Depression Therapists in Buena Park, CA

Photo of Angelica Rivas, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Angelica Rivas
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Buena Park, CA 90620
I have 7+ years working with clients struggling with anxiety, depression, addiction, grief, and adjustment disorders.
My name is Angelica Rivas. I am a licensed clinical social worker. I like to use a behavioral approach in therapy, focusing on both short-term and long-term goals to help those in need of change in their lives. I prefer to use either a humanistic or behavioral approach with an overall intent to help clients meet their goals. I have extensive experience with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
I have 7+ years working with clients struggling with anxiety, depression, addiction, grief, and adjustment disorders.
My name is Angelica Rivas. I am a licensed clinical social worker. I like to use a behavioral approach in therapy, focusing on both short-term and long-term goals to help those in need of change in their lives. I prefer to use either a humanistic or behavioral approach with an overall intent to help clients meet their goals. I have extensive experience with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
(657) 837-3802 View (657) 837-3802
Photo of Marc Antonio, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Marc Antonio
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Buena Park, CA 90620
My name is Marc Antonio. I'm an LMFT based in Fresno, California who sees clients throughout the state via telehealth. I work with young adults and specialize in anxiety, depression, trauma, and attachment using a combination of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), and sensorimotor psychotherapy (SP) to help my clients work toward their goals and create a life worth living. I work well with young adults who are trying to find themselves, heal old wounds, and live their most authentic life.
My name is Marc Antonio. I'm an LMFT based in Fresno, California who sees clients throughout the state via telehealth. I work with young adults and specialize in anxiety, depression, trauma, and attachment using a combination of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), and sensorimotor psychotherapy (SP) to help my clients work toward their goals and create a life worth living. I work well with young adults who are trying to find themselves, heal old wounds, and live their most authentic life.
(657) 837-2583 View (657) 837-2583
Photo of Renee Marriott, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Renee Marriott
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Buena Park, CA 90620
Every hardship or life event shapes us to be who we are but does not define us. My passion is to learn about people and where they are in their current life journey. I hope to help empower them to overcome their present hardships. I specialize in working with the LGBTQA+ community, families, children, adolescents, and adults who struggle with relationship conflict, anxiety, depression, and bipolar mania/ depression. I combine holistic, client-centered, and evidence-based interventions to assist with their concerns best.
Every hardship or life event shapes us to be who we are but does not define us. My passion is to learn about people and where they are in their current life journey. I hope to help empower them to overcome their present hardships. I specialize in working with the LGBTQA+ community, families, children, adolescents, and adults who struggle with relationship conflict, anxiety, depression, and bipolar mania/ depression. I combine holistic, client-centered, and evidence-based interventions to assist with their concerns best.
(657) 317-7470 View (657) 317-7470
Photo of Katherine Tessler, LCSW, PPSC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Katherine Tessler
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, PPSC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Buena Park, CA 90620  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
My name is Katherine Tessler, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have worked in outpatient settings for the last 7 years, with children, adolescents, and adults. I now focus on helping adults struggling with symptoms of depression and/or anxiety, often due to recent life changes or stressors, and who just want to feel better on a day-to-day basis. Many of my clients have gone through recent transitions, such as graduating college and entering "real world", changing careers, getting married, having their first baby... I am here to support you in adjusting to your new normal.
My name is Katherine Tessler, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have worked in outpatient settings for the last 7 years, with children, adolescents, and adults. I now focus on helping adults struggling with symptoms of depression and/or anxiety, often due to recent life changes or stressors, and who just want to feel better on a day-to-day basis. Many of my clients have gone through recent transitions, such as graduating college and entering "real world", changing careers, getting married, having their first baby... I am here to support you in adjusting to your new normal.
(657) 571-4993 View (657) 571-4993
Photo of Valentina Torrence, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Valentina Torrence
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Buena Park, CA 90620  (Online Only)
I focus on addressing a range of issues such as trauma, relationship challenges, self-esteem issues, life stressors, grief, anxiety, and depression.
Welcome! My name is Valentina Torrence. I am a bilingual Spanish-speaking Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist committed to guiding clients through life's challenges. Whether it's navigating relationships, life transitions, trauma, or grief, I offer empathetic support and a safe space for growth. I'm truly passionate about helping individuals achieve positive change and healing. My approach centers on mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. I also draw from solution-focused therapy, psychodynamic, and narrative therapy techniques to create a tailored treatment plan that suits your unique needs.
I focus on addressing a range of issues such as trauma, relationship challenges, self-esteem issues, life stressors, grief, anxiety, and depression.
Welcome! My name is Valentina Torrence. I am a bilingual Spanish-speaking Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist committed to guiding clients through life's challenges. Whether it's navigating relationships, life transitions, trauma, or grief, I offer empathetic support and a safe space for growth. I'm truly passionate about helping individuals achieve positive change and healing. My approach centers on mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. I also draw from solution-focused therapy, psychodynamic, and narrative therapy techniques to create a tailored treatment plan that suits your unique needs.
(657) 256-3846 View (657) 256-3846
Photo of Mary M. Scholten, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Mary M. Scholten
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Buena Park, CA 90620
If you've been struggling emotionally and relationally and find you just can't handle life on your own anymore, I am here to help you. Whether you're feeling depressed, anxious, angry, lonely, or overwhelmed, it doesn't have to be this way. Together we will work to improve the quality of your life. I've been trained in using How We Love - a program to help you identify your attachment/love style, childhood injuries, and how those wounds are affecting your current relationships.
If you've been struggling emotionally and relationally and find you just can't handle life on your own anymore, I am here to help you. Whether you're feeling depressed, anxious, angry, lonely, or overwhelmed, it doesn't have to be this way. Together we will work to improve the quality of your life. I've been trained in using How We Love - a program to help you identify your attachment/love style, childhood injuries, and how those wounds are affecting your current relationships.
(714) 676-8935 View (714) 676-8935
Photo of Anna Stosich, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Anna Stosich
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Buena Park, CA 90620
I work with young to older adults with a variety of concerns such as depression, anxiety, relationship changes, life changes, trauma, eating disorders, and grief.
I am Anna Stosich, a highly passionate and licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). It is my mission to enable healing for everyone through therapy, everyone deserves to feel at peace, energetic, and whole. I provide an integrative approach for the treatment of trauma, depression, anxiety, and relational stressors. I work from a somatic perspective, which incorporates the wisdom of your body into the therapeutic process. I draw from somatic practices including hypnotherapy, Somatic Experiencing, Internal Family Systems, and Mindfulness.
I work with young to older adults with a variety of concerns such as depression, anxiety, relationship changes, life changes, trauma, eating disorders, and grief.
I am Anna Stosich, a highly passionate and licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). It is my mission to enable healing for everyone through therapy, everyone deserves to feel at peace, energetic, and whole. I provide an integrative approach for the treatment of trauma, depression, anxiety, and relational stressors. I work from a somatic perspective, which incorporates the wisdom of your body into the therapeutic process. I draw from somatic practices including hypnotherapy, Somatic Experiencing, Internal Family Systems, and Mindfulness.
(657) 837-2797 View (657) 837-2797
Photo of Sammy Glenn, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Sammy Glenn
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Buena Park, CA 90620  (Online Only)
I have worked primarily with adults and teenagers in my career, who have struggled with anxiety and depression, family trauma, relationship problems, stress, and other severe mental illnesses.
My name is Sammy Glenn, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), and I am licensed in Oregon, WV, Fl, TN, and California. My approach to therapy is to create a safe and non-judgmental environment for all of my clients, no matter their experiences. CBT is a cornerstone of mental health treatment and the forerunner of many newer modalities. Thoughts, feelings, and actions make sense to us all, and these will be the foundations of our approach. My philosophy is this: "I'll always help, if you'll always try."
I have worked primarily with adults and teenagers in my career, who have struggled with anxiety and depression, family trauma, relationship problems, stress, and other severe mental illnesses.
My name is Sammy Glenn, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), and I am licensed in Oregon, WV, Fl, TN, and California. My approach to therapy is to create a safe and non-judgmental environment for all of my clients, no matter their experiences. CBT is a cornerstone of mental health treatment and the forerunner of many newer modalities. Thoughts, feelings, and actions make sense to us all, and these will be the foundations of our approach. My philosophy is this: "I'll always help, if you'll always try."
(657) 571-6169 View (657) 571-6169
Photo of Leya Worcester, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Leya Worcester
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Buena Park, CA 90620
This lack of balance, identity or control can look like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), addiction and substance use, codependent relationships, personality disorders, anger, or the emotional distress that stems from anxiety, depression, and ADHD.
I'm Leya, and I'm a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) based out of Orange County, California. I am passionate about treating mental health issues related to trauma, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, addiction and substance use, codependency, low self-worth, and emotional dysregulation. I can help you find balance and feel secure by integrating CBT, DBT, Mindfulness, and EMDR. I specialize in working with adults who find that they have lost a sense of balance, a sense of who they are, or lost control of their lives.
This lack of balance, identity or control can look like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), addiction and substance use, codependent relationships, personality disorders, anger, or the emotional distress that stems from anxiety, depression, and ADHD.
I'm Leya, and I'm a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) based out of Orange County, California. I am passionate about treating mental health issues related to trauma, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, addiction and substance use, codependency, low self-worth, and emotional dysregulation. I can help you find balance and feel secure by integrating CBT, DBT, Mindfulness, and EMDR. I specialize in working with adults who find that they have lost a sense of balance, a sense of who they are, or lost control of their lives.
(909) 324-5666 View (909) 324-5666
Photo of Candice L. Recotta, LMFT, MA, CCTP, EMDR , Marriage & Family Therapist
Candice L. Recotta
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA, CCTP, EMDR
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Buena Park, CA 90620
My specialties include anxiety, depression, trauma, and the impact of adverse childhood experiences.
I believe that developing a trusting relationship with your therapist is essential. My training and experience have created the fostering of the origins of trauma and how it can affect all areas of functioning. I use trauma-informed approaches and am both a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP), and an Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Certified Therapist. These modalities are instrumental in reducing the effects that long term and chronic tension, trauma, and anxiety can create in our daily lives.
My specialties include anxiety, depression, trauma, and the impact of adverse childhood experiences.
I believe that developing a trusting relationship with your therapist is essential. My training and experience have created the fostering of the origins of trauma and how it can affect all areas of functioning. I use trauma-informed approaches and am both a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP), and an Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Certified Therapist. These modalities are instrumental in reducing the effects that long term and chronic tension, trauma, and anxiety can create in our daily lives.
(714) 266-3258 View (714) 266-3258
Photo of Jonghyeok Lee - Matthew Lee, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Matthew Lee
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Buena Park, CA 90621
Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, or relationship issues, he can help you navigate the challenges and achieve a greater sense of well-being.
Matthew Lee is "an empathetic therapist" "warm and inviting approach" "deep understanding of the complexities of the human mind" "dedicated to helping clients achieve their goals and live a fulfilling life"
Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, or relationship issues, he can help you navigate the challenges and achieve a greater sense of well-being.
Matthew Lee is "an empathetic therapist" "warm and inviting approach" "deep understanding of the complexities of the human mind" "dedicated to helping clients achieve their goals and live a fulfilling life"
(657) 366-5786 View (657) 366-5786
Photo of Melanie Nichols, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Melanie Nichols
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Buena Park, CA 90620
My life philosophy is to Be Kind, Listen and Try to Help. I've been licensed since 2015 as a Marriage and Family Therapist. I have an MA in Psychology with an emphasis on Marriage and Family Therapy and a BS in Occupational Therapy. I have certifications in EMDR, EFT, and CBT. I have specialized in trauma, post-traumatic stress, and readjustment for military and civilian populations. I work with issues of Depression, Anxiety, Substance Abuse, Domestic Violence, Traumatic Brain Injury, Childhood Attachment, and Trauma that affects adulthood.
My life philosophy is to Be Kind, Listen and Try to Help. I've been licensed since 2015 as a Marriage and Family Therapist. I have an MA in Psychology with an emphasis on Marriage and Family Therapy and a BS in Occupational Therapy. I have certifications in EMDR, EFT, and CBT. I have specialized in trauma, post-traumatic stress, and readjustment for military and civilian populations. I work with issues of Depression, Anxiety, Substance Abuse, Domestic Violence, Traumatic Brain Injury, Childhood Attachment, and Trauma that affects adulthood.
(805) 380-3386 View (805) 380-3386
Photo of David Vest, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
David Vest
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Buena Park, CA 90620
What doesn't hurt you makes you stronger.....but don't show your emotions!" Hi, I am David Vest, LMFT103919, in California and I specialize in trauma-informed. I have been practicing since 2010 and also work with anxiety, depression, cognitive disorders, substance use, and couples. I am most successful with adults and have currently limited practice with those over 18. I focus on the strengths and perspectives that people bring with them. I believe most of us already have many answers to our own problems and treat each person as their own expert.
What doesn't hurt you makes you stronger.....but don't show your emotions!" Hi, I am David Vest, LMFT103919, in California and I specialize in trauma-informed. I have been practicing since 2010 and also work with anxiety, depression, cognitive disorders, substance use, and couples. I am most successful with adults and have currently limited practice with those over 18. I focus on the strengths and perspectives that people bring with them. I believe most of us already have many answers to our own problems and treat each person as their own expert.
(562) 553-3649 View (562) 553-3649
Photo of Amelia Ray, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Amelia Ray
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Buena Park, CA 90620
Hi my name is Amelia Ray, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), and a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). I typically work with clients experiencing challenges with relationships and family, self-image and self-esteem, confidence, and managing stress, addiction, anxiety and depression. I have extensive experience with those experiencing social challenges and/or are on the autism spectrum. I use approaches from Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Narrative Therapy, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). I also use the curriculum from SMART Recovery to address addictive behaviors.
Hi my name is Amelia Ray, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), and a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). I typically work with clients experiencing challenges with relationships and family, self-image and self-esteem, confidence, and managing stress, addiction, anxiety and depression. I have extensive experience with those experiencing social challenges and/or are on the autism spectrum. I use approaches from Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Narrative Therapy, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). I also use the curriculum from SMART Recovery to address addictive behaviors.
(341) 444-3781 View (341) 444-3781
Photo of Ariel Klassen, LCPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Ariel Klassen
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
Buena Park, CA 90620
Hi, I'm Ariel Klassen, a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. I specialize in trauma, addiction, anxiety and depression and have had the privilege of assisting varying ages from adolescents to adults. In an individual session I value the importance of mental health and am committed to fostering growth in the lives I am a part of. I work with females and males who express varying symptoms of anxiety and depression. Often this is first treated by establishing effective coping skills and then digging a little deeper to explore their past to gain self-awareness and create sustainable growth.
Hi, I'm Ariel Klassen, a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. I specialize in trauma, addiction, anxiety and depression and have had the privilege of assisting varying ages from adolescents to adults. In an individual session I value the importance of mental health and am committed to fostering growth in the lives I am a part of. I work with females and males who express varying symptoms of anxiety and depression. Often this is first treated by establishing effective coping skills and then digging a little deeper to explore their past to gain self-awareness and create sustainable growth.
(619) 404-6137 View (619) 404-6137
Photo of Nancy Lynch, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Nancy Lynch
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Buena Park, CA 90620
My name is Nancy Lynch, and I am thrilled that you took the first step in healing and self-discovery. Whether you suffer from depression and anxiety or only need someone to talk to, finding the right therapist is not easy. Hopefully, you can find helpful information about me to decide if we are a good match. I am a licensed clinical Marriage and Family Therapist. My experience treating depression, anxiety, PTSD, and trauma-related symptoms is extensive. I have had the privilege of working with foster children and their families. I work with children, adolescents, adults, and couples to help to reach their therapeutic goals.
My name is Nancy Lynch, and I am thrilled that you took the first step in healing and self-discovery. Whether you suffer from depression and anxiety or only need someone to talk to, finding the right therapist is not easy. Hopefully, you can find helpful information about me to decide if we are a good match. I am a licensed clinical Marriage and Family Therapist. My experience treating depression, anxiety, PTSD, and trauma-related symptoms is extensive. I have had the privilege of working with foster children and their families. I work with children, adolescents, adults, and couples to help to reach their therapeutic goals.
(760) 377-9599 View (760) 377-9599
Photo of Simone Elliott, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Simone Elliott
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Buena Park, CA 90620
Whatever you have been through, or are going through, you have a right to find peace, enjoy your relationships, and create a life you love. Making changes can be a difficult process, with obstacles like depression, anxiety, trauma, family conflict, low self-esteem, lack of support, or difficulty communicating. Whether you are an adult who feels lost or stuck, a young person struggling to find your way, or a parent desperate to find help for your child, I am here to help you explore solutions and get back on track. My role is to be your mirror, guide, and anchor, as we clarify your goals and navigate your path toward them together.
Whatever you have been through, or are going through, you have a right to find peace, enjoy your relationships, and create a life you love. Making changes can be a difficult process, with obstacles like depression, anxiety, trauma, family conflict, low self-esteem, lack of support, or difficulty communicating. Whether you are an adult who feels lost or stuck, a young person struggling to find your way, or a parent desperate to find help for your child, I am here to help you explore solutions and get back on track. My role is to be your mirror, guide, and anchor, as we clarify your goals and navigate your path toward them together.
(562) 608-1587 View (562) 608-1587
Photo of Tina Kyung Kim, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Tina Kyung Kim
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Buena Park, CA 90621
It is daunting to decide to see a therapist, especially if you are not familiar with clinical treatment. Sometimes you need help uncovering thoughts and feelings regarding concerning matters. Are you so anxious, depressed, and angry that you feel overwhelmed? Or do you want to be a more social, confident, and positive individual? Each client is unique. The ultimate goal of therapy is to allow a client to learn about themselves in order to be more proactive and live the fullest life possible.
It is daunting to decide to see a therapist, especially if you are not familiar with clinical treatment. Sometimes you need help uncovering thoughts and feelings regarding concerning matters. Are you so anxious, depressed, and angry that you feel overwhelmed? Or do you want to be a more social, confident, and positive individual? Each client is unique. The ultimate goal of therapy is to allow a client to learn about themselves in order to be more proactive and live the fullest life possible.
(213) 985-3678 View (213) 985-3678
Photo of Stacey Peyer, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Stacey Peyer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Buena Park, CA 90620
My name is Stacey Peyer and I have been a licensed Clinical Social Worker since 1989. I primarily work with adults. I am also a Certified Pet Loss Specialist. I work with adults who are dealing with relationship issues, life transitions, depression, anxiety, infertility, LGBTQ concerns, and Pet loss, including anticipatory grief and end of life decisions. I have a great deal of experience supporting social work students (and those studying related fields) in their career journeys.
My name is Stacey Peyer and I have been a licensed Clinical Social Worker since 1989. I primarily work with adults. I am also a Certified Pet Loss Specialist. I work with adults who are dealing with relationship issues, life transitions, depression, anxiety, infertility, LGBTQ concerns, and Pet loss, including anticipatory grief and end of life decisions. I have a great deal of experience supporting social work students (and those studying related fields) in their career journeys.
(341) 999-4417 View (341) 999-4417
Photo of Camille Helland, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Camille Helland
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Buena Park, CA 90621
I'm Camille Helland, a licensed California Marriage and Family Therapist who uses a warm, interactive counseling style with clients who are experiencing a wide range of concerns including anxiety, depression, stress, behavioral issues, eating disorders, trauma, and PTSD. I use techniques including Cognitive Behavioral, Dialectic Behavioral, Eye Movement Reprocessing and Desensitization (EMDR), Emotion-Focused Therapy, Positive Psychology or Solution-Focused therapy methods. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling life and take the first steps toward change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you!
I'm Camille Helland, a licensed California Marriage and Family Therapist who uses a warm, interactive counseling style with clients who are experiencing a wide range of concerns including anxiety, depression, stress, behavioral issues, eating disorders, trauma, and PTSD. I use techniques including Cognitive Behavioral, Dialectic Behavioral, Eye Movement Reprocessing and Desensitization (EMDR), Emotion-Focused Therapy, Positive Psychology or Solution-Focused therapy methods. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling life and take the first steps toward change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you!
(909) 248-2240 View (909) 248-2240
1
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.