Depression Therapists in Leawood, KS

Photo of Jan Goodison Comeau, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Leawood, KS
Jan Goodison Comeau
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSCSW
Verified Verified
Leawood, KS 66209
Everyone has problems. We cannot control the circumstances or people that show up in our lives, but we can decide how we are going to respond to them. Not knowing how you feel, what you think or what you want contributes to confusion, frustration, anxiety and depression. Establishing your own authentic self, as opposed to what others want you to be, can be a difficult task. Developing assertive communication skills and understanding your own emotional boundaries are essential to managing distressing symptoms and situations. I can help you take charge of your life and create the one you want.
Everyone has problems. We cannot control the circumstances or people that show up in our lives, but we can decide how we are going to respond to them. Not knowing how you feel, what you think or what you want contributes to confusion, frustration, anxiety and depression. Establishing your own authentic self, as opposed to what others want you to be, can be a difficult task. Developing assertive communication skills and understanding your own emotional boundaries are essential to managing distressing symptoms and situations. I can help you take charge of your life and create the one you want.
(913) 667-4547 View (913) 667-4547
Photo of Haley Wagonblott, Licensed Professional Counselor in Leawood, KS
Haley Wagonblott
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Leawood, KS 66211
I have had experience treating issues related to anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship concerns, identity work, life transitions and more.
Have you been feeling anxious or overwhelmed? Maybe you have been struggling with low-self-esteem? Or experiencing difficulties within your relationships? Sometimes our concerns can feel very isolating and beginning to search for a therapist feels like an overwhelming task. I will work with you to create the kind of life you want to be living by using the strengths you already possess. I incorporate skills/strategies you can practice outside of session to assist with your concerns.
I have had experience treating issues related to anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship concerns, identity work, life transitions and more.
Have you been feeling anxious or overwhelmed? Maybe you have been struggling with low-self-esteem? Or experiencing difficulties within your relationships? Sometimes our concerns can feel very isolating and beginning to search for a therapist feels like an overwhelming task. I will work with you to create the kind of life you want to be living by using the strengths you already possess. I incorporate skills/strategies you can practice outside of session to assist with your concerns.
(913) 347-4196 View (913) 347-4196
Photo of Sylvia Neil, Licensed Professional Counselor in Leawood, KS
Sylvia Neil
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, ALMFT, NCC
Verified Verified
Leawood, KS 66209  (Online Only)
I specialize in the areas of stress, anxiety, depression, self-worth, irrational and ruminating thoughts, grief, trauma, life transitions, relational distress, communication and intimacy concerns, emotional healing, infidelity, and the challenges and opportunities of blended families.
I specialize in the areas of stress, anxiety, depression, self-worth, irrational and ruminating thoughts, grief, trauma, life transitions, relational distress, communication and intimacy concerns, emotional healing, infidelity, and the challenges and opportunities of blended families.
(913) 937-5321 View (913) 937-5321
Photo of Lisa Ruff, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Leawood, KS
Lisa Ruff
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSCSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Leawood, KS 66211
Waitlist for new clients
I love making therapy a positive experience that leaves clients feeling happy and excited to come back the next week. My practice is focused on therapy with kids, teens, adults, and families. I use play therapy, Theraplay(tm), and Whole Brain Child interventions to reach kids and teens. I enjoy working with adults on determining what career path to take, how to adjust to college/full time employment, mid-life career issues, and stress management/mindfulness skills. Issues from Anxiety, ASD, and Depression often pop up at this time of life. I am here to help them navigate!
I love making therapy a positive experience that leaves clients feeling happy and excited to come back the next week. My practice is focused on therapy with kids, teens, adults, and families. I use play therapy, Theraplay(tm), and Whole Brain Child interventions to reach kids and teens. I enjoy working with adults on determining what career path to take, how to adjust to college/full time employment, mid-life career issues, and stress management/mindfulness skills. Issues from Anxiety, ASD, and Depression often pop up at this time of life. I am here to help them navigate!
(913) 225-7636 View (913) 225-7636
Photo of Rachel Bond, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Leawood, KS
Rachel Bond
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSCSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Leawood, KS 66206
Whether you are navigating anxiety or depression, adjusting during a life transition, struggling within relationships, or seeking healing from trauma or loss, I'm here to support you. You are seeking a safe space where your unique story is honored, and your goals are at the center. A place where you can slow down and process what's happened. You're tired of feeling stuck and desire to create meaningful growth and connection. Your well-being matters, and you’ve decided it is worth prioritizing. My approach empowers you to reshape thoughts, develop new patterns, delve into emotions, and embrace vitality, fostering lasting change.
Whether you are navigating anxiety or depression, adjusting during a life transition, struggling within relationships, or seeking healing from trauma or loss, I'm here to support you. You are seeking a safe space where your unique story is honored, and your goals are at the center. A place where you can slow down and process what's happened. You're tired of feeling stuck and desire to create meaningful growth and connection. Your well-being matters, and you’ve decided it is worth prioritizing. My approach empowers you to reshape thoughts, develop new patterns, delve into emotions, and embrace vitality, fostering lasting change.
(913) 347-4649 View (913) 347-4649
Photo of Lynne Weilert, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Leawood, KS
Lynne Weilert
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
Leawood, KS 66211
I offer primarily Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for individuals or couples coping with Depression, Anxiety, and Relationship issues.
My clients have ranged from 16 to 96. I try to identify with clients of all ages, male or female. Although I practice Christianity, I welcome clients of any faith. I have personally experienced many of the hardships, work and relationship issues, and struggles many of my clients face. My goal is to address your issues with compassion, empathy, confidentiality, and expertise. I provide a safe, warm, and friendly environment to help clients “ find their way through the storms of life.” Call me today!
I offer primarily Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for individuals or couples coping with Depression, Anxiety, and Relationship issues.
My clients have ranged from 16 to 96. I try to identify with clients of all ages, male or female. Although I practice Christianity, I welcome clients of any faith. I have personally experienced many of the hardships, work and relationship issues, and struggles many of my clients face. My goal is to address your issues with compassion, empathy, confidentiality, and expertise. I provide a safe, warm, and friendly environment to help clients “ find their way through the storms of life.” Call me today!
(913) 349-5209 View (913) 349-5209
Photo of Steffon E Staley, Licensed Professional Counselor in Leawood, KS
Steffon E Staley
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, CAMS-II, NCC
Verified Verified
Leawood, KS 66211
I help people live a life worth living. I help people reduce their unnecessary suffering. I help a lot of people struggling with anger, but I also help people struggling with anxiety, depression, marital issues, and life's struggles. You are more than enough and more than the worst things you have ever done. You are more than the worst things people can say, do, feel or think towards you. You can live a life worth living. You can learn the skills and tools needed to live a life worth living and enjoy meaningful relationships, meaningful purpose, meaningful conversations, and meaningful activities.
I help people live a life worth living. I help people reduce their unnecessary suffering. I help a lot of people struggling with anger, but I also help people struggling with anxiety, depression, marital issues, and life's struggles. You are more than enough and more than the worst things you have ever done. You are more than the worst things people can say, do, feel or think towards you. You can live a life worth living. You can learn the skills and tools needed to live a life worth living and enjoy meaningful relationships, meaningful purpose, meaningful conversations, and meaningful activities.
(816) 839-6875 View (816) 839-6875
Photo of Spark Therapy, LLC, Licensed Professional Counselor in Leawood, KS
Spark Therapy, LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, CCPT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Leawood, KS 66211
I have experience working with adults, children, and teens who have experienced trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, and life transitions.
Do you feel that your thoughts consume your energy? Have you been feeling like no matter what you try somehow those thoughts or feelings still find a way to steal your power? Your power is important and when that power feels dim it can feel dark. There are many different ways this can show up in your life and I acknowledge that shame, guilt, or humiliation has a way to invite itself in. Feeling good takes practice and you don't have to choose to carry all the heaviness alone. It's my passion to be a guiding light in all of my client's journeys and provide a safe space to process their heaviness.
I have experience working with adults, children, and teens who have experienced trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, and life transitions.
Do you feel that your thoughts consume your energy? Have you been feeling like no matter what you try somehow those thoughts or feelings still find a way to steal your power? Your power is important and when that power feels dim it can feel dark. There are many different ways this can show up in your life and I acknowledge that shame, guilt, or humiliation has a way to invite itself in. Feeling good takes practice and you don't have to choose to carry all the heaviness alone. It's my passion to be a guiding light in all of my client's journeys and provide a safe space to process their heaviness.
(913) 347-5698 View (913) 347-5698
Photo of Melissa Dorsett, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Leawood, KS
Melissa Dorsett
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSCSW, LMAC
Verified Verified
Leawood, KS 66211
Waitlist for new clients
I am formally trained to provide Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Depression, Dialectical Behavior Therapy skills, and I also utilize Gottman Method for Couples in my practice.
Are you feeling stuck, overwhelmed, and out of ideas. Making the decision to talk with a therapist is one that many people put off for some time, but most report improvement of life satisfaction as a result of taking this step. My priorities when working with individuals and couples in therapy are: 1. Fostering trust through authenticity, unconditional positive regard and confidentiality 2. Building a collaborative relationship through listening 3. Utilizing therapy techniques that have been proven to help people achieve more satisfying relationships with themselves and others.
I am formally trained to provide Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Depression, Dialectical Behavior Therapy skills, and I also utilize Gottman Method for Couples in my practice.
Are you feeling stuck, overwhelmed, and out of ideas. Making the decision to talk with a therapist is one that many people put off for some time, but most report improvement of life satisfaction as a result of taking this step. My priorities when working with individuals and couples in therapy are: 1. Fostering trust through authenticity, unconditional positive regard and confidentiality 2. Building a collaborative relationship through listening 3. Utilizing therapy techniques that have been proven to help people achieve more satisfying relationships with themselves and others.
(913) 318-5693 View (913) 318-5693
Photo of James (Jamie) Copaken, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Leawood, KS
James (Jamie) Copaken
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LSCSW
Verified Verified
Leawood, KS 66206
Since earning degrees from the University of Pennsylvania and Columbia University, I have helped people work through difficulties, including peer and family conflict, addiction, depression, anxiety, divorce, and grief.
We're all faced with challenges, big and small. Sometimes these grow to overpower and overwhelm us. The adults, children, and families I work with say that I help them feel heard, valued, comfortable, and that I provide a safe place to explore options and pick the right solutions.
Since earning degrees from the University of Pennsylvania and Columbia University, I have helped people work through difficulties, including peer and family conflict, addiction, depression, anxiety, divorce, and grief.
We're all faced with challenges, big and small. Sometimes these grow to overpower and overwhelm us. The adults, children, and families I work with say that I help them feel heard, valued, comfortable, and that I provide a safe place to explore options and pick the right solutions.
(913) 355-6267 View (913) 355-6267
Photo of Fred Mayfield, Counselor in Leawood, KS
Fred Mayfield
Counselor, PhD, LCPC, LCMFT
Verified Verified
Leawood, KS 66211
I have the most experience with Marriage Counseling, Parent /Adult Child, Care Giving, Blending Families, Childhood Issues, Parenting, Careers, Grief, Divorce Adjustment, Sexual Difficulties, Shy Bladder, Depression, Parenting, Self harming behaviors, Asperger's, Anxiety, and Needle Phobia.
I am grateful to have been a part of helping so many individuals, couples, and blending families resolve their issues over the past 35 years. While the experience has honed my therapy skills, each new person or relationship is unique and requires exploring solutions that fit their individual personality.
I have the most experience with Marriage Counseling, Parent /Adult Child, Care Giving, Blending Families, Childhood Issues, Parenting, Careers, Grief, Divorce Adjustment, Sexual Difficulties, Shy Bladder, Depression, Parenting, Self harming behaviors, Asperger's, Anxiety, and Needle Phobia.
I am grateful to have been a part of helping so many individuals, couples, and blending families resolve their issues over the past 35 years. While the experience has honed my therapy skills, each new person or relationship is unique and requires exploring solutions that fit their individual personality.
(913) 667-7149 View (913) 667-7149
Photo of Dori A Velasquez-Peach in Leawood, KS
Dori A Velasquez-Peach
MA, LCP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Leawood, KS 66211
I have treated children, adolescents and adults struggling with a variety of issues including Anxiety disorders, ADHD, anger, depression, life stressors and changes, relationships, social and emotional needs; bereavement; co-occurring developmental delays.
I believe the most important factor to success in therapy is the therapeutic relationship. Finding the right fit is essential. My goal is to provide a safe, supportive environment to address your specific needs. I work with both adults and children, as young as preschool age. I utilize a variety of evidence-based therapy techniques and activities. In order to be successful, one on one therapy is provided at your child’s social, emotional, and developmental level. I actively support and collaborate with parents. I work to develop a relationship with adults to identify their strengths and goals. My goal is for you to feel successful.
I have treated children, adolescents and adults struggling with a variety of issues including Anxiety disorders, ADHD, anger, depression, life stressors and changes, relationships, social and emotional needs; bereavement; co-occurring developmental delays.
I believe the most important factor to success in therapy is the therapeutic relationship. Finding the right fit is essential. My goal is to provide a safe, supportive environment to address your specific needs. I work with both adults and children, as young as preschool age. I utilize a variety of evidence-based therapy techniques and activities. In order to be successful, one on one therapy is provided at your child’s social, emotional, and developmental level. I actively support and collaborate with parents. I work to develop a relationship with adults to identify their strengths and goals. My goal is for you to feel successful.
(913) 828-3461 View (913) 828-3461
Photo of Laura K. Burt, Counselor in Leawood, KS
Laura K. Burt
Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Leawood, KS 66211
Life is unexpected and sometimes we struggle with finding our path. My goal in therapy is to work with my clients on being comfortable with vulnerability. I believe that consciously choosing to not hide your emotions or desires from others is key to healing and growth. In therapy I learn about and help my clients use their unique strengths to help them resolve current conflicts. I am working on certification in perinatal care and menopause. My focus is primarily assisting women experiencing depression and anxiety, but I also take male clients.
Life is unexpected and sometimes we struggle with finding our path. My goal in therapy is to work with my clients on being comfortable with vulnerability. I believe that consciously choosing to not hide your emotions or desires from others is key to healing and growth. In therapy I learn about and help my clients use their unique strengths to help them resolve current conflicts. I am working on certification in perinatal care and menopause. My focus is primarily assisting women experiencing depression and anxiety, but I also take male clients.
(913) 380-1460 View (913) 380-1460
Photo of Mary Marshall, Psychologist in Leawood, KS
Mary Marshall
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Leawood, KS 66209  (Online Only)
Identifying and coping more effectively with underlying issues of conflict, stress, anxiety, depression and self-destructive habits is accomplished by increasing personal awareness, responsibility and acceptance.
Dr. Marshall offers an empowering interactive process in a confidential relaxed setting designed to help you move through the stages of change and address underlying issues, not just symptoms. Natural holistic healing, cognitive behavioral therapy, nutrition, skill building, education, stress reduction-management can be part of your treatment plan focused on concerns causing you distress that can result from dysfunctional personal or work relationships, victimization, divorce and blended family, anger mismanagement, addictive behavior, toxic environments, grief and loss, depression, anxiety, bipolar, other disorders or health conditions, low self-esteem, trauma, social phobia, or performance anxiety.
Identifying and coping more effectively with underlying issues of conflict, stress, anxiety, depression and self-destructive habits is accomplished by increasing personal awareness, responsibility and acceptance.
Dr. Marshall offers an empowering interactive process in a confidential relaxed setting designed to help you move through the stages of change and address underlying issues, not just symptoms. Natural holistic healing, cognitive behavioral therapy, nutrition, skill building, education, stress reduction-management can be part of your treatment plan focused on concerns causing you distress that can result from dysfunctional personal or work relationships, victimization, divorce and blended family, anger mismanagement, addictive behavior, toxic environments, grief and loss, depression, anxiety, bipolar, other disorders or health conditions, low self-esteem, trauma, social phobia, or performance anxiety.
(913) 439-5115 View (913) 439-5115
Photo of Amber Zewert, Licensed Professional Counselor in Leawood, KS
Amber Zewert
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, ATR-P
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Leawood, KS 66211
I am currently accepting new clients at the Lawrence and Leawood offices! I understand that everyone is struggling in some capacity to heal from past hurts, process life transitions, or learn how to feel confident about oneself. I enjoy working with teens, college-aged young adults, and adults. I have experience working with clients who experience anxiety, depression, self-harm, low-self esteem/confidence issues, and trauma. Want to learn more? Just send an email and one of our client care team members will reach out to you about scheduling a consultation with me!
I am currently accepting new clients at the Lawrence and Leawood offices! I understand that everyone is struggling in some capacity to heal from past hurts, process life transitions, or learn how to feel confident about oneself. I enjoy working with teens, college-aged young adults, and adults. I have experience working with clients who experience anxiety, depression, self-harm, low-self esteem/confidence issues, and trauma. Want to learn more? Just send an email and one of our client care team members will reach out to you about scheduling a consultation with me!
(913) 386-6079 View (913) 386-6079
Photo of Jennifer Lari Buehler, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Leawood, KS
Jennifer Lari Buehler
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSCSW, CAC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Leawood, KS 66211  (Online Only)
I have years of experience working with adults, families, women, men, couples, young adults, teens, children, and groups in anxiety, addiction, trauma, healing energy, depression, suicide, mindfulness, holistic approaches and intuitive insight.
Feeling paralyzed by overwhelming emotions, lack of direction, or lingering effects of past traumas? Are you looking for someone encouraging, warm, and committed to walking with you and helping you overcome what you are facing? Are you looking to find a therapist you can trust, feel safe being open, honest and 100% yourself? My approach is strength-based, client centered and believe we all have an immense transforming power within us.
I have years of experience working with adults, families, women, men, couples, young adults, teens, children, and groups in anxiety, addiction, trauma, healing energy, depression, suicide, mindfulness, holistic approaches and intuitive insight.
Feeling paralyzed by overwhelming emotions, lack of direction, or lingering effects of past traumas? Are you looking for someone encouraging, warm, and committed to walking with you and helping you overcome what you are facing? Are you looking to find a therapist you can trust, feel safe being open, honest and 100% yourself? My approach is strength-based, client centered and believe we all have an immense transforming power within us.
(913) 318-4287 View (913) 318-4287
Photo of Carron Ellspermann Montgomery, Licensed Professional Counselor in Leawood, KS
Carron Ellspermann Montgomery
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, RPT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Leawood, KS 66206
I have extensive training in treating anxiety, depression, and trauma.
Do you feel confused, worried or lost about your child's behavior? I can help by providing your child or teen with the skills and confidence needed to transform their behavior. I want your child to feel confident and proud of who they are at school and at home.
I have extensive training in treating anxiety, depression, and trauma.
Do you feel confused, worried or lost about your child's behavior? I can help by providing your child or teen with the skills and confidence needed to transform their behavior. I want your child to feel confident and proud of who they are at school and at home.
(913) 937-8360 View (913) 937-8360
Photo of Carolyn S. Bruner, Licensed Professional Counselor in Leawood, KS
Carolyn S. Bruner
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCPC, LPC
Verified Verified
Leawood, KS 66211
Over the years, I have developed a well-established understanding of anxiety, depression, and trauma-related disorders.
I have worked in many different settings and have a well-rounded, holistic view of therapy. This view includes building a strengths-focused relationship, which promotes exploration and openness to new experiences. I like to maintain a variety of different ways to help clients, so I focus on thought patterns, decision-making, relationships and emotional experiences. I am goal oriented, empathetic, and believe in using the power of each person's innate strengths to help him or her overcome obstacles.
Over the years, I have developed a well-established understanding of anxiety, depression, and trauma-related disorders.
I have worked in many different settings and have a well-rounded, holistic view of therapy. This view includes building a strengths-focused relationship, which promotes exploration and openness to new experiences. I like to maintain a variety of different ways to help clients, so I focus on thought patterns, decision-making, relationships and emotional experiences. I am goal oriented, empathetic, and believe in using the power of each person's innate strengths to help him or her overcome obstacles.
(913) 220-2450 View (913) 220-2450
Jeanne P Mosca
Psychologist, PhD, LLC
Verified Verified
Leawood, KS 66211
My areas of specialization include the treatment of anxiety, depression, long-standing feelings of unhappiness; grief, loss; feelings of emptiness, alienation, not knowing oneself; history of trauma, sex abuse; life transitions (college, divorce, retirement, etc.
With over twenty years of experience, I offer compassionate care in treating problems that have been resistant to change. Through depth psychology, I help clients address issues such as loss, alienation, lack of intimacy, insecurity, feelings of emptiness, and the scars of prior traumatic experiences, all of which often lead to depression and anxiety. My expertise includes individual short- and long- term psychotherapy, psychoanalysis, and couples counseling for adults of all ages.
My areas of specialization include the treatment of anxiety, depression, long-standing feelings of unhappiness; grief, loss; feelings of emptiness, alienation, not knowing oneself; history of trauma, sex abuse; life transitions (college, divorce, retirement, etc.
With over twenty years of experience, I offer compassionate care in treating problems that have been resistant to change. Through depth psychology, I help clients address issues such as loss, alienation, lack of intimacy, insecurity, feelings of emptiness, and the scars of prior traumatic experiences, all of which often lead to depression and anxiety. My expertise includes individual short- and long- term psychotherapy, psychoanalysis, and couples counseling for adults of all ages.
(913) 601-8317 View (913) 601-8317
Photo of Elizabeth Nelson, Licensed Professional Counselor in Leawood, KS
Elizabeth Nelson
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCPC, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Leawood, KS 66224
I have extensive experience with young adults experiencing distress, anxiety, panic, grief/loss, depression, trauma, and relationship struggles.
Is there hope for lasting change? Together with the client, we focus on lasting change, healing, and insightful meaning. I offer a supportive counseling relationship that respects and honors the individual. I ensure that each person feels heard and understood. We explore coping strategies that make sense of the pain and difficulties in relationships, unhealthy patterns, depression, anxiety, and grief. We collaborate on goals that address the symptoms and the causes of distress. I have a comprehensive approach that enables you to take home and apply to life what you've experienced in therapy.
I have extensive experience with young adults experiencing distress, anxiety, panic, grief/loss, depression, trauma, and relationship struggles.
Is there hope for lasting change? Together with the client, we focus on lasting change, healing, and insightful meaning. I offer a supportive counseling relationship that respects and honors the individual. I ensure that each person feels heard and understood. We explore coping strategies that make sense of the pain and difficulties in relationships, unhealthy patterns, depression, anxiety, and grief. We collaborate on goals that address the symptoms and the causes of distress. I have a comprehensive approach that enables you to take home and apply to life what you've experienced in therapy.
(913) 214-8432 View (913) 214-8432

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.