Psychiatrists in New York
![Photo of Elizabeth Janssen, MA, NP, PMHCNS, BC, SEP, Psychiatric Nurse](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c00a5e7-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/6/320x400.jpeg)
Elizabeth Janssen
Psychiatric Nurse, MA, NP, PMHCNS, BC, SEP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
New York, NY 10017
Are you feeling overwhelmed or anxious with life or a relationship? Or more shut down or depressed? Unable to keep up with your daily routine? Patterns develop while growing up in our families of origin that no longer work or produce symptoms. We work on understanding those attachment patterns historically and in the present in order to reflect and change them. I teach tools to help people process the energy from feeling states in their nervous systems so a wider range of feelings can be experienced without flooding or shutting down. Then we reprocess the traumatic memories that feed the symptoms.
Are you feeling overwhelmed or anxious with life or a relationship? Or more shut down or depressed? Unable to keep up with your daily routine? Patterns develop while growing up in our families of origin that no longer work or produce symptoms. We work on understanding those attachment patterns historically and in the present in order to reflect and change them. I teach tools to help people process the energy from feeling states in their nervous systems so a wider range of feelings can be experienced without flooding or shutting down. Then we reprocess the traumatic memories that feed the symptoms.
![Photo of Alexis Dmytryk, MSN, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/13f1e844-cd51-4df6-adff-577a1b87160e/1/320x400.jpeg)
It is my pleasure to Welcome everyone to my practice ! I specialize in prescribing psychiatric medications to children, adolescents and adults . I treat depression, anxiety, bipolar, PTSD, schizophrenia, ADHD, OCD, eating disorder, addiction, and insomnia.I am board-certified Psychiatric Nurse practitioner with prescriptive authority and have experience in both outpatient and acute settings. I see patients for psychotherapy and medication assessment. I am practicing from my office in Syracuse as well as online via telemedicine. Remember that you are not alone. I'm here to listen and support you at all times.
It is my pleasure to Welcome everyone to my practice ! I specialize in prescribing psychiatric medications to children, adolescents and adults . I treat depression, anxiety, bipolar, PTSD, schizophrenia, ADHD, OCD, eating disorder, addiction, and insomnia.I am board-certified Psychiatric Nurse practitioner with prescriptive authority and have experience in both outpatient and acute settings. I see patients for psychotherapy and medication assessment. I am practicing from my office in Syracuse as well as online via telemedicine. Remember that you are not alone. I'm here to listen and support you at all times.
![Photo of Erica Johnson, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2b1ffb38-18b0-45b7-a8f4-402c6dec0e58/2/320x400.jpeg)
These disorders include but are not limited to anxiety, depression, Bipolar disorder, Schizophrenia, ADHD, PTSD, etc.
My name is Erica Johnson. I am a Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. I have over 13 years of experience in mental health. I am passionate about providing quality, compassionate, and comprehensive mental health services. As a PMHNP, my role includes providing education, advocating for mental health, providing therapy, and managing medication. In addition to medication management, I also incorporate cognitive behavioral health therapy (CBT), emotionally focused as well as person-centered techniques into treatment with clients.
These disorders include but are not limited to anxiety, depression, Bipolar disorder, Schizophrenia, ADHD, PTSD, etc.
My name is Erica Johnson. I am a Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. I have over 13 years of experience in mental health. I am passionate about providing quality, compassionate, and comprehensive mental health services. As a PMHNP, my role includes providing education, advocating for mental health, providing therapy, and managing medication. In addition to medication management, I also incorporate cognitive behavioral health therapy (CBT), emotionally focused as well as person-centered techniques into treatment with clients.
![Photo of Gundu Reddy - Psychiatrist in Poughkeepsie, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/34ae1c12-a910-4e09-81ee-59edf7881e37/2/320x400.jpeg)
Psychiatrist in Poughkeepsie
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 (Online Only)
Whatever your reasons for seeking care include depression, OCD, hallucinations, ADHD, bipolar disorder, or just wanting to perform better at work, everyone can respond to treatment and has potential to feel better.
I am a Board Certified Psychiatrist, licensed in New York. I have trained in psychodynamic psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, family and marital therapy. I have always felt that the brain is the most important and neglected organ in the body, and taking care of the brain is the key to well being. I take a holistic approach to care, evaluating for physical, nutrition, hormones, situational and psychodynamic causes of illness, whilst practicing evidence based psychiatry. I have a background in integrative psychiatry and HIV psychiatry. I believe that everyone has value, and everyone deserves the best care.
Whatever your reasons for seeking care include depression, OCD, hallucinations, ADHD, bipolar disorder, or just wanting to perform better at work, everyone can respond to treatment and has potential to feel better.
I am a Board Certified Psychiatrist, licensed in New York. I have trained in psychodynamic psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, family and marital therapy. I have always felt that the brain is the most important and neglected organ in the body, and taking care of the brain is the key to well being. I take a holistic approach to care, evaluating for physical, nutrition, hormones, situational and psychodynamic causes of illness, whilst practicing evidence based psychiatry. I have a background in integrative psychiatry and HIV psychiatry. I believe that everyone has value, and everyone deserves the best care.
![Photo of Shahnaz Malekan, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/61e7cb79-6274-44e4-92aa-08689265e0dd/1/320x400.jpeg)
I was trained to utilize medication management to treat ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder.
I am a highly compassionate child, adolescent, psychoanalyst and adult psychiatrist. I speak several languages including Farsi and Hebrew, have had the pleasure of working with patients of all ages from various cultures. I am psychoanalytically trained to provide play therapy/talk therapy to children and adolescents. In recognition of my professional excellence throughout the years, I have earned several awards, including Certificate of Honor in Recognition of Outstanding Achievement In Human Relations and Communication at UCLA, numerous Patients' Choice Awards and Compassionate Doctor Awards. I look forward to working with you.
I was trained to utilize medication management to treat ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder.
I am a highly compassionate child, adolescent, psychoanalyst and adult psychiatrist. I speak several languages including Farsi and Hebrew, have had the pleasure of working with patients of all ages from various cultures. I am psychoanalytically trained to provide play therapy/talk therapy to children and adolescents. In recognition of my professional excellence throughout the years, I have earned several awards, including Certificate of Honor in Recognition of Outstanding Achievement In Human Relations and Communication at UCLA, numerous Patients' Choice Awards and Compassionate Doctor Awards. I look forward to working with you.
![Photo of Elizabeth L Leung - Dr. Elizabeth L Leung, DO, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/44b50a92-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Elizabeth L Leung is a board certified psychiatrist, who trained at New York Medical College and Icahn School of Medicine with fellowship training in psychosomatic medicine. Dr. Leung has expertise in treating depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD, OCD, relationship difficulties, adjustment issues, trauma, and grief. In an effort to stay current with all fields in psychiatry, she attends major academic conferences. Dr. Leung currently has affiliation with multiple prestige institutes and is associate clinical professor at Hoftra School of Medicine at Northwell Health.
Dr. Elizabeth L Leung is a board certified psychiatrist, who trained at New York Medical College and Icahn School of Medicine with fellowship training in psychosomatic medicine. Dr. Leung has expertise in treating depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD, OCD, relationship difficulties, adjustment issues, trauma, and grief. In an effort to stay current with all fields in psychiatry, she attends major academic conferences. Dr. Leung currently has affiliation with multiple prestige institutes and is associate clinical professor at Hoftra School of Medicine at Northwell Health.
![Photo of Kimberly Jackson - Well Space Women's Mental Health care, MSN, PMHNP-B, FNP-C, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/97fc2804-cf38-4711-9987-fc91cd1cb040/1/320x400.jpeg)
Well Space Women's Mental Health care
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP-B, FNP-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
White Plains, NY 10601 (Online Only)
I have both general psychiatry training & specialty training in women's mental health issues with years of experience treating symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress, trauma, panic, OCD, mood disorders, social anxiety, life transitions, identity changes, miscarriage, loss, infertility, IVF, birth trauma, relationship changes and motherhood difficulties.
I'm so glad you found me! I have more than 30 years of experience and specialize in women's mental health, perinatal and reproductive psychiatry. I offer free phone consultations and can answer any questions you have before making an appointment. I am one of the few providers in reproductive psychiatry that accepts insurance and we can confirm your benefit coverage before your appointment. Let's work together to decide the best possible treatment options that work for you.
I have both general psychiatry training & specialty training in women's mental health issues with years of experience treating symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress, trauma, panic, OCD, mood disorders, social anxiety, life transitions, identity changes, miscarriage, loss, infertility, IVF, birth trauma, relationship changes and motherhood difficulties.
I'm so glad you found me! I have more than 30 years of experience and specialize in women's mental health, perinatal and reproductive psychiatry. I offer free phone consultations and can answer any questions you have before making an appointment. I am one of the few providers in reproductive psychiatry that accepts insurance and we can confirm your benefit coverage before your appointment. Let's work together to decide the best possible treatment options that work for you.
![Photo of Marion Fitzsimmons, PhD, NP , PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f67eb674-2ad6-45d8-b9fb-0bd6dea81554/2/320x400.jpeg)
Marion Fitzsimmons
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PhD, NP , PMHNP
Verified Verified
Buffalo, NY 14218 (Online Only)
When the worry, or the pain, or the fear of our current situation is standing in front of us like a brick wall, what if we could see beyond that present wall? Would seeing what lies beyond the present change how it's affecting us? When triggered by the right stressors, the genes we are born with can lead to anxiety, depression, mood swings, substance abuse, suicidal thoughts, hallucinations. And throughout life, we may experience abuse, neglect, loss, poverty, trauma and situations that make us feel “stuck.”
When the worry, or the pain, or the fear of our current situation is standing in front of us like a brick wall, what if we could see beyond that present wall? Would seeing what lies beyond the present change how it's affecting us? When triggered by the right stressors, the genes we are born with can lead to anxiety, depression, mood swings, substance abuse, suicidal thoughts, hallucinations. And throughout life, we may experience abuse, neglect, loss, poverty, trauma and situations that make us feel “stuck.”
![Photo of Yochai Re'em, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5c1797f3-da69-4a1e-a7a1-d811c3c4a21e/3/320x400.jpeg)
I treat a spectrum of psychiatric and psychological concerns, focusing on issues such as depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder, as well as challenges such as relationship difficulties, life transitions, personal fulfillment, and identity. I incorporate a psychotherapy that has potential to be deep, meaningful, and rewarding. For those who may benefit from psychiatric medication, I use a collaborative approach when deciding on medications and their utility.
I treat a spectrum of psychiatric and psychological concerns, focusing on issues such as depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder, as well as challenges such as relationship difficulties, life transitions, personal fulfillment, and identity. I incorporate a psychotherapy that has potential to be deep, meaningful, and rewarding. For those who may benefit from psychiatric medication, I use a collaborative approach when deciding on medications and their utility.
![Photo of Christian Bjerre Real, MD, MMCI, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fa3a6a54-145d-4634-8d94-88a1ee75516f/2/320x400.jpeg)
Nothing’s been the same since your cancer diagnosis. First was shock and disbelief. Is this really happening to me? Then came the anger, quickly followed by anxiety and depression. You had a plan for your life, but that’s all been turned upside down. The future has never felt more uncertain. You want to sit down and take some time to process this news. But you’ve become buried under a host of new responsibilities. Now, you spend every day on a barrage of doctor’s appointments, diagnostic tests, and critical treatment decisions. Friends and family offer help, but you’re scared of being a burden to them. It all feels so overwhelming.
Nothing’s been the same since your cancer diagnosis. First was shock and disbelief. Is this really happening to me? Then came the anger, quickly followed by anxiety and depression. You had a plan for your life, but that’s all been turned upside down. The future has never felt more uncertain. You want to sit down and take some time to process this news. But you’ve become buried under a host of new responsibilities. Now, you spend every day on a barrage of doctor’s appointments, diagnostic tests, and critical treatment decisions. Friends and family offer help, but you’re scared of being a burden to them. It all feels so overwhelming.
![Photo of Jingu Lee, DO, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ac2bc183-2142-45a8-aa5d-92aaa1c16dee/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. JinGu Lee is a board-certified Psychiatrist in the states of New Jersey and New York. Dr. Lee focuses on understanding each client’s unique background and building a strong therapeutic alliance with his client. He works with ethically and culturally diverse patient populations who struggle with conditions such as depression, anxiety, OCD, bipolar disorder, and more. Dr. Lee provides comprehensive medication management services including screening for relevant medical conditions.
Dr. JinGu Lee is a board-certified Psychiatrist in the states of New Jersey and New York. Dr. Lee focuses on understanding each client’s unique background and building a strong therapeutic alliance with his client. He works with ethically and culturally diverse patient populations who struggle with conditions such as depression, anxiety, OCD, bipolar disorder, and more. Dr. Lee provides comprehensive medication management services including screening for relevant medical conditions.
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![Photo of Shakiya Mussington, MSN, NP-P, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/94015d05-0dac-4ffe-887c-77687f039094/1/320x400.jpeg)
Shakiya Mussington
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, NP-P, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10036 (Online Only)
The Bass Wellness Center (BWC) is excited to welcome Shakiya to their practice! BWC provides the most advanced, evidence-based mental healthcare, including a full continuum of psych & addiction services online, at your convenience! Shakiya is a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with over 10 years of experience working with individuals diagnosed with psychiatric disorders. Shakiya's practice focuses on the treatment of PTSD, generalized anxiety disorder, depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD and schizophrenia/psychotic disorders. Shakiya's style is solution-oriented, open-minded & promotes empowerment.
The Bass Wellness Center (BWC) is excited to welcome Shakiya to their practice! BWC provides the most advanced, evidence-based mental healthcare, including a full continuum of psych & addiction services online, at your convenience! Shakiya is a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with over 10 years of experience working with individuals diagnosed with psychiatric disorders. Shakiya's practice focuses on the treatment of PTSD, generalized anxiety disorder, depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD and schizophrenia/psychotic disorders. Shakiya's style is solution-oriented, open-minded & promotes empowerment.
![Photo of Monowara Begum, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d25682c-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am a distinguished life fellow of the American Psychiatric Association [APA], Past President and current board member of the district branch of the APA, and serve as a medical advisor to the Rockland County Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA).
Welcome to my private practice. Do not suffer in silence, there is hope and help. I have extensive experience of over forty years treating anxiety, depression, panic disorder, O.C.D., mood disorder, bipolar, schizophrenia, among others. I provide comprehensive mental health evaluation, diagnosis,and treatment for the adult, geriatric, and adolescent population. I have special expertise in psychopharmacology and the treatment of individuals who did not respond to various treatments in the past. I believe in compassionate care, I do not give up until my patients feel they have reached their maximum level of wellbeing.
I am a distinguished life fellow of the American Psychiatric Association [APA], Past President and current board member of the district branch of the APA, and serve as a medical advisor to the Rockland County Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA).
Welcome to my private practice. Do not suffer in silence, there is hope and help. I have extensive experience of over forty years treating anxiety, depression, panic disorder, O.C.D., mood disorder, bipolar, schizophrenia, among others. I provide comprehensive mental health evaluation, diagnosis,and treatment for the adult, geriatric, and adolescent population. I have special expertise in psychopharmacology and the treatment of individuals who did not respond to various treatments in the past. I believe in compassionate care, I do not give up until my patients feel they have reached their maximum level of wellbeing.
![Photo of Jane Algus, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c514c46-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a board-certified psychiatrist working with patients for over twenty years to address emotional difficulties. At one time or another, we may all experience anxiety, depression, problems with intimacy or difficulties with self-esteem. I offer individualized treatment through personal interaction and insight, with a strong grounding in theory and clinical expertise. With some patients, I employ a psychodynamic approach, in others cases, a more targeted cognitive-behavorial approach is enough. At our initial meeting we will work together to determine the best treatment for your individual needs. Visit my website to learn more.
I am a board-certified psychiatrist working with patients for over twenty years to address emotional difficulties. At one time or another, we may all experience anxiety, depression, problems with intimacy or difficulties with self-esteem. I offer individualized treatment through personal interaction and insight, with a strong grounding in theory and clinical expertise. With some patients, I employ a psychodynamic approach, in others cases, a more targeted cognitive-behavorial approach is enough. At our initial meeting we will work together to determine the best treatment for your individual needs. Visit my website to learn more.
![Photo of Ziv E Cohen, MD, ABPN, FAPA, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f2fb74e-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Cohen offers innovative psychopharmacological approaches to depression, including genomic medicine.
Ziv E. Cohen, MD, trained in medicine and psychiatry at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, at Cornell University, and at Columbia University. He is a board certified psychiatrist maintaining a private practice focusing on Mood and Anxiety Disorders in adults and adolescents. Dr. Cohen offers TMS therapy, a medication free, cutting edge technology to treat depression using magnetic neuro-stimulation. He also offers Ketamine therapy, a cutting edge pharmacological approach to treating depression.
Cohen offers innovative psychopharmacological approaches to depression, including genomic medicine.
Ziv E. Cohen, MD, trained in medicine and psychiatry at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, at Cornell University, and at Columbia University. He is a board certified psychiatrist maintaining a private practice focusing on Mood and Anxiety Disorders in adults and adolescents. Dr. Cohen offers TMS therapy, a medication free, cutting edge technology to treat depression using magnetic neuro-stimulation. He also offers Ketamine therapy, a cutting edge pharmacological approach to treating depression.
![Photo of Lisa Deutscher, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3ccfd32f-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Each person who comes to see me has his or her own unique story, and I will do my best, through careful listening grounded upon years of specialized training and experience, to understand what is troubling you and what could help you move forward. You may be seeking help with relationships, work, parenting, identity, or problems with depression, anxiety, or other issues. Many people who seek help worry that their problems are too long-standing to get better, or are simply a product of circumstances. But neither of these ideas needs to get in the way of productive treatment.
Each person who comes to see me has his or her own unique story, and I will do my best, through careful listening grounded upon years of specialized training and experience, to understand what is troubling you and what could help you move forward. You may be seeking help with relationships, work, parenting, identity, or problems with depression, anxiety, or other issues. Many people who seek help worry that their problems are too long-standing to get better, or are simply a product of circumstances. But neither of these ideas needs to get in the way of productive treatment.
![Photo of Samuel Basch, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3fc44aae-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am a Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine and a Psychoanalyst trained at the Columbia University Psychoanalytic Institute. I have over 25 years experience treating people suffering from anxiety, depression, panic and bipolar disorders and schizophrenia. I also work with patients who have conflict in their everyday lives with personal relationships and work-related stress and who have obsessive compulsive, eating and sexual disorders. Additionally, I provide psychological care to people who are medically ill. My approach is highly individualized and I work with patients to consider their specific circumstances in formulating treatment plans.
I am a Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine and a Psychoanalyst trained at the Columbia University Psychoanalytic Institute. I have over 25 years experience treating people suffering from anxiety, depression, panic and bipolar disorders and schizophrenia. I also work with patients who have conflict in their everyday lives with personal relationships and work-related stress and who have obsessive compulsive, eating and sexual disorders. Additionally, I provide psychological care to people who are medically ill. My approach is highly individualized and I work with patients to consider their specific circumstances in formulating treatment plans.
![Photo of Saumya Dave - Saumya Dave, MD PLLC, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5108a97c-f079-4c33-b531-2ca66bf2634f/1/320x400.jpeg)
Hi! I am Dr. Saumya Dave. As a board certified psychiatrist, I am passionate about working with people in areas such as self-care, depression, anxiety, burnout, and family conflict. I use an integrative, multi-disciplinary, collaborative approach to come up with a unique treatment plan for each individual.
Hi! I am Dr. Saumya Dave. As a board certified psychiatrist, I am passionate about working with people in areas such as self-care, depression, anxiety, burnout, and family conflict. I use an integrative, multi-disciplinary, collaborative approach to come up with a unique treatment plan for each individual.
![Photo of Thomas Maples, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3871aca1-d307-4955-87e5-5e31cd8c569f/2/320x400.jpeg)
We all want to live a life of purpose, meaning, and contentment. However, struggles with anxiety, depression, attention, and insecurity can interfere with our emotional wellbeing and connection with others. Whether through therapy, medication, or both, my goal as a psychiatrist is to help you cultivate long-lasting growth and fulfillment.
We all want to live a life of purpose, meaning, and contentment. However, struggles with anxiety, depression, attention, and insecurity can interfere with our emotional wellbeing and connection with others. Whether through therapy, medication, or both, my goal as a psychiatrist is to help you cultivate long-lasting growth and fulfillment.
![Photo of Tracy Roth, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3fed9708-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Feeling depressed, anxious and stuck in unsatisfying thought and behavior patterns can feel very isolating. Working together in psychotherapy or psychoanalysis gives us the opportunity to take a closer look at your feelings for a fuller understanding of who you are and how your mind works. Through our exploration, we will develop more flexible ways for you to approach challenges, leading to greater satisfaction in your life.
Feeling depressed, anxious and stuck in unsatisfying thought and behavior patterns can feel very isolating. Working together in psychotherapy or psychoanalysis gives us the opportunity to take a closer look at your feelings for a fuller understanding of who you are and how your mind works. Through our exploration, we will develop more flexible ways for you to approach challenges, leading to greater satisfaction in your life.
See more therapy options for New York
Depression Psychiatrists
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.