Depression Treatment Centers in Sterling, VA

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 Sarah Johnson - Mission Prep Teen Treatment, Treatment Center
Mission Prep Teen Treatment
Treatment Center
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Our clients often face significant hurdles such as severe anxiety, depression, trauma, and mood instability that disrupt their education and home life.
Our "treatment persistent" philosophy combines evidence-based therapies like CBT, DBT, and EMDR with holistic interventions. In our Leesburg residential setting, we provide 24/7 clinical support. Each client receives a personalized plan including two weekly individual therapy sessions, family involvement, and daily mentoring in a comfortable home environment
Our clients often face significant hurdles such as severe anxiety, depression, trauma, and mood instability that disrupt their education and home life.
Our "treatment persistent" philosophy combines evidence-based therapies like CBT, DBT, and EMDR with holistic interventions. In our Leesburg residential setting, we provide 24/7 clinical support. Each client receives a personalized plan including two weekly individual therapy sessions, family involvement, and daily mentoring in a comfortable home environment
(571) 712-6501 View (571) 712-6501
Photo of Sarah Johnson - AMFM Mental Health Treatment, Treatment Center
AMFM Mental Health Treatment
Treatment Center
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
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 Sandstone C - Sandstone Care Reston, Treatment Center, MD, LPC, LAC
Sandstone Care Reston
Treatment Center
Serves Area
When you and your family are facing addiction, it can feel impossible to know what treatment will actually make a difference. That’s why at Sandstone Care Reston, we are built on what is proven to work; treatments backed by research, and tested in real life. We provide age-specific care for teens 13-18 and young adults 18-35 struggling with substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders. We have a full range of evidence-based outpatient programs, including Day Treatment (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient (IOP) while tracking outcomes to make sure that treatment is the right fit, and stays the right fit as needs change.
When you and your family are facing addiction, it can feel impossible to know what treatment will actually make a difference. That’s why at Sandstone Care Reston, we are built on what is proven to work; treatments backed by research, and tested in real life. We provide age-specific care for teens 13-18 and young adults 18-35 struggling with substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders. We have a full range of evidence-based outpatient programs, including Day Treatment (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient (IOP) while tracking outcomes to make sure that treatment is the right fit, and stays the right fit as needs change.
(571) 200-7334 View (571) 200-7334
Photo of Barbara Stephenson - S.T.E.P. into Wellness, LLC, Treatment Center, MS, LMFT
S.T.E.P. into Wellness, LLC
Treatment Center
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Our counseling services are tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual addressing concerns such as anxiety, depression, relationship issues, life transitions, and stress management.
We take a holistic approach and recognize the connection between mental, emotional, and overall wellness. We are commited to fostering healing, self-awareness, and empowerment. We work collaboratively with individuals to help them achieve balance, clarity, and a greater sense of fulfillment in their lives.
Our counseling services are tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual addressing concerns such as anxiety, depression, relationship issues, life transitions, and stress management.
We take a holistic approach and recognize the connection between mental, emotional, and overall wellness. We are commited to fostering healing, self-awareness, and empowerment. We work collaboratively with individuals to help them achieve balance, clarity, and a greater sense of fulfillment in their lives.
(571) 582-1326 View (571) 582-1326

More Treatment Centers Nearby

Photo of Calo Missouri - Embark Behavioral Health , Treatment Center
Embark Behavioral Health
Treatment Center
Serves Area
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 Benton, Tennessee 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 Benton, Tennessee 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.
(423) 264-2283 View (423) 264-2283
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 Michelle Kauble - Apple Tree Counseling LLC, Treatment Center, MS, LPC
Apple Tree Counseling LLC
Treatment Center
Woodbridge, VA 22192
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 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 Our Staff - Healthy Foundations Group, Treatment Center
Healthy Foundations Group
Treatment Center
Fairfax, VA 22031
Our team of professionals includes adult psychiatrists, child and adolescent psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, and therapists who merge a broad range of skills, knowledge and sensitivity to create a customized treatment plan tailored to each individual's and family's needs. We work as a team to determine why a client is struggling and offer a distinctive, multidisciplinary approach to care.
Our team of professionals includes adult psychiatrists, child and adolescent psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, and therapists who merge a broad range of skills, knowledge and sensitivity to create a customized treatment plan tailored to each individual's and family's needs. We work as a team to determine why a client is struggling and offer a distinctive, multidisciplinary approach to care.
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 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 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 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
Photo of Sarah Johnnson - AMFM Mental Health Treatment, Treatment Center
AMFM Mental Health Treatment
Treatment Center
1 Endorsed
McLean, VA 22102
Our clients often navigate complex challenges such as severe depression, anxiety, trauma, and mood instability that have made daily functioning or professional life difficult.
Our clinical philosophy centers on providing intensive, evidence-based care in a safe residential setting. We utilize a range of therapeutic modalities, including individual and group therapy, psychiatric support, and specialized trauma-informed care. Our goal is to move beyond symptom management by addressing the core drivers of mental health struggles.
Our clients often navigate complex challenges such as severe depression, anxiety, trauma, and mood instability that have made daily functioning or professional life difficult.
Our clinical philosophy centers on providing intensive, evidence-based care in a safe residential setting. We utilize a range of therapeutic modalities, including individual and group therapy, psychiatric support, and specialized trauma-informed care. Our goal is to move beyond symptom management by addressing the core drivers of mental health struggles.
(571) 677-8224 View (571) 677-8224
Photo of Briana Findley - Embark Behavioral Health, Treatment Center
Embark Behavioral Health
Treatment Center
Vienna, VA 22182
We know how difficult it can be to see your son or daughter struggling with severe mental health issues like anxiety, depression or suicidal ideation.
Our Vienna, Virginia IOP and PHP offer personalized mental health care that provides intensive support and helps adolescents, teens and young adults learn the skills necessary for long-term mental wellness. 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. We understand how difficult it can be for teens and their families struggling with severe mental health conditions like self-harm, depression and suicidal ideation. We're here to help your child overcome the challenges affecting your family’s everyday life.
We know how difficult it can be to see your son or daughter struggling with severe mental health issues like anxiety, depression or suicidal ideation.
Our Vienna, Virginia IOP and PHP offer personalized mental health care that provides intensive support and helps adolescents, teens and young adults learn the skills necessary for long-term mental wellness. 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. We understand how difficult it can be for teens and their families struggling with severe mental health conditions like self-harm, depression and suicidal ideation. We're here to help your child overcome the challenges affecting your family’s everyday life.
(571) 548-3409 View (571) 548-3409
Photo of Lisa M DAlessio - The HEAL Foundation, Treatment Center, LPC
The HEAL Foundation
Treatment Center
Catlett, VA 20119
They are experiencing depression, anxiety and/or are diagnosed with PTS.
We utilize horses to facilitate sessions with individuals, families and groups conducted by skilled equine specialists and licensed mental health therapists who are trained and certified in the Eagala Model of Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy. Our clients are those who have struggled to connect with traditional therapy and who are interested in goal-oriented, solution focused therapy. Equine therapy is particularly effective at creating metaphors that help clients better understand their interpersonal relationships and to feel connected with their families. Working with horses helps clients learn coping skills to self-soothe, to reduce anxiety and improve communication skills.
They are experiencing depression, anxiety and/or are diagnosed with PTS.
We utilize horses to facilitate sessions with individuals, families and groups conducted by skilled equine specialists and licensed mental health therapists who are trained and certified in the Eagala Model of Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy. Our clients are those who have struggled to connect with traditional therapy and who are interested in goal-oriented, solution focused therapy. Equine therapy is particularly effective at creating metaphors that help clients better understand their interpersonal relationships and to feel connected with their families. Working with horses helps clients learn coping skills to self-soothe, to reduce anxiety and improve communication skills.
(571) 200-7206 View (571) 200-7206
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 Dc Metro - Embark Behavioral Health, Treatment Center
Embark Behavioral Health
Treatment Center
Serves Area
We know how difficult it can be to see your son or daughter struggling with severe mental health issues like anxiety, depression or suicidal ideation.
Our IOP and PHP offer personalized mental health care that provides intensive support and helps teens and young adults learn the skills necessary for long-term mental wellness. 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. We understand how difficult it can be for teens and their families struggling with severe mental health conditions like self-harm, depression and suicidal ideation. We're here to help overcome the challenges affecting your family’s everyday life.
We know how difficult it can be to see your son or daughter struggling with severe mental health issues like anxiety, depression or suicidal ideation.
Our IOP and PHP offer personalized mental health care that provides intensive support and helps teens and young adults learn the skills necessary for long-term mental wellness. 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. We understand how difficult it can be for teens and their families struggling with severe mental health conditions like self-harm, depression and suicidal ideation. We're here to help overcome the challenges affecting your family’s everyday life.
(240) 474-0478 View (240) 474-0478
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

See more therapy options for Sterling

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.