Depression Therapists in Prince William County, VA

Photo of Esther Romero, Pre-Licensed Professional in Prince William County, VA
Esther Romero
Pre-Licensed Professional, MS, LPC-R
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Woodbridge, VA 22192
I have experience in the culturally informed treatment of anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use/abuse, criminal activity, relationship/family issues, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and anger management.
Seeking out treatment is a crucial step towards achieving your desired state of well-being. Therapy is a tool that enables growth by allowing and/or enhancing self-awareness and making positive/desired changes. Therapists are not one-size-fits-all, so it is crucial to find the right therapist for you. I am currently a Resident in Counseling and working towards licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor in Virginia. My approach to therapy is eclectic, using evidence-based techniques that have been proven effective and adapting my approach to each client's unique needs and treatment goals.
I have experience in the culturally informed treatment of anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use/abuse, criminal activity, relationship/family issues, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and anger management.
Seeking out treatment is a crucial step towards achieving your desired state of well-being. Therapy is a tool that enables growth by allowing and/or enhancing self-awareness and making positive/desired changes. Therapists are not one-size-fits-all, so it is crucial to find the right therapist for you. I am currently a Resident in Counseling and working towards licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor in Virginia. My approach to therapy is eclectic, using evidence-based techniques that have been proven effective and adapting my approach to each client's unique needs and treatment goals.
(571) 450-9245 View (571) 450-9245
Photo of Nausheen Yunas, Psychologist in Prince William County, VA
Nausheen Yunas
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Woodbridge, VA 22192  (Online Only)
I specialize in working with adolescents and adults who struggle with depression, low self-esteem, and anxiety.
Are you tired of that self-critical voice in your head that tells you you're not good enough? The constant cycle of self-deprecation has you feeling exhausted. Maybe that voice constantly reminds you of all the ways you're not measuring up. To others you look like you have it all together but, on the inside, you’re often unsure of yourself. You wonder what other people have that you don't and that question makes you feel sad, lonely, hopeless and isolated from the world. You're sick of feeling inadequate and want so badly to feel like you're living and not just surviving.
I specialize in working with adolescents and adults who struggle with depression, low self-esteem, and anxiety.
Are you tired of that self-critical voice in your head that tells you you're not good enough? The constant cycle of self-deprecation has you feeling exhausted. Maybe that voice constantly reminds you of all the ways you're not measuring up. To others you look like you have it all together but, on the inside, you’re often unsure of yourself. You wonder what other people have that you don't and that question makes you feel sad, lonely, hopeless and isolated from the world. You're sick of feeling inadequate and want so badly to feel like you're living and not just surviving.
(703) 991-4964 View (703) 991-4964
Photo of Alaina Mazer, Licensed Professional Counselor in Prince William County, VA
Alaina Mazer
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Woodbridge, VA 22193
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with experience working with adolescents and adults. I have been working in community mental health with over 13 years experience treating anxiety, depression, anger management, pro-social skills, ADHD and other mental health ailments. I provide individual treatment services for adolescents and adults, with an emphasis on client-centered approaches.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with experience working with adolescents and adults. I have been working in community mental health with over 13 years experience treating anxiety, depression, anger management, pro-social skills, ADHD and other mental health ailments. I provide individual treatment services for adolescents and adults, with an emphasis on client-centered approaches.
(703) 782-8652 View (703) 782-8652
Photo of Erica L. Herrera, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Prince William County, VA
Erica L. Herrera
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CCTP-II, C-MI
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Haymarket, VA 20169  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Therapy offers a supportive environment for you to delve into your emotions and vulnerabilities without fear of judgment, helping you uncover and overcome the obstacles hindering your progress towards personal growth. I firmly believe that cultivating a strong therapeutic bond with your therapist is essential, as it provides the foundation to address your challenges effectively and safely. Whether you're contending with anxiety, depression, trauma, or life's stressors, I would be honored to collaborate with you, as you embark on self-discovery and develop the tools necessary for your well-being.
Therapy offers a supportive environment for you to delve into your emotions and vulnerabilities without fear of judgment, helping you uncover and overcome the obstacles hindering your progress towards personal growth. I firmly believe that cultivating a strong therapeutic bond with your therapist is essential, as it provides the foundation to address your challenges effectively and safely. Whether you're contending with anxiety, depression, trauma, or life's stressors, I would be honored to collaborate with you, as you embark on self-discovery and develop the tools necessary for your well-being.
(571) 200-5552 View (571) 200-5552
Photo of Brian Levine, Psychologist in Prince William County, VA
Brian Levine
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Woodbridge, VA 22192
Over the past 15 years, I have developed expertise in working with teens, adults, couples, and families who are experiencing depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, reactions to trauma, attention deficits, addictions, and relationship challenges at both work and home.
By the time most people are seeking a therapist, they have been struggling with significant challenges that have not gotten better with time, effort, or the help of family and friends. As a clinical psychologist, I am passionate about connecting with people in that stuck place for which there are no easy answers and working together to find solutions. The key ingredient in my work is my capacity to establish a trusting, cooperative, confidential, safe, and non-judgmental partnership with you in which you can better understand what is going on and learn more effective ways of meeting your life's challenges.
Over the past 15 years, I have developed expertise in working with teens, adults, couples, and families who are experiencing depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, reactions to trauma, attention deficits, addictions, and relationship challenges at both work and home.
By the time most people are seeking a therapist, they have been struggling with significant challenges that have not gotten better with time, effort, or the help of family and friends. As a clinical psychologist, I am passionate about connecting with people in that stuck place for which there are no easy answers and working together to find solutions. The key ingredient in my work is my capacity to establish a trusting, cooperative, confidential, safe, and non-judgmental partnership with you in which you can better understand what is going on and learn more effective ways of meeting your life's challenges.
(703) 940-9553 x123 View (703) 940-9553 x123
Photo of Melissa Anderson, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Prince William County, VA
Melissa Anderson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LSATP
Verified Verified
Woodbridge, VA 22191  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
You have made the first step to improve your mental health and wellness, seeking the assistance of a qualified therapist. Whether dealing with depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, relationship problems or life transitions, therapy can play a key part in the development of goals, identification of roadblocks to achieving those goals and building the tools to bring about change. I bring an integrative approach to help people resolve emotional conflicts, develop self-awareness/acceptance and increase coping skills, constructive behaviors, and thought patterns.
You have made the first step to improve your mental health and wellness, seeking the assistance of a qualified therapist. Whether dealing with depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, relationship problems or life transitions, therapy can play a key part in the development of goals, identification of roadblocks to achieving those goals and building the tools to bring about change. I bring an integrative approach to help people resolve emotional conflicts, develop self-awareness/acceptance and increase coping skills, constructive behaviors, and thought patterns.
(571) 568-9030 View (571) 568-9030
Photo of Prince William Family Counseling, Pre-Licensed Professional in Prince William County, VA
Prince William Family Counseling
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
Woodbridge, VA 22192  (Online Only)
I specialize in working with clients struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, personality disorders, PTSD, and family dynamics.
I am is a student at Liberty University studying in the Master of Arts program for a Licensed Professional Counselor. I retired from the military after serving for 30 years and now dedicated to serving his community in battling mental health concerns. I work with all populations including, children, elders, and families. My education and life experiences are tools that I use in the therapeutic process. My goal is to help solve some of the challenging situations in your life to be viewed clearer, making your response to the challenge more effective.
I specialize in working with clients struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, personality disorders, PTSD, and family dynamics.
I am is a student at Liberty University studying in the Master of Arts program for a Licensed Professional Counselor. I retired from the military after serving for 30 years and now dedicated to serving his community in battling mental health concerns. I work with all populations including, children, elders, and families. My education and life experiences are tools that I use in the therapeutic process. My goal is to help solve some of the challenging situations in your life to be viewed clearer, making your response to the challenge more effective.
(732) 582-5365 View (732) 582-5365
Photo of Ken Richard Thau, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Prince William County, VA
Ken Richard Thau
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LCSW-C, MSW, JD
Verified Verified
Bristow, VA 20136  (Online Only)
I work with a variety of issues such as depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, poor self-esteem and adjustment to life changes.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with more than 32 years of experience in private practice, CMH centers, the public school system and the legal system. I offer solution focused approaches to therapy with the objective of obtaining results. I work with children, adolescents, adults, couples and families. My primary approach is cognitive behavioral therapy which is considered to be one of the most effective evidence based therapies according to the NIMH. I work with my clients to identify the factors contributing to the problems they are experiencing and collaboratively we implement realistic strategies that produce change.
I work with a variety of issues such as depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, poor self-esteem and adjustment to life changes.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with more than 32 years of experience in private practice, CMH centers, the public school system and the legal system. I offer solution focused approaches to therapy with the objective of obtaining results. I work with children, adolescents, adults, couples and families. My primary approach is cognitive behavioral therapy which is considered to be one of the most effective evidence based therapies according to the NIMH. I work with my clients to identify the factors contributing to the problems they are experiencing and collaboratively we implement realistic strategies that produce change.
(301) 329-8049 View (301) 329-8049
Photo of Youth For Tomorrow, Licensed Professional Counselor in Prince William County, VA
Youth For Tomorrow
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC, DBTC
Verified Verified
Bristow, VA 20136
We serve children, adolescents and adults with a wide variety of issues including but not limited to: depression, anxiety and panic symptoms, post-traumatic stress, substance abuse, anger issues, grief and loss, self-harm, issues related to attachment, co-occurring disorders, aggression, attention deficits and other behavioral concerns.
We provide behavioral health services with professional excellence, Christian integrity, professional insight, and genuine compassion. Our staff is comprised of therapists with various credentials, backgrounds, trainings, and specialties, so we are able to offer a wide variety of treatment, including play therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma-informed care, and behavioral intervention. Our staff includes psychiatrists, psychologists, licensed clinicians, therapists, and nurses.
We serve children, adolescents and adults with a wide variety of issues including but not limited to: depression, anxiety and panic symptoms, post-traumatic stress, substance abuse, anger issues, grief and loss, self-harm, issues related to attachment, co-occurring disorders, aggression, attention deficits and other behavioral concerns.
We provide behavioral health services with professional excellence, Christian integrity, professional insight, and genuine compassion. Our staff is comprised of therapists with various credentials, backgrounds, trainings, and specialties, so we are able to offer a wide variety of treatment, including play therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma-informed care, and behavioral intervention. Our staff includes psychiatrists, psychologists, licensed clinicians, therapists, and nurses.
(571) 595-3876 View (571) 595-3876
Photo of Kerrian McKay, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Prince William County, VA
Kerrian McKay
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Manassas, VA 20112
I coach women and adolescent girls 16+ who struggle with people pleasing, fixer syndrome, and perfectionism to build emotional wellness skills to tackle unhealthy relationships that trigger anxiety and depression. I teach research based skills to help you overcome cycles of toxic relationships, family drama, codependency, rescue syndrome, self-doubt, and burn out. I understand the stress of feeling consumed by life and overbearing relationships. I can relate to life feeling too much, relationships feeling burdensome and overwhelmingly exhausting, wanting to leave everything, everyone behind and disappear. I'm here to support you.
I coach women and adolescent girls 16+ who struggle with people pleasing, fixer syndrome, and perfectionism to build emotional wellness skills to tackle unhealthy relationships that trigger anxiety and depression. I teach research based skills to help you overcome cycles of toxic relationships, family drama, codependency, rescue syndrome, self-doubt, and burn out. I understand the stress of feeling consumed by life and overbearing relationships. I can relate to life feeling too much, relationships feeling burdensome and overwhelmingly exhausting, wanting to leave everything, everyone behind and disappear. I'm here to support you.
(571) 701-1594 View (571) 701-1594
Photo of Kenni Walker, Licensed Professional Counselor in Prince William County, VA
Kenni Walker
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, MBA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Gainesville, VA 20155
As a mom of three children, I enjoy working with women and men on common issues related to work-life balance, parenting/co-parenting, relationship issues, sexual issues, stress, anxiety and depression.
You are the only one responsible for your mental health. The greatest gift you can give yourself is to know and understand your own story. More importantly, know and understand when it’s time for a change in that story. I have been working in human services for over 18 years with an objective of helping everyday people get their own needs met. I have a keen interest in helping you discover what’s holding you back and what it’s going to take to move you to the next level- OF YOU.
As a mom of three children, I enjoy working with women and men on common issues related to work-life balance, parenting/co-parenting, relationship issues, sexual issues, stress, anxiety and depression.
You are the only one responsible for your mental health. The greatest gift you can give yourself is to know and understand your own story. More importantly, know and understand when it’s time for a change in that story. I have been working in human services for over 18 years with an objective of helping everyday people get their own needs met. I have a keen interest in helping you discover what’s holding you back and what it’s going to take to move you to the next level- OF YOU.
(703) 783-3957 View (703) 783-3957
Photo of Sonya Bryce, Licensed Professional Counselor in Prince William County, VA
Sonya Bryce
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Gainesville, VA 20155
Sonya Bryce is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Virginia who has been practicing since 2002. She has an M. A. in Counseling and a B.S. in Psychology. Sonya provides professional counseling services utilizing cognitive behavioral techniques and supportive services to help decrease symptoms of depression, anxiety, trauma, addiction, and other general mental health concerns. Outside of work, Sonya enjoys reading, hiking, travel, and spending time with family.
Sonya Bryce is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Virginia who has been practicing since 2002. She has an M. A. in Counseling and a B.S. in Psychology. Sonya provides professional counseling services utilizing cognitive behavioral techniques and supportive services to help decrease symptoms of depression, anxiety, trauma, addiction, and other general mental health concerns. Outside of work, Sonya enjoys reading, hiking, travel, and spending time with family.
(571) 554-5585 View (571) 554-5585
Photo of Lindsay Hill-Woodbridge Therapy Group, Pre-Licensed Professional in Prince William County, VA
Lindsay Hill-Woodbridge Therapy Group
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Woodbridge, VA 22192
I specialize in working with clients struggling with anxiety, depression, PTSD, and family dynamics.
I am a Liberty University student finishing my master’s degree in the Clinical Mental Health program. After my degree, I plan to pursue licensure as a licensed mental health clinician. I am a military spouse who has traveled the world and seen many families and soldiers face the struggles and aftermath of combat and the aftereffects of families being separated. I am a mother of four who has coached my children on how to navigate through the challenges that come with life development. I am a cancer survivor. I am relatable. I am dedicated to serving this community for those who are battling mental health concerns.
I specialize in working with clients struggling with anxiety, depression, PTSD, and family dynamics.
I am a Liberty University student finishing my master’s degree in the Clinical Mental Health program. After my degree, I plan to pursue licensure as a licensed mental health clinician. I am a military spouse who has traveled the world and seen many families and soldiers face the struggles and aftermath of combat and the aftereffects of families being separated. I am a mother of four who has coached my children on how to navigate through the challenges that come with life development. I am a cancer survivor. I am relatable. I am dedicated to serving this community for those who are battling mental health concerns.
(571) 556-3799 View (571) 556-3799
Photo of Claudette Gadson, Pre-Licensed Professional in Prince William County, VA
Claudette Gadson
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
Manassas, VA 20109
Claudette Gadson is currently a Supervisee in Social Work (SISW) Resident of the State of Virginia with years of experience. She treats clients of all ages and specializes in depression, grief, trauma, PTSD, anxiety, and suicidal/homicidal ideations.
Claudette Gadson is currently a Supervisee in Social Work (SISW) Resident of the State of Virginia with years of experience. She treats clients of all ages and specializes in depression, grief, trauma, PTSD, anxiety, and suicidal/homicidal ideations.
(571) 545-7973 View (571) 545-7973
Photo of Cara Root, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Prince William County, VA
Cara Root
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Woodbridge, VA 22192  (Online Only)
Close your eyes and imagine your life (or your child's life) as you wish it was. What is different about the life you are currently leading? Damaged relationships? Trauma? Anxiety? Depression? Grief? It can be scary and difficult to navigate life stressors, challenges, losses, and disappointments. I have worked with children, teenagers, and adults for greater than 10 years to address the barriers of their past and present that are impacting their lives and keeping them from a healthier and more enjoyable future.
Close your eyes and imagine your life (or your child's life) as you wish it was. What is different about the life you are currently leading? Damaged relationships? Trauma? Anxiety? Depression? Grief? It can be scary and difficult to navigate life stressors, challenges, losses, and disappointments. I have worked with children, teenagers, and adults for greater than 10 years to address the barriers of their past and present that are impacting their lives and keeping them from a healthier and more enjoyable future.
(540) 253-4795 View (540) 253-4795
Photo of Bill Redmiles, Licensed Professional Counselor in Prince William County, VA
Bill Redmiles
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, MEd, LPC
Verified Verified
Manassas, VA 20109
If you are an adult man or woman who is experiencing anxiety or depression or perhaps is struggling in a significant relationship, counseling can help you. With my collaborative approach we can work together to help you access the inner strengths you need to work through your difficult situation. I also work with clients who are struggling with grief from the loss of a significant other or in need of help to deal with anger issues. I have been trained in EFT for couples.
If you are an adult man or woman who is experiencing anxiety or depression or perhaps is struggling in a significant relationship, counseling can help you. With my collaborative approach we can work together to help you access the inner strengths you need to work through your difficult situation. I also work with clients who are struggling with grief from the loss of a significant other or in need of help to deal with anger issues. I have been trained in EFT for couples.
(703) 596-8502 View (703) 596-8502
Photo of Carrington Chambers, Pre-Licensed Professional in Prince William County, VA
Carrington Chambers
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Woodbridge, VA 22191  (Online Only)
I work with a wide range of emotional and behavioral issues providing services that span across multiple areas such as depression, anxiety, self esteem, grief, substance abuse, psychosis, suicidal ideation, trauma and more.
Hi there and welcome to my page! My name is Carrington Chambers. I am dedicated to empowering individuals and working alongside each person to become the best version of themselves possible. I value the importance of human relationships and believe that it is important for you to focus on your strengths versus your weaknesses throughout your healing process. I want to help you establish goals and explore your experiences with hopes that you can create a more fulfilling and meaningful life.
I work with a wide range of emotional and behavioral issues providing services that span across multiple areas such as depression, anxiety, self esteem, grief, substance abuse, psychosis, suicidal ideation, trauma and more.
Hi there and welcome to my page! My name is Carrington Chambers. I am dedicated to empowering individuals and working alongside each person to become the best version of themselves possible. I value the importance of human relationships and believe that it is important for you to focus on your strengths versus your weaknesses throughout your healing process. I want to help you establish goals and explore your experiences with hopes that you can create a more fulfilling and meaningful life.
(434) 608-5567 View (434) 608-5567
Photo of Sharlene Hamilton, Licensed Professional Counselor in Prince William County, VA
Sharlene Hamilton
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC, CCMHC
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Woodbridge, VA 22192
I provide therapy, insight, and support to children and their parents, teens, adults, couples, and families. I use a variety of techniques based in sound theory to include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solution Focused Therapy to guide clients through their challenges. In sessions clients address anxiety, depression, relationship/marital difficulties, grief & loss difficulties, parental separation/divorce, trauma/PTSD, suicidal ideation/self-harm, social phobias, peer relationship and social skills difficulties, ADHD, and other behavioral Issues.
I provide therapy, insight, and support to children and their parents, teens, adults, couples, and families. I use a variety of techniques based in sound theory to include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solution Focused Therapy to guide clients through their challenges. In sessions clients address anxiety, depression, relationship/marital difficulties, grief & loss difficulties, parental separation/divorce, trauma/PTSD, suicidal ideation/self-harm, social phobias, peer relationship and social skills difficulties, ADHD, and other behavioral Issues.
(703) 291-3681 View (703) 291-3681
Photo of Rita M Romano, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Prince William County, VA
Rita M Romano
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Woodbridge, VA 22192
I have a healthy respect for the difficulties and complexities of life and will provide a non-judgemental environment for individuals or couples to explore solutions to the problems they face. The most common issues I work with are depression, anxiety, trauma and relationship problems. I like to look at what is working in a person's life and to promote wellness, as opposed to focusing on pathology or sickness. I find that once an individual focuses on specific goals, it does not take a long time to make significant movement in a positive direction.
I have a healthy respect for the difficulties and complexities of life and will provide a non-judgemental environment for individuals or couples to explore solutions to the problems they face. The most common issues I work with are depression, anxiety, trauma and relationship problems. I like to look at what is working in a person's life and to promote wellness, as opposed to focusing on pathology or sickness. I find that once an individual focuses on specific goals, it does not take a long time to make significant movement in a positive direction.
(703) 594-8052 x120 View (703) 594-8052 x120
Photo of Keleisha Dixon, Licensed Professional Counselor in Prince William County, VA
Keleisha Dixon
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Manassas, VA 20109
Keleisha Dixon is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who has 15 years of experience in the mental health field. Keleisha specializes in helping people from various walks of life who have dealt with such issues as anxiety, depression, trauma, relationships, and phase of life transitions, as well as teens who self-harm, and parents in need of support. She believes that counseling can provide clients with self-examination, alternative points of view, concrete steps, and skills to see them through this endeavor call life.
Keleisha Dixon is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who has 15 years of experience in the mental health field. Keleisha specializes in helping people from various walks of life who have dealt with such issues as anxiety, depression, trauma, relationships, and phase of life transitions, as well as teens who self-harm, and parents in need of support. She believes that counseling can provide clients with self-examination, alternative points of view, concrete steps, and skills to see them through this endeavor call life.
(571) 568-7452 View (571) 568-7452

See more therapy options for Prince William County

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.