a therapeutic, supportive and non-judgmental atmosphere.
My extensive experience includes providing Counseling Services for Geriatrics, Adults, adolescents and Couples who struggle with a variety of issues such as Depression, Anxiety, Anger Management, Self Esteem issues, Domestic violence, Substance abuse, Sexual Abuse, Marital and pre-marital issues, Interpersonal and Relationship issues.
There are circumstances in life that can prevent individuals to enjoy life to its fullest. Regardless of the reason, psychotherapy is a powerful and beneficial tool for healing and personal growth. I'm here to offer you support and guidance through the process. My approach is tailored to each individual based on each individual’s unique needs that sometimes involves identifying strengths, building self-confidence and self-acceptance as well as challenging unhealthy beliefs and coping strategies in a therapeutic, supportive and non-judgmental atmosphere.
(949) 238-1694 View (949) 238-1694
Photo of David Serbin, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in 92612, CA
David Serbin
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MA, LPCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Irvine, CA 92612  (Online Only)
Are you feeling tired, depressed, anxious? Have you ever felt as though you were too depressed to even get out of bed? It’s easy for our negative thoughts to consume us. This is because our brains have a hardwired negativity bias that helped our ancestors survive. For this reason, we are left with brains that often focus on the negative, while minimizing the positive aspects of our lives. It can seem like our brains cut out the positive components of our being, like a deleted scene from a movie.
Are you feeling tired, depressed, anxious? Have you ever felt as though you were too depressed to even get out of bed? It’s easy for our negative thoughts to consume us. This is because our brains have a hardwired negativity bias that helped our ancestors survive. For this reason, we are left with brains that often focus on the negative, while minimizing the positive aspects of our lives. It can seem like our brains cut out the positive components of our being, like a deleted scene from a movie.
(949) 919-7231 View (949) 919-7231
Photo of Michael Mahan, Marriage & Family Therapist in 92612, CA
Michael Mahan
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Irvine, CA 92612  (Online Only)
Becoming a Marriage and Family Therapist stemmed from my personal journey, sparked by my own struggles to understand my identity as a man and a father. At a crucial point in my life, I wrestled with profound questions about my identity and how to be the best father I could be. To find clarity, I began my own therapeutic journey, seeking the guidance of a compassionate therapist to address my challenges. It was during this transformative period that I realized my true calling: to support others in their journey towards hope, growth, and profound transformation.
Becoming a Marriage and Family Therapist stemmed from my personal journey, sparked by my own struggles to understand my identity as a man and a father. At a crucial point in my life, I wrestled with profound questions about my identity and how to be the best father I could be. To find clarity, I began my own therapeutic journey, seeking the guidance of a compassionate therapist to address my challenges. It was during this transformative period that I realized my true calling: to support others in their journey towards hope, growth, and profound transformation.
(714) 509-5559 View (714) 509-5559
Photo of Maria Malo- Emdr + Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy, Marriage & Family Therapist in 92612, CA
Maria Malo- Emdr + Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Irvine, CA 92612
Congratulations on making the decision to seek therapy – it's a brave and important step towards improving your life. We all have moments when things just don't seem right, and the weight of our struggles can become too much to bear alone. But the great news is that you don't have to face these challenges on your own. Today, you're choosing to address those deeper issues that you might have been putting off for too long. It's like opening the door to a room in your heart that you've kept locked away. It's time to let some light in and start the process of healing and growth. Your journey towards a better life begins here.
Congratulations on making the decision to seek therapy – it's a brave and important step towards improving your life. We all have moments when things just don't seem right, and the weight of our struggles can become too much to bear alone. But the great news is that you don't have to face these challenges on your own. Today, you're choosing to address those deeper issues that you might have been putting off for too long. It's like opening the door to a room in your heart that you've kept locked away. It's time to let some light in and start the process of healing and growth. Your journey towards a better life begins here.
(415) 912-8055 View (415) 912-8055
Photo of Kathy Le, Psychological Associate in 92612, CA
Kathy Le
Psychological Associate, MA
Verified Verified
Irvine, CA 92612  (Online Only)
I take a holistic, client-centered approach to therapy. My goal is to provide insight, feedback, and tools to help you in this journey. I utilize different modalities in order to tailor each session and treatment plan to whatever goals or challenges you may be facing at the moment. I have immediate openings for individual and relationship therapy on Sunday, Monday, and Thursdays.
I take a holistic, client-centered approach to therapy. My goal is to provide insight, feedback, and tools to help you in this journey. I utilize different modalities in order to tailor each session and treatment plan to whatever goals or challenges you may be facing at the moment. I have immediate openings for individual and relationship therapy on Sunday, Monday, and Thursdays.
(949) 881-4776 View (949) 881-4776
Photo of Eden Neely, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 92612, CA
Eden Neely
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MBA, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Irvine, CA 92612  (Online Only)
There is hope and healing – it is never too late. I am a safe place to tell your story and explore new ways of being. I can help you uncover the toxic cycles and unproductive patterns that are keeping you from living your best life. Issues like low self-esteem, conflicted relationships, life transitions and personal losses can make you feel alone, sad and uncertain about the future. Or maybe you feel stuck, anxious and stressed because you make the same mistakes over and over again. I can provide a sanctuary where you are heard, supported and grow to become the person you are meant to be.
There is hope and healing – it is never too late. I am a safe place to tell your story and explore new ways of being. I can help you uncover the toxic cycles and unproductive patterns that are keeping you from living your best life. Issues like low self-esteem, conflicted relationships, life transitions and personal losses can make you feel alone, sad and uncertain about the future. Or maybe you feel stuck, anxious and stressed because you make the same mistakes over and over again. I can provide a sanctuary where you are heard, supported and grow to become the person you are meant to be.
(949) 575-8353 View (949) 575-8353

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.