Depression Treatment Centers in Oakland, CA

Photo of Janessa Jimenez - Foresight Mental Health-Downtown Berkeley IOP/PHP, Treatment Center, LMFT
No matter where you are in your journey, we’re here to guide you on your path to mental wellness. Our goal is to assist clients in rapidly decreasing symptoms and/or suicidal ideation, and promote therapeutic skill-building. We’re here to support our clients with improving their overall quality of life and lessen feelings of isolation by providing a sense of community and fostering connection and self-reflection.
No matter where you are in your journey, we’re here to guide you on your path to mental wellness. Our goal is to assist clients in rapidly decreasing symptoms and/or suicidal ideation, and promote therapeutic skill-building. We’re here to support our clients with improving their overall quality of life and lessen feelings of isolation by providing a sense of community and fostering connection and self-reflection.
(341) 444-2095 View (341) 444-2095
Photo of Kara Gross - Evolve East Bay Teen Treatment Center, Treatment Center
Evolve East Bay Teen Treatment Center
Treatment Center
Serves Area
We provide proven help for teen depression, anxiety, suicidality, substance use, ADHD, ODD, conduct disorder, and other complex mental health issues.
Evolve offers proven, evidence-based therapy programs for teens struggling with mental health, substance use, or behavioral challenges. Our short-term residential treatment center (RTC) provides 24/7 supervision and individualized care in a safe, supportive setting. With only six teens in the program at a time, we deliver highly focused and personalized treatment. We also provide structured outpatient therapy through our full-day teen Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and after-school teen Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). Families can expect compassionate care and meaningful progress at every step.
We provide proven help for teen depression, anxiety, suicidality, substance use, ADHD, ODD, conduct disorder, and other complex mental health issues.
Evolve offers proven, evidence-based therapy programs for teens struggling with mental health, substance use, or behavioral challenges. Our short-term residential treatment center (RTC) provides 24/7 supervision and individualized care in a safe, supportive setting. With only six teens in the program at a time, we deliver highly focused and personalized treatment. We also provide structured outpatient therapy through our full-day teen Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and after-school teen Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). Families can expect compassionate care and meaningful progress at every step.
(925) 886-0258 View (925) 886-0258
Photo of Newport Cares - Newport Academy | Teen Anxiety Program, Treatment Center
Newport Academy | Teen Anxiety Program
Treatment Center
Serves Area
We address the underlying trauma and attachment wounds that catalyze mental health conditions and co-occurring disorders, including depression, anxiety, mood disorders, substance abuse, self-harm, and eating disorders.
At Newport Academy, academics are an integral part of the treatment experience. Our licensed and highly trained teachers work closely with students, parents, and their current school to create a customized academic plan. Our goal is to ensure that our clients are set up for success when they return to their home school, with the tools they need to thrive.
We address the underlying trauma and attachment wounds that catalyze mental health conditions and co-occurring disorders, including depression, anxiety, mood disorders, substance abuse, self-harm, and eating disorders.
At Newport Academy, academics are an integral part of the treatment experience. Our licensed and highly trained teachers work closely with students, parents, and their current school to create a customized academic plan. Our goal is to ensure that our clients are set up for success when they return to their home school, with the tools they need to thrive.
(510) 544-8037 View (510) 544-8037
Photo of Center For Families - Newport Academy Teen and Adolescent Outpatient, Treatment Center
Our family-centered, integrated approach fosters sustainable healing from mental health and co-occurring disorders such as anxiety, depression, trauma, psychosis, eating disorders, and substance use.
Based in clinical expertise and compassionate care, our whole-person treatment model considers the physical, emotional, social, and educational needs of teens. Treatment plans include evidence-based clinical and experiential modalities, an accredited academic curriculum, and a robust alumni program to keep clients connected and supported after treatment.
Our family-centered, integrated approach fosters sustainable healing from mental health and co-occurring disorders such as anxiety, depression, trauma, psychosis, eating disorders, and substance use.
Based in clinical expertise and compassionate care, our whole-person treatment model considers the physical, emotional, social, and educational needs of teens. Treatment plans include evidence-based clinical and experiential modalities, an accredited academic curriculum, and a robust alumni program to keep clients connected and supported after treatment.
(855) 586-3856 View (855) 586-3856
Photo of Jennifer Bradley-Weiss - Embark Behavioral Health , Treatment Center, LCSW
Embark Behavioral Health
Treatment Center
Serves Area
We know how difficult it can be to see your child struggling with severe mental health issues like anxiety, depression or suicidal ideation.
At our programs in Campbell, CA, our therapists work directly with each young person to identify where they are in their healing journey and develop a custom treatment program for their needs using evidence-based therapies and carefully tracked outcomes. We're here to help you overcome the challenges affecting you and your family’s everyday life.
We know how difficult it can be to see your child struggling with severe mental health issues like anxiety, depression or suicidal ideation.
At our programs in Campbell, CA, our therapists work directly with each young person to identify where they are in their healing journey and develop a custom treatment program for their needs using evidence-based therapies and carefully tracked outcomes. We're here to help you overcome the challenges affecting you and your family’s everyday life.
(669) 587-2842 View (669) 587-2842
Photo of Sagepoint Sagepoint - SagePoint Behavioral Health - IOP, Treatment Center
SagePoint Behavioral Health - IOP
Treatment Center
Serves Area
We provide thorough assessments, education, and therapy for depression, anxiety, trauma, addiction, and more—all while allowing clients to live at home and keep work or school commitments.
At SagePoint, we offer flexible, personalized care that treats the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. Our expert team helps you build a treatment plan that fits your goals & supports lasting recovery from mental health & substance use challenges. Already working with a therapist or provider you trust? You can continue working with them while in our care!
We provide thorough assessments, education, and therapy for depression, anxiety, trauma, addiction, and more—all while allowing clients to live at home and keep work or school commitments.
At SagePoint, we offer flexible, personalized care that treats the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. Our expert team helps you build a treatment plan that fits your goals & supports lasting recovery from mental health & substance use challenges. Already working with a therapist or provider you trust? You can continue working with them while in our care!
(916) 507-1489 View (916) 507-1489
Photo of YouthCare OfUtah - Youth Care - Education Program, Treatment Center
Youth Care - Education Program
Treatment Center
Serves Area
Youth Care Treatment Center, located in Draper, Utah, provides quality education services for adolescents ages 11-17 who are participating in our residential treatment program. Our academic program is fully accredited by the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges and is designed to cater to the individual needs of students who are struggling with substance use concerns and mental health disorders. Our certified educators are highly experienced in working with gifted students, adolescents who have learning disabilities, and those facing behavioral challenges. Through our education program, we strive to equip each student with the skills and knowledge for lasting success. Upon enrollment in our academic program at Youth Care, students complete an educational assessment conducted by our teachers. This assessment is designed to determine each student’s academic level and to inform the development of their individualized class schedule. Our academic curriculum is aligned with the Utah State Core Curriculum and offers more than 60 diverse classes for student participation.
Youth Care Treatment Center, located in Draper, Utah, provides quality education services for adolescents ages 11-17 who are participating in our residential treatment program. Our academic program is fully accredited by the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges and is designed to cater to the individual needs of students who are struggling with substance use concerns and mental health disorders. Our certified educators are highly experienced in working with gifted students, adolescents who have learning disabilities, and those facing behavioral challenges. Through our education program, we strive to equip each student with the skills and knowledge for lasting success. Upon enrollment in our academic program at Youth Care, students complete an educational assessment conducted by our teachers. This assessment is designed to determine each student’s academic level and to inform the development of their individualized class schedule. Our academic curriculum is aligned with the Utah State Core Curriculum and offers more than 60 diverse classes for student participation.
(877) 959-8674 View (877) 959-8674
Photo of YouthCare OfUtah - Youth Care - Adolescent Outpatient, Treatment Center
Youth Care - Adolescent Outpatient
Treatment Center
Serves Area
We provide treatment for young people who are struggling with anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), conduct disorders, and attachment disorders.
At Youth Care Treatment Center, our outpatient programming is designed to help adolescents build self-confidence, learn skills for managing their symptoms, and achieve their therapeutic goals. A student’s customized treatment plan may include individual, family, experiential, and group therapy sessions as well as medication management services. The therapy methods we use include dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), trauma-focused therapies, and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. Our therapies are delivered by a diverse and experienced team of professionals who are trained in caring for the behavioral health needs of adolescents. These staff members may include licensed therapists, addiction counselors, registered nurses, licensed teachers, board-certified child and adolescent psychiatrists, music therapists, and recreational therapists. Group therapy is the primary treatment method in our PHP, and students can participate in process and DBT groups, recreational therapy, and weekly music therapy.
We provide treatment for young people who are struggling with anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), conduct disorders, and attachment disorders.
At Youth Care Treatment Center, our outpatient programming is designed to help adolescents build self-confidence, learn skills for managing their symptoms, and achieve their therapeutic goals. A student’s customized treatment plan may include individual, family, experiential, and group therapy sessions as well as medication management services. The therapy methods we use include dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), trauma-focused therapies, and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. Our therapies are delivered by a diverse and experienced team of professionals who are trained in caring for the behavioral health needs of adolescents. These staff members may include licensed therapists, addiction counselors, registered nurses, licensed teachers, board-certified child and adolescent psychiatrists, music therapists, and recreational therapists. Group therapy is the primary treatment method in our PHP, and students can participate in process and DBT groups, recreational therapy, and weekly music therapy.
(385) 526-5314 View (385) 526-5314
Photo of Alfred Jacobs - Destiny Mental Health Intensive Program, Treatment Center
Destiny Mental Health Intensive Program
Treatment Center
Serves Area
We also offer addiction and pain care, with on-site ketamine and TMS for depression, PTSD and anxiety
We are a physician-operated residential mental health program specializing in complex psychiatric conditions. Licensed for advanced treatments like ketamine and TMS, we focus on minimizing medications and offering intensive one-on-one care in a small, supportive home like setting. With only 6 clients at a time, we provide truly personalized treatment. We serve adults of all ages, including those with chronic pain. Unlike most centers, we are licensed for advanced mental health and crisis stabilization, ensuring the highest clinical standards.
We also offer addiction and pain care, with on-site ketamine and TMS for depression, PTSD and anxiety
We are a physician-operated residential mental health program specializing in complex psychiatric conditions. Licensed for advanced treatments like ketamine and TMS, we focus on minimizing medications and offering intensive one-on-one care in a small, supportive home like setting. With only 6 clients at a time, we provide truly personalized treatment. We serve adults of all ages, including those with chronic pain. Unlike most centers, we are licensed for advanced mental health and crisis stabilization, ensuring the highest clinical standards.
(747) 832-2609 View (747) 832-2609
Photo of Carly Lukas - Bay Area Clinical Associates - BACA, Treatment Center
Bay Area Clinical Associates - BACA
Treatment Center
Serves Area
Compassionate, Caring Support Ideal for Children & Teens. Evidence-based treatment programs for teens 11-17 diagnosed with mental health and/or behavioral disorders. Young patients need an open, honest, non-judgmental atmosphere where they can learn about who they are so they can decide how they want to live their lives. At BACA, our goal is to heal the whole person and the whole family. Patients and families willing to engage fully in the treatment process are likely to succeed with BACA’s unique, innovative treatment approach.
Compassionate, Caring Support Ideal for Children & Teens. Evidence-based treatment programs for teens 11-17 diagnosed with mental health and/or behavioral disorders. Young patients need an open, honest, non-judgmental atmosphere where they can learn about who they are so they can decide how they want to live their lives. At BACA, our goal is to heal the whole person and the whole family. Patients and families willing to engage fully in the treatment process are likely to succeed with BACA’s unique, innovative treatment approach.
(844) 748-2375 View (844) 748-2375
Photo of Oakland Ca - Mindful Health Solutions | Oakland, CA, Treatment Center
Our Oakland mental health clinic is located off Highway 580 on Broadway, and offers a safe and comfortable environment for interventional psychiatric treatments for anxiety disorders, mood disorders like clinical depression, and more.
We treat a variety of mental health conditions, including clinical depression, OCD, and anxiety. With the patient experience held at utmost importance, we are sure to listen to you to ensure an individualized treatment plan. Your plan can include medication assessment and management, one of our interventional psychiatry treatments, or telepsychiatry.
Our Oakland mental health clinic is located off Highway 580 on Broadway, and offers a safe and comfortable environment for interventional psychiatric treatments for anxiety disorders, mood disorders like clinical depression, and more.
We treat a variety of mental health conditions, including clinical depression, OCD, and anxiety. With the patient experience held at utmost importance, we are sure to listen to you to ensure an individualized treatment plan. Your plan can include medication assessment and management, one of our interventional psychiatry treatments, or telepsychiatry.
(510) 956-5876 View (510) 956-5876
Photo of Jaseon Outlaw - Journey of Life Psychological, Inc., Treatment Center, Ph.D.
Journey of Life Psychological, Inc.
Treatment Center
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Journey of Life Psychological, Inc. is a Bay Area–based telemental health and outpatient therapy practice dedicated to compassionate, evidence‑based care for individuals, couples, and families. We support clients navigating stress, trauma, relationships, and life transitions with a strength‑based, culturally informed approach grounded in clinical excellence and strict confidentiality. Serving Oakland, San Leandro, Castro Valley, Hayward, Alameda, Sacramento, and surrounding communities, our mission is to walk alongside you on your journey toward healing, resilience, and whole‑life wellness.
Journey of Life Psychological, Inc. is a Bay Area–based telemental health and outpatient therapy practice dedicated to compassionate, evidence‑based care for individuals, couples, and families. We support clients navigating stress, trauma, relationships, and life transitions with a strength‑based, culturally informed approach grounded in clinical excellence and strict confidentiality. Serving Oakland, San Leandro, Castro Valley, Hayward, Alameda, Sacramento, and surrounding communities, our mission is to walk alongside you on your journey toward healing, resilience, and whole‑life wellness.
(510) 824-8684 View (510) 824-8684
Photo of Dr. Robin Zasio - Anxiety Treatment Center of Sacramento, Treatment Center, PsyD, LCSW
Anxiety Treatment Center of Sacramento
Treatment Center
Serves Area
The Anxiety Treatment Center of Sacramento offers Intensive Outpatient Treatment, a Hoarding Disorder Program, Phobia Track, and Equine Assisted Activity Program (EAA) (seasonal), specializing in OCD and anxiety disorders. This includes Generalized Anxiety, Social Anxiety, Panic Disorder, Trichotillomania, and Excoriation Disorder, to name a f. This facility provides the frontline treatment protocols for these conditions which includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy CBT) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). This integrative approach is the only scientifically proven treatment modality shown to produce chemical changes in the brain leading to decreased anxiety and improved functioning. We also offer Habit Reversa Training for those struggling with Body Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRB's).
The Anxiety Treatment Center of Sacramento offers Intensive Outpatient Treatment, a Hoarding Disorder Program, Phobia Track, and Equine Assisted Activity Program (EAA) (seasonal), specializing in OCD and anxiety disorders. This includes Generalized Anxiety, Social Anxiety, Panic Disorder, Trichotillomania, and Excoriation Disorder, to name a f. This facility provides the frontline treatment protocols for these conditions which includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy CBT) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). This integrative approach is the only scientifically proven treatment modality shown to produce chemical changes in the brain leading to decreased anxiety and improved functioning. We also offer Habit Reversa Training for those struggling with Body Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRB's).
(916) 302-4307 View (916) 302-4307
Photo of Ian Wolds - Muir Wood Teen Treatment, Treatment Center, PsyD
Muir Wood Teen Treatment
Treatment Center
Serves Area
Hope starts here— help for your teen, support for your family. Muir Wood Teen Treatment specializes in treating primary mental health, substance use disorders, and trauma. Our early reputation was built on dual-diagnosis expertise, and we have become truly exceptional by grounding that expertise in a broader foundation of trauma-informed mental health.
Hope starts here— help for your teen, support for your family. Muir Wood Teen Treatment specializes in treating primary mental health, substance use disorders, and trauma. Our early reputation was built on dual-diagnosis expertise, and we have become truly exceptional by grounding that expertise in a broader foundation of trauma-informed mental health.
(707) 394-9633 View (707) 394-9633
Photo of Intake Admissions - Co-Occurring Disorder Treatment | Camp Recovery, Treatment Center
Those with depression may experience intense emotional lows, sleep disturbances, appetite changes, and may being to self-harm.
For over 30 years, The Camp Recovery Center has provided life-saving substance abuse & co-occurring disorder treatment that has helped numerous adolescents and adults live happy, healthy lives. Located among the Redwoods of the Santa Cruz Mountains, The Camp provides effective treatment and structured programming. Certified and licensed staff members guide residents towards recovery by conducting individual, group, family, and experiential therapies. Additionally, residents take part in resident-led community meetings to broaden each individual's sober support network. Licensed by the California Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs and certified by the Commission of Rehab Facilities, The Camp has demonstrated its success as a treatment provider through the success of residents who have achieved recovery.
Those with depression may experience intense emotional lows, sleep disturbances, appetite changes, and may being to self-harm.
For over 30 years, The Camp Recovery Center has provided life-saving substance abuse & co-occurring disorder treatment that has helped numerous adolescents and adults live happy, healthy lives. Located among the Redwoods of the Santa Cruz Mountains, The Camp provides effective treatment and structured programming. Certified and licensed staff members guide residents towards recovery by conducting individual, group, family, and experiential therapies. Additionally, residents take part in resident-led community meetings to broaden each individual's sober support network. Licensed by the California Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs and certified by the Commission of Rehab Facilities, The Camp has demonstrated its success as a treatment provider through the success of residents who have achieved recovery.
(855) 646-6998 View (855) 646-6998
Photo of Ian Wolds - Primary Mental Health, Treatment Center, PsyD
Primary Mental Health
Treatment Center
Serves Area
Hope starts here— help for your teen, support for your family. Muir Wood Teen Treatment specializes in treating primary mental health and trauma. Our early reputation was built on dual-diagnosis expertise, and we have become truly exceptional by grounding that expertise in a broader foundation of trauma-informed mental health.
Hope starts here— help for your teen, support for your family. Muir Wood Teen Treatment specializes in treating primary mental health and trauma. Our early reputation was built on dual-diagnosis expertise, and we have become truly exceptional by grounding that expertise in a broader foundation of trauma-informed mental health.
(707) 785-8325 View (707) 785-8325
Photo of Timothy Stein - Willow Tree | Sex Addiction & Betrayal Trauma , Treatment Center, CSAT, CCPS, CPTT
If you are facing the pain of sex addiction or the trauma of betrayal, you may feel overwhelmed and unsure where to turn. Whether you are struggling with compulsive sexual behaviors or coping with discovery of betraying sexual behaviors, specialized support can help! At Willow Tree Counseling, we specialize in outpatient treatment for sex addiction and betrayal trauma. Our programs provide focused, clinically grounded support for individuals and couples seeking real change.
If you are facing the pain of sex addiction or the trauma of betrayal, you may feel overwhelmed and unsure where to turn. Whether you are struggling with compulsive sexual behaviors or coping with discovery of betraying sexual behaviors, specialized support can help! At Willow Tree Counseling, we specialize in outpatient treatment for sex addiction and betrayal trauma. Our programs provide focused, clinically grounded support for individuals and couples seeking real change.
(707) 207-8230 View (707) 207-8230
Photo of The Camp Recovery Center Adult Residential - The Camp Recovery Center - Adult Residential, Treatment Center
The Camp Recovery Center - Adult Residential
Treatment Center
Serves Area
Located in Scotts Valley, California, The Camp Recovery Center offers residential treatment to adults age 18 and older who are struggling with a substance use disorder and co-occurring mental health concerns. Common issues that we treat adults for at this level include addiction to drugs or alcohol and any protentional underlying mental health disorders. Adults can benefit from residential care when they need 24-hour support with a highly structured therapy schedule. Those who are currently using drugs or alcohol might begin their treatment with detoxification. We offer medically assisted detox to help people rid their bodies of addictive substances and achieve stabilization. Once someone begins residential treatment, they receive therapy several times each week along with medication management. The typical length of stay at this level of care is about 30-90 days, however, this time will vary based on individual concerns.
Located in Scotts Valley, California, The Camp Recovery Center offers residential treatment to adults age 18 and older who are struggling with a substance use disorder and co-occurring mental health concerns. Common issues that we treat adults for at this level include addiction to drugs or alcohol and any protentional underlying mental health disorders. Adults can benefit from residential care when they need 24-hour support with a highly structured therapy schedule. Those who are currently using drugs or alcohol might begin their treatment with detoxification. We offer medically assisted detox to help people rid their bodies of addictive substances and achieve stabilization. Once someone begins residential treatment, they receive therapy several times each week along with medication management. The typical length of stay at this level of care is about 30-90 days, however, this time will vary based on individual concerns.
(877) 755-9432 View (877) 755-9432
Photo of Veronica Bratcher - Wildflower Mountain Ranch, Inc, Treatment Center, CMHC, LPC
Wildflower Mountain Ranch, Inc
Treatment Center
Serves Area
Wildflower Mountain Ranch (503c nonprofit organization), a long term residential treatment center in Northern Utah, specializes in treating young women who are struggling with mental health issues, complex trauma and attachment related issues. We work with (assigned female at birth) children from age 12 to 18 and often work with many kinds of families including adoptive families. We work to serve the whole family with a parent program and parent/caregiver therapy as well as family therapy in addition to our treatment of adolescents at the facility.
Wildflower Mountain Ranch (503c nonprofit organization), a long term residential treatment center in Northern Utah, specializes in treating young women who are struggling with mental health issues, complex trauma and attachment related issues. We work with (assigned female at birth) children from age 12 to 18 and often work with many kinds of families including adoptive families. We work to serve the whole family with a parent program and parent/caregiver therapy as well as family therapy in addition to our treatment of adolescents at the facility.
(801) 760-0827 View (801) 760-0827
Photo of Ian Wolds - Muir Wood Teen Treatment, Treatment Center, PsyD
Muir Wood Teen Treatment
Treatment Center
Serves Area
Hope starts here— help for your teen, support for your family. Muir Wood Teen Treatment specializes in treating primary mental health, substance use disorders, and trauma. Our early reputation was built on dual-diagnosis expertise, and we have become truly exceptional by grounding that expertise in a broader foundation of trauma-informed mental health.
Hope starts here— help for your teen, support for your family. Muir Wood Teen Treatment specializes in treating primary mental health, substance use disorders, and trauma. Our early reputation was built on dual-diagnosis expertise, and we have become truly exceptional by grounding that expertise in a broader foundation of trauma-informed mental health.
(707) 940-8255 View (707) 940-8255

See more therapy options for Oakland

Depression Treatment Centers
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.