Therapists in California
Megan Bradley
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Brentwood, CA 94513
), with various presenting issues, such as, trauma, bereavement, self-emotional dysregulation, anxiety, depression, adjusting to an illness and/or disability, and marital discord.
During stressful times, constant worrying, anxiety, anger, and sadness surfaces and causes disruption with relationships, sleep, eating habits, and health. I strongly believe in the mind and body connection and, with help, stress can be an opportunity for emotional growth. I utilize my clinical experience and evidence-based therapeutic interventions to motivate clients and families towards their own emotional growth. I tailor various therapeutic approaches according to what works for my client and what my client needs to meet their goals.
), with various presenting issues, such as, trauma, bereavement, self-emotional dysregulation, anxiety, depression, adjusting to an illness and/or disability, and marital discord.
During stressful times, constant worrying, anxiety, anger, and sadness surfaces and causes disruption with relationships, sleep, eating habits, and health. I strongly believe in the mind and body connection and, with help, stress can be an opportunity for emotional growth. I utilize my clinical experience and evidence-based therapeutic interventions to motivate clients and families towards their own emotional growth. I tailor various therapeutic approaches according to what works for my client and what my client needs to meet their goals.
Tina Glishich
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Fair Oaks, CA 95628
I provide safe, accepting, and mindful environment as well as culturally sensitive services for children, adults, and families who are experiencing difficulties with emotional stress such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, behavioral issues such as ADHD, defiant, and oppositional behaviors, culture-related stress such as immigration and issues regarding identity including gender variant clients. I love helping couples and use Emotionally Focus Therapy in addition to CBT techniques.
I provide safe, accepting, and mindful environment as well as culturally sensitive services for children, adults, and families who are experiencing difficulties with emotional stress such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, behavioral issues such as ADHD, defiant, and oppositional behaviors, culture-related stress such as immigration and issues regarding identity including gender variant clients. I love helping couples and use Emotionally Focus Therapy in addition to CBT techniques.
Dr. Stephanie G. Thompson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, DSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Valley Center, CA 92082 (Online Only)
I specialize in military, divorce, infidelity, parent/child relationships, severe mental illnesses, depression, personality disorders, Autism/Asperger's, complex medical conditions, and career guidance.
Life is so much more than whether or not we are breathing, or if our biological processes are working well. Life involves our own capacities for growth, adaptation, and responses to internal and external stimuli. In other words, we are living beings but are we truly living? Do you approach each day with hope and focus and want support in creating plans? Are you struggling to identify who you are at your very core and how to manage your ever demanding and changing world? Can you define what living your life means to you? Are you growing, adapting, and responding in healthy and harmonious ways? If not, would you like to?
I specialize in military, divorce, infidelity, parent/child relationships, severe mental illnesses, depression, personality disorders, Autism/Asperger's, complex medical conditions, and career guidance.
Life is so much more than whether or not we are breathing, or if our biological processes are working well. Life involves our own capacities for growth, adaptation, and responses to internal and external stimuli. In other words, we are living beings but are we truly living? Do you approach each day with hope and focus and want support in creating plans? Are you struggling to identify who you are at your very core and how to manage your ever demanding and changing world? Can you define what living your life means to you? Are you growing, adapting, and responding in healthy and harmonious ways? If not, would you like to?
Angie Pelletier -Juarez
Psychologist, CP
Verified Verified
Long Beach, CA 90815
I specialize in treating individuals from diverse backgrounds who struggle with mental health issues such as trauma, depression, anxiety, stress, and domestic or intimate partner violence.
Dr. PJ, also known as Dr. Angie Pelletier, is a clinical psychologist with over a decade of experience. She applies a holistic methodology that takes into account mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual considerations to help people gain a better understanding of themselves. Her focus areas include trauma, grief and loss, depression, anxiety, intimate partner violence (IPV)/Domestic Violence (DV) victims, life and career transitions, and relationship issues, among others. Dr. PJ stresses the importance of identifying personal strengths and cultivating coping strategies to meet life's challenges.
I specialize in treating individuals from diverse backgrounds who struggle with mental health issues such as trauma, depression, anxiety, stress, and domestic or intimate partner violence.
Dr. PJ, also known as Dr. Angie Pelletier, is a clinical psychologist with over a decade of experience. She applies a holistic methodology that takes into account mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual considerations to help people gain a better understanding of themselves. Her focus areas include trauma, grief and loss, depression, anxiety, intimate partner violence (IPV)/Domestic Violence (DV) victims, life and career transitions, and relationship issues, among others. Dr. PJ stresses the importance of identifying personal strengths and cultivating coping strategies to meet life's challenges.
Brittany Benjamin Amante
Pre-Licensed Professional, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92127
At times, everyone feels overwhelmed. School, friends, family, work, activities. While you've been working hard because it's what you've been told to do, overachieving and people-pleasing are not sustainable. Stress and burnout take over, and you find yourself irritable, tearful, anxious, and depressed. Soon, responsibilities and relationships start to be pushed aside, and it's challenging to tend to your own emotional and physical health. As a clinician at Patch Counseling, I aim to empower teens and adults by providing a non-judgmental, collaborative place to reestablish your voice, regain balance and rebuild self-acceptance.
At times, everyone feels overwhelmed. School, friends, family, work, activities. While you've been working hard because it's what you've been told to do, overachieving and people-pleasing are not sustainable. Stress and burnout take over, and you find yourself irritable, tearful, anxious, and depressed. Soon, responsibilities and relationships start to be pushed aside, and it's challenging to tend to your own emotional and physical health. As a clinician at Patch Counseling, I aim to empower teens and adults by providing a non-judgmental, collaborative place to reestablish your voice, regain balance and rebuild self-acceptance.
Leslie Barton
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Maria, CA 93454
My specialty areas have varied over the years including codependency, sexual abuse, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, grief, play therapy and sandtray.
"I believe that each person has unlimited potential within themself! It is my role to assist a person in finding the answers to the dilemnas' they may be facing. Often someone is experiencing a high level of stress through a current life circumstance that brings up feelings or grief from the past. When this happens, part of the therapy process is to deal with the "unfinished business" to access more energy to bring to the present. As a Marriage and Family therapist, I focus on relationship issues including patterns of communication that can improve to develop more satisfying relationships too.
My specialty areas have varied over the years including codependency, sexual abuse, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, grief, play therapy and sandtray.
"I believe that each person has unlimited potential within themself! It is my role to assist a person in finding the answers to the dilemnas' they may be facing. Often someone is experiencing a high level of stress through a current life circumstance that brings up feelings or grief from the past. When this happens, part of the therapy process is to deal with the "unfinished business" to access more energy to bring to the present. As a Marriage and Family therapist, I focus on relationship issues including patterns of communication that can improve to develop more satisfying relationships too.
Cindy Cothran
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
Oxnard, CA 93030
My name is Cindy Cothran and I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC 13358) based in the Central Coast of California, working with clients statewide via telehealth. I presently work with older adolescents and all ages of adults. I specialize in anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, and GLBTQ-related concerns. I utilize a variety of evidence-based approaches guided by the comfort level of the person I am working with. I find that I am comfortable working with many types of people and every age group. I enjoy working with the LGBTQIA community and I am polyamory and kink-affirming.
My name is Cindy Cothran and I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC 13358) based in the Central Coast of California, working with clients statewide via telehealth. I presently work with older adolescents and all ages of adults. I specialize in anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, and GLBTQ-related concerns. I utilize a variety of evidence-based approaches guided by the comfort level of the person I am working with. I find that I am comfortable working with many types of people and every age group. I enjoy working with the LGBTQIA community and I am polyamory and kink-affirming.
Cecelia Gillespie
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Porterville, CA 93257
Hello, my name is Cecelia Pooley Gillespie, LCSW, SEP. I work with all ages, with a recent focus on youth and families, including those in rural and Indigenous communities.. I can help with anxiety, depression, PTSD, stress, parenting, life transitions, and more. My therapeutic approach is strengths based and solution focused. While I find the cognitive and behavioral lens of CBT, DBT and Narrative Therapy to be valuable, I believe it can be important at times to also incorporate Experiential Therapy, such as creativity, movement, and expression, as well as Somatic work for exploring the mind-body connection.
Hello, my name is Cecelia Pooley Gillespie, LCSW, SEP. I work with all ages, with a recent focus on youth and families, including those in rural and Indigenous communities.. I can help with anxiety, depression, PTSD, stress, parenting, life transitions, and more. My therapeutic approach is strengths based and solution focused. While I find the cognitive and behavioral lens of CBT, DBT and Narrative Therapy to be valuable, I believe it can be important at times to also incorporate Experiential Therapy, such as creativity, movement, and expression, as well as Somatic work for exploring the mind-body connection.
Deatria Davis
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
El Cajon, CA 92019
I like to work with Adults and Couples who present with a range of mental issues such as Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar, Emotional Regulation, Family discord, Grief/Loss, Trauma, Relationship concerns.
My name is Deatria Davis and I'm an LMFT. My approach to therapy is rooted in empathy, compassion, and non-judgment. I strive to create a safe and supportive environment where clients feel comfortable exploring their thoughts and feelings while moving toward a journey of self-awareness, cultivating resilience, developing interpersonal skills, and the healing needed to form and sustain relationships with oneself and others. I use an integrative approach of CBT, DBT, ACT, Mindfulness, Expressive Arts, and other theoretical approaches depending on the client's needs.
I like to work with Adults and Couples who present with a range of mental issues such as Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar, Emotional Regulation, Family discord, Grief/Loss, Trauma, Relationship concerns.
My name is Deatria Davis and I'm an LMFT. My approach to therapy is rooted in empathy, compassion, and non-judgment. I strive to create a safe and supportive environment where clients feel comfortable exploring their thoughts and feelings while moving toward a journey of self-awareness, cultivating resilience, developing interpersonal skills, and the healing needed to form and sustain relationships with oneself and others. I use an integrative approach of CBT, DBT, ACT, Mindfulness, Expressive Arts, and other theoretical approaches depending on the client's needs.
Ellie Mourey
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Mission Viejo, CA 92691
Hi! My name is Ellie - and I am so excited to meet you! I love working with children (ages 5 and up), teens, and young adults, helping them through a variety of life challenges, including anxiety, depression, relationship issues, stress, emotional dysregulation, and perfectionism. My approach/style depends a lot on the age and needs of each person, and I adapt interventions from various modalities to fit what is needed for treatment. Throughout the process, I will check-in with you to develop goals and to make sure we’re on the same page about what is most important to you for the focus of our time together.
Hi! My name is Ellie - and I am so excited to meet you! I love working with children (ages 5 and up), teens, and young adults, helping them through a variety of life challenges, including anxiety, depression, relationship issues, stress, emotional dysregulation, and perfectionism. My approach/style depends a lot on the age and needs of each person, and I adapt interventions from various modalities to fit what is needed for treatment. Throughout the process, I will check-in with you to develop goals and to make sure we’re on the same page about what is most important to you for the focus of our time together.
Allison Kassis
Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, MA, APCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Gold River, CA 95670
Hello and welcome! I’m Allison, and I am a therapist dedicated to empowering individuals on their journey to mental and emotional well-being. I believe that every individual's story is unique, and I tailor my therapeutic approach to your specific needs. Whether you're navigating the effects of trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, life transitions, or simply seeking personal growth, I am here to guide and support you. My therapeutic approach is rooted in empathy, active listening, and collaboration, as I believe that a strong therapeutic relationship is the foundation for positive change.
Hello and welcome! I’m Allison, and I am a therapist dedicated to empowering individuals on their journey to mental and emotional well-being. I believe that every individual's story is unique, and I tailor my therapeutic approach to your specific needs. Whether you're navigating the effects of trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, life transitions, or simply seeking personal growth, I am here to guide and support you. My therapeutic approach is rooted in empathy, active listening, and collaboration, as I believe that a strong therapeutic relationship is the foundation for positive change.
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Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Mateo, CA 94404 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Your therapeutic journey can be incredibly rewarding and difficult at the same time. Anxiety, trauma, and depression can make us feel lost and the road through is muddy and overwhelming. This is why having a guide that can understand you and meet you where you are, is incredibly important. It is my goal to help you navigate this voyage as well as hold and work through complex emotions as they fight with each other while at the same time cohabitating in the same space. I look forward to taking those first steps with you and take this journey together.
Your therapeutic journey can be incredibly rewarding and difficult at the same time. Anxiety, trauma, and depression can make us feel lost and the road through is muddy and overwhelming. This is why having a guide that can understand you and meet you where you are, is incredibly important. It is my goal to help you navigate this voyage as well as hold and work through complex emotions as they fight with each other while at the same time cohabitating in the same space. I look forward to taking those first steps with you and take this journey together.
Samantha Lauro
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Pedro, CA 90732 (Online Only)
To establish understanding at it's fullest potential, I utilize TF-CBT, DBT, and Motivational Interviewing which are effective, evidence-based treatment methods for individuals struggling with eating disorders, depression, self esteem, anxiety, relational conflicts, trauma, and other concerns.
From the dawn of time, humans have struggled with mental health issues. Only until recently, we have started to talk about it. When I first started to talk about my mental health, it wasn’t easy. I felt sadness, anxiety, and shame AND then after many therapy sessions, experience, and love, I found hope again. I found my hope through bravery in speaking about my struggles, in my loved ones supporting me, and within myself as I started to deeply understand my story. Together, we can help you find your hope again.
To establish understanding at it's fullest potential, I utilize TF-CBT, DBT, and Motivational Interviewing which are effective, evidence-based treatment methods for individuals struggling with eating disorders, depression, self esteem, anxiety, relational conflicts, trauma, and other concerns.
From the dawn of time, humans have struggled with mental health issues. Only until recently, we have started to talk about it. When I first started to talk about my mental health, it wasn’t easy. I felt sadness, anxiety, and shame AND then after many therapy sessions, experience, and love, I found hope again. I found my hope through bravery in speaking about my struggles, in my loved ones supporting me, and within myself as I started to deeply understand my story. Together, we can help you find your hope again.
Christine A. Volker
Psychologist, PhD, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Roseville, CA 95661
I specialize in treating children, adolescents and adults - from anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder to relationship and family issues.
Dr. Volker has over 25 years of clinical experience and will provide a safe, warm and healing environment for you and your loved ones. I believe in collaborating with you to select treatment goals that bring health, happiness and success to your life. Therapy can help when you are feeling sad, empty or hopeless; experiencing anxiety; feeling irritable and annoyed; experiencing conflict in a relationship; experiencing intrusive or upsetting memories; grieving the loss of a loved one; repeating familiar unsuccessful patterns; or adjusting to a transition in your life.
I specialize in treating children, adolescents and adults - from anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder to relationship and family issues.
Dr. Volker has over 25 years of clinical experience and will provide a safe, warm and healing environment for you and your loved ones. I believe in collaborating with you to select treatment goals that bring health, happiness and success to your life. Therapy can help when you are feeling sad, empty or hopeless; experiencing anxiety; feeling irritable and annoyed; experiencing conflict in a relationship; experiencing intrusive or upsetting memories; grieving the loss of a loved one; repeating familiar unsuccessful patterns; or adjusting to a transition in your life.
Veronica Oros-Navarro
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93305
My approach and style are a good fit for teens, young adults, and adults who may be struggling with different symptoms of depression, anxiety, past trauma, life transition, and stress.
My name is Veronica Oros-Navarro, I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with twelve years of experience working with adults, the elderly, adolescents, children, and their families. I am a bilingual/bicultural therapist in English/Spanish, located in Oxnard, California, and working with clients via telehealth. I specialized in Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, Stress, Behavioral Issues, and Self-harming behaviors, using Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness, Play Therapy, Solution Focused Brief (SFBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.
My approach and style are a good fit for teens, young adults, and adults who may be struggling with different symptoms of depression, anxiety, past trauma, life transition, and stress.
My name is Veronica Oros-Navarro, I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with twelve years of experience working with adults, the elderly, adolescents, children, and their families. I am a bilingual/bicultural therapist in English/Spanish, located in Oxnard, California, and working with clients via telehealth. I specialized in Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, Stress, Behavioral Issues, and Self-harming behaviors, using Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness, Play Therapy, Solution Focused Brief (SFBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.
Lauren Williams
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, ATR
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Ana, CA 92705
As a Mindfulness trauma-informed therapist, I work with children, adolescents, adults, and families struggling to find relief from many of life’s challenges. Relational difficulties, family problems, low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and life transitions can all be more difficult than we imagine. I encourage collaboration in a safe, nonjudgmental space to gently explore these struggles, and build solutions that grow confidence. I believe in the healing potential of the brain, which is why I draw from a variety of practices to achieve real change.
As a Mindfulness trauma-informed therapist, I work with children, adolescents, adults, and families struggling to find relief from many of life’s challenges. Relational difficulties, family problems, low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and life transitions can all be more difficult than we imagine. I encourage collaboration in a safe, nonjudgmental space to gently explore these struggles, and build solutions that grow confidence. I believe in the healing potential of the brain, which is why I draw from a variety of practices to achieve real change.
Darcy Lubbers
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, MFT, ATR-BC
Verified Verified
10 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90405
Publishing credits include *Adult Art Psychotherapy: Issues and Applications, articles for the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, B'Sherit Integrative Oncology Services and the American Holistic Nurses Association's.
My work as a marriage and family therapist, clinical art therapist and somatic psychotherapist is integrative, interactive, and holistic. Drawing from over 30 years of experience in private practice, residential and outpatient treatment, I offer pathways to healing and well-being within the context of a safe and supportive environment. In my work with individuals, couples and families, treatment specialties include the healing of communication and relationship issues, depression, anxiety, trauma, family and personal illness, grief and loss.
Publishing credits include *Adult Art Psychotherapy: Issues and Applications, articles for the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, B'Sherit Integrative Oncology Services and the American Holistic Nurses Association's.
My work as a marriage and family therapist, clinical art therapist and somatic psychotherapist is integrative, interactive, and holistic. Drawing from over 30 years of experience in private practice, residential and outpatient treatment, I offer pathways to healing and well-being within the context of a safe and supportive environment. In my work with individuals, couples and families, treatment specialties include the healing of communication and relationship issues, depression, anxiety, trauma, family and personal illness, grief and loss.
Julia May
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Pico Rivera, CA 90660
I specialize in treating young adults and adults dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, substance abuse, sex and love addiction, codependency and mood disorders.
Hello, I'm Julia May, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in Los Angeles and working with clients statewide via telehealth. My focus is to help young adults and adults navigate through challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction, and mood disorders. I utilize a variety of approaches and have specialized training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and art therapy. I strive to empower my clients towards personal growth and healing.
I specialize in treating young adults and adults dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, substance abuse, sex and love addiction, codependency and mood disorders.
Hello, I'm Julia May, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in Los Angeles and working with clients statewide via telehealth. My focus is to help young adults and adults navigate through challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction, and mood disorders. I utilize a variety of approaches and have specialized training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and art therapy. I strive to empower my clients towards personal growth and healing.
Sweeta Khosrawi
Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90026
This often takes the form of anxiety, depression, stress, and mood disorders.
Hi there, I am Sweeta! My name is Sweeta Khosrawi and I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC)based in Lathrop, California and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with adolescents, teens, preteens, adults and older adults. I am certified in EMDR and also use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help my clients make progress and start feeling better. I have found that my style and approach is a good fit for teens, preteens, adolescents 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, and mood disorders.
Hi there, I am Sweeta! My name is Sweeta Khosrawi and I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC)based in Lathrop, California and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with adolescents, teens, preteens, adults and older adults. I am certified in EMDR and also use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help my clients make progress and start feeling better. I have found that my style and approach is a good fit for teens, preteens, adolescents and young adults who may be dealing with the challenges of life transitions and social pressures.
Virginia Sanchez
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
Hello, my name is Virginia Sanchez, and have a license in Marriage and Family Therapy. I approach therapy with any client based on the client's needs and wants. The focus will be on reaching the goals the client will like to achieve. I typically work with clients who are between 18 and 40. I am comfortable with individuals who are working through grief, life changes, identity issues, anxiety, depression, bipolar, and LGBTQ+. I provide a private, quiet, and neutral environment during our sessions.
Hello, my name is Virginia Sanchez, and have a license in Marriage and Family Therapy. I approach therapy with any client based on the client's needs and wants. The focus will be on reaching the goals the client will like to achieve. I typically work with clients who are between 18 and 40. I am comfortable with individuals who are working through grief, life changes, identity issues, anxiety, depression, bipolar, and LGBTQ+. I provide a private, quiet, and neutral environment during our sessions.
See more therapy options for California
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.