Photo of Patricia Banchik Rothschild, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Patricia Banchik Rothschild
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CMHIMP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94609
Waitlist for new clients
I also work with children , teenagers and adults who are suffering from depression and anxiety.
My experience comes from 31 years of helping children, adults, couples and families in both Community Mental Health and Private Practice. My approach is eclectic and tailored to each individual's needs to facilitate healing and growth. Through my years of experience I have witnessed over and over again people coming into therapy with great pain, discomfort and despair but with time, (sometimes within a very short time) their symptoms diminish and a whole new person emerges. Crisis times can be extremely painful and distressful but they can also be opportunities for growth and healing through therapy.
I also work with children , teenagers and adults who are suffering from depression and anxiety.
My experience comes from 31 years of helping children, adults, couples and families in both Community Mental Health and Private Practice. My approach is eclectic and tailored to each individual's needs to facilitate healing and growth. Through my years of experience I have witnessed over and over again people coming into therapy with great pain, discomfort and despair but with time, (sometimes within a very short time) their symptoms diminish and a whole new person emerges. Crisis times can be extremely painful and distressful but they can also be opportunities for growth and healing through therapy.
(510) 403-8151 View (510) 403-8151
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 Kathyann Pierre, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Kathyann Pierre
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94610
Hi, I am Kathyann Natalie Pierre, LMFT. It is my belief that our quality of life is directly related to the quality of relationships, ability to maintain relationships, life experiences, and knowledge we gain from our experiences. My use of different therapeutic approaches is based on the individual needs of my clients and on their unique circumstances.
Hi, I am Kathyann Natalie Pierre, LMFT. It is my belief that our quality of life is directly related to the quality of relationships, ability to maintain relationships, life experiences, and knowledge we gain from our experiences. My use of different therapeutic approaches is based on the individual needs of my clients and on their unique circumstances.
(442) 264-0647 View (442) 264-0647
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 Lori L. Crowley, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Lori L. Crowley
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, LPCC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94605
Waitlist for new clients
My clients are NeuroDivergent individuals or their families and supports whose experience of the world is overwhelming. They are in need of hope, encouragement and direction in order to feel whole and valued. Their overwhelm has led to frustration and uncertainty over possibilities, and what to do next. They arrive, feeling unsafe in their environments, unable to communicate so they are understood, and unappreciated for who they truly are. By establishing a safe relationship and working environment we create the tools necessary to be heard, seen and appreciated. These are the missing cornerstones of their growth and expansion.
My clients are NeuroDivergent individuals or their families and supports whose experience of the world is overwhelming. They are in need of hope, encouragement and direction in order to feel whole and valued. Their overwhelm has led to frustration and uncertainty over possibilities, and what to do next. They arrive, feeling unsafe in their environments, unable to communicate so they are understood, and unappreciated for who they truly are. By establishing a safe relationship and working environment we create the tools necessary to be heard, seen and appreciated. These are the missing cornerstones of their growth and expansion.
(925) 258-2959 View (925) 258-2959

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Haley Hewitt, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Haley Hewitt
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, E-RYT
Verified Verified
12 Endorsed
Orinda, CA 94563
Waitlist for new clients
My name is Haley Hewitt and I specialize in individual, couples, and family therapy. I believe that because we are complex and unique individuals, an approach that integrates both mind and body is essential for the healing, growth, and resiliency that is the goal of therapeutic counseling. Treatment specializations include: depression and anxiety, couples counseling, children and adolescents, psychedelic-assisted therapies, stress and/or pain management, life transitions, self-esteem, mental illness/mental health issues, gender and/or sexual identity, and LGBTQIA. I am trained in EMDR, Brainspotting, IFS, DBT/CBT & Somatics.
My name is Haley Hewitt and I specialize in individual, couples, and family therapy. I believe that because we are complex and unique individuals, an approach that integrates both mind and body is essential for the healing, growth, and resiliency that is the goal of therapeutic counseling. Treatment specializations include: depression and anxiety, couples counseling, children and adolescents, psychedelic-assisted therapies, stress and/or pain management, life transitions, self-esteem, mental illness/mental health issues, gender and/or sexual identity, and LGBTQIA. I am trained in EMDR, Brainspotting, IFS, DBT/CBT & Somatics.
(925) 275-5742 View (925) 275-5742
Photo of Harmony Rousseau, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Harmony Rousseau
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94103  (Online Only)
I am a strength-based Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist—one who believes we each have the inner resources we need to be successful and happy in our lives. During our life journeys, many of us may need assistance with finding and/or highlighting our inner strengths so we can breakthrough our struggles, whether they be past traumas, family patterns/dynamics, relationship/attachment issues or a simple and current need for change. My hope is to help my clients build on their strengths, pinpoint their patterns, rewrite their stories, and find their way back to the positive aspects of life they deserve to experience.
I am a strength-based Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist—one who believes we each have the inner resources we need to be successful and happy in our lives. During our life journeys, many of us may need assistance with finding and/or highlighting our inner strengths so we can breakthrough our struggles, whether they be past traumas, family patterns/dynamics, relationship/attachment issues or a simple and current need for change. My hope is to help my clients build on their strengths, pinpoint their patterns, rewrite their stories, and find their way back to the positive aspects of life they deserve to experience.
(415) 687-4216 View (415) 687-4216

Online Therapists

Photo of Lara Long, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Oakland, CA
Lara Long
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Sacramento, CA 95816
Have you been told "you're too much" or "too emotional" but somehow feel like you're just not enough? Are you traumatized, whether or not you can pinpoint exactly why? Are you ready to change, grow and heal? Maybe I can help. I am a depression, trauma and grief therapist. I help young people and adults overcome loneliness, sadness and despair-in order to feel more peace and joy in their lives.
Have you been told "you're too much" or "too emotional" but somehow feel like you're just not enough? Are you traumatized, whether or not you can pinpoint exactly why? Are you ready to change, grow and heal? Maybe I can help. I am a depression, trauma and grief therapist. I help young people and adults overcome loneliness, sadness and despair-in order to feel more peace and joy in their lives.
(916) 312-1703 View (916) 312-1703
Photo of Candace Childers, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Oakland, CA
Candace Childers
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Fair Oaks, CA 95628
Wouldn’t it be nice if life felt like taking a well-traveled path – full of signs, directions and even tour guides to help us when we get lost? For many of us, life does not feel that way; it can even feel like we took a wrong turn along the way, and suddenly we are on a cliff-edged trail that is getting narrower and narrower. When we experience chronic stress – whether it be from trauma, relational issues, anxiety, depression or even sensitivity – life can feel hard. As pressure mounts, we can find ourselves reacting to daily experiences through outbursts of emotion, impulsivity, agitation or even numbing out.
Wouldn’t it be nice if life felt like taking a well-traveled path – full of signs, directions and even tour guides to help us when we get lost? For many of us, life does not feel that way; it can even feel like we took a wrong turn along the way, and suddenly we are on a cliff-edged trail that is getting narrower and narrower. When we experience chronic stress – whether it be from trauma, relational issues, anxiety, depression or even sensitivity – life can feel hard. As pressure mounts, we can find ourselves reacting to daily experiences through outbursts of emotion, impulsivity, agitation or even numbing out.
(916) 602-4903 View (916) 602-4903
Photo of Pacific Counseling & Trauma Center, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Pacific Counseling & Trauma Center
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Folsom, CA 95630
Our Center helps anyone suffering from unresolved trauma or disturbing experiences. You may be experiencing anxiety, depression, panic attacks, insomnia, hyper-vigilance, restlessness, rage, exhaustion, fatigue, or dissociation. We exist to alleviate the profound suffering of those who have been traumatized in childhood or adulthood. Trauma is often not healed from talk therapy alone. We use cutting edge trauma modalities that access your primitive brain where trauma is stored. Through this, you will release the trauma and all of the physical issues that go along with it, and graduate with a freedom you have never known.
Our Center helps anyone suffering from unresolved trauma or disturbing experiences. You may be experiencing anxiety, depression, panic attacks, insomnia, hyper-vigilance, restlessness, rage, exhaustion, fatigue, or dissociation. We exist to alleviate the profound suffering of those who have been traumatized in childhood or adulthood. Trauma is often not healed from talk therapy alone. We use cutting edge trauma modalities that access your primitive brain where trauma is stored. Through this, you will release the trauma and all of the physical issues that go along with it, and graduate with a freedom you have never known.
(916) 659-7283 View (916) 659-7283
Photo of Kathleen Brand, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Kathleen Brand
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, ATR
Verified Verified
San Ramon, CA 94583
Unprocessed grief and trauma are often at the core of many problems that can manifest into negative symptoms such as anxiety, depression, inability to focus, and relationship issues. I specialize in everyday challenges and traumas relating to grief, loss, anticipatory loss, care giving, serious medical diagnosis, life transitions, death, and finding purpose. I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, an Art Therapist and a Certified Brainspotting Practitioner with over a decade of extensive experience in working with grief, loss, and trauma.
Unprocessed grief and trauma are often at the core of many problems that can manifest into negative symptoms such as anxiety, depression, inability to focus, and relationship issues. I specialize in everyday challenges and traumas relating to grief, loss, anticipatory loss, care giving, serious medical diagnosis, life transitions, death, and finding purpose. I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, an Art Therapist and a Certified Brainspotting Practitioner with over a decade of extensive experience in working with grief, loss, and trauma.
(650) 300-4161 View (650) 300-4161
Photo of Sonja Wanhala, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Sonja Wanhala
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Petaluma, CA 94952
I work with both children and adults and provide each client with the individualized support they need. I have specialized training in OCD and Brainspotting and work with individuals inflicted by anxiety, depression and life transitions. I also offer parenting support and educational consultation around the IEP process.
I work with both children and adults and provide each client with the individualized support they need. I have specialized training in OCD and Brainspotting and work with individuals inflicted by anxiety, depression and life transitions. I also offer parenting support and educational consultation around the IEP process.
(707) 416-2392 View (707) 416-2392
Photo of Brenna Kantner, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Brenna Kantner
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Sutter Creek, CA 95685  (Online Only)
The most important relationship that you have is the one with yourself. Regardless of your reason for seeking support, my goal is to walk through the journey with you. Whether it be navigating relationship difficulties, trauma, anxiety, depression, or infertility, my goal is to help people grow and learn to navigate life's challenges. I have a deep understanding of the intricate interplay between mental health, relationships, and reproductive challenges. I approach my work with warmth, authenticity, and a genuine commitment to fostering positive change.
The most important relationship that you have is the one with yourself. Regardless of your reason for seeking support, my goal is to walk through the journey with you. Whether it be navigating relationship difficulties, trauma, anxiety, depression, or infertility, my goal is to help people grow and learn to navigate life's challenges. I have a deep understanding of the intricate interplay between mental health, relationships, and reproductive challenges. I approach my work with warmth, authenticity, and a genuine commitment to fostering positive change.
(209) 260-5279 View (209) 260-5279
Photo of Leane Genstler, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Leane Genstler
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MBA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Monterey, CA 93940
There are times in life when our paths lead us off course and we find ourselves struggling with serious issues like negativity, depression, worry, anxiety, interpersonal relational issues, difficulty with co-workers or unfulfilling marriages. Some of us struggle with unresolved trauma from our past, leaving us feeling distant, disconnected and alone. No matter how difficult your current situation seems, I believe that it is always possible to get back on track and feel better. In my years specializing in domestic violence, eating disorders and trauma related therapy, I have helped individuals, couples and families overcome multiple obstacles.
There are times in life when our paths lead us off course and we find ourselves struggling with serious issues like negativity, depression, worry, anxiety, interpersonal relational issues, difficulty with co-workers or unfulfilling marriages. Some of us struggle with unresolved trauma from our past, leaving us feeling distant, disconnected and alone. No matter how difficult your current situation seems, I believe that it is always possible to get back on track and feel better. In my years specializing in domestic violence, eating disorders and trauma related therapy, I have helped individuals, couples and families overcome multiple obstacles.
(831) 679-3819 View (831) 679-3819
Photo of Heather Moss, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Heather Moss
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MS
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Folsom, CA 95630
I work with children, teens, and adults seeking support in reducing symptoms of anxiety, depression, anger, low self-esteem, emotional distress, life stressors, perfectionism, relationship difficulties, and the aftermath of trauma.
I provide couples in-person/virtual therapy throughout California. Interactions with a loved one can bring out the very best and worst in us. If the dynamic with your spouse or partner is a repeated source of pain, I am here to help. Instead of trying to understand each other, most partners make accusations & get defensive. l help couples to uncover feelings driving their interactions and reactions and then teach communication skills to help them transform the way they relate and connect. I truly believe that a loving and supportive relationship/family is one the most amazing gifts we can give to ourselves, children, and loved ones.
I work with children, teens, and adults seeking support in reducing symptoms of anxiety, depression, anger, low self-esteem, emotional distress, life stressors, perfectionism, relationship difficulties, and the aftermath of trauma.
I provide couples in-person/virtual therapy throughout California. Interactions with a loved one can bring out the very best and worst in us. If the dynamic with your spouse or partner is a repeated source of pain, I am here to help. Instead of trying to understand each other, most partners make accusations & get defensive. l help couples to uncover feelings driving their interactions and reactions and then teach communication skills to help them transform the way they relate and connect. I truly believe that a loving and supportive relationship/family is one the most amazing gifts we can give to ourselves, children, and loved ones.
(916) 764-3689 View (916) 764-3689
Photo of Tayler Lee, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Tayler Lee
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Roseville, CA 95747
Are you noticing that past experiences are holding you back from where you want to be? Perhaps you notice this in your day-to-day life or showing up within your relationships. Maybe you’re beginning to understand your childhood is having an impact on the partners you currently choose, keeping you from being fully seen and vulnerable with another. Maybe you’re beginning to understand that all the times you were called “nice” really meant that you were people pleasing and in turn, sacrificing your own needs. Perhaps you are experiencing anxiety, depression or feel disconnected from who you truly are.
Are you noticing that past experiences are holding you back from where you want to be? Perhaps you notice this in your day-to-day life or showing up within your relationships. Maybe you’re beginning to understand your childhood is having an impact on the partners you currently choose, keeping you from being fully seen and vulnerable with another. Maybe you’re beginning to understand that all the times you were called “nice” really meant that you were people pleasing and in turn, sacrificing your own needs. Perhaps you are experiencing anxiety, depression or feel disconnected from who you truly are.
(916) 659-8416 View (916) 659-8416
Photo of Jennifer A Alexander, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Jennifer A Alexander
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Gold River, CA 95670
I am honored to serve anyone struggling with any type of trauma/PTSD, addiction, depression, or anxiety who wants life to be a little different. Total healing IS possible! I have a passion for non-judgemental connection with people who are nervous about being vulnerable, don’t want therapy, or have had a bad experience in the past. It can be fun and is worth the work! I like to partner with you to discover your strengths and help you reach YOUR goals. My ideal client is someone who has a good sense of humor, a desire for change, an open mind, ok w/an occassional bad word (or two), and MUST love dogs. I do animal assisted therapy.
I am honored to serve anyone struggling with any type of trauma/PTSD, addiction, depression, or anxiety who wants life to be a little different. Total healing IS possible! I have a passion for non-judgemental connection with people who are nervous about being vulnerable, don’t want therapy, or have had a bad experience in the past. It can be fun and is worth the work! I like to partner with you to discover your strengths and help you reach YOUR goals. My ideal client is someone who has a good sense of humor, a desire for change, an open mind, ok w/an occassional bad word (or two), and MUST love dogs. I do animal assisted therapy.
(916) 461-5853 View (916) 461-5853
Photo of Theresa Hall, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Theresa Hall
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, ART-BC
Verified Verified
Greenbrae, CA 94904
My goal as a therapist is to help my clients learn how to effectively manage anxiety and stress, decrease depression, support positive life transitions, improve social connections, and build effective parenting skills. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, combined with Mindfulness, Psychodynamic, and Client-Centered therapy techniques to help clients navigate the challenges they face. This allows my clients to learn from their life experiences, understand the impacts of their current patterns and decision making, and explore and develop new ways of thinking and acting.
My goal as a therapist is to help my clients learn how to effectively manage anxiety and stress, decrease depression, support positive life transitions, improve social connections, and build effective parenting skills. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, combined with Mindfulness, Psychodynamic, and Client-Centered therapy techniques to help clients navigate the challenges they face. This allows my clients to learn from their life experiences, understand the impacts of their current patterns and decision making, and explore and develop new ways of thinking and acting.
(415) 324-4332 View (415) 324-4332
Photo of Kristina Cook, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Oakland, CA
Kristina Cook
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC, NCC, CCMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Vacaville, CA 95688
Whether you have experienced trauma, struggle with anxiety, depression, abuse, emotional neglect, or challenges surrounding sport performance, my goal is to provide an environment of encouragement, compassion and understanding to help each of my clients attain the growth and changes they want to achieve.
Brainspotting • EMDR • Sometimes we reach a season of life that we need a little help navigating, and the good news is that you do not have to do it alone. I wholeheartedly believe, "when needing compassion, we need someone who is deeply rooted, is able to bend and, most of all, embraces us for our strengths and struggles," Brene Brown. I work with a wide scope of clients who have experienced low self-esteem, phobias, trauma, abuse, sexual violence and assault, challenges with sports performance/blocks and injury, codependence, academic or performance anxiety and depression.
Whether you have experienced trauma, struggle with anxiety, depression, abuse, emotional neglect, or challenges surrounding sport performance, my goal is to provide an environment of encouragement, compassion and understanding to help each of my clients attain the growth and changes they want to achieve.
Brainspotting • EMDR • Sometimes we reach a season of life that we need a little help navigating, and the good news is that you do not have to do it alone. I wholeheartedly believe, "when needing compassion, we need someone who is deeply rooted, is able to bend and, most of all, embraces us for our strengths and struggles," Brene Brown. I work with a wide scope of clients who have experienced low self-esteem, phobias, trauma, abuse, sexual violence and assault, challenges with sports performance/blocks and injury, codependence, academic or performance anxiety and depression.
(707) 675-1571 View (707) 675-1571
Photo of Ornit Shoham, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Ornit Shoham
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Mateo, CA 94401
Hello and welcome! I primarily work with adults and teenagers struggling with trauma, depression, and anxiety. Often our inner beliefs have a huge impact on our lives, our sense of self, and our relationships. As your therapist, my main focus is to provide you a safe space that is free-from judgment and offers you a process-oriented approach to identify unconscious feelings and beliefs. I offer a genuine and understanding therapeutic relationship for you to feel held and seen, as we reflect together.
Hello and welcome! I primarily work with adults and teenagers struggling with trauma, depression, and anxiety. Often our inner beliefs have a huge impact on our lives, our sense of self, and our relationships. As your therapist, my main focus is to provide you a safe space that is free-from judgment and offers you a process-oriented approach to identify unconscious feelings and beliefs. I offer a genuine and understanding therapeutic relationship for you to feel held and seen, as we reflect together.
(650) 753-7025 View (650) 753-7025
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.