Photo of Grateful Heart Holistic Therapy Center, Pre-Licensed Professional in Oakland, CA
Grateful Heart Holistic Therapy Center
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94610
Whether you are seeking immediate support to help cope during this time, or therapy for anxiety, depression, conflicts with your partner or other needs, we are here to help.
Therapy provides such a rich opportunity for growth and learning, helping persons to recover from the aftermaths of trauma, abuse and loss, meet the hardships of their lives and thrive. In times like this, with so much anxiety about our collective welfare, it can be an invaluable lifeline. In response to the Coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, we are now offering teletherapy (therapy by phone and online by video) for all our clients, whether new or established. Also called telehealth or telebehavioral health, teletherapy can provide vital care and support to individuals, couples and families.
Whether you are seeking immediate support to help cope during this time, or therapy for anxiety, depression, conflicts with your partner or other needs, we are here to help.
Therapy provides such a rich opportunity for growth and learning, helping persons to recover from the aftermaths of trauma, abuse and loss, meet the hardships of their lives and thrive. In times like this, with so much anxiety about our collective welfare, it can be an invaluable lifeline. In response to the Coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, we are now offering teletherapy (therapy by phone and online by video) for all our clients, whether new or established. Also called telehealth or telebehavioral health, teletherapy can provide vital care and support to individuals, couples and families.
(510) 858-0916 View (510) 858-0916
Photo of Bay Area Gestalt Institute, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Bay Area Gestalt Institute
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
16 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94610
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 Jamie Mishler, Psychologist in Oakland, CA
Jamie Mishler
Psychologist, LCP
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94621
My name is Dr. Jamie Mishler and I'm a licensed clinical psychologist with over 10 years' experience in the mental health field. I'm passionate about supporting my clients as they grow through life's changes and transitions. I work with adults over the age of 18. I specialize in helping my clients through life transitions, depression, anxiety, and grief. I focus on my clients' unique strengths as they learn to navigate and grow during periods of challenge.
My name is Dr. Jamie Mishler and I'm a licensed clinical psychologist with over 10 years' experience in the mental health field. I'm passionate about supporting my clients as they grow through life's changes and transitions. I work with adults over the age of 18. I specialize in helping my clients through life transitions, depression, anxiety, and grief. I focus on my clients' unique strengths as they learn to navigate and grow during periods of challenge.
(213) 660-4664 View (213) 660-4664
Photo of Caitlin Rose Marvaso, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Oakland, CA
Caitlin Rose Marvaso
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94606
Your body is always communicating information to you, and your emotions are the messenger. Maybe it's the consistent feeling of overwhelm, or the throws of depression. Maybe you are experiencing physical pain as a result of emotional pain. Whatever it is, I believe in the wisdom of your body and I want to help you become an expert at your own body language so that you can have more autonomy over your life.
Your body is always communicating information to you, and your emotions are the messenger. Maybe it's the consistent feeling of overwhelm, or the throws of depression. Maybe you are experiencing physical pain as a result of emotional pain. Whatever it is, I believe in the wisdom of your body and I want to help you become an expert at your own body language so that you can have more autonomy over your life.
(415) 366-1307 View (415) 366-1307
Photo of Megan Kopriva, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Oakland, CA
Megan Kopriva
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, RYT, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94612  (Online Only)
*ACCEPTING CALIFORNIA, ILLINOIS, AND MISSOURI CLIENTS* Come be seen & be known in a relational space with me, so that you can finally arrive home in yourself. Are you curious if you have experienced trauma, or if trauma may still be affecting you? Have you worked with many healers & still feel stuck in certain places? Have you experienced a spiritual awakening & need to integrate the experience(s)? If you answered 'yes' to any of these questions, then you may be in the right place. Trauma can express itself in PTSD & Complex PTSD symptoms, various types of depression & anxiety, & many other symptoms. Lets get to the root.
*ACCEPTING CALIFORNIA, ILLINOIS, AND MISSOURI CLIENTS* Come be seen & be known in a relational space with me, so that you can finally arrive home in yourself. Are you curious if you have experienced trauma, or if trauma may still be affecting you? Have you worked with many healers & still feel stuck in certain places? Have you experienced a spiritual awakening & need to integrate the experience(s)? If you answered 'yes' to any of these questions, then you may be in the right place. Trauma can express itself in PTSD & Complex PTSD symptoms, various types of depression & anxiety, & many other symptoms. Lets get to the root.
(341) 444-3409 View (341) 444-3409
Photo of Juliana Campos, Psychologist in Oakland, CA
Juliana Campos
Psychologist, PsyD, MA
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94610  (Online Only)
Specialties include: anxiety/depression, trauma/dissociation, immigration issues, postpartum depression/infertility, grief/loss, and career transitions.
Bilingual, Culturally Sensitive, Trauma-informed, Relational Psychotherapy. I believe that engaging in therapy is an act of courage because change is by definition radical. An important goal of therapy is to connect to your authentic/creative self as a way to make meaning in times of suffering. Together we will explore your personal, family, cultural, and political history to understand the ways in which your experiences shape how you feel in the world. Whether you are struggling with life transitions, finding/keeping good relationships, or trying to integrate different identities, our work can help you find some sense of cohesion.
Specialties include: anxiety/depression, trauma/dissociation, immigration issues, postpartum depression/infertility, grief/loss, and career transitions.
Bilingual, Culturally Sensitive, Trauma-informed, Relational Psychotherapy. I believe that engaging in therapy is an act of courage because change is by definition radical. An important goal of therapy is to connect to your authentic/creative self as a way to make meaning in times of suffering. Together we will explore your personal, family, cultural, and political history to understand the ways in which your experiences shape how you feel in the world. Whether you are struggling with life transitions, finding/keeping good relationships, or trying to integrate different identities, our work can help you find some sense of cohesion.
(510) 779-8266 View (510) 779-8266
Photo of Revi Hope Airborne-Williams, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Revi Hope Airborne-Williams
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94610
I work with folks navigating trauma, grief, illness, anxiety, depression, inequity, spiritual matters, creative blocks, and relationship problems.
Therapy is a space you carve out with me to reconnect - with yourself, your goals, your life’s meaning, your passion, your creativity, your spiritual path. We all struggle with difficult things at times; they pull us away from who we want to be, or the path we intend to walk in life. I believe relationships are the most important healers we have in our lives – starting with your relationship with yourself! Extending to all your other important and beloved relationships - with family, friends, community, planet, and spirit. No matter where you are, your journey to self-empowerment and joy begins Right Here. I will be there with you.
I work with folks navigating trauma, grief, illness, anxiety, depression, inequity, spiritual matters, creative blocks, and relationship problems.
Therapy is a space you carve out with me to reconnect - with yourself, your goals, your life’s meaning, your passion, your creativity, your spiritual path. We all struggle with difficult things at times; they pull us away from who we want to be, or the path we intend to walk in life. I believe relationships are the most important healers we have in our lives – starting with your relationship with yourself! Extending to all your other important and beloved relationships - with family, friends, community, planet, and spirit. No matter where you are, your journey to self-empowerment and joy begins Right Here. I will be there with you.
(510) 422-0908 View (510) 422-0908
Photo of Caitlin Finnell, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Caitlin Finnell
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94606  (Online Only)
Gender related issues, family therapy, children and youth, trauma, anxiety, depression, self esteem, ADD, emotional distress from learning and physical disabilities, adoption and foster youth, and self care.
While I work with a diversity of people, I specialize in working with LGBTQ individuals, couples and youth. As a Marriage and Family psychotherapist, I seek to help my clients find their way through the hardships that life can bring. I believe in the healing power of the therapeutic relationship as well as each individual having the power to heal themselves. I believe in a strength based, solution focused approach to therapy and work with my clients to not only overcome their current circumstances but to also develop tools and strategies that they can use moving forward in their lives.
Gender related issues, family therapy, children and youth, trauma, anxiety, depression, self esteem, ADD, emotional distress from learning and physical disabilities, adoption and foster youth, and self care.
While I work with a diversity of people, I specialize in working with LGBTQ individuals, couples and youth. As a Marriage and Family psychotherapist, I seek to help my clients find their way through the hardships that life can bring. I believe in the healing power of the therapeutic relationship as well as each individual having the power to heal themselves. I believe in a strength based, solution focused approach to therapy and work with my clients to not only overcome their current circumstances but to also develop tools and strategies that they can use moving forward in their lives.
(415) 630-6595 View (415) 630-6595
Photo of Natalie O'Mara, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Natalie O'Mara
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94610
My specialties include PTSD, cPTSD, anxiety, depression, grief/loss, peripartum, parenting, relationship issues and couples therapy.
The decision to begin therapy is a courageous step–one that can be life-changing. Whether you are feeling anxious, sad, stressed, angry, confused or stuck, therapy can offer a safe space for you to explore your inner world and gain new insights and skills. I have helped clients across the lifespan manage difficult emotions, heal traumas, gain self-confidence, learn new skills for navigating romantic and social relationships, find relief from long-term mental health issues, uncover creativity and life purpose, and reconnect with their partners in new ways. Therapy is a collaboration and I am here to help you on your journey.
My specialties include PTSD, cPTSD, anxiety, depression, grief/loss, peripartum, parenting, relationship issues and couples therapy.
The decision to begin therapy is a courageous step–one that can be life-changing. Whether you are feeling anxious, sad, stressed, angry, confused or stuck, therapy can offer a safe space for you to explore your inner world and gain new insights and skills. I have helped clients across the lifespan manage difficult emotions, heal traumas, gain self-confidence, learn new skills for navigating romantic and social relationships, find relief from long-term mental health issues, uncover creativity and life purpose, and reconnect with their partners in new ways. Therapy is a collaboration and I am here to help you on your journey.
(510) 999-8598 View (510) 999-8598
Photo of Shelby Lazarow, Psychologist in Oakland, CA
Shelby Lazarow
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94607  (Online Only)
I am flexible and open to co-creating an individualized psychotherapy environment and relationship with you to deal with anything you may be struggling with, such as: anxiety, depression, trauma, childhood, relationships, transitions, identity, health crises, self-exploration etc.
Thank you for taking the time for yourself to understand how therapy can help aid and assist you at this time in your life. I hope that I can give you a sense of myself and style and how I may be a good fit in supporting you in such a process. In my private practice, I specialize in working with individual adults, older teens, and couples. I practice from a psychodynamic and relational modality in which I am mindful of where you come from and the ways in which you have learned to adapt to each environment and relationship around you, including the relationship that we form. Mindfulness is a lens through which I practice as well.
I am flexible and open to co-creating an individualized psychotherapy environment and relationship with you to deal with anything you may be struggling with, such as: anxiety, depression, trauma, childhood, relationships, transitions, identity, health crises, self-exploration etc.
Thank you for taking the time for yourself to understand how therapy can help aid and assist you at this time in your life. I hope that I can give you a sense of myself and style and how I may be a good fit in supporting you in such a process. In my private practice, I specialize in working with individual adults, older teens, and couples. I practice from a psychodynamic and relational modality in which I am mindful of where you come from and the ways in which you have learned to adapt to each environment and relationship around you, including the relationship that we form. Mindfulness is a lens through which I practice as well.
(415) 322-7764 View (415) 322-7764
Photo of Noelle Braddock, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Noelle Braddock
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94606  (Online Only)
I offer counseling for individuals and partners experiencing a broad range of life challenges. And, I have extensive experience in supporting folks as they navigate the following content areas: communication & relationship issues; grief & loss; identity; trauma; sexual orientation, sexuality & sensuality; creativity; systems & lived experiences of oppression; anxiety & fear; depression; co-dependence; addiction; infidelity, betrayal & trust; and inner-child work. I’m sex-positive, queer, and poly- & kink-affirming, and welcome all ethnic & racial identities & positionalities. (For more info: www.noellebraddocktherapy.com)
I offer counseling for individuals and partners experiencing a broad range of life challenges. And, I have extensive experience in supporting folks as they navigate the following content areas: communication & relationship issues; grief & loss; identity; trauma; sexual orientation, sexuality & sensuality; creativity; systems & lived experiences of oppression; anxiety & fear; depression; co-dependence; addiction; infidelity, betrayal & trust; and inner-child work. I’m sex-positive, queer, and poly- & kink-affirming, and welcome all ethnic & racial identities & positionalities. (For more info: www.noellebraddocktherapy.com)
(415) 527-5968 View (415) 527-5968
Photo of Audrina Smith, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Audrina Smith
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94601
You are struggling and you feel alone. I can help. Have you ever been told you are too sensitive? Do you often feel judged or alone? Are you interested in looking within, learning more about yourself and creating the life you deserve? If so, I am here to help. I support clients struggling with depression and anxiety, learning about and coping with the highly sensitive trait, as well as grief and difficult life transitions. I specialize in older teens, college students, young adulthood/emerging professionals. and women around issues of fertility, pregnancy, postpartum and family life.
You are struggling and you feel alone. I can help. Have you ever been told you are too sensitive? Do you often feel judged or alone? Are you interested in looking within, learning more about yourself and creating the life you deserve? If so, I am here to help. I support clients struggling with depression and anxiety, learning about and coping with the highly sensitive trait, as well as grief and difficult life transitions. I specialize in older teens, college students, young adulthood/emerging professionals. and women around issues of fertility, pregnancy, postpartum and family life.
(510) 288-9386 View (510) 288-9386
Photo of Rachel M Cleveland, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Rachel M Cleveland
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, ATR-P
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94606
**Accepting New Clients** Feel cared for and heard, experience a safe and authentic connection, find clarity, heal from a past or more recent traumatic event. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Provisional Art Therapist and Mindfulness-based Practitioner, I offer a person-centered, strength-based holistic approach to healing. In addition to traditional talk therapy, I work with the creative mind, this work includes art and expressive mediums to understand how our earliest experiences in life create the implicit, behavioral patterns that we can potentially carry with us for a lifetime.
**Accepting New Clients** Feel cared for and heard, experience a safe and authentic connection, find clarity, heal from a past or more recent traumatic event. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Provisional Art Therapist and Mindfulness-based Practitioner, I offer a person-centered, strength-based holistic approach to healing. In addition to traditional talk therapy, I work with the creative mind, this work includes art and expressive mediums to understand how our earliest experiences in life create the implicit, behavioral patterns that we can potentially carry with us for a lifetime.
(650) 249-9418 View (650) 249-9418
Photo of Grace Anna Walcott, Associate Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Grace Anna Walcott
Associate Marriage & Family Therapist, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94618
I believe that therapy is a sacred space in which the client-therapist relationship can be reparative. I offer tools around self-regulation, body scan meditations, and other techniques to soothe the nervous system. If you are dealing with PTSD or past traumas I provide a safe place for you to unpack your feelings and memories, while learning to soothe and empower yourself. Two important factors in healing trauma are learning self-soothing while uncovering a narrative (of what happened) that makes sense to you.
I believe that therapy is a sacred space in which the client-therapist relationship can be reparative. I offer tools around self-regulation, body scan meditations, and other techniques to soothe the nervous system. If you are dealing with PTSD or past traumas I provide a safe place for you to unpack your feelings and memories, while learning to soothe and empower yourself. Two important factors in healing trauma are learning self-soothing while uncovering a narrative (of what happened) that makes sense to you.
(510) 757-1722 View (510) 757-1722
Photo of Jordana Delory, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Oakland, CA
Jordana Delory
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, PRDT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94606
When challenges and struggles in life arise, you do not have to walk alone. Whether you have experienced a recent life transition, loss, setback, have struggled with mental health or addiction challenges, or, are seeking support to heal from a recent or childhood trauma, I will be honored to guide you to gain control of your life and reclaim your personal power. I have committed nearly two decades holding a safe and empowered space for adults, children, and adolescents to discover their human potential, heal from trauma, and develop the tools to live a life of vitality and empowerment.
When challenges and struggles in life arise, you do not have to walk alone. Whether you have experienced a recent life transition, loss, setback, have struggled with mental health or addiction challenges, or, are seeking support to heal from a recent or childhood trauma, I will be honored to guide you to gain control of your life and reclaim your personal power. I have committed nearly two decades holding a safe and empowered space for adults, children, and adolescents to discover their human potential, heal from trauma, and develop the tools to live a life of vitality and empowerment.
(510) 372-2274 View (510) 372-2274
Photo of Debra Warshaw Taube, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Debra Warshaw Taube
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94604
Psychotherapy isn't one size fits all. It's a unique relationship that develops and responds to your needs, life-experiences, gender/ethnic/cultural identity, challenges and resources. You may be feeling stuck-repeating painful patterns, wanting to make changes but not knowing how. Or you're a survivor of sexual violence and the ways you've been coping aren't working anymore. I meet you where you are and bring my clinical and life experience, deep listening, compassion, acceptance, warmth and creativity. Together we create and draw on the power of a safe, accepting therapeutic relationship to support your growth and wholeness.
Psychotherapy isn't one size fits all. It's a unique relationship that develops and responds to your needs, life-experiences, gender/ethnic/cultural identity, challenges and resources. You may be feeling stuck-repeating painful patterns, wanting to make changes but not knowing how. Or you're a survivor of sexual violence and the ways you've been coping aren't working anymore. I meet you where you are and bring my clinical and life experience, deep listening, compassion, acceptance, warmth and creativity. Together we create and draw on the power of a safe, accepting therapeutic relationship to support your growth and wholeness.
(415) 949-1174 View (415) 949-1174
Photo of Phyllis Rothblatt, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Phyllis Rothblatt
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94618  (Online Only)
As a therapist for over thirty years, the focus of my work is helping people to create and sustain healthy relationships, and to learn how to thrive in their lives. I listen carefully to the nuances of what you say and don't say, and help you to become more aware of your unconscious beliefs and the energy that you hold in your body that may be an obstacle to your creating the life and relationships that you yearn for. Together, we take the journey of understanding and resolving what is in your way, so that you can discover new pathways to live your life with more joy, ease and connection.
As a therapist for over thirty years, the focus of my work is helping people to create and sustain healthy relationships, and to learn how to thrive in their lives. I listen carefully to the nuances of what you say and don't say, and help you to become more aware of your unconscious beliefs and the energy that you hold in your body that may be an obstacle to your creating the life and relationships that you yearn for. Together, we take the journey of understanding and resolving what is in your way, so that you can discover new pathways to live your life with more joy, ease and connection.
(510) 246-3735 View (510) 246-3735
Gaylesta, Psych Assn for Gender & Sexual Diversity
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, PsyD, LMFT, LCSW, LPCC
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94601
WELCOME to Gaylesta: The Psychotherapist Association for Gender and Sexual Diversity. Our members provide mental health services including therapist referrals, education, and consultation. We offer a wide range of specializations, allowing us to serve as a unique resource both the LGBTQ communities and to other service providers. Explore our site to find a therapist, learn more about us, or become a valued member.
WELCOME to Gaylesta: The Psychotherapist Association for Gender and Sexual Diversity. Our members provide mental health services including therapist referrals, education, and consultation. We offer a wide range of specializations, allowing us to serve as a unique resource both the LGBTQ communities and to other service providers. Explore our site to find a therapist, learn more about us, or become a valued member.
Photo of Ariana Heller, Psychologist in Oakland, CA
Ariana Heller
Psychologist, PsyD, MA, MAEd
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94610
I offer you an open space in which together we can explore and understand difficult feelings and thoughts. Through this collaborative process you will have the opportunity to deepen your understanding of yourself, allow your emotions to be processed, and work through uncomfortable/ difficult feelings. As a result, life becomes easier to navigate and more meaningful. Like any relationship, it has to feel right to you. What I bring to the relationship is my warmth, curiosity, compassion, honesty, years of expertise, and the ability to dive deep into issues without judgment leading to long-term change.
I offer you an open space in which together we can explore and understand difficult feelings and thoughts. Through this collaborative process you will have the opportunity to deepen your understanding of yourself, allow your emotions to be processed, and work through uncomfortable/ difficult feelings. As a result, life becomes easier to navigate and more meaningful. Like any relationship, it has to feel right to you. What I bring to the relationship is my warmth, curiosity, compassion, honesty, years of expertise, and the ability to dive deep into issues without judgment leading to long-term change.
(510) 757-1536 View (510) 757-1536
Photo of San Francisco Intimacy & Sex Therapy Center, Pre-Licensed Professional in Oakland, CA
San Francisco Intimacy & Sex Therapy Center
Pre-Licensed Professional, PsyD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94610
East Bay Intimacy & Sex Therapy Center was created with the goal of making the practice of sex & intimacy therapy more relationship-focused & accessible, without the stigma & confusion that often accompanies misperceptions about couples & sex therapy. We offer attachment-based sex therapy & couples counseling. We believe that healthy relationships are at the core of how change & healing occur. Having a healthy sexual relationship to one's self or partner(s) is vital to overall wellbeing. We strive to support & promote lifelong change that will allow you to form sustainable, loving & equitable relationships, & an overall sense of health wellbeing.
East Bay Intimacy & Sex Therapy Center was created with the goal of making the practice of sex & intimacy therapy more relationship-focused & accessible, without the stigma & confusion that often accompanies misperceptions about couples & sex therapy. We offer attachment-based sex therapy & couples counseling. We believe that healthy relationships are at the core of how change & healing occur. Having a healthy sexual relationship to one's self or partner(s) is vital to overall wellbeing. We strive to support & promote lifelong change that will allow you to form sustainable, loving & equitable relationships, & an overall sense of health wellbeing.
(510) 694-2664 View (510) 694-2664

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.