Depression Treatment Centers in Pittsburg, CA

Photo of Omotoke Rojas - Destiny Behavioral Health, Treatment Center
Destiny Behavioral Health
Treatment Center
Serves Area
Destiny Behavioral Health offers comprehensive behavioral health outpatient services to adults aged 18 and older. We provide support for those managing mental health conditions, recovering from substance use, or dealing with co-occurring issues. Our services include Substance Abuse Treatment, Individual and Group Therapy, Family Services, Faith Based Programs, Psychoeducation and Skills Building, and more.
Destiny Behavioral Health offers comprehensive behavioral health outpatient services to adults aged 18 and older. We provide support for those managing mental health conditions, recovering from substance use, or dealing with co-occurring issues. Our services include Substance Abuse Treatment, Individual and Group Therapy, Family Services, Faith Based Programs, Psychoeducation and Skills Building, and more.
(925) 310-2773 View (925) 310-2773
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 Bruno Brickstone - Empower Residential Wellness - Behavioral Health, Treatment Center
Empower Residential Wellness - Behavioral Health
Treatment Center
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
We treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, and other complex mental health conditions.
Empower Residential Wellness provides personalized, compassionate care for individuals with complex mental health conditions, including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. We blend evidence-based therapies like CBT and DBT with experiential treatments such as art and music therapy. With a 3:1 staff-to-client ratio and a focus on wellness practices, we offer a supportive residential setting that fosters long-term recovery, independence, and lasting stability.
We treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, and other complex mental health conditions.
Empower Residential Wellness provides personalized, compassionate care for individuals with complex mental health conditions, including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. We blend evidence-based therapies like CBT and DBT with experiential treatments such as art and music therapy. With a 3:1 staff-to-client ratio and a focus on wellness practices, we offer a supportive residential setting that fosters long-term recovery, independence, and lasting stability.
(818) 532-5890 View (818) 532-5890
Photo of Duffy's Napa Valley Rehab Detox Program - Duffy's Napa Valley Rehab, Treatment Center
Duffy's Napa Valley Rehab
Treatment Center
Serves Area
One of the biggest barriers to getting addiction treatment is knowing that withdrawing from drugs or alcohol can be uncomfortable, and that might make a person feel afraid to get professional help. At Duffy’s Napa Valley Rehab, we understand these concerns, which is why we designed our medically supervised detoxification services to help people safely complete withdrawal with as little discomfort as possible. Patients who participate in the detoxification program at our facility in Calistoga, California, receive round-the-clock support from a highly experienced medical team that specializes in addiction medicine. These experts tailor each person’s detox plan to their specific needs and work closely with them throughout the withdrawal process to ensure that they achieve a successful outcome. As a person completes detox at Duffy’s, they can then begin to transition to residential addiction treatment with us, during which they can delve more deeply into the recovery process.
One of the biggest barriers to getting addiction treatment is knowing that withdrawing from drugs or alcohol can be uncomfortable, and that might make a person feel afraid to get professional help. At Duffy’s Napa Valley Rehab, we understand these concerns, which is why we designed our medically supervised detoxification services to help people safely complete withdrawal with as little discomfort as possible. Patients who participate in the detoxification program at our facility in Calistoga, California, receive round-the-clock support from a highly experienced medical team that specializes in addiction medicine. These experts tailor each person’s detox plan to their specific needs and work closely with them throughout the withdrawal process to ensure that they achieve a successful outcome. As a person completes detox at Duffy’s, they can then begin to transition to residential addiction treatment with us, during which they can delve more deeply into the recovery process.
(844) 351-6766 View (844) 351-6766

More Treatment Centers Nearby

Photo of Kara Gross - Evolve DBT Residential Treatment Center for Teens, Treatment Center
We provide proven help for teen depression, anxiety, suicidality, substance use, ADHD, ODD, conduct disorder, and other complex mental health issues.
At Evolve, we specialize in compassionate, individualized care for teens struggling with mental health, substance use, and behavioral challenges. Our short-term Residential Treatment Center (RTC) offers a safe, structured, and supportive environment where healing can begin. With only six teens in each home, we provide 24/7 supervision, personalized attention, and evidence-based therapies tailored to each adolescent’s unique needs. Rooted in empathy, connection, and clinical excellence, our RTC helps teens rediscover hope, build resilience, and take meaningful steps toward lasting wellness.
We provide proven help for teen depression, anxiety, suicidality, substance use, ADHD, ODD, conduct disorder, and other complex mental health issues.
At Evolve, we specialize in compassionate, individualized care for teens struggling with mental health, substance use, and behavioral challenges. Our short-term Residential Treatment Center (RTC) offers a safe, structured, and supportive environment where healing can begin. With only six teens in each home, we provide 24/7 supervision, personalized attention, and evidence-based therapies tailored to each adolescent’s unique needs. Rooted in empathy, connection, and clinical excellence, our RTC helps teens rediscover hope, build resilience, and take meaningful steps toward lasting wellness.
(925) 306-1390 View (925) 306-1390
Photo of Kara Gross - Teen Anxiety & Depression Treatment at Evolve, Treatment Center
We provide proven help for teen depression, anxiety, suicidality, substance use, ADHD, ODD, conduct disorder, and other complex mental health issues.
At Evolve, we specialize in compassionate, individualized care for teens struggling with mental health, substance use, and behavioral challenges. Our short-term Residential Treatment Center (RTC) offers a safe, structured, and supportive environment where healing can begin. With only six teens in each home, we provide 24/7 supervision, personalized attention, and evidence-based therapies tailored to each adolescent’s unique needs. Rooted in empathy, connection, and clinical excellence, our RTC helps teens rediscover hope, build resilience, and take meaningful steps toward lasting wellness.
We provide proven help for teen depression, anxiety, suicidality, substance use, ADHD, ODD, conduct disorder, and other complex mental health issues.
At Evolve, we specialize in compassionate, individualized care for teens struggling with mental health, substance use, and behavioral challenges. Our short-term Residential Treatment Center (RTC) offers a safe, structured, and supportive environment where healing can begin. With only six teens in each home, we provide 24/7 supervision, personalized attention, and evidence-based therapies tailored to each adolescent’s unique needs. Rooted in empathy, connection, and clinical excellence, our RTC helps teens rediscover hope, build resilience, and take meaningful steps toward lasting wellness.
(925) 962-5118 View (925) 962-5118
Photo of Newport Newport - Newport Institute Young Adult Treatment, Treatment Center
Newport Institute Young Adult Treatment
Treatment Center
Serves Area
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.
We meet our clients where they are with tailored treatment plans that address the physical, psychological, social, and educational needs of adolescents and young adults. We also provide support for family attachment issues and difficulty launching into adulthood. Whatever life stage our client is in, we are here to support their growth.
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.
We meet our clients where they are with tailored treatment plans that address the physical, psychological, social, and educational needs of adolescents and young adults. We also provide support for family attachment issues and difficulty launching into adulthood. Whatever life stage our client is in, we are here to support their growth.
(628) 888-8146 View (628) 888-8146
Photo of For A Free Confidential Screening - Rogers Behavioral Health, Treatment Center
Rogers Behavioral Health
Treatment Center
Walnut Creek, CA 94598
Rogers Behavioral Health's San Francisco East Bay clinic offers highly spe­cialized partial hospitalization care for adults, adolescents, and children in need of the next level of outpatient care. All patients have access to a board-certified psychiatrist and a multidisciplinary team of mental health experts. Rogers Connect Care is a telehealth treatment option offered in IL, MN, TN, and WI.
Rogers Behavioral Health's San Francisco East Bay clinic offers highly spe­cialized partial hospitalization care for adults, adolescents, and children in need of the next level of outpatient care. All patients have access to a board-certified psychiatrist and a multidisciplinary team of mental health experts. Rogers Connect Care is a telehealth treatment option offered in IL, MN, TN, and WI.
(925) 320-3567 View (925) 320-3567
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 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 Kara Gross - Evolve Teen Treatment Center - Walnut Creek, Treatment Center
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) 304-1379 View (925) 304-1379
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 Kara Gross - Evolve Residential Treatment Centers for Teens, Treatment Center
We provide proven help for teen depression, anxiety, suicidality, substance use, ADHD, ODD, conduct disorder, and other complex mental health issues.
At Evolve, we specialize in compassionate, individualized care for teens struggling with mental health, substance use, and behavioral challenges. Our short-term Residential Treatment Center (RTC) offers a safe, structured, and supportive environment where healing can begin. With only six teens in each home, we provide 24/7 supervision, personalized attention, and evidence-based therapies tailored to each adolescent’s unique needs. Rooted in empathy, connection, and clinical excellence, our RTC helps teens rediscover hope, build resilience, and take meaningful steps toward lasting wellness.
We provide proven help for teen depression, anxiety, suicidality, substance use, ADHD, ODD, conduct disorder, and other complex mental health issues.
At Evolve, we specialize in compassionate, individualized care for teens struggling with mental health, substance use, and behavioral challenges. Our short-term Residential Treatment Center (RTC) offers a safe, structured, and supportive environment where healing can begin. With only six teens in each home, we provide 24/7 supervision, personalized attention, and evidence-based therapies tailored to each adolescent’s unique needs. Rooted in empathy, connection, and clinical excellence, our RTC helps teens rediscover hope, build resilience, and take meaningful steps toward lasting wellness.
(925) 478-7606 View (925) 478-7606
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 Kara Gross - Evolve Teen Outpatient Treatment Center - Danville, Treatment Center
Our treatment team is specially trained to support teens with depression, anxiety, addiction, trauma, ADHD, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder, and other issues.
Evolve Danville offers outpatient treatment for teens ages 12-17 who struggle with mental health, addiction, and/or behavioral issues. Our licensed, specialized staff utilize evidence-based treatments such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), individual and family therapy, multifamily groups, parent support groups, psychiatry, daily group sessions and psychoeducation. Additionally, we integrate addiction recovery modalities such as Relapse Prevention, DBT for Substance Abuse, SMART Recovery, and 12-Step support programs. Many of our adolescents struggle with emotion dysregulation and may display high-risk or self-harming behaviors. DBT is research-proven to help reduce these issues. Through DBT, we teach our teens the skills needed for distress tolerance, improved impulse control, emotion regulation, and effective communication. Teens also receive daily academic support and participate in experiential therapies such as music, art, mindfulness, yoga, and hiking. We pride ourselves on creating a safe, positive, and structured environment where clients learn the skills necessary for sustainable recovery.
Our treatment team is specially trained to support teens with depression, anxiety, addiction, trauma, ADHD, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder, and other issues.
Evolve Danville offers outpatient treatment for teens ages 12-17 who struggle with mental health, addiction, and/or behavioral issues. Our licensed, specialized staff utilize evidence-based treatments such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), individual and family therapy, multifamily groups, parent support groups, psychiatry, daily group sessions and psychoeducation. Additionally, we integrate addiction recovery modalities such as Relapse Prevention, DBT for Substance Abuse, SMART Recovery, and 12-Step support programs. Many of our adolescents struggle with emotion dysregulation and may display high-risk or self-harming behaviors. DBT is research-proven to help reduce these issues. Through DBT, we teach our teens the skills needed for distress tolerance, improved impulse control, emotion regulation, and effective communication. Teens also receive daily academic support and participate in experiential therapies such as music, art, mindfulness, yoga, and hiking. We pride ourselves on creating a safe, positive, and structured environment where clients learn the skills necessary for sustainable recovery.
(925) 392-3978 View (925) 392-3978
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 Wright Institute - Wright Institute Los Angeles (WILA), Treatment Center, PsyD, PhD, MFT, LCSW
Wright Institute Los Angeles (WILA)
Treatment Center
Serves Area
Do you need help but think you can't afford therapy? Does your insurance only cover a few sessions? We offer unlimited high-quality affordable psychotherapy.
Do you need help but think you can't afford therapy? Does your insurance only cover a few sessions? We offer unlimited high-quality affordable psychotherapy.
(424) 371-5191 View (424) 371-5191
Photo of Kara Gross - Teen Depression Treatment Center at Evolve, Treatment Center
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) 478-5244 View (925) 478-5244
Photo of Kara Gross - Teen Depression Treatment Center at Evolve, Treatment Center
Teen Depression Treatment Center at Evolve
Treatment Center
Serves Area
Evolve offers tailored, empathetic care to help teens conquer depression and rediscover their sense of hope.
We combine evidence-based therapy with cutting-edge diagnostic tools to deliver individualized, data-driven care. Our innovative approach ensures measurable progress, proven outcomes, and lasting change. We provide proven help for teen depression, anxiety, suicidality, substance use, ADHD, ODD, conduct disorder, and other complex mental health issues.
Evolve offers tailored, empathetic care to help teens conquer depression and rediscover their sense of hope.
We combine evidence-based therapy with cutting-edge diagnostic tools to deliver individualized, data-driven care. Our innovative approach ensures measurable progress, proven outcomes, and lasting change. We provide proven help for teen depression, anxiety, suicidality, substance use, ADHD, ODD, conduct disorder, and other complex mental health issues.
(408) 516-4172 View (408) 516-4172
Photo of Kara Gross - Teen Anxiety & Depression Treatment at Evolve, Treatment Center
When severe anxiety, isolation, or depression disrupts your teen's daily life, a supportive change of environment can be life-saving.
We combine evidence-based therapy with cutting-edge diagnostic tools to deliver individualized, data-driven care. Our innovative approach ensures measurable progress, proven outcomes, and lasting change. We provide proven help for teen depression, anxiety, suicidality, substance use, ADHD, ODD, conduct disorder, and other complex mental health issues.
When severe anxiety, isolation, or depression disrupts your teen's daily life, a supportive change of environment can be life-saving.
We combine evidence-based therapy with cutting-edge diagnostic tools to deliver individualized, data-driven care. Our innovative approach ensures measurable progress, proven outcomes, and lasting change. We provide proven help for teen depression, anxiety, suicidality, substance use, ADHD, ODD, conduct disorder, and other complex mental health issues.
(925) 397-4697 View (925) 397-4697

See more therapy options for Pittsburg

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.