Depression Therapists in Oakdale, Portland, ME

Photo of Sasha Perkins, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Oakdale, Portland, ME
Sasha Perkins
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
Oakdale, Portland, ME 04101  (Online Only)
Sasha Perkins is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Maine who has been practicing since 2017. Sasha works from a collaborative strengths-based approach, assisting and supporting clients with anxiety, depression, disruptive behaviors, relationship challenges, self-esteem, and family issues. Outside of work, Sasha enjoys snowboarding, paddleboarding, traveling, cooking, and spending time with family and friends.
Sasha Perkins is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Maine who has been practicing since 2017. Sasha works from a collaborative strengths-based approach, assisting and supporting clients with anxiety, depression, disruptive behaviors, relationship challenges, self-esteem, and family issues. Outside of work, Sasha enjoys snowboarding, paddleboarding, traveling, cooking, and spending time with family and friends.
(207) 536-5733 View (207) 536-5733
Photo of Donna Hastings, Psychologist in Oakdale, Portland, ME
Donna Hastings
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Oakdale, Portland, ME 04101
Issues with which she helps individuals cope include anxiety, depression, family relationships, addictions, PTSD, ADHD, work/life balance, life crisis events, and work stress.
Dr. Hastings is a clinical psychologist, licensed in Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts and registered in Florida. Therefore, she is able to work with persons via telehealth in those states. Her application for PSYPACT is in process. This will enable her to work via telehealth in over thirty states. She has spent most of her professional life in a private practice in New Hampshire. She moved in 2019 to Maine in order to be closer to family. She has a broad experience, working with all ages in a variety of settings.
Issues with which she helps individuals cope include anxiety, depression, family relationships, addictions, PTSD, ADHD, work/life balance, life crisis events, and work stress.
Dr. Hastings is a clinical psychologist, licensed in Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts and registered in Florida. Therefore, she is able to work with persons via telehealth in those states. Her application for PSYPACT is in process. This will enable her to work via telehealth in over thirty states. She has spent most of her professional life in a private practice in New Hampshire. She moved in 2019 to Maine in order to be closer to family. She has a broad experience, working with all ages in a variety of settings.
(207) 386-9543 View (207) 386-9543
Photo of Theresa Simpson, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Oakdale, Portland, ME
Theresa Simpson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Oakdale, Portland, ME 04101
Theresa Simpson is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Maine who has been practicing since 1998. She has a Master's degree in Social Work from Boston University. Theresa is trained in CBT for insomnia which she really enjoys treating. Other areas of strength include anxiety, aging issues, caregiver stress, and grief. While these areas are her passions, Theresa can provide treatment for depression, and other concerns as they arise. Theresa brings humor and laughter as appropriate as she believes laughter is a healing agent. She also believes faith is a powerful tool in one's healing process.
Theresa Simpson is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Maine who has been practicing since 1998. She has a Master's degree in Social Work from Boston University. Theresa is trained in CBT for insomnia which she really enjoys treating. Other areas of strength include anxiety, aging issues, caregiver stress, and grief. While these areas are her passions, Theresa can provide treatment for depression, and other concerns as they arise. Theresa brings humor and laughter as appropriate as she believes laughter is a healing agent. She also believes faith is a powerful tool in one's healing process.
(207) 825-2585 View (207) 825-2585
Photo of Devin Cain, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Oakdale, Portland, ME
Devin Cain
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
Oakdale, Portland, ME 04101
My work in this program has also introduced me to clients with many different mental health diagnoses such as depression, anxiety, body image issues, eating disorders, grief, adjusting to major life changes, and relationship issues.
My name is Devin Cain, LCPC. I completed my Master's in Mental Health Counseling with a specialty in Health and Behavioral Medicine in 2016 at William James College in Newton, MA. Before going to school in Massachusetts, I grew up in Southern Maine and completed my undergraduate degree in Psychology at the University of Maine, Orono. I returned to Maine in 2016 to start working as an Integrated Behavioral Health Clinician at the Southern Maine Health Care (SMHC) Bariatric Surgery program.
My work in this program has also introduced me to clients with many different mental health diagnoses such as depression, anxiety, body image issues, eating disorders, grief, adjusting to major life changes, and relationship issues.
My name is Devin Cain, LCPC. I completed my Master's in Mental Health Counseling with a specialty in Health and Behavioral Medicine in 2016 at William James College in Newton, MA. Before going to school in Massachusetts, I grew up in Southern Maine and completed my undergraduate degree in Psychology at the University of Maine, Orono. I returned to Maine in 2016 to start working as an Integrated Behavioral Health Clinician at the Southern Maine Health Care (SMHC) Bariatric Surgery program.
(207) 975-8608 View (207) 975-8608
Photo of Michael Biederman, Counselor in Oakdale, Portland, ME
Michael Biederman
Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
Oakdale, Portland, ME 04101
I enjoy working with adolescents and adults from all backgrounds through a trauma-focused, anti-ractist/anti-oppressive, & LGBTQIA+ affirming lens, and am experienced in supporting individuals dealing with issues such as anxiety, depression, anger issues, chronic stress, ADHD, trauma, relationship & family issues, grief, life transitions, and substance use.
Hi! My name is Mike Biederman (he/him) and I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in both Maine and Illinois. I have 12+ years of experience working with adults and adolescents in a variety of mental health settings and roles-including as a Family Therapist in an intensive outpatient program, as a High School Counselor in Chicago Public Schools, and as a Residential Counselor in a group-home setting.
I enjoy working with adolescents and adults from all backgrounds through a trauma-focused, anti-ractist/anti-oppressive, & LGBTQIA+ affirming lens, and am experienced in supporting individuals dealing with issues such as anxiety, depression, anger issues, chronic stress, ADHD, trauma, relationship & family issues, grief, life transitions, and substance use.
Hi! My name is Mike Biederman (he/him) and I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in both Maine and Illinois. I have 12+ years of experience working with adults and adolescents in a variety of mental health settings and roles-including as a Family Therapist in an intensive outpatient program, as a High School Counselor in Chicago Public Schools, and as a Residential Counselor in a group-home setting.
(207) 548-5434 View (207) 548-5434
Photo of Michael DiFillipo, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Oakdale, Portland, ME
Michael DiFillipo
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Oakdale, Portland, ME 04101
He has special interest in the treatment of anxiety, depression, trauma, and stressor-related disorders.
Mike DiFillipo holds a master’s degree in social work with a clinical concentration from Boston College. He has worked as an outpatient clinician, providing diagnostic assessment and both individual and group therapy, and in a primary care setting as a behavioral health consultant. He also previously held supervisory positions at community mental health agencies in Ohio and Maine.
He has special interest in the treatment of anxiety, depression, trauma, and stressor-related disorders.
Mike DiFillipo holds a master’s degree in social work with a clinical concentration from Boston College. He has worked as an outpatient clinician, providing diagnostic assessment and both individual and group therapy, and in a primary care setting as a behavioral health consultant. He also previously held supervisory positions at community mental health agencies in Ohio and Maine.
(207) 742-2881 View (207) 742-2881
Photo of Nathaniel Clark, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Oakdale, Portland, ME
Nathaniel Clark
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
Oakdale, Portland, ME 04101
Treatment was focused on Behavioral Management, Post Traumatic Stress, Generalized Anxiety Disorder Depression, Reunification Counseling, as well as Grief Counseling for several years.
I started my clinical counseling practice in 2016 when I provided services for children and adolescent clients with trauma-based treatments before I began work as a school-based therapist providing counseling services for middle school age clients with learning or behavioral difficulties. In this role I supported clients with general anxiety, depression, anger management issues and trauma. I have experience in a Day Treatment school providing counseling services for clients ranging from 6-12. I've worked in community outpatient services providing individual counseling services for a general population ranging from 4 to 70 years old.
Treatment was focused on Behavioral Management, Post Traumatic Stress, Generalized Anxiety Disorder Depression, Reunification Counseling, as well as Grief Counseling for several years.
I started my clinical counseling practice in 2016 when I provided services for children and adolescent clients with trauma-based treatments before I began work as a school-based therapist providing counseling services for middle school age clients with learning or behavioral difficulties. In this role I supported clients with general anxiety, depression, anger management issues and trauma. I have experience in a Day Treatment school providing counseling services for clients ranging from 6-12. I've worked in community outpatient services providing individual counseling services for a general population ranging from 4 to 70 years old.
(207) 605-5448 View (207) 605-5448
Photo of Paula Curran, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Oakdale, Portland, ME
Paula Curran
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Oakdale, Portland, ME 04101
My areas of interest and competence include depression, anxiety, PTSD, managing emotions, and significant life transitions such as caring for elderly parents, divorce and loss.
Are you experiencing frustration, feeling upset by an unsatisfying relationship? Do you feel overwhelmed by finances, divorce or stress? How will I handle all these pressures? Do you consider therapy but don't know where to start: how do I choose from the therapists I read about?. If you seek someone who will engage with you, understand that you are doing your best to make sense of the problems confronting you and wants to participate in creating strategies to resolve these problems, please call me to talk about how we might collaborate to create the life you desire.
My areas of interest and competence include depression, anxiety, PTSD, managing emotions, and significant life transitions such as caring for elderly parents, divorce and loss.
Are you experiencing frustration, feeling upset by an unsatisfying relationship? Do you feel overwhelmed by finances, divorce or stress? How will I handle all these pressures? Do you consider therapy but don't know where to start: how do I choose from the therapists I read about?. If you seek someone who will engage with you, understand that you are doing your best to make sense of the problems confronting you and wants to participate in creating strategies to resolve these problems, please call me to talk about how we might collaborate to create the life you desire.
(207) 605-8108 View (207) 605-8108
Photo of Patrice Lynch, Counselor in Oakdale, Portland, ME
Patrice Lynch
Counselor, MEd, MS, LCPC
Verified Verified
Oakdale, Portland, ME 04103
Waitlist for new clients
I specialize in counseling individuals and couples experiencing anxiety, depression, conflict, and grief/loss.
You are the source of your own strength. There are times, however, when you may need help in accessing your internal Self. We all need to feel a sense of balance with ourselves, connection to others, and the freedom to make choices. When we lose touch with these parts of ourselves - whether it is our independence, sense of control, spirituality, sexuality, family connection, or ethnicity - we may experience stress, fear, anxiety, and even a loss of meaning in life.
I specialize in counseling individuals and couples experiencing anxiety, depression, conflict, and grief/loss.
You are the source of your own strength. There are times, however, when you may need help in accessing your internal Self. We all need to feel a sense of balance with ourselves, connection to others, and the freedom to make choices. When we lose touch with these parts of ourselves - whether it is our independence, sense of control, spirituality, sexuality, family connection, or ethnicity - we may experience stress, fear, anxiety, and even a loss of meaning in life.
(207) 358-3370 View (207) 358-3370
Photo of Lindsay Woodward, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Oakdale, Portland, ME
Lindsay Woodward
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
Oakdale, Portland, ME 04101
Therapy is an interactive process where we explore solutions and experience ourselves in new ways. Sometimes we feel stuck, overwhelmed, anxious, and depressed. I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR), a proven approach to treating trauma and anxiety disorders. I believe memories shape the way we feel about ourselves, others, and the world, and EMDR can help neutralize the negative energy we hold in the body. I’ve uncovered so much about the healing process and how to let go of burdens both big and small, which allows us to move through the world more freely.
Therapy is an interactive process where we explore solutions and experience ourselves in new ways. Sometimes we feel stuck, overwhelmed, anxious, and depressed. I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR), a proven approach to treating trauma and anxiety disorders. I believe memories shape the way we feel about ourselves, others, and the world, and EMDR can help neutralize the negative energy we hold in the body. I’ve uncovered so much about the healing process and how to let go of burdens both big and small, which allows us to move through the world more freely.
(207) 517-2015 View (207) 517-2015
Photo of Lindsay Woodward, Counselor in Oakdale, Portland, ME
Lindsay Woodward
Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
Oakdale, Portland, ME 04101
She also enjoys treating trauma, relationship issues, life transitions, substance misuse, anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Lindsay Woodward is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. She earned a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Messiah College in 2017. During her internship, Lindsay worked in various clinical settings focusing on the treatment of eating disorders. She specializes in working with clients who experience disordered eating, body image concerns, and intrusive thoughts. Lindsay utilizes a Health At Every Size (HAES) approach that respects body diversity and seeks to restore the relationship between self and body through attuned eating and movement.
She also enjoys treating trauma, relationship issues, life transitions, substance misuse, anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Lindsay Woodward is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. She earned a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Messiah College in 2017. During her internship, Lindsay worked in various clinical settings focusing on the treatment of eating disorders. She specializes in working with clients who experience disordered eating, body image concerns, and intrusive thoughts. Lindsay utilizes a Health At Every Size (HAES) approach that respects body diversity and seeks to restore the relationship between self and body through attuned eating and movement.
(207) 389-7063 View (207) 389-7063
Photo of Dan Creek, Counselor in Oakdale, Portland, ME
Dan Creek
Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
Oakdale, Portland, ME 04101
Welcome - thank you for your interest. For many years I've been a counselor and educator, working with people through transformative learning experiences. I'll strive to help you gain self understanding and develop your natural abilities to work through life challenges. I offer a variety of therapeutic approaches that address concerns such as anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, grief and loss, and performance problems (e.g., work/academics, physical intimacy).
Welcome - thank you for your interest. For many years I've been a counselor and educator, working with people through transformative learning experiences. I'll strive to help you gain self understanding and develop your natural abilities to work through life challenges. I offer a variety of therapeutic approaches that address concerns such as anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, grief and loss, and performance problems (e.g., work/academics, physical intimacy).
(207) 618-9870 View (207) 618-9870
Photo of Rachel Pierce, Counselor in Oakdale, Portland, ME
Rachel Pierce
Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
Oakdale, Portland, ME 04101
Rachel Pierce, LCPC-C Rachel Pierce is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Maine who has been practicing since 2018. She attended Kaplan University for her undergraduate degree and received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and attended Lindsey Wilson College for her graduate degree and received a Masters of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. As a therapist, Rachel offers an integrated approach of CBT, MI, and client-centered therapy to help guide you through trauma, anxiety, depression, low self-worth, or life stressors.
Rachel Pierce, LCPC-C Rachel Pierce is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Maine who has been practicing since 2018. She attended Kaplan University for her undergraduate degree and received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and attended Lindsey Wilson College for her graduate degree and received a Masters of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. As a therapist, Rachel offers an integrated approach of CBT, MI, and client-centered therapy to help guide you through trauma, anxiety, depression, low self-worth, or life stressors.
(207) 902-5957 View (207) 902-5957
Shelby Jutras
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Oakdale, Portland, ME 04101
Shelby Jutras is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over a decade of experience treating anxiety, depression, mood disorders, substance misuse disorders, autism and ADD/ADHD. Shelby received a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology with a Mental Health Focus from Plymouth State University prior to earning her Master's Degree in Social Work from the University of New England. In addition to holding a clinical social work license, she is also a certified alcohol and drug counselor.
Shelby Jutras is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over a decade of experience treating anxiety, depression, mood disorders, substance misuse disorders, autism and ADD/ADHD. Shelby received a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology with a Mental Health Focus from Plymouth State University prior to earning her Master's Degree in Social Work from the University of New England. In addition to holding a clinical social work license, she is also a certified alcohol and drug counselor.
(207) 389-3129 View (207) 389-3129
Photo of Sarah McCracken, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Oakdale, Portland, ME
Sarah McCracken
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW-CC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakdale, Portland, ME 04101  (Online Only)
I am honored to have supported clients who have experienced trauma, depression, anxiety, neurodivergence, gender dysphoria, disordered eating, mood and personality disorders, self-harm, and suicidal ideation.
My work is about hearing and holding stories, guiding others towards a deeper connection with their unique experiences and the meaning attached to them. As we tell our stories, the meaning can change, and in turn, we may change our experience. Integrating intuition and evidence-based practices, I see my role as a mirror and guide, helping you to identify patterns and stories that might limit experiences of deep self-worth, authentic expression, healthy relating, and overall wellness. I understand that not all stories are easy to tell, and I take great care to create a therapeutic space of safety so that you can reach your goals.
I am honored to have supported clients who have experienced trauma, depression, anxiety, neurodivergence, gender dysphoria, disordered eating, mood and personality disorders, self-harm, and suicidal ideation.
My work is about hearing and holding stories, guiding others towards a deeper connection with their unique experiences and the meaning attached to them. As we tell our stories, the meaning can change, and in turn, we may change our experience. Integrating intuition and evidence-based practices, I see my role as a mirror and guide, helping you to identify patterns and stories that might limit experiences of deep self-worth, authentic expression, healthy relating, and overall wellness. I understand that not all stories are easy to tell, and I take great care to create a therapeutic space of safety so that you can reach your goals.
(207) 292-7352 View (207) 292-7352
Photo of Hughes Kraft, Counselor in Oakdale, Portland, ME
Hughes Kraft
Counselor, LCPC, LADC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Oakdale, Portland, ME 04101
I have experience working with addictions, parenting, stress, anxiety, depression, grief and mindfulness.
The art of therapy is one of listening deeply to what is being communicated. The work in therapy is to make meaning of the information and narrative. The process of therapy is to use the information to guide and effect change.
I have experience working with addictions, parenting, stress, anxiety, depression, grief and mindfulness.
The art of therapy is one of listening deeply to what is being communicated. The work in therapy is to make meaning of the information and narrative. The process of therapy is to use the information to guide and effect change.
(207) 747-3156 View (207) 747-3156
Photo of Sarah Spiegel, Counselor in Oakdale, Portland, ME
Sarah Spiegel
Counselor, MA, LCPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakdale, Portland, ME 04103
Seeking counseling is a sign of hope. My intent is to create a compassionate, grounded, and non-judgmental collaboration with you to facilitate change and help you move forward in a meaningful way. Let's tap into your strengths to get the most out of our sessions, making space for new insights and skills, and improving communication. My expertise includes helping people heal from past hurts and traumas, navigating life transitions, relationship issues (family, intimacy, parenting), depression, anxiety, stress reduction, conflict resolution, and grief/loss. I enjoy working with individuals and couples who are committed to growth.
Seeking counseling is a sign of hope. My intent is to create a compassionate, grounded, and non-judgmental collaboration with you to facilitate change and help you move forward in a meaningful way. Let's tap into your strengths to get the most out of our sessions, making space for new insights and skills, and improving communication. My expertise includes helping people heal from past hurts and traumas, navigating life transitions, relationship issues (family, intimacy, parenting), depression, anxiety, stress reduction, conflict resolution, and grief/loss. I enjoy working with individuals and couples who are committed to growth.
(207) 835-3429 View (207) 835-3429
Photo of Rachel Desrosiers, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Oakdale, Portland, ME
Rachel Desrosiers
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Oakdale, Portland, ME 04101
Rachel Desrosiers is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Maine who has been practicing since 2007. She graduated from Rhode Island College. Rachel has been practicing with a focus on trauma related disorders for more than 7 years treating children, teens, and young adults. She approaches treatment from a holistic perspective and understands how the systems around us affect our wellbeing. With this in mind, Rachel believes meeting clients where they're at is important and enjoys working together to tackle problems with patience and perseverance.
Rachel Desrosiers is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Maine who has been practicing since 2007. She graduated from Rhode Island College. Rachel has been practicing with a focus on trauma related disorders for more than 7 years treating children, teens, and young adults. She approaches treatment from a holistic perspective and understands how the systems around us affect our wellbeing. With this in mind, Rachel believes meeting clients where they're at is important and enjoys working together to tackle problems with patience and perseverance.
(207) 230-6807 View (207) 230-6807
Photo of Neil Poirier-Westman, Counselor in Oakdale, Portland, ME
Neil Poirier-Westman
Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
Oakdale, Portland, ME 04101
Hello, my name is Neil Poirier-Westman, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. I have experience working with clients across the lifespan. While completing my master's in clinical mental health counseling from Antioch University New England, I worked with young adults in a college campus setting. There my work focused on treating students mainly with anxiety and family-of-origin issues. After completing my degree, I went on to work for a community mental health agency providing counseling in schools, out-patient clinics, and homes to students ages 5 to 18.
Hello, my name is Neil Poirier-Westman, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. I have experience working with clients across the lifespan. While completing my master's in clinical mental health counseling from Antioch University New England, I worked with young adults in a college campus setting. There my work focused on treating students mainly with anxiety and family-of-origin issues. After completing my degree, I went on to work for a community mental health agency providing counseling in schools, out-patient clinics, and homes to students ages 5 to 18.
(207) 857-7970 View (207) 857-7970
Photo of Molly Fox, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Oakdale, Portland, ME
Molly Fox
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakdale, Portland, ME 04101
Molly Fox is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker practicing in Maine. Molly specializes in working with women identified individuals. Molly has worked in social service settings since 2008, serving in a variety of non-profit community clinics and within medical primary care settings in Maine and New York City. She is grateful to have experience and training serving a broad range of individuals including New Mainers, LGBTQIA+ individuals, survivors of intimate partner violence and individuals reentering their lives after incarceration.
Molly Fox is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker practicing in Maine. Molly specializes in working with women identified individuals. Molly has worked in social service settings since 2008, serving in a variety of non-profit community clinics and within medical primary care settings in Maine and New York City. She is grateful to have experience and training serving a broad range of individuals including New Mainers, LGBTQIA+ individuals, survivors of intimate partner violence and individuals reentering their lives after incarceration.
(207) 412-5809 View (207) 412-5809

See more therapy options for Oakdale, Portland

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.