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

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
Photo of Joy Lee Johnson, Psychologist in Oakland, CA
Joy Lee Johnson
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
San Leandro, CA 94577
Joy provides families with survival tools and peace of mind to successfully accomplish the monumental task of raising kids and a family - a task that came without an instruction manual and changes at every turn. While she doesn't claim to know every particular circumstance, she has a reputation for respecting, honoring, and supporting people from a wide variety of life experiences. Joy has the ability to not just understand but FEEL your struggle without judgment.
Joy provides families with survival tools and peace of mind to successfully accomplish the monumental task of raising kids and a family - a task that came without an instruction manual and changes at every turn. While she doesn't claim to know every particular circumstance, she has a reputation for respecting, honoring, and supporting people from a wide variety of life experiences. Joy has the ability to not just understand but FEEL your struggle without judgment.
(510) 756-2926 View (510) 756-2926
Photo of Monika S Broecker, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Monika S Broecker
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Berkeley, CA 94703  (Online Only)
I am the therapist for the working professional and their families. I am available to accept new clients. I provide Problem Solving Strategic Therapy and Solution-Focused Therapy, Somatic Psychotherapy, Career and work related Coaching and Leadership Development. I work with high functioning adults and adolescents, individuals and families; with students on performance and anxiety issues; with couples to improve communication and emotional connection/intimacy. Trying to conceive, Pregnancy, Postpartum and Parenting. I work in California for therapy; globally for coaching.
I am the therapist for the working professional and their families. I am available to accept new clients. I provide Problem Solving Strategic Therapy and Solution-Focused Therapy, Somatic Psychotherapy, Career and work related Coaching and Leadership Development. I work with high functioning adults and adolescents, individuals and families; with students on performance and anxiety issues; with couples to improve communication and emotional connection/intimacy. Trying to conceive, Pregnancy, Postpartum and Parenting. I work in California for therapy; globally for coaching.
(650) 241-1330 View (650) 241-1330
Photo of Arwin Cotas-Girard, PsyD, Psychologist in Oakland, CA
Arwin Cotas-Girard, PsyD
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Lafayette, CA 94549
Waitlist for new clients
I am a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in child and adolescent therapy and comprehensive psychological assessment services for all ages. I also specialize in the evaluation of Autism Spectrum Disorder, particularly for girls and women. I am trained in Therapeutic Assessments and consider my evaluations to be brief therapeutic interventions that may allow healing and change to occur through the process of self-discovery and reworking of narratives. I work collaboratively with my clients, their caregivers, and other important people and systems in their lives to gain a comprehensive understanding of their needs.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in child and adolescent therapy and comprehensive psychological assessment services for all ages. I also specialize in the evaluation of Autism Spectrum Disorder, particularly for girls and women. I am trained in Therapeutic Assessments and consider my evaluations to be brief therapeutic interventions that may allow healing and change to occur through the process of self-discovery and reworking of narratives. I work collaboratively with my clients, their caregivers, and other important people and systems in their lives to gain a comprehensive understanding of their needs.
(925) 212-4757 View (925) 212-4757

Online Therapists

Photo of Marla McMahon, Psychologist in Oakland, CA
Marla McMahon
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Sacramento, CA 95825
Are you struggling with anxiety, self doubt, depression, or stress? Are you dealing with past trauma that continues to affect your day to day? As an experienced holistic psychologist, I’ve helped hundreds of clients from teens to adults in dealing with anxiety, stress, trauma, loneliness, depression, grief and relationship issues. As a meditation/yoga teacher, I blend psychology with various mind-body therapies to assist clients in gaining holistic tools for managing the tough times. Treatment typically begins with traditional psychotherapy but can also include mind body therapies (meditation & breathwork & brainspotting.
Are you struggling with anxiety, self doubt, depression, or stress? Are you dealing with past trauma that continues to affect your day to day? As an experienced holistic psychologist, I’ve helped hundreds of clients from teens to adults in dealing with anxiety, stress, trauma, loneliness, depression, grief and relationship issues. As a meditation/yoga teacher, I blend psychology with various mind-body therapies to assist clients in gaining holistic tools for managing the tough times. Treatment typically begins with traditional psychotherapy but can also include mind body therapies (meditation & breathwork & brainspotting.
(916) 544-4245 View (916) 544-4245
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 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 Andrea Hindes, Psychologist in Oakland, CA
Andrea Hindes
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Folsom, CA 95630
I am a clinical psychologist practicing in the Folsom and Sacramento area and have been licensed in California since 2007. I do short- and long-term individual therapy primarily with individuals in young- to middle-adulthood or late adolescence who are experiencing a range of concerns including anxiety, depression, and trauma as well as problems in interpersonal, family, work, and academic functioning. I do not believe in a “one-size-fits-all” approach to therapy. I draw from a range of theoretical orientations to best understand someone and the influence of their life experiences on the ways they think, feel, and behave.
I am a clinical psychologist practicing in the Folsom and Sacramento area and have been licensed in California since 2007. I do short- and long-term individual therapy primarily with individuals in young- to middle-adulthood or late adolescence who are experiencing a range of concerns including anxiety, depression, and trauma as well as problems in interpersonal, family, work, and academic functioning. I do not believe in a “one-size-fits-all” approach to therapy. I draw from a range of theoretical orientations to best understand someone and the influence of their life experiences on the ways they think, feel, and behave.
(916) 238-1824 View (916) 238-1824
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 Meghan Fraley, Psychologist in Oakland, CA
Meghan Fraley
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Jose, CA 95126
I have helped people struggling with depression, life-transitions, anxiety, childhood trauma, ADHD, self-esteem, and spiritual/existential concerns.
I want to acknowledge the courage it takes to seek out a therapist. As social beings, we all need support and at certain times we need it more than ever. Speaking to someone you can open up to and trust, knowing you will not be judged, can really make a difference in navigating emotional turmoil, relationships, stress, anxiety, processing trauma, and making our way through major life transitions. At times we may struggle with larger life questions such as, "Who am I?" and "What is my purpose in life?" I am here to help.
I have helped people struggling with depression, life-transitions, anxiety, childhood trauma, ADHD, self-esteem, and spiritual/existential concerns.
I want to acknowledge the courage it takes to seek out a therapist. As social beings, we all need support and at certain times we need it more than ever. Speaking to someone you can open up to and trust, knowing you will not be judged, can really make a difference in navigating emotional turmoil, relationships, stress, anxiety, processing trauma, and making our way through major life transitions. At times we may struggle with larger life questions such as, "Who am I?" and "What is my purpose in life?" I am here to help.
(650) 282-3391 View (650) 282-3391
Photo of Courtney Meiers in Oakland, CA
Courtney Meiers
MS, LEP, EdS
Verified Verified
Redwood City, CA 94065  (Online Only)
My clientele is ready and willing for change. Working together, we move through the stuckness, mud, or whatever is holding one back from their highest dream or just the ability to feel safe again. They want to climb out of their dark hole, but need a rope; I am here to offer that rope. With my teenage/pre-teen clients, the need is to improve their sense of adequacy or self-esteem, free themselves from anxiety or depression, and rebuild their relationship with a parent figure whether it be due to divorce or due to conflict. My clients like my out-of-the box techniques and strategies that motivate and create forward movement.
My clientele is ready and willing for change. Working together, we move through the stuckness, mud, or whatever is holding one back from their highest dream or just the ability to feel safe again. They want to climb out of their dark hole, but need a rope; I am here to offer that rope. With my teenage/pre-teen clients, the need is to improve their sense of adequacy or self-esteem, free themselves from anxiety or depression, and rebuild their relationship with a parent figure whether it be due to divorce or due to conflict. My clients like my out-of-the box techniques and strategies that motivate and create forward movement.
(650) 582-3353 View (650) 582-3353
Photo of Dr. Ayesha Christina Paige Hunter, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Dr. Ayesha Christina Paige Hunter
Marriage & Family Therapist, EdD, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Stockton, CA 95207
Waitlist for new clients
Currently Accepting New Patients. Trained in EMDR and BSP. I specialize in working with people of color and all others who need support. I also come from a Christian perspective, although I am open to working with people from all backgrounds. I have been formerly trained in trauma-informed practices and I am a Certified WRAP Facilitator. I sincerely care about helping people overcome their tragedies and I whole-heartedly support recovery from trauma, addictions, and life experiences that could potentially provide setbacks. I believe the saying, "A setback is a setup for a comeback!"
Currently Accepting New Patients. Trained in EMDR and BSP. I specialize in working with people of color and all others who need support. I also come from a Christian perspective, although I am open to working with people from all backgrounds. I have been formerly trained in trauma-informed practices and I am a Certified WRAP Facilitator. I sincerely care about helping people overcome their tragedies and I whole-heartedly support recovery from trauma, addictions, and life experiences that could potentially provide setbacks. I believe the saying, "A setback is a setup for a comeback!"
(209) 584-6166 View (209) 584-6166
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 Connie Micale, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Oakland, CA
Connie Micale
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94123
I am a licensed therapist (conniemicale.com) that brings over 20 years of clinical experience w/ extensive training in a range of therapeutic methods, from foundational psychology to holistic approaches (EMDR, hypnotherapy, NLP, sound therapy, Internal Family Systems, meditation, CBT and more) which supports my unique ability to quickly “get” people in both the patterns of their distress and who they really know themselves to be. My work honors the importance of therapies based on the heart, body, mind and spirit connection, which gets you out of your head & into your heart and body to encourage & instill deep and lasting change.
I am a licensed therapist (conniemicale.com) that brings over 20 years of clinical experience w/ extensive training in a range of therapeutic methods, from foundational psychology to holistic approaches (EMDR, hypnotherapy, NLP, sound therapy, Internal Family Systems, meditation, CBT and more) which supports my unique ability to quickly “get” people in both the patterns of their distress and who they really know themselves to be. My work honors the importance of therapies based on the heart, body, mind and spirit connection, which gets you out of your head & into your heart and body to encourage & instill deep and lasting change.
(415) 254-6565 View (415) 254-6565
Photo of Albert Wong, Psychologist in Oakland, CA
Albert Wong
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Rafael, CA 94901  (Online Only)
To others, it seems like you have it all. But underneath lives a different story. Despite your outward success, you feel haunted sometimes by feelings of failure, conflict, self-doubt. At certain moments, a gnawing sense overcomes you, telling you: Something is not right. You've made changes but somehow still end up in the same unsatisfying patterns, repeating the same unhelpful behaviors -- feeling more and more alone. You want to understand your patterns and your past so you can create a different future. You want to learn to feel differently about yourself and how you relate with others. You want to find a different way.
To others, it seems like you have it all. But underneath lives a different story. Despite your outward success, you feel haunted sometimes by feelings of failure, conflict, self-doubt. At certain moments, a gnawing sense overcomes you, telling you: Something is not right. You've made changes but somehow still end up in the same unsatisfying patterns, repeating the same unhelpful behaviors -- feeling more and more alone. You want to understand your patterns and your past so you can create a different future. You want to learn to feel differently about yourself and how you relate with others. You want to find a different way.
(415) 991-0289 View (415) 991-0289
Photo of Blackhawk Family Testing & Assessment Center, Psychologist in Oakland, CA
Blackhawk Family Testing & Assessment Center
Psychologist, PhD, PsyD
Verified Verified
Danville, CA 94506
Welcome to the Gold Standard of testing! Our testing and assessment program provides the most comprehensive psychological assessments to allow individuals to reach their absolute full potential. Whether working with a kiddo, teen, or adult, each assessment is tailored to meet the unique needs of the individual. After a no-cost consultation, our psychologists provide their recommendations for a psychological battery that will address all aspects of cognitive and behavioral functioning. We also provide testing and diagnosis for autism spectrum disorders.
Welcome to the Gold Standard of testing! Our testing and assessment program provides the most comprehensive psychological assessments to allow individuals to reach their absolute full potential. Whether working with a kiddo, teen, or adult, each assessment is tailored to meet the unique needs of the individual. After a no-cost consultation, our psychologists provide their recommendations for a psychological battery that will address all aspects of cognitive and behavioral functioning. We also provide testing and diagnosis for autism spectrum disorders.
(925) 261-7219 View (925) 261-7219
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 Margaret Owen-Wilson, Psychologist in Oakland, CA
Margaret Owen-Wilson
Psychologist, PsyD, MA
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Burlingame, CA 94010
I am a culturally sensitive licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in psychotherapy and psychological testing. I provide a safe, non-judgmental, and supportive space to help you and/or your child discuss and explore your current and previous stressors and work towards your own personal goals. I have a patient-centered, collaborative and strengths-based approach to treatment and I tailor each session based on your unique goals for treatment. I utilize a blend of relational, psychodynamic, and cognitive-behavioral therapy approaches to treatment. I specialize in both individual (with children, adolescents and adults) and family therapy.
I am a culturally sensitive licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in psychotherapy and psychological testing. I provide a safe, non-judgmental, and supportive space to help you and/or your child discuss and explore your current and previous stressors and work towards your own personal goals. I have a patient-centered, collaborative and strengths-based approach to treatment and I tailor each session based on your unique goals for treatment. I utilize a blend of relational, psychodynamic, and cognitive-behavioral therapy approaches to treatment. I specialize in both individual (with children, adolescents and adults) and family therapy.
(650) 826-3947 View (650) 826-3947
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
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.