Depression Therapists in Washington, DC

Photo of Barbara J Suter, PhD, Psychologist
Barbara J Suter
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20015  (Online Only)
First we together bring rapid relief from your current upsets (e.g., anxiety, depression), before moving on to any deeper issues. We work together directly, actively, and with care, focusing on mutually agreed upon goals. Together we work emphasizing strengths as well as dealing with problems. A collaborative partnership with you yields the best outcomes within the shortest amount of time. Understanding your family is important in our work: the current family and the family of the past. Support for families experiencing drug/alcohol crises is available. Free initial consultation by telephone. email me at [email protected]
First we together bring rapid relief from your current upsets (e.g., anxiety, depression), before moving on to any deeper issues. We work together directly, actively, and with care, focusing on mutually agreed upon goals. Together we work emphasizing strengths as well as dealing with problems. A collaborative partnership with you yields the best outcomes within the shortest amount of time. Understanding your family is important in our work: the current family and the family of the past. Support for families experiencing drug/alcohol crises is available. Free initial consultation by telephone. email me at [email protected]
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Photo of Adrienne Harding - Adrienne Harding, MA, LPC — Optimal Wellness, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Adrienne Harding, MA, LPC — Optimal Wellness
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20005
Are you stuck? Do you or your teenager need support recovering from addiction? Are depression, anxiety, or poor self-image keeping you stuck in life? Have you been diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder (BPD), schizophrenia, or other mental health challenges? Have you experienced traumatic events in childhood or in your adult life? In therapy, we will draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and other treatment modalities to support you in developing effective coping skills. We can work on resolving trauma and defusing other factors that may be powering your difficulties. Contact me today. I am looking forward to hearing your story.
Are you stuck? Do you or your teenager need support recovering from addiction? Are depression, anxiety, or poor self-image keeping you stuck in life? Have you been diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder (BPD), schizophrenia, or other mental health challenges? Have you experienced traumatic events in childhood or in your adult life? In therapy, we will draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and other treatment modalities to support you in developing effective coping skills. We can work on resolving trauma and defusing other factors that may be powering your difficulties. Contact me today. I am looking forward to hearing your story.
(202) 866-1366 View (202) 866-1366
Photo of Nyasha Chikowore, PsyD, Psychological Associate
Nyasha Chikowore
Psychological Associate, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20009
My clients range from adolescents to adults, presenting with concerns around depression, anxiety, ADHD, trauma, family discord, work & academic stress/conflict, gender and sexual identity, racism, and relationship problems. I have worked with individuals who are coming to therapy for the first time and those who want a change of pace in their journey; what all my clients have in common is that they're ready and willing to start.
My clients range from adolescents to adults, presenting with concerns around depression, anxiety, ADHD, trauma, family discord, work & academic stress/conflict, gender and sexual identity, racism, and relationship problems. I have worked with individuals who are coming to therapy for the first time and those who want a change of pace in their journey; what all my clients have in common is that they're ready and willing to start.
(202) 618-4934 View (202) 618-4934
Photo of Jonathan Kirkendall, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Jonathan Kirkendall
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20009
I'm a psychotherapist with over 20 years of experience helping individuals in DC navigate grief, depression, anxiety, and trauma. Using a blend of techniques with a strong emphasis on mindfulness to foster self-compassion and emotional well-being, I genuinely love helping clients build a lifestyle that promotes a life of mental well-being. I also has a deep understanding of military families and veterans, having served them for 12 years. I have a warm and conversational approach, which creates a safe space for healing. In-person (Dupont) and telehealth sessions available.
I'm a psychotherapist with over 20 years of experience helping individuals in DC navigate grief, depression, anxiety, and trauma. Using a blend of techniques with a strong emphasis on mindfulness to foster self-compassion and emotional well-being, I genuinely love helping clients build a lifestyle that promotes a life of mental well-being. I also has a deep understanding of military families and veterans, having served them for 12 years. I have a warm and conversational approach, which creates a safe space for healing. In-person (Dupont) and telehealth sessions available.
(202) 250-3744 View (202) 250-3744
Photo of Matt Worhach, PhD, Psychologist
Matt Worhach
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20036
If you are seeking a psychologist who can help you break free from repetitive thought patterns, provide LGBTQ-affirming therapy, and support you in addressing anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, or OCD, I would be honored to join you on your journey.
Welcome to my profile! I'm a compassionate and dedicated psychologist with 12 years of experience. I specialize in helping individuals break free from repetitive and "stuck" thought patterns that may be hindering their personal growth and well-being. Our minds have a tendency to get caught in loops of negative or unhelpful thoughts, which can create distress and limit our ability to thrive. I believe in empowering individuals to challenge and move beyond these patterns, allowing them to embrace new perspectives.
If you are seeking a psychologist who can help you break free from repetitive thought patterns, provide LGBTQ-affirming therapy, and support you in addressing anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, or OCD, I would be honored to join you on your journey.
Welcome to my profile! I'm a compassionate and dedicated psychologist with 12 years of experience. I specialize in helping individuals break free from repetitive and "stuck" thought patterns that may be hindering their personal growth and well-being. Our minds have a tendency to get caught in loops of negative or unhelpful thoughts, which can create distress and limit our ability to thrive. I believe in empowering individuals to challenge and move beyond these patterns, allowing them to embrace new perspectives.
(202) 499-4555 View (202) 499-4555
Photo of Emily M. Bauman, PhD, Psychologist
Emily M. Bauman
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20016
Are you feeling anxious, depressed, or overwhelmed? Do you have trouble sleeping? Have you been through a traumatic experience or painful loss? Are you struggling to cope with stressful relationships? Then contact me today to move one step closer to feeling better tomorrow. I provide individual psychotherapy for anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, adjustment concerns, perinatal/postpartum issues, and I specialize in treating PTSD and associated conditions. It takes courage to look inward, make changes, and begin to heal. Together we'll develop a personalized treatment plan to help you feel better and reach your goals.
Are you feeling anxious, depressed, or overwhelmed? Do you have trouble sleeping? Have you been through a traumatic experience or painful loss? Are you struggling to cope with stressful relationships? Then contact me today to move one step closer to feeling better tomorrow. I provide individual psychotherapy for anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, adjustment concerns, perinatal/postpartum issues, and I specialize in treating PTSD and associated conditions. It takes courage to look inward, make changes, and begin to heal. Together we'll develop a personalized treatment plan to help you feel better and reach your goals.
(202) 540-0845 View (202) 540-0845
Photo of Athena Gavaris, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Athena Gavaris
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20036
I work with people struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, traumatic events, and chronic illness.
Have you not found success with other therapy experiences? Let’s meet. For over 25 years, I have been providing psychotherapy services to individuals and couples. It is a pleasure to see clients grow, resolve problems, and begin to live and feel in ways they never imagined. I create a safe, supportive, and affirming environment for exploring and gaining insight into the challenges you face, and together we will find new ways to understand, and address them. My goal is to help you find meaningful and lasting solutions that improve your mood, sense of well being, and relationships.
I work with people struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, traumatic events, and chronic illness.
Have you not found success with other therapy experiences? Let’s meet. For over 25 years, I have been providing psychotherapy services to individuals and couples. It is a pleasure to see clients grow, resolve problems, and begin to live and feel in ways they never imagined. I create a safe, supportive, and affirming environment for exploring and gaining insight into the challenges you face, and together we will find new ways to understand, and address them. My goal is to help you find meaningful and lasting solutions that improve your mood, sense of well being, and relationships.
(202) 759-5433 View (202) 759-5433
Photo of Carrie Tiller, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Carrie Tiller
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20036
I work with clients struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma/vicarious trauma, relationships, adjustment issues, self-esteem, grief, or problems at school/work.
My approach is geared towards helping clients make choices and relate to others in ways that reinforce their feelings of autonomy, fulfillment, and peace. We engage to explore current situations and the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and then develop strategies to help better manage situations or make decisions. Strategies we explore may include short term action plans as well as longer term resilience building to manage ongoing challenges. I will work with clients to develop new ways of interpreting difficulties, understanding others, and communicating that are in line with their own values and hopes.
I work with clients struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma/vicarious trauma, relationships, adjustment issues, self-esteem, grief, or problems at school/work.
My approach is geared towards helping clients make choices and relate to others in ways that reinforce their feelings of autonomy, fulfillment, and peace. We engage to explore current situations and the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and then develop strategies to help better manage situations or make decisions. Strategies we explore may include short term action plans as well as longer term resilience building to manage ongoing challenges. I will work with clients to develop new ways of interpreting difficulties, understanding others, and communicating that are in line with their own values and hopes.
(202) 935-7222 View (202) 935-7222
Photo of Bryce W Phillips, PsyD, Psychologist
Bryce W Phillips
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20036
My specialty includes the treatment of individuals with anxiety, depression, and maladaptive, interpersonal relationships.
I realize that for an individual to take the first steps toward looking inward at various psychological conflicts may be an anxiety-provoking process in and of itself, may even be a sense of relief, or a combination of the two. Through my professional training and experience in various treatment settings, I have had the honor to work with individuals and provide them the respect, privacy, and confidentiality that I believe every human being deserves. I focus on providing a safe, trusting, and confidential environment in which one may gain insight and understanding and ultimately grow through this therapeutic relationship.
My specialty includes the treatment of individuals with anxiety, depression, and maladaptive, interpersonal relationships.
I realize that for an individual to take the first steps toward looking inward at various psychological conflicts may be an anxiety-provoking process in and of itself, may even be a sense of relief, or a combination of the two. Through my professional training and experience in various treatment settings, I have had the honor to work with individuals and provide them the respect, privacy, and confidentiality that I believe every human being deserves. I focus on providing a safe, trusting, and confidential environment in which one may gain insight and understanding and ultimately grow through this therapeutic relationship.
(202) 455-6915 View (202) 455-6915
Photo of Ashley Morrison, PhD, CGP, Psychologist
Ashley Morrison
Psychologist, PhD, CGP
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20001
Whether you're wrestling with anxiety or depression, struggling with self-esteem or in your relationships, or if you just want to understand yourself better, you don’t have to do it alone.
We all carry around a metaphorical bag of stuff with us. That bag is filled with our thoughts, feelings, and experiences; everything that makes us who we are. In therapy, we unpack your bag together. We explore each item and get curious about it. How did that item get in the bag? What is the impact of carrying it around with you? Together, we make meaning of your items. Some items you will decide are essential. Others are weighing you down, and preventing you from being your authentic self. I help you decide what you want to do with those items and then we figure out how to do it.
Whether you're wrestling with anxiety or depression, struggling with self-esteem or in your relationships, or if you just want to understand yourself better, you don’t have to do it alone.
We all carry around a metaphorical bag of stuff with us. That bag is filled with our thoughts, feelings, and experiences; everything that makes us who we are. In therapy, we unpack your bag together. We explore each item and get curious about it. How did that item get in the bag? What is the impact of carrying it around with you? Together, we make meaning of your items. Some items you will decide are essential. Others are weighing you down, and preventing you from being your authentic self. I help you decide what you want to do with those items and then we figure out how to do it.
(202) 933-5388 View (202) 933-5388
Photo of Tara Devineni, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Tara Devineni
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20007
I have extensive experience working with both adolescents and adults struggling with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, and cross-cultural challenges.
Everyone needs support during difficult times in their lives, whether they are dealing with relationship issues, stress at home or work, or feelings of depression and anxiety with or without a clear cause. It is during times like these that therapy can help. Through our work together I will provide a safe space for painful memories and emotions to be explored and work with you to gain a deeper understanding of how these experiences continue to shape you today. Together we will work to help you develop new coping skills and bring an enhanced level of self-awareness to your life.
I have extensive experience working with both adolescents and adults struggling with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, and cross-cultural challenges.
Everyone needs support during difficult times in their lives, whether they are dealing with relationship issues, stress at home or work, or feelings of depression and anxiety with or without a clear cause. It is during times like these that therapy can help. Through our work together I will provide a safe space for painful memories and emotions to be explored and work with you to gain a deeper understanding of how these experiences continue to shape you today. Together we will work to help you develop new coping skills and bring an enhanced level of self-awareness to your life.
(484) 424-7218 View (484) 424-7218
Photo of Bruce S. Gottlieb, PhD, Psychologist
Bruce S. Gottlieb
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20009  (Online Only)
As a seasoned licensed psychologist, I specialize in humanistic therapy, which encourages self-exploration, self-awareness, and self-acceptance. This therapy involves empathic listening, unconditional positive regard, and a non-judgmental atmosphere to help patients gain insight it into their feelings, behaviors, and experiences. I work with individuals facing challenges such as anxiety, depression, a sense of alienation, trauma aftermath, and couples' dissatisfaction. My mission is to alleviate needless suffering and guide you towards embracing your true self, fostering personal growth and relationship fulfillment.
As a seasoned licensed psychologist, I specialize in humanistic therapy, which encourages self-exploration, self-awareness, and self-acceptance. This therapy involves empathic listening, unconditional positive regard, and a non-judgmental atmosphere to help patients gain insight it into their feelings, behaviors, and experiences. I work with individuals facing challenges such as anxiety, depression, a sense of alienation, trauma aftermath, and couples' dissatisfaction. My mission is to alleviate needless suffering and guide you towards embracing your true self, fostering personal growth and relationship fulfillment.
(860) 818-4096 View (860) 818-4096
Photo of Lauren Laich, Licensed Professional Counselor
Lauren Laich
Licensed Professional Counselor
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20011  (Online Only)
My greatest reward is helping clients explore ways to change their lives, allowing them to feel hopeful about the future. I work from a person-centered perspective, allowing my clients to determine the pace & direction of therapy. I have extensive experience working with people struggling with various issues, such as depression, anxiety, OCD, addiction, & self-esteem. I use CBT, DBT, & Motivational Interviewing techniques, based on the needs of the individual. I have worked in a number of settings gaining invaluable experience which has allowed me to help countless individuals throughout my career over the last 11 years, such as inp
My greatest reward is helping clients explore ways to change their lives, allowing them to feel hopeful about the future. I work from a person-centered perspective, allowing my clients to determine the pace & direction of therapy. I have extensive experience working with people struggling with various issues, such as depression, anxiety, OCD, addiction, & self-esteem. I use CBT, DBT, & Motivational Interviewing techniques, based on the needs of the individual. I have worked in a number of settings gaining invaluable experience which has allowed me to help countless individuals throughout my career over the last 11 years, such as inp
(855) 784-0760 View (855) 784-0760
Photo of Kayena Pierre-Louis, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kayena Pierre-Louis
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20009  (Online Only)
CBT is a goal-oriented approach that focuses on helping individuals recognize and change unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors, which can be particularly effective in addressing depression and anxiety.
I have dedicated my career to helping individuals and families find strength and resilience in the face of life's difficulties. With a background in clinical social work, I have worked extensively with clients from diverse cultural backgrounds, addressing an array of concerns such as depression, autism, and developmental disabilities. I understand that no two individuals are the same, and I am committed to tailoring my approach to meet your unique needs. Specialties: 1. Family Therapy: I have a deep understanding of the complexities of family dynamics and the challenges that can arise.
CBT is a goal-oriented approach that focuses on helping individuals recognize and change unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors, which can be particularly effective in addressing depression and anxiety.
I have dedicated my career to helping individuals and families find strength and resilience in the face of life's difficulties. With a background in clinical social work, I have worked extensively with clients from diverse cultural backgrounds, addressing an array of concerns such as depression, autism, and developmental disabilities. I understand that no two individuals are the same, and I am committed to tailoring my approach to meet your unique needs. Specialties: 1. Family Therapy: I have a deep understanding of the complexities of family dynamics and the challenges that can arise.
(202) 873-1440 View (202) 873-1440
Photo of Ann Reifman, PhD, Psychologist
Ann Reifman
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20008
Therapy is a powerful tool for change. I believe that therapy works when people feel safe and challenged. The goal is for you to feel more competent, hopeful and happy in life. I will work with you to explore, understand and find strategies to move out of difficult situations. You may be searching for therapy because you are depressed, anxious, have low self esteem or feel stuck. You may be struggling with questions of identity, issues of fertility, career possibilities, unhappy relationships, aging parents, retirement. Change can happen at any age.
Therapy is a powerful tool for change. I believe that therapy works when people feel safe and challenged. The goal is for you to feel more competent, hopeful and happy in life. I will work with you to explore, understand and find strategies to move out of difficult situations. You may be searching for therapy because you are depressed, anxious, have low self esteem or feel stuck. You may be struggling with questions of identity, issues of fertility, career possibilities, unhappy relationships, aging parents, retirement. Change can happen at any age.
(202) 400-3100 View (202) 400-3100
Photo of Nicole Moore, PsyD, Psychologist
Nicole Moore
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20036
I enjoy and look forward to working with individuals in therapy who are experiencing depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, behavioral issues, difficulties with self-esteem, painful family dynamics, relational challenges, navigating life transitions, feeling ‘stuck,’ making meaning of mixed race identity, and with those who wish to know more about themselves.
Welcome! I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist who believes that everyone possesses the strengths and resources to overcome life’s challenges- even if sometimes we need a little assistance. I view seeking help as a sign of great strength. My role as a therapist is to help you better know and understand yourself. We will use this insight to build upon your innate abilities and strengths to understand obstacles, overcome challenges, and pave a way forward. I work with a Service Dog, Finn, who provides a gentle, loving presence that can be very comforting, anxiety reducing, and uplifting in sessions.
I enjoy and look forward to working with individuals in therapy who are experiencing depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, behavioral issues, difficulties with self-esteem, painful family dynamics, relational challenges, navigating life transitions, feeling ‘stuck,’ making meaning of mixed race identity, and with those who wish to know more about themselves.
Welcome! I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist who believes that everyone possesses the strengths and resources to overcome life’s challenges- even if sometimes we need a little assistance. I view seeking help as a sign of great strength. My role as a therapist is to help you better know and understand yourself. We will use this insight to build upon your innate abilities and strengths to understand obstacles, overcome challenges, and pave a way forward. I work with a Service Dog, Finn, who provides a gentle, loving presence that can be very comforting, anxiety reducing, and uplifting in sessions.
(202) 915-5676 View (202) 915-5676
Photo of John Loughlin-Presnal, PhD, Psychologist
John Loughlin-Presnal
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20057
I treat a wide variety of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and relationship difficulties.
As a therapist, I strive to create a space that feels comfortable for you to talk about your unique journey towards greater wellbeing. I approach therapy with a belief that many of our areas of struggle often have roots in our natural adaptations to difficult circumstances. By being curious about the connections between current difficulties and past experiences, we can increase awareness and reflection, which can lead to important shifts in how we function in our lives.
I treat a wide variety of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and relationship difficulties.
As a therapist, I strive to create a space that feels comfortable for you to talk about your unique journey towards greater wellbeing. I approach therapy with a belief that many of our areas of struggle often have roots in our natural adaptations to difficult circumstances. By being curious about the connections between current difficulties and past experiences, we can increase awareness and reflection, which can lead to important shifts in how we function in our lives.
(814) 247-0983 View (814) 247-0983
Photo of Natasha Chantal Watkins, MBA , LICSW, LCSW-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Natasha Chantal Watkins
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MBA , LICSW, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20036  (Online Only)
We all encounter challenges in life without caution. Handling the surge of emotions resulting from these unexpected experiences can negatively impact our behavior and interaction with others. My goal is to help you overcome those difficulties and re-imagine your life in the future. I am a psychotherapist who helps get to the root of your symptoms. Whether it’s anger, depression, anxiety, trauma, problems with self-esteem, or relationship difficulties, we will identify whatever hinders your growth to a better you. No matter where we begin, we work together, and your journey is based on the steps you choose to take.
We all encounter challenges in life without caution. Handling the surge of emotions resulting from these unexpected experiences can negatively impact our behavior and interaction with others. My goal is to help you overcome those difficulties and re-imagine your life in the future. I am a psychotherapist who helps get to the root of your symptoms. Whether it’s anger, depression, anxiety, trauma, problems with self-esteem, or relationship difficulties, we will identify whatever hinders your growth to a better you. No matter where we begin, we work together, and your journey is based on the steps you choose to take.
(202) 980-2118 View (202) 980-2118
Photo of Thérèse Aline Verley Strodel, LPC, Counselor
Thérèse Aline Verley Strodel
Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20011
Waitlist for new clients
Hello! Congratulations on taking this important first step in your healing journey! If you're struggling with depression, stress, anxiety, trauma, grief or other life transitions, I’d be honored to work collaboratively with you. When we better understand our patterns of behavior, we can then make small changes, that have great impact. This is how we find peace and equanimity. I will assist you in understanding what is getting in the way of living your best life, creating a non-judgmental and supportive space to discover your strengths and what is most important to you. Your healing journey awaits!
Hello! Congratulations on taking this important first step in your healing journey! If you're struggling with depression, stress, anxiety, trauma, grief or other life transitions, I’d be honored to work collaboratively with you. When we better understand our patterns of behavior, we can then make small changes, that have great impact. This is how we find peace and equanimity. I will assist you in understanding what is getting in the way of living your best life, creating a non-judgmental and supportive space to discover your strengths and what is most important to you. Your healing journey awaits!
(202) 759-8573 View (202) 759-8573
Photo of Dr. Martha Gross, PhD, Psychologist
Dr. Martha Gross
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20008
Additionally, I treat anxiety, depression and adjustment struggles as well as general difficulties clients are experiencing in their lives.
Navigating life's stresses, dealing with relationship disappointments and regaining self confidence and hope are issues that we can confront together. I will help you become aware of your harmful patterns of behavior and replace them with new healthier ones. Through awareness learned in therapy, you will develop a new sense of comfort and satisfaction with your life.
Additionally, I treat anxiety, depression and adjustment struggles as well as general difficulties clients are experiencing in their lives.
Navigating life's stresses, dealing with relationship disappointments and regaining self confidence and hope are issues that we can confront together. I will help you become aware of your harmful patterns of behavior and replace them with new healthier ones. Through awareness learned in therapy, you will develop a new sense of comfort and satisfaction with your life.
(202) 390-7162 View (202) 390-7162
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Depression Therapists

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.