Photo of Brendan McCarthy (Sessions Psychology), Licensed Professional Counselor in Nashville, TN
Brendan McCarthy (Sessions Psychology)
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, MHSP, NCC, CET-II
Verified Verified
Nashville, TN 37216
His scope of practice includes those struggling with anxiety, depression, issues specific to touring artists/musicians/creatives/music business/spouses of touring artists, adjustment issues, and marital difficulties.
Brendan McCarthy is a licensed clinical psychotherapist (LPC-MHSP) in the East Nashville, TN area. Brendan treats a wide variety of mental health issues and works with a broad spectrum of clients. Brendan is the owner and director of the group therapy practice, Sessions Psychology. Sessions is a boutique group therapy practice that is home to a team of elite Nashville therapists. Brendan is a Nationally Certified Counselor, as well as a Certified Experiential Therapist (CET3). Additionally, Brendan is a part of the clinical staff at the nationally recognized Onsite Workshops.
His scope of practice includes those struggling with anxiety, depression, issues specific to touring artists/musicians/creatives/music business/spouses of touring artists, adjustment issues, and marital difficulties.
Brendan McCarthy is a licensed clinical psychotherapist (LPC-MHSP) in the East Nashville, TN area. Brendan treats a wide variety of mental health issues and works with a broad spectrum of clients. Brendan is the owner and director of the group therapy practice, Sessions Psychology. Sessions is a boutique group therapy practice that is home to a team of elite Nashville therapists. Brendan is a Nationally Certified Counselor, as well as a Certified Experiential Therapist (CET3). Additionally, Brendan is a part of the clinical staff at the nationally recognized Onsite Workshops.
(615) 551-1300 View (615) 551-1300
Photo of Tennyson Dodd, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Nashville, TN
Tennyson Dodd
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Nashville, TN 37215
If you find yourself struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, or relational difficulties, I may be able to help you work through this distress. At some point in life, many people find themselves striving to understand and integrate difficult events or areas of their lives. Having a clinician to talk with can help you heal, adapt, and grow.
If you find yourself struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, or relational difficulties, I may be able to help you work through this distress. At some point in life, many people find themselves striving to understand and integrate difficult events or areas of their lives. Having a clinician to talk with can help you heal, adapt, and grow.
(615) 285-5549 View (615) 285-5549
Photo of James Alan Boehm, Licensed Professional Counselor in Nashville, TN
James Alan Boehm
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, NCC, LPC, MHSP
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37209
Are you ready to transform depression and anxiety into hope and calm? Would support from an ally promote positive changes in your life? It takes courage to ask for help, but the rewards for doing so can lead to a lifetime of fulfillment. Take control of your life and do not let your circumstances control you! Working together as a team, we will cultivate growth by understanding the obstacles that you face. Together, we will develop solutions that will help you gain control of your life and achieve your goals. Ultimately, therapy can lead you to greater self-awareness, self-esteem, and most importantly, a more fulfilling life.
Are you ready to transform depression and anxiety into hope and calm? Would support from an ally promote positive changes in your life? It takes courage to ask for help, but the rewards for doing so can lead to a lifetime of fulfillment. Take control of your life and do not let your circumstances control you! Working together as a team, we will cultivate growth by understanding the obstacles that you face. Together, we will develop solutions that will help you gain control of your life and achieve your goals. Ultimately, therapy can lead you to greater self-awareness, self-esteem, and most importantly, a more fulfilling life.
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Photo of Vanessa Brown, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Nashville, TN
Vanessa Brown
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Nashville, TN 37215
Being a human is hard. Reaching out is hard. Needing a safe and accepting space with a compassionate person who will walk with you on your journey is a basic need of every human. I work with adults with issues such as depression, anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, mood disorders, self-esteem, life transitions, and stress. Working with women's issues, LGBTQ+, infertility and creating families through IVF/donors/other non-traditional routes, and supporting families of those with mental illness are also passions of mine.
Being a human is hard. Reaching out is hard. Needing a safe and accepting space with a compassionate person who will walk with you on your journey is a basic need of every human. I work with adults with issues such as depression, anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, mood disorders, self-esteem, life transitions, and stress. Working with women's issues, LGBTQ+, infertility and creating families through IVF/donors/other non-traditional routes, and supporting families of those with mental illness are also passions of mine.
(615) 205-8294 View (615) 205-8294
Photo of Nashville BrainCore Therapy in Nashville, TN
Nashville BrainCore Therapy
DC
Verified Verified
Nashville, TN 37214
Nashville BrainCore provides a unique, drugless, painless, noninvasive approach to treating brainwave dysregulation associated with symptoms of many neurological-based conditions like Anxiety, Depression, Insomnia, Memory Loss, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Panic Attacks, Autism, Post-Stroke, Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Traumatic Brain Injury (e.g. Concussions), and many more. The relaxing and therapeutic treatment involves our Neurofeedback Practitioner, first, identifying the brainwave dysregulation with a noninvasive and painless brainwave analysis, and then determining a proper treatment plan that is tailored to your needs.
Nashville BrainCore provides a unique, drugless, painless, noninvasive approach to treating brainwave dysregulation associated with symptoms of many neurological-based conditions like Anxiety, Depression, Insomnia, Memory Loss, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Panic Attacks, Autism, Post-Stroke, Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Traumatic Brain Injury (e.g. Concussions), and many more. The relaxing and therapeutic treatment involves our Neurofeedback Practitioner, first, identifying the brainwave dysregulation with a noninvasive and painless brainwave analysis, and then determining a proper treatment plan that is tailored to your needs.
(615) 374-7125 View (615) 374-7125
Photo of Dustin Harryman in Nashville, TN
Dustin Harryman
MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37204
Growing up in rural Tennessee, I have seen and experienced many of the issues that our communities face and have focused my career on helping people work through those everyday problems. Potential clients for me may be experiencing symptoms of Anxiety, Depression, or Burnout. A history of Trauma or Substance Use may have you feeling stuck in the mud, or perhaps there are pieces of your identity such as ADHD, Autism, Spiritual, or Gender/Sexual identity that have posed their own set of challenges in feeling accepted in the world. Whatever you may be experiencing, it’s important to remember: you are worth the effort to create change.
Growing up in rural Tennessee, I have seen and experienced many of the issues that our communities face and have focused my career on helping people work through those everyday problems. Potential clients for me may be experiencing symptoms of Anxiety, Depression, or Burnout. A history of Trauma or Substance Use may have you feeling stuck in the mud, or perhaps there are pieces of your identity such as ADHD, Autism, Spiritual, or Gender/Sexual identity that have posed their own set of challenges in feeling accepted in the world. Whatever you may be experiencing, it’s important to remember: you are worth the effort to create change.
(615) 703-3056 View (615) 703-3056
Photo of David Pearl, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Nashville, TN
David Pearl
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37205
I specialize in elite professionals, couples working on their relationship, and individuals who suffer from anxiety and depression.
People's lives are full of change, transitions and evolving relationships. It is natural to feel ungrounded or stressed during these transitions. Whether you are depressed, anxious, or experiencing challenges in your relationships, my aim is to provide a safe and supportive environment to facilitate exploration and strengthen self esteem and relationships with family, friends or professional colleagues. My approach as a psychotherapist is non-judgmental, value-based, and practical. I am an active therapist who is dedicated to helping people live their best lives.
I specialize in elite professionals, couples working on their relationship, and individuals who suffer from anxiety and depression.
People's lives are full of change, transitions and evolving relationships. It is natural to feel ungrounded or stressed during these transitions. Whether you are depressed, anxious, or experiencing challenges in your relationships, my aim is to provide a safe and supportive environment to facilitate exploration and strengthen self esteem and relationships with family, friends or professional colleagues. My approach as a psychotherapist is non-judgmental, value-based, and practical. I am an active therapist who is dedicated to helping people live their best lives.
(615) 697-4750 View (615) 697-4750
Photo of Jeffrey L Binder, Psychologist in Nashville, TN
Jeffrey L Binder
Psychologist, PhD, ABPP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37221  (Online Only)
I specialize in treating relationship problems, anxiety and depression, personality disorders, traumas, life challenges, career issues in the professions, arts and entertainment, and business, and other life challenges.
With over 45 years in clinical practice, treating a wide variety of issues, I appreciate that each person has a unique personal story. I believe that remaining current with relevant scientific findings enhances my clinical work. I also believe that training young therapists at four universities has sharpened my thinking about how to understand each individual, as well as improving my skills in conducting therapy. Over a decade of doing psychotherapy research has deepened my understanding about how psychotherapy works. I tailor my therapeutic approach to your personal situation. We will work together to resolve your problems.
I specialize in treating relationship problems, anxiety and depression, personality disorders, traumas, life challenges, career issues in the professions, arts and entertainment, and business, and other life challenges.
With over 45 years in clinical practice, treating a wide variety of issues, I appreciate that each person has a unique personal story. I believe that remaining current with relevant scientific findings enhances my clinical work. I also believe that training young therapists at four universities has sharpened my thinking about how to understand each individual, as well as improving my skills in conducting therapy. Over a decade of doing psychotherapy research has deepened my understanding about how psychotherapy works. I tailor my therapeutic approach to your personal situation. We will work together to resolve your problems.
(615) 857-6686 View (615) 857-6686
Photo of KBR Serenity Mind, Body Practice , Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Nashville, TN
KBR Serenity Mind, Body Practice
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Nashville, TN 37206  (Online Only)
I have a diverse range of experience in working with those who have been exposed to trauma, depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder.
Greetings! I'm Karen Roberts, a licensed clinical social worker with over 25 years of experience in working with individuals, families, and groups in community. In therapy, my approach is to meet you where you are on your journey and collaborate towards achieving your goals. By envisioning what changes you desire in your life, you have already taken the first step. Perhaps you aim to be more vibrant, energetic, decisive, and purposeful. Imagine the possibilities if you could tap into these qualities. What would your life look like and how would you feel?
I have a diverse range of experience in working with those who have been exposed to trauma, depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder.
Greetings! I'm Karen Roberts, a licensed clinical social worker with over 25 years of experience in working with individuals, families, and groups in community. In therapy, my approach is to meet you where you are on your journey and collaborate towards achieving your goals. By envisioning what changes you desire in your life, you have already taken the first step. Perhaps you aim to be more vibrant, energetic, decisive, and purposeful. Imagine the possibilities if you could tap into these qualities. What would your life look like and how would you feel?
(615) 492-3396 View (615) 492-3396
Photo of J. Gregory Briggs, Ph.D., LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist in Nashville, TN
J. Gregory Briggs, Ph.D., LMFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37203
My areas of research and special clinical interest include marriage and health, research informed clinical practice, couple therapy, trauma, sex therapy, parenting issues, mood disorders, anxiety, depression, and substance abuse.
My private practice is different than most therapy practices. First, my personal practice is small. My role as President of The Briggs Institute, Inc. allows me to limit my caseload size. This assures that my clients receive the attention they deserve. Second, my experience in academia places me at the forefront of the field of marriage and family therapy. This means that my practice is informed by scientific research that most private practice therapists can't easily access.
My areas of research and special clinical interest include marriage and health, research informed clinical practice, couple therapy, trauma, sex therapy, parenting issues, mood disorders, anxiety, depression, and substance abuse.
My private practice is different than most therapy practices. First, my personal practice is small. My role as President of The Briggs Institute, Inc. allows me to limit my caseload size. This assures that my clients receive the attention they deserve. Second, my experience in academia places me at the forefront of the field of marriage and family therapy. This means that my practice is informed by scientific research that most private practice therapists can't easily access.
(615) 593-3999 View (615) 593-3999
Photo of Alexis Orashen, Pre-Licensed Professional in Nashville, TN
Alexis Orashen
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37205
I specialize in trauma, anxiety, and depression, and excited to work with all individuals seeking care.
Hello! I am so glad that you are here. My name is Alexis and I am a Counseling Intern at Works Counseling Center. I am excited to work with individuals who are looking for a change. I enjoy collaborating with clients who want to take control of current struggles. Together, we will make and assess personal goals, talk through hardships, and plan for the future. I am open to working with all ages: children, young adults, and adults.
I specialize in trauma, anxiety, and depression, and excited to work with all individuals seeking care.
Hello! I am so glad that you are here. My name is Alexis and I am a Counseling Intern at Works Counseling Center. I am excited to work with individuals who are looking for a change. I enjoy collaborating with clients who want to take control of current struggles. Together, we will make and assess personal goals, talk through hardships, and plan for the future. I am open to working with all ages: children, young adults, and adults.
(615) 857-5472 View (615) 857-5472
Photo of Angela Hart, Counselor in Nashville, TN
Angela Hart
Counselor, LPC, MHSP
Verified Verified
Nashville, TN 37212
Areas of interest include: relational dilemmas, depression, stress and anxiety; spirituality, childhood abuse, trauma, neglect and/or maladaptive behaviors/coping skills.
I've been in private practice for over 15 years and enjoy diversity in my office. My approach is really dependent on my clients unique needs. I would describe myself as caring and direct and have been told by my clients that my challenges to them are as beneficial as my empathy towards them. My hope is to sit with people in a focused, loving and generative way, helping my clients move towards a deeper sense of vitality, self-awareness and authenticity.
Areas of interest include: relational dilemmas, depression, stress and anxiety; spirituality, childhood abuse, trauma, neglect and/or maladaptive behaviors/coping skills.
I've been in private practice for over 15 years and enjoy diversity in my office. My approach is really dependent on my clients unique needs. I would describe myself as caring and direct and have been told by my clients that my challenges to them are as beneficial as my empathy towards them. My hope is to sit with people in a focused, loving and generative way, helping my clients move towards a deeper sense of vitality, self-awareness and authenticity.
(615) 669-0945 View (615) 669-0945
Photo of Christa R Campbell, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Nashville, TN
Christa R Campbell
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37216
My focus is on helping people who struggle with depression, anxiety, anger, trauma, grief, transitions, mood issues, ADHD, recovery and others.
I am a licensed clinical therapist and have practiced in the Nashville area for over 12 years. I enjoy working in a career that allows me to help people through the challenges they are facing. My goal is to walk along-side my clients, partnering with them to find their own strengths and a balance that helps them live a more satisfying life. I do this by teaching new skills and using techniques to help people make changes, set goals and move forward toward greater fulfillment.
My focus is on helping people who struggle with depression, anxiety, anger, trauma, grief, transitions, mood issues, ADHD, recovery and others.
I am a licensed clinical therapist and have practiced in the Nashville area for over 12 years. I enjoy working in a career that allows me to help people through the challenges they are facing. My goal is to walk along-side my clients, partnering with them to find their own strengths and a balance that helps them live a more satisfying life. I do this by teaching new skills and using techniques to help people make changes, set goals and move forward toward greater fulfillment.
(615) 490-0991 View (615) 490-0991
Photo of Kirbie L Anderson, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Nashville, TN
Kirbie L Anderson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37215  (Online Only)
If you are looking for an empathic therapist who can assist you in overcoming new or recurring obstacles in the areas of personal and family relationships, work or career achievement, or emotional distress accompanied by anxiety or depression, please contact me.
Congratulations on surviving the worst days of your life, now let me help you process them and move forward. I feel that everyone no matter, age, race, or sexual orientation deserves quality services. My job is to empower you to process, heal, and move forward with living your best life. As a social worker, I have a holistic approach to engaging my clients and an understanding how psychosocial stressors affects the process of healing. As a trained therapist in evidenced based practices, I have the ability to provide array of treatment models that are most effective in promoting change and reaching your desired outcome.
If you are looking for an empathic therapist who can assist you in overcoming new or recurring obstacles in the areas of personal and family relationships, work or career achievement, or emotional distress accompanied by anxiety or depression, please contact me.
Congratulations on surviving the worst days of your life, now let me help you process them and move forward. I feel that everyone no matter, age, race, or sexual orientation deserves quality services. My job is to empower you to process, heal, and move forward with living your best life. As a social worker, I have a holistic approach to engaging my clients and an understanding how psychosocial stressors affects the process of healing. As a trained therapist in evidenced based practices, I have the ability to provide array of treatment models that are most effective in promoting change and reaching your desired outcome.
(615) 551-4755 View (615) 551-4755
Photo of Paige Holliman, Counselor in Nashville, TN
Paige Holliman
Counselor, MEd, MTS, LPC, MHSP
Verified Verified
Nashville, TN 37204
My work is psychodynamically oriented, which means that I am interested in how early life and family of origin issues impact current life relationships and events. I work with both individuals and couples. I also work with people of color. I have a general practice that includes people dealing with depression, anxiety, relationship problems, low self-esteem, trauma, work related stress, sexual identity, gender identity, religious issues, etc.
My work is psychodynamically oriented, which means that I am interested in how early life and family of origin issues impact current life relationships and events. I work with both individuals and couples. I also work with people of color. I have a general practice that includes people dealing with depression, anxiety, relationship problems, low self-esteem, trauma, work related stress, sexual identity, gender identity, religious issues, etc.
(615) 745-1211 View (615) 745-1211
Photo of Seema Patel, Licensed Professional Counselor in Nashville, TN
Seema Patel
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS
Verified Verified
Nashville, TN 37220
I work with individuals ages 16+ from all different backgrounds who are seeking healing from trauma, relationship conflict, family of origin issues, life transitions, cultural identity, anxiety, depression, and other difficult life experiences.
I seek to destigmatize mental healthcare for all populations and provide a safe space where my clients feel seen and heard to navigate their relationships with themselves and others. As a South Asian American and daughter of immigrants, I have first hand experience of the deep effects that family of origin and cultural conflicts have on your lived experiences. I provide support for my clients in being their authentic selves and help them develop the skills they need to thrive. I want my clients to have an empathetic space to explore their challenges, process their thoughts and emotions, and experience healing.
I work with individuals ages 16+ from all different backgrounds who are seeking healing from trauma, relationship conflict, family of origin issues, life transitions, cultural identity, anxiety, depression, and other difficult life experiences.
I seek to destigmatize mental healthcare for all populations and provide a safe space where my clients feel seen and heard to navigate their relationships with themselves and others. As a South Asian American and daughter of immigrants, I have first hand experience of the deep effects that family of origin and cultural conflicts have on your lived experiences. I provide support for my clients in being their authentic selves and help them develop the skills they need to thrive. I want my clients to have an empathetic space to explore their challenges, process their thoughts and emotions, and experience healing.
(615) 808-8728 View (615) 808-8728
Photo of Olivia Carrie Taylor, Licensed Professional Counselor in Nashville, TN
Olivia Carrie Taylor
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPCMHSP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37214
Olivia has extensive experience working with children and adolescents who have experienced trauma, anxiety, depression and behavioral problems.
Olivia Taylor, LPC-MHSP is a licensed clinician at New Directions Wellness Center in Nashville, TN. Olivia has eleven plus years as a therapist specializing in providing therapy for children, adolescents and families. She has previous experience working with family court, DCS, and juvenile corrections. She comes to New Directions after working with children, adolescents, and adults in a community mental health setting for over 2 years.
Olivia has extensive experience working with children and adolescents who have experienced trauma, anxiety, depression and behavioral problems.
Olivia Taylor, LPC-MHSP is a licensed clinician at New Directions Wellness Center in Nashville, TN. Olivia has eleven plus years as a therapist specializing in providing therapy for children, adolescents and families. She has previous experience working with family court, DCS, and juvenile corrections. She comes to New Directions after working with children, adolescents, and adults in a community mental health setting for over 2 years.
(615) 437-9503 View (615) 437-9503
Photo of Kyle Mason, Licensed Professional Counselor in Nashville, TN
Kyle Mason
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MHSP
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37216
I specialize in working with adults experiencing anxiety, OCD, depression, substance misuse, life transitions and relational concerns.
"Do you see me? Do you hear me? Does what I say mean anything to you?" This is something Oprah Winfrey believes every person wants to know, and I couldn't agree more. I am so glad you're here. Reaching out for support can be hard sometimes. Being vulnerable enough to show up for ourselves and allow another person to witness that is a courageous thing. Whether you're here because someone suggested you try therapy, you've been in therapy for decades or you're somewhere in between, I'm ready to listen. And not only am I here to listen, I'm here to support and challenge you to do that hard thing or even finally face that fear.
I specialize in working with adults experiencing anxiety, OCD, depression, substance misuse, life transitions and relational concerns.
"Do you see me? Do you hear me? Does what I say mean anything to you?" This is something Oprah Winfrey believes every person wants to know, and I couldn't agree more. I am so glad you're here. Reaching out for support can be hard sometimes. Being vulnerable enough to show up for ourselves and allow another person to witness that is a courageous thing. Whether you're here because someone suggested you try therapy, you've been in therapy for decades or you're somewhere in between, I'm ready to listen. And not only am I here to listen, I'm here to support and challenge you to do that hard thing or even finally face that fear.
(615) 471-6726 View (615) 471-6726
Photo of Beth Barnard, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Nashville, TN
Beth Barnard
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, ACSW
Verified Verified
Nashville, TN 37205
By curiously hearing and understanding your life story through our professional relationship, I hope to unburden you of your pain and help you remove road blocks which might be keeping you from experiencing greater pleasure. I work with adults ranging in age from 18 through post retirement years and specialize in treating life transitions, relationship concerns, depression, anxiety, trauma, infertility, adoption, postpartum depression, grief, loss, and divorce. I'm sensitive to issues of diversity and inclusion, am interested in working with people from various cultural backgrounds, and am a LGBTQ ally.
By curiously hearing and understanding your life story through our professional relationship, I hope to unburden you of your pain and help you remove road blocks which might be keeping you from experiencing greater pleasure. I work with adults ranging in age from 18 through post retirement years and specialize in treating life transitions, relationship concerns, depression, anxiety, trauma, infertility, adoption, postpartum depression, grief, loss, and divorce. I'm sensitive to issues of diversity and inclusion, am interested in working with people from various cultural backgrounds, and am a LGBTQ ally.
(615) 807-0935 View (615) 807-0935
Photo of Karin Curtiss, Psychologist in Nashville, TN
Karin Curtiss
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Nashville, TN 37209
In my practice I typically work with adults individually (in one-on-one sessions). Many of my clients have experienced problems with mood, particularly anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders. I especially enjoy working with individuals who are needing assistance with difficult relationships, trauma recovery, transitional life issues, and stress management.
In my practice I typically work with adults individually (in one-on-one sessions). Many of my clients have experienced problems with mood, particularly anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders. I especially enjoy working with individuals who are needing assistance with difficult relationships, trauma recovery, transitional life issues, and stress management.
(615) 205-1737 View (615) 205-1737
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.