Photo of Dr. Marcella Kreysa, Psychologist in Sacramento, CA
Dr. Marcella Kreysa
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95816  (Online Only)
I specialize in treating Complex Trauma, Depression, ADHD, Anxiety, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Developmental Delays, relational disruptions and interpersonal difficulties, along with issues related to LGBTQIA+, and questions of gender and identity.
Life can be an overwhelming experience for anyone. Things can become especially challenging when a person feels stressed by circumstances beyond their control. Individuals who come to therapy are often very capable human beings who have experienced something in their life that has left them needing some extra support. Many times people begin therapy feeling down and lost. Through a person's work in therapy, they are often able to find some light on their path to help guide them through the pain. This shift creates an opportunity for a person to improve their day-to-day functioning and overall, they FEEL BETTER!!
I specialize in treating Complex Trauma, Depression, ADHD, Anxiety, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Developmental Delays, relational disruptions and interpersonal difficulties, along with issues related to LGBTQIA+, and questions of gender and identity.
Life can be an overwhelming experience for anyone. Things can become especially challenging when a person feels stressed by circumstances beyond their control. Individuals who come to therapy are often very capable human beings who have experienced something in their life that has left them needing some extra support. Many times people begin therapy feeling down and lost. Through a person's work in therapy, they are often able to find some light on their path to help guide them through the pain. This shift creates an opportunity for a person to improve their day-to-day functioning and overall, they FEEL BETTER!!
(916) 764-3544 View (916) 764-3544
Photo of Dr. Tristan C. Buzzini, Psychologist in Sacramento, CA
Dr. Tristan C. Buzzini
Psychologist, PsyD, MA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Sacramento, CA 95825
I sincerely believe in whole-person wellness and that mind, body, and spirit need to be nurtured for overall mental health and well-being to be stabilized. It is my hope to support you in taking the steps you believe need to be taken to live a healthy, fulfilling, peaceful, and empowered life. As an expert in mindfulness and meditation, I work with adults and teens to effectively manage symptoms of depression, anxiety, anger, impulsivity, and post-traumatic stress disorder. I am also skilled in working with individuals who struggle with substance use, conduct disorders, and academic challenges.
I sincerely believe in whole-person wellness and that mind, body, and spirit need to be nurtured for overall mental health and well-being to be stabilized. It is my hope to support you in taking the steps you believe need to be taken to live a healthy, fulfilling, peaceful, and empowered life. As an expert in mindfulness and meditation, I work with adults and teens to effectively manage symptoms of depression, anxiety, anger, impulsivity, and post-traumatic stress disorder. I am also skilled in working with individuals who struggle with substance use, conduct disorders, and academic challenges.
(916) 269-5660 View (916) 269-5660
Photo of Joanne Nichols Kuchera, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Sacramento, CA
Joanne Nichols Kuchera
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95816
Individual counseling sessions are available for adolescents and adults for the treatment of : Stress and Anxiety, Depression, Relationship issues, Trauma and Abuse, Life Transitions (grief and loss, divorce, career changes and retirement, dealing with aging parents), Chronic Pain, Parenting, Infertility, Eating and Weight issues.
As a practicing therapist for over 20 years, I have the privilege of working collaboratively with my clients to assist them in finding solutions to their problems and learning how to live life more authentically and with greater joy. Whatever your circumstance, if you're struggling to make changes, therapy and developing greater insight, may be just the energy you need to make the change you want. I believe that everyone has capacity for positive change and personal development, and that working together we can synergistically accomplish greater things than on our own.
Individual counseling sessions are available for adolescents and adults for the treatment of : Stress and Anxiety, Depression, Relationship issues, Trauma and Abuse, Life Transitions (grief and loss, divorce, career changes and retirement, dealing with aging parents), Chronic Pain, Parenting, Infertility, Eating and Weight issues.
As a practicing therapist for over 20 years, I have the privilege of working collaboratively with my clients to assist them in finding solutions to their problems and learning how to live life more authentically and with greater joy. Whatever your circumstance, if you're struggling to make changes, therapy and developing greater insight, may be just the energy you need to make the change you want. I believe that everyone has capacity for positive change and personal development, and that working together we can synergistically accomplish greater things than on our own.
(916) 713-5014 View (916) 713-5014
Photo of Marla McMahon, Psychologist in Sacramento, CA
Marla McMahon
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Sacramento, CA 95825
Are you struggling with anxiety, self doubt, depression, or stress? Are you dealing with past trauma that continues to affect your day to day? As an experienced holistic psychologist, I’ve helped hundreds of clients from teens to adults in dealing with anxiety, stress, trauma, loneliness, depression, grief and relationship issues. As a meditation/yoga teacher, I blend psychology with various mind-body therapies to assist clients in gaining holistic tools for managing the tough times. Treatment typically begins with traditional psychotherapy but can also include mind body therapies (meditation & breathwork & brainspotting.
Are you struggling with anxiety, self doubt, depression, or stress? Are you dealing with past trauma that continues to affect your day to day? As an experienced holistic psychologist, I’ve helped hundreds of clients from teens to adults in dealing with anxiety, stress, trauma, loneliness, depression, grief and relationship issues. As a meditation/yoga teacher, I blend psychology with various mind-body therapies to assist clients in gaining holistic tools for managing the tough times. Treatment typically begins with traditional psychotherapy but can also include mind body therapies (meditation & breathwork & brainspotting.
(916) 544-4245 View (916) 544-4245
Photo of Sierra Therapy Center in Sacramento, CA
Sierra Therapy Center
LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sacramento, CA 95825
We offer many modalities to individuals, couples, families and children - EMDR, Brainspotting, couples therapy, group therapy, anxiety, depression, trauma grief work, and more.
Our story: Some of the best physicians are wounded healers, those who have walked through pain and suffering themselves only to emerge on the other side to help others. We believe strongly in the human capacity to heal. Our counseling specialists work with children/teens, adults, couples and families. With sensitivity and compassion, we help you bring resolution to the struggles you are facing. Modalities range from depth therapy, IMAGO couples therapy, Brainspotting, EMDR, play therapy, addiction groups to solution focused. We are trained in a variety of different therapeutic interventions that will fit what you need.
We offer many modalities to individuals, couples, families and children - EMDR, Brainspotting, couples therapy, group therapy, anxiety, depression, trauma grief work, and more.
Our story: Some of the best physicians are wounded healers, those who have walked through pain and suffering themselves only to emerge on the other side to help others. We believe strongly in the human capacity to heal. Our counseling specialists work with children/teens, adults, couples and families. With sensitivity and compassion, we help you bring resolution to the struggles you are facing. Modalities range from depth therapy, IMAGO couples therapy, Brainspotting, EMDR, play therapy, addiction groups to solution focused. We are trained in a variety of different therapeutic interventions that will fit what you need.
(530) 419-5189 View (530) 419-5189
Photo of Balance LEP, Jennifer Judy, Psychologist in Sacramento, CA
Balance LEP, Jennifer Judy
Psychologist, MA, LEP
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95819
I primarily work with children ages 6 and up on issues related to anxiety, depression, school stress, executive functioning/ADHD or other school-related struggles. In addition to one on one counseling services, I do a 6 week yoga/group counseling workshop after school for kids ages 7-10, and a teen yoga group is starting soon as well. More info on my website.
I primarily work with children ages 6 and up on issues related to anxiety, depression, school stress, executive functioning/ADHD or other school-related struggles. In addition to one on one counseling services, I do a 6 week yoga/group counseling workshop after school for kids ages 7-10, and a teen yoga group is starting soon as well. More info on my website.
(916) 545-8532 View (916) 545-8532
Photo of Aubrey-Pierre Keys, Marriage & Family Therapist in Sacramento, CA
Aubrey-Pierre Keys
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95821
I have a number of treatment modalities to address diverse patient treatment. In addition, I have worked with clinical depression both moderate and severe over the last 12 years. Also, grief has been a difficult process for patients who loss a love one both deceased and divorced that I have treated in both traumatic and non traumatic cases. I also have a speciality with those who are dealing with difficult oartner relationships. (i.e. blended famillies, reactionary communication that deteriiorate the couple relationship, remarriage and divorce mediation) I also provide medication monitoring for patients taking psychotropic meds.
I have a number of treatment modalities to address diverse patient treatment. In addition, I have worked with clinical depression both moderate and severe over the last 12 years. Also, grief has been a difficult process for patients who loss a love one both deceased and divorced that I have treated in both traumatic and non traumatic cases. I also have a speciality with those who are dealing with difficult oartner relationships. (i.e. blended famillies, reactionary communication that deteriiorate the couple relationship, remarriage and divorce mediation) I also provide medication monitoring for patients taking psychotropic meds.
(916) 510-0729 View (916) 510-0729
Photo of Miguel Fraguela, Psychologist in Sacramento, CA
Miguel Fraguela
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95825
I provide individual therapy to adults and adolescents who may be experiencing depression, anxiety, adjustment problems, and other mood disorders.
Thinking about finding a therapist can be a challenging task. Will I like this person? Will he or she treat me with kindness and respect? Will this person judge me or make me feel worse than I already feel? Do I even need therapy? Do not let these thoughts deny you the opportunity of developing a healthy therapeutic relationship with a therapist that you trust. It is within the safety of this unique relationship that positive, life changes can occur. Please take time to read about my practice below and see if I would be a good fit for you.
I provide individual therapy to adults and adolescents who may be experiencing depression, anxiety, adjustment problems, and other mood disorders.
Thinking about finding a therapist can be a challenging task. Will I like this person? Will he or she treat me with kindness and respect? Will this person judge me or make me feel worse than I already feel? Do I even need therapy? Do not let these thoughts deny you the opportunity of developing a healthy therapeutic relationship with a therapist that you trust. It is within the safety of this unique relationship that positive, life changes can occur. Please take time to read about my practice below and see if I would be a good fit for you.
(916) 727-6216 View (916) 727-6216
Photo of Rachel Cover-Briggs, Psychologist in Sacramento, CA
Rachel Cover-Briggs
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sacramento, CA 95816
Are you an "overthinker" or overachiever wanting to work through harsh attitudes you hold about yourself? Are you hoping to resolve pain from the past? Perhaps you need relief from intense worry, anxiety, PTSD/complex trauma, overwhelming emotions, depression, insomnia, or nightmares. Or you might be seeking to grow as a person and needing to talk through the complexities of your most important relationships with someone trained to ask just the right questions. If these are the kinds of issues you’re grappling with now, therapy is a wonderful place to start, and one of the most meaningful investments you can make in yourself.
Are you an "overthinker" or overachiever wanting to work through harsh attitudes you hold about yourself? Are you hoping to resolve pain from the past? Perhaps you need relief from intense worry, anxiety, PTSD/complex trauma, overwhelming emotions, depression, insomnia, or nightmares. Or you might be seeking to grow as a person and needing to talk through the complexities of your most important relationships with someone trained to ask just the right questions. If these are the kinds of issues you’re grappling with now, therapy is a wonderful place to start, and one of the most meaningful investments you can make in yourself.
(530) 500-0308 View (530) 500-0308
Photo of Maria Curameng Teresi, Marriage & Family Therapist in Sacramento, CA
Maria Curameng Teresi
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95821  (Online Only)
She is certified in both EMDR and Brainspotting therapies for treating trauma and trauma's effects on the ability to manage stress, anxiety, depression, flashbacks, muscle tension and tightness, and other symptoms that effect struggles with mood and with life changes in relationships and career goals.
Maria Curameng Teresi is a licensed marriage, family and child therapist, and has worked in mental health and behavioral health since 2004. She works with people who have been abused and experienced different types of trauma. She helps her clients reduce the effects of trauma including anxiety, depression, stress, starting and completing tasks, and struggles with relationships, with career goals, with life changes and with managing mood changes. She supports her clients to reach their life goals and live their lives in healthy, productive and effective ways that is unique to her individual clients.
She is certified in both EMDR and Brainspotting therapies for treating trauma and trauma's effects on the ability to manage stress, anxiety, depression, flashbacks, muscle tension and tightness, and other symptoms that effect struggles with mood and with life changes in relationships and career goals.
Maria Curameng Teresi is a licensed marriage, family and child therapist, and has worked in mental health and behavioral health since 2004. She works with people who have been abused and experienced different types of trauma. She helps her clients reduce the effects of trauma including anxiety, depression, stress, starting and completing tasks, and struggles with relationships, with career goals, with life changes and with managing mood changes. She supports her clients to reach their life goals and live their lives in healthy, productive and effective ways that is unique to her individual clients.
(916) 571-0913 View (916) 571-0913
Photo of K-Psych Counseling and Psychology Services, Psychologist in Sacramento, CA
K-Psych Counseling and Psychology Services
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95811  (Online Only)
Accepting New Clients! Are you struggling with feeling overwhelmed? Do you sleep too much or too little? Is it hard to find the motivation to get things done? Do you feel Stressed Out? We can help! K-Psych is a group practice with clinicians that can help you cope with symptoms of anxiety, depression, trauma and addiction.
Accepting New Clients! Are you struggling with feeling overwhelmed? Do you sleep too much or too little? Is it hard to find the motivation to get things done? Do you feel Stressed Out? We can help! K-Psych is a group practice with clinicians that can help you cope with symptoms of anxiety, depression, trauma and addiction.
(951) 309-9219 View (951) 309-9219
Photo of Kristin Rokop, Psychologist in Sacramento, CA
Kristin Rokop
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 94203
I have many years' experience in and a passion for treating infants, toddlers, preschoolers, children and adolescents and their families dealing with a variety of issues including the following: adjustment difficulties, trauma, divorce, attachment difficulties, social problems, depression, anxiety, behavioral problems, and developmental delays. I can provide psychological evaluations when needed to help identify areas of difficulty and of strength, and to guide treatment direction. I also provide psychotherapy to children, adolescents and their families.
I have many years' experience in and a passion for treating infants, toddlers, preschoolers, children and adolescents and their families dealing with a variety of issues including the following: adjustment difficulties, trauma, divorce, attachment difficulties, social problems, depression, anxiety, behavioral problems, and developmental delays. I can provide psychological evaluations when needed to help identify areas of difficulty and of strength, and to guide treatment direction. I also provide psychotherapy to children, adolescents and their families.
(530) 302-5548 View (530) 302-5548
Photo of Andrea Hindes, Psychologist in Sacramento, CA
Andrea Hindes
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95816
I am a clinical psychologist practicing in the Folsom and Sacramento area and have been licensed in California since 2007. I do short- and long-term individual therapy primarily with individuals in young- to middle-adulthood or late adolescence who are experiencing a range of concerns including anxiety, depression, and trauma as well as problems in interpersonal, family, work, and academic functioning. I do not believe in a “one-size-fits-all” approach to therapy. I draw from a range of theoretical orientations to best understand someone and the influence of their life experiences on the ways they think, feel, and behave.
I am a clinical psychologist practicing in the Folsom and Sacramento area and have been licensed in California since 2007. I do short- and long-term individual therapy primarily with individuals in young- to middle-adulthood or late adolescence who are experiencing a range of concerns including anxiety, depression, and trauma as well as problems in interpersonal, family, work, and academic functioning. I do not believe in a “one-size-fits-all” approach to therapy. I draw from a range of theoretical orientations to best understand someone and the influence of their life experiences on the ways they think, feel, and behave.
(916) 238-1824 View (916) 238-1824
Photo of Lee Warren Cowan, Marriage & Family Therapist in Sacramento, CA
Lee Warren Cowan
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95816
Other areas of specialty include: father issues, acculturation, adolescents, families and groups on co-dependency, family-of-origin issues, self-esteem/self-worth, anger, depression, anxiety, grief & loss and addiction and codependency recovery.
I assist people in finding ways to triumph over the difficulties of living in healthy relationships. Having had a Canadian mother and lived in four distinct regions of the United States as well as Germany before coming to California I draw from my multicultural life experiences which also encompass 47 years of marriage, 4 adult children and Hi Tech work for 25 years. Growing up with a loving, but work-obsessed father has prepared me to assist with fathering issues. I am trained in EMDR/trauma therapy and Certified in Addiction Treatment, Prepare & Enrich Counseling and CBT TEAM Therapy.
Other areas of specialty include: father issues, acculturation, adolescents, families and groups on co-dependency, family-of-origin issues, self-esteem/self-worth, anger, depression, anxiety, grief & loss and addiction and codependency recovery.
I assist people in finding ways to triumph over the difficulties of living in healthy relationships. Having had a Canadian mother and lived in four distinct regions of the United States as well as Germany before coming to California I draw from my multicultural life experiences which also encompass 47 years of marriage, 4 adult children and Hi Tech work for 25 years. Growing up with a loving, but work-obsessed father has prepared me to assist with fathering issues. I am trained in EMDR/trauma therapy and Certified in Addiction Treatment, Prepare & Enrich Counseling and CBT TEAM Therapy.
(408) 597-4677 View (408) 597-4677
Photo of Dr. Bill Ekemo / Northup Group, Psychologist in Sacramento, CA
Dr. Bill Ekemo / Northup Group
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 94203
Ekemo is now offering specialized treatments to the general public for emotional trauma, anxiety and depression: He offers Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Hypnosis, and more traditional techniques in an integrated therapy approach for treatment.
Dr. Ekemo recently relocated his practice to Auburn, CA from Bellevue Washington. He has been providing psychological services for over 20 years mainly to public safety agencies (pre-employment screening, fitness for duty, critical incident debriefings, job coaching and management consultations). He also specializes in individual Neuropsychological evaluations (brain injuries, dementia etc.) and Risk Management consultations to private sector organizations and HR departments. If you are an employer or school concerned about violence in your work setting; training programs and workshops are available for your staff.
Ekemo is now offering specialized treatments to the general public for emotional trauma, anxiety and depression: He offers Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Hypnosis, and more traditional techniques in an integrated therapy approach for treatment.
Dr. Ekemo recently relocated his practice to Auburn, CA from Bellevue Washington. He has been providing psychological services for over 20 years mainly to public safety agencies (pre-employment screening, fitness for duty, critical incident debriefings, job coaching and management consultations). He also specializes in individual Neuropsychological evaluations (brain injuries, dementia etc.) and Risk Management consultations to private sector organizations and HR departments. If you are an employer or school concerned about violence in your work setting; training programs and workshops are available for your staff.
(425) 336-1364 View (425) 336-1364
Photo of Hope for Healthy Families Counseling Center, Marriage & Family Therapist in Sacramento, CA
Hope for Healthy Families Counseling Center
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95823
We work with individuals, children, and families to address various issues, including depression, anxiety, maladaptive sexual behaviors, family conflict, parenting, co-parenting, grief and loss, and infidelity.
Our non-profit counseling center offers affordable counseling to any member of the Elk Grove, Sacramento, and Galt communities. We are a low-cost options for those in need. We believe that we can help you find hope while learning how to live a more emotionally healthy life. Please call to set up an appointment or a free phone consultation.
We work with individuals, children, and families to address various issues, including depression, anxiety, maladaptive sexual behaviors, family conflict, parenting, co-parenting, grief and loss, and infidelity.
Our non-profit counseling center offers affordable counseling to any member of the Elk Grove, Sacramento, and Galt communities. We are a low-cost options for those in need. We believe that we can help you find hope while learning how to live a more emotionally healthy life. Please call to set up an appointment or a free phone consultation.
(916) 659-7659 View (916) 659-7659
Photo of Pacific Psychological Testing Solutions, Psychologist in Sacramento, CA
Pacific Psychological Testing Solutions
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95866
At Pacific Psychological Testing Solutions, our goal is to give you the most hassle-free and professional psychological testing services available. We specialize in neurocogntive testing (e.g. memory, concentration, perceptual issues, processing speed, etc.), and we also specialize in evaluating for learning difficulties (e.g. impairments in math, reading, and writing, etc.) and diagnostic clarification (e.g. psychiatric conditions like ADHD, depression, anxiety, personality disorders, etc.).
At Pacific Psychological Testing Solutions, our goal is to give you the most hassle-free and professional psychological testing services available. We specialize in neurocogntive testing (e.g. memory, concentration, perceptual issues, processing speed, etc.), and we also specialize in evaluating for learning difficulties (e.g. impairments in math, reading, and writing, etc.) and diagnostic clarification (e.g. psychiatric conditions like ADHD, depression, anxiety, personality disorders, etc.).
(916) 579-7504 View (916) 579-7504
Photo of Rowan Foley in Sacramento, CA
Rowan Foley
EdS, LEP
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95818
I provide psychological testing and evaluation to address challenges related to memory, attention (ADHD), learning disabilities (dyslexia, dyscalculia and/or dysgraphia), and emotional/behavioral difficulties (autism spectrum disorder, anxiety, depression, etc). In addition to assessment, I also provide individual counseling to build skills that foster independence and increase self-confidence. I utilize play therapy strategies to build self-esteem, and address anxiety and other concerns.
I provide psychological testing and evaluation to address challenges related to memory, attention (ADHD), learning disabilities (dyslexia, dyscalculia and/or dysgraphia), and emotional/behavioral difficulties (autism spectrum disorder, anxiety, depression, etc). In addition to assessment, I also provide individual counseling to build skills that foster independence and increase self-confidence. I utilize play therapy strategies to build self-esteem, and address anxiety and other concerns.
(530) 607-6812 View (530) 607-6812
Photo of Dr. Michelle Mercurio, Psychologist in Sacramento, CA
Dr. Michelle Mercurio
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 94203  (Online Only)
I have been a clinician for over 15 years. I am patient centered, and I genuinely care about my clients. I use Teletherapy to treat PTSD, grief and loss, anxiety, depression, etc; with a variety of techniques, including EMDR.
I have been a clinician for over 15 years. I am patient centered, and I genuinely care about my clients. I use Teletherapy to treat PTSD, grief and loss, anxiety, depression, etc; with a variety of techniques, including EMDR.
(530) 424-2588 View (530) 424-2588
Photo of Tanisha Tatum, Licensed Educational Psychologist in Sacramento, CA
Tanisha Tatum
Licensed Educational Psychologist, MS, LEP, BCBA
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 94203  (Online Only)
My clients teens and young adults who need help identifying and managing their mental health needs whether that is Anxiety, Depression, social problems, and/or adjusting to growing up. I provide therapy as well as psychoeducational assessment services. My assessments target neurodiverse abilities such as ADHD, Autism & learning disabilities. When relevant assessments include recommendations for accommodations for school and work. For my therapy practice, I used solution focused approaches as well as behavior based strategies, combining my skills to create a positive therapeutic experience. Virtual services only in FL and SC.
My clients teens and young adults who need help identifying and managing their mental health needs whether that is Anxiety, Depression, social problems, and/or adjusting to growing up. I provide therapy as well as psychoeducational assessment services. My assessments target neurodiverse abilities such as ADHD, Autism & learning disabilities. When relevant assessments include recommendations for accommodations for school and work. For my therapy practice, I used solution focused approaches as well as behavior based strategies, combining my skills to create a positive therapeutic experience. Virtual services only in FL and SC.
(754) 354-0190 View (754) 354-0190
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.