Photo of Janet Susan (Brown) Lobel, PhD, Psychologist
Janet Susan (Brown) Lobel
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10024  (Online Only)
A multi-generarational history of family trauma, combined with current stressors and physiological vulnerability, often underlie a variety of adolescent/adult difficulties, including anxiety/ depression, addictions, and relationship issues.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with over 30 years of experience in both clinic and private practice settings. I have a wide range of clinical interests and expertise including trauma/bereavement, autistic spectrum disorders, parenting issues, and individual adult relational psychoanalysis. I am trained in parent-infant psychotherapy as intervention at the earliest ages can prevent/lessen the impact of potential risk factors that can derail a child's development. I integrate Stanley Greenspan's DIR/Floortime model with attachment-based play therapy. This integrative approach addresses both the child's social-emotional and sensory cognitive functioning,
A multi-generarational history of family trauma, combined with current stressors and physiological vulnerability, often underlie a variety of adolescent/adult difficulties, including anxiety/ depression, addictions, and relationship issues.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with over 30 years of experience in both clinic and private practice settings. I have a wide range of clinical interests and expertise including trauma/bereavement, autistic spectrum disorders, parenting issues, and individual adult relational psychoanalysis. I am trained in parent-infant psychotherapy as intervention at the earliest ages can prevent/lessen the impact of potential risk factors that can derail a child's development. I integrate Stanley Greenspan's DIR/Floortime model with attachment-based play therapy. This integrative approach addresses both the child's social-emotional and sensory cognitive functioning,
(914) 368-6133 View (914) 368-6133
Photo of Natalie Zeif, LMSW, Marriage & Family Therapist
Natalie Zeif
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMSW
Not Verified Not Verified
Brooklyn, NY 11242
Natalie's areas of focus include trauma recovery, anxiety, depression, identity in emerging adulthood, and issues related to gender and sexuality.
Natalie practices with a warm and non-judgmental style and prioritizes understanding each client's unique story, challenges, and hopes for therapy. Natalie helps clients understand how their past informs their present. Natalie integrates cognitive behavioral and strengths-based interventions to help clients connect to their inherent capacity for resilience and develop new ways of coping.
Natalie's areas of focus include trauma recovery, anxiety, depression, identity in emerging adulthood, and issues related to gender and sexuality.
Natalie practices with a warm and non-judgmental style and prioritizes understanding each client's unique story, challenges, and hopes for therapy. Natalie helps clients understand how their past informs their present. Natalie integrates cognitive behavioral and strengths-based interventions to help clients connect to their inherent capacity for resilience and develop new ways of coping.
(929) 419-0311 View (929) 419-0311
Photo of Emily Arnstein, PsyD, Psychologist
Emily Arnstein
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
New York, NY 10128
I also have experience working with clients who experience anxiety, depression, relationship issues, low self-esteem, and grief.
Therapy should be a safe place for people to express their emotions, improve relationships, and explore and discuss their previous experiences. I believe it is crucial to provide support and empathy in order to create a nurturing therapeutic environment. I am committed to helping clients identify their personal strengths and form positive and healthy connections with different people in their lives. I recognize the difficulty in seeking help, and I am honored when clients trust me to enter their lives to help them overcome difficult situations.
I also have experience working with clients who experience anxiety, depression, relationship issues, low self-esteem, and grief.
Therapy should be a safe place for people to express their emotions, improve relationships, and explore and discuss their previous experiences. I believe it is crucial to provide support and empathy in order to create a nurturing therapeutic environment. I am committed to helping clients identify their personal strengths and form positive and healthy connections with different people in their lives. I recognize the difficulty in seeking help, and I am honored when clients trust me to enter their lives to help them overcome difficult situations.
(646) 480-6543 View (646) 480-6543
Photo of Melissa Obcena, LMSW, ABA, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Melissa Obcena
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, ABA
Verified Verified
Staten Island, NY 10312
I work with ALL ages. Adults, elderly, couples, children and adolescents, even toddlers. Our work together can help alleviate anxiety, depression, relationship issues. I am also an ABA Therapist that has done extensive work with Autism Spectrum Disorders at all levels. ABA is a specialty, but my work goes well beyond. I can help you gain insight, realize where some of your difficulties have led you away from living a more harmonious lifestyle.
I work with ALL ages. Adults, elderly, couples, children and adolescents, even toddlers. Our work together can help alleviate anxiety, depression, relationship issues. I am also an ABA Therapist that has done extensive work with Autism Spectrum Disorders at all levels. ABA is a specialty, but my work goes well beyond. I can help you gain insight, realize where some of your difficulties have led you away from living a more harmonious lifestyle.
(929) 362-5072 View (929) 362-5072
Photo of Miguelina Almonte, CLC, MS, LCSW-R, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Miguelina Almonte
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, CLC, MS, LCSW-R
Verified Verified
Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522  (Online Only)
Treatment provided to children, adults, couples and families experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety, eating disorders, behavioral problems, opposition/ defiance, conflicts with interpersonal relationships, low self-esteem, low motivation, bereavement, low educational achievement, life transitions, post-traumatic stress disorders, behavior management and any challenges faced in daily life.
Treatment provided to children, adults, couples and families experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety, eating disorders, behavioral problems, opposition/ defiance, conflicts with interpersonal relationships, low self-esteem, low motivation, bereavement, low educational achievement, life transitions, post-traumatic stress disorders, behavior management and any challenges faced in daily life.
(914) 279-5580 View (914) 279-5580
Photo of James Hunter - James Hunter LCSW Counseling Services PLLC, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
James Hunter LCSW Counseling Services PLLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Brooklyn, NY 11203  (Online Only)
I assist individuals, couples and groups navigate their way through the challenges of being a parent, being in a relationship with a survivor of domestic violence, being part of a blended family, pre-marital counseling, marriage counseling, divorce, crisis, anger management, death of a loved one, the loss of a relationship, finding companionship, sexual harassment, lack of family support, depression, stress, trauma and other difficulties. I also assist consumers with finding their way through the foster care system, child protective service agencies and identifying the rights of a parent/guardian with a child in a school system.
I assist individuals, couples and groups navigate their way through the challenges of being a parent, being in a relationship with a survivor of domestic violence, being part of a blended family, pre-marital counseling, marriage counseling, divorce, crisis, anger management, death of a loved one, the loss of a relationship, finding companionship, sexual harassment, lack of family support, depression, stress, trauma and other difficulties. I also assist consumers with finding their way through the foster care system, child protective service agencies and identifying the rights of a parent/guardian with a child in a school system.
(718) 736-2174 View (718) 736-2174
Photo of Stacy Leigh Pellettieri - Right Path Counseling, LCSW-R, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Right Path Counseling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-R
Verified Verified
Jericho, NY 11753
Sometimes all that stands in the way of your happiness and peace of mind is the way you think about things. It's remarkable how our own thoughts can work against us creating anxiety, depression and an overall feeling of being trapped or stuck. There is great relief in the realization that the happiness you truly want and deserve is actually within your control! Whether your goal is diminishing your fears, gaining a better understanding of why you feel so sad, finally having the healthy relationship you have been yearning for, reducing stress, finding balance, or finally being able to answer that question, "What will make me happy?"
Sometimes all that stands in the way of your happiness and peace of mind is the way you think about things. It's remarkable how our own thoughts can work against us creating anxiety, depression and an overall feeling of being trapped or stuck. There is great relief in the realization that the happiness you truly want and deserve is actually within your control! Whether your goal is diminishing your fears, gaining a better understanding of why you feel so sad, finally having the healthy relationship you have been yearning for, reducing stress, finding balance, or finally being able to answer that question, "What will make me happy?"
(516) 218-8720 View (516) 218-8720
Photo of Marina M Chernyak, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Marina M Chernyak
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brooklyn, NY 11223
I have been a mental health professional for over 20 years. I received my Master's Degree in Social Work from New York University. My professional experience ranges from working with adults and the elderly, to young adults and teenagers. I see patients for individual therapy, couples therapy and family therapy. I specialize in a wide range of issues including but not limited to: anxiety, depression, obsessive compulsive disorders, poor social skills, struggles with work life, struggles with personal life, vertigo, daytime sleepiness, addiction, eating disorders, anger management, people with immigration history or immigrant families, postpartum depression, phobias/panic attacks.
I have been a mental health professional for over 20 years. I received my Master's Degree in Social Work from New York University. My professional experience ranges from working with adults and the elderly, to young adults and teenagers. I see patients for individual therapy, couples therapy and family therapy. I specialize in a wide range of issues including but not limited to: anxiety, depression, obsessive compulsive disorders, poor social skills, struggles with work life, struggles with personal life, vertigo, daytime sleepiness, addiction, eating disorders, anger management, people with immigration history or immigrant families, postpartum depression, phobias/panic attacks.
(646) 762-6166 View (646) 762-6166
Photo of Michaela D'Urso, MS, Pre-Licensed Professional
Michaela D'Urso
Pre-Licensed Professional, MS
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10017
Michaela is a passionate Cognitive Behavioral therapist (which is the most effective, researched, and validated therapy to date). She will work with you to identify and change overly negative thinking and unhelpful behaviors that interfere with your mood, reaching your goals, or hampering interpersonal relationships. She works with those struggling with depression, anxiety, worry, phobias, stress, body image issues, performance anxiety, defiant behavior in children, relationship struggles, and work/school issues.
Michaela is a passionate Cognitive Behavioral therapist (which is the most effective, researched, and validated therapy to date). She will work with you to identify and change overly negative thinking and unhelpful behaviors that interfere with your mood, reaching your goals, or hampering interpersonal relationships. She works with those struggling with depression, anxiety, worry, phobias, stress, body image issues, performance anxiety, defiant behavior in children, relationship struggles, and work/school issues.
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Photo of Rebekah Small, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Rebekah Small
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10019
In my practice, I work with people who are experiencing a variety of concerns, including depression, anxiety and relationship difficulties.
I am a psychotherapist in private practice in Manhattan. After finishing a Masters of Social Work at the University of Pennsylvania, I completed a four year post-graduate program at the William Alanson White Institute, a psychoanalytic institute in New York City.
In my practice, I work with people who are experiencing a variety of concerns, including depression, anxiety and relationship difficulties.
I am a psychotherapist in private practice in Manhattan. After finishing a Masters of Social Work at the University of Pennsylvania, I completed a four year post-graduate program at the William Alanson White Institute, a psychoanalytic institute in New York City.
(646) 906-9140 View (646) 906-9140
Photo of Haley Kastner, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Haley Kastner
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Rye Brook, NY 10573
Haley provides evidence-based therapy for children, teens, and adults. She has had the opportunity to provide care in private practice, school, and medical settings. This array of experiences has fostered her ability to understand clients through a multi-disciplinary lens and draw upon a multitude of evidence-based treatments, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Behavioral Activation, Prevention-Focused Care, Crisis Intervention, Trauma-Focused CBT, and Exposure and Response Prevention. She utilizes these therapies to target anxiety, stress, depression, OCD, trauma, and executive functioning deficits.
Haley provides evidence-based therapy for children, teens, and adults. She has had the opportunity to provide care in private practice, school, and medical settings. This array of experiences has fostered her ability to understand clients through a multi-disciplinary lens and draw upon a multitude of evidence-based treatments, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Behavioral Activation, Prevention-Focused Care, Crisis Intervention, Trauma-Focused CBT, and Exposure and Response Prevention. She utilizes these therapies to target anxiety, stress, depression, OCD, trauma, and executive functioning deficits.
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Photo of Dennise V. Garcia, MA, LMHC, Counselor
Dennise V. Garcia
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
Bronx, NY 10461  (Online Only)
I focus on issues such as anxiety, depression, adolescents/teens, behavioral issues, stress, coping skills, life transitions, relationship issues, school issues, self esteem, self-harm, and trauma.
If you're feeling stressed, overwhelmed and don't know what to do next, it's time to seek help. Life can be complicated and I am here to help. Together we can better understand your patterns of thoughts and behaviors to discover and change those that no longer serve you. Replacing these with positive thoughts and habits will help you to experience a fuller, more satisfying life.
I focus on issues such as anxiety, depression, adolescents/teens, behavioral issues, stress, coping skills, life transitions, relationship issues, school issues, self esteem, self-harm, and trauma.
If you're feeling stressed, overwhelmed and don't know what to do next, it's time to seek help. Life can be complicated and I am here to help. Together we can better understand your patterns of thoughts and behaviors to discover and change those that no longer serve you. Replacing these with positive thoughts and habits will help you to experience a fuller, more satisfying life.
(347) 754-3586 View (347) 754-3586
Photo of Michael (Micheál) Dowling, PhD, Psychologist
Michael (Micheál) Dowling
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10036
My experience includes helping people cope with depression, anxiety, loneliness, relationship challenges, psychosomatic issues, health, identity, career, acculturation, immigration, adjustment, and other issues.
In my practice I enjoy helping people in their journey of self-understanding and life enrichment. My approach is primarily Psychodynamic, flexibly integrating elements of other evidence-based psychotherapies, such as CBT and DBT. I work with each person to identify core motivations, and to arrive at a more accurate and adaptive self-understanding. A focus of the collaborative work involves improving awareness of unproductive patterns of behavior. This usually leads to a virtuous cycle of insight, positive feelings, and behavioral activation. Clients gain a greater sense of personal agency and more control over the choices in their lives.
My experience includes helping people cope with depression, anxiety, loneliness, relationship challenges, psychosomatic issues, health, identity, career, acculturation, immigration, adjustment, and other issues.
In my practice I enjoy helping people in their journey of self-understanding and life enrichment. My approach is primarily Psychodynamic, flexibly integrating elements of other evidence-based psychotherapies, such as CBT and DBT. I work with each person to identify core motivations, and to arrive at a more accurate and adaptive self-understanding. A focus of the collaborative work involves improving awareness of unproductive patterns of behavior. This usually leads to a virtuous cycle of insight, positive feelings, and behavioral activation. Clients gain a greater sense of personal agency and more control over the choices in their lives.
(646) 461-2504 View (646) 461-2504
Photo of Judy Gurfein, PhD, ABPP, APRN, BC, Psychologist
Judy Gurfein
Psychologist, PhD, ABPP, APRN, BC
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10128
I treat children, teens, adults, and couples struggling with various issues, including depression, anxiety, mood disorders, ADHD, OCD, addictions, and eating disorders.
For over 25 years I have been privileged to become closely involved with patients and their challenges. I value my relationship with each patient and couple, and provide a safe, warm environment. My goal is to bring about positive change by alleviating problems and providing relief from symptoms. Extensive training and experience combined with warmth and individualized attention are the ingredients which enable me to help my patients successfully achieve their goals. Since every individual and situation is different, I match the treatment to the patient, and not the patient to the treatment.
I treat children, teens, adults, and couples struggling with various issues, including depression, anxiety, mood disorders, ADHD, OCD, addictions, and eating disorders.
For over 25 years I have been privileged to become closely involved with patients and their challenges. I value my relationship with each patient and couple, and provide a safe, warm environment. My goal is to bring about positive change by alleviating problems and providing relief from symptoms. Extensive training and experience combined with warmth and individualized attention are the ingredients which enable me to help my patients successfully achieve their goals. Since every individual and situation is different, I match the treatment to the patient, and not the patient to the treatment.
(646) 681-5502 View (646) 681-5502
Photo of Brigid Lavelle, MHC-LP, Counselor
Brigid Lavelle
Counselor, MHC-LP
Not Verified Not Verified
1 Endorsed
Merrick, NY 11566
Anxiety, depression, anger, insecurities, and trauma can make even our simplest daily routine seem daunting and prevent us from living a full, happy life. Addressing the issues that contribute to these symptoms increases self-esteem, improves relationships, optimizes work/school performance, and helps with over-all quality of life—but it does not have to be done alone. Therapy can provide you with the support and tools you need to overcome challenges in these areas and live your life to your full potential.
Anxiety, depression, anger, insecurities, and trauma can make even our simplest daily routine seem daunting and prevent us from living a full, happy life. Addressing the issues that contribute to these symptoms increases self-esteem, improves relationships, optimizes work/school performance, and helps with over-all quality of life—but it does not have to be done alone. Therapy can provide you with the support and tools you need to overcome challenges in these areas and live your life to your full potential.
(516) 614-4974 View (516) 614-4974
Photo of Tracey Iorio, LMHC, Counselor
Tracey Iorio
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Patchogue, NY 11772
My specialty is working with depression, anxiety, disorganization in life and work as well as motivation and career changes.
I am a licensed Mental Health Counselor. I'm a trained Cognitive Behavioral Therapist; but I use a variety of approaches depending on my client's needs. I have been in private practice for 9 years. Prior to private practice I worked at Family Service League in Bayshore with all populations. I also worked at Stony Brook University Hospital on the Child Psychiatry Unit working with children from 4-13 years old. I currently work at Stony Brook University and had previously worked at The Juilliard School.
My specialty is working with depression, anxiety, disorganization in life and work as well as motivation and career changes.
I am a licensed Mental Health Counselor. I'm a trained Cognitive Behavioral Therapist; but I use a variety of approaches depending on my client's needs. I have been in private practice for 9 years. Prior to private practice I worked at Family Service League in Bayshore with all populations. I also worked at Stony Brook University Hospital on the Child Psychiatry Unit working with children from 4-13 years old. I currently work at Stony Brook University and had previously worked at The Juilliard School.
(631) 561-9870 View (631) 561-9870
Photo of Desiree Santos, LCSW-R, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Desiree Santos
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-R
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10017
My practice specializes in helping people to understand and work through many concerns -- whether it's depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, sexuality, compulsions, family stress, relationships, unresolved issues from childhood, the impact of life transitions, and/or adjusting to life after school, separation, break-up, divorce, career change or loss.
My approach is empathic, genuine, non-judgmental, culturally sensitive and collaborative. I have 20+ years of clinical experience and am trained to work with individuals and groups of all ages and backgrounds. I also teach post-master's level clinicians and licensed mental health practitioners of various professions, including at the Psychoanalytic Institute affiliated with NYU School of Medicine, where I am a faculty member and completed post-master's training in adult psychoanalysis.
My practice specializes in helping people to understand and work through many concerns -- whether it's depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, sexuality, compulsions, family stress, relationships, unresolved issues from childhood, the impact of life transitions, and/or adjusting to life after school, separation, break-up, divorce, career change or loss.
My approach is empathic, genuine, non-judgmental, culturally sensitive and collaborative. I have 20+ years of clinical experience and am trained to work with individuals and groups of all ages and backgrounds. I also teach post-master's level clinicians and licensed mental health practitioners of various professions, including at the Psychoanalytic Institute affiliated with NYU School of Medicine, where I am a faculty member and completed post-master's training in adult psychoanalysis.
(646) 681-4350 View (646) 681-4350
Photo of Tara Emrani - Dr. Tara Emrani, PhD, Psychologist
Dr. Tara Emrani
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
New York, NY 10005
I assist patients with a wide range of difficulties including depression, anxiety (including personal or work-induced - social and generalized), adjustment disorders, trauma, relational challenges, grief and bereavement, and couples therapy, premarital counseling as well as adult ADHD.
I believe in practical and actionable psychotherapy. Therapy that is tailored to your goals and provides helpful guidance. My clients include individuals and couples from diverse professional backgrounds.
I assist patients with a wide range of difficulties including depression, anxiety (including personal or work-induced - social and generalized), adjustment disorders, trauma, relational challenges, grief and bereavement, and couples therapy, premarital counseling as well as adult ADHD.
I believe in practical and actionable psychotherapy. Therapy that is tailored to your goals and provides helpful guidance. My clients include individuals and couples from diverse professional backgrounds.
(718) 650-2243 View (718) 650-2243
Photo of Nickie Roth, LMSW, CASAC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Nickie Roth
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, CASAC
Verified Verified
Jericho, NY 11753
My treatment approach is fundamentally based on Psychodynamic and Psychoanalytical Modalities, Attachment Disorders, and Relational Trauma with a strong focus on treating survivors of childhood trauma and maternal emotional neglect, grief, sexual abuse, anxiety and depression.
I believe that there are different pathways to helping clients reach their established goals. My primary focus is to establish a strong and empathic therapeutic relationship, as well as a secure base to help you navigate the journey of exploring and working through the root cause of your pain or presenting symptoms. As a psychotherapist, I have experience working with individuals, adolescents, and families with histories of severe emotional disorders, complex trauma, depression and anxiety.
My treatment approach is fundamentally based on Psychodynamic and Psychoanalytical Modalities, Attachment Disorders, and Relational Trauma with a strong focus on treating survivors of childhood trauma and maternal emotional neglect, grief, sexual abuse, anxiety and depression.
I believe that there are different pathways to helping clients reach their established goals. My primary focus is to establish a strong and empathic therapeutic relationship, as well as a secure base to help you navigate the journey of exploring and working through the root cause of your pain or presenting symptoms. As a psychotherapist, I have experience working with individuals, adolescents, and families with histories of severe emotional disorders, complex trauma, depression and anxiety.
(516) 469-3967 View (516) 469-3967
Photo of Kathleen Jantzen, PhD, Psychologist
Kathleen Jantzen
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10028
We will work collaboratively in changing negative patterns of thinking and developing coping strategies needed to function well which is particularly beneficial for anxiety, depression, learning challenges, executive functioning difficulties, academic and behavioral problems, social disconnection, ADHD, test-taking, study skills, careers, and transitions.
As a Licensed Clinical Psychologist/Neuropsychologist, I provide a nurturing, warm, and supportive environment in working with individuals and families. Therapy is tailored to address the needs of the child/adolescent and their family, as well as adults. Utilizing a broad focus of evidence-based treatment to best suit an individual, I incorporate an eclectic, psychodynamic, supportive approach, and CBT with children, adolescents, and adults. I provide parent counseling, parent coaching, and educational consults. My goal directed interventions bring about positive changes for improved functioning in school, work, and relationships.
We will work collaboratively in changing negative patterns of thinking and developing coping strategies needed to function well which is particularly beneficial for anxiety, depression, learning challenges, executive functioning difficulties, academic and behavioral problems, social disconnection, ADHD, test-taking, study skills, careers, and transitions.
As a Licensed Clinical Psychologist/Neuropsychologist, I provide a nurturing, warm, and supportive environment in working with individuals and families. Therapy is tailored to address the needs of the child/adolescent and their family, as well as adults. Utilizing a broad focus of evidence-based treatment to best suit an individual, I incorporate an eclectic, psychodynamic, supportive approach, and CBT with children, adolescents, and adults. I provide parent counseling, parent coaching, and educational consults. My goal directed interventions bring about positive changes for improved functioning in school, work, and relationships.
(929) 348-2396 View (929) 348-2396
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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.