Depression Therapists in Glendale, CA

Photo of April Mack, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
April Mack
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Glendale, CA 91206
April Mack is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with more than 8 years of experience treating anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders. April spent the past two years working with individuals struggling with psychosis in the forensic population. She is passionate about underserved populations and would love to provide services to the queer and kink communities, helping to support their members as they navigate nontraditional relationships and lifestyles. April has experience using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy techniques.
April Mack is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with more than 8 years of experience treating anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders. April spent the past two years working with individuals struggling with psychosis in the forensic population. She is passionate about underserved populations and would love to provide services to the queer and kink communities, helping to support their members as they navigate nontraditional relationships and lifestyles. April has experience using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy techniques.
(323) 996-2165 View (323) 996-2165
Photo of Shayan Rad, PsyD, Psychologist
Shayan Rad
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Glendale, CA 91206
Dr. Shayan Rad, Psy. D is a licensed clinical psychologist with more than 10 Years of experience specializing in the treatment of depression, anxiety, trauma, PTSD, issues with adjustment, life transitions, self-esteem, relationship-issues, sleep disorders (insomnia), stress management, irritability, and anger management. Shayan has extensive experience providing psychotherapy for adults of all ages in English and Persian (Farsi) through the use of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
Dr. Shayan Rad, Psy. D is a licensed clinical psychologist with more than 10 Years of experience specializing in the treatment of depression, anxiety, trauma, PTSD, issues with adjustment, life transitions, self-esteem, relationship-issues, sleep disorders (insomnia), stress management, irritability, and anger management. Shayan has extensive experience providing psychotherapy for adults of all ages in English and Persian (Farsi) through the use of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
(323) 792-2178 View (323) 792-2178
Photo of Efren Urbina, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Efren Urbina
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Glendale, CA 91203  (Online Only)
Not feeling like yourself lately? Struggling with managing life’s day-to-day challenges? You are not alone! Millions of people, from all walks of life, struggle with managing anxiety, depression, grief/loss, stress, insomnia, and many other common mental health issues. Acknowledging that you need professional help is the first step towards getting your life back. Working together, I can help you identify the root of the problem, develop a client-centered treatment plan, and start implementing evidence-based practices to meet your individualized treatment goals.
Not feeling like yourself lately? Struggling with managing life’s day-to-day challenges? You are not alone! Millions of people, from all walks of life, struggle with managing anxiety, depression, grief/loss, stress, insomnia, and many other common mental health issues. Acknowledging that you need professional help is the first step towards getting your life back. Working together, I can help you identify the root of the problem, develop a client-centered treatment plan, and start implementing evidence-based practices to meet your individualized treatment goals.
(510) 455-7898 View (510) 455-7898
Photo of Fernanda Obeso, ACSW
Fernanda Obeso
Associate Clinical Social Worker, ACSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Glendale, CA 91203
Hola hola! Thank you for being here and prioritizing your well being. You might be grappling with different challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, or significant life transitions. You may need a space to process, coping strategies, enhancing self-esteem, and improving relationships. I am here to provide you with all of that - and whatever else you need! I want to get to know all of my clients as individuals so I can support them the best way I can.
Hola hola! Thank you for being here and prioritizing your well being. You might be grappling with different challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, or significant life transitions. You may need a space to process, coping strategies, enhancing self-esteem, and improving relationships. I am here to provide you with all of that - and whatever else you need! I want to get to know all of my clients as individuals so I can support them the best way I can.
(747) 277-0748 View (747) 277-0748
Photo of Siouneh Shabandari, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Siouneh Shabandari
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Glendale, CA 91203
I work primarily with adolescents, young adults & adults experiencing a wide range of concerns including but not limited to anxiety, depression, trauma, behavioral/emotional disturbance, relationship/family dilemmas, and life transitions.
Psychotherapy is an investment in yourself, and it can provide you with the opportunity to gain clarity, perspective, and clinical guidance to overcome various challenges of daily life. In my practice, I emphasize on insight, self-awareness, and empowerment to promote growth and positive change. I strive to create a safe, non-judgmental environment where you can openly share your fears, along with your deepest thoughts and feelings. Through an alliance of trust and collaboration, we will work together to understand the meanings of symptoms, to get "un-stuck," and to rediscover your capacity to make the choices that are right for you
I work primarily with adolescents, young adults & adults experiencing a wide range of concerns including but not limited to anxiety, depression, trauma, behavioral/emotional disturbance, relationship/family dilemmas, and life transitions.
Psychotherapy is an investment in yourself, and it can provide you with the opportunity to gain clarity, perspective, and clinical guidance to overcome various challenges of daily life. In my practice, I emphasize on insight, self-awareness, and empowerment to promote growth and positive change. I strive to create a safe, non-judgmental environment where you can openly share your fears, along with your deepest thoughts and feelings. Through an alliance of trust and collaboration, we will work together to understand the meanings of symptoms, to get "un-stuck," and to rediscover your capacity to make the choices that are right for you
(818) 463-2258 View (818) 463-2258
Photo of Armen Yekyazarian, PsyD, Psychologist
Armen Yekyazarian
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Glendale, CA 91202
I specialize in treating a wide range of mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship difficulties.
I am dedicated to helping individuals find a sense of peace, purpose, and fulfillment. Seeking support can be a difficult decision, and I want to reassure you that you are not alone. I am here to support you on your journey towards greater well-being. My approach is centered around creating a warm and compassionate environment where you can feel heard, understood, and accepted. I believe that the foundation of any successful therapeutic relationship is built on trust, respect, and empathy. My goal is to create a space where you can feel comfortable exploring your thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment or criticism.
I specialize in treating a wide range of mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship difficulties.
I am dedicated to helping individuals find a sense of peace, purpose, and fulfillment. Seeking support can be a difficult decision, and I want to reassure you that you are not alone. I am here to support you on your journey towards greater well-being. My approach is centered around creating a warm and compassionate environment where you can feel heard, understood, and accepted. I believe that the foundation of any successful therapeutic relationship is built on trust, respect, and empathy. My goal is to create a space where you can feel comfortable exploring your thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment or criticism.
(747) 252-5559 View (747) 252-5559
Photo of James J De Santis, PhD, Psychologist
James J De Santis
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
10 Endorsed
Glendale, CA 91203  (Online Only)
A life issues consultant and therapist, I have expertise in dealing with anxiety, depression, stress & burn-out, relationship formation difficulties, parenting skills, learning disabilities, attention deficits, trauma, grief & loss, relationship & career transitions, chemical dependency & codependency.
I tend to be most helpful to intense, high-functioning adults struggling with mood or anxiety symptoms or significant life transitions who are striving toward personal achievement, balance between work and relationships, and a sense of well-being. I may draw on various approaches according to the problem you are dealing with and my experience with what may benefit you. These include cognitive, psychodynamic, interpersonal, and psychoeducational approaches. I may propose different ways of looking at or handling situations. I may suggest in-between session reading or homework assignments.
A life issues consultant and therapist, I have expertise in dealing with anxiety, depression, stress & burn-out, relationship formation difficulties, parenting skills, learning disabilities, attention deficits, trauma, grief & loss, relationship & career transitions, chemical dependency & codependency.
I tend to be most helpful to intense, high-functioning adults struggling with mood or anxiety symptoms or significant life transitions who are striving toward personal achievement, balance between work and relationships, and a sense of well-being. I may draw on various approaches according to the problem you are dealing with and my experience with what may benefit you. These include cognitive, psychodynamic, interpersonal, and psychoeducational approaches. I may propose different ways of looking at or handling situations. I may suggest in-between session reading or homework assignments.
(818) 551-1714 View (818) 551-1714
Photo of Cynthia Speakman, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Cynthia Speakman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Glendale, CA 91205
Cindy is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, who practices in the State of California. She received her Master’s in Social Work from CSU, Long Beach, and has been licensed since 2015. She provides individual psychotherapy to adults, and has experience treating: Grief and Loss, Anxiety, Depression, Chronic/Life-Limiting Illnesses, Life Transitions, Codependency, Religious/Spiritual Abuse, LBGTQ+ issues, Women’s Issues, Older Adults, Pregnancy, Infertility, and Postpartum issues, Parenting, Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, Anger Management, Low Self-Esteem, and ADHD.
Cindy is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, who practices in the State of California. She received her Master’s in Social Work from CSU, Long Beach, and has been licensed since 2015. She provides individual psychotherapy to adults, and has experience treating: Grief and Loss, Anxiety, Depression, Chronic/Life-Limiting Illnesses, Life Transitions, Codependency, Religious/Spiritual Abuse, LBGTQ+ issues, Women’s Issues, Older Adults, Pregnancy, Infertility, and Postpartum issues, Parenting, Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, Anger Management, Low Self-Esteem, and ADHD.
(323) 760-7439 View (323) 760-7439
Photo of Lilia Sandoval, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Lilia Sandoval
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Glendale, CA 91206
Dr. Lilia Sandoval is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California who has been practicing since 1992. Dr. Sandoval has worked in both Outpatient and Inpatient Clinical/Hospital settings using CBT, CPT, DBT, and NET. She has provided both long-term and short-term therapy for patients suffering from Anxiety, PTSD, OCD, ADHD, Spectrum Disorders, Depression, and Grief. Her experience has also been working with adults and children in crisis and going through unexpected stages of trauma or daily life transition.
Dr. Lilia Sandoval is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California who has been practicing since 1992. Dr. Sandoval has worked in both Outpatient and Inpatient Clinical/Hospital settings using CBT, CPT, DBT, and NET. She has provided both long-term and short-term therapy for patients suffering from Anxiety, PTSD, OCD, ADHD, Spectrum Disorders, Depression, and Grief. Her experience has also been working with adults and children in crisis and going through unexpected stages of trauma or daily life transition.
(323) 991-7248 View (323) 991-7248
Photo of Mike Chang, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Mike Chang
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Glendale, CA 91203
I provide psychotherapy for individuals who are experiencing issues such as: depression; anxiety; childhood/adult trauma (I am an EMDR Therapist); stress management; relationship difficulties; life transitions and challenges.
If you are ready to take that first step towards change let’s connect. Therapy is a process of self-exploration which can lead to positive transformation and to a happier life. My goal as a therapist is to provide a therapeutic environment that is safe and comfortable to facilitate progress and resolution of different issues in life that can be difficult.
I provide psychotherapy for individuals who are experiencing issues such as: depression; anxiety; childhood/adult trauma (I am an EMDR Therapist); stress management; relationship difficulties; life transitions and challenges.
If you are ready to take that first step towards change let’s connect. Therapy is a process of self-exploration which can lead to positive transformation and to a happier life. My goal as a therapist is to provide a therapeutic environment that is safe and comfortable to facilitate progress and resolution of different issues in life that can be difficult.
(213) 817-5124 View (213) 817-5124
Photo of Hripsime Ripa Harutyunyan, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Hripsime Ripa Harutyunyan
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Glendale, CA 91203  (Online Only)
I have over 10 years of experience in the field of psychology working with people of different age groups, different nationalities and different backgrounds struggling with depression, anxiety, grief, self-esteem issues, stress management, adjustment issues and just every day challenges.
I am licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a great passion to bring healing and comfort for those in need. I have Master of Arts Degree in Counseling Psychology and Marriage and Family Therapy. I am a clinical member of California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT) and Armenian American Mental Health Association (AANHA) .
I have over 10 years of experience in the field of psychology working with people of different age groups, different nationalities and different backgrounds struggling with depression, anxiety, grief, self-esteem issues, stress management, adjustment issues and just every day challenges.
I am licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a great passion to bring healing and comfort for those in need. I have Master of Arts Degree in Counseling Psychology and Marriage and Family Therapy. I am a clinical member of California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT) and Armenian American Mental Health Association (AANHA) .
(747) 207-4448 View (747) 207-4448
Photo of Mary Aroyan, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Mary Aroyan
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Glendale, CA 91206
My practice provides psychotherapy and crisis intervention assessing a spectrum of mental health issues, mainly focused on: depression, anxiety, domestic violence, grief, trauma, and abuse.
CHANGE! Does something need to change? Are you overwhelmed, sad, anxious, or unsure of what's going on? There's hope! You're already on the right track; hardest step is to admit you need help. All individuals are capable of change and therapy can bring new insight to the changes that you want to see within yourself, relationships and other sectors of your life. I am here to provide you with tools and coping skills to accomplish that change in a safe and relaxing environment set at a comfortable pace to ease the process that can often be difficult.
My practice provides psychotherapy and crisis intervention assessing a spectrum of mental health issues, mainly focused on: depression, anxiety, domestic violence, grief, trauma, and abuse.
CHANGE! Does something need to change? Are you overwhelmed, sad, anxious, or unsure of what's going on? There's hope! You're already on the right track; hardest step is to admit you need help. All individuals are capable of change and therapy can bring new insight to the changes that you want to see within yourself, relationships and other sectors of your life. I am here to provide you with tools and coping skills to accomplish that change in a safe and relaxing environment set at a comfortable pace to ease the process that can often be difficult.
(323) 746-1189 View (323) 746-1189
Photo of Jessica (Jessi) York, LMFT, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jessica (Jessi) York
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Glendale, CA 91203
These issues may include depression, anxiety, relationship issues, life transitions, self-esteem, identity, grief/loss, and trauma.
Are you struggling and ready to make changes? Are you a teenager looking to build confidence and find your identity? Are you a parent wanting to connect with your child and help them deal with life's challenges? I work hard to ensure that my clients feel safe and comfortable. I provide an open, nonjudgmental environment to discuss the struggles in life with a sense of humor and compassion. Therapy should be a safe space to explore these struggles and help you feel less alone. I have a mindful, eclectic approach tailored to help meet your distinct needs with an overall goal of finding your inner strength and hope for the future.
These issues may include depression, anxiety, relationship issues, life transitions, self-esteem, identity, grief/loss, and trauma.
Are you struggling and ready to make changes? Are you a teenager looking to build confidence and find your identity? Are you a parent wanting to connect with your child and help them deal with life's challenges? I work hard to ensure that my clients feel safe and comfortable. I provide an open, nonjudgmental environment to discuss the struggles in life with a sense of humor and compassion. Therapy should be a safe space to explore these struggles and help you feel less alone. I have a mindful, eclectic approach tailored to help meet your distinct needs with an overall goal of finding your inner strength and hope for the future.
(747) 281-4753 View (747) 281-4753
Photo of Mike H Tamassian, PhD, Psychologist
Mike H Tamassian
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Glendale, CA 91202
I am a licensed psychologist and a graduate of APA approved, Alliant/CSPP University in California. I have a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology and have been licensed and practicing for over 19 years. I work with adults who present with depression, bipolar disorder, Anxiety, as well as many other mental health issues. I employ an eclectic array of therapeutic styles but predominantly utilize techniques derived from Cognitive Behavioral.Therapy (CBT), as well as Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT).
I am a licensed psychologist and a graduate of APA approved, Alliant/CSPP University in California. I have a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology and have been licensed and practicing for over 19 years. I work with adults who present with depression, bipolar disorder, Anxiety, as well as many other mental health issues. I employ an eclectic array of therapeutic styles but predominantly utilize techniques derived from Cognitive Behavioral.Therapy (CBT), as well as Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT).
(747) 302-6751 View (747) 302-6751
Photo of Dr. Nanette De Fuentes, PhD, Psychologist
Dr. Nanette De Fuentes
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Glendale, CA 91203  (Online Only)
Let my 30+ years of experience as a licensed clinical psychologist empower you with insight, understanding and skills necessary to meet life's challenges. I provide virtual/telehealth counseling with compassionate care and clinical expertise in a comfortable and supportive environment for those seeking help with enhancing family and personal relationships, overcoming depression and anxiety, and recovering from abuse or trauma, or addictive behaviors. We can work together to help you transform painful events into growth experiences, develop personal empowerment and to increase your self-esteem.
Let my 30+ years of experience as a licensed clinical psychologist empower you with insight, understanding and skills necessary to meet life's challenges. I provide virtual/telehealth counseling with compassionate care and clinical expertise in a comfortable and supportive environment for those seeking help with enhancing family and personal relationships, overcoming depression and anxiety, and recovering from abuse or trauma, or addictive behaviors. We can work together to help you transform painful events into growth experiences, develop personal empowerment and to increase your self-esteem.
(818) 963-9033 View (818) 963-9033
Photo of Laura Marhevka, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Laura Marhevka
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Glendale, CA 91208
It's amazing how our life can affects us, sometimes good and sometimes bad. I believe that life is about taking small steps to help us achieve our overall goals. Unfortunately, challenges, stressors and doubts can get in our way, making our journey difficult, confusing, uncertain and sometimes scary. I am here to help and support you on your journey. After working in non profits organizations, I have over 9 years of experience working with clients with depression, anxiety, PTSD, domestic violence, parenting issues, grief/loss, sexual assault, generational trauma, co parenting struggles, work related stressors and suicide.
It's amazing how our life can affects us, sometimes good and sometimes bad. I believe that life is about taking small steps to help us achieve our overall goals. Unfortunately, challenges, stressors and doubts can get in our way, making our journey difficult, confusing, uncertain and sometimes scary. I am here to help and support you on your journey. After working in non profits organizations, I have over 9 years of experience working with clients with depression, anxiety, PTSD, domestic violence, parenting issues, grief/loss, sexual assault, generational trauma, co parenting struggles, work related stressors and suicide.
(323) 515-1959 View (323) 515-1959
Photo of Natalie Nabih, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Natalie Nabih
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Glendale, CA 91206
Natalie Nabih is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California who has been practicing since 2019. She has a Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy completed at Hope International University. Natalie works towards bringing support and guidance towards healing and change for a better quality of life. She works using a client centered approach and has experience with CBT, DBT, and ACT therapy. Natalie enjoys working with individuals and assists in tackling goals related to improving self-esteem, as well as managing depression and anxiety.
Natalie Nabih is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California who has been practicing since 2019. She has a Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy completed at Hope International University. Natalie works towards bringing support and guidance towards healing and change for a better quality of life. She works using a client centered approach and has experience with CBT, DBT, and ACT therapy. Natalie enjoys working with individuals and assists in tackling goals related to improving self-esteem, as well as managing depression and anxiety.
(323) 672-4784 View (323) 672-4784
Photo of George Alberth Naves, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
George Alberth Naves
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Glendale, CA 91203  (Online Only)
Hi, I’m George. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 14 years of experience working with individuals, couples, groups, and families of all ages. I bring a diverse background and wide range of interests to my work as a mental health therapist. Some of my major areas of focus include grief and loss, anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, gender identity concerns, and LGBTQ issues. Other areas include panic disorders, anger management, divorce, blended families, sexual abuse, domestic violence, and parenting issues.
Hi, I’m George. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 14 years of experience working with individuals, couples, groups, and families of all ages. I bring a diverse background and wide range of interests to my work as a mental health therapist. Some of my major areas of focus include grief and loss, anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, gender identity concerns, and LGBTQ issues. Other areas include panic disorders, anger management, divorce, blended families, sexual abuse, domestic violence, and parenting issues.
(323) 649-6485 View (323) 649-6485
Photo of Lili Sanchez-Cordova, PsyD, MA, Psychologist
Lili Sanchez-Cordova
Psychologist, PsyD, MA
Verified Verified
Glendale, CA 91203
My mission is to assist clients on their journey towards finding solutions, purpose, empowerment and achieving personal growth, balance and happiness. I primarily work with adults who are experiencing challenges in coping with anxiety, depression, relational issues, personal transitions and general life stressors. As a whole, my approach to treatment is collaborative, humanistic and eclectic, although some of my areas of influence include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness Based Interventions. I take a compassionate and empathic stance where I am committed to tailoring treatment to meet the needs of my clients.
My mission is to assist clients on their journey towards finding solutions, purpose, empowerment and achieving personal growth, balance and happiness. I primarily work with adults who are experiencing challenges in coping with anxiety, depression, relational issues, personal transitions and general life stressors. As a whole, my approach to treatment is collaborative, humanistic and eclectic, although some of my areas of influence include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness Based Interventions. I take a compassionate and empathic stance where I am committed to tailoring treatment to meet the needs of my clients.
(213) 784-6478 View (213) 784-6478
Photo of Anna Leshner, PsyD, Psychologist
Anna Leshner
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Glendale, CA 91206  (Online Only)
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with over 15 years of therapy experience helping people overcome problems such as depression, anxiety, excessive worry, phobias, perfectionism, trauma/PTSD, low self-esteem, and anger management difficulties. My approach is compassionate, nonjudgmental, and supportive, and I take an active role in the therapy process working alongside you to help you make meaningful and effective changes. My clients often report feeling "stuck" in problematic patterns or behaviors, but they are able to make forward progress and improve their lives through therapy.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with over 15 years of therapy experience helping people overcome problems such as depression, anxiety, excessive worry, phobias, perfectionism, trauma/PTSD, low self-esteem, and anger management difficulties. My approach is compassionate, nonjudgmental, and supportive, and I take an active role in the therapy process working alongside you to help you make meaningful and effective changes. My clients often report feeling "stuck" in problematic patterns or behaviors, but they are able to make forward progress and improve their lives through therapy.
(323) 844-8970 View (323) 844-8970
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.