Photo of Galina Litvin, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Galina Litvin
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
As a mental health therapist I work from a client centered focus. I support and guide you in managing your mental health concerns. You maybe experiencing symptoms such as depression, anxiety, trauma, stress, or relationship issues. If you have a desire to understand and address the root causes of your life challenges, and you are willing to engage in the therapeutic process to make positive changes in your life then I'd love to work with you. I use a non-judgmental, empathetic therapeutic approach. I work to provide a safe and supportive environment to explore your thoughts and feelings, which in turn helps you grow as human being.
As a mental health therapist I work from a client centered focus. I support and guide you in managing your mental health concerns. You maybe experiencing symptoms such as depression, anxiety, trauma, stress, or relationship issues. If you have a desire to understand and address the root causes of your life challenges, and you are willing to engage in the therapeutic process to make positive changes in your life then I'd love to work with you. I use a non-judgmental, empathetic therapeutic approach. I work to provide a safe and supportive environment to explore your thoughts and feelings, which in turn helps you grow as human being.
(925) 361-3853 View (925) 361-3853
Photo of Connie F McCullar, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Connie F McCullar
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
I work with individuals who are experiencing depression, stress, anxiety, grief/loss, abuse, anger, self-esteem and communication issues. I seek to build a strong therapeutic relationship based on honesty, patience, kindness and respect while utilizing an interactive, eclectic therapeutic approach to therapy, working to empower each client to create healthy boundaries and experience satisfying relationships. I provide a confidential and nurturing environment for clients to work through obstacles and achieve personal goals and authenticity.
I work with individuals who are experiencing depression, stress, anxiety, grief/loss, abuse, anger, self-esteem and communication issues. I seek to build a strong therapeutic relationship based on honesty, patience, kindness and respect while utilizing an interactive, eclectic therapeutic approach to therapy, working to empower each client to create healthy boundaries and experience satisfying relationships. I provide a confidential and nurturing environment for clients to work through obstacles and achieve personal goals and authenticity.
(925) 241-5631 View (925) 241-5631
Photo of Amy Ratkovich, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Amy Ratkovich
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Walnut Creek, CA 94596  (Online Only)
Perhaps you need a safe space to explore your emotions, develop self-compassion, and improve your relationships in order to find inner peace, resilience, and a sense of fulfillment. If you want to overcome your struggles with ADHD, trauma, anxiety, depression or addiction and lead a happier, more balanced life then you are in the right place. You want to be in control of your life and together with a tailored plan we can get your there! Please visit my personal website amyratkovich.com to further explore my back and style.
Perhaps you need a safe space to explore your emotions, develop self-compassion, and improve your relationships in order to find inner peace, resilience, and a sense of fulfillment. If you want to overcome your struggles with ADHD, trauma, anxiety, depression or addiction and lead a happier, more balanced life then you are in the right place. You want to be in control of your life and together with a tailored plan we can get your there! Please visit my personal website amyratkovich.com to further explore my back and style.
(510) 694-1245 View (510) 694-1245
Photo of Andrew Thomas Bove, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Andrew Thomas Bove
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
Healing yourself, integrating body, mind, soul and spirit - realizing your highest Self. Living an authentic and adult life, facing the difficulties and clearing the obstacles to a healthier, fulfilling, connected and loving life. If these are some of your goals, then we are likely a good match for working together. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, loneliness, grief, trauma, destructive behaviors, relationship problems, parenting challenges, general dissatisfaction, feelings of emptiness or unhappiness, these difficulties have within them the pointers of which way to go and I can help you get there.
Healing yourself, integrating body, mind, soul and spirit - realizing your highest Self. Living an authentic and adult life, facing the difficulties and clearing the obstacles to a healthier, fulfilling, connected and loving life. If these are some of your goals, then we are likely a good match for working together. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, loneliness, grief, trauma, destructive behaviors, relationship problems, parenting challenges, general dissatisfaction, feelings of emptiness or unhappiness, these difficulties have within them the pointers of which way to go and I can help you get there.
(925) 281-4413 View (925) 281-4413
Photo of Anita Bardsley, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Anita Bardsley
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Walnut Creek, CA 94596  (Online Only)
I offer an in-depth, multidisciplinary approach to therapy which is rooted in the relational and psychodynamic traditions, focusing on the dynamics of relationships (both with yourself and others) and how unconscious thoughts, behaviors, and emotions can create symptoms such as depression, anxiety and low self-esteem.
Being human is complex and messy, filled with unexpected and challenging twists and turns. Such twists and turns can sometimes contribute to feelings of anxiety, overwhelm, sadness, depression, or other intense emotion. As a clinician, I am dedicated to helping you navigate the intricate landscape of your inner world to help relieve you of these intense emotions. Embracing the full spectrum of our human experience—including the messy and uncomfortable parts—is essential for true growth and healing.
I offer an in-depth, multidisciplinary approach to therapy which is rooted in the relational and psychodynamic traditions, focusing on the dynamics of relationships (both with yourself and others) and how unconscious thoughts, behaviors, and emotions can create symptoms such as depression, anxiety and low self-esteem.
Being human is complex and messy, filled with unexpected and challenging twists and turns. Such twists and turns can sometimes contribute to feelings of anxiety, overwhelm, sadness, depression, or other intense emotion. As a clinician, I am dedicated to helping you navigate the intricate landscape of your inner world to help relieve you of these intense emotions. Embracing the full spectrum of our human experience—including the messy and uncomfortable parts—is essential for true growth and healing.
(925) 526-7528 View (925) 526-7528
Photo of Eric Anders, PhD, PsyD, Licensed Psychoanalyst
Eric Anders
Licensed Psychoanalyst, PhD, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
My approach to therapy is consistently client-centered and always focused on empathy and creating lasting change. As a psychoanalyst, I work in an in-depth way that tries to take seriously what might be happening outside of awareness. The people I work with range from those suffering from anxiety, depression, and trauma to those who come in simply for relationship issues or greater self-understanding and growth. As a student/teacher of relational psychoanalysis and attachment theory, I have extensive experience working with people who struggle to maintain lasting and healthy love relationships.
My approach to therapy is consistently client-centered and always focused on empathy and creating lasting change. As a psychoanalyst, I work in an in-depth way that tries to take seriously what might be happening outside of awareness. The people I work with range from those suffering from anxiety, depression, and trauma to those who come in simply for relationship issues or greater self-understanding and growth. As a student/teacher of relational psychoanalysis and attachment theory, I have extensive experience working with people who struggle to maintain lasting and healthy love relationships.
(925) 236-0501 View (925) 236-0501
Photo of Allan H Solomon, PhD, Psychologist
Allan H Solomon
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Walnut Creek, CA 94596  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I have over 35 years experience as a clinical psychologist. I work primarily with individual adults but also have considerable experience working with children and adolescents. My focus is forming a trusting relationship in which together we work to improve your own sense of well being as well as connection to others. Above all I view our work as collaborative and mutually respectful. Clients have described me as highly empathetic, while helping them to achieve real life goals. I work with depression, anxiety, trauma, intimacy, health, and habit disorders including addictions.
I have over 35 years experience as a clinical psychologist. I work primarily with individual adults but also have considerable experience working with children and adolescents. My focus is forming a trusting relationship in which together we work to improve your own sense of well being as well as connection to others. Above all I view our work as collaborative and mutually respectful. Clients have described me as highly empathetic, while helping them to achieve real life goals. I work with depression, anxiety, trauma, intimacy, health, and habit disorders including addictions.
(925) 241-4097 View (925) 241-4097
Photo of Susan Berger, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Susan Berger
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
Are you feeling lost in life or in your relationship? My work with couples and individuals is about helping to make sense of what is happening on a deeper level. It may be that you feel anxious, angry or depressed too often. Or you might find yourself acting in ways that hurt instead of help. As we begin to understand what is behind all of this a process gets set in motion. I stay with your through this process as an insightful, empathic and supportive partner.
Are you feeling lost in life or in your relationship? My work with couples and individuals is about helping to make sense of what is happening on a deeper level. It may be that you feel anxious, angry or depressed too often. Or you might find yourself acting in ways that hurt instead of help. As we begin to understand what is behind all of this a process gets set in motion. I stay with your through this process as an insightful, empathic and supportive partner.
(925) 489-0843 View (925) 489-0843
Photo of Daniela (Dani) Pallafacchina, PsyD, MAMFT, Pre-Licensed Professional
Daniela (Dani) Pallafacchina
Pre-Licensed Professional, PsyD, MAMFT
Verified Verified
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
My specialties include relationships, attachment trauma, gender identity, eating disorders, addictions, adolescence, infertility, postpartum depression, and aging.
Hello! I'm a postdoctoral level therapist with experience working with a variety of clients who have different backgrounds, interests, and concerns. I work with individuals, both adults and adolescents, in a safe, understanding, accepting, non-judgmental environment. My intent is to focus on you as an individual, honor your experience, and genuinely hear your truth. I foster an inclusive environment for everyone, honoring your sexuality and gender.
My specialties include relationships, attachment trauma, gender identity, eating disorders, addictions, adolescence, infertility, postpartum depression, and aging.
Hello! I'm a postdoctoral level therapist with experience working with a variety of clients who have different backgrounds, interests, and concerns. I work with individuals, both adults and adolescents, in a safe, understanding, accepting, non-judgmental environment. My intent is to focus on you as an individual, honor your experience, and genuinely hear your truth. I foster an inclusive environment for everyone, honoring your sexuality and gender.
(707) 209-7037 View (707) 209-7037
Photo of Connie Hwang, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Connie Hwang
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
I've worked with children, teens, families and adults in addiction, acculturation, anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, relational issues and life transitions.
Do you take care of everyone and everything around you and still feel empty inside? Are you always striving for perfection but never feel good enough? Does your perception of yourself negatively impact your work or your relationships? I can help break unhealthy patterns and we will work collaboratively to discover the best version of yourself.
I've worked with children, teens, families and adults in addiction, acculturation, anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, relational issues and life transitions.
Do you take care of everyone and everything around you and still feel empty inside? Are you always striving for perfection but never feel good enough? Does your perception of yourself negatively impact your work or your relationships? I can help break unhealthy patterns and we will work collaboratively to discover the best version of yourself.
(415) 634-9611 View (415) 634-9611
Photo of Rupa Puri Zimmermann, PhD, Psychologist
Rupa Puri Zimmermann
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
I treat anxiety, depression, and trauma.
When people enter a time in their life or a situation where they may feel down, worried, overwhelmed, or without many options, I believe therapy can shed light on new paths. Using Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), I help people gain a sense of control by teaching them effective ways to communicate, regulate their emotions, and improve interpersonal relationships to bring about needed change. I work collaboratively with my clients and their families so they can improve their quality of life and thrive.
I treat anxiety, depression, and trauma.
When people enter a time in their life or a situation where they may feel down, worried, overwhelmed, or without many options, I believe therapy can shed light on new paths. Using Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), I help people gain a sense of control by teaching them effective ways to communicate, regulate their emotions, and improve interpersonal relationships to bring about needed change. I work collaboratively with my clients and their families so they can improve their quality of life and thrive.
(925) 961-5340 View (925) 961-5340
Photo of Leslie Hemedes, MA, PsyD, Psychologist
Leslie Hemedes
Psychologist, MA, PsyD
Verified Verified
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
I also have expertise in treating anxiety, depression, and reproductive-related mood disorders.
Welcome. Do you feel stuck or overwhelmed? Do you have trouble expressing your needs? Do you put a lot of pressure on yourself, and feel anxious about not meeting your expectations? Do you feel uncertain about how to manage feelings of distress? I am a psychologist that can help guide you toward relief. I aim to help individuals understand their concerns, strengths, and help them identify the tools necessary to manage distress, push through challenges, and understand how to become the best version of themselves.
I also have expertise in treating anxiety, depression, and reproductive-related mood disorders.
Welcome. Do you feel stuck or overwhelmed? Do you have trouble expressing your needs? Do you put a lot of pressure on yourself, and feel anxious about not meeting your expectations? Do you feel uncertain about how to manage feelings of distress? I am a psychologist that can help guide you toward relief. I aim to help individuals understand their concerns, strengths, and help them identify the tools necessary to manage distress, push through challenges, and understand how to become the best version of themselves.
(925) 807-7184 View (925) 807-7184
Photo of Galina Litvin - Institute of Mindful Therapy Group Practice, LMFT
Institute of Mindful Therapy Group Practice
LMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
Are you struggling with mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, or trauma. Have you experienced past traumas, or going through a difficult life transition, or are you struggling with relationships? Whatever the issue may be, we want to recognize and acknowledge that we can help to address your challenges. Our group of talented therapists are skilled at providing you with emotional support, incorporating modalities such as Ketamine, mindfulness, and utilizing a client centered approach. We will also work on helping to develop tools and techniques tailored to your needs, which will help improve your overall well-being.
Are you struggling with mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, or trauma. Have you experienced past traumas, or going through a difficult life transition, or are you struggling with relationships? Whatever the issue may be, we want to recognize and acknowledge that we can help to address your challenges. Our group of talented therapists are skilled at providing you with emotional support, incorporating modalities such as Ketamine, mindfulness, and utilizing a client centered approach. We will also work on helping to develop tools and techniques tailored to your needs, which will help improve your overall well-being.
(925) 393-0363 View (925) 393-0363
Photo of Rhonda Barovsky, LCSW, PsyD, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Rhonda Barovsky
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
Now may be the ideal time to address anxiety, depression, unwanted habits, repair relationships, or face situations that have caught up with you or your family members.
People come to therapy because they want to feel better. If you are experiencing depression, anxiety, OCD, or relationship problems, if you have experienced rape, childhood abuse, domestic violence, please call me. I also work with people who have experienced the death of a loved one, including their child. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, TEAM-CBT model developed by David Burns, MD, including powerful and effective techniques designed to move you from despair to joy. I also use EMDR, Hypnosis and Ketamine Assisted Therapy. "She was helpful, and understanding. I couldn't have gotten to where I am right now without her." KT
Now may be the ideal time to address anxiety, depression, unwanted habits, repair relationships, or face situations that have caught up with you or your family members.
People come to therapy because they want to feel better. If you are experiencing depression, anxiety, OCD, or relationship problems, if you have experienced rape, childhood abuse, domestic violence, please call me. I also work with people who have experienced the death of a loved one, including their child. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, TEAM-CBT model developed by David Burns, MD, including powerful and effective techniques designed to move you from despair to joy. I also use EMDR, Hypnosis and Ketamine Assisted Therapy. "She was helpful, and understanding. I couldn't have gotten to where I am right now without her." KT
(925) 304-6116 View (925) 304-6116
Photo of Vince Paul Brim, PsyD, MBA, CMC, Psychologist
Vince Paul Brim
Psychologist, PsyD, MBA, CMC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
Are you finding yourself caught in self defeating patterns? Are you anxious or depressed and don't know why? Maybe you are hard on yourself in ways you aren't to others. Or, do you find yourself overly critical of others? Do you wish you were happier, more at peace? We all try and want to live at our best, but many of us find ourselves pulled back into old patterns before we recognize our actions. We cope in many different ways or develop symptoms that are often self destructive. Why do we do this?
Are you finding yourself caught in self defeating patterns? Are you anxious or depressed and don't know why? Maybe you are hard on yourself in ways you aren't to others. Or, do you find yourself overly critical of others? Do you wish you were happier, more at peace? We all try and want to live at our best, but many of us find ourselves pulled back into old patterns before we recognize our actions. We cope in many different ways or develop symptoms that are often self destructive. Why do we do this?
(925) 528-0299 View (925) 528-0299
Photo of Dana Goldstein, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Dana Goldstein
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
I work with people struggling with anxiety, depression, and issues arising from life transitions, learning differences, high sensitivity, sensory issues, giftedness, and twice exceptionality, or 2e (giftedness with learning differences).
I work with clients of all ages, including adults, couples, families, and children from preschool through the teen years. For adults and adolescents, I tailor therapy using a combination of art therapy, mindfulness techniques, sand tray, and traditional talk therapy to explore and transform challenges. With younger children, who often express their emotions through behavior, I incorporate art and play therapy, sand tray techniques, and a warm, positive connection to to understand and process their inner world. I also collaborate with the family to support growth and healing at home.
I work with people struggling with anxiety, depression, and issues arising from life transitions, learning differences, high sensitivity, sensory issues, giftedness, and twice exceptionality, or 2e (giftedness with learning differences).
I work with clients of all ages, including adults, couples, families, and children from preschool through the teen years. For adults and adolescents, I tailor therapy using a combination of art therapy, mindfulness techniques, sand tray, and traditional talk therapy to explore and transform challenges. With younger children, who often express their emotions through behavior, I incorporate art and play therapy, sand tray techniques, and a warm, positive connection to to understand and process their inner world. I also collaborate with the family to support growth and healing at home.
(925) 315-4465 View (925) 315-4465
Photo of Kristina Holloway, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Kristina Holloway
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
Whether you're grappling with depression, anxiety, trauma, or relationship issues, together we'll identify and clarify your wants, needs, and goals, then determine any barriers to your goals and the necessary steps to overcome them.
We all experience challenges in life. At times, these can seem beyond our ability to handle. I would like to offer you my support. I welcome individuals and couples of all ages, backgrounds, and orientations into the therapeutic journey.
Whether you're grappling with depression, anxiety, trauma, or relationship issues, together we'll identify and clarify your wants, needs, and goals, then determine any barriers to your goals and the necessary steps to overcome them.
We all experience challenges in life. At times, these can seem beyond our ability to handle. I would like to offer you my support. I welcome individuals and couples of all ages, backgrounds, and orientations into the therapeutic journey.
(925) 492-7266 View (925) 492-7266
Photo of Lana Theimer, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Lana Theimer
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
I specialize in helping clients to overcome depression, find relief from anxiety and stress, and rediscover joy in their relationships and lives.
What if we begin with the assumption that you were born to be happy, loved, prosperous and at peace? Sounds good... but then why do I hurt? Why do I struggle? Why are the inevitable changes so hard to accept? Therapy can often serve to identify the barriers to happiness and emotional well-being. Simply identifying beliefs and practices at the center of any emotional turmoil can empower you to begin living a life that you deserve. I work with individuals and couples to get to the core of their issues so that they can start leading happier lives today!
I specialize in helping clients to overcome depression, find relief from anxiety and stress, and rediscover joy in their relationships and lives.
What if we begin with the assumption that you were born to be happy, loved, prosperous and at peace? Sounds good... but then why do I hurt? Why do I struggle? Why are the inevitable changes so hard to accept? Therapy can often serve to identify the barriers to happiness and emotional well-being. Simply identifying beliefs and practices at the center of any emotional turmoil can empower you to begin living a life that you deserve. I work with individuals and couples to get to the core of their issues so that they can start leading happier lives today!
(510) 493-7012 View (510) 493-7012
Photo of Sherry Anne Chase, PhD, RN, Psychologist
Sherry Anne Chase
Psychologist, PhD, RN
Verified Verified
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
My perspective embraces self-awareness as one of the main instruments in helping free up trauma. Fuller awareness removes the fear of the unknown, gives us distance from distress and the ability to disconnect from automatic behaviors that perpetuate negative reactions and feelings. In the words of international trauma experts “its teaching our clients how to focus on new stimuli they normally might not have noticed...” with “conscious inhibition of old responses”(Jana Fisher and Pat Ogden, March 2011). The intricacies of our humanness prevents freedom from all depression, anxiety, neurosis and traumatic bodily sensations. Yet.....
My perspective embraces self-awareness as one of the main instruments in helping free up trauma. Fuller awareness removes the fear of the unknown, gives us distance from distress and the ability to disconnect from automatic behaviors that perpetuate negative reactions and feelings. In the words of international trauma experts “its teaching our clients how to focus on new stimuli they normally might not have noticed...” with “conscious inhibition of old responses”(Jana Fisher and Pat Ogden, March 2011). The intricacies of our humanness prevents freedom from all depression, anxiety, neurosis and traumatic bodily sensations. Yet.....
(510) 470-6907 View (510) 470-6907
Photo of Lee Marchesani, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Lee Marchesani
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
In a warm, genuine, and respectful environment, I help clients to alleviate symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress, create and maintain satisfying relationships, work through issues of grief and loss, trauma, and resolve the often-debilitating symptoms of PTSD. I am experienced in helping clients resolve family of origin problems, relational and family issues, and enhancing communication skills. In collaboration with clients, I use a variety of techniques tailored to meet clients' needs and to help clients achieve their goals. I am trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing).
In a warm, genuine, and respectful environment, I help clients to alleviate symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress, create and maintain satisfying relationships, work through issues of grief and loss, trauma, and resolve the often-debilitating symptoms of PTSD. I am experienced in helping clients resolve family of origin problems, relational and family issues, and enhancing communication skills. In collaboration with clients, I use a variety of techniques tailored to meet clients' needs and to help clients achieve their goals. I am trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing).
(855) 520-7673 View (855) 520-7673
1
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.