Photo of Amber Massie, Marriage & Family Therapist in Visalia, CA
Amber Massie
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Visalia, CA 93292
I have over 8 years of experience providing mental health support to teens and young adults, specializing in supporting symptoms of trauma, depression, anxiety, eating disturbances, interpersonal challenges, and family dynamic stressors.
Hi, my name is Amber Massie (she/her/hers), I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and I look forward to supporting your journey to healing, self-discovery, and improving your outlook on yourself and your life. Change in therapy happens through a process of increased self-understanding, practicing new ways of engaging (with yourself, with others, with a particular problem or set of issues), and development and practice of coping strategies.
I have over 8 years of experience providing mental health support to teens and young adults, specializing in supporting symptoms of trauma, depression, anxiety, eating disturbances, interpersonal challenges, and family dynamic stressors.
Hi, my name is Amber Massie (she/her/hers), I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and I look forward to supporting your journey to healing, self-discovery, and improving your outlook on yourself and your life. Change in therapy happens through a process of increased self-understanding, practicing new ways of engaging (with yourself, with others, with a particular problem or set of issues), and development and practice of coping strategies.
(559) 543-9533 View (559) 543-9533
Photo of David W Toms, Associate Clinical Social Worker in Visalia, CA
David W Toms
Associate Clinical Social Worker, ACSW
Verified Verified
Visalia, CA 93291
I have experience working with individuals across the lifespan and have helped clients with a range of mental health concerns including depression, anxiety, substance use, ADHD, anger management, self-harming behaviors, oppositional defiant disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
You are not alone! As your therapist, I am committed to your healing and providing a safe, non-judgmental space where we can work through any negative self-talk and find solutions. We will explore therapeutic approaches, including but not limited to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solution-Focused Interventions. Together, we can confront anxiety and depression head-on.
I have experience working with individuals across the lifespan and have helped clients with a range of mental health concerns including depression, anxiety, substance use, ADHD, anger management, self-harming behaviors, oppositional defiant disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
You are not alone! As your therapist, I am committed to your healing and providing a safe, non-judgmental space where we can work through any negative self-talk and find solutions. We will explore therapeutic approaches, including but not limited to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solution-Focused Interventions. Together, we can confront anxiety and depression head-on.
(559) 851-0612 View (559) 851-0612
Photo of Ana L Soto Grant, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Visalia, CA
Ana L Soto Grant
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Visalia, CA 93291
Waitlist for new clients
I am a Bilingual (Spanish) Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I specialize in working with issues relating to trauma, abandonment, depression, mood regulation, anxiety, family conflicts, and life transitions. My goal is to provide space for you to feel comfortable finding answers, processing emotions, and letting go of anything that is preventing you from living your best life. Therapy is a place where you are given space to be yourself, without judgement, so that you can reflect on what you are seeking in your life.
I am a Bilingual (Spanish) Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I specialize in working with issues relating to trauma, abandonment, depression, mood regulation, anxiety, family conflicts, and life transitions. My goal is to provide space for you to feel comfortable finding answers, processing emotions, and letting go of anything that is preventing you from living your best life. Therapy is a place where you are given space to be yourself, without judgement, so that you can reflect on what you are seeking in your life.
(559) 338-5432 View (559) 338-5432
Photo of Elvira Martin del Campo, Marriage & Family Therapist in Visalia, CA
Elvira Martin del Campo
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Visalia, CA 93277
Hi, my name is Elvira Martin del Campo, I'm a licensed MFT. I'm Bilingual and Bicultural in English and Spanish. I've been a therapist for 32 years working with diverse clients who had substance use disorders, depression, anxiety, grief, Trauma/PTSD. I have extensive experience working with individuals and families with issues including substance abuse, loss, grief, trauma, LGBTQ+, HIV/AIDS, and other challenging life events. I like to work with my clients to build their strengths while recognizing the impact that trauma, history of abuse, attachment wounds, sadness, anxiety, grief, and addiction have had on them.
Hi, my name is Elvira Martin del Campo, I'm a licensed MFT. I'm Bilingual and Bicultural in English and Spanish. I've been a therapist for 32 years working with diverse clients who had substance use disorders, depression, anxiety, grief, Trauma/PTSD. I have extensive experience working with individuals and families with issues including substance abuse, loss, grief, trauma, LGBTQ+, HIV/AIDS, and other challenging life events. I like to work with my clients to build their strengths while recognizing the impact that trauma, history of abuse, attachment wounds, sadness, anxiety, grief, and addiction have had on them.
(559) 345-9637 View (559) 345-9637
Photo of Mind Divers, Psychologist in Visalia, CA
Mind Divers
Psychologist, PhD, CST
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Visalia, CA 93291
The therapists at MindDivers offer a full range of therapeutic services, much like our Clovis location at Achievements Unlimited. Whether it is a feeling of depression or bothersome anxiety that is difficult to control, children’s issues, or problems in your relationship or sex life, our staff has you covered. We care about you and your concerns so that you can come up for air and regain clarity and calmness in your life. We at MindDivers appreciate humor and compassion while exploring the depths with you.
The therapists at MindDivers offer a full range of therapeutic services, much like our Clovis location at Achievements Unlimited. Whether it is a feeling of depression or bothersome anxiety that is difficult to control, children’s issues, or problems in your relationship or sex life, our staff has you covered. We care about you and your concerns so that you can come up for air and regain clarity and calmness in your life. We at MindDivers appreciate humor and compassion while exploring the depths with you.
(559) 634-3116 View (559) 634-3116
Photo of Jeffrey Langer, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Visalia, CA
Jeffrey Langer
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Visalia, CA 93291
When you're challenged, depressed, anxious or struggling in life, or relationship it can seem difficult to navigate the world in a meaningful, authentic way to where it feels almost impossible. I offer a safe environment to allow you to express yourself without judgment. I will help you with the emotional imbalance that many family members and friends are unable to do. Through empathy, unconditional positive regard, understanding and genuine compassion for your concerns, I will work with you as you fulfill that need for a better, happier, more meaningful life.
When you're challenged, depressed, anxious or struggling in life, or relationship it can seem difficult to navigate the world in a meaningful, authentic way to where it feels almost impossible. I offer a safe environment to allow you to express yourself without judgment. I will help you with the emotional imbalance that many family members and friends are unable to do. Through empathy, unconditional positive regard, understanding and genuine compassion for your concerns, I will work with you as you fulfill that need for a better, happier, more meaningful life.
(559) 280-5756 View (559) 280-5756
Photo of Thuy Tran, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Visalia, CA
Thuy Tran
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Visalia, CA 93277
Hello, my name is Thuy (Twee) Tran. I'm a licensed clinical social worker who helps individuals identify and utilize their inner resilience to cope with various life stressors or adversities. I have worked with people from all walks of life. Those who struggles with anxiety, depression, and/or trauma. I had the honor to work with survivors of human trafficking, domestic violence, and various forms of abuse during childhood.
Hello, my name is Thuy (Twee) Tran. I'm a licensed clinical social worker who helps individuals identify and utilize their inner resilience to cope with various life stressors or adversities. I have worked with people from all walks of life. Those who struggles with anxiety, depression, and/or trauma. I had the honor to work with survivors of human trafficking, domestic violence, and various forms of abuse during childhood.
(559) 663-2333 View (559) 663-2333
Photo of Gerardo Castro, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Visalia, CA
Gerardo Castro
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Visalia, CA 93277
I provide a safe and comfortable environment so you can start your healing and feel better. I have seen clients improve with the right guidance, motivation, and applying more effective coping strategies. If you struggle to manage your emotions, have difficulty trusting others, experience poor self-control, un-healthy relationships, un-healthy partners, get anxious, have poor communication skills, feel stressed out, low self-esteem, depressed, feel stuck/in a fog, and dwell on the past, give me call so we could talk. I am bilingual, English and Spanish speaking, and accept mostly PPO insurances. I offer free phone consultations.
I provide a safe and comfortable environment so you can start your healing and feel better. I have seen clients improve with the right guidance, motivation, and applying more effective coping strategies. If you struggle to manage your emotions, have difficulty trusting others, experience poor self-control, un-healthy relationships, un-healthy partners, get anxious, have poor communication skills, feel stressed out, low self-esteem, depressed, feel stuck/in a fog, and dwell on the past, give me call so we could talk. I am bilingual, English and Spanish speaking, and accept mostly PPO insurances. I offer free phone consultations.
(559) 529-6877 View (559) 529-6877
Photo of Darlene Obregon, Marriage & Family Therapist in Visalia, CA
Darlene Obregon
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Visalia, CA 93291
Hi. My name is Darlene Obregon, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I like to work with clients on uncovering roots to their presenting problem and help my clients find new ways of healing, so that they can live a more fulfilling life. I have worked with children, adolescents, young adults and families. I have experience working with several mental health disorders including but not limited to; depression, anxiety, PTSD, adjustment disorders, bipolar and ADHD. I have worked with clients on childhood traumas, sexual abuse, school issues, family issues, divorce, custody issues, work stress and life stage stressors.
Hi. My name is Darlene Obregon, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I like to work with clients on uncovering roots to their presenting problem and help my clients find new ways of healing, so that they can live a more fulfilling life. I have worked with children, adolescents, young adults and families. I have experience working with several mental health disorders including but not limited to; depression, anxiety, PTSD, adjustment disorders, bipolar and ADHD. I have worked with clients on childhood traumas, sexual abuse, school issues, family issues, divorce, custody issues, work stress and life stage stressors.
(559) 245-3214 View (559) 245-3214
Photo of Paul Hyppolite, Marriage & Family Therapist in Visalia, CA
Paul Hyppolite
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Visalia, CA 93292
Paul is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who works from a strengths-based, client-centered, humanistic approach, focusing on aspects of mindfulness, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I carefully consider client's cultural upbringing/religious background when addressing conditions such as anxiety, depression, and other life experiences. I work with an array of clients, from different, social and economic background and have worked with conditions such as depression, anxiety, stress, divorce, and family conflicts.
Paul is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who works from a strengths-based, client-centered, humanistic approach, focusing on aspects of mindfulness, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I carefully consider client's cultural upbringing/religious background when addressing conditions such as anxiety, depression, and other life experiences. I work with an array of clients, from different, social and economic background and have worked with conditions such as depression, anxiety, stress, divorce, and family conflicts.
(559) 663-3130 View (559) 663-3130
Photo of Adriana Sanchez, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Visalia, CA
Adriana Sanchez
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Visalia, CA 93291
Hi there, I'm Adriana! My name is Adriana Sanchez, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Certified Hypnotherapist (CHt) based in San Diego, California and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with individuals 12 yrs. and older and specialize in anxiety and depression, using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Mindfulness help relieve physical and emotional symptoms. I have found that my style and approach is effective with individuals of all ages experiencing stress from a life event or the everyday pressures.
Hi there, I'm Adriana! My name is Adriana Sanchez, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Certified Hypnotherapist (CHt) based in San Diego, California and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with individuals 12 yrs. and older and specialize in anxiety and depression, using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Mindfulness help relieve physical and emotional symptoms. I have found that my style and approach is effective with individuals of all ages experiencing stress from a life event or the everyday pressures.
(858) 879-3007 View (858) 879-3007
Photo of Paulina Gutierrez, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Visalia, CA
Paulina Gutierrez
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Visalia, CA 93292
Hello, I'm Paulina Gutierrez and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. With a client-centered and strengths-based approach, I provide a safe and empathetic space for individuals to explore their emotional well-being. My practice focuses on areas such as anxiety, depression, work-related stress, and relationship issues, aiming to empower clients to achieve their personal growth and mental health goals.
Hello, I'm Paulina Gutierrez and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. With a client-centered and strengths-based approach, I provide a safe and empathetic space for individuals to explore their emotional well-being. My practice focuses on areas such as anxiety, depression, work-related stress, and relationship issues, aiming to empower clients to achieve their personal growth and mental health goals.
(909) 552-8520 View (909) 552-8520
Photo of Jessica Lan, Marriage & Family Therapist in Visalia, CA
Jessica Lan
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Visalia, CA 93291
Welcome to your team! My name is Jessica Lan and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) committed to supporting adults and young adults through life’s challenges. I believe in creating a supportive and honest environment to support you through step-by-step self-growth. I utilize a variety of therapeutic approaches to meet you where you are at and specialize in strength-based and client-centered approaches to do so. I have the most experience working with children, teens, and young adults who have challenges with emotional regulation, anxiety, depression, stress, social skills, and self-esteem.
Welcome to your team! My name is Jessica Lan and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) committed to supporting adults and young adults through life’s challenges. I believe in creating a supportive and honest environment to support you through step-by-step self-growth. I utilize a variety of therapeutic approaches to meet you where you are at and specialize in strength-based and client-centered approaches to do so. I have the most experience working with children, teens, and young adults who have challenges with emotional regulation, anxiety, depression, stress, social skills, and self-esteem.
(858) 330-6484 View (858) 330-6484
Photo of Rebecca Kerr McWhorter, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Visalia, CA
Rebecca Kerr McWhorter
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Visalia, CA 93292
Hi there, I'm Rebecca McWhorter, LCSW has experience with all age groups within many multicultural settings. I start with where the patient is should they be suffering from depression, anxiety, trauma, and/or grief. My practice focus in on patient care. Patients typically enter therapy due to something that is having a negative impact on their quality of life. I assist them in identifying the root causes or behavior that are preventing them from living their best life. I utilize many different approaches to healing. I prefer to letting the patient vocalize their needs rather than tailor a patient to a plan.
Hi there, I'm Rebecca McWhorter, LCSW has experience with all age groups within many multicultural settings. I start with where the patient is should they be suffering from depression, anxiety, trauma, and/or grief. My practice focus in on patient care. Patients typically enter therapy due to something that is having a negative impact on their quality of life. I assist them in identifying the root causes or behavior that are preventing them from living their best life. I utilize many different approaches to healing. I prefer to letting the patient vocalize their needs rather than tailor a patient to a plan.
(442) 218-2807 View (442) 218-2807
Photo of Yadira Martinez, Marriage & Family Therapist in Visalia, CA
Yadira Martinez
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Visalia, CA 93277
Hi! My name is Yadira Martinez, I am a licensed marriage and family therapist in California. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, trauma, and bipolar disorder. l love working with clients who are motivated to change. I want to help clients get to the root of their problems and make their lives better. I employ a multimodal therapeutic approach based on the critical matters of each individual.
Hi! My name is Yadira Martinez, I am a licensed marriage and family therapist in California. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, trauma, and bipolar disorder. l love working with clients who are motivated to change. I want to help clients get to the root of their problems and make their lives better. I employ a multimodal therapeutic approach based on the critical matters of each individual.
(951) 904-2762 View (951) 904-2762
Photo of Katherine Hoover, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Visalia, CA
Katherine Hoover
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Visalia, CA 93292
This often takes the form of anxiety, depression, stress, low self-esteem and issues in relationships.
Hi, my name is Kati Hoover, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Long Beach, California and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I enjoy working with adolescents and young adults and specialize in anxiety, stress, depression, LGBTQ+ issues, self-esteem, and relationship issues. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help my clients achieve their goals and start feeling better. I have found that my style and approach is a good fit for teens and young adults who may be dealing with the challenges of life transitions and social pressures.
This often takes the form of anxiety, depression, stress, low self-esteem and issues in relationships.
Hi, my name is Kati Hoover, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Long Beach, California and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I enjoy working with adolescents and young adults and specialize in anxiety, stress, depression, LGBTQ+ issues, self-esteem, and relationship issues. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help my clients achieve their goals and start feeling better. I have found that my style and approach is a good fit for teens and young adults who may be dealing with the challenges of life transitions and social pressures.
(559) 523-4135 View (559) 523-4135
Photo of Yvette Pope, Marriage & Family Therapist in Visalia, CA
Yvette Pope
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Visalia, CA 93291
I work with clients with depression, anxiety, fear, postpartum depression, relationship and couple issues, and grief.
I have been licensed as a Marriage, Family Therapist for over 20 years. As a trained and experienced therapist, my education background includes MS in Counseling Marriage, Family, and Child Counseling, MS in Psychology, and Doctor of Psychology from the University of La Verne, California. My passion is to help my clients develop meaningful behavioral changes and learn coping strategies to use to navigate through life struggles. It takes courage to ask for help and I take it seriously to create an emotionally safe environment where my clients can speak freely about their struggles with no judgment.
I work with clients with depression, anxiety, fear, postpartum depression, relationship and couple issues, and grief.
I have been licensed as a Marriage, Family Therapist for over 20 years. As a trained and experienced therapist, my education background includes MS in Counseling Marriage, Family, and Child Counseling, MS in Psychology, and Doctor of Psychology from the University of La Verne, California. My passion is to help my clients develop meaningful behavioral changes and learn coping strategies to use to navigate through life struggles. It takes courage to ask for help and I take it seriously to create an emotionally safe environment where my clients can speak freely about their struggles with no judgment.
(661) 689-7593 View (661) 689-7593
Photo of Terri Rathbun, Marriage & Family Therapist in Visalia, CA
Terri Rathbun
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Visalia, CA 93277
I have extensive experience treating anxiety, depression, trauma and stressor-related disorders, bipolar disorders, psychotic spectrum disorders, and co-occurring substance use disorders.
Hi, my name is Terri Rathbun, and I am an experienced licensed therapist (LMFT). I am an SFT (Solution-Focused Therapist) and client-centered therapist. It is important to me that clients in my care feel safe, heard, validated, and respected; without judgment. During therapy, we will collaborate together at your own pace. I utilize motivational interviewing, and I am trauma-informed. I will give you feedback and not just listen passively. Humor during the therapeutic process is welcome and can be healing.
I have extensive experience treating anxiety, depression, trauma and stressor-related disorders, bipolar disorders, psychotic spectrum disorders, and co-occurring substance use disorders.
Hi, my name is Terri Rathbun, and I am an experienced licensed therapist (LMFT). I am an SFT (Solution-Focused Therapist) and client-centered therapist. It is important to me that clients in my care feel safe, heard, validated, and respected; without judgment. During therapy, we will collaborate together at your own pace. I utilize motivational interviewing, and I am trauma-informed. I will give you feedback and not just listen passively. Humor during the therapeutic process is welcome and can be healing.
(925) 397-1810 View (925) 397-1810
Photo of Alysha Marie Hays, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Visalia, CA
Alysha Marie Hays
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Visalia, CA 93277
Some of the issues I have provided counseling services for are depression, anxiety, ADHD, behavioral problems, special needs, child abuse & neglect, sexual abuse, trauma, human trafficking and domestic violence.
Hello there. I am Alysha Hays, LCSW, Psychotherapist. I have worked with clients of all ages as a mental health therapist. Since 2011, I have been providing therapy to individuals, children, teens, adults, elderly, couples and families. My approach to therapy is client-centered. I focus on each person exactly where they are in their life, by helping them to gain perspective on their circumstances and gain the ability to take back control of their life. There is no judgment and each client will be welcomed and supported throughout their therapy journey.
Some of the issues I have provided counseling services for are depression, anxiety, ADHD, behavioral problems, special needs, child abuse & neglect, sexual abuse, trauma, human trafficking and domestic violence.
Hello there. I am Alysha Hays, LCSW, Psychotherapist. I have worked with clients of all ages as a mental health therapist. Since 2011, I have been providing therapy to individuals, children, teens, adults, elderly, couples and families. My approach to therapy is client-centered. I focus on each person exactly where they are in their life, by helping them to gain perspective on their circumstances and gain the ability to take back control of their life. There is no judgment and each client will be welcomed and supported throughout their therapy journey.
(510) 984-9701 View (510) 984-9701
Photo of Noushafarin “Nunu” Tabatabai, Marriage & Family Therapist in Visalia, CA
Noushafarin “Nunu” Tabatabai
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Visalia, CA 93277
I treat anxiety, depression, marital and relationship stressors along with grief and trauma/abuse.
Therapy can be scary and costly . It isn’t either in my practice. We all experience change, transition, conflict, work and relational stressors. Many experience trauma and stressors that begin to impact daily functioning. Therapy is a safe place to discuss and explore the current stressors you are facing. I’ll help make this possible in an empathetic and AFFORDABLE environment that fosters growth, and healing. You do the talking and I do the listening, caring and provide the tools to assist you in navigating life’s circumstances. Together we can work to address the personal and or relational stressors impacting your life!
I treat anxiety, depression, marital and relationship stressors along with grief and trauma/abuse.
Therapy can be scary and costly . It isn’t either in my practice. We all experience change, transition, conflict, work and relational stressors. Many experience trauma and stressors that begin to impact daily functioning. Therapy is a safe place to discuss and explore the current stressors you are facing. I’ll help make this possible in an empathetic and AFFORDABLE environment that fosters growth, and healing. You do the talking and I do the listening, caring and provide the tools to assist you in navigating life’s circumstances. Together we can work to address the personal and or relational stressors impacting your life!
(559) 415-3351 View (559) 415-3351
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.