Depression Therapists in East Highland, CA

Photo of Teresa Gordon Rimmer, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Teresa Gordon Rimmer
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
East Highland, CA 92346  (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
Whether it’s anxiety, depression, or just needing a sounding board, I’m here to help.
Here to listen. Not to judge. Let me help you find hope, regardless of your situation. We can together uncover what is underneath any pain or challenge through dialogue and understanding. My background is both professional and personal, having both faced many challenges myself and professionally supported others to find peace. Taking the first step is often difficult, but I promise to make the journey as comfortable as possible. Nothing to lose, and much to gain.
Whether it’s anxiety, depression, or just needing a sounding board, I’m here to help.
Here to listen. Not to judge. Let me help you find hope, regardless of your situation. We can together uncover what is underneath any pain or challenge through dialogue and understanding. My background is both professional and personal, having both faced many challenges myself and professionally supported others to find peace. Taking the first step is often difficult, but I promise to make the journey as comfortable as possible. Nothing to lose, and much to gain.
(909) 281-9428 View (909) 281-9428
Photo of Becca Ballinger, PsyD, Psychologist
Becca Ballinger
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
East Highland, CA 92346
Parenting a struggling teenager can leave you feeling lonely & helpless - but it doesn’t have to be. For years, I’ve worked with teens who struggle with anxiety, depression, ADHD, defiance, substance use, & much more...& I’ve learned that a little investment in therapy can go a long way in helping them make tough changes that lead to a successful future. Over time, I’ve developed strategies that allow me to quickly connect with teens, help them break through the systems & defenses that just don’t work for them anymore, & help them create new ways of relating to their world that increase their healthy connection to people & life.
Parenting a struggling teenager can leave you feeling lonely & helpless - but it doesn’t have to be. For years, I’ve worked with teens who struggle with anxiety, depression, ADHD, defiance, substance use, & much more...& I’ve learned that a little investment in therapy can go a long way in helping them make tough changes that lead to a successful future. Over time, I’ve developed strategies that allow me to quickly connect with teens, help them break through the systems & defenses that just don’t work for them anymore, & help them create new ways of relating to their world that increase their healthy connection to people & life.
(909) 442-4694 View (909) 442-4694
Photo of Kirsten Cathell Boulton, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kirsten Cathell Boulton
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
East Highland, CA 92346
Not accepting new clients
Do you suffer from anxiety, relationship/intimacy issues or addictive behaviors? Hi my name is Kirsten Cathell Boulton, LCSW, and I am trained in EMDR trauma release therapy. I provide compassionate holistic services. I come from a spiritual perspective and I believe that people are already equipped to unlock their own solutions with empathetic guidance and support.  I guide individuals and families toward experiencing healing and transformation. I look forward to hearing from you!
Do you suffer from anxiety, relationship/intimacy issues or addictive behaviors? Hi my name is Kirsten Cathell Boulton, LCSW, and I am trained in EMDR trauma release therapy. I provide compassionate holistic services. I come from a spiritual perspective and I believe that people are already equipped to unlock their own solutions with empathetic guidance and support.  I guide individuals and families toward experiencing healing and transformation. I look forward to hearing from you!
(909) 281-9610 View (909) 281-9610
Photo of Craig Bray, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Craig Bray
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
East Highland, CA 92346
Seeking help can be difficult. Life’s pace can often catch us off guard. Even when things seem in order we can feel alone or out of sorts with internal worries. Whatever you are dealing with, I will engage with you directly. I will listen with empathy and offer counsel tailored to your individual concerns. Ultimately, we want our lives to matter. I specialize in working with individuals who are impacted by addiction; their own or someone close to them. I have over 20 years of experience working with these issues, including substance abuse, gambling, sex and codependency.
Seeking help can be difficult. Life’s pace can often catch us off guard. Even when things seem in order we can feel alone or out of sorts with internal worries. Whatever you are dealing with, I will engage with you directly. I will listen with empathy and offer counsel tailored to your individual concerns. Ultimately, we want our lives to matter. I specialize in working with individuals who are impacted by addiction; their own or someone close to them. I have over 20 years of experience working with these issues, including substance abuse, gambling, sex and codependency.
(909) 328-1432 View (909) 328-1432

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Rupal Doshi, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Rupal Doshi
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Highland, CA 92346
My area of expertise includes working with clients dealing with depression, anxiety, trauma, family problems, grief, self-esteem/confidence, adult life transitions, relationship problems, anger/stress management, and ADHD, to note a few areas of client focus.
Hello, my name is Rupal Doshi Wilcox. I am a practicing Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, whose career spans working with multiple private and public health organizations and hospitals. I am specialized in Mindfulness Based Therapies such as MBSR, MSC, and MBCT, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Level one and two Gottman Couples Therapy, and Feedback Informed Therapy.
My area of expertise includes working with clients dealing with depression, anxiety, trauma, family problems, grief, self-esteem/confidence, adult life transitions, relationship problems, anger/stress management, and ADHD, to note a few areas of client focus.
Hello, my name is Rupal Doshi Wilcox. I am a practicing Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, whose career spans working with multiple private and public health organizations and hospitals. I am specialized in Mindfulness Based Therapies such as MBSR, MSC, and MBCT, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Level one and two Gottman Couples Therapy, and Feedback Informed Therapy.
(559) 354-4971 View (559) 354-4971
Photo of Lauren Lorge, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Lauren Lorge
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Highland, CA 92346
Hi! My name is Lauren Lorge, and I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). I use a client-centered, non-judgmental, genuine approach that focuses on addressing the issues that get in the way of clients living the life they want to live. I have worked with a range of ages including older teens, young adults, middle aged and up to 65 years old. Anxiety, depression, stress, and trauma have been typical things clients have come to therapy for. I use a client-centered approach and like to focus on the goals the client has come in to work on.
Hi! My name is Lauren Lorge, and I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). I use a client-centered, non-judgmental, genuine approach that focuses on addressing the issues that get in the way of clients living the life they want to live. I have worked with a range of ages including older teens, young adults, middle aged and up to 65 years old. Anxiety, depression, stress, and trauma have been typical things clients have come to therapy for. I use a client-centered approach and like to focus on the goals the client has come in to work on.
(951) 667-8343 View (951) 667-8343
Photo of Truevolution Inc., ASW, LCSW, LMFT, LPCC, Marriage & Family Therapist
Truevolution Inc.
Marriage & Family Therapist, ASW, LCSW, LMFT, LPCC
Verified Verified
San Bernardino, CA 92404
Not accepting new clients
Many clients seek culturally competent and affirming therapeutic services for the treatment of depression, anxiety, bereavement and loss, processing a HIV diagnosis or other chronic health condition, and Transgender identity therapeutic services including evaluation and letter for hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and gender affirming surgeries.
TruEvolution’s Behavioral Health team offers individual, couples, family, and group therapy to support your emotional and physical well-being. We are committed to providing services that are affirmative, sex-positive, culturally competent, and trauma-informed care to address the mental and emotional health needs of members of the community with a special emphasis of the needs and strengths of the LGBTQ+ community.
Many clients seek culturally competent and affirming therapeutic services for the treatment of depression, anxiety, bereavement and loss, processing a HIV diagnosis or other chronic health condition, and Transgender identity therapeutic services including evaluation and letter for hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and gender affirming surgeries.
TruEvolution’s Behavioral Health team offers individual, couples, family, and group therapy to support your emotional and physical well-being. We are committed to providing services that are affirmative, sex-positive, culturally competent, and trauma-informed care to address the mental and emotional health needs of members of the community with a special emphasis of the needs and strengths of the LGBTQ+ community.
(951) 419-4164 View (951) 419-4164
Photo of Courtney Roushion - Culture Collective Counseling , LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Culture Collective Counseling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Bernardino, CA 92404
We help client’s struggling with depression, mood disorders, anxiety, trauma and adjustment disorders.
Culture Collective Counseling (CCC), LLC is a group practice which provides mental health services to disenfranchised communities through individual, family and group therapy. CCC’s goal is to normalize mental health services in communities that have historically been underserved and underrepresented in the areas of mental health. We are located in the city of San Bernardino, but serve the entire Inland Empire area. Our passion is to hold space for our clients to feel a sense of safety, provide psychoeducation, and inspire our clients to develop their personal strengths.
We help client’s struggling with depression, mood disorders, anxiety, trauma and adjustment disorders.
Culture Collective Counseling (CCC), LLC is a group practice which provides mental health services to disenfranchised communities through individual, family and group therapy. CCC’s goal is to normalize mental health services in communities that have historically been underserved and underrepresented in the areas of mental health. We are located in the city of San Bernardino, but serve the entire Inland Empire area. Our passion is to hold space for our clients to feel a sense of safety, provide psychoeducation, and inspire our clients to develop their personal strengths.
(909) 297-1153 View (909) 297-1153
Photo of Shelly Welsh, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Shelly Welsh
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Bernardino, CA 92404
I have experience working with individuals and couples of all abilities who want to address life difficulties such as anxiety, depression, relationship issues, infidelity, vocational stressors, poor coping strategies, and life transitions.
I am Shelly Welsh, a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I work primarily from a Cognitive Behavioral Approach while incorporating person-centered and solution-focused techniques. I have experience working with individuals and couples of all abilities who want to address life difficulties such as anxiety, depression, relationship issues, infidelity, vocational stressors, poor coping strategies, and life transitions. I work primarily from a Cognitive Behavioral Approach while incorporating person-centered and solution-focused techniques.
I have experience working with individuals and couples of all abilities who want to address life difficulties such as anxiety, depression, relationship issues, infidelity, vocational stressors, poor coping strategies, and life transitions.
I am Shelly Welsh, a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I work primarily from a Cognitive Behavioral Approach while incorporating person-centered and solution-focused techniques. I have experience working with individuals and couples of all abilities who want to address life difficulties such as anxiety, depression, relationship issues, infidelity, vocational stressors, poor coping strategies, and life transitions. I work primarily from a Cognitive Behavioral Approach while incorporating person-centered and solution-focused techniques.
(562) 620-4756 View (562) 620-4756
Photo of Wendi LaBorde, LCP, Psychologist
Wendi LaBorde
Psychologist, LCP
Verified Verified
Highland, CA 92346
Hi. My name is Dr. Wendi LaBorde. I am a licensed clinical psychologist. My focus is on individual therapy, drawing from various modalities to best meet the specific needs of each client. I create a quite comfortable, pleasant setting. People tell me I am not intimidating to work with, and often thank me for helping them. My most common approaches to therapy are Rogerian Client Centered and CBT. Also, Prolonged Exposure Therapy and other modalities are utilized, as needed. I focus on treating adult age clients with depression and anxiety.
Hi. My name is Dr. Wendi LaBorde. I am a licensed clinical psychologist. My focus is on individual therapy, drawing from various modalities to best meet the specific needs of each client. I create a quite comfortable, pleasant setting. People tell me I am not intimidating to work with, and often thank me for helping them. My most common approaches to therapy are Rogerian Client Centered and CBT. Also, Prolonged Exposure Therapy and other modalities are utilized, as needed. I focus on treating adult age clients with depression and anxiety.
(408) 715-3560 View (408) 715-3560
Photo of Leya Worcester, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Leya Worcester
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Highland, CA 92346
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 Andrea Majdfaridi, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Andrea Majdfaridi
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Highland, CA 92346
Hi there, I'm Andrea, a licensed clinical social worker. My focus areas include the exploration of relationship dynamics and self-esteem, and I embrace work within grief and loss, depression and anxiety, and those who are impacted by illness and a changing of health. I apply Rogerian, Behavioral, and Solution Focused techniques, to name a few. I frequently use tools from the fields of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Mindfulness-Based practices. The greatest outcomes are found through integrative practices that champion growth to meet the unique experience of each person.
Hi there, I'm Andrea, a licensed clinical social worker. My focus areas include the exploration of relationship dynamics and self-esteem, and I embrace work within grief and loss, depression and anxiety, and those who are impacted by illness and a changing of health. I apply Rogerian, Behavioral, and Solution Focused techniques, to name a few. I frequently use tools from the fields of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Mindfulness-Based practices. The greatest outcomes are found through integrative practices that champion growth to meet the unique experience of each person.
(626) 702-3980 View (626) 702-3980
Photo of Adrian Carol McClellan - Adrian McClellan, LCSW, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Adrian McClellan, LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Bernardino, CA 92404
Additional insurance services available right now. Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Cigna and Magellan. Telehealth also available. I have appointment times available in 1 to 2 WEEKS. I am available by appointment only. I am a licensed therapist working in the field of health/mental health since 1983. I have been licensed in California since 1988. I have extensive experience working with those burdened by depressed mood, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and more. Please see the list of specialties I work with. We can find a solution to your issues. Keep your hope. If others can recover, so can you.
Additional insurance services available right now. Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Cigna and Magellan. Telehealth also available. I have appointment times available in 1 to 2 WEEKS. I am available by appointment only. I am a licensed therapist working in the field of health/mental health since 1983. I have been licensed in California since 1988. I have extensive experience working with those burdened by depressed mood, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and more. Please see the list of specialties I work with. We can find a solution to your issues. Keep your hope. If others can recover, so can you.
(909) 351-3606 View (909) 351-3606
Photo of Alyson Sandoval, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Alyson Sandoval
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Highland, CA 92346
Welcome! My name is Alyson Sandoval and I am a licensed marriage and family therapist. I believe therapy is a place for everyone and I love helping others work towards growth and change. I have many years of experience working with teens and adults on life transitions, anxiety, depression, relationships, self-esteem and other common areas of struggle. much of my experience has been working with teens and young adults and often work through struggles like anxiety, self-esteem, depression, relational conflict, and trauma.
Welcome! My name is Alyson Sandoval and I am a licensed marriage and family therapist. I believe therapy is a place for everyone and I love helping others work towards growth and change. I have many years of experience working with teens and adults on life transitions, anxiety, depression, relationships, self-esteem and other common areas of struggle. much of my experience has been working with teens and young adults and often work through struggles like anxiety, self-esteem, depression, relational conflict, and trauma.
(408) 414-6204 View (408) 414-6204
Photo of Maribel Ceja Zamora, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Maribel Ceja Zamora
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Highland, CA 92346
Hello there! My name is Maribel Ceja Zamora. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (87156) in the state of California, with over 10 years of experience. Most of my practice has been centered around treating young children, adolescents, and adults. The areas of practice I focus on include: anxiety, depression, trauma, disruptive behaviors, adjustment disorders, substance disorders, and grief and loss. My therapeutic approach is client-centered. I offer cognitive and behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, dialectical behavioral therapy, trauma-focused CBT, and psychodynamic therapy.
Hello there! My name is Maribel Ceja Zamora. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (87156) in the state of California, with over 10 years of experience. Most of my practice has been centered around treating young children, adolescents, and adults. The areas of practice I focus on include: anxiety, depression, trauma, disruptive behaviors, adjustment disorders, substance disorders, and grief and loss. My therapeutic approach is client-centered. I offer cognitive and behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, dialectical behavioral therapy, trauma-focused CBT, and psychodynamic therapy.
(909) 406-7056 View (909) 406-7056
Photo of Monica Smith, LMFT, MS, MA Ed, Marriage & Family Therapist
Monica Smith
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MS, MA Ed
Verified Verified
San Bernardino, CA 92413  (Online Only)
Are you feeling anxious, depressed, stressed out? Are you dealing with past trauma in which you haven’t dealt with which is affecting your daily functioning? I can provide you in a safe space to support you with processing you feeling and healing from your struggles.
Are you feeling anxious, depressed, stressed out? Are you dealing with past trauma in which you haven’t dealt with which is affecting your daily functioning? I can provide you in a safe space to support you with processing you feeling and healing from your struggles.
(909) 417-6237 View (909) 417-6237
Photo of Elizabeth Staggs, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Elizabeth Staggs
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Highland, CA 92346
I also have a specialty in substance abuse and co-dependency recovery work, as well as lots of experience with mood disorders such as anxiety or depression.
Hello, I'm Beth Elliott-Staggs, a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist. I've been providing individual, couples, and group therapy for over 20 years. I feel privileged to work in this field and am inspired by my clients' courage and growth. When providing therapy, my first goal is to build rapport with my client(s) by providing a safe, comfortable, and non-shaming environment. From there, I invited the client to guide the sessions and offered my wisdom and expertise if necessary. My belief is that we all have our own innate wisdom about how to heal if given the opportunity and support.
I also have a specialty in substance abuse and co-dependency recovery work, as well as lots of experience with mood disorders such as anxiety or depression.
Hello, I'm Beth Elliott-Staggs, a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist. I've been providing individual, couples, and group therapy for over 20 years. I feel privileged to work in this field and am inspired by my clients' courage and growth. When providing therapy, my first goal is to build rapport with my client(s) by providing a safe, comfortable, and non-shaming environment. From there, I invited the client to guide the sessions and offered my wisdom and expertise if necessary. My belief is that we all have our own innate wisdom about how to heal if given the opportunity and support.
(408) 684-5693 View (408) 684-5693
Photo of Gloria Marina Moreno, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Gloria Marina Moreno
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Highland, CA 92346
I specialize in anger management, anxiety, depression, and trauma-related symptoms.
Thank you for reading my profile. Hello, Gloria Guevara-Moreno, LCSW. I'm a licensed therapist who is passionate about helping and supporting all clients. I welcome every client to give me a chance to help them to improve their quality of life. I provide my client with an opportunity to verbalize their feelings, needs, thoughts, and concerns in a safe therapeutic environment. I'm a great listener. Listening to clients' needs and concerns allows them to feel validated and develop trust with their therapist. I simply work to have open and sincere communication with my clients.
I specialize in anger management, anxiety, depression, and trauma-related symptoms.
Thank you for reading my profile. Hello, Gloria Guevara-Moreno, LCSW. I'm a licensed therapist who is passionate about helping and supporting all clients. I welcome every client to give me a chance to help them to improve their quality of life. I provide my client with an opportunity to verbalize their feelings, needs, thoughts, and concerns in a safe therapeutic environment. I'm a great listener. Listening to clients' needs and concerns allows them to feel validated and develop trust with their therapist. I simply work to have open and sincere communication with my clients.
(951) 406-6673 View (951) 406-6673
Photo of Jay Lytton, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jay Lytton
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Highland, CA 92346
Some of the areas that I help individuals with include anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, relationships, life transitions, as well as career and workplace issues.
My name is Jay Lytton. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Woodland Hills, CA and I work with clients statewide via telehealth in California. I primarily work with adults and some of the areas I specialize in are anxiety, stress, and depression. My approach to therapy is both evidence-based and eclectic in nature. Every person has a unique set of experiences and I tailor my approach to your individual needs and goals. Some of the theoretical approaches I utilize include motivational interviewing, CBT, and other strength-based modalities.
Some of the areas that I help individuals with include anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, relationships, life transitions, as well as career and workplace issues.
My name is Jay Lytton. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Woodland Hills, CA and I work with clients statewide via telehealth in California. I primarily work with adults and some of the areas I specialize in are anxiety, stress, and depression. My approach to therapy is both evidence-based and eclectic in nature. Every person has a unique set of experiences and I tailor my approach to your individual needs and goals. Some of the theoretical approaches I utilize include motivational interviewing, CBT, and other strength-based modalities.
(916) 794-9347 View (916) 794-9347
Photo of Laura Castro, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Laura Castro
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Highland, CA 92346
I help clients deal with anxiety, depression, traumas, family dysfunction, and self-esteem.
Hello, my name is Laura Castro, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with more than 6 years of experience. My therapeutic philosophy is rooted in empathy, collaboration, and a strength-based approach incorporating a holistic perspective. I view each client as a unique individual shaped by their relationships and life experiences and I am committed to helping clients navigate challenges, build resilience, and cultivate meaningful connections. My professional journey has equipped me with valuable insights into the complexities of human relationships and the profound impact they have on mental health.
I help clients deal with anxiety, depression, traumas, family dysfunction, and self-esteem.
Hello, my name is Laura Castro, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with more than 6 years of experience. My therapeutic philosophy is rooted in empathy, collaboration, and a strength-based approach incorporating a holistic perspective. I view each client as a unique individual shaped by their relationships and life experiences and I am committed to helping clients navigate challenges, build resilience, and cultivate meaningful connections. My professional journey has equipped me with valuable insights into the complexities of human relationships and the profound impact they have on mental health.
(657) 837-5140 View (657) 837-5140
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.