Depression Treatment Centers in San Anselmo, CA

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 Walnut Creek, 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 Walnut Creek, 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.
(925) 966-3707 View (925) 966-3707
We provide proven help for teen depression, anxiety, suicidality, substance use, ADHD, ODD, conduct disorder, and other complex mental health issues.
Finding the right help for a teen in crisis is overwhelming. Our short-term Mental Health residential center offers a safe, immersive environment to break the cycle. With only 6 teens per home, we provide the exclusive, personalized care your family needs. Our compassionate team delivers 24/7 supervision and evidence-based therapies to help teens navigate challenges and build resilience. Beyond residential care, Evolve provides structured outpatient therapy through our full-day Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and after-school Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). We empower adolescents to heal, grow, and move forward.
We provide proven help for teen depression, anxiety, suicidality, substance use, ADHD, ODD, conduct disorder, and other complex mental health issues.
Finding the right help for a teen in crisis is overwhelming. Our short-term Mental Health residential center offers a safe, immersive environment to break the cycle. With only 6 teens per home, we provide the exclusive, personalized care your family needs. Our compassionate team delivers 24/7 supervision and evidence-based therapies to help teens navigate challenges and build resilience. Beyond residential care, Evolve provides structured outpatient therapy through our full-day Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and after-school Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). We empower adolescents to heal, grow, and move forward.
(925) 528-4529 View (925) 528-4529
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
Located on a serene and secluded campus in northern California that overlooks San Francisco Bay, Bayside Marin is a small, private, and highly personalized program for adult men and women, aged 18 and older, who are struggling with substance abuse, addiction, and co-occurring disorders such as depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and borderline personality disorder.
Addiction to alcohol or other drugs is a debilitating progressive disease that has the potential to wreak havoc on a person's physical, mental, emotional, and social wellbeing. Addiction is a complex chronic condition that is marked by the inability to resist the powerful urge to use mind-altering substances. Common signs and symptoms of addiction include developing tolerance (needing to use increasingly larger amounts of a substance in order to achieve the same result), prioritizing the acquisition and use of drugs over one's relationships, career prospects, academic progress, or other responsibilities, and experiencing painful withdrawal symptoms when attempting to stop using. Even after having experienced significant negative consequences as the result of their substance abuse, individuals who suffer from the disease of addiction are unable to stop their self-defeating behaviors. Addiction is associated with myriad negative effects and co-occurring disorders, including heart problems, organ damage, cognitive impairment, and depression. If left untreated, addiction can send a person into a downward spiral of shame, self-hatred, and hopelessness.
Located on a serene and secluded campus in northern California that overlooks San Francisco Bay, Bayside Marin is a small, private, and highly personalized program for adult men and women, aged 18 and older, who are struggling with substance abuse, addiction, and co-occurring disorders such as depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and borderline personality disorder.
Addiction to alcohol or other drugs is a debilitating progressive disease that has the potential to wreak havoc on a person's physical, mental, emotional, and social wellbeing. Addiction is a complex chronic condition that is marked by the inability to resist the powerful urge to use mind-altering substances. Common signs and symptoms of addiction include developing tolerance (needing to use increasingly larger amounts of a substance in order to achieve the same result), prioritizing the acquisition and use of drugs over one's relationships, career prospects, academic progress, or other responsibilities, and experiencing painful withdrawal symptoms when attempting to stop using. Even after having experienced significant negative consequences as the result of their substance abuse, individuals who suffer from the disease of addiction are unable to stop their self-defeating behaviors. Addiction is associated with myriad negative effects and co-occurring disorders, including heart problems, organ damage, cognitive impairment, and depression. If left untreated, addiction can send a person into a downward spiral of shame, self-hatred, and hopelessness.
(855) 976-5679 View (855) 976-5679
Marin Counseling Collaborative
Treatment Center
Serves Area
Our professional counselors can guide you to overcome the following: Couples Counseling, Changes in family (divorce, separation, loss of loved one), Grief and Loss, Parenting challenges, Anxiety/Stress Depression, Self Esteem issues, Self injury or self harm, Child behavioral issues, Trauma, Substance Abuse, Abuse related issues.
At times we all need help sorting out life's complexities. At the Marin Counseling Collaborative we offer professional, skilled, affordable, psychotherapy to address the challenges that life can bring. The Marin Counseling Collaborative is a community counseling center and training program operated by Bay Area Community Resources, a non-profit organization providing services to Marin residents since 1975. We provide counseling to adults, couples, and families. All of our therapists have specialties in working with children and adolescents.
Our professional counselors can guide you to overcome the following: Couples Counseling, Changes in family (divorce, separation, loss of loved one), Grief and Loss, Parenting challenges, Anxiety/Stress Depression, Self Esteem issues, Self injury or self harm, Child behavioral issues, Trauma, Substance Abuse, Abuse related issues.
At times we all need help sorting out life's complexities. At the Marin Counseling Collaborative we offer professional, skilled, affordable, psychotherapy to address the challenges that life can bring. The Marin Counseling Collaborative is a community counseling center and training program operated by Bay Area Community Resources, a non-profit organization providing services to Marin residents since 1975. We provide counseling to adults, couples, and families. All of our therapists have specialties in working with children and adolescents.
(415) 300-2286 View (415) 300-2286
Mind Therapy Clinic
Treatment Center
Serves Area
We are an innovative psychiatric clinic specializing in complex disorders with personalized, multidisciplinary care. Our continuum includes outpatient, IOP, PHP, and 24/7 residential services at E Street Housing. Treatments include evaluations, medication, individual & family therapy, case management, group therapy, mindfulness, DBT, TMS, and diagnostic imaging.
We are an innovative psychiatric clinic specializing in complex disorders with personalized, multidisciplinary care. Our continuum includes outpatient, IOP, PHP, and 24/7 residential services at E Street Housing. Treatments include evaluations, medication, individual & family therapy, case management, group therapy, mindfulness, DBT, TMS, and diagnostic imaging.
(415) 991-7463 View (415) 991-7463

More Treatment Centers Nearby

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
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
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
Rather than merely containing or shaping behaviors, we are committed to assisting young people by addressing the deeper, more difficult issues that impact their lives including anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, and more.
At Paradigm Treatment we recognize the unique challenges faced by young adults (18-26) during the transition from adolescence to adulthood and are committed to creating a safe environment catering to those needs. This pivotal time involves tremendous transformation as teens leave behind the security and dependency of their younger selves to embrace the greater responsibilities and freedoms of adulthood in an ever-chaotic world. The Paradigm Young Adult program focuses on addressing mental health issues during this crucial developmental phase. We help clients build self-awareness, heal from past traumas, learn coping strategies, life skills, and interpersonal tactics. Our skilled medical, clinical, and psychological staff work closely with each client, ensuring personalized support from the moment they enter our program. At Paradigm, we empower young adults to build meaningful lives and equip them with skills to thrive beyond the completion of our program. Due to a lack of quality mental health resources throughout the country, it's common for us to treat clients from all over the Pacific Northwest at our San Rafael location.
Rather than merely containing or shaping behaviors, we are committed to assisting young people by addressing the deeper, more difficult issues that impact their lives including anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, and more.
At Paradigm Treatment we recognize the unique challenges faced by young adults (18-26) during the transition from adolescence to adulthood and are committed to creating a safe environment catering to those needs. This pivotal time involves tremendous transformation as teens leave behind the security and dependency of their younger selves to embrace the greater responsibilities and freedoms of adulthood in an ever-chaotic world. The Paradigm Young Adult program focuses on addressing mental health issues during this crucial developmental phase. We help clients build self-awareness, heal from past traumas, learn coping strategies, life skills, and interpersonal tactics. Our skilled medical, clinical, and psychological staff work closely with each client, ensuring personalized support from the moment they enter our program. At Paradigm, we empower young adults to build meaningful lives and equip them with skills to thrive beyond the completion of our program. Due to a lack of quality mental health resources throughout the country, it's common for us to treat clients from all over the Pacific Northwest at our San Rafael location.
(415) 687-5325 View (415) 687-5325
Polaris Insight Center
Treatment Center
San Francisco, CA 94114
This cutting edge therapy can help with depression, anxiety, trauma and other issues.
Ketamine sessions are most effective when paired with psychotherapy. Our treatment protocol includes sessions that will prepare clients for their ketamine sessions and assist them in integrating their experiences afterwards.
This cutting edge therapy can help with depression, anxiety, trauma and other issues.
Ketamine sessions are most effective when paired with psychotherapy. Our treatment protocol includes sessions that will prepare clients for their ketamine sessions and assist them in integrating their experiences afterwards.
(415) 527-3410 View (415) 527-3410
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
Jackson House Temecula
Treatment Center
Serves Area
Jackson House focuses on short-term, comprehensive residential treatment focusing on core issues such as trauma, depression, anxiety, psychosis, and grief and loss. Our multi-disciplinary team focuses on a variety of therapeutic techniques to ensure that every client gets the care that they need. Our home-like atmosphere allows clients to easily transition from residential care to less structured outpatient treatment. At Jackson House, we know that you have other responsibilities to maintain such as work, social life, and family. It is our mission to make sure you get back to your true self and back to being able to thrive in your day-to-day responsibilities.
Jackson House focuses on short-term, comprehensive residential treatment focusing on core issues such as trauma, depression, anxiety, psychosis, and grief and loss. Our multi-disciplinary team focuses on a variety of therapeutic techniques to ensure that every client gets the care that they need. Our home-like atmosphere allows clients to easily transition from residential care to less structured outpatient treatment. At Jackson House, we know that you have other responsibilities to maintain such as work, social life, and family. It is our mission to make sure you get back to your true self and back to being able to thrive in your day-to-day responsibilities.
(951) 402-1268 View (951) 402-1268
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
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.
(925) 592-1275 View (925) 592-1275
Spruce Mountain Inn
Treatment Center
Serves Area
We work with young adults of all genders struggling with anxiety, depression, OCD, ASD 1, ADHD, neurodivergence, personality disorders, trauma and more.
Spruce Mountain Inn is a nationally-renowned residential treatment center for young adults aged 18-28. Our residence is intentionally small, with a maximum of 22 residents receiving treatment here at any given time. Our comprehensive and experiential approach integrates residential care, clinical mental health treatment, and career & education development. Additionally, our independent living program supports residents as they progress in treatment, helping them maintain their goals for renewed health, greater confidence, and a meaningful future and prepare for life post-treatment.
We work with young adults of all genders struggling with anxiety, depression, OCD, ASD 1, ADHD, neurodivergence, personality disorders, trauma and more.
Spruce Mountain Inn is a nationally-renowned residential treatment center for young adults aged 18-28. Our residence is intentionally small, with a maximum of 22 residents receiving treatment here at any given time. Our comprehensive and experiential approach integrates residential care, clinical mental health treatment, and career & education development. Additionally, our independent living program supports residents as they progress in treatment, helping them maintain their goals for renewed health, greater confidence, and a meaningful future and prepare for life post-treatment.
(802) 441-7083 View (802) 441-7083
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
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
Embark Behavioral Health
Treatment Center
Serves Area
We understand how heartbreaking it is to watch your child struggle with severe mental health conditions like suicidal thoughts, self-harm, depression and anxiety.
At our residential treatment center, we believe that family involvement is key to your child’s healing process. Our program fosters open communication, trust and connection between parents and teens, offering family involvement to strengthen trusting relationships. We work closely with families to ensure they’re involved every step of the way.
We understand how heartbreaking it is to watch your child struggle with severe mental health conditions like suicidal thoughts, self-harm, depression and anxiety.
At our residential treatment center, we believe that family involvement is key to your child’s healing process. Our program fosters open communication, trust and connection between parents and teens, offering family involvement to strengthen trusting relationships. We work closely with families to ensure they’re involved every step of the way.
(458) 310-3941 View (458) 310-3941
Rather than merely containing or shaping behaviors, we are committed to assisting young people by addressing the deeper, more difficult issues that impact their lives including anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, and more.
At Paradigm Treatment, we have been providing residential treatment for teenagers (12-17) for over 12 years. Our program focuses on addressing mental health issues during this crucial developmental phase. While most teen treatment is focused on containing and changing behaviors, our goal is to identify the core issues driving negative coping skills. We help clients build self-awareness, heal from past traumas, learn coping strategies, life skills, and interpersonal tactics. Our skilled medical, clinical, and psychological staff work closely with each client, ensuring personalized support from the moment they enter our program. At Paradigm, we empower teens to build meaningful lives and equip them with skills to thrive beyond the completion of our program.
Rather than merely containing or shaping behaviors, we are committed to assisting young people by addressing the deeper, more difficult issues that impact their lives including anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, and more.
At Paradigm Treatment, we have been providing residential treatment for teenagers (12-17) for over 12 years. Our program focuses on addressing mental health issues during this crucial developmental phase. While most teen treatment is focused on containing and changing behaviors, our goal is to identify the core issues driving negative coping skills. We help clients build self-awareness, heal from past traumas, learn coping strategies, life skills, and interpersonal tactics. Our skilled medical, clinical, and psychological staff work closely with each client, ensuring personalized support from the moment they enter our program. At Paradigm, we empower teens to build meaningful lives and equip them with skills to thrive beyond the completion of our program.
(415) 326-1439 View (415) 326-1439

See more therapy options for San Anselmo

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.