Depression Therapists in Hillside, IL

Lori Marek-McKillop
Counselor, MS, LCPC
Verified Verified
Hillside, IL 60162
I am a Mental Health Therapist in private practice. My years of experience include work in a group home setting with children with special needs, a behavioral health setting with adults and seniors with chronic mental illness, an alternative school setting with at risks students from 6th grade to seniors in high school and a social service agency. I have extensive experience treating symptoms of anxiety and depression. I also have experience with grief, caregiving support for those who are sick and surviving your troubled teen.
I am a Mental Health Therapist in private practice. My years of experience include work in a group home setting with children with special needs, a behavioral health setting with adults and seniors with chronic mental illness, an alternative school setting with at risks students from 6th grade to seniors in high school and a social service agency. I have extensive experience treating symptoms of anxiety and depression. I also have experience with grief, caregiving support for those who are sick and surviving your troubled teen.
(708) 315-2513 View (708) 315-2513
Photo of Kenneth J Stanek, PhD, LCPC, Counselor
Kenneth J Stanek
Counselor, PhD, LCPC
Verified Verified
Hillside, IL 60162
I have been in practice for 40 years. I treat children with behavioral problems, children-teens-adults with depression, panic/anxiety attacks, bipolar disorder, phobias, family conflicts, coping skills, academic issues, Employee Assistance, relationship counseling. Therapeutic approaches are designed specifically for the individual. Play therapy is used with children under 12. I set goals to measure progress and modify treatment based on goals obtainment and how the person feels. I focus on therapy teaching individuals better coping skills to use outside the office. Cognitive-Behavior therapy is most effective.
I have been in practice for 40 years. I treat children with behavioral problems, children-teens-adults with depression, panic/anxiety attacks, bipolar disorder, phobias, family conflicts, coping skills, academic issues, Employee Assistance, relationship counseling. Therapeutic approaches are designed specifically for the individual. Play therapy is used with children under 12. I set goals to measure progress and modify treatment based on goals obtainment and how the person feels. I focus on therapy teaching individuals better coping skills to use outside the office. Cognitive-Behavior therapy is most effective.
(708) 787-3573 View (708) 787-3573
Photo of Raina Kilgore, LMFT, CADC, C-DBT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Raina Kilgore
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CADC, C-DBT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Hillside, IL 60162
FEELING DISTRESSED AND LOOKING FOR WAYS TO COPE. It can be difficult when you become exhausted from facing life's challenges. Perhaps I can help. I'm passionate about working with clients who are dealing with depression, trauma, anxiety, bi-polar disorder, stress, troubles in your marriage, relationship conflicts, anger and teen issues. I also provide parent coaching and family interventions. We can work together to develop a plan of action that will get you to a better place to achieve your personal goals. I have been working with families, couples and individuals for 9 years.
FEELING DISTRESSED AND LOOKING FOR WAYS TO COPE. It can be difficult when you become exhausted from facing life's challenges. Perhaps I can help. I'm passionate about working with clients who are dealing with depression, trauma, anxiety, bi-polar disorder, stress, troubles in your marriage, relationship conflicts, anger and teen issues. I also provide parent coaching and family interventions. We can work together to develop a plan of action that will get you to a better place to achieve your personal goals. I have been working with families, couples and individuals for 9 years.
(708) 980-0395 View (708) 980-0395
Photo of Briana Mitchell, MS, MA, CADC, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Briana Mitchell
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, MA, CADC, LPC
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Hillside, IL 60162  (Online Only)
Having guided clients through life transitions, relational and/or family of origin issues, anxiety, depression, trauma and more, my commitment is to provide personalized support, fostering lasting well-being as you embark on the path of growth and healing.
Supported by compassionate guidance, your well-being takes center stage in our therapy sessions. With me as your therapist, you will be provided a safe space to freely express yourself, knowing you’re met with genuine empathy and unwavering support. In our sessions, you can expect a high level of care, confidentiality and the development of a collaborative relationship where we can work together to identify goals, and craft personalized strategies for growth and healing. Drawing from a blend of therapeutic modalities, I tailor my approach to suit your unique needs.
Having guided clients through life transitions, relational and/or family of origin issues, anxiety, depression, trauma and more, my commitment is to provide personalized support, fostering lasting well-being as you embark on the path of growth and healing.
Supported by compassionate guidance, your well-being takes center stage in our therapy sessions. With me as your therapist, you will be provided a safe space to freely express yourself, knowing you’re met with genuine empathy and unwavering support. In our sessions, you can expect a high level of care, confidentiality and the development of a collaborative relationship where we can work together to identify goals, and craft personalized strategies for growth and healing. Drawing from a blend of therapeutic modalities, I tailor my approach to suit your unique needs.
(312) 728-4505 View (312) 728-4505
Photo of Kate Paluszek, MA, LCPC, Counselor
Kate Paluszek
Counselor, MA, LCPC
Verified Verified
Hillside, IL 60162
Are you feeling stressed, nervous, or down? Not happy in your relationship? Unsure about making a decision in your life? Looking to start living a more fulfilling and happier life? Psychotherapy can help you to discover your inner strengths and gain insights about yourself that can lead you towards achieving your goals in therapy and beyond.
Are you feeling stressed, nervous, or down? Not happy in your relationship? Unsure about making a decision in your life? Looking to start living a more fulfilling and happier life? Psychotherapy can help you to discover your inner strengths and gain insights about yourself that can lead you towards achieving your goals in therapy and beyond.
(708) 762-1249 View (708) 762-1249
Photo of Mike Burbano, LPC, MACP, Licensed Professional Counselor
Mike Burbano
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MACP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Hillside, IL 60162
Hello! I’m Mike Burbano and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. As a Latine male clinician, I recognize the barriers that BIPOC and male-identifying individuals face around seeking mental health services. The space we create is meant to be safe and affirming of all aspects you identify with - your background, your sexuality, your story. In other words - YOU overall. I don’t believe in an ideal client. What I do believe in is a client that is willing to begin their journey for external support.
Hello! I’m Mike Burbano and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. As a Latine male clinician, I recognize the barriers that BIPOC and male-identifying individuals face around seeking mental health services. The space we create is meant to be safe and affirming of all aspects you identify with - your background, your sexuality, your story. In other words - YOU overall. I don’t believe in an ideal client. What I do believe in is a client that is willing to begin their journey for external support.
(331) 267-6397 View (331) 267-6397
Photo of Kristy V. Padilla, MA, LCPC, Counselor
Kristy V. Padilla
Counselor, MA, LCPC
Verified Verified
Hillside, IL 60162
Remember that Friends episode when Ross invited Rachel and Joey over for a joint date night so he could pretend he was fine with them dating? He tried to convince them and himself that he is indeed "Fine". How often do you find yourself saying this or doing something similar? That you're "ok" or that you need to just keep "pushing through". I mean, really, we’ve all been there. Lack of motivation resulting in falling behind at work or other important responsibilities: “I’m fine”. Short fuse because you’re overwhelmed: “I’m fine.”
Remember that Friends episode when Ross invited Rachel and Joey over for a joint date night so he could pretend he was fine with them dating? He tried to convince them and himself that he is indeed "Fine". How often do you find yourself saying this or doing something similar? That you're "ok" or that you need to just keep "pushing through". I mean, really, we’ve all been there. Lack of motivation resulting in falling behind at work or other important responsibilities: “I’m fine”. Short fuse because you’re overwhelmed: “I’m fine.”
(708) 328-3475 View (708) 328-3475

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Linda Small, PhD, Psychologist
Linda Small
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Oak Brook, IL 60523
I work best with clients who are troubled by anxiety, depression, relationship issues, losses or trauma, and life transition issues. I provide individual and family therapy for children, adolescents, and adults. I use a variety of treatment techniques including cognitive, psychodynamic, and client-centered therapies as well as behavior management strategies. My research on coping with traumatic life events has prepared me well to work with clients who have experienced trauma and crisis. A life crisis can be debilitating at first, but can lead to a search for meaning and dramatic new growth. It is exciting for me to accompany clients in this process!
I work best with clients who are troubled by anxiety, depression, relationship issues, losses or trauma, and life transition issues. I provide individual and family therapy for children, adolescents, and adults. I use a variety of treatment techniques including cognitive, psychodynamic, and client-centered therapies as well as behavior management strategies. My research on coping with traumatic life events has prepared me well to work with clients who have experienced trauma and crisis. A life crisis can be debilitating at first, but can lead to a search for meaning and dramatic new growth. It is exciting for me to accompany clients in this process!
(630) 313-6319 View (630) 313-6319
Photo of Guy E Oberrwise, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Guy E Oberrwise
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Elmhurst, IL 60126
I have extensive experience in helping individual adolescents, teens and adults learn new coping skills to overcome depression and anxiety.
I have extensive clinical experience in treating adolescents, adults, families and couples. I specialize in the treatment of mood and anxiety disorders, eating disorders and substance abuse. I improve my patient's lives by implementing evidenced-based treatment approaches such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Cognitive Behavior Therapy in combination with a supportive, skill based approach to decrease symptoms and provide a brighter future for their lives. I also provide Exposure Response Prevention Therapy for OCD and am certified to treat Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors such as hair pulling, skin picking, and nail biting.
I have extensive experience in helping individual adolescents, teens and adults learn new coping skills to overcome depression and anxiety.
I have extensive clinical experience in treating adolescents, adults, families and couples. I specialize in the treatment of mood and anxiety disorders, eating disorders and substance abuse. I improve my patient's lives by implementing evidenced-based treatment approaches such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Cognitive Behavior Therapy in combination with a supportive, skill based approach to decrease symptoms and provide a brighter future for their lives. I also provide Exposure Response Prevention Therapy for OCD and am certified to treat Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors such as hair pulling, skin picking, and nail biting.
(708) 512-7278 View (708) 512-7278
Photo of Tamika Hall, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Tamika Hall
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Maywood, IL 60153  (Online Only)
I have experience helping individuals cope with depression, anxiety, stress related issues, adjustment, relationship challenges, self-esteem, and trauma.
I am a firm believer that everyone should be given the opportunity to thrive and heal. It is my passion to make mental health services accessible to people of color and underserved individuals. As a psychotherapist of color, I offer racially and culturally informed therapy to help you grow to become the best version of yourself. I take a collaborative, strengths-based approach, with assisting and supporting you to be the author of your own life. I have five plus years of experience working with adolescents, adults, and older adults in various settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, and nonprofit.
I have experience helping individuals cope with depression, anxiety, stress related issues, adjustment, relationship challenges, self-esteem, and trauma.
I am a firm believer that everyone should be given the opportunity to thrive and heal. It is my passion to make mental health services accessible to people of color and underserved individuals. As a psychotherapist of color, I offer racially and culturally informed therapy to help you grow to become the best version of yourself. I take a collaborative, strengths-based approach, with assisting and supporting you to be the author of your own life. I have five plus years of experience working with adolescents, adults, and older adults in various settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, and nonprofit.
(847) 499-1019 View (847) 499-1019
Photo of Whitney Perdun, LCPC, Counselor
Whitney Perdun
Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
Northlake, IL 60164
Hello, I’m Whitney Perdun, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Board Certified Art Therapist working with individuals, families, and couples. I have eight years of experience specializing in anxiety, depression, self esteem, marital/pre-marital, and emotional disturbance issues. I use a mix of approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Rational Emotive Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, Family Systems, Grief Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Play Therapy, Art Therapy, and Structural Planning. My goal is to help you build healthy relationships and find balance, understanding, peace, and safety.
Hello, I’m Whitney Perdun, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Board Certified Art Therapist working with individuals, families, and couples. I have eight years of experience specializing in anxiety, depression, self esteem, marital/pre-marital, and emotional disturbance issues. I use a mix of approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Rational Emotive Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, Family Systems, Grief Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Play Therapy, Art Therapy, and Structural Planning. My goal is to help you build healthy relationships and find balance, understanding, peace, and safety.
(872) 273-5682 View (872) 273-5682
Photo of Samekquel McGill, LCPC
Samekquel McGill
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bellwood, IL 60104  (Online Only)
Welcome and congratulations on your decision to take the first steps to becoming a better you. I look forward to journeying with you as we explore, unpack and begin to elicit change. My name is Samekquel McGill with over five years of experience working with children, families, teens and adults experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety, trauma and life transitions.
Welcome and congratulations on your decision to take the first steps to becoming a better you. I look forward to journeying with you as we explore, unpack and begin to elicit change. My name is Samekquel McGill with over five years of experience working with children, families, teens and adults experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety, trauma and life transitions.
(773) 694-4351 View (773) 694-4351
Photo of Megan Wills, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Megan Wills
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Elmhurst, IL 60126
Megan has experience and training in supporting clients dealing with PTSD, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, addiction and substance use, ADHD, identity exploration, burnout, and school stress.
Megan Wills is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who works with adults, adolescents, and families. She practices from a relational, trauma-informed, person-centered, and intersectional feminist lens. Megan believes that the foundation of good therapy is a strong and trusting therapeutic relationship. She works to create a space where clients can experience safety, support, and unconditional positive regard, build insight into their values, and live a better life.
Megan has experience and training in supporting clients dealing with PTSD, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, addiction and substance use, ADHD, identity exploration, burnout, and school stress.
Megan Wills is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who works with adults, adolescents, and families. She practices from a relational, trauma-informed, person-centered, and intersectional feminist lens. Megan believes that the foundation of good therapy is a strong and trusting therapeutic relationship. She works to create a space where clients can experience safety, support, and unconditional positive regard, build insight into their values, and live a better life.
(708) 501-6268 x102 View (708) 501-6268 x102
Photo of Marie Kilvington, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Marie Kilvington
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Elmhurst, IL 60126
Marie Kilvington is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 15 years of experience. She serves clients from 13 to 100, as well as younger children when part of a family counseling setting. Marie specializes in working with aging adults on a variety of issues including coping with grief and loss, unexpected life changes and life transitions. She also treats elder adult clients with depression, anxiety, ADHD, family conflict, mood disorders and more. Marie sees that a key element of counseling is to start where the client is. You lead the way. Marie uses an empathetic, non judgmental and collaborative approach.
Marie Kilvington is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 15 years of experience. She serves clients from 13 to 100, as well as younger children when part of a family counseling setting. Marie specializes in working with aging adults on a variety of issues including coping with grief and loss, unexpected life changes and life transitions. She also treats elder adult clients with depression, anxiety, ADHD, family conflict, mood disorders and more. Marie sees that a key element of counseling is to start where the client is. You lead the way. Marie uses an empathetic, non judgmental and collaborative approach.
(630) 576-1894 View (630) 576-1894
Photo of Pam Baldinelli, MA, LCPC, SEP, Counselor
Pam Baldinelli
Counselor, MA, LCPC, SEP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Westchester, IL 60154  (Online Only)
Coping with life challenges can be a difficult journey to navigate and each of us does so in our own unique way. Some of these experiences happen in moments yet leave an impact for a lifetime. Whether you are dealing with a traumatic experience, depression, anxiety or difficulty adjusting to changes in your life, it can get in the way of your ability to function in healthy ways. Having a sense of feeling stuck, loneliness or fear are all to common experiences and having a skilled therapist can guide you towards living a more satisfying life. My hope is to guide my clients to a deeper understanding of their thoughts and emotions.
Coping with life challenges can be a difficult journey to navigate and each of us does so in our own unique way. Some of these experiences happen in moments yet leave an impact for a lifetime. Whether you are dealing with a traumatic experience, depression, anxiety or difficulty adjusting to changes in your life, it can get in the way of your ability to function in healthy ways. Having a sense of feeling stuck, loneliness or fear are all to common experiences and having a skilled therapist can guide you towards living a more satisfying life. My hope is to guide my clients to a deeper understanding of their thoughts and emotions.
(708) 628-7397 View (708) 628-7397
Photo of Firas Qureshi, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Firas Qureshi
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Elmhurst, IL 60126
Firas Qureshi is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Illinois. He has a Master's degree from Roosevelt University. Firas's goal is to create a safe and supportive environment during therapy. He has experience working with a wide range of presenting issues. Including but not limited to anxiety, depression, and emotional dysregulation. Firas has worked with children and adolescents and has also worked with their families. Everybody is different and no one approach works the same for everyone. He is an open person, genuine in his interactions. With this, Firas hopes to work together with you to find what works best for you.
Firas Qureshi is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Illinois. He has a Master's degree from Roosevelt University. Firas's goal is to create a safe and supportive environment during therapy. He has experience working with a wide range of presenting issues. Including but not limited to anxiety, depression, and emotional dysregulation. Firas has worked with children and adolescents and has also worked with their families. Everybody is different and no one approach works the same for everyone. He is an open person, genuine in his interactions. With this, Firas hopes to work together with you to find what works best for you.
(630) 349-4088 View (630) 349-4088
Photo of Tiffany D Sanders - Sanders and Associates, PhD, Psychologist
Sanders and Associates
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Westchester, IL 60154
We assess the following areas: Pre-Surgical Psychological Screenings, Learning Disabilities, Attention Disorders, Depression & Bipolar Disorders, Anxiety, Asperger's Syndrome, and Developmental Delays.
Do you feel sad, anxious, and irritable and don't know why? Do you lack energy and motivation to accomplish even minor tasks at home, work, or school? Are you struggling to put your life back in order? Please consider talking with a psychologist or counselor to help get you through these difficult moments. Our clinicians use researched based strategies to help clients identify challenges, barriers, and obstacles in their lives which prevent them from achieving personal and professional goals, achieving greater self-worth, or control of their life.
We assess the following areas: Pre-Surgical Psychological Screenings, Learning Disabilities, Attention Disorders, Depression & Bipolar Disorders, Anxiety, Asperger's Syndrome, and Developmental Delays.
Do you feel sad, anxious, and irritable and don't know why? Do you lack energy and motivation to accomplish even minor tasks at home, work, or school? Are you struggling to put your life back in order? Please consider talking with a psychologist or counselor to help get you through these difficult moments. Our clinicians use researched based strategies to help clients identify challenges, barriers, and obstacles in their lives which prevent them from achieving personal and professional goals, achieving greater self-worth, or control of their life.
(312) 818-3392 View (312) 818-3392
Photo of Sara Mueller, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Sara Mueller
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Elmhurst, IL 60126
Sara Mueller, LPC, is a compassionate, relaxed therapist that educates clients while they learn, grow, and heal. She believes seeking therapy is a sign of strength and strives to bring creative approaches to the treatment process. In therapy, Sara helps clients of all ages struggling from depression, ADHD, parenting, grief, self-esteem, trauma, and more. She's also especially skilled at treating: Anxiety in Children, Adolescents, and Teens: Excessive worry can get in the way of your child's education, friendships, and activities.
Sara Mueller, LPC, is a compassionate, relaxed therapist that educates clients while they learn, grow, and heal. She believes seeking therapy is a sign of strength and strives to bring creative approaches to the treatment process. In therapy, Sara helps clients of all ages struggling from depression, ADHD, parenting, grief, self-esteem, trauma, and more. She's also especially skilled at treating: Anxiety in Children, Adolescents, and Teens: Excessive worry can get in the way of your child's education, friendships, and activities.
(630) 593-7650 View (630) 593-7650
Photo of Rosemary Hutchinson - The Center For Marital, Sex and Individual Therapy, MA, LCPC, AASECT
The Center For Marital, Sex and Individual Therapy
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MA, LCPC, AASECT
Verified Verified
Oak Brook, IL 60523
Any underlying depression is simultaneously addressed, as it profundly effects individual and marital well-being.
Specializing in rapid results (2 to 8 visits on average) for marriage counseling, sex therapy, depression and anxiety for 30 years. Specializing in cases that have failed in previous marital, depression or sex therapy. "Chicago Magazine's" Top 500 physicians referred their own patients for decades. My reputation is built on its commitment and success at offering the most effective and rapid treatments available for marriage counseling, depression and anxiety, erectile dysfunction, loss of sexual desire for males and females, retarded and premature ejaculation, orgasmic difficulties, unconsumated marriage, and anxiety.
Any underlying depression is simultaneously addressed, as it profundly effects individual and marital well-being.
Specializing in rapid results (2 to 8 visits on average) for marriage counseling, sex therapy, depression and anxiety for 30 years. Specializing in cases that have failed in previous marital, depression or sex therapy. "Chicago Magazine's" Top 500 physicians referred their own patients for decades. My reputation is built on its commitment and success at offering the most effective and rapid treatments available for marriage counseling, depression and anxiety, erectile dysfunction, loss of sexual desire for males and females, retarded and premature ejaculation, orgasmic difficulties, unconsumated marriage, and anxiety.
(224) 412-5789 View (224) 412-5789
Photo of Dilek M. McCombs, PsyD, PC, Psychologist
Dilek M. McCombs
Psychologist, PsyD, PC
Verified Verified
Oak Brook, IL 60523
ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS. My mission as a licensed clinical psychologist is to promote health and happiness through empowerment of my clients. I believe that we are resilient beings with full capacity to achieve meaningful lives. My role in therapy is to guide my clients towards cultivating what is best in them, uncovering their existing resources as their foundation and acquiring additional skills to reach their goals. I help my clients heal from traumatic experiences and overcome depression and anxiety to become better adjusted individuals. It would be my privilege to assist you transform your life and achieve wellness.
ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS. My mission as a licensed clinical psychologist is to promote health and happiness through empowerment of my clients. I believe that we are resilient beings with full capacity to achieve meaningful lives. My role in therapy is to guide my clients towards cultivating what is best in them, uncovering their existing resources as their foundation and acquiring additional skills to reach their goals. I help my clients heal from traumatic experiences and overcome depression and anxiety to become better adjusted individuals. It would be my privilege to assist you transform your life and achieve wellness.
(331) 771-7009 View (331) 771-7009

See more therapy options for Hillside

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.