Therapists in San Rafael, CA

Photo of Mark Edwards, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Rafael, CA
Mark Edwards
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, MFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Rafael, CA 94901
Are you experiencing a period of depression or anxiety? Are you struggling with raising a child or teenager? Are you wrestling with a work issue or close personal relationship?
Are you experiencing a period of depression or anxiety? Are you struggling with raising a child or teenager? Are you wrestling with a work issue or close personal relationship?
(415) 574-0938 x3 View (415) 574-0938 x3
Photo of Natalie Davidson, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Rafael, CA
Natalie Davidson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Rafael, CA 94901  (Online Only)
I am both a therapist and an ordained Zen Buddhist priest working with all faiths and beliefs. In our work together I use and am trained in traditional psychodynamic, Gestalt and body oriented modalities and use mindfulness based practices helping clients become grounded in the present moment. My areas of expertise include working with couples in mindfulness and communication, resolving conflicts and differences in ways that lead to a new start. I am able to work with you on a wide variety of psychological and/or spiritual issues, depression, anxiety, grief and loss, separations and other life changes.
I am both a therapist and an ordained Zen Buddhist priest working with all faiths and beliefs. In our work together I use and am trained in traditional psychodynamic, Gestalt and body oriented modalities and use mindfulness based practices helping clients become grounded in the present moment. My areas of expertise include working with couples in mindfulness and communication, resolving conflicts and differences in ways that lead to a new start. I am able to work with you on a wide variety of psychological and/or spiritual issues, depression, anxiety, grief and loss, separations and other life changes.
(415) 912-1991 View (415) 912-1991
Photo of A. Raja Hornstein, Psychologist in San Rafael, CA
A. Raja Hornstein
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Rafael, CA 94901  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I can help if you are struggling with: anxiety, depression or other mood issues; aging or life-threatening illness; or relationship difficulties; or the consequences of living with serious mental disorders. I help people affected by loss including people dealing with grief, facing death, or serious illness, but if you think of your own situation you might realize that loss is playing a role in your search for a therapist. I also work with people who aren't deeply troubled, but are searching for growth in their work, relationships, or who are feeling the absence of a spiritual center in their lives.
I can help if you are struggling with: anxiety, depression or other mood issues; aging or life-threatening illness; or relationship difficulties; or the consequences of living with serious mental disorders. I help people affected by loss including people dealing with grief, facing death, or serious illness, but if you think of your own situation you might realize that loss is playing a role in your search for a therapist. I also work with people who aren't deeply troubled, but are searching for growth in their work, relationships, or who are feeling the absence of a spiritual center in their lives.
(650) 924-9936 View (650) 924-9936
Photo of Dylan Kersh, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Rafael, CA
Dylan Kersh
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MEd, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Rafael, CA 94903  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I've discovered that I have a unique ability to work with men, especially those struggling with depression, anxiety, and/or addiction.
Through authenticity and a wide range of clinical experience, I have cultivated a unique therapeutic style that has helped many of my clients to heal and thrive. It is my mission to create a private practice accessible to everyone in our community where clients feel safe to open up, take risks, be vulnerable, explore themselves, and grow. I've worked with individuals, families, and couples from a diverse spectrum of backgrounds and found that with an open heart, a sincere desire to connect, and clinical integrity, I can affect real change in my clients' lives.
I've discovered that I have a unique ability to work with men, especially those struggling with depression, anxiety, and/or addiction.
Through authenticity and a wide range of clinical experience, I have cultivated a unique therapeutic style that has helped many of my clients to heal and thrive. It is my mission to create a private practice accessible to everyone in our community where clients feel safe to open up, take risks, be vulnerable, explore themselves, and grow. I've worked with individuals, families, and couples from a diverse spectrum of backgrounds and found that with an open heart, a sincere desire to connect, and clinical integrity, I can affect real change in my clients' lives.
(510) 901-3771 View (510) 901-3771
Photo of Irma Rivera-Carlisle, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Rafael, CA
Irma Rivera-Carlisle
Marriage & Family Therapist, MDiv, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
San Rafael, CA 94903
Specializing in narcissism, depression, codependency, disordered eating, parent-adolescent conflict, foster care, and religion, I utilize an integrated theoretical approach; Attachment and Brain development, Family Systems, CBT and Psychodynamic.
Stress and worry can take its toll on our minds and bodies. If you experience high levels of these, or feel empty at the end of the day, I will provide a safe and caring environment with which to explore the causal factors. I enjoy working with codependency, Self-development, life transitions, and relational dynamics.
Specializing in narcissism, depression, codependency, disordered eating, parent-adolescent conflict, foster care, and religion, I utilize an integrated theoretical approach; Attachment and Brain development, Family Systems, CBT and Psychodynamic.
Stress and worry can take its toll on our minds and bodies. If you experience high levels of these, or feel empty at the end of the day, I will provide a safe and caring environment with which to explore the causal factors. I enjoy working with codependency, Self-development, life transitions, and relational dynamics.
(415) 851-3114 View (415) 851-3114
Photo of Valerie Hinard, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Rafael, CA
Valerie Hinard
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
San Rafael, CA 94901
I specialized in trauma, anxiety, depression, chronic and life threatening illness, and healthy relationship building.
Cultivating meaningful-healthy relationships may be especially difficult when our sense of self is overshadowed by traumatic and emotionally painful experiences. My approach to the therapy process focuses on helping foster your innate strengths and resiliency while exploring your vulnerabilities and concerns. Together we help you build a greater understanding of yourself through healing limiting patterns, fears, and beliefs. In this way, you become rooted in a life grounded in meaning, aliveness, and depth. I believe that building a stronger relationship with yourself can help cultivate healthier relationships with others, making them easier to initiate, maintain, and enjoy.
I specialized in trauma, anxiety, depression, chronic and life threatening illness, and healthy relationship building.
Cultivating meaningful-healthy relationships may be especially difficult when our sense of self is overshadowed by traumatic and emotionally painful experiences. My approach to the therapy process focuses on helping foster your innate strengths and resiliency while exploring your vulnerabilities and concerns. Together we help you build a greater understanding of yourself through healing limiting patterns, fears, and beliefs. In this way, you become rooted in a life grounded in meaning, aliveness, and depth. I believe that building a stronger relationship with yourself can help cultivate healthier relationships with others, making them easier to initiate, maintain, and enjoy.
(707) 559-9920 View (707) 559-9920
Community Institute for Psychotherapy
Verified Verified
San Rafael, CA 94901
Welcome to CIP… We are here to help. Founded in 1977, CIP has provided quality, affordable mental health services to individuals, families, and couples for more than 40 years. We offer a full range of services designed to meet a variety of needs, including long-term depth psychology as well as short-term counseling, therapy groups, and psychological testing. We work with depression, anxiety, trauma, PTSD, co-occurring disorders, addictions, and in-depth work with clients with axis II disorders. CIP is a welcoming place, attentive to the needs of our diverse community.
Welcome to CIP… We are here to help. Founded in 1977, CIP has provided quality, affordable mental health services to individuals, families, and couples for more than 40 years. We offer a full range of services designed to meet a variety of needs, including long-term depth psychology as well as short-term counseling, therapy groups, and psychological testing. We work with depression, anxiety, trauma, PTSD, co-occurring disorders, addictions, and in-depth work with clients with axis II disorders. CIP is a welcoming place, attentive to the needs of our diverse community.
(415) 870-2294 View (415) 870-2294
Photo of Nicholas Coleman Plastiras, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Rafael, CA
Nicholas Coleman Plastiras
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LPCC
Verified Verified
San Rafael, CA 94903
I work with teens and adults to help explore current problems, including anxiety, depression, substance abuse, trauma, codependence, and grief/loss.
Navigating life can be difficult. Perhaps you find yourself stuck in problematic relational patterns, struggling to find a different way. Maybe you criticize and put limitations on yourself. Perhaps you have endless empathy for everyone but yourself. Maybe you’ve turned to alcohol or substances to avoid the pain. Maybe you don’t feel much of anything at all. Perhaps you are simply in a rut and you don’t know how to get yourself out of it. The good news is, by simply looking for help you are on your way to regaining confidence, agency, and a fuller, more authentic sense of self. A self that CAN navigate the difficulties of life.
I work with teens and adults to help explore current problems, including anxiety, depression, substance abuse, trauma, codependence, and grief/loss.
Navigating life can be difficult. Perhaps you find yourself stuck in problematic relational patterns, struggling to find a different way. Maybe you criticize and put limitations on yourself. Perhaps you have endless empathy for everyone but yourself. Maybe you’ve turned to alcohol or substances to avoid the pain. Maybe you don’t feel much of anything at all. Perhaps you are simply in a rut and you don’t know how to get yourself out of it. The good news is, by simply looking for help you are on your way to regaining confidence, agency, and a fuller, more authentic sense of self. A self that CAN navigate the difficulties of life.
(415) 634-3407 View (415) 634-3407
Photo of Gabriel Robinson, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in San Rafael, CA
Gabriel Robinson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CCTP
Verified Verified
San Rafael, CA 94901
I have extensive experience in treating depression, anxiety, and trauma related disorders.
Choosing to start psychotherapy can appear daunting, but will offer an opportunity and unique space for change, healing and growth. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and have well over a decade of experience in supporting the therapeutic goals and emotional needs of my clients. My approach to therapy blends evidence based practices, my sense of curiosity, humor, as well as a person centered approach. I will work with you to develop therapeutic goals that support your growth, healing, and change. I provide a direct, warm, and humanistic approach to help you in reaching your goals.
I have extensive experience in treating depression, anxiety, and trauma related disorders.
Choosing to start psychotherapy can appear daunting, but will offer an opportunity and unique space for change, healing and growth. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and have well over a decade of experience in supporting the therapeutic goals and emotional needs of my clients. My approach to therapy blends evidence based practices, my sense of curiosity, humor, as well as a person centered approach. I will work with you to develop therapeutic goals that support your growth, healing, and change. I provide a direct, warm, and humanistic approach to help you in reaching your goals.
(415) 969-4027 View (415) 969-4027
Photo of Helen Schoenhals Hart, Licensed Psychoanalyst in San Rafael, CA
Helen Schoenhals Hart
Licensed Psychoanalyst
Verified Verified
San Rafael, CA 94903
Perhaps you have some symptom that's bothering you: writer's cramp, an embarrassing blushing problem, relationship or sexual difficulties, an eating disorder, a problem with anger, or perhaps you have debilitating anxiety attacks. Or you simply are unhappy, depressed and dissatisfied with your life, even though you are relatively successful. The list of possible symptoms is endless. As a psychoanalyst, I can assist you on the classic and still the most adventurous road to relief: the search for self-understanding. Also, should you need it, I offer short-term counseling and couples therapy.
Perhaps you have some symptom that's bothering you: writer's cramp, an embarrassing blushing problem, relationship or sexual difficulties, an eating disorder, a problem with anger, or perhaps you have debilitating anxiety attacks. Or you simply are unhappy, depressed and dissatisfied with your life, even though you are relatively successful. The list of possible symptoms is endless. As a psychoanalyst, I can assist you on the classic and still the most adventurous road to relief: the search for self-understanding. Also, should you need it, I offer short-term counseling and couples therapy.
(415) 689-9225 View (415) 689-9225
Photo of Kate Gustin, Psychologist in San Rafael, CA
Kate Gustin
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
San Rafael, CA 94901  (Online Only)
I have helped hundreds of people over the past 25 years heal their emotional wounds and recover peace of mind, including fifteen years working as a senior staff psychologist at Kaiser Permanente. If you're finding that your daily mood and quality of life are being diminished by mental or physical symptoms related to anxiety, depression, trauma, work stress or relationship challenges, please give yourself the gift of a free phone consultation. My expertise includes an approach to healing, health and happiness based on the clinical science of positive psychology.
I have helped hundreds of people over the past 25 years heal their emotional wounds and recover peace of mind, including fifteen years working as a senior staff psychologist at Kaiser Permanente. If you're finding that your daily mood and quality of life are being diminished by mental or physical symptoms related to anxiety, depression, trauma, work stress or relationship challenges, please give yourself the gift of a free phone consultation. My expertise includes an approach to healing, health and happiness based on the clinical science of positive psychology.
(415) 426-2617 View (415) 426-2617
Photo of Dr. Emily Zhang, Psychologist in San Rafael, CA
Dr. Emily Zhang
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
San Rafael, CA 94903  (Online Only)
Hello, my name is Dr. Emily Zhang! I am a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in the treatments of adults (18+) who are struggling with depression, generalized anxiety, social anxiety, personality disorders, and in some cases, trauma recovery and grief and loss. My practice focuses on helping my clients understand their symptoms and the problems that impact their mood, so that they can overcome issues related to their depression and anxiety. I am fluent in English and Cantonese. I am not only bilingual, but bicultural as well and has had good success establishing rapport with diverse populations.
Hello, my name is Dr. Emily Zhang! I am a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in the treatments of adults (18+) who are struggling with depression, generalized anxiety, social anxiety, personality disorders, and in some cases, trauma recovery and grief and loss. My practice focuses on helping my clients understand their symptoms and the problems that impact their mood, so that they can overcome issues related to their depression and anxiety. I am fluent in English and Cantonese. I am not only bilingual, but bicultural as well and has had good success establishing rapport with diverse populations.
(415) 741-2685 View (415) 741-2685
Photo of Anabelle Miranda-Muniz, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Rafael, CA
Anabelle Miranda-Muniz
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Rafael, CA 94901
I have a wide range of experience with those depression, anxiety, mood disorders, trauma, crisis, and co-occurring disorders.
Anabelle Miranda-Muniz, License Marriage and Family Therapist 95853. I have 13 years of experience in the behavioral health field. I have worked with clients with depression, anxiety, mood disorders, PTSD, trauma, and psychotic disorders. I also have experience with co-occurring disorders, providing psychoeducation to clients and family members, working with those in crisis, and facilitating an evidence-based parenting program.
I have a wide range of experience with those depression, anxiety, mood disorders, trauma, crisis, and co-occurring disorders.
Anabelle Miranda-Muniz, License Marriage and Family Therapist 95853. I have 13 years of experience in the behavioral health field. I have worked with clients with depression, anxiety, mood disorders, PTSD, trauma, and psychotic disorders. I also have experience with co-occurring disorders, providing psychoeducation to clients and family members, working with those in crisis, and facilitating an evidence-based parenting program.
(760) 273-3896 View (760) 273-3896
Photo of Delmar Devers, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in San Rafael, CA
Delmar Devers
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Rafael, CA 94901
My name is Delmar Devers, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the great state of California. I have experience working with youth and adults who have experienced stress, anxiety, depression, and trauma. My approach to therapy is client-directed and client-centered. I believe therapy is relational, and therefore it is also how I approach therapy with clients. The most commonly used treatment modalities that I use are Cognitive Based Therapy and Psychodynamic therapy.
My name is Delmar Devers, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the great state of California. I have experience working with youth and adults who have experienced stress, anxiety, depression, and trauma. My approach to therapy is client-directed and client-centered. I believe therapy is relational, and therefore it is also how I approach therapy with clients. The most commonly used treatment modalities that I use are Cognitive Based Therapy and Psychodynamic therapy.
(951) 498-5703 View (951) 498-5703
Photo of Dan Zuiches MBA PhD, Psychologist in San Rafael, CA
Dan Zuiches MBA PhD
Psychologist, PhD, MBA
Verified Verified
San Rafael, CA 94901  (Online Only)
I work with high-functioning professionals whose stressful lives are causing relationship issues, depression, or anxiety. Whether you're employee number 4 or 4,000 in your organization, if you want a therapist who is straightforward and practical to help you better manage your life, I would like to help. By talking things through with an expert you can get a better handle on your difficulties, and realize your potential.
I work with high-functioning professionals whose stressful lives are causing relationship issues, depression, or anxiety. Whether you're employee number 4 or 4,000 in your organization, if you want a therapist who is straightforward and practical to help you better manage your life, I would like to help. By talking things through with an expert you can get a better handle on your difficulties, and realize your potential.
(415) 488-8372 View (415) 488-8372
Photo of Beatrice Chorinsky, Psychologist in San Rafael, CA
Beatrice Chorinsky
Psychologist, MA, PsyD
Verified Verified
San Rafael, CA 94903
My specialities include: Anxiety disorders, including phobias, panic disorder and PTSD, mood disorders such as depression and bipolar disorder, impulsivity, early trauma and abuse, marital problems and relationship issues, parenting issues, divorce and co-parenting, grief and loss, as well as identity and self image issues.
I am a licensed psychologist providing individual, couple and family therapy for a wide range of difficulties. My style is warm, compassionate, personable and directed. I take a collaborative, strengths-based approach that emphasizes acceptance of the self in finding one’s own way forward. I not only assist my clients to explore and resolve issues from the past but help them to develop practical and creative solutions to life problems. I employ treatment modalities such as EMDR, DBT and CBT along with an attachment based foundation as important tools in assisting my clients to realize a fuller life experience.
My specialities include: Anxiety disorders, including phobias, panic disorder and PTSD, mood disorders such as depression and bipolar disorder, impulsivity, early trauma and abuse, marital problems and relationship issues, parenting issues, divorce and co-parenting, grief and loss, as well as identity and self image issues.
I am a licensed psychologist providing individual, couple and family therapy for a wide range of difficulties. My style is warm, compassionate, personable and directed. I take a collaborative, strengths-based approach that emphasizes acceptance of the self in finding one’s own way forward. I not only assist my clients to explore and resolve issues from the past but help them to develop practical and creative solutions to life problems. I employ treatment modalities such as EMDR, DBT and CBT along with an attachment based foundation as important tools in assisting my clients to realize a fuller life experience.
(415) 650-4958 View (415) 650-4958
Photo of Lauren Doumakes Isaacson, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Rafael, CA
Lauren Doumakes Isaacson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, MFT, MBA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Rafael, CA 94901
I am a licensed clinical therapist. I work with adults and adolescents in individual, family and group therapy settings. I treat a variety of conditions from stress management and everyday life issues and personal relationships, to more severe problems such as depression and anxiety. I work within a collaborative holistic model, and approach each problem in relation to the individual's larger life situation, focusing on individual strengths and experiences. I utilize a variety of treatment modalities from insight oriented family of origin work to cognitive and dialectic behavioral therapies and other approaches as appropriate.
I am a licensed clinical therapist. I work with adults and adolescents in individual, family and group therapy settings. I treat a variety of conditions from stress management and everyday life issues and personal relationships, to more severe problems such as depression and anxiety. I work within a collaborative holistic model, and approach each problem in relation to the individual's larger life situation, focusing on individual strengths and experiences. I utilize a variety of treatment modalities from insight oriented family of origin work to cognitive and dialectic behavioral therapies and other approaches as appropriate.
(415) 233-9261 View (415) 233-9261
Photo of Martin Block, Psychologist in San Rafael, CA
Martin Block
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
San Rafael, CA 94903
I am a seasoned psychotherapist with more than 20 years of experience. The majority of my work is with people who are working to overcome anxiety, depression, relationship problems, job stress, addiction, and life transition concerns that are interfering with their ability to live a more satisfying and fulfilling life. Licensed and trained as a clinical psychologist and a MFT, I work with both individuals and couples, using a collaborative and active approach.
I am a seasoned psychotherapist with more than 20 years of experience. The majority of my work is with people who are working to overcome anxiety, depression, relationship problems, job stress, addiction, and life transition concerns that are interfering with their ability to live a more satisfying and fulfilling life. Licensed and trained as a clinical psychologist and a MFT, I work with both individuals and couples, using a collaborative and active approach.
(415) 563-3438 View (415) 563-3438
Photo of Teressa Armstrong, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Rafael, CA
Teressa Armstrong
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
San Rafael, CA 94901
Everyone runs into trouble at some point in their life. When they do, they often benefit from talking to someone who isn't primarily their friend or member of their family, someone who is empathic, curious, non-judgmental, and relentlessly focused on helping you feel better. Therapy isn't a one-size-fits-all enterprise, but has to tailored to what you need. Whether it's about simply feeling less anxious or depressed, or mastering an inhibition or block you've had all your life, therapy can get you back on the track you once were on or want to be on.
Everyone runs into trouble at some point in their life. When they do, they often benefit from talking to someone who isn't primarily their friend or member of their family, someone who is empathic, curious, non-judgmental, and relentlessly focused on helping you feel better. Therapy isn't a one-size-fits-all enterprise, but has to tailored to what you need. Whether it's about simply feeling less anxious or depressed, or mastering an inhibition or block you've had all your life, therapy can get you back on the track you once were on or want to be on.
(415) 630-4514 View (415) 630-4514
Photo of Scott Carollo, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Rafael, CA
Scott Carollo
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
San Rafael, CA 94901
People come to see me when they feel challenged by life circumstances, by depression, anxiety, or because they know that life holds more for them than they are currently experiencing. We can come to understand the roots of these experiences and to see where the blocks are to either living a life that feels like your own, or being more of yourself in the life that you have. I have found there to be a wide range of people who feel comfortable working with me, quite varied with regard to gender, age, stage of life, cultural background and sexual orientation.
People come to see me when they feel challenged by life circumstances, by depression, anxiety, or because they know that life holds more for them than they are currently experiencing. We can come to understand the roots of these experiences and to see where the blocks are to either living a life that feels like your own, or being more of yourself in the life that you have. I have found there to be a wide range of people who feel comfortable working with me, quite varied with regard to gender, age, stage of life, cultural background and sexual orientation.
(415) 860-0769 View (415) 860-0769
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.