Photo of Olivia Clear, Licensed Professional Counselor in Oakland, CA
Olivia Clear
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPCC, MS, ATR-P
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94610  (Online Only)
I address issues of anxiety, depression, grief, relational conflict, personal growth, feeling “stuck,” & trauma via a creative arts, client-centered & harm reduction lens.
Are you searching for a therapist to help you integrate your insights into change in your day-to-day life? Do you need a space filled with wonder, openness, & curiosity where you can safely explore your inner world? Perhaps you want to talk about the psychedelic state you experienced during Ketamine Therapy or other 'non-ordinary' states like meditation but feel afraid your therapist won’t get it or know how to make meaning with you? Do you wonder if it’s possible to find someone who will honor the impact of your experiences, your story, and your path in a safe, co-creative relationship?
I address issues of anxiety, depression, grief, relational conflict, personal growth, feeling “stuck,” & trauma via a creative arts, client-centered & harm reduction lens.
Are you searching for a therapist to help you integrate your insights into change in your day-to-day life? Do you need a space filled with wonder, openness, & curiosity where you can safely explore your inner world? Perhaps you want to talk about the psychedelic state you experienced during Ketamine Therapy or other 'non-ordinary' states like meditation but feel afraid your therapist won’t get it or know how to make meaning with you? Do you wonder if it’s possible to find someone who will honor the impact of your experiences, your story, and your path in a safe, co-creative relationship?
(510) 680-2623 View (510) 680-2623
Photo of Erica S Wheeler-Dubin, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Erica S Wheeler-Dubin
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94611  (Online Only)
I am seeking clients who are open to discovering what makes them unique through a creative and imaginative process; Clients whose goals may range from deeper self knowledge, to decreasing experiences with anxiety and depression, to understanding how trauma plays itself out in their relationships, to being able to resource themselves, etc; Clients interested in exploring their strengths as well as their more scary parts. I believe that pain and suffering are normal emotions and healing happens in connection with others; others who can hold and stay with the difficulty and provide curiosity and support.
I am seeking clients who are open to discovering what makes them unique through a creative and imaginative process; Clients whose goals may range from deeper self knowledge, to decreasing experiences with anxiety and depression, to understanding how trauma plays itself out in their relationships, to being able to resource themselves, etc; Clients interested in exploring their strengths as well as their more scary parts. I believe that pain and suffering are normal emotions and healing happens in connection with others; others who can hold and stay with the difficulty and provide curiosity and support.
(510) 683-5650 View (510) 683-5650
Photo of Zara Drapkin, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Oakland, CA
Zara Drapkin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, LCSW
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94610
Finding the right therapist can be daunting, and for some, it can be the most difficult step. I offer a free 15 minute phone consultation so that you can assess if we are the right fit. I work with teens and adults presenting with concerns such as depression, anxiety, trauma, grief/ loss, chronic health concerns, relationship issues, and life transitions. In our work together we will explore your strengths and root you in them. We will define your values and explore how to live your life in harmony with them. We will also create space for the areas in your life where you want change and navigate the path to get you there.
Finding the right therapist can be daunting, and for some, it can be the most difficult step. I offer a free 15 minute phone consultation so that you can assess if we are the right fit. I work with teens and adults presenting with concerns such as depression, anxiety, trauma, grief/ loss, chronic health concerns, relationship issues, and life transitions. In our work together we will explore your strengths and root you in them. We will define your values and explore how to live your life in harmony with them. We will also create space for the areas in your life where you want change and navigate the path to get you there.
(510) 422-0057 View (510) 422-0057
Photo of Camara Meri Rajabari, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Camara Meri Rajabari
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94618  (Online Only)
Do you experience a constant and unyielding inner critic that points out every mistake and every flaw you have. Do you often feel like an imposter—not good enough and unqualified? Like you, my clients are people at the top of their class, leaders in their career, recognized creators, yet they feel unaccomplished and undeserving. They describe many moments feeling panicked and alone in their feelings. Their anxiety causes them to overextend themselves to get validation from others. They experience cycles of burnout and depression. They put their own needs last—every time. They find it hard to say no and practice healthy boundaries.
Do you experience a constant and unyielding inner critic that points out every mistake and every flaw you have. Do you often feel like an imposter—not good enough and unqualified? Like you, my clients are people at the top of their class, leaders in their career, recognized creators, yet they feel unaccomplished and undeserving. They describe many moments feeling panicked and alone in their feelings. Their anxiety causes them to overextend themselves to get validation from others. They experience cycles of burnout and depression. They put their own needs last—every time. They find it hard to say no and practice healthy boundaries.
(341) 766-0889 View (341) 766-0889
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 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 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 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 J Julian, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
J J Julian
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94606
I am a queer artist, activist and therapist. I believe deeply in healing, and my practice as a therapist is one way I use my own healing journey to inform and create space for others to explore theirs. I seek to center my work on empowering and supporting people in the LGBTQIA+ community navigating all the emotional work it takes to exist in an oppressive culture - anxiety, depression, relationships, sex, gender, substance use, family, housing, employment, etc. Whether directly or indirectly through my practice, I also work to uplift and center the empowerment of queer, trans*, Black, indigenous and people of color (QTBIPOC).
I am a queer artist, activist and therapist. I believe deeply in healing, and my practice as a therapist is one way I use my own healing journey to inform and create space for others to explore theirs. I seek to center my work on empowering and supporting people in the LGBTQIA+ community navigating all the emotional work it takes to exist in an oppressive culture - anxiety, depression, relationships, sex, gender, substance use, family, housing, employment, etc. Whether directly or indirectly through my practice, I also work to uplift and center the empowerment of queer, trans*, Black, indigenous and people of color (QTBIPOC).
(510) 800-7282 View (510) 800-7282
Photo of Lauren Hoernig, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Lauren Hoernig
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94611
Adults/Teens/Families. Bring your anxiety or depression, issues with identity, life purpose and meaning, your trauma, your grief. I draw on 15+ years of experience as a case manager, special educator, and wilderness first responder.
Adults/Teens/Families. Bring your anxiety or depression, issues with identity, life purpose and meaning, your trauma, your grief. I draw on 15+ years of experience as a case manager, special educator, and wilderness first responder.
(510) 867-3496 View (510) 867-3496
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 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 Revi Hope Airborne-Williams, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Revi Hope Airborne-Williams
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94610
I work with folks navigating trauma, grief, illness, anxiety, depression, inequity, spiritual matters, creative blocks, and relationship problems.
Therapy is a space you carve out with me to reconnect - with yourself, your goals, your life’s meaning, your passion, your creativity, your spiritual path. We all struggle with difficult things at times; they pull us away from who we want to be, or the path we intend to walk in life. I believe relationships are the most important healers we have in our lives – starting with your relationship with yourself! Extending to all your other important and beloved relationships - with family, friends, community, planet, and spirit. No matter where you are, your journey to self-empowerment and joy begins Right Here. I will be there with you.
I work with folks navigating trauma, grief, illness, anxiety, depression, inequity, spiritual matters, creative blocks, and relationship problems.
Therapy is a space you carve out with me to reconnect - with yourself, your goals, your life’s meaning, your passion, your creativity, your spiritual path. We all struggle with difficult things at times; they pull us away from who we want to be, or the path we intend to walk in life. I believe relationships are the most important healers we have in our lives – starting with your relationship with yourself! Extending to all your other important and beloved relationships - with family, friends, community, planet, and spirit. No matter where you are, your journey to self-empowerment and joy begins Right Here. I will be there with you.
(510) 422-0908 View (510) 422-0908
Photo of Danika Grundemann, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Danika Grundemann
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94608  (Online Only)
I specialize in working with folx who identify with the following communities: ethical non-monogamy (ENM), polyamory, kink, BDSM, and LGBTQA+ and who are struggling with anxiety, depression and a history of trauma. I think of psychotherapy as a necessary form of social activism toward a larger goal of equity for people of all races, genders, sexual/relational orientations, levels of ability, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Let's work together to bring you back to yourself, your relationships and your community!
I specialize in working with folx who identify with the following communities: ethical non-monogamy (ENM), polyamory, kink, BDSM, and LGBTQA+ and who are struggling with anxiety, depression and a history of trauma. I think of psychotherapy as a necessary form of social activism toward a larger goal of equity for people of all races, genders, sexual/relational orientations, levels of ability, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Let's work together to bring you back to yourself, your relationships and your community!
(415) 650-4946 View (415) 650-4946
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
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 Ziqiu Yan, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Ziqiu Yan
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94601
I am a bilingual (English/Mandarin) therapist based in SF Bay area. Client comes to see me for more fulfillment in life including depression, anxiety, insomnia, trauma, relationship issues etc,. I have holistic trainings on Gestalt Therapy, Hakomi (somatic) therapy and Psychobiological Approach to Couple Therapy (PACT). I want to hold a safe space for my clients that they feel supported, cared for, resourced but also challenged, so that they can unfold their own way toward healing. As a person with the eastern and western bicultural experience, I also identity myself as a cultural sensitive therapist.
I am a bilingual (English/Mandarin) therapist based in SF Bay area. Client comes to see me for more fulfillment in life including depression, anxiety, insomnia, trauma, relationship issues etc,. I have holistic trainings on Gestalt Therapy, Hakomi (somatic) therapy and Psychobiological Approach to Couple Therapy (PACT). I want to hold a safe space for my clients that they feel supported, cared for, resourced but also challenged, so that they can unfold their own way toward healing. As a person with the eastern and western bicultural experience, I also identity myself as a cultural sensitive therapist.
(415) 843-7850 View (415) 843-7850

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.