Photo of Rebecca Olsen, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Oakland, CA
Rebecca Olsen
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, PPSC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94610
I specialize in working with those who experience depression and anxiety and have emotions and thoughts that are not serving them in creating the future they want.
All people deserve to experience safety within their minds and bodies however due to overwhelming and difficult experiences this does not always feel achievable. I seek to create a caring, non-judgmental, and trustworthy relationship with you where we can process your past and present experiences and develop skills that will enhance a sense of calm within your thoughts and body.
I specialize in working with those who experience depression and anxiety and have emotions and thoughts that are not serving them in creating the future they want.
All people deserve to experience safety within their minds and bodies however due to overwhelming and difficult experiences this does not always feel achievable. I seek to create a caring, non-judgmental, and trustworthy relationship with you where we can process your past and present experiences and develop skills that will enhance a sense of calm within your thoughts and body.
(510) 777-6579 View (510) 777-6579
Photo of Grateful Heart Holistic Therapy Center, Pre-Licensed Professional in Oakland, CA
Grateful Heart Holistic Therapy Center
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94610
Whether you are seeking immediate support to help cope during this time, or therapy for anxiety, depression, conflicts with your partner or other needs, we are here to help.
Therapy provides such a rich opportunity for growth and learning, helping persons to recover from the aftermaths of trauma, abuse and loss, meet the hardships of their lives and thrive. In times like this, with so much anxiety about our collective welfare, it can be an invaluable lifeline. In response to the Coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, we are now offering teletherapy (therapy by phone and online by video) for all our clients, whether new or established. Also called telehealth or telebehavioral health, teletherapy can provide vital care and support to individuals, couples and families.
Whether you are seeking immediate support to help cope during this time, or therapy for anxiety, depression, conflicts with your partner or other needs, we are here to help.
Therapy provides such a rich opportunity for growth and learning, helping persons to recover from the aftermaths of trauma, abuse and loss, meet the hardships of their lives and thrive. In times like this, with so much anxiety about our collective welfare, it can be an invaluable lifeline. In response to the Coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, we are now offering teletherapy (therapy by phone and online by video) for all our clients, whether new or established. Also called telehealth or telebehavioral health, teletherapy can provide vital care and support to individuals, couples and families.
(510) 858-0916 View (510) 858-0916
Photo of Sandra Ellen Norris, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Sandra Ellen Norris
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94620
My areas of Speciality Include: Relationship Difficulties; Complex Trauma; Depression/Mood Disorders/Anxiety; ADHD; Life Transitions; Alcohol/Substance Abuse Treatment; Grief and Loss; Behavioral Problems in Children; and Parenting/Caregiver Support;.
My approach balances compassion with being direct. My clients experience care, acceptance and belonging, while also feeling challenged the right amount to grow, change and decrease suffering. I offer empathy while actively engaging my clients by setting weekly treatment goals, building coping tools/resources, and providing skills/knowledge to build self-awareness and integration. We are deeply influenced by our cultural identity and heritage. I am committed to the values of respecting and celebrating diversity, and supporting social/political policies of equal rights and opportunities.
My areas of Speciality Include: Relationship Difficulties; Complex Trauma; Depression/Mood Disorders/Anxiety; ADHD; Life Transitions; Alcohol/Substance Abuse Treatment; Grief and Loss; Behavioral Problems in Children; and Parenting/Caregiver Support;.
My approach balances compassion with being direct. My clients experience care, acceptance and belonging, while also feeling challenged the right amount to grow, change and decrease suffering. I offer empathy while actively engaging my clients by setting weekly treatment goals, building coping tools/resources, and providing skills/knowledge to build self-awareness and integration. We are deeply influenced by our cultural identity and heritage. I am committed to the values of respecting and celebrating diversity, and supporting social/political policies of equal rights and opportunities.
(415) 805-9972 View (415) 805-9972
Photo of Chelsie Crilly, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Oakland, CA
Chelsie Crilly
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94610
I specialize in working with ADHD, HSP, and ASD. Being in our bodies- and being in our world- can be very difficult. This is especially true when when you're a highly sensitive person. My typical client often hears "you're being too much" while also dreading the feeling of not "being enough". I'm here to take a deep dive into what's making you feel like "too much" and highlight the ways you are "just enough for the right people". Typically, my client's goals are to live more comfortably in their sensitive skin, find liberation from shame, and better manage depression and anxiety.
I specialize in working with ADHD, HSP, and ASD. Being in our bodies- and being in our world- can be very difficult. This is especially true when when you're a highly sensitive person. My typical client often hears "you're being too much" while also dreading the feeling of not "being enough". I'm here to take a deep dive into what's making you feel like "too much" and highlight the ways you are "just enough for the right people". Typically, my client's goals are to live more comfortably in their sensitive skin, find liberation from shame, and better manage depression and anxiety.
(925) 744-6783 View (925) 744-6783
Photo of Megan Kopriva, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Oakland, CA
Megan Kopriva
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, RYT, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94612  (Online Only)
*ACCEPTING CALIFORNIA, ILLINOIS, AND MISSOURI CLIENTS* Come be seen & be known in a relational space with me, so that you can finally arrive home in yourself. Are you curious if you have experienced trauma, or if trauma may still be affecting you? Have you worked with many healers & still feel stuck in certain places? Have you experienced a spiritual awakening & need to integrate the experience(s)? If you answered 'yes' to any of these questions, then you may be in the right place. Trauma can express itself in PTSD & Complex PTSD symptoms, various types of depression & anxiety, & many other symptoms. Lets get to the root.
*ACCEPTING CALIFORNIA, ILLINOIS, AND MISSOURI CLIENTS* Come be seen & be known in a relational space with me, so that you can finally arrive home in yourself. Are you curious if you have experienced trauma, or if trauma may still be affecting you? Have you worked with many healers & still feel stuck in certain places? Have you experienced a spiritual awakening & need to integrate the experience(s)? If you answered 'yes' to any of these questions, then you may be in the right place. Trauma can express itself in PTSD & Complex PTSD symptoms, various types of depression & anxiety, & many other symptoms. Lets get to the root.
(341) 444-3409 View (341) 444-3409
Photo of Teresa Cole, Counselor in Oakland, CA
Teresa Cole
Counselor, LPCC, MA
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94605
I specialize in trauma (EMDR certified), grief and loss, career, disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorder, depression, and anxiety. I provide counseling for individuals, couples, and families dealing with all types of issues and mental health disorders. My approach is process oriented and goal directed while providing psycho-education and resources. I will help you access your inner strength and build tools to cope, grow, and heal.
I specialize in trauma (EMDR certified), grief and loss, career, disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorder, depression, and anxiety. I provide counseling for individuals, couples, and families dealing with all types of issues and mental health disorders. My approach is process oriented and goal directed while providing psycho-education and resources. I will help you access your inner strength and build tools to cope, grow, and heal.
(510) 588-5277 View (510) 588-5277
Photo of Charles Marco Aquilina, Psychologist in Oakland, CA
Charles Marco Aquilina
Psychologist, PsyD, MA, BA, AA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94611
Hi there, I primarily work in substance use recovery (abstinence and harm reduction) and trauma recovery. I also have specialized training in treating anxiety, depression, and sleep issues/insomnia. My treatment orientation is based in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy concepts, however the foundation of my early training was Psychodynamic.
Hi there, I primarily work in substance use recovery (abstinence and harm reduction) and trauma recovery. I also have specialized training in treating anxiety, depression, and sleep issues/insomnia. My treatment orientation is based in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy concepts, however the foundation of my early training was Psychodynamic.
(510) 878-3486 View (510) 878-3486
Photo of Juliana Campos, Psychologist in Oakland, CA
Juliana Campos
Psychologist, PsyD, MA
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94610  (Online Only)
Specialties include: anxiety/depression, trauma/dissociation, immigration issues, postpartum depression/infertility, grief/loss, and career transitions.
Bilingual, Culturally Sensitive, Trauma-informed, Relational Psychotherapy. I believe that engaging in therapy is an act of courage because change is by definition radical. An important goal of therapy is to connect to your authentic/creative self as a way to make meaning in times of suffering. Together we will explore your personal, family, cultural, and political history to understand the ways in which your experiences shape how you feel in the world. Whether you are struggling with life transitions, finding/keeping good relationships, or trying to integrate different identities, our work can help you find some sense of cohesion.
Specialties include: anxiety/depression, trauma/dissociation, immigration issues, postpartum depression/infertility, grief/loss, and career transitions.
Bilingual, Culturally Sensitive, Trauma-informed, Relational Psychotherapy. I believe that engaging in therapy is an act of courage because change is by definition radical. An important goal of therapy is to connect to your authentic/creative self as a way to make meaning in times of suffering. Together we will explore your personal, family, cultural, and political history to understand the ways in which your experiences shape how you feel in the world. Whether you are struggling with life transitions, finding/keeping good relationships, or trying to integrate different identities, our work can help you find some sense of cohesion.
(510) 779-8266 View (510) 779-8266
Photo of 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 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 Anna Davidson, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Oakland, CA
Anna Davidson
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94618
Do you feel lost or stuck? Disconnected from your body or emotional needs? Perhaps unfulfilled or as if you can't seem to break free from a relational pattern? I see you. You're not alone & I'm passionate about supporting you back home to your truest self. Whether you struggle with anxiety, depression, or are experiencing obstacles in your relationships, I want to work with you to gain more clarity & confidence around communication, needs, boundaries & intimacy. I believe that healing happens in relation- whether to self, other, or the environment & I am intentional about creating a conscious, trusted relationship with my clients.
Do you feel lost or stuck? Disconnected from your body or emotional needs? Perhaps unfulfilled or as if you can't seem to break free from a relational pattern? I see you. You're not alone & I'm passionate about supporting you back home to your truest self. Whether you struggle with anxiety, depression, or are experiencing obstacles in your relationships, I want to work with you to gain more clarity & confidence around communication, needs, boundaries & intimacy. I believe that healing happens in relation- whether to self, other, or the environment & I am intentional about creating a conscious, trusted relationship with my clients.
(341) 888-6204 View (341) 888-6204
Photo of Caitlin Finnell, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Caitlin Finnell
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94606  (Online Only)
Gender related issues, family therapy, children and youth, trauma, anxiety, depression, self esteem, ADD, emotional distress from learning and physical disabilities, adoption and foster youth, and self care.
While I work with a diversity of people, I specialize in working with LGBTQ individuals, couples and youth. As a Marriage and Family psychotherapist, I seek to help my clients find their way through the hardships that life can bring. I believe in the healing power of the therapeutic relationship as well as each individual having the power to heal themselves. I believe in a strength based, solution focused approach to therapy and work with my clients to not only overcome their current circumstances but to also develop tools and strategies that they can use moving forward in their lives.
Gender related issues, family therapy, children and youth, trauma, anxiety, depression, self esteem, ADD, emotional distress from learning and physical disabilities, adoption and foster youth, and self care.
While I work with a diversity of people, I specialize in working with LGBTQ individuals, couples and youth. As a Marriage and Family psychotherapist, I seek to help my clients find their way through the hardships that life can bring. I believe in the healing power of the therapeutic relationship as well as each individual having the power to heal themselves. I believe in a strength based, solution focused approach to therapy and work with my clients to not only overcome their current circumstances but to also develop tools and strategies that they can use moving forward in their lives.
(415) 630-6595 View (415) 630-6595
Photo of Mari Clemson-Hines, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Mari Clemson-Hines
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94607
Working with survivors of trauma, those struggling with anxiety, depression and relationship issues each need a different approach.
Please note: I am currently living abroad and have suspended my in person practice, but I am continuing to provide on-line therapy. You are unique so your therapy path should be too. If working on-line sounds like it would fit with your lifestyle and schedule please contact me and we can discuss if this is a good fit for you.
Working with survivors of trauma, those struggling with anxiety, depression and relationship issues each need a different approach.
Please note: I am currently living abroad and have suspended my in person practice, but I am continuing to provide on-line therapy. You are unique so your therapy path should be too. If working on-line sounds like it would fit with your lifestyle and schedule please contact me and we can discuss if this is a good fit for you.
(415) 702-5649 View (415) 702-5649
Teresa Diane Fennelly
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94607
I am an experienced children's psychotherapist, with a private practice in Alameda and have provided therapeutic services for children, teens and families for 20+ years. I have been able to help families deal with a variety of issues including trauma, loss, family-conflict, children/teens with learning disabilities and a variety of behavioral issues, as well as familial substance use issues, post-divorce issues, severe anxiety and depression.
I am an experienced children's psychotherapist, with a private practice in Alameda and have provided therapeutic services for children, teens and families for 20+ years. I have been able to help families deal with a variety of issues including trauma, loss, family-conflict, children/teens with learning disabilities and a variety of behavioral issues, as well as familial substance use issues, post-divorce issues, severe anxiety and depression.
(510) 292-4106 View (510) 292-4106
Photo of XY Counseling, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
XY Counseling
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94606
My name is Alexander Warnow and I'm the founder of XY Counseling. At XY we work primarily with adults, teens, and couples helping them to live more fulfilling, connected lives. Often what brings someone to seek therapy is a chronic issue that has reached a crisis point: anger, depression, anxiety, self-worth, intimacy problems, communication issues and many more. Sometimes it is a recent change in one's life: infidelity, a move, or the end of a relationship. Taking the risk to ask for help is the first step on the road towards healing and growth. Our therapists include Jacob Donnelly, Stacey Klein and Walker Witte.
My name is Alexander Warnow and I'm the founder of XY Counseling. At XY we work primarily with adults, teens, and couples helping them to live more fulfilling, connected lives. Often what brings someone to seek therapy is a chronic issue that has reached a crisis point: anger, depression, anxiety, self-worth, intimacy problems, communication issues and many more. Sometimes it is a recent change in one's life: infidelity, a move, or the end of a relationship. Taking the risk to ask for help is the first step on the road towards healing and growth. Our therapists include Jacob Donnelly, Stacey Klein and Walker Witte.
(415) 403-2007 View (415) 403-2007
Photo of Shelby Lazarow, Psychologist in Oakland, CA
Shelby Lazarow
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94607  (Online Only)
I am flexible and open to co-creating an individualized psychotherapy environment and relationship with you to deal with anything you may be struggling with, such as: anxiety, depression, trauma, childhood, relationships, transitions, identity, health crises, self-exploration etc.
Thank you for taking the time for yourself to understand how therapy can help aid and assist you at this time in your life. I hope that I can give you a sense of myself and style and how I may be a good fit in supporting you in such a process. In my private practice, I specialize in working with individual adults, older teens, and couples. I practice from a psychodynamic and relational modality in which I am mindful of where you come from and the ways in which you have learned to adapt to each environment and relationship around you, including the relationship that we form. Mindfulness is a lens through which I practice as well.
I am flexible and open to co-creating an individualized psychotherapy environment and relationship with you to deal with anything you may be struggling with, such as: anxiety, depression, trauma, childhood, relationships, transitions, identity, health crises, self-exploration etc.
Thank you for taking the time for yourself to understand how therapy can help aid and assist you at this time in your life. I hope that I can give you a sense of myself and style and how I may be a good fit in supporting you in such a process. In my private practice, I specialize in working with individual adults, older teens, and couples. I practice from a psychodynamic and relational modality in which I am mindful of where you come from and the ways in which you have learned to adapt to each environment and relationship around you, including the relationship that we form. Mindfulness is a lens through which I practice as well.
(415) 322-7764 View (415) 322-7764
Photo of Tamara Hagy-Lopez, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Tamara Hagy-Lopez
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94605
I feel comfortable working with are depression, women's life challenges, life transitions, mid-life problems, interpersonal issues, PTSD, trauma, anxiety, parenting, mood disorders, anger management, blended families, adoption, and underserved population.
Tamara Hagy-Lopez is a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist with over 20 years of experience working with children, teens, parents, adults, and families in a variety of clinical and school settings. Tamara's focus is on building a safe and validating environment that allows families and individuals to increase self-awareness and helps them create a narrative that supports their growth.
I feel comfortable working with are depression, women's life challenges, life transitions, mid-life problems, interpersonal issues, PTSD, trauma, anxiety, parenting, mood disorders, anger management, blended families, adoption, and underserved population.
Tamara Hagy-Lopez is a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist with over 20 years of experience working with children, teens, parents, adults, and families in a variety of clinical and school settings. Tamara's focus is on building a safe and validating environment that allows families and individuals to increase self-awareness and helps them create a narrative that supports their growth.
(415) 870-3873 View (415) 870-3873
Photo of Audrina Smith, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Audrina Smith
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94601
You are struggling and you feel alone. I can help. Have you ever been told you are too sensitive? Do you often feel judged or alone? Are you interested in looking within, learning more about yourself and creating the life you deserve? If so, I am here to help. I support clients struggling with depression and anxiety, learning about and coping with the highly sensitive trait, as well as grief and difficult life transitions. I specialize in older teens, college students, young adulthood/emerging professionals. and women around issues of fertility, pregnancy, postpartum and family life.
You are struggling and you feel alone. I can help. Have you ever been told you are too sensitive? Do you often feel judged or alone? Are you interested in looking within, learning more about yourself and creating the life you deserve? If so, I am here to help. I support clients struggling with depression and anxiety, learning about and coping with the highly sensitive trait, as well as grief and difficult life transitions. I specialize in older teens, college students, young adulthood/emerging professionals. and women around issues of fertility, pregnancy, postpartum and family life.
(510) 288-9386 View (510) 288-9386
Photo of Mickey P Marshall, Psychologist in Oakland, CA
Mickey P Marshall
Psychologist, PsyD, MA
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94618  (Online Only)
Selecting the right therapist is essential- here is some information about me and my practice to help inform your decision. I am a licensed clinical psychologist with over 15 years of experience working with children and adolescents. I work collaboratively with parents in creation of goals and throughout the course of treatment. Through play I help children to; express difficult feelings, resolve internal conflicts, learn adaptive ways to cope, and to develop resiliency. I offer free phone consultations in order to help determine if I am the right therapist for your child.
Selecting the right therapist is essential- here is some information about me and my practice to help inform your decision. I am a licensed clinical psychologist with over 15 years of experience working with children and adolescents. I work collaboratively with parents in creation of goals and throughout the course of treatment. Through play I help children to; express difficult feelings, resolve internal conflicts, learn adaptive ways to cope, and to develop resiliency. I offer free phone consultations in order to help determine if I am the right therapist for your child.
(510) 463-1609 View (510) 463-1609
Photo of Alexandra Mitnick, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Oakland, CA
Alexandra Mitnick
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MPH
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94618
I specialize in using creativity, humor, and the arts in working with adults who are having intimacy and relationship issues. I enjoy working with individuals and couples, especially couples who are experiencing the stresses and complexities of family life. People have described me as inquisitive, insightful, curious and warm. I offer a solid presence, as well as a fresh, down-to-earth, and direct point of view to support you in your life's pursuits. 5 years of training in AEDP (Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy) and 5 years of training in PACT (Psychobiological Approach to Couples Therapy). PACT Level 3 completed.
I specialize in using creativity, humor, and the arts in working with adults who are having intimacy and relationship issues. I enjoy working with individuals and couples, especially couples who are experiencing the stresses and complexities of family life. People have described me as inquisitive, insightful, curious and warm. I offer a solid presence, as well as a fresh, down-to-earth, and direct point of view to support you in your life's pursuits. 5 years of training in AEDP (Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy) and 5 years of training in PACT (Psychobiological Approach to Couples Therapy). PACT Level 3 completed.
(510) 878-4467 View (510) 878-4467
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.