Depression Treatment Centers in Millburn, NJ

Photo of Lori Feigenbaum - North Jersey Consultation Center (NJCC), Treatment Center
North Jersey Consultation Center (NJCC)
Treatment Center
Serves Area
Clients come to NJCC for help with a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, relationship challenges, attention difficulties, and so much more.
At NJCC, we see the client as a collaborator in the therapeutic process—your goals, insights, and lived experience shape the direction of treatment. Our clinicians use a supportive, collaborative approach that helps clients develop coping skills, build healthier relationships, and move toward greater emotional well-being and independence.
Clients come to NJCC for help with a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, relationship challenges, attention difficulties, and so much more.
At NJCC, we see the client as a collaborator in the therapeutic process—your goals, insights, and lived experience shape the direction of treatment. Our clinicians use a supportive, collaborative approach that helps clients develop coping skills, build healthier relationships, and move toward greater emotional well-being and independence.
(973) 358-7053 View (973) 358-7053
Photo of Elena Jeffries Jeffries - Positive Developments, Treatment Center, PhD
Positive Developments
Treatment Center
Millburn, NJ 07041
Welcome to Positive Developments! Established over 15 years ago by three licensed psychologists, our group practice has grown to meet the evolving needs of the communities we serve. We offer a wide range of services including individual psychotherapy for children, adolescents, college students/young adults, and adults; couples therapy; parent consultation; neuropsychological assessment; and executive functioning support. Sessions are available both in person and virtually. Many of our therapists are also authorized to practice telepsychology across multiple states, allowing for uninterrupted services and continuity of care.
Welcome to Positive Developments! Established over 15 years ago by three licensed psychologists, our group practice has grown to meet the evolving needs of the communities we serve. We offer a wide range of services including individual psychotherapy for children, adolescents, college students/young adults, and adults; couples therapy; parent consultation; neuropsychological assessment; and executive functioning support. Sessions are available both in person and virtually. Many of our therapists are also authorized to practice telepsychology across multiple states, allowing for uninterrupted services and continuity of care.
(862) 429-3451 View (862) 429-3451
Photo of Indra Cidambi - Center for Network Therapy, Treatment Center, MD
Center for Network Therapy
Treatment Center
Serves Area
Increase Treatment Access; Address Withdrawal Immediately: Outpatient Detox makes addiction treatment accessible 7 days/week to every individual – homemakers, single parents, business people, professionals (cops, teachers, nurses, lawyers) & students - usually within an hour of making the call. It minimizes disruption to daily life – such as caring for family, keeping up with work, or continuing with academics. Outpatient Detox aligns drug & alcohol treatment with the "disease model" of addiction, offering an effective alternative to the traditional inpatient approach. CNT is state licensed for Outpatient Detox since 2013, which is proven to be safe and effective for alcohol, benzos, opiates, stimulants & anesthetics. We address alcohol, benzo, opiate, stimulant and anesthetic withdrawal immediately upon admission using meds such as Suboxone, Librium, etc. that we stock. Experienced nurses assess patients first to prioritize minimizing withdrawal symptoms utilizing appropriate medications. We also address mental health issues. CNT offers a step down to lower levels of care such as Partial Care and Intensive Outpatient (IOP). CNT also accepts direct admits to these levels of care.
Increase Treatment Access; Address Withdrawal Immediately: Outpatient Detox makes addiction treatment accessible 7 days/week to every individual – homemakers, single parents, business people, professionals (cops, teachers, nurses, lawyers) & students - usually within an hour of making the call. It minimizes disruption to daily life – such as caring for family, keeping up with work, or continuing with academics. Outpatient Detox aligns drug & alcohol treatment with the "disease model" of addiction, offering an effective alternative to the traditional inpatient approach. CNT is state licensed for Outpatient Detox since 2013, which is proven to be safe and effective for alcohol, benzos, opiates, stimulants & anesthetics. We address alcohol, benzo, opiate, stimulant and anesthetic withdrawal immediately upon admission using meds such as Suboxone, Librium, etc. that we stock. Experienced nurses assess patients first to prioritize minimizing withdrawal symptoms utilizing appropriate medications. We also address mental health issues. CNT offers a step down to lower levels of care such as Partial Care and Intensive Outpatient (IOP). CNT also accepts direct admits to these levels of care.
(973) 363-2246 View (973) 363-2246
Photo of Ethan Bobb - Little Creek Outpatient Services, Treatment Center
Little Creek Outpatient Services
Treatment Center
Serves Area
At Little Creek Outpatient Services, we work with both men and women ranging in age from adolescence into later adulthood.
At Little Creek Outpatient Services, we work with both men and women ranging in age from adolescence into later adulthood.
(570) 514-5021 View (570) 514-5021
Photo of Stacy Santacroce - Anxiety Institute, Treatment Center, LCSW
Anxiety Institute
Treatment Center
Serves Area
With compassionate, outcomes-focused care, 96% of clients report reduced anxiety or depression.
At Anxiety Institute, we tailor our support to match the severity of each client's symptoms. Our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is specifically designed for clients struggling with moderate to severe anxiety. For clients who require less intensive care, we offer Individual Therapy with the frequency and intensity of treatment based on the level of impair
With compassionate, outcomes-focused care, 96% of clients report reduced anxiety or depression.
At Anxiety Institute, we tailor our support to match the severity of each client's symptoms. Our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is specifically designed for clients struggling with moderate to severe anxiety. For clients who require less intensive care, we offer Individual Therapy with the frequency and intensity of treatment based on the level of impair
(862) 396-4209 View (862) 396-4209

More Treatment Centers Nearby

Photo of Ricky Melton - Emend Health Care, Treatment Center
Emend Health Care
Treatment Center
Serves Area
We also operate an inpatient Residential facility that focuses on primary mental health concerns such as Bipolar, Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, Schizophrenia and more.
Emend Healthcare is a network of 9 treatment facilities that treat substance abuse and mental health disorders. Our diverse network of treatment programs allows us to treat anyone struggling with Substance Abuse and or Mental Health Disorders. Our Facilities Empower Recovery Center, Empower Residential Wellness Center, Benchmark Transitions, Benchmark Bridge of Montclair, My Limitless Journey, New Perspective Recovery offer a range of treatment services to meet our clients Behavioral Health needs. We provide all levels of care of treatment from a full medical detox all the way through intensive outpatient with sober living housing. We are in network with various insurances, and can work with our clients financial needs. So come experience the Emend Healthcare Difference. www.emendhealthcare.com
We also operate an inpatient Residential facility that focuses on primary mental health concerns such as Bipolar, Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, Schizophrenia and more.
Emend Healthcare is a network of 9 treatment facilities that treat substance abuse and mental health disorders. Our diverse network of treatment programs allows us to treat anyone struggling with Substance Abuse and or Mental Health Disorders. Our Facilities Empower Recovery Center, Empower Residential Wellness Center, Benchmark Transitions, Benchmark Bridge of Montclair, My Limitless Journey, New Perspective Recovery offer a range of treatment services to meet our clients Behavioral Health needs. We provide all levels of care of treatment from a full medical detox all the way through intensive outpatient with sober living housing. We are in network with various insurances, and can work with our clients financial needs. So come experience the Emend Healthcare Difference. www.emendhealthcare.com
(714) 519-2657 View (714) 519-2657
Photo of Gordon Dickler - Turnbridge, Treatment Center
Turnbridge
Treatment Center
Serves Area
Since its founding in 2003, Turnbridge has been setting the standard for the diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders in adolescents and young adults. Turnbridge treatment programs provide high-quality, whole-person care to restore well-being and help clients learn to lead lives worth protecting. Here, behavioral health luminaries and experienced care providers deliver individualized care that addresses every aspect of client life. Turnbridge treatment campuses are home to leading adolescent and young adult treatment experts and researchers using the latest therapies and research to effectively treat underlying conditions and initiate lasting change.
Since its founding in 2003, Turnbridge has been setting the standard for the diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders in adolescents and young adults. Turnbridge treatment programs provide high-quality, whole-person care to restore well-being and help clients learn to lead lives worth protecting. Here, behavioral health luminaries and experienced care providers deliver individualized care that addresses every aspect of client life. Turnbridge treatment campuses are home to leading adolescent and young adult treatment experts and researchers using the latest therapies and research to effectively treat underlying conditions and initiate lasting change.
(203) 427-8256 View (203) 427-8256
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 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 provide compassionate, individualized care to help teens navigate challenges and rediscover hope. 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.
At Evolve, we provide compassionate, individualized care to help teens navigate challenges and rediscover hope. 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.
(925) 378-4864 View (925) 378-4864
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 Kristin Smith Nicely Colangelo - Forge Health - Princeton, NJ, Treatment Center, LCSW, LCADC, CCS, CCTP
Forge Health - Princeton, NJ
Treatment Center
Princeton, NJ 08540
Forge Health is your vital source for mental health and substance use care. We help people from all walks of life reclaim their lives by providing comprehensive outpatient care that’s convenient to access, affordable to use, and customized to the unique needs of each individual. We're a mission-driven company dedicated to delivering the highest quality affordable, accessible, and effective “one-stop-shop” mental health and substance use care to individuals, families, and communities in need. Forge Health is also proud to provide specialized care programs designed to address the unique culture, preferences, and values of veterans and first responders, cancer patients, and the LGBTQ+ community.
Forge Health is your vital source for mental health and substance use care. We help people from all walks of life reclaim their lives by providing comprehensive outpatient care that’s convenient to access, affordable to use, and customized to the unique needs of each individual. We're a mission-driven company dedicated to delivering the highest quality affordable, accessible, and effective “one-stop-shop” mental health and substance use care to individuals, families, and communities in need. Forge Health is also proud to provide specialized care programs designed to address the unique culture, preferences, and values of veterans and first responders, cancer patients, and the LGBTQ+ community.
(609) 900-7181 View (609) 900-7181
Photo of Ivonne De Pascual - Counseling Care Center, LLC, Treatment Center, MA, LPC, NCC
Counseling Care Center, LLC
Treatment Center
Bloomfield, NJ 07003
Counseling Care Center "Inspiring Lives....Healing Hearts" Care, comfort,support,sensitivity, empathy, understanding, mutual trust, respect and positive life changes can be found at the Counseling Care Center . Our highly trained Licensed Professional Counselors are available days, evenings and weekends for your convenience. Sessions are also available in Spanish. We can help you help yourself so that you can develop greater self - esteem, discover greater inner strength and find solutions to your problems.
Counseling Care Center "Inspiring Lives....Healing Hearts" Care, comfort,support,sensitivity, empathy, understanding, mutual trust, respect and positive life changes can be found at the Counseling Care Center . Our highly trained Licensed Professional Counselors are available days, evenings and weekends for your convenience. Sessions are also available in Spanish. We can help you help yourself so that you can develop greater self - esteem, discover greater inner strength and find solutions to your problems.
(973) 250-4707 View (973) 250-4707
Photo of Maryum Khwaja Bushra Husain - Nasiha Counseling, Treatment Center, LCSW-R
Nasiha Counseling
Treatment Center
Online Only
Counseling can be a meaningful way to address some of life's challenges you are facing or have been facing for a long time. As therapists, we provide support and feedback to help you cope with current life challenges and long-standing issues. With compassion and sensitivity, we can help you explore, understand, and find resolutions to a wide range of personal concerns and psychological issues. In counseling you can also work with someone to come up with specific behavioral strategies and new ways of thinking by taking into consideration all that unique qualities that make you who you are including your beliefs, religious practices, culture and ethnicity, and traditional coping. With a wide range of clinical interventions and treatment approaches, we develop goals that are most helpful and tailored for each individual client (adult, teen, adolescent, or child), family, and couple based on their presenting concerns and needs. In a supportive and understanding environment, we can help you attain personal growth. Together with each client, we work to enhance your strengths and achieve your personal goals.
Counseling can be a meaningful way to address some of life's challenges you are facing or have been facing for a long time. As therapists, we provide support and feedback to help you cope with current life challenges and long-standing issues. With compassion and sensitivity, we can help you explore, understand, and find resolutions to a wide range of personal concerns and psychological issues. In counseling you can also work with someone to come up with specific behavioral strategies and new ways of thinking by taking into consideration all that unique qualities that make you who you are including your beliefs, religious practices, culture and ethnicity, and traditional coping. With a wide range of clinical interventions and treatment approaches, we develop goals that are most helpful and tailored for each individual client (adult, teen, adolescent, or child), family, and couple based on their presenting concerns and needs. In a supportive and understanding environment, we can help you attain personal growth. Together with each client, we work to enhance your strengths and achieve your personal goals.
(646) 571-0529 View (646) 571-0529
Photo of Grace Langlais - SHIFT Your Journey Mental Health Counseling, PLLC, Treatment Center, LMHC, LPC
SHIFT Your Journey Mental Health Counseling, PLLC
Treatment Center
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Whether you're navigating anxiety, depression, trauma — including racial and intergenerational trauma — or life transitions, we were built for this work, and built for you.
We use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and trauma-informed care through a culturally responsive lens. Our clinicians understand racial trauma and intergenerational stress — because your culture isn't separate from your healing, it's central to it.
Whether you're navigating anxiety, depression, trauma — including racial and intergenerational trauma — or life transitions, we were built for this work, and built for you.
We use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and trauma-informed care through a culturally responsive lens. Our clinicians understand racial trauma and intergenerational stress — because your culture isn't separate from your healing, it's central to it.
(845) 957-7587 View (845) 957-7587
Soho Psychology
Treatment Center
Serves Area
We help our clients overcome anxiety, stress, trauma, depression, and relationship difficulties of all kinds.
Our therapists share a collective set of values that inform our work. We value kindness, compassion, openness, and inclusion. We value the science of therapeutic change and human growth. We value diversity and individual differences in the many ways people live and experience life. We deeply value our relationships with our clients, colleagues, and our entire New York City community.
We help our clients overcome anxiety, stress, trauma, depression, and relationship difficulties of all kinds.
Our therapists share a collective set of values that inform our work. We value kindness, compassion, openness, and inclusion. We value the science of therapeutic change and human growth. We value diversity and individual differences in the many ways people live and experience life. We deeply value our relationships with our clients, colleagues, and our entire New York City community.
(646) 921-1319 View (646) 921-1319
Turning Point Behavioral Health Ctr,, PLLC
Treatment Center
Serves Area
Turning Point Behavioral Health Center is an outpatient center which offers individual, family and group therapy for problems faced in everyday life. Our staff is dedicated and highly trained to provide quality therapeutic services. Our clients are our priority; we work hard to ensure that everyone receives the highest level of care and respect. We realize that people are unique and therefore tailor treatment techniques to the specific needs of each client. Taking the first steps toward seeking help can be frightening and overwhelming. At Turning Point, we provide a safe, non judgmental and warm atmosphere. Our therapeutic environment is aimed at personal growth, strengths and goal attainment. We strive to help our clients gain the ability to attain positive life changes.
Turning Point Behavioral Health Center is an outpatient center which offers individual, family and group therapy for problems faced in everyday life. Our staff is dedicated and highly trained to provide quality therapeutic services. Our clients are our priority; we work hard to ensure that everyone receives the highest level of care and respect. We realize that people are unique and therefore tailor treatment techniques to the specific needs of each client. Taking the first steps toward seeking help can be frightening and overwhelming. At Turning Point, we provide a safe, non judgmental and warm atmosphere. Our therapeutic environment is aimed at personal growth, strengths and goal attainment. We strive to help our clients gain the ability to attain positive life changes.
(845) 738-4072 View (845) 738-4072
Photo of Kara Gross - Teen Mental Health 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.
At Evolve, we provide compassionate, individualized care to help teens navigate challenges and rediscover hope. 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.
At Evolve, we provide compassionate, individualized care to help teens navigate challenges and rediscover hope. 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.
(925) 962-5504 View (925) 962-5504
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) 281-5657 View (925) 281-5657
Photo of High Focus Centers - High Focus Centers - Parsippany, NJ , Treatment Center
Our Parsippany treatment center serves adults, adolescents, and teens ages 10-17 struggling with mental health and co-occurring disorders. Using evidence-based methodologies, we address behavioral health challenges with tailored psychiatric care. Our goal is to help individuals overcome these issues and achieve recovery and well-being at every life stage.
Our Parsippany treatment center serves adults, adolescents, and teens ages 10-17 struggling with mental health and co-occurring disorders. Using evidence-based methodologies, we address behavioral health challenges with tailored psychiatric care. Our goal is to help individuals overcome these issues and achieve recovery and well-being at every life stage.
(862) 407-4524 View (862) 407-4524
Photo of Kimberly Schaffer - Attentive Psychotherapy & Counseling Center, Treatment Center, MSW, LCSW, CCS
Attentive Psychotherapy & Counseling Center
Treatment Center
1 Endorsed
Hackettstown, NJ 07840
Attentive Psychotherapy & Counseling Center in Hackettstown, NJ, serves children, adolescents, and adults facing issues such as anxiety, depression, panic attacks, grief, young adult transitions, school refusal, gender identity, sexuality, divorce, trauma, parenting, learning disabilities, and relationship struggles.
At our practice, we offer a compassionate, client-centered approach that puts you in control of your healing journey. With no waiting lists, we ensure you receive the support you need exactly when you are ready. Our therapists work closely with you, tailoring each session to your unique needs and goals. Start your healing journey today!
Attentive Psychotherapy & Counseling Center in Hackettstown, NJ, serves children, adolescents, and adults facing issues such as anxiety, depression, panic attacks, grief, young adult transitions, school refusal, gender identity, sexuality, divorce, trauma, parenting, learning disabilities, and relationship struggles.
At our practice, we offer a compassionate, client-centered approach that puts you in control of your healing journey. With no waiting lists, we ensure you receive the support you need exactly when you are ready. Our therapists work closely with you, tailoring each session to your unique needs and goals. Start your healing journey today!
(908) 246-1480 View (908) 246-1480

See more therapy options for Millburn

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.