Photo of Cherrie Padua, Licensed Professional Counselor in Portland, OR
Cherrie Padua
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97214  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Having the courage to make changes in our lives can be a stressful time. I am here to support you. I believe finding the right therapist is a key part of having a successful and positive therapeutic experience. If you’re looking for strategies to deal with anxiety, depression, stress, or feeling lost or stuck, I am here to provide guidance and space in re-discovering your inner strength and promote healing.
Having the courage to make changes in our lives can be a stressful time. I am here to support you. I believe finding the right therapist is a key part of having a successful and positive therapeutic experience. If you’re looking for strategies to deal with anxiety, depression, stress, or feeling lost or stuck, I am here to provide guidance and space in re-discovering your inner strength and promote healing.
(503) 436-7854 View (503) 436-7854
Photo of Alisha Kelley, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Portland, OR
Alisha Kelley
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97232  (Online Only)
Do you struggle with stress, depression, anxiety? Do you feel overwhelmed, or like you past/ current trauma is keeping your from living your best like? Do you desire to unlearn some of your unhealthy ways of doing things and learn new helpful tactics for everyday situations? If this sounds familiar to you and you are tired of doing the same things and feeling stuck, I would like to help. Therapy is a place where you can establish and reclaim your sense of self and learn to live freely. We will work together to explore behaviors and thought patterns to encourage personal growth.
Do you struggle with stress, depression, anxiety? Do you feel overwhelmed, or like you past/ current trauma is keeping your from living your best like? Do you desire to unlearn some of your unhealthy ways of doing things and learn new helpful tactics for everyday situations? If this sounds familiar to you and you are tired of doing the same things and feeling stuck, I would like to help. Therapy is a place where you can establish and reclaim your sense of self and learn to live freely. We will work together to explore behaviors and thought patterns to encourage personal growth.
(503) 436-6523 View (503) 436-6523
Photo of Angela Guerrero Chapin, Licensed Professional Counselor in Portland, OR
Angela Guerrero Chapin
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC, RYT
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97232
Experience working with people of all ages struggling with anxiety and/or depression.
Do you feel as though you are your own worst enemy? When in the midst of a problem or stressful situation, does it seem like you make matters worse by being self-critical or saying self-defeating things to yourself? When we are going through something painful or difficult to accept, our internal dialogue sometimes becomes judgmental and self-critical, causing us to feel overwhelmed and doubt our ability to manage things on our own. Often we do not notice how the relationship we have with ourselves affects our ability to cope, solve problems, and live the life we want.
Experience working with people of all ages struggling with anxiety and/or depression.
Do you feel as though you are your own worst enemy? When in the midst of a problem or stressful situation, does it seem like you make matters worse by being self-critical or saying self-defeating things to yourself? When we are going through something painful or difficult to accept, our internal dialogue sometimes becomes judgmental and self-critical, causing us to feel overwhelmed and doubt our ability to manage things on our own. Often we do not notice how the relationship we have with ourselves affects our ability to cope, solve problems, and live the life we want.
(971) 351-4376 View (971) 351-4376
Photo of Tamara Jesme, Psychologist in Portland, OR
Tamara Jesme
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97214
My work as a psychotherapist is to help the client develop increased self-awareness about beliefs and behaviors that lead to emotional and psychological distress, such as depression and anxiety.
I believe that much of what we think, feel, and believe is outside of our immediate awareness. Much of the time we think our conscious mind is 'driving the bus' so to speak, yet it is our unconscious that grips the wheel and drives us down roads we have unwittingly been down many times before. We develop beliefs of the self, of others, and of the world in general based on experiences we have earlier in life, often outside of our current awareness. These unexamined beliefs can prevent us from experiencing ourself and others in a healthy and authentic manner.
My work as a psychotherapist is to help the client develop increased self-awareness about beliefs and behaviors that lead to emotional and psychological distress, such as depression and anxiety.
I believe that much of what we think, feel, and believe is outside of our immediate awareness. Much of the time we think our conscious mind is 'driving the bus' so to speak, yet it is our unconscious that grips the wheel and drives us down roads we have unwittingly been down many times before. We develop beliefs of the self, of others, and of the world in general based on experiences we have earlier in life, often outside of our current awareness. These unexamined beliefs can prevent us from experiencing ourself and others in a healthy and authentic manner.
(503) 487-0421 View (503) 487-0421
Photo of Christine G Glenn, Psychologist in Portland, OR
Christine G Glenn
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97219
Everyone needs to talk about their personal concerns, emotions, and life challenges. At times, it is best to talk to someone who is not a friend or family member. I provide a place and process for these personal conversations. I will support you as you resolve old issues and emotional blocks, find new insights and choices, develop new ways of coping and acting. I am interactive and supportive. I work with individuals experiencing stress/anxiety/trauma; depression; childhood and relationship issues; life transitions - divorce, the death of someone important, illness, and transitions of midlife or becoming an elder; ADHD.
Everyone needs to talk about their personal concerns, emotions, and life challenges. At times, it is best to talk to someone who is not a friend or family member. I provide a place and process for these personal conversations. I will support you as you resolve old issues and emotional blocks, find new insights and choices, develop new ways of coping and acting. I am interactive and supportive. I work with individuals experiencing stress/anxiety/trauma; depression; childhood and relationship issues; life transitions - divorce, the death of someone important, illness, and transitions of midlife or becoming an elder; ADHD.
(503) 676-6423 View (503) 676-6423
Photo of Thomas Joseph Doherty, Psychologist in Portland, OR
Thomas Joseph Doherty
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97239
I am a licensed psychologist who provides teletherapy and outdoor walking sessions. My office is in SW Portland. I have a specialty helping people overcome distress about climate change and environmental issues. ** CURRENTLY I ONLY HAVE OPENINGS FOR CLIENTS WITH THIS FOCUS. ** I have a direct, supportive style. I work with adult women, men and couples of diverse backgrounds and orientations. I have 25 years of experience. I also help people with personal growth; reducing anxiety or depression; dealing with losses; improving communication and relationships; and public speaking and job performance.
I am a licensed psychologist who provides teletherapy and outdoor walking sessions. My office is in SW Portland. I have a specialty helping people overcome distress about climate change and environmental issues. ** CURRENTLY I ONLY HAVE OPENINGS FOR CLIENTS WITH THIS FOCUS. ** I have a direct, supportive style. I work with adult women, men and couples of diverse backgrounds and orientations. I have 25 years of experience. I also help people with personal growth; reducing anxiety or depression; dealing with losses; improving communication and relationships; and public speaking and job performance.
(971) 225-0913 View (971) 225-0913
Photo of Daniel Chenoweth, Psychologist in Portland, OR
Daniel Chenoweth
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97221
I specialize in individual therapy which focuses on anxiety, depression, and trauma. My work typically centers around assisting the client to enhance their own awareness capabilities, processing traumatic experiences, exploring core beliefs derived from these experiences, and collaboratively working to undo false narratives which have created the anxiety and mood symptoms bringing them into treatment.
I specialize in individual therapy which focuses on anxiety, depression, and trauma. My work typically centers around assisting the client to enhance their own awareness capabilities, processing traumatic experiences, exploring core beliefs derived from these experiences, and collaboratively working to undo false narratives which have created the anxiety and mood symptoms bringing them into treatment.
(503) 694-9634 View (503) 694-9634
Photo of Emily Lake, Licensed Professional Counselor in Portland, OR
Emily Lake
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, LMHC
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97202
Waitlist for new clients
I help people access their strengths, find clarity within, understand mind-body signals and enjoy an improved sense of fulfillment in life - even in hard times. We look at how individual well-being exists within extensive structures beyond the self. My therapeutic style aligns well with people who are struggling with the overwhelming state of the world, feeling out of touch with their deepest dreams and values, and dealing with stressful life transitions in relationships, work, and beyond. The above scenarios may manifest internally in the form of depression, anxiety, grief, burnout and feeling disconnected from yourself and others.
I help people access their strengths, find clarity within, understand mind-body signals and enjoy an improved sense of fulfillment in life - even in hard times. We look at how individual well-being exists within extensive structures beyond the self. My therapeutic style aligns well with people who are struggling with the overwhelming state of the world, feeling out of touch with their deepest dreams and values, and dealing with stressful life transitions in relationships, work, and beyond. The above scenarios may manifest internally in the form of depression, anxiety, grief, burnout and feeling disconnected from yourself and others.
(503) 743-6346 View (503) 743-6346
Photo of Lucas A. Klein, Psychologist in Portland, OR
Lucas A. Klein
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97223
I provide useful and in-depth psychotherapy in Connecticut, New York, Oregon, & California. People are in a constant developmental process, whereby symptoms are signs of ongoing struggles to sort through past experiences while organizing oneself in present living. Depression, anxiety, & personality traits are markers of this process. Therapy with me would seek to aid in your understanding of how & why you live the way you do, and hopefully lead to change. My hope is that we can find a way for you to live more fully and for problems to be comprehensively understood, formulated and articulated, and resolved in a sustained way.
I provide useful and in-depth psychotherapy in Connecticut, New York, Oregon, & California. People are in a constant developmental process, whereby symptoms are signs of ongoing struggles to sort through past experiences while organizing oneself in present living. Depression, anxiety, & personality traits are markers of this process. Therapy with me would seek to aid in your understanding of how & why you live the way you do, and hopefully lead to change. My hope is that we can find a way for you to live more fully and for problems to be comprehensively understood, formulated and articulated, and resolved in a sustained way.
(503) 208-7881 View (503) 208-7881
Photo of Maria Lytle, Psychologist in Portland, OR
Maria Lytle
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97205
I strongly value my clients’ unique identities and seek to nurture your expression of sexuality, culture, and spirituality. I strive to provide deeply present, imaginative, compassionate and holistic care. My therapeutic interests include, but are not limited to, relationship issues, depression, anxiety, sexual shame and dissatisfaction, racial/ethnic identity, perfectionism, chronic illness and disability, trauma and PTSD. I have special interest and experience in working with Latino clients.
I strongly value my clients’ unique identities and seek to nurture your expression of sexuality, culture, and spirituality. I strive to provide deeply present, imaginative, compassionate and holistic care. My therapeutic interests include, but are not limited to, relationship issues, depression, anxiety, sexual shame and dissatisfaction, racial/ethnic identity, perfectionism, chronic illness and disability, trauma and PTSD. I have special interest and experience in working with Latino clients.
(971) 273-1685 View (971) 273-1685
Photo of Robin L Magdahlen, Licensed Professional Counselor in Portland, OR
Robin L Magdahlen
Licensed Professional Counselor, MFT, RDT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97239
Positive Aging, Senior Life Transitions, Caregivers/Adult Children, Families - Adoption/Divorce/Blended Families, Divorce Coaching, Adult Adoptee/Birth Parent Reunification, Pre-Marital Counseling, EMDR, Depression, Anxiety, Grief/Loss, Crisis Intervention and Stabilization, Substance Abuse, Self Esteem/Personal Growth, Individual and Group Drama Therapy.
My intention for you is to gently but dynamically create opportunities for growth and healing through flexible and creative alternatives to break through old patterns. I like to collaborate with motivated clients who are willing to work to change their lives. My goal is to help you discover your own solutions to your problems and concerns in an environment that is welcoming, empathetic and non-judgmental. I do that by carefully attending to your thoughts and feelings. Although I will offer specific "interventions" I believe that change occurs during therapy when there is strong motivation combined with the quality of our connection.
Positive Aging, Senior Life Transitions, Caregivers/Adult Children, Families - Adoption/Divorce/Blended Families, Divorce Coaching, Adult Adoptee/Birth Parent Reunification, Pre-Marital Counseling, EMDR, Depression, Anxiety, Grief/Loss, Crisis Intervention and Stabilization, Substance Abuse, Self Esteem/Personal Growth, Individual and Group Drama Therapy.
My intention for you is to gently but dynamically create opportunities for growth and healing through flexible and creative alternatives to break through old patterns. I like to collaborate with motivated clients who are willing to work to change their lives. My goal is to help you discover your own solutions to your problems and concerns in an environment that is welcoming, empathetic and non-judgmental. I do that by carefully attending to your thoughts and feelings. Although I will offer specific "interventions" I believe that change occurs during therapy when there is strong motivation combined with the quality of our connection.
(503) 766-5714 View (503) 766-5714
Photo of Maureen A O'Donnell, Licensed Professional Counselor in Portland, OR
Maureen A O'Donnell
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, Jungian, Analyst
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97212
Waitlist for new clients
I specialize in the treatment of depression, anxiety, the aftereffects of trauma, and life-transitions. If you are feeling hopelessness, despair, anger, or lack motivation, you are probably suffering from depression. Excessive worry and fears are signs of anxiety. Symptoms of trauma can include: panic attacks, anxiety, hyper-vigilance, anger, depression, and dissociation.
I specialize in the treatment of depression, anxiety, the aftereffects of trauma, and life-transitions. If you are feeling hopelessness, despair, anger, or lack motivation, you are probably suffering from depression. Excessive worry and fears are signs of anxiety. Symptoms of trauma can include: panic attacks, anxiety, hyper-vigilance, anger, depression, and dissociation.
(503) 880-0966 View (503) 880-0966
Photo of Amy Barrett Lindholm, Licensed Professional Counselor in Portland, OR
Amy Barrett Lindholm
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97239
Waitlist for new clients
My passion is helping people heal and grow through difficult experiences, such as loss, trauma and life stressors. Through over 20 years of working with grief and trauma, I have come to believe in the healing power of sharing our stories. In addition, I believe good counseling helps us move us out of "stuck" patterns of unhelpful coping and into a state of thriving in our relationships, work and life pursuits. I specialize in treating grief and life transitions, but also work extensively with relationship challenges, illness, depression, anxiety, stress and issues related to wellness.
My passion is helping people heal and grow through difficult experiences, such as loss, trauma and life stressors. Through over 20 years of working with grief and trauma, I have come to believe in the healing power of sharing our stories. In addition, I believe good counseling helps us move us out of "stuck" patterns of unhelpful coping and into a state of thriving in our relationships, work and life pursuits. I specialize in treating grief and life transitions, but also work extensively with relationship challenges, illness, depression, anxiety, stress and issues related to wellness.
(503) 563-7499 View (503) 563-7499
Photo of Traci Heward, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Portland, OR
Traci Heward
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CADC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97213
I get it - seeking support isn't always easy. It requires a great deal of courage. Depression, fear, and anxiety are some of the most common and uncomfortable emotions that we can experience in our lives. I help people work through the unrelenting cycle of stress, worry, and shame that comes with anxiety and trauma. Depression can feel like a weight that you're always carrying. Through counseling and treatment, you can recover motivation, perspective, and joy that you once had in your life. Taking a mind-body approach to your care, you can learn the tools that help you move through these issues.
I get it - seeking support isn't always easy. It requires a great deal of courage. Depression, fear, and anxiety are some of the most common and uncomfortable emotions that we can experience in our lives. I help people work through the unrelenting cycle of stress, worry, and shame that comes with anxiety and trauma. Depression can feel like a weight that you're always carrying. Through counseling and treatment, you can recover motivation, perspective, and joy that you once had in your life. Taking a mind-body approach to your care, you can learn the tools that help you move through these issues.
(503) 436-6381 View (503) 436-6381
Photo of Tiffany McCleary, Psychologist in Portland, OR
Tiffany McCleary
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97205
I specialize in helping people who struggle with anxiety, depression, trauma, low self-esteem, relationship difficulties, LGBTQ issues, and parenting challenges.
I integrate current research and traditional approaches to help clients reduce distress, improve daily functioning, and find fulfillment. Many clients I work with benefit from learning specific skills for stress management and interpersonal effectiveness. Others explore broader issues related to clarifying values and personal growth.
I specialize in helping people who struggle with anxiety, depression, trauma, low self-esteem, relationship difficulties, LGBTQ issues, and parenting challenges.
I integrate current research and traditional approaches to help clients reduce distress, improve daily functioning, and find fulfillment. Many clients I work with benefit from learning specific skills for stress management and interpersonal effectiveness. Others explore broader issues related to clarifying values and personal growth.
(503) 894-5807 View (503) 894-5807
Photo of Dr. Dianna Harris (Accepting New Clients), Psychologist in Portland, OR
Dr. Dianna Harris (Accepting New Clients)
Psychologist, PsyD, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97229
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 4/23/24 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 4/23/24 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) 606-4749 View (971) 606-4749
Photo of Cynthia Ferguson, Licensed Professional Counselor in Portland, OR
Cynthia Ferguson
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97213
Her focus is on empowering adult individuals (18+) to cultivate coping skills, adjust to life stressors, depression, anxiety, and recovery from acute traumas and traumatic stress.
I hope you will find a welcome, safe place for healing and growth as we work together. Therapy sessions with me often include techniques from Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR), mindfulness techniques, or Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART). This means that, unlike traditional talk therapy, I often integrate interventions using back-and-forth eye movements to promote resolution from upsetting experiences using ART or EMDR. These approaches are different than hypnosis and are supported by positive outcomes in research studies as well as in my clinical experience.
Her focus is on empowering adult individuals (18+) to cultivate coping skills, adjust to life stressors, depression, anxiety, and recovery from acute traumas and traumatic stress.
I hope you will find a welcome, safe place for healing and growth as we work together. Therapy sessions with me often include techniques from Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR), mindfulness techniques, or Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART). This means that, unlike traditional talk therapy, I often integrate interventions using back-and-forth eye movements to promote resolution from upsetting experiences using ART or EMDR. These approaches are different than hypnosis and are supported by positive outcomes in research studies as well as in my clinical experience.
(503) 470-7911 View (503) 470-7911
Photo of Dr. Dianna Harris (Accepting New Clients), Psychologist in Portland, OR
Dr. Dianna Harris (Accepting New Clients)
Psychologist, PsyD, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97219
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 4/23/24 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 4/23/24 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.
(503) 476-9855 View (503) 476-9855
Photo of Charmaine Read, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Portland, OR
Charmaine Read
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97212  (Online Only)
NOW Accepting new clients! I believe that a good fit and feeling confident with your therapist is the first step in reaching your therapeutic goals. Since 2011, I have worked with a wide array of clients and I have specific experience working with people who experience depression, anxiety, Bipolar, life transitions, stress, self-esteem challenges, women’s issues, trauma, and more. Since everyone is different, I utilize a variety of approaches to help people attain the life they desire and deserve. These include but are not limited to CBT, DBT, EMDR, mindfulness, and solution focused therapy.
NOW Accepting new clients! I believe that a good fit and feeling confident with your therapist is the first step in reaching your therapeutic goals. Since 2011, I have worked with a wide array of clients and I have specific experience working with people who experience depression, anxiety, Bipolar, life transitions, stress, self-esteem challenges, women’s issues, trauma, and more. Since everyone is different, I utilize a variety of approaches to help people attain the life they desire and deserve. These include but are not limited to CBT, DBT, EMDR, mindfulness, and solution focused therapy.
(503) 782-5165 View (503) 782-5165
Photo of L. Rebecca Propst, Psychologist in Portland, OR
L. Rebecca Propst
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97219  (Online Only)
I have found having a safe place where you can feel, express and work on painful emotions can increase your resiliency over anxiety, depression, and create fuller relationships.
Life can hurt. Set-backs, emotional pain, social awkwardness, fear of anger, shame or rejection can block that which we desire most-loving nurturing relationships, affirmation from others, and self-valuing. I have been helping individuals and couples better achieve those desires for 40+ years. I bring a long history of a variety of skills to a mutually created process.
I have found having a safe place where you can feel, express and work on painful emotions can increase your resiliency over anxiety, depression, and create fuller relationships.
Life can hurt. Set-backs, emotional pain, social awkwardness, fear of anger, shame or rejection can block that which we desire most-loving nurturing relationships, affirmation from others, and self-valuing. I have been helping individuals and couples better achieve those desires for 40+ years. I bring a long history of a variety of skills to a mutually created process.
(503) 542-9730 View (503) 542-9730
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.