Photo of Virginia Perez, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Lake Zurich, IL
Virginia Perez
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Lake Zurich, IL 60047  (Online Only)
Welcome! I’m glad you’re here. I am a licensed therapist with over a decade of clinical experience working with adults from a myriad of backgrounds. I offer a collaborative approach to therapy with warmth, authenticity, and empathy. My primary areas of focus include anxiety, ADHD, depression, disordered eating, career concerns, parental stress, women’s issues, life transitions, and relationship issues. I pride myself on consistent education and self reflection in cultural competency to ensure I am able to justly provide services to all communities.
Welcome! I’m glad you’re here. I am a licensed therapist with over a decade of clinical experience working with adults from a myriad of backgrounds. I offer a collaborative approach to therapy with warmth, authenticity, and empathy. My primary areas of focus include anxiety, ADHD, depression, disordered eating, career concerns, parental stress, women’s issues, life transitions, and relationship issues. I pride myself on consistent education and self reflection in cultural competency to ensure I am able to justly provide services to all communities.
(224) 864-9659 View (224) 864-9659
Photo of Kathleen Kenney, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Lake Zurich, IL
Kathleen Kenney
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CADC
Verified Verified
Lake Zurich, IL 60047
Many people struggle with anxiety and depression as they cope with life's uncertainties. We are all redefining "normal." My training in CBT, EMDR, Strengths Centered, and Person Centered Therapy with men, women, children, elders, and caregivers is well rounded. People are dealing with trauma, abuse, employment issues, grief, mental illness, addiction, co-dependency, physical illness, parenting, divorce, retirement, and loss of identity. Everyone wants to know they have a "purpose." I specialize in helping clients with their journey. Most people want to feel safe, loved, understood, and appreciated. I can help with that.
Many people struggle with anxiety and depression as they cope with life's uncertainties. We are all redefining "normal." My training in CBT, EMDR, Strengths Centered, and Person Centered Therapy with men, women, children, elders, and caregivers is well rounded. People are dealing with trauma, abuse, employment issues, grief, mental illness, addiction, co-dependency, physical illness, parenting, divorce, retirement, and loss of identity. Everyone wants to know they have a "purpose." I specialize in helping clients with their journey. Most people want to feel safe, loved, understood, and appreciated. I can help with that.
(847) 713-1261 View (847) 713-1261
Photo of Mary Blue, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Lake Zurich, IL
Mary Blue
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Lake Zurich, IL 60047  (Online Only)
My experience includes depression, anxiety, substance abuse, post-traumatic stress disorder, aging, and phase of life changes.
Accepting Virtual Only Appointments! Hi! My name is Mary Blue. Through the psychodynamic approach and a strong client-therapist relationship, we are able to uncover unconscious thought patterns, childhood repressions, and maladaptive coping strategies. My warm, understanding, and non-judgmental therapeutic environment, gives people the opportunity to discover and grow their strengths and encourage healing.
My experience includes depression, anxiety, substance abuse, post-traumatic stress disorder, aging, and phase of life changes.
Accepting Virtual Only Appointments! Hi! My name is Mary Blue. Through the psychodynamic approach and a strong client-therapist relationship, we are able to uncover unconscious thought patterns, childhood repressions, and maladaptive coping strategies. My warm, understanding, and non-judgmental therapeutic environment, gives people the opportunity to discover and grow their strengths and encourage healing.
(773) 673-9742 View (773) 673-9742
Photo of Brian Garibaldi, Counselor in Lake Zurich, IL
Brian Garibaldi
Counselor, MA, LCPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lake Zurich, IL 60047
I specialize in adolescent and pre-adolescent boys (middle school) for a variety of issues including Asperger's Syndrome, oppositional defiance, ADHD, anxiety, and depression.
I work with clients to identify the core issues you struggle with and how you can deal with them to meet your goals. Sometimes, this has to do with dealing with other people and things around us. Other times, it is our own internal thoughts and struggles that get in the way.
I specialize in adolescent and pre-adolescent boys (middle school) for a variety of issues including Asperger's Syndrome, oppositional defiance, ADHD, anxiety, and depression.
I work with clients to identify the core issues you struggle with and how you can deal with them to meet your goals. Sometimes, this has to do with dealing with other people and things around us. Other times, it is our own internal thoughts and struggles that get in the way.
(855) 525-9129 View (855) 525-9129
Photo of Therapy Solutions AH, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Lake Zurich, IL
Therapy Solutions AH
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Lake Zurich, IL 60047
I specialize in adult/teen depression, anxiety, ADHD and relationship/family issues. Response time 24 business hours to calls or emails. My first priority is to understand you as a person. If you are feeling hesitant about therapy, understand that this is normal: letting another person into your private space can be frightening. A good therapist, however, will accept you as you are, with all the good and the ugly. Courage!
I specialize in adult/teen depression, anxiety, ADHD and relationship/family issues. Response time 24 business hours to calls or emails. My first priority is to understand you as a person. If you are feeling hesitant about therapy, understand that this is normal: letting another person into your private space can be frightening. A good therapist, however, will accept you as you are, with all the good and the ugly. Courage!
(224) 441-2151 View (224) 441-2151
Photo of Sonya Kontorovich, Counselor in Lake Zurich, IL
Sonya Kontorovich
Counselor, MA, LCPC
Verified Verified
Lake Zurich, IL 60047
I specialize in depression, anxiety, mood disorders, infertility/prenatal/postpartum, interpersonal problem, trauma, LGBTQ issues, codependency, communication, and parenting/family dynamics.
Feeling overwhelmed, anxious, sad, frustrated and uncertain are common human experiences that can leave you disconnected from your best self. I help my clients bridge the gap between where they ARE and where they WANT TO BE by understanding their priorities through a collaborative identification of barriers, fears and hopes. We then design a treatment plan to develop insight about how internal thoughts and belief systems have evolved from unique life experiences and how they influence current interactions and behaviors. Effective strategies to cope with limitations are built upon a foundation of self-awareness.
I specialize in depression, anxiety, mood disorders, infertility/prenatal/postpartum, interpersonal problem, trauma, LGBTQ issues, codependency, communication, and parenting/family dynamics.
Feeling overwhelmed, anxious, sad, frustrated and uncertain are common human experiences that can leave you disconnected from your best self. I help my clients bridge the gap between where they ARE and where they WANT TO BE by understanding their priorities through a collaborative identification of barriers, fears and hopes. We then design a treatment plan to develop insight about how internal thoughts and belief systems have evolved from unique life experiences and how they influence current interactions and behaviors. Effective strategies to cope with limitations are built upon a foundation of self-awareness.
(847) 973-7321 View (847) 973-7321
Photo of Colleen Hillman, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Lake Zurich, IL
Colleen Hillman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Lake Zurich, IL 60047  (Online Only)
Sometimes relationships, work, money, social lives, and really life in general, can leave you feeling overwhelmed and heading towards burn out. Perhaps you’ve recently noticed that you feel less excited about life, depressed or anxious. Additionally, you might be struggling to manage your time, money, responsibilities and relationships. If you are struggling to create balance in your life, the good news is that you don’t have to navigate this alone, therapy can help you feel in charge of your life again.
Sometimes relationships, work, money, social lives, and really life in general, can leave you feeling overwhelmed and heading towards burn out. Perhaps you’ve recently noticed that you feel less excited about life, depressed or anxious. Additionally, you might be struggling to manage your time, money, responsibilities and relationships. If you are struggling to create balance in your life, the good news is that you don’t have to navigate this alone, therapy can help you feel in charge of your life again.
(872) 666-9725 View (872) 666-9725
Photo of Derek Conn, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Lake Zurich, IL
Derek Conn
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lake Zurich, IL 60047
I specialize in Anxiety, ADHD and Depression related issues for children (8 years and older), teens and adults.
Every goal starts somewhere. I'm looking to collaborate with you to form an individualized, goal-oriented treatment plan to help you get from where you are to where you want to be. I incorporate appropriate, empirically supported treatments to help you understand yourself and situation more fully. I want to provide you with skill sets to achieve your current goals, and also to empower you in future life challenges.
I specialize in Anxiety, ADHD and Depression related issues for children (8 years and older), teens and adults.
Every goal starts somewhere. I'm looking to collaborate with you to form an individualized, goal-oriented treatment plan to help you get from where you are to where you want to be. I incorporate appropriate, empirically supported treatments to help you understand yourself and situation more fully. I want to provide you with skill sets to achieve your current goals, and also to empower you in future life challenges.
(847) 595-5012 View (847) 595-5012
Photo of Affective Counseling, Counselor in Lake Zurich, IL
Affective Counseling
Counselor
Verified Verified
Lake Zurich, IL 60047
All therapists at Affective Counseling have an emphasis in treating affective (mood) disorders, including Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Dysthymia, and Cyclothymia.
Affective Counseling provides tailored counseling for adults, children, adolescents, couples and families. Our compassionate and knowledgeable staff realize that you face unique life challenges and it is our goal to understand how you see the world, yourself and others so that we can better help you navigate life’s journey. Building on personal strengths, recognizing and challenging negative thoughts and developing tangible coping skills are some of the interventions our staff utilizes to assist you in reaching your personal goals.
All therapists at Affective Counseling have an emphasis in treating affective (mood) disorders, including Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Dysthymia, and Cyclothymia.
Affective Counseling provides tailored counseling for adults, children, adolescents, couples and families. Our compassionate and knowledgeable staff realize that you face unique life challenges and it is our goal to understand how you see the world, yourself and others so that we can better help you navigate life’s journey. Building on personal strengths, recognizing and challenging negative thoughts and developing tangible coping skills are some of the interventions our staff utilizes to assist you in reaching your personal goals.
(224) 228-3656 View (224) 228-3656
Photo of The Chicago Integrative Center for Psychology in Lake Zurich, IL
The Chicago Integrative Center for Psychology
Verified Verified
Lake Zurich, IL 60047
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 Brittany Salvador, Counselor in Lake Zurich, IL
Brittany Salvador
Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
Lake Zurich, IL 60047
I bring my expertise in mood disorders such as Bipolar disorder, Depression, and Anxiety to the counseling relationship.
I strive to help clients develop the self-awareness and coping skills to manage problems as they arise. I utilize mindfulness and acceptance strategies as well as cognitive behavioral skills to assist clients in making positive changes. I believe that with skills and support, problems can become manageable.
I bring my expertise in mood disorders such as Bipolar disorder, Depression, and Anxiety to the counseling relationship.
I strive to help clients develop the self-awareness and coping skills to manage problems as they arise. I utilize mindfulness and acceptance strategies as well as cognitive behavioral skills to assist clients in making positive changes. I believe that with skills and support, problems can become manageable.
(224) 385-0208 View (224) 385-0208
Photo of Denise Casey, Psychologist in Lake Zurich, IL
Denise Casey
Psychologist, PsyD, CADC, NBCCHT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Lake Zurich, IL 60047
Casey has traveled with people from all walks of life to deal with interventions, addiction recovery, relationship issues, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, childhood trauma, loss & grief, sexual abuse, women's issues and codependency.
HOPE, HELP, HEALING. Dr. Casey would best describe her intentions for her clients in one word "Transformation". As founder of Barrington Behavioral Health & Wellness, she has created a "home" for people where growth and healing are possible. Her own journey has taught her as much as the diplomas on her wall and the credentials behind her name. She was on staff at Lutheran General Hospital and taught at Northeastern IL University. She is trained as a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, a Certified Alcohol & Drug Abuse Counselor, is versed in Hypnotherapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. She is also an Employee Assistance Provider.
Casey has traveled with people from all walks of life to deal with interventions, addiction recovery, relationship issues, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, childhood trauma, loss & grief, sexual abuse, women's issues and codependency.
HOPE, HELP, HEALING. Dr. Casey would best describe her intentions for her clients in one word "Transformation". As founder of Barrington Behavioral Health & Wellness, she has created a "home" for people where growth and healing are possible. Her own journey has taught her as much as the diplomas on her wall and the credentials behind her name. She was on staff at Lutheran General Hospital and taught at Northeastern IL University. She is trained as a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, a Certified Alcohol & Drug Abuse Counselor, is versed in Hypnotherapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. She is also an Employee Assistance Provider.
(888) 265-6418 View (888) 265-6418
Photo of Ana R Florencio, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Lake Zurich, IL
Ana R Florencio
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
Lake Zurich, IL 60047
Some of the issues people who find benefit working with me are anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, struggles with shame, feeling frozen in life, difficulty in relationships in their personal life and/or at work, feeling disconnected from self and from others, physical symptoms that do not have a medical explanation, developmental or complex trauma, flashbacks, intrusive thoughts, being frequently and/or easily triggered, issues with spirituality, and other.
Some of the issues people who find benefit working with me are anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, struggles with shame, feeling frozen in life, difficulty in relationships in their personal life and/or at work, feeling disconnected from self and from others, physical symptoms that do not have a medical explanation, developmental or complex trauma, flashbacks, intrusive thoughts, being frequently and/or easily triggered, issues with spirituality, and other.
(224) 479-0689 View (224) 479-0689
Photo of Nicki Lis, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Lake Zurich, IL
Nicki Lis
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
15 Endorsed
Lake Zurich, IL 60047
Relationships are complicated. Some relationships take so much energy that you start to wonder if they're even worth the effort. This may apply to a spouse, significant other, or even a parent. A relationship that once felt love, now feels painful and exhausting. Maybe you're finding yourself full of anxiety or feelings of depression, and it all seems to lead back to this one person. . . Who you love. It's time to get therapy for yourself, so you can get a handle on these feelings, figure out what to do next, and start healing.
Relationships are complicated. Some relationships take so much energy that you start to wonder if they're even worth the effort. This may apply to a spouse, significant other, or even a parent. A relationship that once felt love, now feels painful and exhausting. Maybe you're finding yourself full of anxiety or feelings of depression, and it all seems to lead back to this one person. . . Who you love. It's time to get therapy for yourself, so you can get a handle on these feelings, figure out what to do next, and start healing.
(847) 719-6539 View (847) 719-6539
Photo of Barrington Behavioral Health and Wellness, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Lake Zurich, IL
Barrington Behavioral Health and Wellness
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lake Zurich, IL 60047
She addresses depression, anxiety, grief & loss, chronic pain / illness, disabilities, self worth, codependency and identity issues.
Cori has been working in the field since 1998. She received her Masters Degree from University of Illinois at Chicago in 2003 and is an active member of the National Association of Social Workers. Cori uses a strength based approach with all her clients creating a safe and comforting environment. Cori sees clients in 3 office locations - Lake Zurich in Sandy Point Medical Center bear Rte 22, Palatine near Quentin Rd and Beuhler YMCA and in Barrington near Lake Cook Rd/Main St.
She addresses depression, anxiety, grief & loss, chronic pain / illness, disabilities, self worth, codependency and identity issues.
Cori has been working in the field since 1998. She received her Masters Degree from University of Illinois at Chicago in 2003 and is an active member of the National Association of Social Workers. Cori uses a strength based approach with all her clients creating a safe and comforting environment. Cori sees clients in 3 office locations - Lake Zurich in Sandy Point Medical Center bear Rte 22, Palatine near Quentin Rd and Beuhler YMCA and in Barrington near Lake Cook Rd/Main St.
(888) 261-2178 x303 View (888) 261-2178 x303
Photo of Amanda Berge, Counselor in Lake Zurich, IL
Amanda Berge
Counselor, MA, NCC, LCPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lake Zurich, IL 60047
I have specialized training in treating depression, anxiety and trauma.
Hi there! My name is Amanda and I am a clinical therapist. I help people who are stuck because of overwhelming feelings, bad habits, relationship problems or work challenges. If you want to feel better or live better, I'm here. I understand that life is not always easy and I can help you move from where you are to where you want to be. Therapy is all about finding the right fit. So, give me a call or schedule a consultation to see if I'm the right person for you.
I have specialized training in treating depression, anxiety and trauma.
Hi there! My name is Amanda and I am a clinical therapist. I help people who are stuck because of overwhelming feelings, bad habits, relationship problems or work challenges. If you want to feel better or live better, I'm here. I understand that life is not always easy and I can help you move from where you are to where you want to be. Therapy is all about finding the right fit. So, give me a call or schedule a consultation to see if I'm the right person for you.
(847) 239-5858 View (847) 239-5858
Photo of Richard Damiani, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Lake Zurich, IL
Richard Damiani
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
Lake Zurich, IL 60047  (Online Only)
We were designed for connection; marriage and relationships should be a delight - a life giving connection with the one you love above all others. We marry or are in a relationship with that one person with whom we hope that we will find happiness, joy and peace. We bring ourselves with all our differing personalities, history, baggage, wounds, and family of origin issues to each other and our lives together, and these things can make it very hard to find what we long for.emotional issues that come from trauma, as well as depression, anxiety, and low self worth.
We were designed for connection; marriage and relationships should be a delight - a life giving connection with the one you love above all others. We marry or are in a relationship with that one person with whom we hope that we will find happiness, joy and peace. We bring ourselves with all our differing personalities, history, baggage, wounds, and family of origin issues to each other and our lives together, and these things can make it very hard to find what we long for.emotional issues that come from trauma, as well as depression, anxiety, and low self worth.
(331) 225-1645 View (331) 225-1645
Photo of Dan Gleason, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Lake Zurich, IL
Dan Gleason
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
Lake Zurich, IL 60047
Hello! My name is Dan Gleason and I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and trained to work with individuals, groups, those seeking career counseling, and families. I am interested in working with people struggling with OCD, anxiety, depression, relationship problems, spiritual concerns, finding direction in life, and those who would like to further their relationship with God. I strongly believe in building trusting relationships and having enjoyable, life-changing conversations in a therapeutic environment.
Hello! My name is Dan Gleason and I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and trained to work with individuals, groups, those seeking career counseling, and families. I am interested in working with people struggling with OCD, anxiety, depression, relationship problems, spiritual concerns, finding direction in life, and those who would like to further their relationship with God. I strongly believe in building trusting relationships and having enjoyable, life-changing conversations in a therapeutic environment.
(630) 354-0356 View (630) 354-0356
Photo of Brittany Rotelli, Counselor in Lake Zurich, IL
Brittany Rotelli
Counselor, LCPC, CST
Verified Verified
Lake Zurich, IL 60047
Healing is a journey and I strive to provide a pleasant, cozy, and warm environment to feel safe and comfortable as you identify and assess your goals within the therapeutic space. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, low motivation, past trauma, identity concerns, or sexual struggles we can work through them in a empathetic and non-judgmental environment as a team.
Healing is a journey and I strive to provide a pleasant, cozy, and warm environment to feel safe and comfortable as you identify and assess your goals within the therapeutic space. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, low motivation, past trauma, identity concerns, or sexual struggles we can work through them in a empathetic and non-judgmental environment as a team.
(224) 228-3845 View (224) 228-3845
Photo of Julia Werderitch, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Lake Zurich, IL
Julia Werderitch
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Lake Zurich, IL 60047  (Online Only)
Whether those curve balls are long-last anxiety, depression, self-esteem, etc.
Life can be hard and the idea of starting the process of therapy can add to that stress and anxiety. You've already taken the first step by being here on Psychology Today. If you are constantly feeling frustrated, anxious or overwhelmed, I am here to help you figure out what's going on and move towards the life you want to live. I will support you on your journey towards positive change and emotional well-being. My approach is warm, engaging, collaborative and sometimes even humorous.
Whether those curve balls are long-last anxiety, depression, self-esteem, etc.
Life can be hard and the idea of starting the process of therapy can add to that stress and anxiety. You've already taken the first step by being here on Psychology Today. If you are constantly feeling frustrated, anxious or overwhelmed, I am here to help you figure out what's going on and move towards the life you want to live. I will support you on your journey towards positive change and emotional well-being. My approach is warm, engaging, collaborative and sometimes even humorous.
(312) 584-1461 View (312) 584-1461

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.