Depression Therapists in Nashotah, WI

Photo of Emma Papenfus, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Emma Papenfus
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Nashotah, WI 53058
Emma Papenfus is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Registered Art Therapist in Wisconsin with five years of experience. She studied Psychology and Art at Carroll University and received a Master's Degree in Art Therapy from Mount Mary University. Emma believes in a client-centered approach to therapy, primarily helping clients manage symptoms of anxiety, depression, ADHD, and trauma. She uses a combination of art and talk therapy to support the exploration of emotions and self-regulation within the therapeutic environment. In her spare time, Emma enjoys traveling, working out, making art, and spoiling her two cats.
Emma Papenfus is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Registered Art Therapist in Wisconsin with five years of experience. She studied Psychology and Art at Carroll University and received a Master's Degree in Art Therapy from Mount Mary University. Emma believes in a client-centered approach to therapy, primarily helping clients manage symptoms of anxiety, depression, ADHD, and trauma. She uses a combination of art and talk therapy to support the exploration of emotions and self-regulation within the therapeutic environment. In her spare time, Emma enjoys traveling, working out, making art, and spoiling her two cats.
(920) 310-8176 View (920) 310-8176
Photo of Krista Oelhafen, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Krista Oelhafen
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Nashotah, WI 53058
Krista Oelhafen is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 5 years of experience specializing in eating disorders, anxiety, depression, OCD, grief, life transitions, and children s behavioral issues. Krista treats patients between the ages of 5 to 30 utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Exposure Response Prevention, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Family Based Therapy.
Krista Oelhafen is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 5 years of experience specializing in eating disorders, anxiety, depression, OCD, grief, life transitions, and children s behavioral issues. Krista treats patients between the ages of 5 to 30 utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Exposure Response Prevention, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Family Based Therapy.
(920) 949-7190 View (920) 949-7190
Photo of Amy Bourdo, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Amy Bourdo
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Nashotah, WI 53058
Amy is a Licensed Professional Counselor providing psychotherapy services and psycho-educational groups to adults since 2001. Amy has worked extensively with eating disorders on the outpatient and intensive outpatient levels in her private practice and on the inpatient level at Rogers Memorial Hospital. She volunteered for years at the Eating Disorder Foundation in Denver, Colorado, eventually helping them create and open a unique support center dedicated to long term eating disorder recovery. Amy also works extensively with issues of codependency, anxiety, depression, perfectionism, self-esteem and trauma.
Amy is a Licensed Professional Counselor providing psychotherapy services and psycho-educational groups to adults since 2001. Amy has worked extensively with eating disorders on the outpatient and intensive outpatient levels in her private practice and on the inpatient level at Rogers Memorial Hospital. She volunteered for years at the Eating Disorder Foundation in Denver, Colorado, eventually helping them create and open a unique support center dedicated to long term eating disorder recovery. Amy also works extensively with issues of codependency, anxiety, depression, perfectionism, self-esteem and trauma.
(920) 476-1179 View (920) 476-1179
Paula Swartz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Nashotah, WI 53058
In addition to trauma work, Paula has ample experience in addressing self-harm, non suicidal self-injurious behavior, difficulties in emotional regulation, struggles with managing interpersonal relationships, perfectionism, anxiety, depression and other mood disorders with Dialectical Behavioral Therapy.
Paula Swartz is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Wisconsin who has been practicing since 2020. She has a Master of Social Work and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee. Paula Swartz is a dedicated trauma-informed therapist with a passion for helping individuals reclaim their lives after experiencing traumatic events. With more than three years of direct clinical experience and seven years in the social services field, Paula has witnessed the transformative power of therapy and witnessed the incredible strength and resilience that comes with being a human being.
In addition to trauma work, Paula has ample experience in addressing self-harm, non suicidal self-injurious behavior, difficulties in emotional regulation, struggles with managing interpersonal relationships, perfectionism, anxiety, depression and other mood disorders with Dialectical Behavioral Therapy.
Paula Swartz is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Wisconsin who has been practicing since 2020. She has a Master of Social Work and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee. Paula Swartz is a dedicated trauma-informed therapist with a passion for helping individuals reclaim their lives after experiencing traumatic events. With more than three years of direct clinical experience and seven years in the social services field, Paula has witnessed the transformative power of therapy and witnessed the incredible strength and resilience that comes with being a human being.
(920) 796-9347 View (920) 796-9347
Photo of Nicholas Overbaugh, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Nicholas Overbaugh
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Nashotah, WI 53058
While there he treated trauma, anxiety disorders, substance use disorders and depression, in a residential setting before working in outpatient.
Nick is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Substance Abuse Counselor, trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) who provides services to adults, adolescents, and children. He specializes in using Prolonged Exposure Therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). He also treats anxiety disorders including OCD, generalized anxiety, panic disorder, and social anxiety using Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). Nick also provides treatment to individuals with depression, eating disorders, comorbid substance use with anxiety, depression, and trauma, and other concerns such as grief and loss.
While there he treated trauma, anxiety disorders, substance use disorders and depression, in a residential setting before working in outpatient.
Nick is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Substance Abuse Counselor, trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) who provides services to adults, adolescents, and children. He specializes in using Prolonged Exposure Therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). He also treats anxiety disorders including OCD, generalized anxiety, panic disorder, and social anxiety using Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). Nick also provides treatment to individuals with depression, eating disorders, comorbid substance use with anxiety, depression, and trauma, and other concerns such as grief and loss.
(920) 315-8264 View (920) 315-8264
Photo of Terri Koschnick, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Terri Koschnick
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Nashotah, WI 53058
Terri Koschnick is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), who has been practicing since 2000. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater with a Master's Degree in Counseling. Terri is a Christian counselor who integrates her training in Marriage and Family Therapy with her Christian faith. She provides individual adult, couples and family therapy. Her main areas of focus are treating trauma, anxiety and depression. She has extensive experience in successfully treating women who are, or who have been, in abusive or otherwise toxic relationships.
Terri Koschnick is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), who has been practicing since 2000. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater with a Master's Degree in Counseling. Terri is a Christian counselor who integrates her training in Marriage and Family Therapy with her Christian faith. She provides individual adult, couples and family therapy. Her main areas of focus are treating trauma, anxiety and depression. She has extensive experience in successfully treating women who are, or who have been, in abusive or otherwise toxic relationships.
(920) 789-3026 View (920) 789-3026
Photo of Kim Jaeger, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kim Jaeger
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Nashotah, WI 53058
Kim has a master's degree in counseling and is a licensed substance abuse counselor and has been in practice since 1987. she believes her personal and professional experiences have helped her to be more understanding, more accepting and more honest with people who are seeking change or healing. She works with a variety of issues including addiction, eating disorders, depression, anxiety, relationship struggles and life stress. She works with adolescents and adults. In working with her, you can expect her to be an active listener, direct yet gentle, compassionate and encouraging.
Kim has a master's degree in counseling and is a licensed substance abuse counselor and has been in practice since 1987. she believes her personal and professional experiences have helped her to be more understanding, more accepting and more honest with people who are seeking change or healing. She works with a variety of issues including addiction, eating disorders, depression, anxiety, relationship struggles and life stress. She works with adolescents and adults. In working with her, you can expect her to be an active listener, direct yet gentle, compassionate and encouraging.
(920) 282-6738 View (920) 282-6738
Photo of Heather Klemm, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Heather Klemm
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Nashotah, WI 53058
Heather Klemm is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has been practicing since 2009. She graduated from Iowa State University before completing her education at UW-Milwaukee with a Masters in Social Work. Heather believes in a strength based approach and creating a safe space for each client to address their needs. The importance of telling your story, addressing unhelpful thought patterns, validating emotions, and setting goals for change will guide the therapeutic process. Her main areas of focus include treatment of anxiety, adjustment during life transitions, grief/loss, and eating disorders.
Heather Klemm is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has been practicing since 2009. She graduated from Iowa State University before completing her education at UW-Milwaukee with a Masters in Social Work. Heather believes in a strength based approach and creating a safe space for each client to address their needs. The importance of telling your story, addressing unhelpful thought patterns, validating emotions, and setting goals for change will guide the therapeutic process. Her main areas of focus include treatment of anxiety, adjustment during life transitions, grief/loss, and eating disorders.
(920) 504-2800 View (920) 504-2800
Photo of Ann Kratzer, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Ann Kratzer
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Nashotah, WI 53058
Ann Kratzer is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Wisconsin who has been practicing since 2003. Ann believes each client can learn and grow with the support of a therapist who cares. Clients come to therapy with challenges and figuring out a client's strengths and areas that need improvement can move a client through tough situations. It is important for a client to feel their therapy session is a safe place, free from judgement. Ann will use a person-centered approach and draw from many different techniques depending on the client's unique needs.
Ann Kratzer is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Wisconsin who has been practicing since 2003. Ann believes each client can learn and grow with the support of a therapist who cares. Clients come to therapy with challenges and figuring out a client's strengths and areas that need improvement can move a client through tough situations. It is important for a client to feel their therapy session is a safe place, free from judgement. Ann will use a person-centered approach and draw from many different techniques depending on the client's unique needs.
(920) 598-5416 View (920) 598-5416
Photo of Paityn Biro, MS,  LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Paityn Biro
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Nashotah, WI 53058
Paityn Biro is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Wisconsin who has been practicing since 2018. She helps clients manage difficulties with stress and anxiety, relationships of all kinds, trauma and abuse, and parenting/ child development. Paityn has training and experience with attachment theory and other alternative treatments Art Therapy, Safe and Sound ILS system, Neurofeedback . Paityn works with her clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgement.
Paityn Biro is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Wisconsin who has been practicing since 2018. She helps clients manage difficulties with stress and anxiety, relationships of all kinds, trauma and abuse, and parenting/ child development. Paityn has training and experience with attachment theory and other alternative treatments Art Therapy, Safe and Sound ILS system, Neurofeedback . Paityn works with her clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgement.
(920) 795-7729 View (920) 795-7729
Photo of Stephanie Tsoris, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Stephanie Tsoris
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Nashotah, WI 53058
Stephanie offers a collaborative and reliable working relationship so clients can unleash their true potential. She will work with you to help bring into awareness the thoughts and feelings that may be interfering with your relationship to yourself and others. Stephanie has been a certified yoga teacher since 2005, and so has a mind, body, spirit approach to therapy that includes understanding the value of present moment awareness and how to master emotions rather than be at the mercy of them.
Stephanie offers a collaborative and reliable working relationship so clients can unleash their true potential. She will work with you to help bring into awareness the thoughts and feelings that may be interfering with your relationship to yourself and others. Stephanie has been a certified yoga teacher since 2005, and so has a mind, body, spirit approach to therapy that includes understanding the value of present moment awareness and how to master emotions rather than be at the mercy of them.
(920) 880-7720 View (920) 880-7720
Photo of Dione M Gisch, MA, LPC, CCATP, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Dione M Gisch
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, CCATP, NCC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Nashotah, WI 53058
I am a firm believer in the value of personal growth and the unlimited benefits it encompasses. I work collaboratively with my clients in setting and reaching their goals, while providing a safe, genuine, therapeutic relationship. I am a psychotherapist in private practice with a graduate degree from Marquette University in Counseling, with a Community Counseling emphasis. The majority of my life has been spent serving young adult, adult, and senior members of my community. My experiences include work with physical medicine & rehab, chronic pain, survivors of sexual abuse, grief/loss, cancer survivors, and homeless women and their children.
I am a firm believer in the value of personal growth and the unlimited benefits it encompasses. I work collaboratively with my clients in setting and reaching their goals, while providing a safe, genuine, therapeutic relationship. I am a psychotherapist in private practice with a graduate degree from Marquette University in Counseling, with a Community Counseling emphasis. The majority of my life has been spent serving young adult, adult, and senior members of my community. My experiences include work with physical medicine & rehab, chronic pain, survivors of sexual abuse, grief/loss, cancer survivors, and homeless women and their children.
(414) 616-7310 View (414) 616-7310

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Erin M Macier, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Erin M Macier
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oconomowoc, WI 53066
I love working with youth to help with self esteem and behavioral therapy. I use time trusted, evidence based modalities for successful and sustainable treatment. I love working with teens, young adults, and parents. All to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, as well to increase self-esteem and confidence. I also love helping families and couples with bonding and conflict resolution.
I love working with youth to help with self esteem and behavioral therapy. I use time trusted, evidence based modalities for successful and sustainable treatment. I love working with teens, young adults, and parents. All to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, as well to increase self-esteem and confidence. I also love helping families and couples with bonding and conflict resolution.
(262) 332-4207 View (262) 332-4207
Photo of Tania Stolfa, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Tania Stolfa
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Pewaukee, WI 53072
I specialize in empowering adults and children to overcome anxiety, depression, and trauma, freeing them from social and emotional barriers.
Do racing thoughts and overwhelming worries interfere with your daily life? Do you feel pressure to perform, yet constantly on edge and misunderstood, as though no one truly understands you? You are not alone. Our experiences shape how we view ourselves and the world around us, but together we can unravel these threads. Therapy with me can help you develop coping strategies, gain insights, and find relief. I want to help you navigate these challenges, providing a safe, supportive space to heal and grow.
I specialize in empowering adults and children to overcome anxiety, depression, and trauma, freeing them from social and emotional barriers.
Do racing thoughts and overwhelming worries interfere with your daily life? Do you feel pressure to perform, yet constantly on edge and misunderstood, as though no one truly understands you? You are not alone. Our experiences shape how we view ourselves and the world around us, but together we can unravel these threads. Therapy with me can help you develop coping strategies, gain insights, and find relief. I want to help you navigate these challenges, providing a safe, supportive space to heal and grow.
(757) 540-5334 View (757) 540-5334
Photo of Kelly Farber - Kelly Farber, LCSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kelly Farber, LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Hartland, WI 53029
I have helped people cope with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, self -esteem, and trauma issues using a various techniques that are personalized to best match my clients' needs.
I understand that taking the first step in seeking help can be intimidating, and I want you to feel as comfortable as possible by providing a safe, calm, non-judgmental, and confidential atmosphere for us to talk, reflect, laugh, and process. I want to work with you to find solutions that will benefit you in the struggles you're facing, and find tools that will help you for the long term. Parenting, career decisions, and relationship struggles are certainly challenging, but I have helped many people work through these situations and come out feeling more empowered and confident in handling them.
I have helped people cope with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, self -esteem, and trauma issues using a various techniques that are personalized to best match my clients' needs.
I understand that taking the first step in seeking help can be intimidating, and I want you to feel as comfortable as possible by providing a safe, calm, non-judgmental, and confidential atmosphere for us to talk, reflect, laugh, and process. I want to work with you to find solutions that will benefit you in the struggles you're facing, and find tools that will help you for the long term. Parenting, career decisions, and relationship struggles are certainly challenging, but I have helped many people work through these situations and come out feeling more empowered and confident in handling them.
(262) 327-6700 View (262) 327-6700
Photo of Erika Grahovac, Licensed Professional Counselor
Erika Grahovac
Licensed Professional Counselor
Verified Verified
Waukesha, WI 53188
Erika Grahovac is a Licensed Professional Counselor who works with children ages 4 and up, adolescents and adults. She gained extensive experience while working in residential programs at Roger's Memorial Hospital, with clients who struggle with Anxiety Disorders, OCD, Eating Disorders, Depression and Trauma. Erika also has experience working with children and adolescents on the Autism Spectrum. After earning her Bachelor's Degree from Carroll University, Erika earned a Master's Degree in School and Community Counseling at Concordia University.
Erika Grahovac is a Licensed Professional Counselor who works with children ages 4 and up, adolescents and adults. She gained extensive experience while working in residential programs at Roger's Memorial Hospital, with clients who struggle with Anxiety Disorders, OCD, Eating Disorders, Depression and Trauma. Erika also has experience working with children and adolescents on the Autism Spectrum. After earning her Bachelor's Degree from Carroll University, Erika earned a Master's Degree in School and Community Counseling at Concordia University.
(262) 588-4184 View (262) 588-4184
Photo of Caitlin Michalski, MA, LPC, CCTSF, BSP, RYT®200, Licensed Professional Counselor
Caitlin Michalski
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, CCTSF, BSP, RYT®200
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Oconomowoc, WI 53066
A few of many issues that I work with frequently include: trauma, PTSD, perfectionism, self-esteem, depression, anxiety, and more.
Life can feel like a shit show sometimes. There may be no explanations for the things we experience. Sometimes life leaves us feeling like it's all too much. I can help walk with you through the thick of it and get to the other side. My therapeutic style is grounded in being empathetic, compassionate, and nonjudgemental. I'll work with you to create a therapy plan based on your individual goals and needs. Reach out today with any questions :)
A few of many issues that I work with frequently include: trauma, PTSD, perfectionism, self-esteem, depression, anxiety, and more.
Life can feel like a shit show sometimes. There may be no explanations for the things we experience. Sometimes life leaves us feeling like it's all too much. I can help walk with you through the thick of it and get to the other side. My therapeutic style is grounded in being empathetic, compassionate, and nonjudgemental. I'll work with you to create a therapy plan based on your individual goals and needs. Reach out today with any questions :)
(262) 683-4845 View (262) 683-4845
Photo of Joy Ramme, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Joy Ramme
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Pewaukee, WI 53072
My specialty areas include Depression, Anxiety, Addiction, Stress Management, Self-Esteem, and College/Career Planning.
Each individual has their own unique life experiences. Life can be challenging. Do you feel alone? Or do not feel like you have anyone supportive in life? I am here to provide support as well as guidance to help you make positive life changes and regain that purpose you seek out of life. I am a licensed professional counselor that specializes in working with adults. I am newly accepting patients that are preteens and teens. Overall, I have seven years of experience working in the behavioral health field.
My specialty areas include Depression, Anxiety, Addiction, Stress Management, Self-Esteem, and College/Career Planning.
Each individual has their own unique life experiences. Life can be challenging. Do you feel alone? Or do not feel like you have anyone supportive in life? I am here to provide support as well as guidance to help you make positive life changes and regain that purpose you seek out of life. I am a licensed professional counselor that specializes in working with adults. I am newly accepting patients that are preteens and teens. Overall, I have seven years of experience working in the behavioral health field.
(262) 332-4641 View (262) 332-4641
Photo of Dr. Brittany Mathews, PhD, LP, Psychologist
Dr. Brittany Mathews
Psychologist, PhD, LP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oconomowoc, WI 53066  (Online Only)
She provides science-backed assessment and therapy services for adolescents (ages 10-25) who are struggling with anxiety and/or depression.
Dr. Mathews specializes in providing evidence-based therapy for tweens, teens, and young adults (ages 10-25) who are struggling with with anxiety and depression. She works as a team with adolescents and their families to conduct a thorough assessment and flexibly adapt evidence-based psychology treatments. Together, Dr. Mathews and her clients work to improve symptoms of anxiety and depression and help adolescents function better within the family, at school, and with peers. Dr. Mathews aspires to embody mindfulness and loving kindness on a daily basis and to provide affirming and culturally responsive psychological health care.
She provides science-backed assessment and therapy services for adolescents (ages 10-25) who are struggling with anxiety and/or depression.
Dr. Mathews specializes in providing evidence-based therapy for tweens, teens, and young adults (ages 10-25) who are struggling with with anxiety and depression. She works as a team with adolescents and their families to conduct a thorough assessment and flexibly adapt evidence-based psychology treatments. Together, Dr. Mathews and her clients work to improve symptoms of anxiety and depression and help adolescents function better within the family, at school, and with peers. Dr. Mathews aspires to embody mindfulness and loving kindness on a daily basis and to provide affirming and culturally responsive psychological health care.
(262) 747-2336 View (262) 747-2336
Photo of Russ Kinkade, PsyD, Psychologist
Russ Kinkade
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Pewaukee, WI 53072
Living life on purpose requires clarity of mission, awareness of strengths and the ability to overcome the obstacles that undermine our fulfillment. Supporting people in their pursuit of a fulfilling life is my passion. Anxiety, depression, interpersonal conflicts all sabotage a meaningful life. My goal is to provide clients with the insights, skills and motivation to live life on purpose.
Living life on purpose requires clarity of mission, awareness of strengths and the ability to overcome the obstacles that undermine our fulfillment. Supporting people in their pursuit of a fulfilling life is my passion. Anxiety, depression, interpersonal conflicts all sabotage a meaningful life. My goal is to provide clients with the insights, skills and motivation to live life on purpose.
(262) 883-8154 View (262) 883-8154

See more therapy options for Nashotah

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.