Photo of Ari Oklan, Psychologist in Oakland, CA
Ari Oklan
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94610
I use a warm, down-to-earth approach in my work with children, teens, adults and couples. I collaborate with clients to develop a whole view of challenges and strengths, which is informed by my wide breadth of clinical experience across the lifespan. I have expertise in working with infants and parents, developmental disabilities, trauma, and both anticipated and unexpected crises across all ages. I integrate these perspectives so that I can attune to your needs and provide responsive support. My hope is to help you water the seeds of your inner strengths, push through stuck situations, and live with more connectedness and vitality.
I use a warm, down-to-earth approach in my work with children, teens, adults and couples. I collaborate with clients to develop a whole view of challenges and strengths, which is informed by my wide breadth of clinical experience across the lifespan. I have expertise in working with infants and parents, developmental disabilities, trauma, and both anticipated and unexpected crises across all ages. I integrate these perspectives so that I can attune to your needs and provide responsive support. My hope is to help you water the seeds of your inner strengths, push through stuck situations, and live with more connectedness and vitality.
(510) 298-3299 View (510) 298-3299
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 Ask Alison Leigh, PHD, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Ask Alison Leigh, PHD, MFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, MFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94602  (Online Only)
The past 22 years I've seen an eclectic group of clientele: men, women & couples of any gender/orientation who want to improve their sexual lifestyle. I've helped men overcome ED through increasing their self confidence and women who want to feel more sexually in charge. I've seen over 25,000 couples throughout every stage of their relationship whether single, dating, married, or exploring and experimenting couples to ones who are curious how to stay together and keep the chemistry strong. My clients include stay at home moms, stressed out executives, artists, entrepreneurs & communities: LGBTQ, BDSM, & Transgender Families.
The past 22 years I've seen an eclectic group of clientele: men, women & couples of any gender/orientation who want to improve their sexual lifestyle. I've helped men overcome ED through increasing their self confidence and women who want to feel more sexually in charge. I've seen over 25,000 couples throughout every stage of their relationship whether single, dating, married, or exploring and experimenting couples to ones who are curious how to stay together and keep the chemistry strong. My clients include stay at home moms, stressed out executives, artists, entrepreneurs & communities: LGBTQ, BDSM, & Transgender Families.
(628) 226-1830 View (628) 226-1830

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Julia Mendoza, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Julia Mendoza
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Emeryville, CA 94608  (Online Only)
Hello I'm Julia Mendoza, a therapist providing therapy throughout the state of California. I have experience working with children and adults, in the areas of depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, LGBT+ issues, OCD, personality disorders, family problems, relationship and partner conflict, and traumas. I truly enjoy helping others and I have been told that I am funny, genuine, open-minded, and a good listener. Se habla Español!
Hello I'm Julia Mendoza, a therapist providing therapy throughout the state of California. I have experience working with children and adults, in the areas of depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, LGBT+ issues, OCD, personality disorders, family problems, relationship and partner conflict, and traumas. I truly enjoy helping others and I have been told that I am funny, genuine, open-minded, and a good listener. Se habla Español!
(951) 438-7873 View (951) 438-7873

Online Therapists

Photo of Jamal R. Cameron, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Jamal R. Cameron
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Woodside, CA 94062
I have worked with people of all backgrounds in addressing topics from depression, psychosis, anxiety and other life stressors.
Therapy can be one of the most challenging experiences for individuals and families; you sit in a room and begin sharing thoughts and feelings with a person you don’t know. Shame, regret, relationship issues are some of the many reasons people experience stress in their lives. At times, this stress can become so overwhelming it starts to impair our daily lives. For others, it easy to mask those issues around family, peers and/or coworkers; but when we are alone those obstacles are still with us. Whether this is your first-time trying therapy or you have seen multiple professionals, I'm here to embark on this journey with you.
I have worked with people of all backgrounds in addressing topics from depression, psychosis, anxiety and other life stressors.
Therapy can be one of the most challenging experiences for individuals and families; you sit in a room and begin sharing thoughts and feelings with a person you don’t know. Shame, regret, relationship issues are some of the many reasons people experience stress in their lives. At times, this stress can become so overwhelming it starts to impair our daily lives. For others, it easy to mask those issues around family, peers and/or coworkers; but when we are alone those obstacles are still with us. Whether this is your first-time trying therapy or you have seen multiple professionals, I'm here to embark on this journey with you.
(650) 670-4579 View (650) 670-4579
Photo of Ashley Marlo-Monique Meeks, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Ashley Marlo-Monique Meeks
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Gilroy, CA 95020
Waitlist for new clients
I have worked with children, adolescents, and young adults ranging in various ages. I worked as a Behavioral Therapist, and Developmental Specialist for 5 years prior to receiving my degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. I am passionate about helping families, children, and adolescents build positive communication and healthy boundaries. I work with anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, anger, behavior needs (among many other things).
I have worked with children, adolescents, and young adults ranging in various ages. I worked as a Behavioral Therapist, and Developmental Specialist for 5 years prior to receiving my degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. I am passionate about helping families, children, and adolescents build positive communication and healthy boundaries. I work with anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, anger, behavior needs (among many other things).
(408) 413-2823 View (408) 413-2823
Photo of Sierra Therapy Center in Oakland, CA
Sierra Therapy Center
LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sacramento, CA 95825
We offer many modalities to individuals, couples, families and children - EMDR, Brainspotting, couples therapy, group therapy, anxiety, depression, trauma grief work, and more.
Our story: Some of the best physicians are wounded healers, those who have walked through pain and suffering themselves only to emerge on the other side to help others. We believe strongly in the human capacity to heal. Our counseling specialists work with children/teens, adults, couples and families. With sensitivity and compassion, we help you bring resolution to the struggles you are facing. Modalities range from depth therapy, IMAGO couples therapy, Brainspotting, EMDR, play therapy, addiction groups to solution focused. We are trained in a variety of different therapeutic interventions that will fit what you need.
We offer many modalities to individuals, couples, families and children - EMDR, Brainspotting, couples therapy, group therapy, anxiety, depression, trauma grief work, and more.
Our story: Some of the best physicians are wounded healers, those who have walked through pain and suffering themselves only to emerge on the other side to help others. We believe strongly in the human capacity to heal. Our counseling specialists work with children/teens, adults, couples and families. With sensitivity and compassion, we help you bring resolution to the struggles you are facing. Modalities range from depth therapy, IMAGO couples therapy, Brainspotting, EMDR, play therapy, addiction groups to solution focused. We are trained in a variety of different therapeutic interventions that will fit what you need.
(530) 419-5189 View (530) 419-5189
Photo of Raquel C Hare, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Raquel C Hare
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brentwood, CA 94513
Are you struggling with anxiety and depression? Are you struggling with relationship concerns? Are you a parent struggling with your teenage child? Psychotherapy gives us the opportunity to better understand our problems and allows us to make the important changes we want. Psychotherapy can be useful for people with a variety of psychological disorders, ranging from stress to phobias, and relational issues.
Are you struggling with anxiety and depression? Are you struggling with relationship concerns? Are you a parent struggling with your teenage child? Psychotherapy gives us the opportunity to better understand our problems and allows us to make the important changes we want. Psychotherapy can be useful for people with a variety of psychological disorders, ranging from stress to phobias, and relational issues.
(925) 900-5592 View (925) 900-5592
Photo of Wellspring Psychological Services, Inc., Psychologist in Oakland, CA
Wellspring Psychological Services, Inc.
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Monterey, CA 93940
While talk therapy methods are a beginning point of the therapeutic practice, I incorporate mindful awareness, visualization, somatic exercises, story and collage art, and Jungian sand tray therapies to heal anxiety, trauma, and depression.
I am the founder of Wellspring Psychological Services and supervising psychologist for this group private practice. I specialize in creating mind and body wholeness, helping to bring balance back into life. I have a passion for working with teens and young adults, particularly because the challenges of adolescence require a unique and strong client/therapist personality fit. Students in residency and couples in transition can take advantage of my 15 years of clinical expertise. My mission is to create a therapeutic space where each person is able to fully show up and create a more contented and peaceful life.
While talk therapy methods are a beginning point of the therapeutic practice, I incorporate mindful awareness, visualization, somatic exercises, story and collage art, and Jungian sand tray therapies to heal anxiety, trauma, and depression.
I am the founder of Wellspring Psychological Services and supervising psychologist for this group private practice. I specialize in creating mind and body wholeness, helping to bring balance back into life. I have a passion for working with teens and young adults, particularly because the challenges of adolescence require a unique and strong client/therapist personality fit. Students in residency and couples in transition can take advantage of my 15 years of clinical expertise. My mission is to create a therapeutic space where each person is able to fully show up and create a more contented and peaceful life.
(831) 222-6388 View (831) 222-6388
Photo of Brenda Fellows in Oakland, CA
Brenda Fellows
PhD
Verified Verified
Foster City, CA 94404
As a veteran mental health provider and life strategist, I offer many holistic counseling modalities in various settings: home, workplace, school, university, community. Behavior modification and other treatment approaches have been highly successful for those suffering from depression, anxiety, anger, emotional regulation, weight management challenges. Together we explore underlying issues fueling your irrational thoughts and dysfunctional behaviors- keeping you stuck. When applicable, I provide Solution-Focused Therapy by negotiating goals for sustainability; both short and long-term. As an EAP provider I offer organizational consultation in numerous areas: individual, group behavior, leadership, conflict, communication, emotional intelligence, time, stress, anger management, etc. Psychological Testing and Evaluation.
As a veteran mental health provider and life strategist, I offer many holistic counseling modalities in various settings: home, workplace, school, university, community. Behavior modification and other treatment approaches have been highly successful for those suffering from depression, anxiety, anger, emotional regulation, weight management challenges. Together we explore underlying issues fueling your irrational thoughts and dysfunctional behaviors- keeping you stuck. When applicable, I provide Solution-Focused Therapy by negotiating goals for sustainability; both short and long-term. As an EAP provider I offer organizational consultation in numerous areas: individual, group behavior, leadership, conflict, communication, emotional intelligence, time, stress, anger management, etc. Psychological Testing and Evaluation.
(650) 489-0417 View (650) 489-0417
Photo of Dr. Ayelet Hirshfeld PHD, Psychologist in Oakland, CA
Dr. Ayelet Hirshfeld PHD
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Gatos, CA 95030
In my practice I cognize that choosing a psychologist & treatment modality can be difficult and confusing & that suffering experienced in relation to burnout, trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, developmental difficulties, marital distress, parenting, illness, & other experiences can result in debilitating distress. I also have served as a founder of companies including Tech & understand the incredible toll & joy startup life takes. I specialize in psychotherapy for children, adults, couples & families; trauma, burnout & secondary stress; psychoanalysis; consultation to clinicians, teachers, executives & institutions.
In my practice I cognize that choosing a psychologist & treatment modality can be difficult and confusing & that suffering experienced in relation to burnout, trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, developmental difficulties, marital distress, parenting, illness, & other experiences can result in debilitating distress. I also have served as a founder of companies including Tech & understand the incredible toll & joy startup life takes. I specialize in psychotherapy for children, adults, couples & families; trauma, burnout & secondary stress; psychoanalysis; consultation to clinicians, teachers, executives & institutions.
(408) 637-7869 View (408) 637-7869
Photo of Brigitte Knight, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Oakland, CA
Brigitte Knight
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, PPSC
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94112
I specialize in treating ADHD, anger, anxiety, depression, divorce/separation, educational needs & learning differences, grief & loss, immigration issues, trauma and life transitions.
I specialize in therapeutic services for children birth to adolescence, families & adults. I use a trauma-sensitive, strengths-based approach & believe that through the therapeutic relationship one develops the ability to make change, process past & present challenges, and learn coping skills for specific needs and overall wellness. I support and respect clients to develop goals & intentions for their wellness, at their own comfort level and pace. Upon request, I provide case coordination with other providers. I have provided therapeutic services in schools & the SF Bay Area community for over 25 years in English and Spanish.
I specialize in treating ADHD, anger, anxiety, depression, divorce/separation, educational needs & learning differences, grief & loss, immigration issues, trauma and life transitions.
I specialize in therapeutic services for children birth to adolescence, families & adults. I use a trauma-sensitive, strengths-based approach & believe that through the therapeutic relationship one develops the ability to make change, process past & present challenges, and learn coping skills for specific needs and overall wellness. I support and respect clients to develop goals & intentions for their wellness, at their own comfort level and pace. Upon request, I provide case coordination with other providers. I have provided therapeutic services in schools & the SF Bay Area community for over 25 years in English and Spanish.
(415) 366-3636 View (415) 366-3636
Photo of Ruth Cohn, Psychologist in Oakland, CA
Ruth Cohn
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Fair Oaks, CA 95628
I don't have a specific client that is "ideal" as every client has their own unique history and backstory. I definitely look forward to meeting with people who are interested in self-growth but I also enjoy helping people get to the point to where the may be ready to work on their self-growth. If you are reading this, you would probably be the ideal client since you have taken the first step in just having that thought in your head about maybe it is time to give yourself the love you give to others and focusing on yourself.
I don't have a specific client that is "ideal" as every client has their own unique history and backstory. I definitely look forward to meeting with people who are interested in self-growth but I also enjoy helping people get to the point to where the may be ready to work on their self-growth. If you are reading this, you would probably be the ideal client since you have taken the first step in just having that thought in your head about maybe it is time to give yourself the love you give to others and focusing on yourself.
(916) 269-4853 View (916) 269-4853
Photo of Marilee Ruebsamen, Psychologist in Oakland, CA
Marilee Ruebsamen
Psychologist, PhD
Not Verified Not Verified
Saratoga, CA 95070
Are you concerned for your children in an ongoing high conflict divorce or another highly distressing situation? I consult, support, offer parent/child coping strategies to prevent longterm effects of severe stress & trauma for children/affected others. Even the youngest can demonstrate remarkable resilience. We attend to their confusion, impaired awareness, degree of distorted cognition. Parents cultivate enhanced attunement, insight, learn to see beyond children's distorted appraisal. We co-create more accurate thinking, safer, more healthy relationships, make space for more realistic understanding, provide predictability, constancy, enhanced trust, explore feelings, support emotional regulation, form new, hope-filled stories to replace frightening, traumatic ones.
Are you concerned for your children in an ongoing high conflict divorce or another highly distressing situation? I consult, support, offer parent/child coping strategies to prevent longterm effects of severe stress & trauma for children/affected others. Even the youngest can demonstrate remarkable resilience. We attend to their confusion, impaired awareness, degree of distorted cognition. Parents cultivate enhanced attunement, insight, learn to see beyond children's distorted appraisal. We co-create more accurate thinking, safer, more healthy relationships, make space for more realistic understanding, provide predictability, constancy, enhanced trust, explore feelings, support emotional regulation, form new, hope-filled stories to replace frightening, traumatic ones.
(831) 275-8260 View (831) 275-8260
Photo of Better Decisions Counseling, Drug & Alcohol Counselor in Oakland, CA
Better Decisions Counseling
Drug & Alcohol Counselor, LAADC, CA, CADC
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95827
Why choose us? because of our methods of Cognitive Behavior Theory counseling. Counseling services have a 86% goal success rate! Open till 7:00 by appointment. We offer Supervise visits, Co-parenting, Anger Management, Alcohol Forensic Assessments & Evaluations, Drug testing, a Department of Transportation Substance Abuse Professional (DOT/SAP) Education to help you achieve your goals. Interventions and referrals to residential treatment centers and Sober Living available. Don't forget to like our Facebook page! Call us! Located in Sacramento and nearby
Why choose us? because of our methods of Cognitive Behavior Theory counseling. Counseling services have a 86% goal success rate! Open till 7:00 by appointment. We offer Supervise visits, Co-parenting, Anger Management, Alcohol Forensic Assessments & Evaluations, Drug testing, a Department of Transportation Substance Abuse Professional (DOT/SAP) Education to help you achieve your goals. Interventions and referrals to residential treatment centers and Sober Living available. Don't forget to like our Facebook page! Call us! Located in Sacramento and nearby
(916) 318-3402 View (916) 318-3402
Photo of R. Austin Heafey, Psychologist in Oakland, CA
R. Austin Heafey
Psychologist, MA, Psy D
Verified Verified
Corte Madera, CA 94925
My name is Dr. R. Austin Heafey - I am a licensed clinical psychologist who works with children, adolescents, parents and families. While every client is unique, my fundamental aim remains the same: improve self-esteem, build self-confidence and enrich my patient's self-worth. When a person has faith in their abilities and feels comfortable with who they are, they are better able to engage with the world they live in, the family they belong to and the life they deserve to experience. Put simply, my objective is to improve my patient's quality of life.
My name is Dr. R. Austin Heafey - I am a licensed clinical psychologist who works with children, adolescents, parents and families. While every client is unique, my fundamental aim remains the same: improve self-esteem, build self-confidence and enrich my patient's self-worth. When a person has faith in their abilities and feels comfortable with who they are, they are better able to engage with the world they live in, the family they belong to and the life they deserve to experience. Put simply, my objective is to improve my patient's quality of life.
(925) 255-7651 View (925) 255-7651
Photo of Janelle K Brady, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Janelle K Brady
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
Waitlist for new clients
We can all use an un-biased, confidential person to talk with. Throughout life, everyone experiences periods of stress, grief & sadness, go through breakups, endure family & parental stress, or struggle with pressures at work. Sometimes we may need extra support navigating through, and adjusting to life changes. In therapy, we will work as a team to facilitate your treatment goals with a solution focused approach. We will nurture your emotional & social well-being, increasing personal growth and self-acceptance, while gaining a stronger sense of personal self-worth, life satisfaction, and increasing the ability in maintaining healthy relationships.
We can all use an un-biased, confidential person to talk with. Throughout life, everyone experiences periods of stress, grief & sadness, go through breakups, endure family & parental stress, or struggle with pressures at work. Sometimes we may need extra support navigating through, and adjusting to life changes. In therapy, we will work as a team to facilitate your treatment goals with a solution focused approach. We will nurture your emotional & social well-being, increasing personal growth and self-acceptance, while gaining a stronger sense of personal self-worth, life satisfaction, and increasing the ability in maintaining healthy relationships.
(925) 297-1843 View (925) 297-1843
Photo of Lucia C Cargill in Oakland, CA
Lucia C Cargill
PhD, MSN, MA, PHN, FNP-C
Verified Verified
Sebastopol, CA 95473
Greetings! Welcome to our multidisciplinary, holistic, integrative mental health coaching practice. We are open to new ideas from Integrative/Functional Medicine, supportive care for your psychiatric needs, drug free care, and nutritional support. We believe whole body health is the best way to good brain health. Good brain health impacts mental health. We invite you to a different approach to brain health and mental health through coaching and support for referrals to the best functional medicine providers sourcing balance, resolution of inflammation & for all your whole body-mind-spirit healing. We invite you to join us for care.
Greetings! Welcome to our multidisciplinary, holistic, integrative mental health coaching practice. We are open to new ideas from Integrative/Functional Medicine, supportive care for your psychiatric needs, drug free care, and nutritional support. We believe whole body health is the best way to good brain health. Good brain health impacts mental health. We invite you to a different approach to brain health and mental health through coaching and support for referrals to the best functional medicine providers sourcing balance, resolution of inflammation & for all your whole body-mind-spirit healing. We invite you to join us for care.
View
Photo of Michele Rouse, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Michele Rouse
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Sonoma, CA 95476
Is constant fighting with your spouse or partner getting to you? Are conflicts with others becoming more frequent? Is parenting turning out to be more difficult than you thought it would be? Call me and discover how counseling can help you; 1) feel more connected in your relationships, 2) find relief from your emotional pain, and 3) learn skills to live at your full potential.
Is constant fighting with your spouse or partner getting to you? Are conflicts with others becoming more frequent? Is parenting turning out to be more difficult than you thought it would be? Call me and discover how counseling can help you; 1) feel more connected in your relationships, 2) find relief from your emotional pain, and 3) learn skills to live at your full potential.
(707) 877-6908 View (707) 877-6908
Photo of Aleta Greenspan, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Aleta Greenspan
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Rosa, CA 95404
The word “heal” comes from “to make whole.” Psychotherapy, more aptly psyche-therapy, is a sacred process of tending to the soul wound and waking more fully to one’s aliveness and inherent wholeness. I am deeply passionate about supporting you in healing the fragmented and disowned parts of self that hinder you from living a life of meaningful connections, purposeful self-agency and joy. We work collaboratively to creatively transform unconscious and limiting belief structures, access your resiliencies, welcome emerging truths, skillfully navigate adversity with new tools, and integrate insights for profound and evolving change.
The word “heal” comes from “to make whole.” Psychotherapy, more aptly psyche-therapy, is a sacred process of tending to the soul wound and waking more fully to one’s aliveness and inherent wholeness. I am deeply passionate about supporting you in healing the fragmented and disowned parts of self that hinder you from living a life of meaningful connections, purposeful self-agency and joy. We work collaboratively to creatively transform unconscious and limiting belief structures, access your resiliencies, welcome emerging truths, skillfully navigate adversity with new tools, and integrate insights for profound and evolving change.
(707) 475-3119 View (707) 475-3119

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.