Photo of Patrick Ford, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Patrick Ford
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94609
I use evidence-based therapies to help kids, adults, and couples overcome challenges like anxiety, depression, life transitions, and relational stress. I work collaboratively, focus on strengths, and engage as my genuine self. My clients of all ages tell me that they feel like they're talking to an actual human, not a stereotype of a therapist. I believe in everybody's capacity to grow and move past whatever's holding them back, given the right support.
I use evidence-based therapies to help kids, adults, and couples overcome challenges like anxiety, depression, life transitions, and relational stress. I work collaboratively, focus on strengths, and engage as my genuine self. My clients of all ages tell me that they feel like they're talking to an actual human, not a stereotype of a therapist. I believe in everybody's capacity to grow and move past whatever's holding them back, given the right support.
(510) 405-0625 View (510) 405-0625
Photo of Ariana Ortega, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Ariana Ortega
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94612  (Online Only)
Life situations can sometimes be extremely difficult, and counseling can be a helpful tool in progressing beyond and through certain challenges. Helping clients to develop healthy coping and problem-solving skills is my specialty. My areas of interest are relationships, attachments, families, grief, personal growth and resiliency. I specialize in treating all types of trauma, stress, anxiety, depression and an array of issues that influence mood, functioning and self-worth. I take a person-centered approach in working with each individual.
Life situations can sometimes be extremely difficult, and counseling can be a helpful tool in progressing beyond and through certain challenges. Helping clients to develop healthy coping and problem-solving skills is my specialty. My areas of interest are relationships, attachments, families, grief, personal growth and resiliency. I specialize in treating all types of trauma, stress, anxiety, depression and an array of issues that influence mood, functioning and self-worth. I take a person-centered approach in working with each individual.
(510) 439-9703 View (510) 439-9703
Photo of Andrea Gonzalez-Guemes, LMFT, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist
Andrea Gonzalez-Guemes
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94618  (Online Only)
Things seem fine from the outside, you are successful in some areas of your life, but deep down you feel there is something missing. You feel anxious, depressed or empty, and there is a constant feeling of not fitting in. You notice frustrating patterns you continue to get stuck in and feel dissatisfied with where you are. In therapy you can talk freely and safely about how you feel. Through our work together you will understand your experience in relation to your personal history and everyday life, learn to manage difficult feelings and get the tools to address your needs. This will lead to long-lasting meaningful change.
Things seem fine from the outside, you are successful in some areas of your life, but deep down you feel there is something missing. You feel anxious, depressed or empty, and there is a constant feeling of not fitting in. You notice frustrating patterns you continue to get stuck in and feel dissatisfied with where you are. In therapy you can talk freely and safely about how you feel. Through our work together you will understand your experience in relation to your personal history and everyday life, learn to manage difficult feelings and get the tools to address your needs. This will lead to long-lasting meaningful change.
(628) 225-4873 View (628) 225-4873
Photo of Tina Bollendorf, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Tina Bollendorf
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94610  (Online Only)
Are you feeling stuck in your life? Do you struggle to have meaningful relationships? Are you dissatisfied with your choices and finally tired of limiting yourself? Therapy is a practice for change. I understand the limits of depression, anxiety, addiction, and chronic negativity. Our work together will help you better understand the process of change and what limits your ability to change. Together we will create a treatment plan for success, allowing you to take the steps necessary to create a satisfying life.
Are you feeling stuck in your life? Do you struggle to have meaningful relationships? Are you dissatisfied with your choices and finally tired of limiting yourself? Therapy is a practice for change. I understand the limits of depression, anxiety, addiction, and chronic negativity. Our work together will help you better understand the process of change and what limits your ability to change. Together we will create a treatment plan for success, allowing you to take the steps necessary to create a satisfying life.
(510) 662-0323 View (510) 662-0323
Photo of Renee K. Miller, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Renee K. Miller
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94602
My specialties include, depression, anxiety, PTSD, couples counseling, parenting and adolescent issues.
My experience includes 15 years of helping clients heal themselves and their relationships.The essence of my counseling approach is each person has access to health and well being regardless of what is currently being experienced. I help clients regain that innate health through deep listening and non-judgmental feedback. I work deeply with current thoughts, beliefs and feelings about one's self to uncover deep seated self-judgment that blocks happiness. Anxiety, depression and unhappiness transform into greater peace and understanding. In turn, self awareness is enhanced which leads to greater understanding, compassion and empathy for self and others.
My specialties include, depression, anxiety, PTSD, couples counseling, parenting and adolescent issues.
My experience includes 15 years of helping clients heal themselves and their relationships.The essence of my counseling approach is each person has access to health and well being regardless of what is currently being experienced. I help clients regain that innate health through deep listening and non-judgmental feedback. I work deeply with current thoughts, beliefs and feelings about one's self to uncover deep seated self-judgment that blocks happiness. Anxiety, depression and unhappiness transform into greater peace and understanding. In turn, self awareness is enhanced which leads to greater understanding, compassion and empathy for self and others.
(925) 695-7914 View (925) 695-7914
Photo of Anne Friedman, PhD, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Anne Friedman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94618
Get the help you’ve been looking for. I offer compassionate, effective treatment for depression, anxiety, complex trauma, caregiving stress, addiction, and relationship challenges. My patients often seek therapy because they want to understand themselves more deeply, access greater authenticity and joy, and address self-defeating thoughts and behaviors.
Get the help you’ve been looking for. I offer compassionate, effective treatment for depression, anxiety, complex trauma, caregiving stress, addiction, and relationship challenges. My patients often seek therapy because they want to understand themselves more deeply, access greater authenticity and joy, and address self-defeating thoughts and behaviors.
(510) 405-3914 View (510) 405-3914
Photo of Teri Smith, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Teri Smith
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94609  (Online Only)
Mindfulness, EMDR, and teaching tools to reduce anxiety and depression are some of the practices I use to help alleviate symptoms that may be blocking the joy and pleasure that comes with life.
I believe that our experiences in life are reflected in our behaviors, shape our thoughts, are held in our bodies, and trigger our emotions often outside of our consciousness. Increasing awareness at all levels allows us to have access to more choices in our lives. I see the goal of psychotherapy is to help people find a place in them where it feels safe, loving, and truthful, accessing their authentic selves. To facilitate this process, I explore with clients their thoughts and belief systems, behaviors, feelings, and physical sensations, helping to connect and integrate the mind, body and spirit.
Mindfulness, EMDR, and teaching tools to reduce anxiety and depression are some of the practices I use to help alleviate symptoms that may be blocking the joy and pleasure that comes with life.
I believe that our experiences in life are reflected in our behaviors, shape our thoughts, are held in our bodies, and trigger our emotions often outside of our consciousness. Increasing awareness at all levels allows us to have access to more choices in our lives. I see the goal of psychotherapy is to help people find a place in them where it feels safe, loving, and truthful, accessing their authentic selves. To facilitate this process, I explore with clients their thoughts and belief systems, behaviors, feelings, and physical sensations, helping to connect and integrate the mind, body and spirit.
(510) 592-4991 View (510) 592-4991
Photo of T Joshua Tan, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
T Joshua Tan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94609
Is anxiety, depression, or trauma holding you back from being your true self? Do you feel stuck in managing difficult life transitions? Now, every little thing becomes super overwhelming. Those negative experiences reopen old wounds and cause new ones. You tried burying your pain hoping it would go away. You feel lonely and tormented. You feel exhausted, stressed, and angry all the time. You wonder how much more you can take. You are unsure of who or where to turn for help. In the midst of this painful journey, you do not have to go through it alone.
Is anxiety, depression, or trauma holding you back from being your true self? Do you feel stuck in managing difficult life transitions? Now, every little thing becomes super overwhelming. Those negative experiences reopen old wounds and cause new ones. You tried burying your pain hoping it would go away. You feel lonely and tormented. You feel exhausted, stressed, and angry all the time. You wonder how much more you can take. You are unsure of who or where to turn for help. In the midst of this painful journey, you do not have to go through it alone.
(510) 256-7573 View (510) 256-7573
Photo of Reina Remigio, PhD, Psychologist
Reina Remigio
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94605  (Online Only)
I specialize in working with individuals, couples, and families struggling with overcontrol/excessive self-control. This can show up as rumination, hyper-perfectionism, rigidity, difficulty relaxing, and emotional loneliness (even with loved ones around). These challenges can intersect with substance abuse, suicidal ideation or attempts, and/or self-harm. Often, an overcontrolled coping style is central to conditions such as chronic anxiety/ depression, eating disorders, and personality disorders like obsessive-compulsive and avoidant personalities. This way of coping may exacerbate or perpetuate trauma and grief symptoms as well.
I specialize in working with individuals, couples, and families struggling with overcontrol/excessive self-control. This can show up as rumination, hyper-perfectionism, rigidity, difficulty relaxing, and emotional loneliness (even with loved ones around). These challenges can intersect with substance abuse, suicidal ideation or attempts, and/or self-harm. Often, an overcontrolled coping style is central to conditions such as chronic anxiety/ depression, eating disorders, and personality disorders like obsessive-compulsive and avoidant personalities. This way of coping may exacerbate or perpetuate trauma and grief symptoms as well.
(341) 899-1605 View (341) 899-1605
Photo of Rachel Boyes, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Rachel Boyes
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94610  (Online Only)
I have experience working with a diverse range of clients and have worked extensively with adults specializing in issues relating to long-term, low-grade anxiety and depression, isolation, relationship dynamics, self-esteem and grief.
Hello, I am a Marriage and Family Therapist who supports my clients in discovering and achieving what they most want in life. As we begin to look more deeply at who we are, we can move toward a life that has increased balance and fulfillment. Many of us suffer in our relationships, careers and internal worlds due to a lack of awareness of the ways in which our past wounds impact current choices and ways of interacting with others. By taking a deeper look at these processes, problematic belief systems can begin to change.
I have experience working with a diverse range of clients and have worked extensively with adults specializing in issues relating to long-term, low-grade anxiety and depression, isolation, relationship dynamics, self-esteem and grief.
Hello, I am a Marriage and Family Therapist who supports my clients in discovering and achieving what they most want in life. As we begin to look more deeply at who we are, we can move toward a life that has increased balance and fulfillment. Many of us suffer in our relationships, careers and internal worlds due to a lack of awareness of the ways in which our past wounds impact current choices and ways of interacting with others. By taking a deeper look at these processes, problematic belief systems can begin to change.
(510) 319-0136 View (510) 319-0136
Photo of Jose Guadalupe Hurtado, LCSW, MSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jose Guadalupe Hurtado
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94605
Specialize in treatment of substance abuse, depression, anxiety, anger management, and suicidal ideation and attempts.
Are you experiencing depression, anger, anxiety issues? I am a Spanish speaking Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 10 years experience of working with adults, adolescents, and families who have experienced trauma, abuse, and crime victimization. I am experienced in crisis intervention, conflict resolution, individual, and family therapy. I support families with gang membership issues and individuals out of the prison system; including abused, neglected and trauma or community violence impacted families. I have worked with anxiety, depression, individuals with suicide attempts, addiction and DUI issues. Mondays and Saturdays
Specialize in treatment of substance abuse, depression, anxiety, anger management, and suicidal ideation and attempts.
Are you experiencing depression, anger, anxiety issues? I am a Spanish speaking Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 10 years experience of working with adults, adolescents, and families who have experienced trauma, abuse, and crime victimization. I am experienced in crisis intervention, conflict resolution, individual, and family therapy. I support families with gang membership issues and individuals out of the prison system; including abused, neglected and trauma or community violence impacted families. I have worked with anxiety, depression, individuals with suicide attempts, addiction and DUI issues. Mondays and Saturdays
(831) 534-9295 View (831) 534-9295
Photo of Jonathan Johnson, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jonathan Johnson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94610  (Online Only)
My areas of focus include anxiety, depression, substance use, couples, trauma, life transitions, men's issues, personal & professional relationships, and Veteran needs.
I view therapy as a unique relationship between two people - the therapist and the client. Therapy is a process that fosters acceptance and change of the challenges people face and helps provide clarity. My goal is to help create a safe place to explore thoughts, feelings, and experiences that cause you pain, which may lead to difficulties in relationships, work, and/or daily life. Through this process we will create goals and a plan to reach your specific goals. My approach is genuine, compassionate, and non-judgmental. As a therapist, I bring over 20 years of experience working with individuals from many walks of life.
My areas of focus include anxiety, depression, substance use, couples, trauma, life transitions, men's issues, personal & professional relationships, and Veteran needs.
I view therapy as a unique relationship between two people - the therapist and the client. Therapy is a process that fosters acceptance and change of the challenges people face and helps provide clarity. My goal is to help create a safe place to explore thoughts, feelings, and experiences that cause you pain, which may lead to difficulties in relationships, work, and/or daily life. Through this process we will create goals and a plan to reach your specific goals. My approach is genuine, compassionate, and non-judgmental. As a therapist, I bring over 20 years of experience working with individuals from many walks of life.
(415) 821-8110 View (415) 821-8110
Photo of Laurel Salmon, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Laurel Salmon
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94609
I specialize in working with adults who struggle with anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, relationship/family issues, identity, & self-esteem.
Experiencing anxiety, depression, and trauma can be hard to navigate on one’s own. Through the use of integrative modalities, my goal is to help you find your way so that you can manage symptoms, feel your best, discover who you truly are, and move forward in the direction of your dreams whereby your past no longer holds you back. Using warmth and compassion, I also aim to provide trauma-informed care to discuss your struggles without judgment and safely process unresolved trauma and feelings.
I specialize in working with adults who struggle with anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, relationship/family issues, identity, & self-esteem.
Experiencing anxiety, depression, and trauma can be hard to navigate on one’s own. Through the use of integrative modalities, my goal is to help you find your way so that you can manage symptoms, feel your best, discover who you truly are, and move forward in the direction of your dreams whereby your past no longer holds you back. Using warmth and compassion, I also aim to provide trauma-informed care to discuss your struggles without judgment and safely process unresolved trauma and feelings.
(415) 223-8845 View (415) 223-8845
Photo of Zvi Bellin, PhD, LPCC, Counselor
Zvi Bellin
Counselor, PhD, LPCC
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94609  (Online Only)
Struggle in your life, relationships, and family can provide surprising opportunities to cultivate resilience, connection, and meaning. Working with me is a collaborative process. I work with individuals, couples, and families to develop a framework that fosters nourishing joy and holistic health. I welcome clients who experience social/racial marginalization. If you struggle with communication, satisfaction, depression, meaning, or difficulty in life transitions, you will find resonance with my mindfulness-based and narrative approach. I work best with clients who seek to ease suffering and aim for transformation.
Struggle in your life, relationships, and family can provide surprising opportunities to cultivate resilience, connection, and meaning. Working with me is a collaborative process. I work with individuals, couples, and families to develop a framework that fosters nourishing joy and holistic health. I welcome clients who experience social/racial marginalization. If you struggle with communication, satisfaction, depression, meaning, or difficulty in life transitions, you will find resonance with my mindfulness-based and narrative approach. I work best with clients who seek to ease suffering and aim for transformation.
(510) 924-0291 View (510) 924-0291
Photo of Erica S Wheeler-Dubin, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist
Erica S Wheeler-Dubin
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94611  (Online Only)
I am seeking clients who are open to discovering what makes them unique through a creative and imaginative process; Clients whose goals may range from deeper self knowledge, to decreasing experiences with anxiety and depression, to understanding how trauma plays itself out in their relationships, to being able to resource themselves, etc; Clients interested in exploring their strengths as well as their more scary parts. I believe that the experience of pain and suffering is normal and healing happens in connection with others; others who can hold and stay with the difficulty and provide curiosity and support.
I am seeking clients who are open to discovering what makes them unique through a creative and imaginative process; Clients whose goals may range from deeper self knowledge, to decreasing experiences with anxiety and depression, to understanding how trauma plays itself out in their relationships, to being able to resource themselves, etc; Clients interested in exploring their strengths as well as their more scary parts. I believe that the experience of pain and suffering is normal and healing happens in connection with others; others who can hold and stay with the difficulty and provide curiosity and support.
(510) 683-5650 View (510) 683-5650
Photo of Laura Condylis, PsyD, Psychologist
Laura Condylis
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94611
My expertise is helping clients who are depressed or anxious.
Welcome! You are ready for a change. You may be overwhelmed by life, feel depressed or anxious, or have difficulty connecting in relationships. Whatever your reason for searching for a psychologist, a part of you believes in the possibility of a better life.
My expertise is helping clients who are depressed or anxious.
Welcome! You are ready for a change. You may be overwhelmed by life, feel depressed or anxious, or have difficulty connecting in relationships. Whatever your reason for searching for a psychologist, a part of you believes in the possibility of a better life.
(510) 953-4798 View (510) 953-4798
Photo of Mirely Vasquez, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Mirely Vasquez
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94619
Bienvenidos/Welcome! I am a bilingual/bicultural Spanish-speaking therapist located in the East Bay area of California. I have been working with children, teens, and adults of color struggling with an array of concerns including anxiety, depression, relationship satisfaction, life purpose, trauma, postpartum depression, and spirituality, related to life transitions, family stress, trauma, and grief. Although my work has focused on the unique needs of minorities and underrepresented individuals, being a member of that community is certainly not a requirement for your personal development.
Bienvenidos/Welcome! I am a bilingual/bicultural Spanish-speaking therapist located in the East Bay area of California. I have been working with children, teens, and adults of color struggling with an array of concerns including anxiety, depression, relationship satisfaction, life purpose, trauma, postpartum depression, and spirituality, related to life transitions, family stress, trauma, and grief. Although my work has focused on the unique needs of minorities and underrepresented individuals, being a member of that community is certainly not a requirement for your personal development.
(510) 916-3215 View (510) 916-3215
Photo of Roni Khol, PsyD, Psychologist
Roni Khol
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94618
My specialty area is in helping people heal from chronic depression and complex trauma. Many of my clients come from backgrounds that predispose them to these problems - such as having a parent with a substance use problem, being the oldest sibling in a high-need family, or coming from an immigrant household. These environments teach you to grow up quickly and you learn to prioritize the needs of others over your own. Later in life, the self-sufficiency that was a strength in childhood can become a barrier to fulfilling adult relationships. No one taught you skills like saying no, setting boundaries, and reaching out for support.
My specialty area is in helping people heal from chronic depression and complex trauma. Many of my clients come from backgrounds that predispose them to these problems - such as having a parent with a substance use problem, being the oldest sibling in a high-need family, or coming from an immigrant household. These environments teach you to grow up quickly and you learn to prioritize the needs of others over your own. Later in life, the self-sufficiency that was a strength in childhood can become a barrier to fulfilling adult relationships. No one taught you skills like saying no, setting boundaries, and reaching out for support.
(510) 500-5470 View (510) 500-5470
Bret Fimiani
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94618
I am a licensed clinical psychologist working in Oakland, CA in a private practice setting. I have 12+ years of clinical experience working with adults in short and long-term psychotherapy with a range of issues including depression, work related stress, anxiety, relationship issues, substance abuse/dependence issues, issues related to sexuality and sexual orientation, and emotional issues related to the challenge of adapting to chronic medical problems.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist working in Oakland, CA in a private practice setting. I have 12+ years of clinical experience working with adults in short and long-term psychotherapy with a range of issues including depression, work related stress, anxiety, relationship issues, substance abuse/dependence issues, issues related to sexuality and sexual orientation, and emotional issues related to the challenge of adapting to chronic medical problems.
(510) 746-8676 View (510) 746-8676
Photo of Dania March, MPH, LCSW, PPSC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Dania March
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MPH, LCSW, PPSC
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94610  (Online Only)
I specialize in supporting people through anxiety, depression, grief and loss, trauma, shifting relationships, addiction/unwanted self-soothing behaviors, life transitions, and gender and sexual identity journeys.
The line between what we want, need, and can deal with can be a juggling act. Striking a balance is not always easy. Think of your life as an overflowing suitcase. Consider what it would be like to have help opening that suitcase, and take out or adjust a few things in it to lessen the load. That's working with me. I aim to help you find and learn to value your truest self and work on how to release, shift, or find new ways to carry your experiences and move within - or break free from - the systems you're a part of (systems like: family, school, work, community, and society).
I specialize in supporting people through anxiety, depression, grief and loss, trauma, shifting relationships, addiction/unwanted self-soothing behaviors, life transitions, and gender and sexual identity journeys.
The line between what we want, need, and can deal with can be a juggling act. Striking a balance is not always easy. Think of your life as an overflowing suitcase. Consider what it would be like to have help opening that suitcase, and take out or adjust a few things in it to lessen the load. That's working with me. I aim to help you find and learn to value your truest self and work on how to release, shift, or find new ways to carry your experiences and move within - or break free from - the systems you're a part of (systems like: family, school, work, community, and society).
(510) 356-2241 View (510) 356-2241
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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.