Photo of Nisha Kagal Jastrzembski, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Sacramento, CA
Nisha Kagal Jastrzembski
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC, LMHC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Sacramento, CA 95818  (Online Only)
Do you often feel weighed down by feelings of anxiety or despair? Do you find that your inner world tends to have a harsh or critical tone to it? Are you in the midst of a transition and having difficulty coping? Or are you on the path to finding a deeper sense of identity, purpose, and fulfillment in life? My expertise lies in working with individuals experiencing difficulties resulting from anxiety, depression, cultural challenges, low self-esteem, interpersonal relationships and trauma. Together, I will work with you to create a more meaningful and fulfilling life.
Do you often feel weighed down by feelings of anxiety or despair? Do you find that your inner world tends to have a harsh or critical tone to it? Are you in the midst of a transition and having difficulty coping? Or are you on the path to finding a deeper sense of identity, purpose, and fulfillment in life? My expertise lies in working with individuals experiencing difficulties resulting from anxiety, depression, cultural challenges, low self-esteem, interpersonal relationships and trauma. Together, I will work with you to create a more meaningful and fulfilling life.
(279) 888-9735 View (279) 888-9735
Photo of Neeru Madan, Psychologist in Sacramento, CA
Neeru Madan
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95819
I might be a good fit for you if you would like to (a) overcome feelings of depression and anxiety, and rediscover satisfaction and meaning in your life.
I believe that psychotherapy is one of the best gifts you can give yourself. Whether you are interested in therapy in order to deal with challenges you have already identified in your life, or you are seeking therapy to connect to yourself, my aim is help you carve out a path and live a more meaningful life. Together we can work closely to deepen your understanding about your struggles and their underlying causes. I can provide you with a safe space to analyze your thought patterns and behaviors while supporting you through the process of making important changes in your life.
I might be a good fit for you if you would like to (a) overcome feelings of depression and anxiety, and rediscover satisfaction and meaning in your life.
I believe that psychotherapy is one of the best gifts you can give yourself. Whether you are interested in therapy in order to deal with challenges you have already identified in your life, or you are seeking therapy to connect to yourself, my aim is help you carve out a path and live a more meaningful life. Together we can work closely to deepen your understanding about your struggles and their underlying causes. I can provide you with a safe space to analyze your thought patterns and behaviors while supporting you through the process of making important changes in your life.
(530) 298-0307 View (530) 298-0307
Photo of Nona Khara, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Sacramento, CA
Nona Khara
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95834  (Online Only)
I specialize in working with children, teens, adults, & couples that struggle with life issues like school, work, family, relationships, past trauma, identity or sexual orientation and different stages, transitions or adversities of life that cause stress, fear, anxiety, depression, and/or trauma.
We all endure challenges at some point or another in our lives yet we continue to strive forward to find peace, solace, content, or happiness. Therapy can help identify those goals, overcome barriers, and henceforth, head toward betterment & enrichment via personal growth.
I specialize in working with children, teens, adults, & couples that struggle with life issues like school, work, family, relationships, past trauma, identity or sexual orientation and different stages, transitions or adversities of life that cause stress, fear, anxiety, depression, and/or trauma.
We all endure challenges at some point or another in our lives yet we continue to strive forward to find peace, solace, content, or happiness. Therapy can help identify those goals, overcome barriers, and henceforth, head toward betterment & enrichment via personal growth.
(916) 472-0960 View (916) 472-0960
Photo of Anushua Mall, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Sacramento, CA
Anushua Mall
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95814  (Online Only)
I have been licensed since 2012 and have over 15 years of experience working in the field of mental health providing services to children and adults. Over the last several years I have garnered experience in a variety of settings including non-profit settings, outpatient and community mental health. I have experience providing an array of mental health services including individual, family, group, and couple's therapy. I have experience providing services to individuals struggling with symptoms related to their mental health.
I have been licensed since 2012 and have over 15 years of experience working in the field of mental health providing services to children and adults. Over the last several years I have garnered experience in a variety of settings including non-profit settings, outpatient and community mental health. I have experience providing an array of mental health services including individual, family, group, and couple's therapy. I have experience providing services to individuals struggling with symptoms related to their mental health.
(424) 484-7298 View (424) 484-7298
Photo of Sarah Astarte in Sacramento, CA
Sarah Astarte
PhD
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95864
Spiritual guidance and intuitive counseling includes spirituality with contemporary counseling practices to help with healing, empowerment, and transformation. Understanding of one's spirituality is subjective to each client. My specializations include body image and self-esteem, love and relationships, sacred sexuality, identity formation, self-empowerment, life transitions, grief and loss, death and dying, mind-body connection, archetypes, multiculturalism and GLBT identity and issues, and spirituality and growth. Goddess psychology, creative expression, dream work, Reiki, intuitive readings, and indigenous healing practices.
Spiritual guidance and intuitive counseling includes spirituality with contemporary counseling practices to help with healing, empowerment, and transformation. Understanding of one's spirituality is subjective to each client. My specializations include body image and self-esteem, love and relationships, sacred sexuality, identity formation, self-empowerment, life transitions, grief and loss, death and dying, mind-body connection, archetypes, multiculturalism and GLBT identity and issues, and spirituality and growth. Goddess psychology, creative expression, dream work, Reiki, intuitive readings, and indigenous healing practices.
(916) 520-6292 View (916) 520-6292
Photo of Navneet Kaur, PhD, LPCC, Counselor in Sacramento, CA
Navneet Kaur, PhD, LPCC
Counselor, PhD, LPCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sacramento, CA 95816
Do you feel wound up all the time, like there's more things to get done than there is time in the day? Do you feel unsupported by a partner or family member, leading to resentment and frustration in your relationship? Maybe you've lost yourself or someone you love because of a traumatic event. And maybe, you think you have ADHD and don't know how to get diagnosed so you can learn the skills you need to be in control again. You don't have to deal with everything you're going through alone. Let's work together to help you untangle that tight knot in your chest, feel lighter, more in control, and ultimately happier in your life.
Do you feel wound up all the time, like there's more things to get done than there is time in the day? Do you feel unsupported by a partner or family member, leading to resentment and frustration in your relationship? Maybe you've lost yourself or someone you love because of a traumatic event. And maybe, you think you have ADHD and don't know how to get diagnosed so you can learn the skills you need to be in control again. You don't have to deal with everything you're going through alone. Let's work together to help you untangle that tight knot in your chest, feel lighter, more in control, and ultimately happier in your life.
(916) 794-9911 View (916) 794-9911

Online Therapists

Photo of Nadia Akhtar Sim, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Sacramento, CA
Nadia Akhtar Sim
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Jose, CA 95113  (Online Only)
Areas of my interest and expertise include: exploring identity, concerns of immigrants/children of immigrants, issues related to intergenerational trauma, intersectional identities, divorce, relationship issues, trauma, eating disorders, depression, and anxiety.
I believe the foundation of living a truly fulfilling life comes from genuine and nurturing connection to others. As a therapist, my work consists of helping you find this type of connection through embracing vulnerability and increasing acceptance. Through our collaboration, we can gently and compassionately explore your needs, hopes, and fears while empowering you to utilize your strengths. Ultimately, you will arrive at a place of greater integration of all parts of yourself, while developing greater curiosity and understanding of the painful emotions and challenges that arise throughout life.
Areas of my interest and expertise include: exploring identity, concerns of immigrants/children of immigrants, issues related to intergenerational trauma, intersectional identities, divorce, relationship issues, trauma, eating disorders, depression, and anxiety.
I believe the foundation of living a truly fulfilling life comes from genuine and nurturing connection to others. As a therapist, my work consists of helping you find this type of connection through embracing vulnerability and increasing acceptance. Through our collaboration, we can gently and compassionately explore your needs, hopes, and fears while empowering you to utilize your strengths. Ultimately, you will arrive at a place of greater integration of all parts of yourself, while developing greater curiosity and understanding of the painful emotions and challenges that arise throughout life.
(323) 629-4886 View (323) 629-4886
Photo of Dr. Amrita Mehta, Psychologist in Sacramento, CA
Dr. Amrita Mehta
Psychologist, PhD, MS
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94610
Our group practice, Savera Psychological Services has a team of skilled and compassionate clinicians who offer psychotherapy, evaluations, and educational consulting. Our therapists offer a diverse range of specialties, ranging from sensory/play therapy for children, to individual and couples therapy in areas of depression, anxiety, trauma recovery, grief/loss, fertility/family building, life transitions, relationship challenges and school or work related pressures.
Our group practice, Savera Psychological Services has a team of skilled and compassionate clinicians who offer psychotherapy, evaluations, and educational consulting. Our therapists offer a diverse range of specialties, ranging from sensory/play therapy for children, to individual and couples therapy in areas of depression, anxiety, trauma recovery, grief/loss, fertility/family building, life transitions, relationship challenges and school or work related pressures.
(925) 276-2548 View (925) 276-2548
Photo of Pacific Marriage & Family Therapy Network, Marriage & Family Therapist in Sacramento, CA
Pacific Marriage & Family Therapy Network
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94108  (Online Only)
Our wide variety of specialties includes Depression, Anxiety, Eating Disorders, Addiction, Panic Attacks, Grief and Loss, Trauma, Child and Teen Behaviors, Family Issues, Couples, Divorce, Co-parenting, Communication, Dating, Life Transitions, LGBTQIA+, Racial/Ethnic Identity, and clinicians who are trained in EMDR, CBT, IFS, ERP, ACT, and Brain Spotting.
Find your best therapist match with us! We are highly skilled, diverse, well-trained and inclusive therapists. We empower you to live the life you want and do so by creating supportive, caring, and non-judgmental relationships with our clients. We work to provide you with the best care possible and reduce obstacles to care. Additional benefits include a concierge billing service for PPO insurance and a wide range of scheduling options (all weekday and weekend mornings, afternoons, and evenings. We work with children, teens, and adults of all ages as individuals, couples, and families.
Our wide variety of specialties includes Depression, Anxiety, Eating Disorders, Addiction, Panic Attacks, Grief and Loss, Trauma, Child and Teen Behaviors, Family Issues, Couples, Divorce, Co-parenting, Communication, Dating, Life Transitions, LGBTQIA+, Racial/Ethnic Identity, and clinicians who are trained in EMDR, CBT, IFS, ERP, ACT, and Brain Spotting.
Find your best therapist match with us! We are highly skilled, diverse, well-trained and inclusive therapists. We empower you to live the life you want and do so by creating supportive, caring, and non-judgmental relationships with our clients. We work to provide you with the best care possible and reduce obstacles to care. Additional benefits include a concierge billing service for PPO insurance and a wide range of scheduling options (all weekday and weekend mornings, afternoons, and evenings. We work with children, teens, and adults of all ages as individuals, couples, and families.
(628) 299-7866 View (628) 299-7866
Photo of Aimen Bukhari, Marriage & Family Therapist in Sacramento, CA
Aimen Bukhari
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Jose, CA 95112  (Online Only)
As a first-generation Pakistani American Muslim therapist, I have four-plus years of experience serving families, children, couples, and individuals dealing with family relational issues, anxiety, depression, grief, PTSD, attention deficit, TBI, SUD, ASD, cultural differences, etc.
Do you ever feel disconnected from yourself or others? Although our country has made progress in raising mental health awareness, a great deal of stigma remains. In many communities, these issues are often shrouded by silence and shame, fostering mental health minimization. I have experience working with individuals and family relationships. I work with problems that arise in blended families, work, health, and career, trying to create better relationships and less conflict. Through role-plays, Gestalt techniques, and mindfulness, you can gain the power to reflect on your feelings, understand yourself and feel better.
As a first-generation Pakistani American Muslim therapist, I have four-plus years of experience serving families, children, couples, and individuals dealing with family relational issues, anxiety, depression, grief, PTSD, attention deficit, TBI, SUD, ASD, cultural differences, etc.
Do you ever feel disconnected from yourself or others? Although our country has made progress in raising mental health awareness, a great deal of stigma remains. In many communities, these issues are often shrouded by silence and shame, fostering mental health minimization. I have experience working with individuals and family relationships. I work with problems that arise in blended families, work, health, and career, trying to create better relationships and less conflict. Through role-plays, Gestalt techniques, and mindfulness, you can gain the power to reflect on your feelings, understand yourself and feel better.
(510) 216-1517 View (510) 216-1517
Photo of Amir A Siddiqui, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Sacramento, CA
Amir A Siddiqui
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MS, LPC, LPCC
Verified Verified
Pleasanton, CA 94566
Over 12 years of experience in providing individual,couples,and family therapy services. I believe one is the driver and they control how they want to live;however, I understand often times family, bullying, substances, depression, past trauma, anxiety, relationships, raising children, career/employment, financial, and personal struggles can be obstacles.My objective is to work with you in being aware and in creating solutions, which can counterattack these obstacles. Depending on your motivation this process can be short or long. It all depends on how much you want to live a productive Life. I also provide supervision to APCC's.
Over 12 years of experience in providing individual,couples,and family therapy services. I believe one is the driver and they control how they want to live;however, I understand often times family, bullying, substances, depression, past trauma, anxiety, relationships, raising children, career/employment, financial, and personal struggles can be obstacles.My objective is to work with you in being aware and in creating solutions, which can counterattack these obstacles. Depending on your motivation this process can be short or long. It all depends on how much you want to live a productive Life. I also provide supervision to APCC's.
(209) 314-5114 View (209) 314-5114
Photo of Srini Katragadda, Marriage & Family Therapist in Sacramento, CA
Srini Katragadda
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94704
I work with couples and individuals struggling with a variety of relationship and communication issues. I have successfully treated clients with depression, anxiety, phobias, and low self-esteem. Clients that are looking for more aliveness in themselves and their relationships will be served well by what I offer.
I work with couples and individuals struggling with a variety of relationship and communication issues. I have successfully treated clients with depression, anxiety, phobias, and low self-esteem. Clients that are looking for more aliveness in themselves and their relationships will be served well by what I offer.
(415) 799-9541 View (415) 799-9541
Photo of Sumrah Jan, Marriage & Family Therapist in Sacramento, CA
Sumrah Jan
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Pleasanton, CA 94566
I specialize working with depression, anxiety, grief, anger management, parenting & communication issues.
Are you emotionally exhausted, stressed & unable to recognize yourself? Is it a struggle communicating with loved ones? Ordinary tasks feel burdensome and you're too tired to do anything. If any of these even partially describe your situation it's important to recognize that you aren't alone.... it doesn't have to stay this way. Often the most trying and somber moments in our lives drive us to a journey of self-discovery. As your therapist it will be my goal to provide support and empower you, as you move beyond that pain. Genuine health and happiness are within grasp.
I specialize working with depression, anxiety, grief, anger management, parenting & communication issues.
Are you emotionally exhausted, stressed & unable to recognize yourself? Is it a struggle communicating with loved ones? Ordinary tasks feel burdensome and you're too tired to do anything. If any of these even partially describe your situation it's important to recognize that you aren't alone.... it doesn't have to stay this way. Often the most trying and somber moments in our lives drive us to a journey of self-discovery. As your therapist it will be my goal to provide support and empower you, as you move beyond that pain. Genuine health and happiness are within grasp.
(925) 273-7315 View (925) 273-7315
Photo of Shalini Dayal, Marriage & Family Therapist in Sacramento, CA
Shalini Dayal
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, #43574
Verified Verified
Fremont, CA 94538
I also have extensive experience with young children, suffering from anxiety, depression, separation, and feelings of abandonment.
Very often we find ourselves having the same arguments all the time in our personal relationships. Sometimes we get hurt like we have never been before and we can’t understand why it hurts so much. Old patterns and unresolved issues can keep us stuck in the same place at times. Never having learned healthy ways of communicating, we do not know how to get the results we want. So many of us go through these challenges at various stages of our lives, with work, personal and professional relationships and raising children. Some of these challenges can seem overwhelming and can drag us down.
I also have extensive experience with young children, suffering from anxiety, depression, separation, and feelings of abandonment.
Very often we find ourselves having the same arguments all the time in our personal relationships. Sometimes we get hurt like we have never been before and we can’t understand why it hurts so much. Old patterns and unresolved issues can keep us stuck in the same place at times. Never having learned healthy ways of communicating, we do not know how to get the results we want. So many of us go through these challenges at various stages of our lives, with work, personal and professional relationships and raising children. Some of these challenges can seem overwhelming and can drag us down.
(510) 592-6109 View (510) 592-6109
Photo of Farooq Malik, Marriage & Family Therapist in Sacramento, CA
Farooq Malik
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94610
I provide therapy for those experiencing a wide range of life challenges including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, trauma recovery, grief and loss, life transitions and relationship concerns. With my background in Technology and corporate work (over a decade) I am very conversant and knowledgeable of that world. I have extensive experience and expertise in working with Anxiety, relationship issues and highly sensitive people.
I provide therapy for those experiencing a wide range of life challenges including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, trauma recovery, grief and loss, life transitions and relationship concerns. With my background in Technology and corporate work (over a decade) I am very conversant and knowledgeable of that world. I have extensive experience and expertise in working with Anxiety, relationship issues and highly sensitive people.
(415) 964-3281 View (415) 964-3281
Photo of Pacific Marriage & Family Therapy Network, Marriage & Family Therapist in Sacramento, CA
Pacific Marriage & Family Therapy Network
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Chico, CA 95926  (Online Only)
Our wide variety of specialties includes Depression, Anxiety, Eating Disorders, Addiction, Panic Attacks, Grief and Loss, Trauma, Child and Teen Behaviors, Family Issues, Couples, Divorce, Co-parenting, Communication, Dating, Life Transitions, LGBTQIA+, Racial/Ethnic Identity, and clinicians who are trained in EMDR, CBT, IFS, ERP, ACT, and Brain Spotting.
Pacific MFT Network is a group of highly skilled, diverse, and well-trained therapists. Our mission is to empower you to live the life you want. We do so by creating supportive, caring, and non-judgmental relationships with our clients. We work to provide you with the best care possible and reduce obstacles to participation. Additional benefits to working with us include a unique concierge billing service and a wide range of scheduling options (all weekdays, weekends, day and evening appointments are available). We work with children, teens, and adults of all ages.
Our wide variety of specialties includes Depression, Anxiety, Eating Disorders, Addiction, Panic Attacks, Grief and Loss, Trauma, Child and Teen Behaviors, Family Issues, Couples, Divorce, Co-parenting, Communication, Dating, Life Transitions, LGBTQIA+, Racial/Ethnic Identity, and clinicians who are trained in EMDR, CBT, IFS, ERP, ACT, and Brain Spotting.
Pacific MFT Network is a group of highly skilled, diverse, and well-trained therapists. Our mission is to empower you to live the life you want. We do so by creating supportive, caring, and non-judgmental relationships with our clients. We work to provide you with the best care possible and reduce obstacles to participation. Additional benefits to working with us include a unique concierge billing service and a wide range of scheduling options (all weekdays, weekends, day and evening appointments are available). We work with children, teens, and adults of all ages.
(530) 298-8472 View (530) 298-8472
Photo of Amisha Mehtani - California Anxiety Relief, Marriage & Family Therapist in Sacramento, CA
Amisha Mehtani - California Anxiety Relief
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Alameda, CA 94501
At California Anxiety Relief, I work with adults, couples, and families located anywhere in the state of CA. I offer compassionate and evidence-based psychotherapy to help clients overcome any “stuck” places in life. Therapy focus is on goals such as communication skills, social skills, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, etc. I strive for mindful, efficient and effective therapy. I am trained in research-based models such as TEAM-CBT and EFT for couples/family. I work differently than other traditional practices. I don’t cram an hour of therapy into 50 minutes. Instead, I provide full 60-, 75-, or 90-minute sessions.
At California Anxiety Relief, I work with adults, couples, and families located anywhere in the state of CA. I offer compassionate and evidence-based psychotherapy to help clients overcome any “stuck” places in life. Therapy focus is on goals such as communication skills, social skills, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, etc. I strive for mindful, efficient and effective therapy. I am trained in research-based models such as TEAM-CBT and EFT for couples/family. I work differently than other traditional practices. I don’t cram an hour of therapy into 50 minutes. Instead, I provide full 60-, 75-, or 90-minute sessions.
(510) 519-5444 View (510) 519-5444
Photo of Sarita Mokha, Marriage & Family Therapist in Sacramento, CA
Sarita Mokha
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Campbell, CA 95008
Life is a journey filled with ups and downs, success and failures. Sometimes, the emotional weight of these experiences can feel overwhelming, leaving us feeling lost or stuck. I am here to help you navigate through these difficult times and guide you toward healing and resilience. In my practice, I specialize in supporting individuals, couples, and families in healing from life's emotional experiences. Whether you're grappling with past traumas, struggling with anxiety or depression, or facing relationship conflicts, I provide a safe and nurturing space where you can explore your feelings, gain insight, and find inner strength.
Life is a journey filled with ups and downs, success and failures. Sometimes, the emotional weight of these experiences can feel overwhelming, leaving us feeling lost or stuck. I am here to help you navigate through these difficult times and guide you toward healing and resilience. In my practice, I specialize in supporting individuals, couples, and families in healing from life's emotional experiences. Whether you're grappling with past traumas, struggling with anxiety or depression, or facing relationship conflicts, I provide a safe and nurturing space where you can explore your feelings, gain insight, and find inner strength.
(669) 205-1962 View (669) 205-1962
Photo of Shubha Shukla, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Sacramento, CA
Shubha Shukla
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
San Carlos, CA 94070
Hello, I am a multilingual and multicultural therapist. Fluent in English, Hindi, Nepali, and Punjabi, I have over 12 years of experience working with diverse individuals, couples, and families both in India and the U.S. Throughout my career, I have helped clients overcome a range of issues including trauma, anxiety, depression, academic pressures, relationship conflicts, family issues, and grief and loss. While I work with clients presenting a variety of issues, I have a particular interest in working with adults who are experiencing grief and loss, helping them understand life transitions and navigate through their emotions.
Hello, I am a multilingual and multicultural therapist. Fluent in English, Hindi, Nepali, and Punjabi, I have over 12 years of experience working with diverse individuals, couples, and families both in India and the U.S. Throughout my career, I have helped clients overcome a range of issues including trauma, anxiety, depression, academic pressures, relationship conflicts, family issues, and grief and loss. While I work with clients presenting a variety of issues, I have a particular interest in working with adults who are experiencing grief and loss, helping them understand life transitions and navigate through their emotions.
(650) 910-2557 View (650) 910-2557
Photo of Gurminder Sahasi, Psychologist in Sacramento, CA
Gurminder Sahasi
Psychologist, PhD, LCP
Verified Verified
Fremont, CA 94538  (Online Only)
Gurminder Sahasi is an experienced Clinical Psychologist (PSY) and multilingual professional (English, Hindi, Punjabi, Urdu, Panjabi) with over 40 years of experience. She works with adults and seniors who struggle with a variety of challenges, including anger, depression, anxiety, and trauma. Gurminder earned her doctoral degree from the Pacific Institute in San Fransisco, CA, and has the expertise to identify and help diagnose what's bothering you. With her assistance, you'll chart a course to resolve your issues or mental health conditions together, as a team.
Gurminder Sahasi is an experienced Clinical Psychologist (PSY) and multilingual professional (English, Hindi, Punjabi, Urdu, Panjabi) with over 40 years of experience. She works with adults and seniors who struggle with a variety of challenges, including anger, depression, anxiety, and trauma. Gurminder earned her doctoral degree from the Pacific Institute in San Fransisco, CA, and has the expertise to identify and help diagnose what's bothering you. With her assistance, you'll chart a course to resolve your issues or mental health conditions together, as a team.
(510) 573-8764 View (510) 573-8764
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.