Photo of Mirely Vasquez, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
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 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 Sarah DelMonte, Associate Clinical Social Worker in Oakland, CA
Sarah DelMonte
Associate Clinical Social Worker, MA, ASW
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94601  (Online Only)
Some conditions I treat are PTSD, depression, anxiety, and grief.
Are you sensing a budding awareness in yourself of difficult patterns in your life that you wish to transform and grow through? It would be an honor to support you on your healing journey. I’m a therapist with a trauma-informed, client-centered lens and I utilize various creative modalities to help my clients experience greater insight, self-love, and balance in their lives. Some of the tools I use are art therapy, narrative therapy, meditation, dance movement therapy, as well somatic and sensory interventions. I also have training in SE, ACT, DBT, and CBT and these modalities influence my eclectic therapeutic technique.
Some conditions I treat are PTSD, depression, anxiety, and grief.
Are you sensing a budding awareness in yourself of difficult patterns in your life that you wish to transform and grow through? It would be an honor to support you on your healing journey. I’m a therapist with a trauma-informed, client-centered lens and I utilize various creative modalities to help my clients experience greater insight, self-love, and balance in their lives. Some of the tools I use are art therapy, narrative therapy, meditation, dance movement therapy, as well somatic and sensory interventions. I also have training in SE, ACT, DBT, and CBT and these modalities influence my eclectic therapeutic technique.
(510) 880-1369 View (510) 880-1369
Photo of Talia Chanoff, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Oakland, CA
Talia Chanoff
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94602
I specialize in working with folks struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, substance abuse and harm reduction, life transitions, and stress management.
I am here to be present with you as you explore and process how the vast injustices in the world may be affecting your internal states. Together we can examine the question: Is there something “wrong” with me as an individual, or do we live in an inequitable society that causes emotional and often generational trauma? Our trauma can lead to behaviors that do not ultimately serve us or align with our core values—but there is room to heal. Your ancestral roots, intersecting identities, and cultural practices are an honor for me to make space for in our work together.
I specialize in working with folks struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, substance abuse and harm reduction, life transitions, and stress management.
I am here to be present with you as you explore and process how the vast injustices in the world may be affecting your internal states. Together we can examine the question: Is there something “wrong” with me as an individual, or do we live in an inequitable society that causes emotional and often generational trauma? Our trauma can lead to behaviors that do not ultimately serve us or align with our core values—but there is room to heal. Your ancestral roots, intersecting identities, and cultural practices are an honor for me to make space for in our work together.
(415) 319-9235 View (415) 319-9235
Photo of Shannon Knorr, Pre-Licensed Professional in Oakland, CA
Shannon Knorr
Pre-Licensed Professional, AMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94611  (Online Only)
I enjoy in working with; self esteem & worth, trauma healing & recovery, body image & body positivity, disordered eating & relationship to body, belonging as our birthright, transforming deep shame into liberation, body & sex shame, relationships and boundaries, anxiety, stress & hyper-vigilance, nervous system imbalances, life transitions & identity, honoring grief, loss & death, life threatening illness, cancer, auto-immune disease, rites of passage, aging, adolescence, menopause, women's empowerment, highly sensitive people & empaths, people pleasers, intergenerational trauma & ancestral healing, mothering & the mother wound.
I enjoy in working with; self esteem & worth, trauma healing & recovery, body image & body positivity, disordered eating & relationship to body, belonging as our birthright, transforming deep shame into liberation, body & sex shame, relationships and boundaries, anxiety, stress & hyper-vigilance, nervous system imbalances, life transitions & identity, honoring grief, loss & death, life threatening illness, cancer, auto-immune disease, rites of passage, aging, adolescence, menopause, women's empowerment, highly sensitive people & empaths, people pleasers, intergenerational trauma & ancestral healing, mothering & the mother wound.
(510) 983-4457 View (510) 983-4457
Photo of Jeffrey Allen Suiter, Pre-Licensed Professional in Oakland, CA
Jeffrey Allen Suiter
Pre-Licensed Professional, PsyD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94609
My ideal client is anyone—individuals, couples, or families—yearning for a compassionate and culturally attuned therapeutic journey. They face life's challenges with resilience, eager to embrace the vibrancy of feeling "alive." Seeking a therapist who comprehends the impact of social inequities on wellness and life quality, they aligns with my values. Together, we navigate towards the restoration of a beloved community, unlocking the fullness of their lives beyond the burdens. My commitment lies in fostering a therapeutic space where they feel profoundly "seen" and empowered to pursue the desires of their hearts.
My ideal client is anyone—individuals, couples, or families—yearning for a compassionate and culturally attuned therapeutic journey. They face life's challenges with resilience, eager to embrace the vibrancy of feeling "alive." Seeking a therapist who comprehends the impact of social inequities on wellness and life quality, they aligns with my values. Together, we navigate towards the restoration of a beloved community, unlocking the fullness of their lives beyond the burdens. My commitment lies in fostering a therapeutic space where they feel profoundly "seen" and empowered to pursue the desires of their hearts.
(510) 726-1520 View (510) 726-1520
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
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 Joan Bechtel, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Joan Bechtel
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94618
How do we break the spell of trauma? Shame, internalized gaslighting, trust issues, addictions and all the rest. How do we break free? The funny answer is not by fighting them as enemies. But by befriending them. Once we befriend them, they lose their power over us. But how do we befriend an enemy that lives in our Unconscious? Dreams, art, play, and imagination are all natives of this realm. so they are perfect guides through our underworld of rich personal symbolism to befriend shadow elements and integrate repressed capacities, replenishing vitality. Fun breaks the spell.
How do we break the spell of trauma? Shame, internalized gaslighting, trust issues, addictions and all the rest. How do we break free? The funny answer is not by fighting them as enemies. But by befriending them. Once we befriend them, they lose their power over us. But how do we befriend an enemy that lives in our Unconscious? Dreams, art, play, and imagination are all natives of this realm. so they are perfect guides through our underworld of rich personal symbolism to befriend shadow elements and integrate repressed capacities, replenishing vitality. Fun breaks the spell.
(925) 705-4006 View (925) 705-4006

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Ashly Gerber, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Ashly Gerber
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94111  (Online Only)
Feeling overwhelmed? Do you find that you absorb the emotions of others? Do you leave gatherings early due to feelings of overwhelm? I offer specialized techniques for highly sensitive people or those experiencing anxiety and depression. Together we will uncover what barriers towards wellness have been created in your life and find tools to help you reclaim a sense of peace.
Feeling overwhelmed? Do you find that you absorb the emotions of others? Do you leave gatherings early due to feelings of overwhelm? I offer specialized techniques for highly sensitive people or those experiencing anxiety and depression. Together we will uncover what barriers towards wellness have been created in your life and find tools to help you reclaim a sense of peace.
(747) 271-4087 View (747) 271-4087
Photo of Dr. Cheryl-Grace Elizabeth Patty, Psychologist in Oakland, CA
Dr. Cheryl-Grace Elizabeth Patty
Psychologist, PsyD, MA, BS
Verified Verified
Alameda, CA 94502
Chronic depression, anxiety, and anger are messages from parts of yourself, including dissociated painful emotions pushed out of your awareness in hopes that they would dissipate.
Are you struggling to find peace, happiness, greater satisfaction, and healthier relationships? Do you continue to feel empty, angry, sad, or anxious? Do you feel as if you have limited ability to change? Self-knowledge is the key to understanding why you continue to struggle and how you can change the continuous negative cycle into a positive one. Through the process of psychotherapy, you will discover how your internal world interprets and affects your external world and how these mechanisms were developed. I can help you gain the insight and self-knowledge necessary for positive, lasting change.
Chronic depression, anxiety, and anger are messages from parts of yourself, including dissociated painful emotions pushed out of your awareness in hopes that they would dissipate.
Are you struggling to find peace, happiness, greater satisfaction, and healthier relationships? Do you continue to feel empty, angry, sad, or anxious? Do you feel as if you have limited ability to change? Self-knowledge is the key to understanding why you continue to struggle and how you can change the continuous negative cycle into a positive one. Through the process of psychotherapy, you will discover how your internal world interprets and affects your external world and how these mechanisms were developed. I can help you gain the insight and self-knowledge necessary for positive, lasting change.
(415) 367-4601 View (415) 367-4601
Photo of Alison Hart Siggelkow, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Alison Hart Siggelkow
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94703  (Online Only)
Many people come to therapy uncertain of how they got here. They're hungry for deeper meaning in life, to understand their inner world and discover a self they can love. You may have experienced narcissistic wounding as a child, feel caught in self-destructive patterns or low self esteem. Perhaps you yearn for meaning and a sense of belonging. Your life may feel marred by co-dependency, anxiety, shame or hopelessness. Maybe you just need a place to feel seen. Our work together can help you uncover your deepest needs and teach you to regard yourself with compassion and self-awareness.
Many people come to therapy uncertain of how they got here. They're hungry for deeper meaning in life, to understand their inner world and discover a self they can love. You may have experienced narcissistic wounding as a child, feel caught in self-destructive patterns or low self esteem. Perhaps you yearn for meaning and a sense of belonging. Your life may feel marred by co-dependency, anxiety, shame or hopelessness. Maybe you just need a place to feel seen. Our work together can help you uncover your deepest needs and teach you to regard yourself with compassion and self-awareness.
(845) 250-6904 View (845) 250-6904
Photo of Jane Cabot, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Jane Cabot
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94704  (Online Only)
As a psychotherapist, I act as your collaborator, witness and guide, and bring curiosity and warmth to your exploration. Trauma, past wounding and internalized negative beliefs can make it difficult to know what you need from moment to moment. Therefore, in session, I support you in cultivating self-agency so that you may become familiar with what is right for you at a pace that is both constructive and safe. I am here to help you navigate difficult transitions, past and new traumas, grief and loss, shifts in identity, and a desire to change patterns in relationship on your path towards fulfilling connections to self and others.
As a psychotherapist, I act as your collaborator, witness and guide, and bring curiosity and warmth to your exploration. Trauma, past wounding and internalized negative beliefs can make it difficult to know what you need from moment to moment. Therefore, in session, I support you in cultivating self-agency so that you may become familiar with what is right for you at a pace that is both constructive and safe. I am here to help you navigate difficult transitions, past and new traumas, grief and loss, shifts in identity, and a desire to change patterns in relationship on your path towards fulfilling connections to self and others.
(341) 444-2442 View (341) 444-2442
Photo of Nesreen Alsoraimi, Psychologist in Oakland, CA
Nesreen Alsoraimi
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94107  (Online Only)
At the core of healing and growth is a solid and caring relationship with oneself and others. I aim to foster this while addressing your specific needs. I honor each individual I meet with and take a uniquely tailored and collaborative approach to therapy. Pursuing your goals with creativity, compassion and humor can help make the "work" of therapy flow more naturally and comfortably. I can help you gain insight in addressing various aspects of your individualized healing process holistically, which may include expressive art therapy, nature therapy, relational-cultural therapy as well as more traditional approaches.
At the core of healing and growth is a solid and caring relationship with oneself and others. I aim to foster this while addressing your specific needs. I honor each individual I meet with and take a uniquely tailored and collaborative approach to therapy. Pursuing your goals with creativity, compassion and humor can help make the "work" of therapy flow more naturally and comfortably. I can help you gain insight in addressing various aspects of your individualized healing process holistically, which may include expressive art therapy, nature therapy, relational-cultural therapy as well as more traditional approaches.
(858) 212-0929 View (858) 212-0929

Online Therapists

Photo of Nazanin Khatami, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Nazanin Khatami
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, ATR
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Palo Alto, CA 94301
I have worked with sexual assault survivors, trauma, depression, stress and anxiety, with different modalities.
This-is-important! It won’t go away when you turn your back. It won’t sort itself out while you distract yourself with other things. You may well need a hand in resolving things but only YOU can take the first step and ask for that help, which we are all PERFECTLY allowed to need sometimes. Resilience isn’t about never being angry, sad, fearful or guilty. It is about knowing how to respond appropriately.
I have worked with sexual assault survivors, trauma, depression, stress and anxiety, with different modalities.
This-is-important! It won’t go away when you turn your back. It won’t sort itself out while you distract yourself with other things. You may well need a hand in resolving things but only YOU can take the first step and ask for that help, which we are all PERFECTLY allowed to need sometimes. Resilience isn’t about never being angry, sad, fearful or guilty. It is about knowing how to respond appropriately.
(650) 300-0481 View (650) 300-0481
Photo of Brent Harrison, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Brent Harrison
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Los Gatos, CA 95030
Are you looking for a genuine, warm, and engaging therapist? This is how I show up for my clients, and I'm sure my passion for this work shows. I want my clients to feel comfortable with fully expressing themselves and working through their hangups. Stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, and relational issues are problems I generally help people with. I specialize in helping clients be better versions of themselves, and have extensive training using In-Depth, body-oriented, mindfulness, trauma informed, and child therapies. I treat clients of all ages and families.
Are you looking for a genuine, warm, and engaging therapist? This is how I show up for my clients, and I'm sure my passion for this work shows. I want my clients to feel comfortable with fully expressing themselves and working through their hangups. Stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, and relational issues are problems I generally help people with. I specialize in helping clients be better versions of themselves, and have extensive training using In-Depth, body-oriented, mindfulness, trauma informed, and child therapies. I treat clients of all ages and families.
(669) 338-4708 View (669) 338-4708
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 Lorine Estelle Bay, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Lorine Estelle Bay
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT, EXA
Verified Verified
San Mateo, CA 94402
With active imagination, play and art therapy we can dialogue with the mysterious compulsion or angry outburst at work, insecurities or depression, making the unconscious conscious, allowing you to unburden and integrate all of your parts to promote true Self actualization.
I am curious about any ways you might have been cut off from parts of your essential nature early in life. As a child perhaps you sang loudly, told jokes, danced and laughed easily and too much - but soon got the message that you should be more composed and quieter. Or perhaps you spoke your mind at the dinner table, but later you learned to keep your sharp wit and astute insights to yourself because you were encouraged to be agreeable. Maybe your independent nature got buried under 6 feet of niceness. The exiled parts emerge as dark moods, irritability, resentment, avoidant or anxious attachment. They surface as symptoms.
With active imagination, play and art therapy we can dialogue with the mysterious compulsion or angry outburst at work, insecurities or depression, making the unconscious conscious, allowing you to unburden and integrate all of your parts to promote true Self actualization.
I am curious about any ways you might have been cut off from parts of your essential nature early in life. As a child perhaps you sang loudly, told jokes, danced and laughed easily and too much - but soon got the message that you should be more composed and quieter. Or perhaps you spoke your mind at the dinner table, but later you learned to keep your sharp wit and astute insights to yourself because you were encouraged to be agreeable. Maybe your independent nature got buried under 6 feet of niceness. The exiled parts emerge as dark moods, irritability, resentment, avoidant or anxious attachment. They surface as symptoms.
(650) 456-7753 View (650) 456-7753
Photo of Kymberly Haas, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Kymberly Haas
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CADC-II
Verified Verified
Rocklin, CA 95765
Waitlist for new clients
Living with the stressors of a busy and often unkind world-- depression, PTSD, and anxiety are often our unwelcome companions.
It takes courage to be willing to get some help. I'd like to honor your courage and be a partner in healing, while you address the issues that make your world less than you imagine it can be. Whether your relationships feel difficult, or you are struggling with specific issues like substance use, mental health, or the wreckage of trauma in your life-- healing is both possible and available. I work in a variety of ways, and try to match the way I work and skills I bring to the PERSON I am working with. Find your peace today.
Living with the stressors of a busy and often unkind world-- depression, PTSD, and anxiety are often our unwelcome companions.
It takes courage to be willing to get some help. I'd like to honor your courage and be a partner in healing, while you address the issues that make your world less than you imagine it can be. Whether your relationships feel difficult, or you are struggling with specific issues like substance use, mental health, or the wreckage of trauma in your life-- healing is both possible and available. I work in a variety of ways, and try to match the way I work and skills I bring to the PERSON I am working with. Find your peace today.
(916) 297-4926 View (916) 297-4926
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
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.