Depression Therapists in Beaverton, OR

Photo of Kelly Sestero, Licensed Professional Counselor in Beaverton, OR
Kelly Sestero
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LMHC, NCC
Verified Verified
Beaverton, OR 97005
My practice focuses on mindfulness-based therapies, including MBCT, ACT and MiCBT. I specialize in working with adults with depression and anxiety to identify thinking patterns while using meditation and mindfulness to gain insight and acceptance. Also accepting candidates for Clinical Supervision toward licensure or ongoing supervisory support.
My practice focuses on mindfulness-based therapies, including MBCT, ACT and MiCBT. I specialize in working with adults with depression and anxiety to identify thinking patterns while using meditation and mindfulness to gain insight and acceptance. Also accepting candidates for Clinical Supervision toward licensure or ongoing supervisory support.
(971) 233-4015 View (971) 233-4015
Photo of Thom Field, Licensed Professional Counselor in Beaverton, OR
Thom Field
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Beaverton, OR 97005
Finding the right match in a counselor is a daunting challenge. It can be stressful to find a competent and caring professional who can listen to your concerns and help you find a way forward. In my experience, people have unique needs, backgrounds, and challenges. Even common mental health challenges like anxiety and depression look different for each person. I therefore collaborate with clients to find an individualized counseling approach that works best for each person. I draw from a variety of counseling theories, including person-centered therapy, psychodynamic therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and existential therapy.
Finding the right match in a counselor is a daunting challenge. It can be stressful to find a competent and caring professional who can listen to your concerns and help you find a way forward. In my experience, people have unique needs, backgrounds, and challenges. Even common mental health challenges like anxiety and depression look different for each person. I therefore collaborate with clients to find an individualized counseling approach that works best for each person. I draw from a variety of counseling theories, including person-centered therapy, psychodynamic therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and existential therapy.
(503) 455-8762 View (503) 455-8762
Photo of Andrew Drwenski, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Beaverton, OR
Andrew Drwenski
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Beaverton, OR 97003
Waitlist for new clients
I enjoy working with people from all walks of life. I'm here to help you (and your family) live the best possible life. I'm ready to work hard with you to adjust to change, cope with trauma, build coping skills around depression, anxiety, and help you see yourself in a more compassionate light. I offer in person sessions on Fridays as well as Telehealth to best meet you where you are.
I enjoy working with people from all walks of life. I'm here to help you (and your family) live the best possible life. I'm ready to work hard with you to adjust to change, cope with trauma, build coping skills around depression, anxiety, and help you see yourself in a more compassionate light. I offer in person sessions on Fridays as well as Telehealth to best meet you where you are.
(503) 212-6693 View (503) 212-6693
Photo of Christine Landis, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Beaverton, OR
Christine Landis
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Beaverton, OR 97006
I work with people who are interested in the process of finding healing, wholeness and meaning. Our work will focus on your concerns, whether expressed as depression, anxiety, PTSD, parenting, life transitions, spirituality, relationship issues, loss & grief, childhood trauma, identity issues or self-understanding. We will explore your inner world with compassion and without judgment in order to facilitate greater self-awareness, healing and transformation. My approach is Jungian-oriented, attending to both conscious and unconscious material. I value diversity and the uniqueness of each person's culture, background and lifestyle.
I work with people who are interested in the process of finding healing, wholeness and meaning. Our work will focus on your concerns, whether expressed as depression, anxiety, PTSD, parenting, life transitions, spirituality, relationship issues, loss & grief, childhood trauma, identity issues or self-understanding. We will explore your inner world with compassion and without judgment in order to facilitate greater self-awareness, healing and transformation. My approach is Jungian-oriented, attending to both conscious and unconscious material. I value diversity and the uniqueness of each person's culture, background and lifestyle.
(971) 351-1667 View (971) 351-1667
Photo of Wild Wish Counseling , Drug & Alcohol Counselor in Beaverton, OR
Wild Wish Counseling
Drug & Alcohol Counselor, LPC, CADCI
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Beaverton, OR 97005
Wild Wish Counseling is a clinical group practice that offers support to individuals across all ages and identities. Through various services and treatment options, we offer an eclectic style of therapy. As a community, we face many challenges of depression, anxiety, trauma, PTSD, grief/loss, gambling, addiction, sexual identity, attachment or behavior issues, and relationships which means that specialized care and a commitment to education and training are imperative to providing ethical and knowledgeable care to all individuals.
Wild Wish Counseling is a clinical group practice that offers support to individuals across all ages and identities. Through various services and treatment options, we offer an eclectic style of therapy. As a community, we face many challenges of depression, anxiety, trauma, PTSD, grief/loss, gambling, addiction, sexual identity, attachment or behavior issues, and relationships which means that specialized care and a commitment to education and training are imperative to providing ethical and knowledgeable care to all individuals.
(971) 599-2957 View (971) 599-2957
Photo of Jerome Yoman, Psychologist in Beaverton, OR
Jerome Yoman
Psychologist, PhD, ABPP
Verified Verified
Beaverton, OR 97005  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I help adults of all ages with most goals and problems, but have extensive specialized training and experience with: depression, insomnia, communication skills, family stress related to serious mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.
My purpose is to help adults of all ages, and their families, improve the quality of their lives. I provide life skills training and psychological therapy to help you accomplish personal goals, gain emotional strength, and further your values. Together we create a good working relationship, where you feel safe openly sharing your experiences, and develop a common understanding of your concerns. That understanding leads to action strategies for the changes you wish to make, relying most on those demonstrated as effective for people with your concerns. We will regularly evaluate how well my services are working for you.
I help adults of all ages with most goals and problems, but have extensive specialized training and experience with: depression, insomnia, communication skills, family stress related to serious mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.
My purpose is to help adults of all ages, and their families, improve the quality of their lives. I provide life skills training and psychological therapy to help you accomplish personal goals, gain emotional strength, and further your values. Together we create a good working relationship, where you feel safe openly sharing your experiences, and develop a common understanding of your concerns. That understanding leads to action strategies for the changes you wish to make, relying most on those demonstrated as effective for people with your concerns. We will regularly evaluate how well my services are working for you.
(503) 567-1933 View (503) 567-1933
Photo of Elizabeth Leah Downs, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Beaverton, OR
Elizabeth Leah Downs
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CHT, ACSW
Verified Verified
Beaverton, OR 97005
I work well with depression, grief, anger management, anxiety/ panic attacks, trauma/ sexual abuse, bipolar & obsessive-compulsive disorders, substance abuse & addictions, as well as with relationship, family, work & school difficulties.
Seeking therapy is an act of courage when your life is not working, when you are feeling overwhelming emotions, or are ready to grow. With over 35 years of experience, I work skillfully with adults, children, families & couples. I am here to compassionately facilitate your learning to live your life with emotional freedom, purpose, creativity, passion & joy! Get in touch with the strength & beauty of your Inner Self & develop more satisfying relationships. Examine your thinking & beliefs & develop mindfulness, transforming your moods & your life. I use a gentle therapeutic style which is an eclectic, psychodynamic, humanistic, transpersonal & holistic wellness approach.
I work well with depression, grief, anger management, anxiety/ panic attacks, trauma/ sexual abuse, bipolar & obsessive-compulsive disorders, substance abuse & addictions, as well as with relationship, family, work & school difficulties.
Seeking therapy is an act of courage when your life is not working, when you are feeling overwhelming emotions, or are ready to grow. With over 35 years of experience, I work skillfully with adults, children, families & couples. I am here to compassionately facilitate your learning to live your life with emotional freedom, purpose, creativity, passion & joy! Get in touch with the strength & beauty of your Inner Self & develop more satisfying relationships. Examine your thinking & beliefs & develop mindfulness, transforming your moods & your life. I use a gentle therapeutic style which is an eclectic, psychodynamic, humanistic, transpersonal & holistic wellness approach.
(503) 444-9712 View (503) 444-9712
Photo of Pacific Brief Therapy Center in Beaverton, OR
Pacific Brief Therapy Center
MA, MFT
Verified Verified
Beaverton, OR 97005
Clients want problems solved and expect that to occur soon. So I focus on the here and now and am active in making recommendations that bring about change as soon as possible. I use an outcome-focused approach and have over 40 years of professional experience as a counselor and trainer to bring you competent expertise. Treating individuals, couples and children with depression, anxiety, and traumas, are common complaints that respond well to my treatment.
Clients want problems solved and expect that to occur soon. So I focus on the here and now and am active in making recommendations that bring about change as soon as possible. I use an outcome-focused approach and have over 40 years of professional experience as a counselor and trainer to bring you competent expertise. Treating individuals, couples and children with depression, anxiety, and traumas, are common complaints that respond well to my treatment.
(971) 232-4394 View (971) 232-4394
Photo of Dr. Dianna Harris (Accepting New Clients), Psychologist in Beaverton, OR
Dr. Dianna Harris (Accepting New Clients)
Psychologist, PsyD, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Beaverton, OR 97005
I have successfully helped people reduce anxiety and depression that has only partially been helped through therapy by adding psychiatric medication that is targeted to treat worry, panic, OCD, depression and bipolar symptoms.
Accepting NEW Clients (ages 18-65) as of 4/24/24 for Medication Management (I am not taking clients for therapy). Appointments are available in 2 weeks. Complete the Patient Inquiry Form on my website. You will receive a response the same or next day. My practice is primarily composed of adults struggling with anxiety and depression. I find that people reach out to treatment when excessive worry, low motivation, and negative thinking can lead to feeling less confident in their work, behind on tasks at home, and impacting their relationships. I don't treat ADHD and I don't prescribe controlled substances, such as Xanax for anxiety.
I have successfully helped people reduce anxiety and depression that has only partially been helped through therapy by adding psychiatric medication that is targeted to treat worry, panic, OCD, depression and bipolar symptoms.
Accepting NEW Clients (ages 18-65) as of 4/24/24 for Medication Management (I am not taking clients for therapy). Appointments are available in 2 weeks. Complete the Patient Inquiry Form on my website. You will receive a response the same or next day. My practice is primarily composed of adults struggling with anxiety and depression. I find that people reach out to treatment when excessive worry, low motivation, and negative thinking can lead to feeling less confident in their work, behind on tasks at home, and impacting their relationships. I don't treat ADHD and I don't prescribe controlled substances, such as Xanax for anxiety.
(971) 265-6721 View (971) 265-6721
Photo of Joshua Beavers, Licensed Professional Counselor in Beaverton, OR
Joshua Beavers
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Beaverton, OR 97007
I work with clients with a range of concerns including anxiety, depression, OCD, ADHD, addiction/substance use, autism spectrum disorder, and family conflict.
Hi, I am Joshua Beavers, a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), and I am excited to work alongside you! I completed a Master of Arts degree in Counseling Psychology from the University of Central Oklahoma in 2015. I have worked with clients in person at various mental health clinics and in a virtual environment since 2015. My focus in sessions is to help clients learn to regulate their emotions, cope with stress, improve relationships, and build a foundation of skills that will help them with long-term success. I'm always excited to see them recognize the positive changes that can come from meeting with a counselor.
I work with clients with a range of concerns including anxiety, depression, OCD, ADHD, addiction/substance use, autism spectrum disorder, and family conflict.
Hi, I am Joshua Beavers, a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), and I am excited to work alongside you! I completed a Master of Arts degree in Counseling Psychology from the University of Central Oklahoma in 2015. I have worked with clients in person at various mental health clinics and in a virtual environment since 2015. My focus in sessions is to help clients learn to regulate their emotions, cope with stress, improve relationships, and build a foundation of skills that will help them with long-term success. I'm always excited to see them recognize the positive changes that can come from meeting with a counselor.
(503) 809-5941 View (503) 809-5941
Photo of Brian Bracelin, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Beaverton, OR
Brian Bracelin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Beaverton, OR 97008  (Online Only)
I specialize in working with youth, young adults and adults in the areas of anxiety, depression, trauma, and major life transitions.
I strive to create the safest space possible so that past experiences or current stressors can be explored and new possibilities can be discovered. Using a safe collaborative approach, I can support you in maneuvering through your feelings of anger, fear and helplessness so that you can overcome obstacles, achieve your goals and live the well lived life you deserve.
I specialize in working with youth, young adults and adults in the areas of anxiety, depression, trauma, and major life transitions.
I strive to create the safest space possible so that past experiences or current stressors can be explored and new possibilities can be discovered. Using a safe collaborative approach, I can support you in maneuvering through your feelings of anger, fear and helplessness so that you can overcome obstacles, achieve your goals and live the well lived life you deserve.
(971) 299-7671 View (971) 299-7671
Photo of NW Intrinsic Psychotherapy, Psychologist in Beaverton, OR
NW Intrinsic Psychotherapy
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Beaverton, OR 97006
Openings: In person appointments available M-TH; virtual appointments available Sun-Thurs. Drs. Chanel Dismuke & Calle Pierson have experience in a broad range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, ADHD, trauma, and concerns related to individuals in the LGBTQA2s+ and BIPOC communities. Our goal is to provide evidence-based individual therapy services in a safe, collaborative environment. We aim to help you explore your sense of self, values, and goals and to help you identify and address barriers achieving your goals and promoting quality of life.
Openings: In person appointments available M-TH; virtual appointments available Sun-Thurs. Drs. Chanel Dismuke & Calle Pierson have experience in a broad range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, ADHD, trauma, and concerns related to individuals in the LGBTQA2s+ and BIPOC communities. Our goal is to provide evidence-based individual therapy services in a safe, collaborative environment. We aim to help you explore your sense of self, values, and goals and to help you identify and address barriers achieving your goals and promoting quality of life.
(971) 366-2349 View (971) 366-2349
Photo of Rebecca L. Sauer, LCSW, LLC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Beaverton, OR
Rebecca L. Sauer, LCSW, LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Beaverton, OR 97005
I have experience working with many different issues including: *Anxiety- generalized, obsessive compulsive, panic, specific phobias, social phobia *Trauma- abuse, violence, medical, relational, acute stress, post traumatic *Grief- death, miscarriage, relational, loss/change *Pervasive Developmental Disorders- Asperger's, Autism, caregivers *Mood Disorders- depression, mania, cyclic *Adjustment to life transitions.
I work with all individuals.That includes individuals with diverse ages, races, genders, sexualities, religions, political stances, educations, living environments, relationships, histories and socioeconomic statuses. I use an eclectic theoretical approach to treatment interventions, starting where you are at and moving toward identified treatment goals with consideration of best practices, which are research based with positive outcomes. After the initial diagnostic assessment; talk, play and creative interventions are utilized. I welcome feedback to ensure our therapeutic alliance and treatment processes are meeting your expectations. If given permission and clinically indicated, I coordinate care and consult with other treating professionals.
I have experience working with many different issues including: *Anxiety- generalized, obsessive compulsive, panic, specific phobias, social phobia *Trauma- abuse, violence, medical, relational, acute stress, post traumatic *Grief- death, miscarriage, relational, loss/change *Pervasive Developmental Disorders- Asperger's, Autism, caregivers *Mood Disorders- depression, mania, cyclic *Adjustment to life transitions.
I work with all individuals.That includes individuals with diverse ages, races, genders, sexualities, religions, political stances, educations, living environments, relationships, histories and socioeconomic statuses. I use an eclectic theoretical approach to treatment interventions, starting where you are at and moving toward identified treatment goals with consideration of best practices, which are research based with positive outcomes. After the initial diagnostic assessment; talk, play and creative interventions are utilized. I welcome feedback to ensure our therapeutic alliance and treatment processes are meeting your expectations. If given permission and clinically indicated, I coordinate care and consult with other treating professionals.
(971) 407-5341 View (971) 407-5341
Photo of Heather Peterson, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Beaverton, OR
Heather Peterson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Beaverton, OR 97005
Seeking to know and understand ourselves is one of the bravest things that we can do. You don’t have to do it alone. I believe therapy provides an opportunity to develop a greater sense of self-awareness, and it is my honor to support and empower my clients in this process. I am committed to facilitating a space in which you feel heard, valued, and supported as we prioritize your goals and chart a path toward greater balance and wellbeing. I am a trauma-informed therapist supporting individuals navigating trauma, depression, anxiety, conflict, codependency, grief/loss, and life transitions.
Seeking to know and understand ourselves is one of the bravest things that we can do. You don’t have to do it alone. I believe therapy provides an opportunity to develop a greater sense of self-awareness, and it is my honor to support and empower my clients in this process. I am committed to facilitating a space in which you feel heard, valued, and supported as we prioritize your goals and chart a path toward greater balance and wellbeing. I am a trauma-informed therapist supporting individuals navigating trauma, depression, anxiety, conflict, codependency, grief/loss, and life transitions.
(971) 715-2666 View (971) 715-2666
Photo of Beth Shiveley, Licensed Professional Counselor in Beaverton, OR
Beth Shiveley
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Beaverton, OR 97005  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Counseling for Lasting Positive Change: I offer counseling for individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, identity development, trauma, life transitions (parenting, divorce, and empty nest) and for those wanting to work on relationships. If you want to change your role in how you handle current life circumstances, the clearest path is by making positive changes in your own life. Let me help you navigate this path to your change.
Counseling for Lasting Positive Change: I offer counseling for individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, identity development, trauma, life transitions (parenting, divorce, and empty nest) and for those wanting to work on relationships. If you want to change your role in how you handle current life circumstances, the clearest path is by making positive changes in your own life. Let me help you navigate this path to your change.
(503) 406-1545 View (503) 406-1545
Photo of Chris Perry, Professional Counselor Associate in Beaverton, OR
Chris Perry
Professional Counselor Associate, MS, CRC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Beaverton, OR 97005
Something is just not right. Something needs to change and you're ready to do the work. Making changes creates challenges, and any great effort has the potential for unintentional and unexpected consequences: personal relationships, grief, anxiety, depression. I work with everyone wanting to take these steps, people who want to take accountability and collaborate on a path forward.
Something is just not right. Something needs to change and you're ready to do the work. Making changes creates challenges, and any great effort has the potential for unintentional and unexpected consequences: personal relationships, grief, anxiety, depression. I work with everyone wanting to take these steps, people who want to take accountability and collaborate on a path forward.
(971) 253-7062 View (971) 253-7062
Photo of Desiree Rivera, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Beaverton, OR
Desiree Rivera
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MS, A-MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Beaverton, OR 97005  (Online Only)
My specialty areas are anxiety, depression, relationship and family challenges, child-behavioral difficulties, self-esteem, grief/loss, & eating disorders.
Hi! My name is Desiree and I'm an Associate Marriage, Family and Child Therapist in Salem/Keizer, Oregon. I am so glad you’re here! I'm open for new clients and have a flexible schedule with secure online sessions to meet your needs. Together, we can discuss what is going on in your life and collaboratively work together to develop insight, build healthy relationships and accomplish desired goals.
My specialty areas are anxiety, depression, relationship and family challenges, child-behavioral difficulties, self-esteem, grief/loss, & eating disorders.
Hi! My name is Desiree and I'm an Associate Marriage, Family and Child Therapist in Salem/Keizer, Oregon. I am so glad you’re here! I'm open for new clients and have a flexible schedule with secure online sessions to meet your needs. Together, we can discuss what is going on in your life and collaboratively work together to develop insight, build healthy relationships and accomplish desired goals.
(503) 461-1563 View (503) 461-1563
Photo of Barcelona Counseling, LLC, Licensed Professional Counselor in Beaverton, OR
Barcelona Counseling, LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Beaverton, OR 97005
Neurofeedback, EMDR, Trauma Treatment, Stress, Anxiety and Distress, Depression, Grief, Obsessions, Psychological Abuse, Self-esteem, Sexuality , Relationship Conflicts, Parenting Management, Anger Management, Behavior Modification, Self-Esteem Issues, Weight Loss, Adjustment Disorders, and Family Counseling.
ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS. We have experience working with individuals, couples, and families from different backgrounds and needs. We use different and personalized techniques/strategies to help you get to the root of the problem, make conscious change to find stability, growth, problem resolution, and emotional relief. NEUROFEEDBACK and EMDR modalities to address many issues. Please visit our webpage at www.barcelonacounseling.org
Neurofeedback, EMDR, Trauma Treatment, Stress, Anxiety and Distress, Depression, Grief, Obsessions, Psychological Abuse, Self-esteem, Sexuality , Relationship Conflicts, Parenting Management, Anger Management, Behavior Modification, Self-Esteem Issues, Weight Loss, Adjustment Disorders, and Family Counseling.
ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS. We have experience working with individuals, couples, and families from different backgrounds and needs. We use different and personalized techniques/strategies to help you get to the root of the problem, make conscious change to find stability, growth, problem resolution, and emotional relief. NEUROFEEDBACK and EMDR modalities to address many issues. Please visit our webpage at www.barcelonacounseling.org
(503) 308-7483 View (503) 308-7483
Photo of Masyn Clark, Pre-Licensed Professional in Beaverton, OR
Masyn Clark
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Beaverton, OR 97005
I’m now accepting individual clients interested in exploring any of these areas; depression, anxiety, gender, sexuality or neurodivergence.
My name is Masyn, I am completing my clinical hours for my Marriage and Family Therapy degree. I provide individual, couples and family counseling. My passion lies in working with children and adolescents. My professional background includes expertise working with neurodivergent individuals and their families. My approach to therapy is collaborative. With your knowledge of yourself and my knowledge of the therapeutic process we can work together to create a way forward through feeling stuck, lonely, confused and misunderstood.
I’m now accepting individual clients interested in exploring any of these areas; depression, anxiety, gender, sexuality or neurodivergence.
My name is Masyn, I am completing my clinical hours for my Marriage and Family Therapy degree. I provide individual, couples and family counseling. My passion lies in working with children and adolescents. My professional background includes expertise working with neurodivergent individuals and their families. My approach to therapy is collaborative. With your knowledge of yourself and my knowledge of the therapeutic process we can work together to create a way forward through feeling stuck, lonely, confused and misunderstood.
(971) 365-4697 View (971) 365-4697
Photo of Lorena Scott, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Beaverton, OR
Lorena Scott
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Beaverton, OR 97005  (Online Only)
You're tired of the struggle. You want the pain and suffering to end so you can have a more satisfying life. The good news is that counseling can help you feel better, have more rewarding relationships and look forward to your future. If you are depressed, anxious, or grieving due to a death or a relationship loss, including the loss of a beloved pet, therapy may be able to help you heal and have more control over your life. Break the rut you're in and be free to enjoy your life. You are the expert to your own life and it would be a great honor and privilege to work together in helping you.
You're tired of the struggle. You want the pain and suffering to end so you can have a more satisfying life. The good news is that counseling can help you feel better, have more rewarding relationships and look forward to your future. If you are depressed, anxious, or grieving due to a death or a relationship loss, including the loss of a beloved pet, therapy may be able to help you heal and have more control over your life. Break the rut you're in and be free to enjoy your life. You are the expert to your own life and it would be a great honor and privilege to work together in helping you.
(971) 224-7605 View (971) 224-7605
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.