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Photo of Theresa Rodriguez, Marriage & Family Therapist in Monarch Beach, CA
Theresa Rodriguez
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
I have experience working with the LGBTQ+ community, individuals struggling with co-occurring disorders, substance use disorders, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorders, schizophrenia, and trauma.
My name is Theresa Rodriguez, CADC, LMFT. I have been in the helping field for over 14 years. My experience and background are with individuals who need further assistance with mental health, substance use, trauma, LGBTQ+. Using Acceptance and Commitment therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Relapse Prevention techniques to help clients make progress and start feeling better about where they are and where they have yet to go. I have experience working with the LGBTQ+ community, individuals struggling with co-occurring disorders, substance use disorders, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorders, schizophrenia, and trauma.
I have experience working with the LGBTQ+ community, individuals struggling with co-occurring disorders, substance use disorders, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorders, schizophrenia, and trauma.
My name is Theresa Rodriguez, CADC, LMFT. I have been in the helping field for over 14 years. My experience and background are with individuals who need further assistance with mental health, substance use, trauma, LGBTQ+. Using Acceptance and Commitment therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Relapse Prevention techniques to help clients make progress and start feeling better about where they are and where they have yet to go. I have experience working with the LGBTQ+ community, individuals struggling with co-occurring disorders, substance use disorders, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorders, schizophrenia, and trauma.
(415) 949-2885 View (415) 949-2885
Photo of Mary Robin Bates, Marriage & Family Therapist in Monarch Beach, CA
Mary Robin Bates
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
My name is Robin Bates and I am Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I am licensed in California with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, codependency, depression, anxiety, motivation, self-esteem, confidence, & coping with life changes. I have worked with clients from ages 4 to 90 in a variety of settings. Currently, I am focusing on adults who are seeking help for depression, anxiety, self-esteem, spiritual issues, addiction, codependency, grief, and life transitions.
My name is Robin Bates and I am Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I am licensed in California with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, codependency, depression, anxiety, motivation, self-esteem, confidence, & coping with life changes. I have worked with clients from ages 4 to 90 in a variety of settings. Currently, I am focusing on adults who are seeking help for depression, anxiety, self-esteem, spiritual issues, addiction, codependency, grief, and life transitions.
(323) 765-3367 View (323) 765-3367
Photo of Cathrine Stipe, Marriage & Family Therapist in Monarch Beach, CA
Cathrine Stipe
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
I treat anxiety, depression, relational problems, and problems at school.
Despite your hard work, does it seem like problems continue to pop up for you? You might consider your family disorganized or even chaotic. You have noticed a shift in your child or children and are concerned, it may be caused by divorce or a loss in the family, or other events that cause stress. You are worried about their socialization and they seem to just not be themselves. Friends, family and maybe even teachers are expressing their own concerns regarding your child. You are not sure if it's your parenting or what more you can provide your child. This is scary, overwhelming and it takes courage to admit it isn't working.
I treat anxiety, depression, relational problems, and problems at school.
Despite your hard work, does it seem like problems continue to pop up for you? You might consider your family disorganized or even chaotic. You have noticed a shift in your child or children and are concerned, it may be caused by divorce or a loss in the family, or other events that cause stress. You are worried about their socialization and they seem to just not be themselves. Friends, family and maybe even teachers are expressing their own concerns regarding your child. You are not sure if it's your parenting or what more you can provide your child. This is scary, overwhelming and it takes courage to admit it isn't working.
(949) 313-4267 View (949) 313-4267
Photo of Mitra Golriz Counseling & Therapy, Marriage & Family Therapist in Monarch Beach, CA
Mitra Golriz Counseling & Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Laguna Niguel, CA 92677  (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 Cathryn Wilson, Associate Professional Clinical Counselor in Monarch Beach, CA
Cathryn Wilson
Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, APCC, R-DMT, C-IAYT
Verified Verified
Dana Point, CA 92629
Clients come to me to tap into their creativity, improve self esteem, and release fear/ feelings of shame in order to manage depression and anxiety.
In life, we often feel overwhelmed, out of control, or caught in patterns we can’t seem to escape. We may be affected by trauma, feel stuck in relationships, get caught in self defeating thought spirals or find that we are sabotaging ourselves. Many of us move around the world carrying secret struggles with negative thoughts, emotions, or urges, which disturb our day-to-day life and make waves in our relationships. Changing life circumstances-both positive (like the birth of a child) or negative (loss of a job)-can cause anxiety and strife.
Clients come to me to tap into their creativity, improve self esteem, and release fear/ feelings of shame in order to manage depression and anxiety.
In life, we often feel overwhelmed, out of control, or caught in patterns we can’t seem to escape. We may be affected by trauma, feel stuck in relationships, get caught in self defeating thought spirals or find that we are sabotaging ourselves. Many of us move around the world carrying secret struggles with negative thoughts, emotions, or urges, which disturb our day-to-day life and make waves in our relationships. Changing life circumstances-both positive (like the birth of a child) or negative (loss of a job)-can cause anxiety and strife.
(442) 239-4264 View (442) 239-4264
Photo of ASPIRE at Laguna Beach, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Monarch Beach, CA
ASPIRE at Laguna Beach
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MD, RN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
ASPIRE supports adolescent emotional wellness by taking a holistic treatment approach incorporating education, training and active participation from teens and their families. Adolescence is a time of profound growth and change. While one’s brain is still developing, challenges in school and interpersonal relationships can result in significant emotional distress leading to difficulties in normal daily functioning. ASPIRE helps teens navigate issues that are commonly present during this stage of life, such as family conflict, low self-esteem, ineffective communication, and symptoms of anxiety and depression.
ASPIRE supports adolescent emotional wellness by taking a holistic treatment approach incorporating education, training and active participation from teens and their families. Adolescence is a time of profound growth and change. While one’s brain is still developing, challenges in school and interpersonal relationships can result in significant emotional distress leading to difficulties in normal daily functioning. ASPIRE helps teens navigate issues that are commonly present during this stage of life, such as family conflict, low self-esteem, ineffective communication, and symptoms of anxiety and depression.
(949) 997-2618 View (949) 997-2618
Photo of Kelly Burris, Marriage & Family Therapist in Monarch Beach, CA
Kelly Burris
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Dana Point, CA 92629  (Online Only)
Many people I see have symptoms of PTSD or depression, anxiety, reexperiencing, sleeplessness after a trauma in their life.
Is it time to heal? I am here to help! I work together with people who have experienced trauma or difficult times. I believe that people have an amazing ability to heal. Everyone does! I often hear people say "I want to stop letting this interfere with my life but I don't know how." Guess what? I do! I am not saying that it will be easy to work towards a better life; but it will be WORTH IT. You deserve to live the best life possible. Let's start working together! I am EMDR certified and help other therapists hone their EMDR skills as an EMDRIA Approved Consultant. TELEHEALTH ONLY including EMDR in most cases.
Many people I see have symptoms of PTSD or depression, anxiety, reexperiencing, sleeplessness after a trauma in their life.
Is it time to heal? I am here to help! I work together with people who have experienced trauma or difficult times. I believe that people have an amazing ability to heal. Everyone does! I often hear people say "I want to stop letting this interfere with my life but I don't know how." Guess what? I do! I am not saying that it will be easy to work towards a better life; but it will be WORTH IT. You deserve to live the best life possible. Let's start working together! I am EMDR certified and help other therapists hone their EMDR skills as an EMDRIA Approved Consultant. TELEHEALTH ONLY including EMDR in most cases.
(949) 264-5922 View (949) 264-5922
Photo of Becca Lantry, Associate Marriage & Family Therapist in Monarch Beach, CA
Becca Lantry
Associate Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MS
Verified Verified
Dana Point, CA 92624  (Online Only)
I work with those experiencing all facets of depression, anxiety, postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, mood disorders, PTSD, grief, OCD, trauma, sexual dysfunction, mental health impacts due to chronic pain, and much more.
I believe that you are the expert of your own experiences. Together we can collaborate to come to a place in life that you prefer. I implement a tailored approach that meets your needs by fusing approaches from Narrative Family Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Collaborative Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Expressive Arts Therapy practices. If you think I may be a good fit for you, feel free to text, call or email Becca for a free 15 minute consultation.
I work with those experiencing all facets of depression, anxiety, postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, mood disorders, PTSD, grief, OCD, trauma, sexual dysfunction, mental health impacts due to chronic pain, and much more.
I believe that you are the expert of your own experiences. Together we can collaborate to come to a place in life that you prefer. I implement a tailored approach that meets your needs by fusing approaches from Narrative Family Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Collaborative Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Expressive Arts Therapy practices. If you think I may be a good fit for you, feel free to text, call or email Becca for a free 15 minute consultation.
(619) 393-4016 View (619) 393-4016
Photo of Shauna Goodenough, Marriage & Family Therapist in Monarch Beach, CA
Shauna Goodenough
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
Anxiety, depression, relationship conflict, and trauma are typical issues I work with.
Hi, my name is Shauna Goodenough and I'm a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I enjoy working with a variety of ages, with a focus on teens and young adults. My style is warm and supportive. I value client education and skill building to effect change.
Anxiety, depression, relationship conflict, and trauma are typical issues I work with.
Hi, my name is Shauna Goodenough and I'm a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I enjoy working with a variety of ages, with a focus on teens and young adults. My style is warm and supportive. I value client education and skill building to effect change.
(323) 831-8658 View (323) 831-8658
Photo of Nooshin Saraeipour, Marriage & Family Therapist in Monarch Beach, CA
Nooshin Saraeipour
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Laguna Niguel, CA 92677  (Online Only)
Life can be overwhelming at times and it's easy to lose sight of what matters to us. Reaching out for guidance is the first courageous step towards healing and emotional well-being. I am very familiar with the pain of silent suffering I endured, to get to the point of considering reaching out for help and I truly honor the courage it takes to embark on this journey of self-discovery. I believe in coming alongside my clients in their path of healing and resilience while recognizing each client's unique experience through a collaborative, respectful and empathic approach. Together, we will work on helping you identify your strengths,
Life can be overwhelming at times and it's easy to lose sight of what matters to us. Reaching out for guidance is the first courageous step towards healing and emotional well-being. I am very familiar with the pain of silent suffering I endured, to get to the point of considering reaching out for help and I truly honor the courage it takes to embark on this journey of self-discovery. I believe in coming alongside my clients in their path of healing and resilience while recognizing each client's unique experience through a collaborative, respectful and empathic approach. Together, we will work on helping you identify your strengths,
(714) 452-1731 View (714) 452-1731
Photo of Aleida Murcia, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Monarch Beach, CA
Aleida Murcia
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Dana Point, CA 92629
I hold a master’s degree in Social Work and a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. I worked for the Department of Children and Family Services (CFS), San Bernardino County, for more than seven years. I have experience in the child welfare and mental health field. I am a trainer for the San Diego University Research Foundation, and I am an adjunct professor for several universities. I am a doctorate student at Barry University. I am pursuing a doctorate degree in social work with an emphasis on trauma-informed practice.
I hold a master’s degree in Social Work and a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. I worked for the Department of Children and Family Services (CFS), San Bernardino County, for more than seven years. I have experience in the child welfare and mental health field. I am a trainer for the San Diego University Research Foundation, and I am an adjunct professor for several universities. I am a doctorate student at Barry University. I am pursuing a doctorate degree in social work with an emphasis on trauma-informed practice.
(714) 660-4102 View (714) 660-4102
Photo of Mary Felch - Life Coach, Marriage & Family Therapist in Monarch Beach, CA
Mary Felch - Life Coach
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
I am excited and passionate about my work and helping people. As your Coach I will help you focus on what you really want in your Personal or Professional Life. I look forward to helping you select goals and take powerful steps forward in achieving your dreams. I am known for my ability to inspire, encourage and empower others. I believe in people's potential for achieving great things in their life. I love helping people in the helping professions to avoid burnout and excel. Together we develop the steps that empower you to live your dream!
I am excited and passionate about my work and helping people. As your Coach I will help you focus on what you really want in your Personal or Professional Life. I look forward to helping you select goals and take powerful steps forward in achieving your dreams. I am known for my ability to inspire, encourage and empower others. I believe in people's potential for achieving great things in their life. I love helping people in the helping professions to avoid burnout and excel. Together we develop the steps that empower you to live your dream!
(714) 584-5796 View (714) 584-5796
Photo of Elizabeth Ann Cappelletti, Marriage & Family Therapist in Monarch Beach, CA
Elizabeth Ann Cappelletti
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, CIMHP, CHT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
We all go through tough times in life and sometimes need a guiding hand to get through it. Finding the right therapist can be a difficult task but one that can be extremely rewarding if you find the right match. I offer my clients a nurturing, empathetic and non-judgmental environment to explore and work through their trauma, pain, struggles and stress. I strive to help my clients create balance and develop healthy boundaries in their life so that they may find the peace and happiness they are striving for.
We all go through tough times in life and sometimes need a guiding hand to get through it. Finding the right therapist can be a difficult task but one that can be extremely rewarding if you find the right match. I offer my clients a nurturing, empathetic and non-judgmental environment to explore and work through their trauma, pain, struggles and stress. I strive to help my clients create balance and develop healthy boundaries in their life so that they may find the peace and happiness they are striving for.
(949) 281-7607 View (949) 281-7607
Photo of Deb Watt, Marriage & Family Therapist in Monarch Beach, CA
Deb Watt
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, MACP, EMDR
Verified Verified
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
You smile and try to be helpfully nice, you are really trying and failing. Though you try your best to be there for others, it feels as if no one is really there for you or for those you love. No one is listening, no one sees you, or understands you. You are at a dead end and in dire need of tender care. Peace and quiet, love and laughter. Bonds that unite and relationships that matter. Imagine such a life? Suffering is a part of living but only to a point, not this jagged line tearing you and those you care about apart. Despair lurks in your bedroom at night and at dawn. You awaken to another doomsday, another struggle session.
You smile and try to be helpfully nice, you are really trying and failing. Though you try your best to be there for others, it feels as if no one is really there for you or for those you love. No one is listening, no one sees you, or understands you. You are at a dead end and in dire need of tender care. Peace and quiet, love and laughter. Bonds that unite and relationships that matter. Imagine such a life? Suffering is a part of living but only to a point, not this jagged line tearing you and those you care about apart. Despair lurks in your bedroom at night and at dawn. You awaken to another doomsday, another struggle session.
(714) 515-6529 View (714) 515-6529
Photo of Village Wellness Center, Marriage & Family Therapist in Monarch Beach, CA
Village Wellness Center
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
Accepting New Clients for In-Person and Virtual Sessions! Life has taken a toll on you and your loved ones lately and there are likely feelings of exhaustion, frustration, loneliness, and mood changes that have re-occurred or are new and concerning. Whether it's life transitions or relationships; new parenthood or parenting your kids; or even concern about loved ones who are struggling, you are feeling helpless and uncertain of where to turn or how to feel better.
Accepting New Clients for In-Person and Virtual Sessions! Life has taken a toll on you and your loved ones lately and there are likely feelings of exhaustion, frustration, loneliness, and mood changes that have re-occurred or are new and concerning. Whether it's life transitions or relationships; new parenthood or parenting your kids; or even concern about loved ones who are struggling, you are feeling helpless and uncertain of where to turn or how to feel better.
(949) 694-3162 View (949) 694-3162
Photo of Lauren Ryder, Marriage & Family Therapist in Monarch Beach, CA
Lauren Ryder
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Capistrano Beach, CA 92624
Waitlist for new clients
Is your child struggling with low self-esteem, feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or are you experiencing parent-child conflict? Do you want to better understand your child's behavior and learn effective, evidence-based parenting strategies? If you find yourself getting frequently frustrated with your child's behavior, or notice yourself getting triggered while parenting, you have come to the right place! We can create harmony in your life. I provide therapy for children, families, teens, and parent coaching to create lasting change your family deserves.
Is your child struggling with low self-esteem, feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or are you experiencing parent-child conflict? Do you want to better understand your child's behavior and learn effective, evidence-based parenting strategies? If you find yourself getting frequently frustrated with your child's behavior, or notice yourself getting triggered while parenting, you have come to the right place! We can create harmony in your life. I provide therapy for children, families, teens, and parent coaching to create lasting change your family deserves.
(949) 570-9504 View (949) 570-9504
Photo of Amy Borst, Marriage & Family Therapist in Monarch Beach, CA
Amy Borst
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, ATR-BC, LPCC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
Self-exploration continues throughout our lives. Our efforts to find peace and self-fulfillment can be accomplished through introspection and processing. I employ a variety of therapy modalities that assist with the exploration process in a manner that feels comfortable and safe, leading to those moments of understanding and acceptance. Art and EMDR Therapy combined can assist with reaching a deeper level of self-awareness in a non-threatening manner, and also allows for reprocessing recent and past traumatic experiences. With a willingness towards self-awareness, both modalities can be utilized to achieve ideal adjustment.
Self-exploration continues throughout our lives. Our efforts to find peace and self-fulfillment can be accomplished through introspection and processing. I employ a variety of therapy modalities that assist with the exploration process in a manner that feels comfortable and safe, leading to those moments of understanding and acceptance. Art and EMDR Therapy combined can assist with reaching a deeper level of self-awareness in a non-threatening manner, and also allows for reprocessing recent and past traumatic experiences. With a willingness towards self-awareness, both modalities can be utilized to achieve ideal adjustment.
(949) 647-4897 View (949) 647-4897
Photo of Jzeela Gheisar, Marriage & Family Therapist in Monarch Beach, CA
Jzeela Gheisar
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, CHT
Verified Verified
Laguna Niguel, CA 92677  (Online Only)
Whether you find what you're looking for on my page, or another's, I am so proud of you for getting to this step. There can be great benefits to expressing and exploring thoughts, feelings, inner conflicts, emotional wounds in a safe space. Like many clinicians, I employ a wide range of modalities and interventions. I use a strength based approach, one that's honest, non-judgmental, but direct and explorative. You deserve happiness, a fulfilling life, and I'd be honored to walk alongside your journey to discovery and change. Although we are shaped by our experiences, you are so much more than what has happened to you.
Whether you find what you're looking for on my page, or another's, I am so proud of you for getting to this step. There can be great benefits to expressing and exploring thoughts, feelings, inner conflicts, emotional wounds in a safe space. Like many clinicians, I employ a wide range of modalities and interventions. I use a strength based approach, one that's honest, non-judgmental, but direct and explorative. You deserve happiness, a fulfilling life, and I'd be honored to walk alongside your journey to discovery and change. Although we are shaped by our experiences, you are so much more than what has happened to you.
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Photo of Cassandra C Seidler, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Monarch Beach, CA
Cassandra C Seidler
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
I firmly believe that you are the ultimate authority of your life story and I aim to guide you on the path to unlocking your fullest potential and reclaiming your inner strength. I will always honor your voice, your experiences, and your journey, so that we may co-create a therapeutic alliance built on mutual respect, trust, and hopefully laughter. An ideal candidate for my therapeutic approach is someone who is grappling with an array of challenges, including symptoms related to identity, self-image, neurodiversity, family dynamics, being a teenager, marriage issues, and anything else that life throws at you.
I firmly believe that you are the ultimate authority of your life story and I aim to guide you on the path to unlocking your fullest potential and reclaiming your inner strength. I will always honor your voice, your experiences, and your journey, so that we may co-create a therapeutic alliance built on mutual respect, trust, and hopefully laughter. An ideal candidate for my therapeutic approach is someone who is grappling with an array of challenges, including symptoms related to identity, self-image, neurodiversity, family dynamics, being a teenager, marriage issues, and anything else that life throws at you.
(949) 991-4946 View (949) 991-4946
Photo of Walk Intuit Inc., Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Monarch Beach, CA
Walk Intuit Inc.
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MA, LPCC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
Are you needing some help navigating your life journey? We are here to walk alongside you while you heal. You are not what has happened to you. Your trauma and pain does not define you. Sometimes in order to separate from our story we must tell our story, understand it, and truly be heard and acknowledged. You are so much more than your story. As your therapy team we will help you to navigate your own healing journey. Whether you have experienced trauma, are struggling with lack of purpose, feeling empty or alone, or experiencing feeling fragmented or broken. You are not alone and healing is possible!
Are you needing some help navigating your life journey? We are here to walk alongside you while you heal. You are not what has happened to you. Your trauma and pain does not define you. Sometimes in order to separate from our story we must tell our story, understand it, and truly be heard and acknowledged. You are so much more than your story. As your therapy team we will help you to navigate your own healing journey. Whether you have experienced trauma, are struggling with lack of purpose, feeling empty or alone, or experiencing feeling fragmented or broken. You are not alone and healing is possible!
(714) 364-9242 View (714) 364-9242

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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.