Photo of Susan Ann Gustafson, Psychologist in Minneapolis, MN
Susan Ann Gustafson
Psychologist, PsyD, LP
Verified Verified
Minneapolis, MN 55414
I treat depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, phobias, panic disorder, eating disorders, ASD, ADHD, PTSD, gender identity disorder, personality disorders, adjustment disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder, chronic pain, grief, sexual abuse and other trauma.
My commitment is to help you make positive life changes. There are times when we are faced with obstacles and difficulties that interfere with growth and development, preventing us from achieving goals and aspirations, and diminishing our happiness and wellbeing. Psychotherapy provides a safe, nonjudgmental setting to discover solutions to challenges. With the powerful tools of communication and insight, I will help you identify counterproductive patterns and habits preventing you from living an optimal life. Together we will recognize and build upon your strengths and skills, develop new resources and strategies, and discover beneficial, healing ways of approaching your life.
I treat depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, phobias, panic disorder, eating disorders, ASD, ADHD, PTSD, gender identity disorder, personality disorders, adjustment disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder, chronic pain, grief, sexual abuse and other trauma.
My commitment is to help you make positive life changes. There are times when we are faced with obstacles and difficulties that interfere with growth and development, preventing us from achieving goals and aspirations, and diminishing our happiness and wellbeing. Psychotherapy provides a safe, nonjudgmental setting to discover solutions to challenges. With the powerful tools of communication and insight, I will help you identify counterproductive patterns and habits preventing you from living an optimal life. Together we will recognize and build upon your strengths and skills, develop new resources and strategies, and discover beneficial, healing ways of approaching your life.
(612) 223-6458 View (612) 223-6458
Photo of Mike A Arieta, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Minneapolis, MN
Mike A Arieta
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW, LCSW, PACC
Verified Verified
Minneapolis, MN 55406
My partner Kristin Lindgren and I started New Path Counseling LLC to provide clinical social work services and educational assistance. I provide the clinical social work services focusing on work with adults, young adults, teens and others. I provide services based on a trauma informed approach and focus on adjustment disorder, depression, shame and guilt along with life transitions. I also provide Employee Assistance Program Services, Life Coaching and career counseling. You can also connect with me at: https://www.betterhelp.com/michael-arieta/
My partner Kristin Lindgren and I started New Path Counseling LLC to provide clinical social work services and educational assistance. I provide the clinical social work services focusing on work with adults, young adults, teens and others. I provide services based on a trauma informed approach and focus on adjustment disorder, depression, shame and guilt along with life transitions. I also provide Employee Assistance Program Services, Life Coaching and career counseling. You can also connect with me at: https://www.betterhelp.com/michael-arieta/
(612) 294-9896 View (612) 294-9896
Photo of Aria Counseling, Assessment & Mediation Centers, Psychologist in Minneapolis, MN
Aria Counseling, Assessment & Mediation Centers
Psychologist, MS, LP
Verified Verified
Minneapolis, MN 55408
We work with chronic stress, anxiety and depression arising from ongoing difficult life issues and more.
Welcome to Aria Counseling, Assessment & Mediation Centers! We have a number of therapists on staff who are experienced, licensed and able to help. With locations in Fridley and Minneapolis, we are able to accommodate your need to begin working on your area(s) of concern quickly. Our therapists utilize a variety of clinical approaches to best suit your needs and your personality. We provide a warm, safe, comfortable and professional space for individuals, couples and families to work through their issues. We help people with relationships, stress/anxiety, depression, other mood issues, work/professional issues.
We work with chronic stress, anxiety and depression arising from ongoing difficult life issues and more.
Welcome to Aria Counseling, Assessment & Mediation Centers! We have a number of therapists on staff who are experienced, licensed and able to help. With locations in Fridley and Minneapolis, we are able to accommodate your need to begin working on your area(s) of concern quickly. Our therapists utilize a variety of clinical approaches to best suit your needs and your personality. We provide a warm, safe, comfortable and professional space for individuals, couples and families to work through their issues. We help people with relationships, stress/anxiety, depression, other mood issues, work/professional issues.
(763) 600-7172 View (763) 600-7172
Photo of Sway Gutierez, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Minneapolis, MN
Sway Gutierez
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Minneapolis, MN 55401
I have worked with anxiety, depression, PTSD, behavioral concerns, gender identity and LGBTQIA+ and much more.
Hello! My name is Sway and thanks for stopping by my profile! I am dedicated to providing a safe, confidential, respectful atmosphere that I hope will progress into a therapeutic alliance with open communication and self-exploration in order to gain a richer understanding of your thoughts, feelings, and behavior. I believe that accessing the strengths that are within enables us to better explore the issues and implement strategies that will help us live our lives to the fullest. My goal is to personalize therapy to meet the unique needs of each individual I work with in order to promote lasting therapeutic change and symptom relief.
I have worked with anxiety, depression, PTSD, behavioral concerns, gender identity and LGBTQIA+ and much more.
Hello! My name is Sway and thanks for stopping by my profile! I am dedicated to providing a safe, confidential, respectful atmosphere that I hope will progress into a therapeutic alliance with open communication and self-exploration in order to gain a richer understanding of your thoughts, feelings, and behavior. I believe that accessing the strengths that are within enables us to better explore the issues and implement strategies that will help us live our lives to the fullest. My goal is to personalize therapy to meet the unique needs of each individual I work with in order to promote lasting therapeutic change and symptom relief.
(952) 213-4763 View (952) 213-4763
Photo of Minnesota Ctr for Psychology-Childrens Svcs, Psychologist in Minneapolis, MN
Minnesota Ctr for Psychology-Childrens Svcs
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Minneapolis, MN 55455
At Minnesota Center for Psychology, we offer comprehensive mental health services for children and adolescents age 3-17, as well as their families. We are committed to providing the best quality care in an environment that fosters integrity, respect, hope, health, and learning. If your child is experiencing anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, family conflict, school or relationship issues, grief, sadness, body image issues, sleep problems, suicidal thoughts, trauma, low motivation, restlessness, communication issues, LGBT or gender identity issues, life transitions mood swings, shame, anger, or behavioral issues, our highly trained and experienced clinicians can help!
At Minnesota Center for Psychology, we offer comprehensive mental health services for children and adolescents age 3-17, as well as their families. We are committed to providing the best quality care in an environment that fosters integrity, respect, hope, health, and learning. If your child is experiencing anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, family conflict, school or relationship issues, grief, sadness, body image issues, sleep problems, suicidal thoughts, trauma, low motivation, restlessness, communication issues, LGBT or gender identity issues, life transitions mood swings, shame, anger, or behavioral issues, our highly trained and experienced clinicians can help!
(651) 419-3768 View (651) 419-3768
Photo of Hope & Healing For Life, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Minneapolis, MN
Hope & Healing For Life
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Minneapolis, MN 55406
My areas of expertise include working with adults and adolescents experiencing anxiety, depression, eating disorders, post traumatic stress, and trauma.
I believe in encouraging clients to find their inner strength, resilience, and confidence. My approach to therapy includes offering hope and the skills to overcome struggles, no matter how difficult they might seem. Engaging in therapy will work to develop your own strengths and allow you to feel more comfortable in your own skin, leading to a greater sense of vitality and peace of mind. When you are ready to open yourself to these changes, don't wait. Call me today. I currently have openings in my schedule for day appointments and can get an appointment setup quickly.
My areas of expertise include working with adults and adolescents experiencing anxiety, depression, eating disorders, post traumatic stress, and trauma.
I believe in encouraging clients to find their inner strength, resilience, and confidence. My approach to therapy includes offering hope and the skills to overcome struggles, no matter how difficult they might seem. Engaging in therapy will work to develop your own strengths and allow you to feel more comfortable in your own skin, leading to a greater sense of vitality and peace of mind. When you are ready to open yourself to these changes, don't wait. Call me today. I currently have openings in my schedule for day appointments and can get an appointment setup quickly.
(612) 217-4994 View (612) 217-4994
Photo of Minnesota Center for Psychology, Psychologist in Minneapolis, MN
Minnesota Center for Psychology
Psychologist, PsyD, LP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Minneapolis, MN 55414
At Minnesota Center for Psychology, our therapists specialize in treating children, adolescents and adults with anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, mood disorders, life changes and transitions, gender identity issues, developmental issues, parenting difficulties, abuse/neglect, chemical and co-dependency issues, GLBT issues, relationship issues, postpartum depression or anxiety, and stress management.
At Minnesota Center for Psychology, we offer comprehensive mental health services for children, adolescents and adults, as well as couples and families. We are committed to providing the best quality care in an environment that fosters integrity, respect, hope, health, and learning. If you are experiencing anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, family conflict, work or relationship issues, grief, sadness, body image issues, sleep problems, suicidal thoughts, trauma, low motivation, restlessness, communication issues, post-partum depression or anxiety, LGBT or gender identity issues, life transitions mood swings, shame, anger, parenting or behavioral issues, our highly trained and experienced clinicians can help!
At Minnesota Center for Psychology, our therapists specialize in treating children, adolescents and adults with anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, mood disorders, life changes and transitions, gender identity issues, developmental issues, parenting difficulties, abuse/neglect, chemical and co-dependency issues, GLBT issues, relationship issues, postpartum depression or anxiety, and stress management.
At Minnesota Center for Psychology, we offer comprehensive mental health services for children, adolescents and adults, as well as couples and families. We are committed to providing the best quality care in an environment that fosters integrity, respect, hope, health, and learning. If you are experiencing anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, family conflict, work or relationship issues, grief, sadness, body image issues, sleep problems, suicidal thoughts, trauma, low motivation, restlessness, communication issues, post-partum depression or anxiety, LGBT or gender identity issues, life transitions mood swings, shame, anger, parenting or behavioral issues, our highly trained and experienced clinicians can help!
(651) 383-4569 View (651) 383-4569
Photo of Amber Manders, Counselor in Minneapolis, MN
Amber Manders
Counselor, MS, LPCC
Verified Verified
Minneapolis, MN 55405
Amber has experience working with trauma, anxiety, anger, communication, depression, domestic violence, sexual abuse, low self-esteem, and is LGBT allied.
Currently not accepting any new client............The hardest journey is the journey inwards. Amber has a passion for supporting individuals and families who have experienced trauma. She strives to create a safe, welcoming, and comfortable space where her clients can share openly and make progress.
Amber has experience working with trauma, anxiety, anger, communication, depression, domestic violence, sexual abuse, low self-esteem, and is LGBT allied.
Currently not accepting any new client............The hardest journey is the journey inwards. Amber has a passion for supporting individuals and families who have experienced trauma. She strives to create a safe, welcoming, and comfortable space where her clients can share openly and make progress.
(612) 520-7442 View (612) 520-7442
Photo of Norah Knabe, Marriage & Family Therapist in Minneapolis, MN
Norah Knabe
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Minneapolis, MN 55400  (Online Only)
Hello! I am a licensed psychotherapist & have been in practice since 2011. Presently, I provide telehealth services to individuals (age 10+) through my private practice: Rosewood Family Therapy, Inc. Expertise in working with those struggling with emotional regulation, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, relationships, family dynamics, divorce & stress management. (Currently accepting new individual clients with daytime availability - not taking on couples/families at this time).
Hello! I am a licensed psychotherapist & have been in practice since 2011. Presently, I provide telehealth services to individuals (age 10+) through my private practice: Rosewood Family Therapy, Inc. Expertise in working with those struggling with emotional regulation, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, relationships, family dynamics, divorce & stress management. (Currently accepting new individual clients with daytime availability - not taking on couples/families at this time).
(651) 401-7010 View (651) 401-7010
Photo of Christina Gwenn Copeland in Minneapolis, MN
Christina Gwenn Copeland
MS, LPCC
Verified Verified
Minneapolis, MN 55449
Areas; ADHD, Adoption, ASD, DD, Foster Care, Blended/Divorced Families and Attachment concerns, Aging and Lifespan issues, LGBTQ, Anxiety, Depression, Schizophrenia, Mood and Personality Disorders, Intellectual, Emotional and Physical Disabilities, Couples, Family and Relationship dynamics and Communication issues, Abuse, Trauma and Anger Management.
Christina enjoys working with individuals, couples and families helping support them in making changes they want to make. She has her B.A. in Sociology and Diversity Studies from SCSU and her M.S. in MHC from Walden University. She is an LPCC, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in the State of MN. Christina has worked 10 years in clinical counseling. She has 24 additional years working with children, and families with services that are person-centered, strength-based and therapeutic. She has worked in foster and long-term residential based programs, as well as crisis, substance abuse treatment, vocational and education areas.
Areas; ADHD, Adoption, ASD, DD, Foster Care, Blended/Divorced Families and Attachment concerns, Aging and Lifespan issues, LGBTQ, Anxiety, Depression, Schizophrenia, Mood and Personality Disorders, Intellectual, Emotional and Physical Disabilities, Couples, Family and Relationship dynamics and Communication issues, Abuse, Trauma and Anger Management.
Christina enjoys working with individuals, couples and families helping support them in making changes they want to make. She has her B.A. in Sociology and Diversity Studies from SCSU and her M.S. in MHC from Walden University. She is an LPCC, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in the State of MN. Christina has worked 10 years in clinical counseling. She has 24 additional years working with children, and families with services that are person-centered, strength-based and therapeutic. She has worked in foster and long-term residential based programs, as well as crisis, substance abuse treatment, vocational and education areas.
(636) 266-2065 View (636) 266-2065
Photo of TC Largaespada, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Minneapolis, MN
TC Largaespada
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Minneapolis, MN 55404  (Online Only)
When you are feeling overwhelmed but aren't sure how things can change, I can help. When you find that you keep making the same mistakes, doing things you promised yourself you would stop, I can help. Behavior changes are more than just applying logic to your situation. If it was only logic, you would have figured it out by now. I focus on how the brain processes experiences. I can provide the space to sort things out and finally make sense of those old patterns.
When you are feeling overwhelmed but aren't sure how things can change, I can help. When you find that you keep making the same mistakes, doing things you promised yourself you would stop, I can help. Behavior changes are more than just applying logic to your situation. If it was only logic, you would have figured it out by now. I focus on how the brain processes experiences. I can provide the space to sort things out and finally make sense of those old patterns.
(651) 964-0962 View (651) 964-0962
Photo of Stone Arch Psychology and Health Services, Psychologist in Minneapolis, MN
Stone Arch Psychology and Health Services
Psychologist
Verified Verified
Minneapolis, MN 55414
Welcome to Stone Arch Psychology and Health Services. Our motto, Opening Doors and Building Bridges, is a statement of our commitment to help you make positive life changes. Please visit our website to learn more about our clinic, clinicians, and services at STONEARCHPSYCH.COM
Welcome to Stone Arch Psychology and Health Services. Our motto, Opening Doors and Building Bridges, is a statement of our commitment to help you make positive life changes. Please visit our website to learn more about our clinic, clinicians, and services at STONEARCHPSYCH.COM
(612) 979-2477 View (612) 979-2477
Photo of Nikhil Kaistha, Counselor in Minneapolis, MN
Nikhil Kaistha
Counselor, MSEd, MA, LPCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Minneapolis, MN 55404  (Online Only)
I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) serving the Twin Cities area, passionate about helping and supporting people. I believe that as humans we are always evolving from the experiences that life offers, which has steered me to believe in the interconnectedness of all life, and therefore my practice operates from a framework honoring the unity of the mind, body and spirit. I believe that each person is unique and that there is no one approach to the problems they present.
I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) serving the Twin Cities area, passionate about helping and supporting people. I believe that as humans we are always evolving from the experiences that life offers, which has steered me to believe in the interconnectedness of all life, and therefore my practice operates from a framework honoring the unity of the mind, body and spirit. I believe that each person is unique and that there is no one approach to the problems they present.
(612) 688-7101 View (612) 688-7101
Photo of Emily C. Erickson, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Minneapolis, MN
Emily C. Erickson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Minneapolis, MN 55417
Currently Accepting New Clients: Schedule Online Now. Welcome. I’m glad you’re here; seeking therapy takes courage. Do you feel disconnected from yourself or others and find yourself hiding the innermost parts of yourself? On the outside, you may appear you’ve got everything together, but on the inside you feel inadequate, not worthy, or unlovable. Have you found yourself tearing up at “inner child” TikToks? Are you feeling ready to dig into the “tough stuff” from your past? I can help.
Currently Accepting New Clients: Schedule Online Now. Welcome. I’m glad you’re here; seeking therapy takes courage. Do you feel disconnected from yourself or others and find yourself hiding the innermost parts of yourself? On the outside, you may appear you’ve got everything together, but on the inside you feel inadequate, not worthy, or unlovable. Have you found yourself tearing up at “inner child” TikToks? Are you feeling ready to dig into the “tough stuff” from your past? I can help.
(952) 260-4365 View (952) 260-4365
Photo of Neko J Vanevenhoven, Marriage & Family Therapist in Minneapolis, MN
Neko J Vanevenhoven
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, Supervi
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Minneapolis, MN 55428
Hello and welcome to the beginning of your healing journey! In addition, I am dually licensed in MN and WI and an approved supervisor for LMFT and LPCC. My name is Neko and I joined this field because I believe that life is a journey where invitations to heal, grow and prosper are constantly received!
Hello and welcome to the beginning of your healing journey! In addition, I am dually licensed in MN and WI and an approved supervisor for LMFT and LPCC. My name is Neko and I joined this field because I believe that life is a journey where invitations to heal, grow and prosper are constantly received!
(763) 247-2736 View (763) 247-2736
Photo of David A Burton, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Minneapolis, MN
David A Burton
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, PhD-pen
Verified Verified
Minneapolis, MN 55408
I use a holistic approach to treatment emphasizing on rapport building. "There is a reason for all behavior and when it comes to people seeking true wellness, I don't want people to depend on medication." I enjoy helping people change and explore themselves. "The scarecrow, in the movie The Wiz, thought that he did not have a brain. He believed that he was just a sack of old newspapers; but, it took the experience of a "journey" to help him realize that he was not just a sack of newspapers but a wealth of information. "Lets find your wealth!"
I use a holistic approach to treatment emphasizing on rapport building. "There is a reason for all behavior and when it comes to people seeking true wellness, I don't want people to depend on medication." I enjoy helping people change and explore themselves. "The scarecrow, in the movie The Wiz, thought that he did not have a brain. He believed that he was just a sack of old newspapers; but, it took the experience of a "journey" to help him realize that he was not just a sack of newspapers but a wealth of information. "Lets find your wealth!"
(412) 538-5766 View (412) 538-5766
Photo of Porsche Peak Gordin, Marriage & Family Therapist in Minneapolis, MN
Porsche Peak Gordin
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT, LADC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Minneapolis, MN 55413
You deserve a therapist who genuinely cares about you and what you're going through. Whether you are seeking support for yourself or are a concerned friend or family member, having an outside perspective can be really helpful. For nearly a decade, I have specialized in helping individuals create meaning, addicts get to the bottom of their addiction through harm-reduction approach, empower survivors of abuse and help couples and families reconnect with their loved ones.
You deserve a therapist who genuinely cares about you and what you're going through. Whether you are seeking support for yourself or are a concerned friend or family member, having an outside perspective can be really helpful. For nearly a decade, I have specialized in helping individuals create meaning, addicts get to the bottom of their addiction through harm-reduction approach, empower survivors of abuse and help couples and families reconnect with their loved ones.
(651) 493-2055 View (651) 493-2055
Photo of Ben Powers, Counselor in Minneapolis, MN
Ben Powers
Counselor, MA, LPCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Minneapolis, MN 55407
I use cognitive behavioral therapy to help people improve their mental health. I believe that each person deserves treatment tailored to their experience and needs. In session, I help people change patterns of unhealthy thoughts or behaviors and examine meaning of life experiences. As a counselor, I am open-minded, analytical, and casual while allowing space for challenging clients to improve their lives. I practice from an informed consent perspective aimed at reducing barriers to care and emphasizing bodily autonomy. This often involves writing letters of support for medical transition services.
I use cognitive behavioral therapy to help people improve their mental health. I believe that each person deserves treatment tailored to their experience and needs. In session, I help people change patterns of unhealthy thoughts or behaviors and examine meaning of life experiences. As a counselor, I am open-minded, analytical, and casual while allowing space for challenging clients to improve their lives. I practice from an informed consent perspective aimed at reducing barriers to care and emphasizing bodily autonomy. This often involves writing letters of support for medical transition services.
(952) 466-6904 View (952) 466-6904
Photo of Alyssa Perau, Marriage & Family Therapist Intern in Minneapolis, MN
Alyssa Perau
Marriage & Family Therapist Intern, LMFT-I
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Minneapolis, MN 55407
Hey there, my name is Alyssa and I use she/they pronouns. I am a queer, neurodivergent marriage and family therapy intern. While my specialty is with couples, families, and groups, I also love working with individuals. I connect with clients through humor, playfulness, and art-making, which I believe can help work through challenges that life can throw at us. In my opinion, art therapy is not about making profound art but is a tool to help process feelings and discover something new.
Hey there, my name is Alyssa and I use she/they pronouns. I am a queer, neurodivergent marriage and family therapy intern. While my specialty is with couples, families, and groups, I also love working with individuals. I connect with clients through humor, playfulness, and art-making, which I believe can help work through challenges that life can throw at us. In my opinion, art therapy is not about making profound art but is a tool to help process feelings and discover something new.
(651) 615-3520 View (651) 615-3520
Photo of Jesse Ellis, Marriage & Family Therapist in Minneapolis, MN
Jesse Ellis
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Minneapolis, MN 55419  (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
I'm a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist but that doesn't mean I only work with married couples or families! It means I have extensive training on how relationships & environments affect our mental & emotional health. I work with individuals, couples, & families of all cultures, including adults, teenagers, & children. I find satisfaction in helping people navigate through difficult life transitions & I strive to create an environment that is accepting & nonjudgmental.
I'm a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist but that doesn't mean I only work with married couples or families! It means I have extensive training on how relationships & environments affect our mental & emotional health. I work with individuals, couples, & families of all cultures, including adults, teenagers, & children. I find satisfaction in helping people navigate through difficult life transitions & I strive to create an environment that is accepting & nonjudgmental.
(612) 887-2734 View (612) 887-2734


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.