Photo of Carly Ellman, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Jenkintown, PA
Carly Ellman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CSTS
Verified Verified
Jenkintown, PA 19046  (Online Only)
I am experienced in assisting clients make life changes and manage symptoms of anxiety and depression.
I am a seasoned psychotherapist with over 17 years of experience providing assistance to clients with anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, life transitions, trauma issues, eating disorders and postpartum depression. I work with children(5 and up), adolescents(ages 11 and up), young adults, couples, families and women. As a licensed clinical social worker I believe in focusing on all aspects of a person's well being; mental, physical, financial and social. I have a Masters degree in Social Work, Certified Shame-Informed Treatment Specialist, and pursuing PhD in Strategic Leadership and Administrative Studies.
I am experienced in assisting clients make life changes and manage symptoms of anxiety and depression.
I am a seasoned psychotherapist with over 17 years of experience providing assistance to clients with anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, life transitions, trauma issues, eating disorders and postpartum depression. I work with children(5 and up), adolescents(ages 11 and up), young adults, couples, families and women. As a licensed clinical social worker I believe in focusing on all aspects of a person's well being; mental, physical, financial and social. I have a Masters degree in Social Work, Certified Shame-Informed Treatment Specialist, and pursuing PhD in Strategic Leadership and Administrative Studies.
(914) 344-6239 View (914) 344-6239
Photo of Emily Salkever-Scott, Licensed Professional Counselor in Jenkintown, PA
Emily Salkever-Scott
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Jenkintown, PA 19046  (Online Only)
Hi! Thanks for stopping by, I am so glad that you are here & taking time to think about helping yourself &/or a loved one. Are you stressed, worried, feeling stuck, depressed, struggling with difficult emotions or a transition? My goal is to support you on this part of your Journey. Together, let’s find peace, purpose, self-compassion, joy, positive energy, & more reasons to hope. We all need support sometimes—me too! In therapy, I am Person-Centered & incorporate breathing, mindfulness, education, walking, nature, and the wisdom that lies within you. Because, no one knows you better than you! I look forward to meeting you soon.
Hi! Thanks for stopping by, I am so glad that you are here & taking time to think about helping yourself &/or a loved one. Are you stressed, worried, feeling stuck, depressed, struggling with difficult emotions or a transition? My goal is to support you on this part of your Journey. Together, let’s find peace, purpose, self-compassion, joy, positive energy, & more reasons to hope. We all need support sometimes—me too! In therapy, I am Person-Centered & incorporate breathing, mindfulness, education, walking, nature, and the wisdom that lies within you. Because, no one knows you better than you! I look forward to meeting you soon.
(484) 509-9821 View (484) 509-9821
Photo of Su Siegelman, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Jenkintown, PA
Su Siegelman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Jenkintown, PA 19046
Depressed? Anxious? Coping with trauma? You deserve good support and guidance, especially if your situation is complex and your feelings are intense. It is important to have a therapist who is experienced, compassionate, and skilled. I have years of success helping people move from surviving to thriving. Let's work together to improve your life and increase your well-being.
Depressed? Anxious? Coping with trauma? You deserve good support and guidance, especially if your situation is complex and your feelings are intense. It is important to have a therapist who is experienced, compassionate, and skilled. I have years of success helping people move from surviving to thriving. Let's work together to improve your life and increase your well-being.
(267) 202-0960 View (267) 202-0960
Photo of The Center for Family Empowerment in Jenkintown, PA
The Center for Family Empowerment
MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Jenkintown, PA 19046
Do you have a child or teen struggling with big emotions or fitting in with peers? Anxiety, depression, or self-harm? Self-esteem, confidence, or body image? Maybe something at home feels off, communication is lacking, frustrations are running high, and you're feeling lost as to the next best steps. As a team of highly specialized and skilled clinicians with extensive experience working with tweens, teens, and families in a variety of settings, we are equipped to support you as an individual, or your child, your teen, and your family.
Do you have a child or teen struggling with big emotions or fitting in with peers? Anxiety, depression, or self-harm? Self-esteem, confidence, or body image? Maybe something at home feels off, communication is lacking, frustrations are running high, and you're feeling lost as to the next best steps. As a team of highly specialized and skilled clinicians with extensive experience working with tweens, teens, and families in a variety of settings, we are equipped to support you as an individual, or your child, your teen, and your family.
(215) 613-4758 View (215) 613-4758
Photo of Maureen Foy-Tornay, Licensed Professional Counselor in Jenkintown, PA
Maureen Foy-Tornay
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, ATR, LPC, CTHM
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Jenkintown, PA 19046
Are you increasingly anxious, thinking about the past and worried about the future while unable to focus on today? Our sessions can offer you the hope and time you need to gain perspective. I have extensive experience working with young adults, college students & couples in inpatient, and outpatient settings struggling with traumatic events in their lives, stress, adjustment and challenges that require more resilience, relationship issues, depression and anxiety. Sometimes unhelpful addictions were our way of coping and we need support to redirect. I am here for you and ready to help.
Are you increasingly anxious, thinking about the past and worried about the future while unable to focus on today? Our sessions can offer you the hope and time you need to gain perspective. I have extensive experience working with young adults, college students & couples in inpatient, and outpatient settings struggling with traumatic events in their lives, stress, adjustment and challenges that require more resilience, relationship issues, depression and anxiety. Sometimes unhelpful addictions were our way of coping and we need support to redirect. I am here for you and ready to help.
(267) 633-8878 View (267) 633-8878
Photo of Cindy N. Ariel, Psychologist in Jenkintown, PA
Cindy N. Ariel
Psychologist
Verified Verified
Jenkintown, PA 19046  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
A supportive, respectful, and trusting relationship between you and your therapist is the most important element in the effectiveness of therapy. I offer an alternative to large, impersonal mental health settings, and a personalized approach that encompasses current evidence-based and traditional treatment. I work primarily with individuals and couples who are struggling with life's difficulties. My personal specialties include relationship issues, anxiety, depression and grieving. My book, Loving Someone with Asperger's Syndrome: Understanding and Connecting with Your Partner, was released in 2012.
A supportive, respectful, and trusting relationship between you and your therapist is the most important element in the effectiveness of therapy. I offer an alternative to large, impersonal mental health settings, and a personalized approach that encompasses current evidence-based and traditional treatment. I work primarily with individuals and couples who are struggling with life's difficulties. My personal specialties include relationship issues, anxiety, depression and grieving. My book, Loving Someone with Asperger's Syndrome: Understanding and Connecting with Your Partner, was released in 2012.
(215) 592-1333 x1 View (215) 592-1333 x1
Photo of Derek Rose, Pre-Licensed Professional in Jenkintown, PA
Derek Rose
Pre-Licensed Professional, MS
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Jenkintown, PA 19046
—Accepting New Clients In-Person or Virtual; Text or Call to Schedule Free Consult— Anxiety, depression, grief, relationship conflict, trauma responses...these are symptoms of underlying pain and fracturing that can be healed. You might know the origin, such as an acute loss or trauma, or maybe you have no idea why you feel lonely, on edge, misunderstood, or unable to face life transitions. It's a common experience to feel disconnected, even from yourself, and while I believe you're the only one who can ultimately make yourself whole, you don't have to find the way alone.
—Accepting New Clients In-Person or Virtual; Text or Call to Schedule Free Consult— Anxiety, depression, grief, relationship conflict, trauma responses...these are symptoms of underlying pain and fracturing that can be healed. You might know the origin, such as an acute loss or trauma, or maybe you have no idea why you feel lonely, on edge, misunderstood, or unable to face life transitions. It's a common experience to feel disconnected, even from yourself, and while I believe you're the only one who can ultimately make yourself whole, you don't have to find the way alone.
(215) 315-7964 View (215) 315-7964
Photo of Steven Adelman, Psychologist in Jenkintown, PA
Steven Adelman
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Jenkintown, PA 19046  (Online Only)
I find it deeply rewarding to help people decrease the suffering in their lives and move toward greater fulfillment. Working together, we would identify and develop your strengths, remove obstacles, and build skills to reach your goals. Cognitive-behavioral (CBT) and in-depth approaches such as IFS are especially useful in my work. I have an expertise in anxiety based problems, as well as with relationship concerns and depression. My style is interactive. Clients find that I create a warm environment of acceptance, insight and compassion in which people feel safe to take risks to explore themselves and to learn new skills.
I find it deeply rewarding to help people decrease the suffering in their lives and move toward greater fulfillment. Working together, we would identify and develop your strengths, remove obstacles, and build skills to reach your goals. Cognitive-behavioral (CBT) and in-depth approaches such as IFS are especially useful in my work. I have an expertise in anxiety based problems, as well as with relationship concerns and depression. My style is interactive. Clients find that I create a warm environment of acceptance, insight and compassion in which people feel safe to take risks to explore themselves and to learn new skills.
(484) 371-3092 View (484) 371-3092
Photo of Dr Robin Lowey & Associates Psychological Svcs, Psychologist in Jenkintown, PA
Dr Robin Lowey & Associates Psychological Svcs
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Jenkintown, PA 19046
Dr. Robin Lowey & Associates is a group psychology practice where experienced clinicians have been offering therapy and assessment services in Philadelphia and the surrounding areas for over 30 years. We provide psychotherapy, medication management, and psychological evaluations. The therapists at Dr. Robin Lowey & Associates have differing educational backgrounds and therapeutic styles, but the common theme is that we are all focused on heightening each client's overall happiness. We see the pain caused by depression, anxiety, trauma, or relationship turmoil as an opportunity for growth and change.
Dr. Robin Lowey & Associates is a group psychology practice where experienced clinicians have been offering therapy and assessment services in Philadelphia and the surrounding areas for over 30 years. We provide psychotherapy, medication management, and psychological evaluations. The therapists at Dr. Robin Lowey & Associates have differing educational backgrounds and therapeutic styles, but the common theme is that we are all focused on heightening each client's overall happiness. We see the pain caused by depression, anxiety, trauma, or relationship turmoil as an opportunity for growth and change.
(215) 839-1259 View (215) 839-1259
Photo of Zakia S. Williams, Pre-Licensed Professional in Jenkintown, PA
Zakia S. Williams
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA
Verified Verified
Jenkintown, PA 19046  (Online Only)
Alleviating anxiety and depression symptoms can change your life.
Are you an individual or couple that are new to therapy? Wouldn't you love to embark on a journey to discover your true self and/or develop meaningful relationships with the significant people in your life? We are all inundated with "shoulds" or conditioned to fulfill other people's expectations. Identifying and accepting your true self will help shed anxiety and overcome depressive symptoms. I understand the importance of living a fulfilling life, and I am here to help you achieve that. Together, we can work toward setting realistic & achievable goals that will bring you happiness and satisfaction.
Alleviating anxiety and depression symptoms can change your life.
Are you an individual or couple that are new to therapy? Wouldn't you love to embark on a journey to discover your true self and/or develop meaningful relationships with the significant people in your life? We are all inundated with "shoulds" or conditioned to fulfill other people's expectations. Identifying and accepting your true self will help shed anxiety and overcome depressive symptoms. I understand the importance of living a fulfilling life, and I am here to help you achieve that. Together, we can work toward setting realistic & achievable goals that will bring you happiness and satisfaction.
(215) 458-5756 View (215) 458-5756
Photo of Noel Diorio, Marriage & Family Therapist in Jenkintown, PA
Noel Diorio
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Jenkintown, PA 19046  (Online Only)
Chrysalis Psychotherapy for Women specializes in treating professional women interested in understanding themselves better to improve their relationships, change unhealthy patterns and ultimately discover their highest potential. I specialize in working with individuals who struggle with self-injury (cutting, burning and picking of skin) self-esteem issues, anger, trauma, anxiety, depression, and couples counseling. I help clients to develop cognitive behavioral tools in combination with relaxation techniques to help manage symptoms, expand functioning and develop new strategies for moving forward in their lives. I am also an AAMFT approved supervisor offering case consultation and supervision to therapists working towards licensure.
Chrysalis Psychotherapy for Women specializes in treating professional women interested in understanding themselves better to improve their relationships, change unhealthy patterns and ultimately discover their highest potential. I specialize in working with individuals who struggle with self-injury (cutting, burning and picking of skin) self-esteem issues, anger, trauma, anxiety, depression, and couples counseling. I help clients to develop cognitive behavioral tools in combination with relaxation techniques to help manage symptoms, expand functioning and develop new strategies for moving forward in their lives. I am also an AAMFT approved supervisor offering case consultation and supervision to therapists working towards licensure.
(215) 839-1145 View (215) 839-1145
Photo of Allison Brunner, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Jenkintown, PA
Allison Brunner
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Jenkintown, PA 19046  (Online Only)
With 16+ years of experience in psychotherapy and coaching other therapists, I'll help you to alleviate anxiety and depression; navigate emotions confidently; boost self-compassion and self-esteem; set healthy boundaries; and improve relationships that are supportive of you while caring for yourself enough to walk away from those that are not.
You who are highly sensitive and feel a lot, welcome! You'll explore more deeply with me than in traditional talk therapy. You’ve likely tried psychotherapy before but have noticed that the work has either gone nowhere or taken you only so far, or you felt misunderstood. With an uncanny and intuitive ability to really “get” people from many walks of life, I will invite you to go beneath your thoughts, connect with your body and emotions, and gently access the root of your emotional discomfort and hurts to facilitate noticeable shifts with each session.
With 16+ years of experience in psychotherapy and coaching other therapists, I'll help you to alleviate anxiety and depression; navigate emotions confidently; boost self-compassion and self-esteem; set healthy boundaries; and improve relationships that are supportive of you while caring for yourself enough to walk away from those that are not.
You who are highly sensitive and feel a lot, welcome! You'll explore more deeply with me than in traditional talk therapy. You’ve likely tried psychotherapy before but have noticed that the work has either gone nowhere or taken you only so far, or you felt misunderstood. With an uncanny and intuitive ability to really “get” people from many walks of life, I will invite you to go beneath your thoughts, connect with your body and emotions, and gently access the root of your emotional discomfort and hurts to facilitate noticeable shifts with each session.
(215) 274-0820 View (215) 274-0820
Photo of Lillian Towner, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Jenkintown, PA
Lillian Towner
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Jenkintown, PA 19046  (Online Only)
If you're looking for a therapist because of depression, anxiety, stress, or difficulty adapting to a new season in life whether that's related to work, school, relationships, parenting, loss/grief, or a new medical diagnosis, I am here to help. I view therapy as a safe, non-biased, and non-judgmental place to express your thoughts and feelings. A place where one can seek clarity, peace, and healing.
If you're looking for a therapist because of depression, anxiety, stress, or difficulty adapting to a new season in life whether that's related to work, school, relationships, parenting, loss/grief, or a new medical diagnosis, I am here to help. I view therapy as a safe, non-biased, and non-judgmental place to express your thoughts and feelings. A place where one can seek clarity, peace, and healing.
(484) 376-5406 View (484) 376-5406
Photo of Julie Solomon, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Jenkintown, PA
Julie Solomon, LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSS, LCSW
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Jenkintown, PA 19046
Do you struggle with trusting others or with feelings of not being "enough"? Do you experience negative, unhelpful thought loops? Therapy is an invaluable space where you can begin to investigate all the parts of yourself and begin to heal and thrive. I specialize in treating adults with anxiety, depression, and symptoms of PTSD, particularly resulting from interpersonal trauma, through attachment focused EMDR. I will hold space for your pain and help you connect to the best version of self. I can help you to increase your sense of calm, decrease anxious and depressive symptoms and change unhelpful beliefs and thought patterns.
Do you struggle with trusting others or with feelings of not being "enough"? Do you experience negative, unhelpful thought loops? Therapy is an invaluable space where you can begin to investigate all the parts of yourself and begin to heal and thrive. I specialize in treating adults with anxiety, depression, and symptoms of PTSD, particularly resulting from interpersonal trauma, through attachment focused EMDR. I will hold space for your pain and help you connect to the best version of self. I can help you to increase your sense of calm, decrease anxious and depressive symptoms and change unhelpful beliefs and thought patterns.
(267) 536-4954 View (267) 536-4954
Photo of Mark Edward Walthofer, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Jenkintown, PA
Mark Edward Walthofer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Jenkintown, PA 19046
Specializing in, depression, anxiety addiction, grief and addiction, I help individuals navigate complex emotional landscapes.
In today's world, individuals and families often face formidable challenges. As an experienced LCSW, I harness the power of collaboration to navigate these hurdles. For an adult, it might be their spouse. When I treat children, their parents, primary care providers, and the school system all contribute to an exhaustive needs assessment. From this rich tapestry, we weave a bespoke treatment plan that accentuates your inherent positives. With our partnership, I hope we can empower your journey toward becoming your best "you."
Specializing in, depression, anxiety addiction, grief and addiction, I help individuals navigate complex emotional landscapes.
In today's world, individuals and families often face formidable challenges. As an experienced LCSW, I harness the power of collaboration to navigate these hurdles. For an adult, it might be their spouse. When I treat children, their parents, primary care providers, and the school system all contribute to an exhaustive needs assessment. From this rich tapestry, we weave a bespoke treatment plan that accentuates your inherent positives. With our partnership, I hope we can empower your journey toward becoming your best "you."
(267) 627-6298 View (267) 627-6298
Photo of Deborah Pelberg, Marriage & Family Therapist in Jenkintown, PA
Deborah Pelberg
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Jenkintown, PA 19046  (Online Only)
I work with adults who are struggling with anxiety, depression, perinatal mood disorders, infertility, pregnancy and infant loss, parenting, trauma, codependency, couple and family issues.
Are you struggling with a feeling of disconnection from your usual self? Are you constantly overwhelmed, anxious or worried? Feeling angry, alone or isolated? Feeling connected and understood can be difficult when you feel so alone in what you are experiencing. I am committed to helping individuals struggling with emotional challenges of pregnancy, postpartum, infertility and parenthood find their way towards feeling better and restoring their connection with themselves and others who are important to them.
I work with adults who are struggling with anxiety, depression, perinatal mood disorders, infertility, pregnancy and infant loss, parenting, trauma, codependency, couple and family issues.
Are you struggling with a feeling of disconnection from your usual self? Are you constantly overwhelmed, anxious or worried? Feeling angry, alone or isolated? Feeling connected and understood can be difficult when you feel so alone in what you are experiencing. I am committed to helping individuals struggling with emotional challenges of pregnancy, postpartum, infertility and parenthood find their way towards feeling better and restoring their connection with themselves and others who are important to them.
(215) 791-8918 View (215) 791-8918
Photo of Healing Balm Therapy LLC, Licensed Professional Counselor in Jenkintown, PA
Healing Balm Therapy LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LMFT
Verified Verified
Jenkintown, PA 19046
Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression or any other issue, I will help you recognize underlying issues, adjust unproductive thoughts and behaviors, and learn to utilize your strengths to see things in a different, healthier way.
As a Licensed Professional Counselor as well as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, my goal is to help you uncover your true potential and lead a life that is worth celebrating. Past difficulties can't be changed, but we can work together to understand and resolve challenges in your life. Using complementary therapy approaches, we will examine the issues that may be holding you back from experiencing a better and more meaningful life. Looking for extra support and/or guidance through a challenging situation or just ready to move in a new direction? Let's work together on achieving your goals!!
Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression or any other issue, I will help you recognize underlying issues, adjust unproductive thoughts and behaviors, and learn to utilize your strengths to see things in a different, healthier way.
As a Licensed Professional Counselor as well as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, my goal is to help you uncover your true potential and lead a life that is worth celebrating. Past difficulties can't be changed, but we can work together to understand and resolve challenges in your life. Using complementary therapy approaches, we will examine the issues that may be holding you back from experiencing a better and more meaningful life. Looking for extra support and/or guidance through a challenging situation or just ready to move in a new direction? Let's work together on achieving your goals!!
(267) 966-2419 x1 View (267) 966-2419 x1
Photo of Counseling & Assessments, at the SMart Center, Psychologist in Jenkintown, PA
Counseling & Assessments, at the SMart Center
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Jenkintown, PA 19046
Our multi-disciplinary team of professionals have experience in testing autism, anxiety, depression, learning challenges (ADHD, Dyslexia), etc.
Counseling & Assessments is a mental health agency that provides comprehensive clinical assessments and counseling services for a wide range of psychological, developmental and behavioral issues for children, teens and adults. We specialize in both testing individuals as well as offering treatment for an array of mental health challenges.
Our multi-disciplinary team of professionals have experience in testing autism, anxiety, depression, learning challenges (ADHD, Dyslexia), etc.
Counseling & Assessments is a mental health agency that provides comprehensive clinical assessments and counseling services for a wide range of psychological, developmental and behavioral issues for children, teens and adults. We specialize in both testing individuals as well as offering treatment for an array of mental health challenges.
(267) 310-1642 View (267) 310-1642
Photo of Rachel Randazzo, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Jenkintown, PA
Rachel Randazzo
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Jenkintown, PA 19046
Hello, I'm a licensed clinical social worker with a degree from Widener University, Chester, PA. Since 2013, I've had the privilege of working with individuals and families in hospice care, providing support and guidance during end-of-life decisions. I have extensive experience in treating a range of mental health concerns, including but not limited to Alzheimer's, anxiety, bereavement, caregiver stress, chronic medical conditions, crisis therapy and depression.
Hello, I'm a licensed clinical social worker with a degree from Widener University, Chester, PA. Since 2013, I've had the privilege of working with individuals and families in hospice care, providing support and guidance during end-of-life decisions. I have extensive experience in treating a range of mental health concerns, including but not limited to Alzheimer's, anxiety, bereavement, caregiver stress, chronic medical conditions, crisis therapy and depression.
(484) 588-4085 View (484) 588-4085
Photo of Jessica Bonner, Licensed Professional Counselor in Jenkintown, PA
Jessica Bonner
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC, CAADC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Jenkintown, PA 19046
Take a deep breath, close your eyes, unclench your jaw, relax your shoulders. I am so happy you are here! It takes incredible vulnerability to reach out for help & support. I hope you are proud of yourself for taking this first step. Are you struggling with your mental health and/or substance use? Feeling stuck or isolated, depressed or anxious, unfocused or unmotivated? You've reached the right place. This is your space to unwind, vent, work on your mental health, and meet your goals! This is your weekly hour to focus on just YOU.
Take a deep breath, close your eyes, unclench your jaw, relax your shoulders. I am so happy you are here! It takes incredible vulnerability to reach out for help & support. I hope you are proud of yourself for taking this first step. Are you struggling with your mental health and/or substance use? Feeling stuck or isolated, depressed or anxious, unfocused or unmotivated? You've reached the right place. This is your space to unwind, vent, work on your mental health, and meet your goals! This is your weekly hour to focus on just YOU.
(484) 613-3914 View (484) 613-3914
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.