Photo of Dr. Andrea F Polard, Psychologist in Brentwood, CA
Dr. Andrea F Polard
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brentwood, CA 94513  (Online Only)
Je peux parler francais, mais n'est pas tres bien. :)
Je peux parler francais, mais n'est pas tres bien. :)
(310) 879-5949 View (310) 879-5949
Photo of Anne Marie Whitaker, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Brentwood, CA
Anne Marie Whitaker
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MA, LPCC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brentwood, CA 94513
I have experience working with many others such as: ADHD, depression, eating disorders, phobias and major life changes.
Current openings for new clients! Are you experiencing distressing thoughts that scare you? Do you feel compelled to complete certain tasks (even mentally) due to your thoughts? Do others often comment that you are anxious or always on edge? Or perhaps you're struggling with peer or family relationships, major life changes and use unhealthy means of coping with stress? If you or your teen have answered yes to any of these questions, I may be able to help. As a client-centered therapist, I believe that healing begins with a strong therapeutic relationship; one that is genuine and compassionate.
I have experience working with many others such as: ADHD, depression, eating disorders, phobias and major life changes.
Current openings for new clients! Are you experiencing distressing thoughts that scare you? Do you feel compelled to complete certain tasks (even mentally) due to your thoughts? Do others often comment that you are anxious or always on edge? Or perhaps you're struggling with peer or family relationships, major life changes and use unhealthy means of coping with stress? If you or your teen have answered yes to any of these questions, I may be able to help. As a client-centered therapist, I believe that healing begins with a strong therapeutic relationship; one that is genuine and compassionate.
(510) 399-2459 View (510) 399-2459

Online Therapists

Photo of Sophie Marchand, Marriage & Family Therapist in Brentwood, CA
Sophie Marchand
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sunnyvale, CA 94087
Constatez-vous que ce sont toujours les mêmes problématiques qui ressurgissent ? Avez-vous du mal à prendre une décision ? Vous blâmez-vous lorsque vous échouez ? Vous sentez-vous dépassé, malheureux ou impuissant ? Si vous avez répondu par l’affirmative à ces questions, vous avez frappé à la bonne porte. Pour répondre à vos objectifs, j’assure un environnement chaleureux, empathique et sans jugement qui vous permettra de traiter vos difficultés personnelles. Je suis spécialisée dans les traitements de l’anxiété, la dépression, la parentalité, la coparentalité et les transitions de vie telles que le divorce ou la perte d’emploi.
Constatez-vous que ce sont toujours les mêmes problématiques qui ressurgissent ? Avez-vous du mal à prendre une décision ? Vous blâmez-vous lorsque vous échouez ? Vous sentez-vous dépassé, malheureux ou impuissant ? Si vous avez répondu par l’affirmative à ces questions, vous avez frappé à la bonne porte. Pour répondre à vos objectifs, j’assure un environnement chaleureux, empathique et sans jugement qui vous permettra de traiter vos difficultés personnelles. Je suis spécialisée dans les traitements de l’anxiété, la dépression, la parentalité, la coparentalité et les transitions de vie telles que le divorce ou la perte d’emploi.
(408) 475-5966 View (408) 475-5966
Photo of Marie- Nathalie Beaudoin, Psychologist in Brentwood, CA
Marie- Nathalie Beaudoin
Psychologist, PhD, MPsy
Verified Verified
Santa Clara, CA 95050
Nos propres pensées sont parfois nos pires ennemis. L’anxiété, les critiques, les doutes et les expériences négatives peuvent tourner en boucle dans nos têtes comme un carrousel sans fin qui trouve toujours de nouvelles munitions. Parfois nos proches, partenaire intime ou membres de la famille, contribuent par inadvertance à ce “pattern” néfaste. A d’autres moments, nous sommes les instigateurs de reproches ou de conflits avec nos familles, malgré nos désirs de paix et de joie. Comment mettre un frein à ces habitudes?
Nos propres pensées sont parfois nos pires ennemis. L’anxiété, les critiques, les doutes et les expériences négatives peuvent tourner en boucle dans nos têtes comme un carrousel sans fin qui trouve toujours de nouvelles munitions. Parfois nos proches, partenaire intime ou membres de la famille, contribuent par inadvertance à ce “pattern” néfaste. A d’autres moments, nous sommes les instigateurs de reproches ou de conflits avec nos familles, malgré nos désirs de paix et de joie. Comment mettre un frein à ces habitudes?
(408) 713-6382 View (408) 713-6382
Photo of 'Mind Your Stories & Live Well' in Brentwood, CA
'Mind Your Stories & Live Well'
PhD, MA
Verified Verified
San Mateo, CA 94403
Mon approche à la psychothérapie est diversifié. Tout dépend du besoin de mon client et de ses espérances. Mon point le plus fort se trouve dans la psychologie des profondeurs et la spirituale, parce que je suis aussi un professionnel en hypnotherapy et psycho synthèse. Je tiens beaucoup plus compte de la cause du problème que de son effet. J'ai travaillé avec les clients de différentes cultures et traditions. A cela, je croix fermement en la capacité de mes clients à pouvoir venir à terme avec leurs predicaments s'lls/elles reçoivent le support et les stratégies nécessaires. Je serai toujours à leur côté pour qu'il en soit ainsi
Mon approche à la psychothérapie est diversifié. Tout dépend du besoin de mon client et de ses espérances. Mon point le plus fort se trouve dans la psychologie des profondeurs et la spirituale, parce que je suis aussi un professionnel en hypnotherapy et psycho synthèse. Je tiens beaucoup plus compte de la cause du problème que de son effet. J'ai travaillé avec les clients de différentes cultures et traditions. A cela, je croix fermement en la capacité de mes clients à pouvoir venir à terme avec leurs predicaments s'lls/elles reçoivent le support et les stratégies nécessaires. Je serai toujours à leur côté pour qu'il en soit ainsi
(650) 618-2204 View (650) 618-2204
Photo of Agnes Cartry-Jacobsen, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Brentwood, CA
Agnes Cartry-Jacobsen
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT, CCHT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Grass Valley, CA 95945
Waitlist for new clients
Vous ou votre enfant souffrez de dépression, d'anxiété, de problèmes relationnels ou de scolarité. Je propose des séances en français.
Vous ou votre enfant souffrez de dépression, d'anxiété, de problèmes relationnels ou de scolarité. Je propose des séances en français.
(530) 675-8464 View (530) 675-8464
Photo of Rachael Vaughan, Marriage & Family Therapist in Brentwood, CA
Rachael Vaughan
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
San Rafael, CA 94901  (Online Only)
La thérapie ouvre la possibilité d’enfin mettre son passé derrière soi et avancer sur une nouvelle route plus dégagée, affranchie du stress et l’anxiété qui avait tendance à la gouverner.
La thérapie ouvre la possibilité d’enfin mettre son passé derrière soi et avancer sur une nouvelle route plus dégagée, affranchie du stress et l’anxiété qui avait tendance à la gouverner.
(415) 799-3702 View (415) 799-3702
Photo of Inspired Mind Counseling, Marriage & Family Therapist in Brentwood, CA
Inspired Mind Counseling
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, JD, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Lafayette, CA 94549
Est-ce que vous vous sentez epuise et plein d'anxiete a la fois? Avez-vous des problemes de couples, des difficultes communiquer avec d'autres personnes dans la famille? Avez- vous des problemes relationnels au travail ou a l'ecole? IMC pourrait eventuellement vous aider. Notre cabinet moderne et confortable se trouve a Walnut Creek a l'adresse suivante: 2960 Camino Diablo, Suite 200A, WC 94597 (avec parking gratuit). Veuillez nous telephoner pour une consultation telephonique gratuite et pour faire un rendez-vous au 925-528-1363.
Est-ce que vous vous sentez epuise et plein d'anxiete a la fois? Avez-vous des problemes de couples, des difficultes communiquer avec d'autres personnes dans la famille? Avez- vous des problemes relationnels au travail ou a l'ecole? IMC pourrait eventuellement vous aider. Notre cabinet moderne et confortable se trouve a Walnut Creek a l'adresse suivante: 2960 Camino Diablo, Suite 200A, WC 94597 (avec parking gratuit). Veuillez nous telephoner pour une consultation telephonique gratuite et pour faire un rendez-vous au 925-528-1363.
(925) 402-4024 View (925) 402-4024
Photo of Meryl Irene Haviva Haggege, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Brentwood, CA
Meryl Irene Haviva Haggege
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94705  (Online Only)
Bonjour! Vous recherchez une psychothérapeute française qui exerce en Californie et travaille en Français et en Anglais? J’aide les expats francophones en Californie à faire face aux défis qui accompagnent toute migration. Après avoir grandi en France dans une famille biculturelle et avoir immigré en Californie il y a presque dix ans, j'ai acquis un point de vue unique qui me permet d'aider les gens à traverser des transitions difficiles et tout ajustement culturel.
Bonjour! Vous recherchez une psychothérapeute française qui exerce en Californie et travaille en Français et en Anglais? J’aide les expats francophones en Californie à faire face aux défis qui accompagnent toute migration. Après avoir grandi en France dans une famille biculturelle et avoir immigré en Californie il y a presque dix ans, j'ai acquis un point de vue unique qui me permet d'aider les gens à traverser des transitions difficiles et tout ajustement culturel.
(310) 356-3722 View (310) 356-3722
Photo of Adelaide Fulconis, Marriage & Family Therapist in Brentwood, CA
Adelaide Fulconis
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA, LLM
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Rafael, CA 94903
Formee à la psychologie en France, puis en Californie, je suis sensible et à l'ecoute de ce qui manque à votre epanouissement. Il peut s'agir de se sentir compris, aimé ou simplement entendu, mais aussi trouver du sens ou reprendre le controle de votre vie. Je vous propose de vous accompagner sur le chemin de la decouverte de soi afin de vous ouvrir de nouvelles horizons vers les changements que vous souhaiteriez a titre personnel et dans le cadre familial et professionnel. Il me tient a coeur de vous offrir un espace confidentiel où prevalent la compassion, l'authenticite et la confiance.
Formee à la psychologie en France, puis en Californie, je suis sensible et à l'ecoute de ce qui manque à votre epanouissement. Il peut s'agir de se sentir compris, aimé ou simplement entendu, mais aussi trouver du sens ou reprendre le controle de votre vie. Je vous propose de vous accompagner sur le chemin de la decouverte de soi afin de vous ouvrir de nouvelles horizons vers les changements que vous souhaiteriez a titre personnel et dans le cadre familial et professionnel. Il me tient a coeur de vous offrir un espace confidentiel où prevalent la compassion, l'authenticite et la confiance.
(628) 600-3167 View (628) 600-3167
Photo of Jean-Frederic Aboudarham, Psychologist in Brentwood, CA
Jean-Frederic Aboudarham
Psychologist, MEng, PhD
Verified Verified
Mountain View, CA 94040
Je suis d'origine Francaise, et donc parle et lis leFrancais courament. Et bien sur j'ai eu beaucoup d'occasions au cours de mes pres de 30 ans de carriere de servir des clients en Francais. J'utilise une approche dite "eclectique", mais surtout cognitive, qui assume que la plupart de nos difficultes psychologiques sont des consequences de no shemas mentaux. Les revoir et les mettre a jour une fois de temps en temps au fur et a mesure que la base de donnees de nos connaissance se complete peut s'averer tres utile...
Je suis d'origine Francaise, et donc parle et lis leFrancais courament. Et bien sur j'ai eu beaucoup d'occasions au cours de mes pres de 30 ans de carriere de servir des clients en Francais. J'utilise une approche dite "eclectique", mais surtout cognitive, qui assume que la plupart de nos difficultes psychologiques sont des consequences de no shemas mentaux. Les revoir et les mettre a jour une fois de temps en temps au fur et a mesure que la base de donnees de nos connaissance se complete peut s'averer tres utile...
(650) 603-0415 View (650) 603-0415
Photo of Susan Futterman, Marriage & Family Therapist in Brentwood, CA
Susan Futterman
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
Berkeley, CA 94705
I am primarily focused on working with bereaved individuals and/or families who have lost someone to suicide as well as working with individuals who have made suicide attempts in the past or are considering an attempt. In addition, I work with individuals dealing with emotional/psychological trauma of all types, as well as with depression and grief. I also have experience working with people dealing with challenges such as bipolar disorder. I provide both individual and group therapy.
I am primarily focused on working with bereaved individuals and/or families who have lost someone to suicide as well as working with individuals who have made suicide attempts in the past or are considering an attempt. In addition, I work with individuals dealing with emotional/psychological trauma of all types, as well as with depression and grief. I also have experience working with people dealing with challenges such as bipolar disorder. I provide both individual and group therapy.
(415) 870-8056 View (415) 870-8056
Photo of Melissa Sipolt, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist in Brentwood, CA
Melissa Sipolt, MA, LMFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Elk Grove, CA 95758  (Online Only)
Making the decision to begin therapy/counseling is a big step, and I truly understand and respect the bravery and vulnerability that it takes for clients to reach out to a prospective therapist. Over the past 23 years, I have successfully helped thousands of individual adults, adolescents, children, couples and families to heal from issues related to anxiety, depression, difficulty concentrating, family and couple relationships, divorce, infertility, parenting, adoption, addiction, self-esteem, bullying, life transitions, grief, trauma, and adverse childhood events.
Making the decision to begin therapy/counseling is a big step, and I truly understand and respect the bravery and vulnerability that it takes for clients to reach out to a prospective therapist. Over the past 23 years, I have successfully helped thousands of individual adults, adolescents, children, couples and families to heal from issues related to anxiety, depression, difficulty concentrating, family and couple relationships, divorce, infertility, parenting, adoption, addiction, self-esteem, bullying, life transitions, grief, trauma, and adverse childhood events.
(808) 400-1544 View (808) 400-1544
Photo of Monique Jost-Vazire, Marriage & Family Therapist in Brentwood, CA
Monique Jost-Vazire
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
Mountain View, CA 94040
Do you sometimes ask yourself: I feel angry, disappointed, or depressed. What can I do? I tried everything, nothing works in the long term. Why are my relationships so unfulfilling? During sessions, you are guided to discover the parts of your Self that are in conflict. They have conflicting goals, perspectives, and beliefs. Those "parts" often pull you in opposite directions - "I want to eat, but I also want to lose weight" for example. Then you criticize yourself for not being more responsible, productive, etc... Get to understand why they pull you in opposite directions and how to negotiate with them.
Do you sometimes ask yourself: I feel angry, disappointed, or depressed. What can I do? I tried everything, nothing works in the long term. Why are my relationships so unfulfilling? During sessions, you are guided to discover the parts of your Self that are in conflict. They have conflicting goals, perspectives, and beliefs. Those "parts" often pull you in opposite directions - "I want to eat, but I also want to lose weight" for example. Then you criticize yourself for not being more responsible, productive, etc... Get to understand why they pull you in opposite directions and how to negotiate with them.
(650) 741-1646 View (650) 741-1646
Photo of Hilary Beech, Psychologist in Brentwood, CA
Hilary Beech
Psychologist, PhD, MBA, MSEE
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Anselmo, CA 94979  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Clients seek my help for social and generalized anxiety, depression, work stress/burnout/workaholism, impostor syndrome, procrastination, fear of making mistakes in public or discomfort with being a learner/non-expert, difficulty with romantic and workplace relationships, creativity blocks, internet addiction, navigating transitions, feeling disconnected/isolated, hopelessness about life purpose or the state of the world, difficulty sorting out life and professional priorities, feeling trapped/unfulfilled in work or that they are not fully expressing their potential.
I specialize in serving GIFTED PROFESSIONAL AND CREATIVE ADULTS AND COUPLES. Being gifted is a minority experience, which is hard to own or talk about due to cultural (mis)attributions of elitism and arrogance, so many gifted people have not explored this aspect of their identity and how this may be related to difficulties in their life. You may feel out of step with the world or misunderstood, and not know why, or that you have to hide aspects of yourself. Or have trouble making friends, be told you’re "too intense", feel socially awkward, not understand why others seem to respond negatively to your ideas, or feel deeply disappointed with the world’s imperfections. IN MY OFFICE, YOU CAN BE UNRESERVEDLY YOURSELF. Talking frankly about being gifted can improve your self-esteem and offer relief from self-doubt, loneliness, anxiety, or depression, as you develop strategies to meet the majority culture more effectively. Before becoming a psychologist, I worked for 25 years in startups, nonprofits, academia, and F500 companies. I hold a Stanford MBA and Berkeley MSEE, and have special training in assisting gifted clients. I've also published research on the creative process.
Clients seek my help for social and generalized anxiety, depression, work stress/burnout/workaholism, impostor syndrome, procrastination, fear of making mistakes in public or discomfort with being a learner/non-expert, difficulty with romantic and workplace relationships, creativity blocks, internet addiction, navigating transitions, feeling disconnected/isolated, hopelessness about life purpose or the state of the world, difficulty sorting out life and professional priorities, feeling trapped/unfulfilled in work or that they are not fully expressing their potential.
I specialize in serving GIFTED PROFESSIONAL AND CREATIVE ADULTS AND COUPLES. Being gifted is a minority experience, which is hard to own or talk about due to cultural (mis)attributions of elitism and arrogance, so many gifted people have not explored this aspect of their identity and how this may be related to difficulties in their life. You may feel out of step with the world or misunderstood, and not know why, or that you have to hide aspects of yourself. Or have trouble making friends, be told you’re "too intense", feel socially awkward, not understand why others seem to respond negatively to your ideas, or feel deeply disappointed with the world’s imperfections. IN MY OFFICE, YOU CAN BE UNRESERVEDLY YOURSELF. Talking frankly about being gifted can improve your self-esteem and offer relief from self-doubt, loneliness, anxiety, or depression, as you develop strategies to meet the majority culture more effectively. Before becoming a psychologist, I worked for 25 years in startups, nonprofits, academia, and F500 companies. I hold a Stanford MBA and Berkeley MSEE, and have special training in assisting gifted clients. I've also published research on the creative process.
(415) 200-2685 View (415) 200-2685
Photo of Alex Momtchiloff, Marriage & Family Therapist in Brentwood, CA
Alex Momtchiloff
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94102
Life. Love. Work. You want to live life fully--to thrive, not just survive. But it's not so simple. There are daily stresses and disappointments that over time can turn into anxiety, depression. You're struggling in your relationships, or with your lack of them. Maybe your early years were not the easiest, and you carry the scars. Perhaps society treats you differently, making it hard to thrive, get ahead, be comfortable with yourself. But you have reached a turning point: you are ready for a change. You decide you need help. Where to turn? I know this journey, I've been on my own version of it. I can help you find your way.
Life. Love. Work. You want to live life fully--to thrive, not just survive. But it's not so simple. There are daily stresses and disappointments that over time can turn into anxiety, depression. You're struggling in your relationships, or with your lack of them. Maybe your early years were not the easiest, and you carry the scars. Perhaps society treats you differently, making it hard to thrive, get ahead, be comfortable with yourself. But you have reached a turning point: you are ready for a change. You decide you need help. Where to turn? I know this journey, I've been on my own version of it. I can help you find your way.
(628) 213-7220 View (628) 213-7220
Photo of Armand Volkas, Marriage & Family Therapist in Brentwood, CA
Armand Volkas
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFA, MFT, RDT, BCT
Verified Verified
12 Endorsed
Emeryville, CA 94608
I believe that a supportive therapeutic relationship can be the springboard from which many life issues can be addressed and healed. I am warm and gentle, yet firm when appropriate. I am encouraging, nurturing and have a deep capacity for empathy. I am committed to your growth and the changes you want to make in your life. Issues I treat include anxiety, depression, trauma recovery, and relationships. I treat children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. I have special expertise in working with personal and collective trauma, deepening intimacy in couples, cross-cultural relationships, grief and mourning and healing friendships.
I believe that a supportive therapeutic relationship can be the springboard from which many life issues can be addressed and healed. I am warm and gentle, yet firm when appropriate. I am encouraging, nurturing and have a deep capacity for empathy. I am committed to your growth and the changes you want to make in your life. Issues I treat include anxiety, depression, trauma recovery, and relationships. I treat children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. I have special expertise in working with personal and collective trauma, deepening intimacy in couples, cross-cultural relationships, grief and mourning and healing friendships.
(510) 595-5500 x11 View (510) 595-5500 x11
Photo of Bay Area Gestalt Institute, Marriage & Family Therapist in Brentwood, CA
Bay Area Gestalt Institute
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
16 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94117
We are Bay Area Gestalt Institute (BAGI), a non-profit collective of highly trained marriage and family therapists and associates, providing affordable psychotherapy throughout the Bay Area. We offer counseling to individuals, couples, families, and children. Our work is active, creative and holistic. Our therapists work with a variety of issues including: * Relationship Issues * Anxiety * Depression * LGBTQI Concerns * Trauma * Substance Use / Abuse * Eating Disorders * Spiritual * Personal Growth * Integration of Non-Ordinary States
We are Bay Area Gestalt Institute (BAGI), a non-profit collective of highly trained marriage and family therapists and associates, providing affordable psychotherapy throughout the Bay Area. We offer counseling to individuals, couples, families, and children. Our work is active, creative and holistic. Our therapists work with a variety of issues including: * Relationship Issues * Anxiety * Depression * LGBTQI Concerns * Trauma * Substance Use / Abuse * Eating Disorders * Spiritual * Personal Growth * Integration of Non-Ordinary States
(415) 969-3361 View (415) 969-3361
Photo of Lindsay Olshan, Marriage & Family Therapist in Brentwood, CA
Lindsay Olshan
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, ATR
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94115
My experience includes treating symptoms such as addiction, depression, anxiety, PTSD, self-esteem and self-image issues as well as relationship issues.
My goal is to help people regain balance in their lives, deepen their understanding of self and achieve a level of awareness that alleviates helplessness and creates choice and ultimate change.
My experience includes treating symptoms such as addiction, depression, anxiety, PTSD, self-esteem and self-image issues as well as relationship issues.
My goal is to help people regain balance in their lives, deepen their understanding of self and achieve a level of awareness that alleviates helplessness and creates choice and ultimate change.
(310) 341-7992 View (310) 341-7992
Photo of Barri Pitkoff Aji, Marriage & Family Therapist in Brentwood, CA
Barri Pitkoff Aji
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94115  (Online Only)
Is anxiety or depression preventing you from living the life you want? Are you longing for fulfilling relationships with others, but unable to attain them? I have helped adults and adolescents figure out what's blocking them and create happier and more fulfilling lives for over twenty years.
Is anxiety or depression preventing you from living the life you want? Are you longing for fulfilling relationships with others, but unable to attain them? I have helped adults and adolescents figure out what's blocking them and create happier and more fulfilling lives for over twenty years.
(415) 599-7364 View (415) 599-7364
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.