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 Melinda White, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Oakland, CA
Melinda White
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, LCSW
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94607
I currently provide telehealth services for anyone residing in California or Utah. I believe the core self knows what we need in order to heal if we listen. I have experience with teens/adults who struggle with suicidality/self-injury, trauma, substance abuse, depression, anxiety, self-esteem, life-transitions, and spiritual/religious crises. We apply in-depth DBT, and also (importantly) what comes after DBT. I am trained in Mindfulness, DBT Foundations, EMDR, and Sand Tray work. I work well with spiritual orientations, behavioral approaches, narrative and strengths-based work. My doctoral research focused on self-injury.
I currently provide telehealth services for anyone residing in California or Utah. I believe the core self knows what we need in order to heal if we listen. I have experience with teens/adults who struggle with suicidality/self-injury, trauma, substance abuse, depression, anxiety, self-esteem, life-transitions, and spiritual/religious crises. We apply in-depth DBT, and also (importantly) what comes after DBT. I am trained in Mindfulness, DBT Foundations, EMDR, and Sand Tray work. I work well with spiritual orientations, behavioral approaches, narrative and strengths-based work. My doctoral research focused on self-injury.
(385) 526-3729 View (385) 526-3729
Photo of Lotus Do, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Oakland, CA
Lotus Do
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94609  (Online Only)
Feeling overwhelmed or hopeless? Facing a crossroads? Exhausted by endless responsibilities? Relief may seem impossible when you are faced with chronic stress or extreme difficulties... but it is possible. My name is Lotus and I may be able to help. I am a Licensed Therapist and Gender Specialist with nearly a decade of experience specializing in Gender Dysphoria, complex trauma, depression, anxiety and disordered eating across the entire lifespan. Whether you are seeking support for you or your child, no topic is "too much" for me. I have supported hundreds of children and their families and adults build balanced, joyful lives.
Feeling overwhelmed or hopeless? Facing a crossroads? Exhausted by endless responsibilities? Relief may seem impossible when you are faced with chronic stress or extreme difficulties... but it is possible. My name is Lotus and I may be able to help. I am a Licensed Therapist and Gender Specialist with nearly a decade of experience specializing in Gender Dysphoria, complex trauma, depression, anxiety and disordered eating across the entire lifespan. Whether you are seeking support for you or your child, no topic is "too much" for me. I have supported hundreds of children and their families and adults build balanced, joyful lives.
(619) 383-3284 View (619) 383-3284
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 Nancy Beltran, Counselor in Oakland, CA
Nancy Beltran
Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94605
I work to help my clients build self-awareness and develop skills to break through the vicious cycles of depression and anxiety, while developing a more positive outlook on life.
My name is Nancy Beltran; I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), currently practicing in the County of Los Angeles, California, with services provided statewide via telehealth. My passion and experience have been in the areas of anxiety, trauma, depression, and ADHD. I use a collaborative and integrative approach since I believe that my clients are the experts in their own lives. I have found that my style and approach are a good fit for adults who have experienced multiple episodes of depression, low mood, anxiety, unhappiness, and traumatic experiences.
I work to help my clients build self-awareness and develop skills to break through the vicious cycles of depression and anxiety, while developing a more positive outlook on life.
My name is Nancy Beltran; I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), currently practicing in the County of Los Angeles, California, with services provided statewide via telehealth. My passion and experience have been in the areas of anxiety, trauma, depression, and ADHD. I use a collaborative and integrative approach since I believe that my clients are the experts in their own lives. I have found that my style and approach are a good fit for adults who have experienced multiple episodes of depression, low mood, anxiety, unhappiness, and traumatic experiences.
(707) 340-6622 View (707) 340-6622
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 Mary McDermott, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Mary McDermott
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, MFT, LPCC, RYT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94611  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I work integrating the mind, body, and spirit, you can become more connected to yourself and better able to respond to life as it occurs. I specialize in helping people reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, heal from trauma, manage difficult life transitions and go through the process of grief and loss. In conjunction with therapy I work with people individually integrating the techniques of yoga, breathing, meditation and nutrition. I will help you to develop or deepen an individualized lifestyle that suits your needs.
I work integrating the mind, body, and spirit, you can become more connected to yourself and better able to respond to life as it occurs. I specialize in helping people reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, heal from trauma, manage difficult life transitions and go through the process of grief and loss. In conjunction with therapy I work with people individually integrating the techniques of yoga, breathing, meditation and nutrition. I will help you to develop or deepen an individualized lifestyle that suits your needs.
(415) 800-1999 View (415) 800-1999
Photo of Karen Wolfe, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Karen Wolfe
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94610
Therapy with me is casual and warm, while providing you a space for direct guidance and embodied meditation practices to help you on your journey. I specialize in relationships and intimacy and support to improve communication, work through anxiety, and create a fulfilling life. I have training in both holistic East-West Psychotherapy as well as relationship and embodiment-focused life coaching. I have offices San Francisco and Oakland, CA. This holistic, embodiment-oriented psychotherapy offers individuals and couples concrete skills to tackle anxiety, depression, and relationship challenges in a safe and inviting space.
Therapy with me is casual and warm, while providing you a space for direct guidance and embodied meditation practices to help you on your journey. I specialize in relationships and intimacy and support to improve communication, work through anxiety, and create a fulfilling life. I have training in both holistic East-West Psychotherapy as well as relationship and embodiment-focused life coaching. I have offices San Francisco and Oakland, CA. This holistic, embodiment-oriented psychotherapy offers individuals and couples concrete skills to tackle anxiety, depression, and relationship challenges in a safe and inviting space.
(415) 868-4515 View (415) 868-4515
Photo of Taryn L Smith, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Oakland, CA
Taryn L Smith
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94609
I am passionate about supporting creatives, artists, innovators and activists looking to break limiting patterns and cycles in their art, work, relationships and sex lives. In our sessions together we will explore ways to work through personal, creative and/or intimacy deadlocks, create and thrive while living in a world that often does not view your work/existence/desires as valid, manage symptoms of emotional overwhelm, creative fatigue, sexual shame and “imposter syndrome" and challenge habitual responses to help discover and reintroduce the parts of ourselves that may have been left behind, unexpressed, repressed or unexplored.
I am passionate about supporting creatives, artists, innovators and activists looking to break limiting patterns and cycles in their art, work, relationships and sex lives. In our sessions together we will explore ways to work through personal, creative and/or intimacy deadlocks, create and thrive while living in a world that often does not view your work/existence/desires as valid, manage symptoms of emotional overwhelm, creative fatigue, sexual shame and “imposter syndrome" and challenge habitual responses to help discover and reintroduce the parts of ourselves that may have been left behind, unexpressed, repressed or unexplored.
(510) 680-2650 View (510) 680-2650
Photo of Melanie Ferrari, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Oakland, CA
Melanie Ferrari
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94611  (Online Only)
I consider myself to be a neurospicy therapist, who is authentic and direct. My style is anchored in cognitive science, attachment theory, mindfulness, social justice, parts work, and somatic psychology. I value science equally with the domain of intuition and art, and I consider myself an especially huge nerd with evolutionary psychology. I'm queer and LGBTQIA+ aligned, and I'm fluent in polyamory and kink relationship dynamics.
I consider myself to be a neurospicy therapist, who is authentic and direct. My style is anchored in cognitive science, attachment theory, mindfulness, social justice, parts work, and somatic psychology. I value science equally with the domain of intuition and art, and I consider myself an especially huge nerd with evolutionary psychology. I'm queer and LGBTQIA+ aligned, and I'm fluent in polyamory and kink relationship dynamics.
(510) 826-5168 View (510) 826-5168
Photo of Kay (Karen) McGee, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Oakland, CA
Kay (Karen) McGee
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94609
There are elements to all of us that are hidden and unknown until we encounter right timing. It is important to uncover these secret parts of self, yearning to be discovered, with the right support. A few things you should know about what it's like to work with me: My style is warm, witty, compassionate + forthcoming. I value transparency, kindness, justice + joy. I'm directive when called for + I like to challenge my clients to go deep. I draw from my own experience of trauma + healing.
There are elements to all of us that are hidden and unknown until we encounter right timing. It is important to uncover these secret parts of self, yearning to be discovered, with the right support. A few things you should know about what it's like to work with me: My style is warm, witty, compassionate + forthcoming. I value transparency, kindness, justice + joy. I'm directive when called for + I like to challenge my clients to go deep. I draw from my own experience of trauma + healing.
(305) 902-6845 View (305) 902-6845
Photo of San Francisco Intimacy & Sex Therapy Center, Pre-Licensed Professional in Oakland, CA
San Francisco Intimacy & Sex Therapy Center
Pre-Licensed Professional, PsyD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94610
East Bay Intimacy & Sex Therapy Center was created with the goal of making the practice of sex & intimacy therapy more relationship-focused & accessible, without the stigma & confusion that often accompanies misperceptions about couples & sex therapy. We offer attachment-based sex therapy & couples counseling. We believe that healthy relationships are at the core of how change & healing occur. Having a healthy sexual relationship to one's self or partner(s) is vital to overall wellbeing. We strive to support & promote lifelong change that will allow you to form sustainable, loving & equitable relationships, & an overall sense of health wellbeing.
East Bay Intimacy & Sex Therapy Center was created with the goal of making the practice of sex & intimacy therapy more relationship-focused & accessible, without the stigma & confusion that often accompanies misperceptions about couples & sex therapy. We offer attachment-based sex therapy & couples counseling. We believe that healthy relationships are at the core of how change & healing occur. Having a healthy sexual relationship to one's self or partner(s) is vital to overall wellbeing. We strive to support & promote lifelong change that will allow you to form sustainable, loving & equitable relationships, & an overall sense of health wellbeing.
(510) 694-2664 View (510) 694-2664
Photo of Bren Benoit, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Oakland, CA
Bren Benoit
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94605  (Online Only)
It is a radical act to pursue health, liberation, and self-acceptance in a world that too often seeks to dehumanize and control us. My intention is for therapy to be a refuge from that pressure and trauma, where you can explore who you want to be and how you want to live your life. Everyone has unique needs, strengths, and values, so my therapeutic approach is always as collaborative and egalitarian as possible. As a member of the transgender community, I am particularly experienced in issues relating to LGBTQ+ identity, relationships, and discrimination.
It is a radical act to pursue health, liberation, and self-acceptance in a world that too often seeks to dehumanize and control us. My intention is for therapy to be a refuge from that pressure and trauma, where you can explore who you want to be and how you want to live your life. Everyone has unique needs, strengths, and values, so my therapeutic approach is always as collaborative and egalitarian as possible. As a member of the transgender community, I am particularly experienced in issues relating to LGBTQ+ identity, relationships, and discrimination.
(341) 895-5783 View (341) 895-5783
Photo of Christhmus (Christopher Chu) Presence, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Oakland, CA
Christhmus (Christopher Chu) Presence
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94610  (Online Only)
Offering CA-based Telehealth ideal for BIPOC: Black, Indigenous, &/or People of Color, including white-passing & mixed-race BIPOC. Also welcoming Families & Partnerships with 1 or more BIPOC in regular attendance. I offer Xychotherapy: psychotherapy that recognizes therapeutic experiences existed long before psychotherapy was invented, and incorporates psychotherapy into global therapeutic wisdoms and practices.
Offering CA-based Telehealth ideal for BIPOC: Black, Indigenous, &/or People of Color, including white-passing & mixed-race BIPOC. Also welcoming Families & Partnerships with 1 or more BIPOC in regular attendance. I offer Xychotherapy: psychotherapy that recognizes therapeutic experiences existed long before psychotherapy was invented, and incorporates psychotherapy into global therapeutic wisdoms and practices.
View
Photo of Keiko Kubo, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Keiko Kubo
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94606  (Online Only)
Are you a witch, wizard, mystic scholar, medicine person seeking a 1:1 space dedicated to your personal healing to expand upon, process, and integrate your journey without worrying about colonizing psychotherapy bullshit? Do you come from colonizer lineage like me (I'm Japanese and reside in imperialist United States) and seek support in your process of addressing ancestral trauma and healing, so that we can own the entirety of our Beingness and transform this paradigm, creating a new civilization with our reclaimed liberated minds and joy? Do you yearn to feel the safety and harmony between with your mind, body and heart again?
Are you a witch, wizard, mystic scholar, medicine person seeking a 1:1 space dedicated to your personal healing to expand upon, process, and integrate your journey without worrying about colonizing psychotherapy bullshit? Do you come from colonizer lineage like me (I'm Japanese and reside in imperialist United States) and seek support in your process of addressing ancestral trauma and healing, so that we can own the entirety of our Beingness and transform this paradigm, creating a new civilization with our reclaimed liberated minds and joy? Do you yearn to feel the safety and harmony between with your mind, body and heart again?
(707) 985-0940 View (707) 985-0940
Photo of Cary Okano, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Cary Okano
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94618  (Online Only)
Only offering Telehealth (for clients living in TX & CA) - Are you having feelings about what is happening in your life or in the world? Are you a parent, a person of color, healthcare worker, LBGTQ+, businessperson, student? Have you been feeling different from others? As a Marriage & Family Therapist and Expressive Arts Therapist, my caseload includes people of all ages and diversity. I offer traditional therapeutic orientations combined with Expressive Arts Therapy, sand tray and mindfulness. It is not necessary to be an artist to benefit from a creative focus towards your goals for wellness and the life you choose to be living.
Only offering Telehealth (for clients living in TX & CA) - Are you having feelings about what is happening in your life or in the world? Are you a parent, a person of color, healthcare worker, LBGTQ+, businessperson, student? Have you been feeling different from others? As a Marriage & Family Therapist and Expressive Arts Therapist, my caseload includes people of all ages and diversity. I offer traditional therapeutic orientations combined with Expressive Arts Therapy, sand tray and mindfulness. It is not necessary to be an artist to benefit from a creative focus towards your goals for wellness and the life you choose to be living.
(214) 702-8627 View (214) 702-8627
Photo of Ask Alison Leigh, PHD, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Ask Alison Leigh, PHD, MFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, MFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94602  (Online Only)
The past 22 years I've seen an eclectic group of clientele: men, women & couples of any gender/orientation who want to improve their sexual lifestyle. I've helped men overcome ED through increasing their self confidence and women who want to feel more sexually in charge. I've seen over 25,000 couples throughout every stage of their relationship whether single, dating, married, or exploring and experimenting couples to ones who are curious how to stay together and keep the chemistry strong. My clients include stay at home moms, stressed out executives, artists, entrepreneurs & communities: LGBTQ, BDSM, & Transgender Families.
The past 22 years I've seen an eclectic group of clientele: men, women & couples of any gender/orientation who want to improve their sexual lifestyle. I've helped men overcome ED through increasing their self confidence and women who want to feel more sexually in charge. I've seen over 25,000 couples throughout every stage of their relationship whether single, dating, married, or exploring and experimenting couples to ones who are curious how to stay together and keep the chemistry strong. My clients include stay at home moms, stressed out executives, artists, entrepreneurs & communities: LGBTQ, BDSM, & Transgender Families.
(628) 226-1830 View (628) 226-1830
Photo of Doreen Meister, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Doreen Meister
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94601
I am dedicated to helping you live fully, love freely and express yourself authentically. Together we will work to build the skills and understanding to develop lasting change in your life. Any number of situations can cause you to feel lost, stressed, anxious, unable to relate to your friends, lovers, coworkers or even yourself. I understand how overwhelming these feelings can be, and how lonely you might feel. I can help. Therapy is a time for you to share your deepest feelings, thoughts, fears, hopes, and desires with someone who is whole-heartedly there for you, hearing and understanding you with compassion.
I am dedicated to helping you live fully, love freely and express yourself authentically. Together we will work to build the skills and understanding to develop lasting change in your life. Any number of situations can cause you to feel lost, stressed, anxious, unable to relate to your friends, lovers, coworkers or even yourself. I understand how overwhelming these feelings can be, and how lonely you might feel. I can help. Therapy is a time for you to share your deepest feelings, thoughts, fears, hopes, and desires with someone who is whole-heartedly there for you, hearing and understanding you with compassion.
(510) 358-4980 View (510) 358-4980
Photo of Debra Warshaw Taube, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Debra Warshaw Taube
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94604
Psychotherapy isn't one size fits all. It's a unique relationship that develops and responds to your needs, life-experiences, gender/ethnic/cultural identity, challenges and resources. You may be feeling stuck-repeating painful patterns, wanting to make changes but not knowing how. Or you're a survivor of sexual violence and the ways you've been coping aren't working anymore. I meet you where you are and bring my clinical and life experience, deep listening, compassion, acceptance, warmth and creativity. Together we create and draw on the power of a safe, accepting therapeutic relationship to support your growth and wholeness.
Psychotherapy isn't one size fits all. It's a unique relationship that develops and responds to your needs, life-experiences, gender/ethnic/cultural identity, challenges and resources. You may be feeling stuck-repeating painful patterns, wanting to make changes but not knowing how. Or you're a survivor of sexual violence and the ways you've been coping aren't working anymore. I meet you where you are and bring my clinical and life experience, deep listening, compassion, acceptance, warmth and creativity. Together we create and draw on the power of a safe, accepting therapeutic relationship to support your growth and wholeness.
(415) 949-1174 View (415) 949-1174

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Stephanie Cree, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Stephanie Cree
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Leandro, CA 94578
I began working with people with Schizophrenia &/or Major Depression.
Hi. I am Stephanie Cree, a licensed Marriage, Family, and Child Therapist. I hold a Master of Science degree in Counseling Education and a Master of Arts Degree in Psychology. My approach to therapy is that you are a whole person & as such I address your body, mind, & spirit in sessions. I began with Humanistic psychology & have studied Imaginal Psychology and several other theories. I will use what I know for what you need.
I began working with people with Schizophrenia &/or Major Depression.
Hi. I am Stephanie Cree, a licensed Marriage, Family, and Child Therapist. I hold a Master of Science degree in Counseling Education and a Master of Arts Degree in Psychology. My approach to therapy is that you are a whole person & as such I address your body, mind, & spirit in sessions. I began with Humanistic psychology & have studied Imaginal Psychology and several other theories. I will use what I know for what you need.
(707) 370-0852 View (707) 370-0852
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.