Depression Treatment Centers in Pleasanton, CA

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 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 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 Teen Dual Diagnosis Residential Treatment, Treatment Center
We provide proven help for teen depression, anxiety, suicidality, substance use, ADHD, ODD, conduct disorder, and other complex mental health issues.
Evolve’s caring, customized approach helps teens break free from addiction and rebuild hope for a better future We offer therapeutic programs for teens, including short-term residential treatment. Our RTC for teens serves only six clients at a time, allowing for truly individualized care, 24/7 support and supervision, and evidence-based therapies. In addition, Evolve provides structured outpatient therapy for teens through our full-day teen Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and after-school teen Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). Rooted in compassion and connection, our teen treatment programs help adolescents heal and grow
We provide proven help for teen depression, anxiety, suicidality, substance use, ADHD, ODD, conduct disorder, and other complex mental health issues.
Evolve’s caring, customized approach helps teens break free from addiction and rebuild hope for a better future We offer therapeutic programs for teens, including short-term residential treatment. Our RTC for teens serves only six clients at a time, allowing for truly individualized care, 24/7 support and supervision, and evidence-based therapies. In addition, Evolve provides structured outpatient therapy for teens through our full-day teen Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and after-school teen Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). Rooted in compassion and connection, our teen treatment programs help adolescents heal and grow
(408) 528-2199 View (408) 528-2199
Photo of Newport Newport - Newport Academy Teen and Adolescent Residential, 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.
Our team in California includes clinical experts, licensed therapists, and teachers. We have assembled the best mental health leaders in the country to serve as the foundation for our treatment centers. Our skilled clinicians are innovative professionals who provide a truly comprehensive approach to individualized teen 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.
Our team in California includes clinical experts, licensed therapists, and teachers. We have assembled the best mental health leaders in the country to serve as the foundation for our treatment centers. Our skilled clinicians are innovative professionals who provide a truly comprehensive approach to individualized teen treatment.
(925) 794-8097 View (925) 794-8097
Photo of Aloysius Magtoto - California Recovery Center Substance Use Treatment, Treatment Center
At California Recovery Center, we know recovery is more than a single step—it’s a journey. That’s why we provide a full continuum of care, beginning with detox, moving through residential treatment, and continuing into outpatient and aftercare programs. With support available 24/7, our team ensures you’re never alone in the process. By combining evidence-based therapies with genuine compassion, we help you build a strong foundation for lasting recovery and a healthier future.
At California Recovery Center, we know recovery is more than a single step—it’s a journey. That’s why we provide a full continuum of care, beginning with detox, moving through residential treatment, and continuing into outpatient and aftercare programs. With support available 24/7, our team ensures you’re never alone in the process. By combining evidence-based therapies with genuine compassion, we help you build a strong foundation for lasting recovery and a healthier future.
(916) 943-7823 View (916) 943-7823
Photo of Dave Covault Lmft - Alhambra Valley Retreat, Treatment Center
Alhambra Valley Retreat
Treatment Center
Serves Area
Alhambra Valley Retreat (AVR) is a 24 hour residential treatment program for adult males suffering from alcohol and/or substance abuse. The program is licensed and certified by the State of California, Department of Health Care Services, and in 2021 received a three year accreditation by The Commission on Accredited Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). AVR is credentialed by Kaiser Permanente as a provider of services to over two million insured clients throughout Northern California. The program accepts all Kaiser clients in this region. AVR also accepts cash pay. The program is designed to treat 6 clients at a time, which allows for individualized treatment plans and personal attention to our resident's needs.The treatment program includes individual, group and family therapy with licensed therapists, addiction educational sessions, and recovery and treatment planning designed to help each client transition back to their community after successful treatment stay.
Alhambra Valley Retreat (AVR) is a 24 hour residential treatment program for adult males suffering from alcohol and/or substance abuse. The program is licensed and certified by the State of California, Department of Health Care Services, and in 2021 received a three year accreditation by The Commission on Accredited Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). AVR is credentialed by Kaiser Permanente as a provider of services to over two million insured clients throughout Northern California. The program accepts all Kaiser clients in this region. AVR also accepts cash pay. The program is designed to treat 6 clients at a time, which allows for individualized treatment plans and personal attention to our resident's needs.The treatment program includes individual, group and family therapy with licensed therapists, addiction educational sessions, and recovery and treatment planning designed to help each client transition back to their community after successful treatment stay.
(925) 526-7408 View (925) 526-7408
Photo of Center For Discovery - Center For Discovery, Treatment Center
Center For Discovery
Treatment Center
Serves Area
Our therapeutic practices help patients know when/ how to use effective coping skills for avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID), binge eating disorder, anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, orthorexia nervosa, other specified eating disorders and co-occurring disorders like anxiety, depression, PTSD and OCD.
Healing, growth and a positive relationship with food is possible with the Center for Discovery Dietary Program. We use the CARE Model, which stands for “consistent attuned relational eating.” This means patients have the steadiness of a dietary plan that is adaptable to what’s happening in their life. We believe in Health at Every Size because everyone can be healthy regardless of size, shape, weight or BMI. We encourage Intuitive Eating — nourishing ourselves when we’re hungry and recognizing when we feel full. We utilize the All Foods Fit model, which celebrates that all foods are nourishment, and no foods are off-limits in moderation. These core elements help our patients walk out of treatment feeling engaged, empowered and transformed so that they can manage long-term recovery. In fact, 86.5% of clients who completed treatment didn’t need to return to Center for Discovery or any other program for a higher level of care for eating disorder treatment.
Our therapeutic practices help patients know when/ how to use effective coping skills for avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID), binge eating disorder, anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, orthorexia nervosa, other specified eating disorders and co-occurring disorders like anxiety, depression, PTSD and OCD.
Healing, growth and a positive relationship with food is possible with the Center for Discovery Dietary Program. We use the CARE Model, which stands for “consistent attuned relational eating.” This means patients have the steadiness of a dietary plan that is adaptable to what’s happening in their life. We believe in Health at Every Size because everyone can be healthy regardless of size, shape, weight or BMI. We encourage Intuitive Eating — nourishing ourselves when we’re hungry and recognizing when we feel full. We utilize the All Foods Fit model, which celebrates that all foods are nourishment, and no foods are off-limits in moderation. These core elements help our patients walk out of treatment feeling engaged, empowered and transformed so that they can manage long-term recovery. In fact, 86.5% of clients who completed treatment didn’t need to return to Center for Discovery or any other program for a higher level of care for eating disorder treatment.
(866) 318-8647 View (866) 318-8647
Photo of Bruno Brickstone - Restoration Recovery Center , Treatment Center
Restoration Recovery Center
Treatment Center
Serves Area
Whether they’re navigating depression, anxiety, PTSD, or the complex layers of dual diagnosis, our clients are looking for a path forward, a place where they can feel safe, understood, and genuinely supported in their recovery journey.
We offer a trauma-informed, clinically driven residential program that integrates evidence-based therapies with holistic and experiential care. Our clients benefit from a structured blend of individual therapy, group counseling, mindfulness practices, and adventure therapy, all set against the peaceful backdrop of Northern California’s natural landscape.
Whether they’re navigating depression, anxiety, PTSD, or the complex layers of dual diagnosis, our clients are looking for a path forward, a place where they can feel safe, understood, and genuinely supported in their recovery journey.
We offer a trauma-informed, clinically driven residential program that integrates evidence-based therapies with holistic and experiential care. Our clients benefit from a structured blend of individual therapy, group counseling, mindfulness practices, and adventure therapy, all set against the peaceful backdrop of Northern California’s natural landscape.
(530) 298-0905 View (530) 298-0905
Photo of David B Burke - New Start Recovery Solutions, Treatment Center, LAADC, CA
New Start Recovery Solutions
Treatment Center
Serves Area
At New Start Recovery Solutions we offer access to personalized Medically Managed detox and dual-diagnosis residential treatment and intensive outpatient treatment for individuals, families and professionals. We use an approach that is highly individualized with an array of options customized in a treatment plan specifically for you or a love one. We believe in order to recover successfully, we need to replace old habits with new healthy ones. We can help the family get started by facilitating a family intervention to break through any barriers to get the process of recovery started, finishing with the development of a continuing care plan after treatment is completed. We believe the solution is within us-sometimes we need help to bring it out. Go to our website we have many locations to choose from and an admissions counselor is waiting to help you and walk you through the process.
At New Start Recovery Solutions we offer access to personalized Medically Managed detox and dual-diagnosis residential treatment and intensive outpatient treatment for individuals, families and professionals. We use an approach that is highly individualized with an array of options customized in a treatment plan specifically for you or a love one. We believe in order to recover successfully, we need to replace old habits with new healthy ones. We can help the family get started by facilitating a family intervention to break through any barriers to get the process of recovery started, finishing with the development of a continuing care plan after treatment is completed. We believe the solution is within us-sometimes we need help to bring it out. Go to our website we have many locations to choose from and an admissions counselor is waiting to help you and walk you through the process.
(530) 419-5755 View (530) 419-5755
Photo of Bonnie Jean Mitchell - Mental Health Sacramento, Treatment Center, DBH, LPCC
Mental Health Sacramento
Treatment Center
Serves Area
We help adults in psychiatric crisis or stepping down from hospital care—those facing depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, PTSD, OCD, and co-occurring substance use.
We serve adults and older adults in Northern California experiencing severe psychiatric symptoms that disrupt daily life—individuals who need more support than outpatient care provides but don't require hospitalization. Our clients often face mood disorders, anxiety disorders, psychotic disorders, including schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder, PTSD, OCD, bipolar disorder, and co-occurring substance use challenges. Many are navigating a mental health crisis, transitioning from inpatient care, or struggling to maintain stability while building independence.
We help adults in psychiatric crisis or stepping down from hospital care—those facing depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, PTSD, OCD, and co-occurring substance use.
We serve adults and older adults in Northern California experiencing severe psychiatric symptoms that disrupt daily life—individuals who need more support than outpatient care provides but don't require hospitalization. Our clients often face mood disorders, anxiety disorders, psychotic disorders, including schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder, PTSD, OCD, bipolar disorder, and co-occurring substance use challenges. Many are navigating a mental health crisis, transitioning from inpatient care, or struggling to maintain stability while building independence.
(916) 237-4556 View (916) 237-4556

More Treatment Centers Nearby

Photo of Marit Lee - The Beach Cottage at Seasons in Malibu, Treatment Center
The Beach Cottage at Seasons in Malibu
Treatment Center
Serves Area
We specialize in treating a wide variety of mental health disorders like depression, anxiety, PTSD and trauma.
In a beautiful historic cottage nestled within a discreet private enclave in Malibu California, sits The Beach Cottage at Seasons in Malibu. Here we offer the highest quality mental health care in a free-standing treatment center. In this serene setting, just steps away from a private beach, Seasons provides compassionate, integrated care for clients who need to begin or continue their journeys toward living more fulfilling lives.
We specialize in treating a wide variety of mental health disorders like depression, anxiety, PTSD and trauma.
In a beautiful historic cottage nestled within a discreet private enclave in Malibu California, sits The Beach Cottage at Seasons in Malibu. Here we offer the highest quality mental health care in a free-standing treatment center. In this serene setting, just steps away from a private beach, Seasons provides compassionate, integrated care for clients who need to begin or continue their journeys toward living more fulfilling lives.
(424) 346-6190 View (424) 346-6190
Photo of Our Admissions Team - Austen Riggs Center, Treatment Center
Austen Riggs Center
Treatment Center
Serves Area
Located in Stockbridge, MA, with a national referral base, Riggs is an open and voluntary continuum of care for adults (18+) with complex psychiatric problems. We offer a range of interventions within an integrated psychodynamic framework. An emphasis is placed on patient authority and responsibility while examining the meaning behind behaviors and how behaviors impact relationships. Patients come to us with multiple diagnoses, but these labels do not necessarily capture the essence of their struggles or strengths. Our Online Intensive Outpatient Program offers online treatment to college students and emerging adults (18-30) in MA.
Located in Stockbridge, MA, with a national referral base, Riggs is an open and voluntary continuum of care for adults (18+) with complex psychiatric problems. We offer a range of interventions within an integrated psychodynamic framework. An emphasis is placed on patient authority and responsibility while examining the meaning behind behaviors and how behaviors impact relationships. Patients come to us with multiple diagnoses, but these labels do not necessarily capture the essence of their struggles or strengths. Our Online Intensive Outpatient Program offers online treatment to college students and emerging adults (18-30) in MA.
(855) 338-0060 View (855) 338-0060
Jackson House Visalia
Treatment Center
Serves Area
Our outpatient programs serve 18 and older adults facing substance use and mental health challenges. Treatment is overseen by a highly skilled clinical team with years of experience. We offer a unique and inspiring perspective that fosters hope and connection through our lived experience and shared insights.
Our outpatient programs serve 18 and older adults facing substance use and mental health challenges. Treatment is overseen by a highly skilled clinical team with years of experience. We offer a unique and inspiring perspective that fosters hope and connection through our lived experience and shared insights.
(559) 838-5571 View (559) 838-5571
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 - 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 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 Madison Baker - The Mental Health Collective, Treatment Center
The Mental Health Collective
Treatment Center
Serves Area
The Mental Health Collective is a mental health program staffed with seasoned clinicians utilizing diverse therapeutic modalities to diagnose and treat adults 18+ facing mental health challenges. Our team provides neurobiology-informed, outcome-driven, clinical care in a community-based setting where clients are supported and connected to safely navigate life's challenges. Learn more about our Residential Treatment Program and Intensive Day Program.
The Mental Health Collective is a mental health program staffed with seasoned clinicians utilizing diverse therapeutic modalities to diagnose and treat adults 18+ facing mental health challenges. Our team provides neurobiology-informed, outcome-driven, clinical care in a community-based setting where clients are supported and connected to safely navigate life's challenges. Learn more about our Residential Treatment Program and Intensive Day Program.
(949) 386-7110 View (949) 386-7110
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 Stacie Daniels - Ezcare Clinic, Treatment Center, MD
Ezcare Clinic
Treatment Center
San Francisco, CA 94102
We provide diagnosis & full-scale mental health treatment. Our licensed mental health professionals help you manage all ADHD/ADD, anxiety, and other mental health disorders.
We provide diagnosis & full-scale mental health treatment. Our licensed mental health professionals help you manage all ADHD/ADD, anxiety, and other mental health disorders.
(415) 562-0784 View (415) 562-0784

See more therapy options for Pleasanton

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.