Photo of Linda B Greco, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Highland Park, IL
Linda B Greco
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Highland Park, IL 60035
I have over 20 years experience. I work with children, adolescents and young adults. I do family therapy, groups, individual and couples therapy. I work with anxiety, depression, eating disorders, ADD/ADHD, oppositional and conduct disorders, bi-polar depression, and learning/academic issues.
I have over 20 years experience. I work with children, adolescents and young adults. I do family therapy, groups, individual and couples therapy. I work with anxiety, depression, eating disorders, ADD/ADHD, oppositional and conduct disorders, bi-polar depression, and learning/academic issues.
(312) 626-3350 View (312) 626-3350
Photo of Aaron Petersen, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Highland Park, IL
Aaron Petersen
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Highland Park, IL 60035
I have experience working with teens suffering from anxiety, depression, trauma, school and identity issues.
I have worked in the human services field for over 20 years and in many different capacities. My work has generally focused on teens and children during transitional points in their lives. I practice with the respect and validation that many children do not get, but need. Working and collaborating with schools and caretakers is a foundation of the work I do along with an expectation of continued contact with both schools and families throughout the work.
I have experience working with teens suffering from anxiety, depression, trauma, school and identity issues.
I have worked in the human services field for over 20 years and in many different capacities. My work has generally focused on teens and children during transitional points in their lives. I practice with the respect and validation that many children do not get, but need. Working and collaborating with schools and caretakers is a foundation of the work I do along with an expectation of continued contact with both schools and families throughout the work.
(312) 663-8631 View (312) 663-8631
Photo of Heather Goldman, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Highland Park, IL
Heather Goldman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Highland Park, IL 60035
I have been a social worker for 20 years. I enjoy working with individuals ages 4 to 104. I am experienced with counseling adolescents struggling with anxiety, depression, school refusal, peer relationships, self esteem, and emotional dysregulation. I attempt to approach all adolescents and parents within a family systems model. I also have training in marital counseling and enjoy helping couples reconnect again after feeling disconnected for various reasons. My practice is strengths and relationship based and incorporates mindfulness, CBT, DBT and ACT when appropriate.
I have been a social worker for 20 years. I enjoy working with individuals ages 4 to 104. I am experienced with counseling adolescents struggling with anxiety, depression, school refusal, peer relationships, self esteem, and emotional dysregulation. I attempt to approach all adolescents and parents within a family systems model. I also have training in marital counseling and enjoy helping couples reconnect again after feeling disconnected for various reasons. My practice is strengths and relationship based and incorporates mindfulness, CBT, DBT and ACT when appropriate.
(224) 501-9259 View (224) 501-9259
Photo of Sara R. Bartus, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Highland Park, IL
Sara R. Bartus
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Highland Park, IL 60035
I specialize in helping children, adolescents, and adults affected by anxiety disorders, depression, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), executive functioning challenges, behavioral challenges and social skills challenges. I also work with couples and families working on relationship challenges and with individuals who want to focus on parenting.
I specialize in helping children, adolescents, and adults affected by anxiety disorders, depression, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), executive functioning challenges, behavioral challenges and social skills challenges. I also work with couples and families working on relationship challenges and with individuals who want to focus on parenting.
(847) 693-3862 View (847) 693-3862
Photo of Erica Schreiber, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Highland Park, IL
Erica Schreiber
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
Highland Park, IL 60035
Working in schools has given me the opportunity to address issues such as anxiety, depression, attachment, trauma, PTSD, grief/loss, learning disabilities, ADHD, self-esteem, emotion regulation, and Autism.
Sometimes even day to day activities can feel overwhelming. Whether you are a child just starting school, an adolescent going through changes, a young adult navigating being on your own for the first time, or a parent who is struggling with understanding your child, know that you are never alone. Taking that first step in asking for help and seeking out therapy is understandably difficult, even if it isn’t the first time, but can make a world of difference. Therapy is a way to better understand you and/or your child’s experiences, while also creating healthy coping skills, boundaries, and sense of self.
Working in schools has given me the opportunity to address issues such as anxiety, depression, attachment, trauma, PTSD, grief/loss, learning disabilities, ADHD, self-esteem, emotion regulation, and Autism.
Sometimes even day to day activities can feel overwhelming. Whether you are a child just starting school, an adolescent going through changes, a young adult navigating being on your own for the first time, or a parent who is struggling with understanding your child, know that you are never alone. Taking that first step in asking for help and seeking out therapy is understandably difficult, even if it isn’t the first time, but can make a world of difference. Therapy is a way to better understand you and/or your child’s experiences, while also creating healthy coping skills, boundaries, and sense of self.
(773) 867-5627 View (773) 867-5627
Photo of The Chicago Integrative Center for Psychology in Highland Park, IL
The Chicago Integrative Center for Psychology
Verified Verified
Highland Park, IL 60035
TMS therapy provides long-term results for people suffering from treatment resistant depression.
When it comes to mental health treatment, our approach is simple and unique: our accomplished team of physicians and therapists work together to diagnose and treat your body, mind and spirit as a whole. We are one of the few practices combining traditional treatment with evidence-based alternative therapies, all under one roof. We are privileged to have changed the lives of many families in Chicago's North Shore, as well as out-of-state and foreign visitors. Our "whole body" approach to treating mental health conditions is supported by clinical studies. These include but are not limited to: Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), diet and exercise, spiritual/social evaluation, yoga and art therapy. Many still focus only on the brain, treating symptoms, not causes. In many cases they over-prescribe medications. While our physicians do prescribe medications as needed, what sets us apart is our commitment to explore all options. We search for root causes and provide the most appropriate treatment, not merely the most convenient one. When we do prescribe, we go the extra mile to customize a plan that minimizes side effects. You and your family deserve the best in healthcare!
TMS therapy provides long-term results for people suffering from treatment resistant depression.
When it comes to mental health treatment, our approach is simple and unique: our accomplished team of physicians and therapists work together to diagnose and treat your body, mind and spirit as a whole. We are one of the few practices combining traditional treatment with evidence-based alternative therapies, all under one roof. We are privileged to have changed the lives of many families in Chicago's North Shore, as well as out-of-state and foreign visitors. Our "whole body" approach to treating mental health conditions is supported by clinical studies. These include but are not limited to: Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), diet and exercise, spiritual/social evaluation, yoga and art therapy. Many still focus only on the brain, treating symptoms, not causes. In many cases they over-prescribe medications. While our physicians do prescribe medications as needed, what sets us apart is our commitment to explore all options. We search for root causes and provide the most appropriate treatment, not merely the most convenient one. When we do prescribe, we go the extra mile to customize a plan that minimizes side effects. You and your family deserve the best in healthcare!
(224) 427-6245 View (224) 427-6245
Photo of Sonya Morgan, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Highland Park, IL
Sonya Morgan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Highland Park, IL 60035
Hello and welcome! I'm Sonya and I'm so glad you're here. I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) and I work with children, adolescents, and adults. Prior to launching Morgan Counseling Group PLLC in 2020, I had worked as a social worker in several Chicagoland schools. I have extensive experience with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), 504 Education Plans, special education services, and navigating the school environment. My treatment background includes anxiety, depression, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, social skills, relationships, behavioral concerns, transitions, self-esteem, grief/loss, and identity awareness.
Hello and welcome! I'm Sonya and I'm so glad you're here. I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) and I work with children, adolescents, and adults. Prior to launching Morgan Counseling Group PLLC in 2020, I had worked as a social worker in several Chicagoland schools. I have extensive experience with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), 504 Education Plans, special education services, and navigating the school environment. My treatment background includes anxiety, depression, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, social skills, relationships, behavioral concerns, transitions, self-esteem, grief/loss, and identity awareness.
(224) 268-0254 View (224) 268-0254
Photo of Ellen Mazza, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Highland Park, IL
Ellen Mazza
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CPT
Verified Verified
Highland Park, IL 60035
I work with anxiety disorders, ADHD, depression, low self-esteem and marital/couples counseling.
If you feel that you are not functioning as well as you'd like to or are not working up to your full potential, therapy can help! I use a cognitive behavioral approach, and behavior modification to help clients achieve their goals. I work with kids as young as 3 up through adults. My innovative and unconventional approach makes therapy fun and unintimidating. I work closely with schools and doctors to provide the best treatment possible.
I work with anxiety disorders, ADHD, depression, low self-esteem and marital/couples counseling.
If you feel that you are not functioning as well as you'd like to or are not working up to your full potential, therapy can help! I use a cognitive behavioral approach, and behavior modification to help clients achieve their goals. I work with kids as young as 3 up through adults. My innovative and unconventional approach makes therapy fun and unintimidating. I work closely with schools and doctors to provide the best treatment possible.
(847) 278-2955 View (847) 278-2955
Photo of Karen A. Libman, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Highland Park, IL
Karen A. Libman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Highland Park, IL 60035
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker dedicated to helping children, adolescents and adults address a range of challenges in their lives, including behavior problems, conflictual relationships, anxiety, and depression. Together we can work on issues that arise from life transitions, loss, work place concerns, school troubles, lack of confidence and more. I work to create an atmosphere of acceptance and trust in which my clients feel comfortable and safe talking about their thoughts, feelings and emotions.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker dedicated to helping children, adolescents and adults address a range of challenges in their lives, including behavior problems, conflictual relationships, anxiety, and depression. Together we can work on issues that arise from life transitions, loss, work place concerns, school troubles, lack of confidence and more. I work to create an atmosphere of acceptance and trust in which my clients feel comfortable and safe talking about their thoughts, feelings and emotions.
(224) 707-8422 View (224) 707-8422
Photo of Dr. Anna Basov, Psychologist in Highland Park, IL
Dr. Anna Basov
Psychologist, PsyD, ADHD-CP, MBCT
Verified Verified
Highland Park, IL 60035
I specialize in anxiety, depression, OCD, mood, stress, life/family transitions, ADHD, identity, and enhancing joy, meaning, and connection in life.
I'm a licensed Clinical Psychologist with over 12 years of experience & am the owner of the Center for Psychology & Wellness (est. in 2014, click website link!). I'm passionate about helping people manage symptoms and get lives back on track. I help people feel safe/comfortable as they work through difficulties. I've helped many people overcome their struggles, feel empowered, and learn life-long skills for emotions & behaviors. I specialize in comprehensive psychological assessments for youth & adults. I accept most insurances and testing referrals from parents, teachers, psychiatrists, pediatricians, schools, physicians, and more!
I specialize in anxiety, depression, OCD, mood, stress, life/family transitions, ADHD, identity, and enhancing joy, meaning, and connection in life.
I'm a licensed Clinical Psychologist with over 12 years of experience & am the owner of the Center for Psychology & Wellness (est. in 2014, click website link!). I'm passionate about helping people manage symptoms and get lives back on track. I help people feel safe/comfortable as they work through difficulties. I've helped many people overcome their struggles, feel empowered, and learn life-long skills for emotions & behaviors. I specialize in comprehensive psychological assessments for youth & adults. I accept most insurances and testing referrals from parents, teachers, psychiatrists, pediatricians, schools, physicians, and more!
(847) 379-1054 View (847) 379-1054
Photo of Andrew Rosenbloom, Psychologist in Highland Park, IL
Andrew Rosenbloom
Psychologist, MA, PsyD
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Highland Park, IL 60035
I work with children, adolescents, young adults, adults, and families who struggle with issues of anxiety, depression, confidence, and interpersonal relationships. The number one aspect of successful treatment is a strong/trusting relationship. I connect with clients through sports metaphors, movies, real life scenarios, and getting to understand their interests. Everyone has a story so I believe it is important to include family during phases of treatment, to best understand the client's story. In addition, I believe the family is a necessary part of the therapy team, therefore family members are included in phases of treatment to ultimately help my client reach their goals.
I work with children, adolescents, young adults, adults, and families who struggle with issues of anxiety, depression, confidence, and interpersonal relationships. The number one aspect of successful treatment is a strong/trusting relationship. I connect with clients through sports metaphors, movies, real life scenarios, and getting to understand their interests. Everyone has a story so I believe it is important to include family during phases of treatment, to best understand the client's story. In addition, I believe the family is a necessary part of the therapy team, therefore family members are included in phases of treatment to ultimately help my client reach their goals.
(847) 380-7216 View (847) 380-7216
Photo of Ruth Sterlin, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Highland Park, IL
Ruth Sterlin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, BCD
Verified Verified
Highland Park, IL 60035
My approach to therapy is interactive and collaborative, and I believe people can improve self-esteem and relieve depression and anxiety through the therapeutic process. It's been gratifying to witness clients feeling better as they resolve feelings about their early relationships, and improve their current relationships. Many people feel at an impasse in their lives; and therapy helps them see that, no matter how painful a problem feels, there is always hope.
My approach to therapy is interactive and collaborative, and I believe people can improve self-esteem and relieve depression and anxiety through the therapeutic process. It's been gratifying to witness clients feeling better as they resolve feelings about their early relationships, and improve their current relationships. Many people feel at an impasse in their lives; and therapy helps them see that, no matter how painful a problem feels, there is always hope.
(847) 986-0700 View (847) 986-0700
Photo of Molly Zale Oxman, Psychologist in Highland Park, IL
Molly Zale Oxman
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Highland Park, IL 60035  (Online Only)
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with experience working in schools, community mental health centers, forensic and private practice settings. I have worked with individuals presenting with mood disorders, such as depression and anxiety, attention difficulties and behavioral concerns. I provide individual and family therapy as well as comprehensive psychological evaluations.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with experience working in schools, community mental health centers, forensic and private practice settings. I have worked with individuals presenting with mood disorders, such as depression and anxiety, attention difficulties and behavioral concerns. I provide individual and family therapy as well as comprehensive psychological evaluations.
(847) 440-3354 View (847) 440-3354
Photo of Angela Ceisel, Psychologist in Highland Park, IL
Angela Ceisel
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Highland Park, IL 60035
Ceisel is very experienced in working with a variety of presenting issues, including: anxiety, depression & mood disorders, emotional struggles, behavioral struggles, ADHD and executive functioning disorders, social/relational struggles, school problems, family discord, caregiver burnout, and issues with divorce.
Seeking out support and treatment can be very anxiety-provoking, especially when you feel like you do not understand how treatment works. I believe in developing a collaborative relationship with my patient where treatment is transparent and makes sense to you. Through education, skill-building, and supportive conversation, we will work together to accomplish your goals. We will not only address the struggles that concern you, but we will identify and build on your unique areas of strength. This will promote resiliency to stress and help you successfully navigate the complications of life.
Ceisel is very experienced in working with a variety of presenting issues, including: anxiety, depression & mood disorders, emotional struggles, behavioral struggles, ADHD and executive functioning disorders, social/relational struggles, school problems, family discord, caregiver burnout, and issues with divorce.
Seeking out support and treatment can be very anxiety-provoking, especially when you feel like you do not understand how treatment works. I believe in developing a collaborative relationship with my patient where treatment is transparent and makes sense to you. Through education, skill-building, and supportive conversation, we will work together to accomplish your goals. We will not only address the struggles that concern you, but we will identify and build on your unique areas of strength. This will promote resiliency to stress and help you successfully navigate the complications of life.
(224) 723-5772 View (224) 723-5772
Photo of Dana Turner, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Highland Park, IL
Dana Turner
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Highland Park, IL 60035
I am passionate about creating a partnership with you and your family to elicit positive change. I specialize in working with early childhood behavioral challenges, school-aged children, adolescents, young adults, and families exhibiting a wide range of symptoms such as anxiety disorders, depression, ADHD, adjustment disorders, parenting issues, chronic health conditions, and life transitions. I enjoy engaging in play-based therapeutic interventions with younger children and am trained in Sand Tray therapy. My nurturing, empathetic, creative, and warm disposition puts my clients at ease the moment they begin the therapeutic journey.
I am passionate about creating a partnership with you and your family to elicit positive change. I specialize in working with early childhood behavioral challenges, school-aged children, adolescents, young adults, and families exhibiting a wide range of symptoms such as anxiety disorders, depression, ADHD, adjustment disorders, parenting issues, chronic health conditions, and life transitions. I enjoy engaging in play-based therapeutic interventions with younger children and am trained in Sand Tray therapy. My nurturing, empathetic, creative, and warm disposition puts my clients at ease the moment they begin the therapeutic journey.
(224) 479-1311 View (224) 479-1311
Photo of Caryn Barkin, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Highland Park, IL
Caryn Barkin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Highland Park, IL 60035
My specialties in working with children and parents include oppositional behavior, tantrums, sleep disorders, toileting issues, power struggles, transitions, depression/anxiety, grief, divorce, family conflict, trauma, medical trauma, medical issues, and rare disease.
In my 11 years as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I have experience working with clients of all ages and enjoy helping others through struggles impacting their everyday lives. I provide both counseling and consultation to help alleviate the difficulties families experience by using psychodynamic, strengths-based, and cognitive behavioral approaches. I have extensive training in Child-Parent Psychotherapy, which enables me to use play therapy and narration with young children to help relieve child behaviors that negatively impact the family. This approach also helps parents cope with the stressful demands of parenthood.
My specialties in working with children and parents include oppositional behavior, tantrums, sleep disorders, toileting issues, power struggles, transitions, depression/anxiety, grief, divorce, family conflict, trauma, medical trauma, medical issues, and rare disease.
In my 11 years as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I have experience working with clients of all ages and enjoy helping others through struggles impacting their everyday lives. I provide both counseling and consultation to help alleviate the difficulties families experience by using psychodynamic, strengths-based, and cognitive behavioral approaches. I have extensive training in Child-Parent Psychotherapy, which enables me to use play therapy and narration with young children to help relieve child behaviors that negatively impact the family. This approach also helps parents cope with the stressful demands of parenthood.
(224) 808-4881 View (224) 808-4881
Photo of Crystal Turner, Pre-Licensed Professional in Highland Park, IL
Crystal Turner
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Highland Park, IL 60035
I prioritize empowerment, growth, & collaboration to support youth and adults. I am passionate and skilled in working with children, adolescences, young adults, adults, couples, and families. I create a safe space for each client to explore themselves and their place in the world around them. I use an integrative approach to therapy in order to cultivate and support each client’s individual needs. I specialize in anxiety, depression, ADHD, mood dysregulation, adjustment, trauma, identity, BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, child development, behavior problems, social skills, family planning, & life changes
I prioritize empowerment, growth, & collaboration to support youth and adults. I am passionate and skilled in working with children, adolescences, young adults, adults, couples, and families. I create a safe space for each client to explore themselves and their place in the world around them. I use an integrative approach to therapy in order to cultivate and support each client’s individual needs. I specialize in anxiety, depression, ADHD, mood dysregulation, adjustment, trauma, identity, BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, child development, behavior problems, social skills, family planning, & life changes
(224) 501-9464 View (224) 501-9464
Photo of Rebecca Gillett, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Highland Park, IL
Rebecca Gillett
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MS
Verified Verified
Highland Park, IL 60035
Waitlist for new clients
When experiencing heightened emotions, it can be challenging to complete daily tasks, find joy in relationships or just feel like yourself. Often when one person in a family is struggling the entire family is impacted. I work with individuals and families struggling with connection, anxiety, depression, behavioral issues, relationship and family concerns. I specialize in working with families, parents and individual adults to build strong relationships and help families tackle the tasks and goals asked of them every day.
When experiencing heightened emotions, it can be challenging to complete daily tasks, find joy in relationships or just feel like yourself. Often when one person in a family is struggling the entire family is impacted. I work with individuals and families struggling with connection, anxiety, depression, behavioral issues, relationship and family concerns. I specialize in working with families, parents and individual adults to build strong relationships and help families tackle the tasks and goals asked of them every day.
(224) 203-5510 View (224) 203-5510
Photo of Gary B Kamen, Psychologist in Highland Park, IL
Gary B Kamen
Psychologist, MA, PhD
Verified Verified
Highland Park, IL 60035
Waitlist for new clients
We all experience emotional and physical difficulties from time to time. Often we are able to deal with these life experiences ourselves. Sometimes, however, it is not possible for us to resolve these challenges alone. In these situations professional help is appropriate. Until fifty years ago anyone experiencing psychological and/or physical stress was treated individually. Family therapy grew out of a simple but profound idea: People in crisis can often be best understood and treated within their own famiies. As a certified family therapist, as well as a certified psychoanalyst, I have the education necessary to see both famiies and individuals.
We all experience emotional and physical difficulties from time to time. Often we are able to deal with these life experiences ourselves. Sometimes, however, it is not possible for us to resolve these challenges alone. In these situations professional help is appropriate. Until fifty years ago anyone experiencing psychological and/or physical stress was treated individually. Family therapy grew out of a simple but profound idea: People in crisis can often be best understood and treated within their own famiies. As a certified family therapist, as well as a certified psychoanalyst, I have the education necessary to see both famiies and individuals.
(847) 984-0292 View (847) 984-0292
Photo of Dr. Brooke K. Magers, Psychologist in Highland Park, IL
Dr. Brooke K. Magers
Psychologist, PsyD, ABPP
Verified Verified
Highland Park, IL 60035
I believe individuals manage the best they can, but these efforts do not always naturally translate to happiness or self-fulfillment. Oftentimes, situations cause us pain and in response, we spend considerable energy safeguarding our vulnerabilities at the expense of our well-being. Managing emotional distress alone can feel overwhelming, which is why we often need help from a sensitive, knowledgeable professional.
I believe individuals manage the best they can, but these efforts do not always naturally translate to happiness or self-fulfillment. Oftentimes, situations cause us pain and in response, we spend considerable energy safeguarding our vulnerabilities at the expense of our well-being. Managing emotional distress alone can feel overwhelming, which is why we often need help from a sensitive, knowledgeable professional.
(847) 558-7344 View (847) 558-7344

See more therapy options for Highland Park

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.