Depression Treatment Centers in Fairfax Station, VA

Photo of Michelle Kauble - Apple Tree Counseling LLC, Treatment Center, MS, LPC
Apple Tree Counseling LLC
Treatment Center
Serves Area
Our therapists specialize in various areas, but we all have experience in treating depression, anxiety, childhood disorders, relationship issues, low self-esteem, addictive behaviors, defiance, family problems, and more.
Welcome to Apple Tree Counseling! If you feel like you've tried everything and are starting to lose hope, we are here for you. We want to hear your story with zero judgment and provide you with the support you need. Whether you're feeling lost or don't know where to start, we are here to help. We believe in treating you and your child as equal partners throughout the process. Our services include mental health counseling, adult ADHD group, and telehealth appointments. We are committed to supporting you on your journey to mental well-being.
Our therapists specialize in various areas, but we all have experience in treating depression, anxiety, childhood disorders, relationship issues, low self-esteem, addictive behaviors, defiance, family problems, and more.
Welcome to Apple Tree Counseling! If you feel like you've tried everything and are starting to lose hope, we are here for you. We want to hear your story with zero judgment and provide you with the support you need. Whether you're feeling lost or don't know where to start, we are here to help. We believe in treating you and your child as equal partners throughout the process. Our services include mental health counseling, adult ADHD group, and telehealth appointments. We are committed to supporting you on your journey to mental well-being.
(434) 216-6613 View (434) 216-6613
Photo of Samantha Finnie - AMFM Mental Health Treatment, Treatment Center
AMFM Mental Health Treatment
Treatment Center
1 Endorsed
Fairfax Station, VA 22039
We specialize in helping adults with complex mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and co-occurring disorders.
A Mission for Michael supports adults with complex mental health needs, such as PTSD, anxiety, and dual diagnoses. Many of our clients have tried other forms of treatment and are searching for a program that provides deeper understanding and personalized care.
We specialize in helping adults with complex mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and co-occurring disorders.
A Mission for Michael supports adults with complex mental health needs, such as PTSD, anxiety, and dual diagnoses. Many of our clients have tried other forms of treatment and are searching for a program that provides deeper understanding and personalized care.
(571) 620-3544 View (571) 620-3544
Photo of The Dorm - Young Adult Iop Treatment Community - The Dorm - Young Adult IOP Treatment Community, Treatment Center, LICSW
We serve young adults (18–30) with day and evening services, including clinical therapies, skill-building, and community support. We treat substance use, trauma, mood, eating, psychotic, and personality disorders, plus executive function deficits. Personalized plans range 3–30+ hours/week, including 1:1 therapy (DBT, CBT, EMDR, Cognitive Remediation), group/family therapy, life skills coaching, nutrition, academic/vocational support, social/community activities, and holistic wellness. Housing support available.
We serve young adults (18–30) with day and evening services, including clinical therapies, skill-building, and community support. We treat substance use, trauma, mood, eating, psychotic, and personality disorders, plus executive function deficits. Personalized plans range 3–30+ hours/week, including 1:1 therapy (DBT, CBT, EMDR, Cognitive Remediation), group/family therapy, life skills coaching, nutrition, academic/vocational support, social/community activities, and holistic wellness. Housing support available.
(202) 798-2914 View (202) 798-2914
Photo of Admission Team - 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.
(703) 260-9926 View (703) 260-9926

More Treatment Centers Nearby

Photo of Jocelyn Cohen - Living Free Health Services, Treatment Center, LCSW
Living Free Health Services
Treatment Center
Annandale, VA 22003
Have you suffered from PTSD, depression, anxiety, or grief related issues?
At Living Free we understand that you want to improve your health, general state of well-being, memory, concentration, and feel more energetic. We focus on treating the person as a whole and treat a wide variety of problems including: Depression, stress, mood disorders, fears and phobias, post-traumatic stress, relationship issues, self-esteem disorders, and anxiety. Clients previously treated have experienced reduced depression, anxiety, PTSD symptoms, and have enjoyed a better quality of life.
Have you suffered from PTSD, depression, anxiety, or grief related issues?
At Living Free we understand that you want to improve your health, general state of well-being, memory, concentration, and feel more energetic. We focus on treating the person as a whole and treat a wide variety of problems including: Depression, stress, mood disorders, fears and phobias, post-traumatic stress, relationship issues, self-esteem disorders, and anxiety. Clients previously treated have experienced reduced depression, anxiety, PTSD symptoms, and have enjoyed a better quality of life.
(703) 952-9269 View (703) 952-9269
Photo of Center Discovery - Center For Discovery, Treatment Center
Center For Discovery
Treatment Center
McLean, VA 22101
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.
(703) 952-3426 View (703) 952-3426
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 Virginia 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 Virginia 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.
(571) 200-2764 View (571) 200-2764
Photo of Ijaz Rasul - Piedmont Behavioral Services, Treatment Center, MD
Piedmont Behavioral Services
Treatment Center
Lansdowne, VA 20176
We offer full spectrum of behavioral health services ranging from medication management, Individual/Group therapy, Intensive Outpatient programs (IOP), Addiction, TMS therapy and Spravato treatment. Our team consists of Child, Adult Psychiatrists and therapists.
We offer full spectrum of behavioral health services ranging from medication management, Individual/Group therapy, Intensive Outpatient programs (IOP), Addiction, TMS therapy and Spravato treatment. Our team consists of Child, Adult Psychiatrists and therapists.
(540) 328-6260 View (540) 328-6260
Photo of Partam Manalai - Premier Psychiatry Associates, Treatment Center, MD, DFAPA
Premier Psychiatry Associates
Treatment Center
Tysons, VA 22102
Manalai is a board-certified psychiatrist and addiction medicine specialist with nearly two decades of experience helping adults navigate a range of psychiatric challenges—from depression and bipolar disorder to trauma, ADHD, OCD, schizophrenia, and substance use.
While Dr. Manalai specializes in severe and treatment-resistant illness, he has also found great meaning in helping high-achieving professionals—including college and graduate students, physicians, lawyers, and public figures—navigate the unique challenges they face. One patient, during a difficult winter, left him this poem: "Within the prism of the snow a blade of grass began to grow— simmering lights to still the green, walls of brown to it unseen." Beneath the poem, the patient added: "Thank you for being a blade of grass for me to step on, to propel me into the new."
Manalai is a board-certified psychiatrist and addiction medicine specialist with nearly two decades of experience helping adults navigate a range of psychiatric challenges—from depression and bipolar disorder to trauma, ADHD, OCD, schizophrenia, and substance use.
While Dr. Manalai specializes in severe and treatment-resistant illness, he has also found great meaning in helping high-achieving professionals—including college and graduate students, physicians, lawyers, and public figures—navigate the unique challenges they face. One patient, during a difficult winter, left him this poem: "Within the prism of the snow a blade of grass began to grow— simmering lights to still the green, walls of brown to it unseen." Beneath the poem, the patient added: "Thank you for being a blade of grass for me to step on, to propel me into the new."
(703) 594-4164 View (703) 594-4164
Photo of Heather Baker-Carr - Beachway Mental Health, Treatment Center
Beachway Mental Health
Treatment Center
Serves Area
Beachway Mental Health provides high quality and innovative care to address issues of mental health. We offer a path towards healing through a multi-disciplinary team approach including combining evidenced based therapeutic interventions with medication management. Each member of the treatment team works together gain an understanding of the whole person – biological, social, and spiritual – to create an individualized treatment plan.
Beachway Mental Health provides high quality and innovative care to address issues of mental health. We offer a path towards healing through a multi-disciplinary team approach including combining evidenced based therapeutic interventions with medication management. Each member of the treatment team works together gain an understanding of the whole person – biological, social, and spiritual – to create an individualized treatment plan.
(561) 956-3601 View (561) 956-3601
Photo of Pasadena Villa Chantilly - Pasadena Villa Outpatient - Chantilly, Treatment Center
Pasadena Villa Outpatient Chantilly treats depression, anxiety, trauma, mood disorders, personality disorders, and other complex mental health conditions.
Pasadena Villa Outpatient Chantilly provides compassionate, specialized mental health treatment for adults facing complex psychiatric and emotional challenges. Our experienced clinical team delivers evidence-based care through structured outpatient programs that integrate therapies such as CBT, DBT, and trauma-informed approaches. Through individual, group, and family therapy, we help clients build coping skills, strengthen relationships, and develop the tools needed for lasting stability, resilience, and meaningful recovery.
Pasadena Villa Outpatient Chantilly treats depression, anxiety, trauma, mood disorders, personality disorders, and other complex mental health conditions.
Pasadena Villa Outpatient Chantilly provides compassionate, specialized mental health treatment for adults facing complex psychiatric and emotional challenges. Our experienced clinical team delivers evidence-based care through structured outpatient programs that integrate therapies such as CBT, DBT, and trauma-informed approaches. Through individual, group, and family therapy, we help clients build coping skills, strengthen relationships, and develop the tools needed for lasting stability, resilience, and meaningful recovery.
(571) 619-8551 View (571) 619-8551
Photo of Samantha Finnie - AMFM Mental Health Treatment, Treatment Center
AMFM Mental Health Treatment
Treatment Center
1 Endorsed
Great Falls, VA 22066
We help adults facing mental health struggles such as trauma, anxiety, and dual diagnoses. Many of our clients are seeking a comprehensive approach to achieve lasting wellness.
We help adults facing mental health struggles such as trauma, anxiety, and dual diagnoses. Many of our clients are seeking a comprehensive approach to achieve lasting wellness.
(571) 556-9865 View (571) 556-9865
Photo of Navin Reddy - WIP Psychiatry & Ketamine/TMS Center, Treatment Center, MD
WIP Psychiatry & Ketamine/TMS Center
Treatment Center
Serves Area
We specialize in depression, anxiety, PTSD, and treatment-resistant conditions—especially when therapy or medications haven't helped.
Many of our patients have already tried therapy or medications and remain stuck. At Washington Interventional Psychiatry, we focus on what comes next. We are a psychiatrist-led practice that integrates traditional care with advanced treatments like ketamine, TMS, and Spravato—within a single, coordinated treatment plan. Decisions aren’t made by protocol or in isolation, but through ongoing clinical evaluation.
We specialize in depression, anxiety, PTSD, and treatment-resistant conditions—especially when therapy or medications haven't helped.
Many of our patients have already tried therapy or medications and remain stuck. At Washington Interventional Psychiatry, we focus on what comes next. We are a psychiatrist-led practice that integrates traditional care with advanced treatments like ketamine, TMS, and Spravato—within a single, coordinated treatment plan. Decisions aren’t made by protocol or in isolation, but through ongoing clinical evaluation.
(202) 838-8917 View (202) 838-8917
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 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.
(619) 949-3488 View (619) 949-3488
Photo of Newport Newport - 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.
Our integrated approach includes psychiatric care and medication management. We utilize clinical and experiential modalities to address the underlying trauma that catalyzes mental health and co-occurring disorders. Our modalities include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Attachment-Based Family Therapy (ABFT).
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 integrated approach includes psychiatric care and medication management. We utilize clinical and experiential modalities to address the underlying trauma that catalyzes mental health and co-occurring disorders. Our modalities include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Attachment-Based Family Therapy (ABFT).
(703) 810-3639 View (703) 810-3639
Photo of Christine M Willing - Think Happy Live Healthy, Treatment Center, MEd, LSP
Think Happy Live Healthy
Treatment Center
Falls Church, VA 22046
Our team specializes in the treatment of anxiety, depression, life transitions, trauma, school age issues, ADD/ADHD, parenting support/training, chronic illness/pain, and many more.
Thinking about therapy but not sure where to start? We get it! Whether you're frustrated by long waitlists or unsure of how to begin, we're here for you and offer immediate availability: Telehealth for anyone living in Virginia and In-person at our newest location in Ashburn. Let's get started today!
Our team specializes in the treatment of anxiety, depression, life transitions, trauma, school age issues, ADD/ADHD, parenting support/training, chronic illness/pain, and many more.
Thinking about therapy but not sure where to start? We get it! Whether you're frustrated by long waitlists or unsure of how to begin, we're here for you and offer immediate availability: Telehealth for anyone living in Virginia and In-person at our newest location in Ashburn. Let's get started today!
(571) 556-9821 View (571) 556-9821
Photo of Sarah Johnson - AMFM Mental Health Treatment, Treatment Center
AMFM Mental Health Treatment
Treatment Center
1 Endorsed
Vienna, VA 22182
We assist those managing depression, anxiety, trauma, and mood disorders, as well as symptoms like social isolation or self-harm.
We offer a 24/7 residential program combining evidence-based clinical care with restorative activities. Treatment includes CBT, DBT, and EMDR, alongside specialized services like equine therapy and Reiki. Our personalized plans integrate psychiatry and medication management within a community-focused environment to foster long-term mental wellness.
We assist those managing depression, anxiety, trauma, and mood disorders, as well as symptoms like social isolation or self-harm.
We offer a 24/7 residential program combining evidence-based clinical care with restorative activities. Treatment includes CBT, DBT, and EMDR, alongside specialized services like equine therapy and Reiki. Our personalized plans integrate psychiatry and medication management within a community-focused environment to foster long-term mental wellness.
(571) 686-7920 View (571) 686-7920
Photo of Sarah Johnson - Mission Connection, Treatment Center
Mission Connection
Treatment Center
1 Endorsed
Falls Church, VA 22043
We address various needs, from anxiety and depression to trauma and mood disorders, providing a dedicated space for those who want to balance their recovery with daily life, school, or career responsibilities in a supportive community.
Our approach utilizes evidence-based clinical practices and a "treatment persistent" philosophy. We offer structured outpatient care that fits into your life, featuring individual therapy, group sessions, and psychiatry. We focus on building lasting coping skills through a blend of traditional therapies and holistic wellness interventions.
We address various needs, from anxiety and depression to trauma and mood disorders, providing a dedicated space for those who want to balance their recovery with daily life, school, or career responsibilities in a supportive community.
Our approach utilizes evidence-based clinical practices and a "treatment persistent" philosophy. We offer structured outpatient care that fits into your life, featuring individual therapy, group sessions, and psychiatry. We focus on building lasting coping skills through a blend of traditional therapies and holistic wellness interventions.
(571) 701-6525 View (571) 701-6525
Photo of Kristen Nosti - Embark Behavioral Health, Treatment Center
Embark Behavioral Health
Treatment Center
1 Endorsed
Alexandria, VA 22306
We understand how heartbreaking it is to watch your adolescent or teen 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 a teen’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, offering support and guidance to help everyone heal together. Through family workshops and regular check-ins, we aim to rebuild bonds and create a supportive environment both during treatment and at home.
We understand how heartbreaking it is to watch your adolescent or teen 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 a teen’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, offering support and guidance to help everyone heal together. Through family workshops and regular check-ins, we aim to rebuild bonds and create a supportive environment both during treatment and at home.
(571) 451-2426 View (571) 451-2426
Photo of Kara Gross - Teen Depression Treatment Center at Evolve, Treatment Center
Teen Depression Treatment Center at Evolve
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.
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.
(866) 939-1762 View (866) 939-1762

See more therapy options for Fairfax Station

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.