Depression Therapists in Los Altos, CA

Photo of Renee Burgard, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Renee Burgard
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Altos, CA 94022
Waitlist for new clients
I offer mindfulness-based psychotherapy, with a warm and non-judging approach, for people who are experiencing anxiety, panic, depression, post-traumatic stress, infertility, seizure disorders (including atypical seizures) and people with pain and other chronic medical conditions. Sessions involve mostly talking therapy, and may also include (depending on your needs and interests): breathing & body sensation awareness practices; emotional regulation & distress tolerance training; simple yoga & meditation; and compassion, acceptance, gratitude, and loving-kindness practices; and interactive guided imagery.
I offer mindfulness-based psychotherapy, with a warm and non-judging approach, for people who are experiencing anxiety, panic, depression, post-traumatic stress, infertility, seizure disorders (including atypical seizures) and people with pain and other chronic medical conditions. Sessions involve mostly talking therapy, and may also include (depending on your needs and interests): breathing & body sensation awareness practices; emotional regulation & distress tolerance training; simple yoga & meditation; and compassion, acceptance, gratitude, and loving-kindness practices; and interactive guided imagery.
(650) 603-0499 View (650) 603-0499
Photo of Andrea Robicheau, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Andrea Robicheau
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
Los Altos, CA 94022
Where appropriate, I incorporate family therapy to increase positive communication, provide education about anxiety and depression to parents or significant others, and to improve support at home.
Stress, worry, and sadness are all too common for many driven individuals in the Bay Area. In the safe environment of therapy, we work together to develop hope and a way out of challenges, using a personalized approach of empirically based techniques as well as creative tools. Together and in your own pace, we unpack the emotions and challenges you're facing, and create insight around patterns and thoughts that no longer serve you. Through Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Mindfulness, we develop coping skills to manage the inevitable challenges of life in a way that builds your confidence and resiliency.
Where appropriate, I incorporate family therapy to increase positive communication, provide education about anxiety and depression to parents or significant others, and to improve support at home.
Stress, worry, and sadness are all too common for many driven individuals in the Bay Area. In the safe environment of therapy, we work together to develop hope and a way out of challenges, using a personalized approach of empirically based techniques as well as creative tools. Together and in your own pace, we unpack the emotions and challenges you're facing, and create insight around patterns and thoughts that no longer serve you. Through Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Mindfulness, we develop coping skills to manage the inevitable challenges of life in a way that builds your confidence and resiliency.
(650) 492-6696 View (650) 492-6696
Photo of Susan Harden, PhD, Psychologist
Susan Harden
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Altos, CA 94024
I am a cognitive behavioral psychologist and as such I utilize a goal oriented focus in working with problems that you may be experiencing. I also believe that understanding the meaning of experiences are essential to working through them. I have worked both with children and adults in my practice and have done a great deal of work with people experiencing anxiety, depression, and chronic illness.
I am a cognitive behavioral psychologist and as such I utilize a goal oriented focus in working with problems that you may be experiencing. I also believe that understanding the meaning of experiences are essential to working through them. I have worked both with children and adults in my practice and have done a great deal of work with people experiencing anxiety, depression, and chronic illness.
(310) 341-0907 View (310) 341-0907
Photo of Cary M Watson, PhD, Psychologist
Cary M Watson
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Los Altos, CA 94022
I also focus on the issues of motherhood, including infant and child development, peri- and post-partum depression, parenting education and support, and life stage transitions.
Transitions can be hard, whether it's dealing with the loss of a close relationship or creating a new one. Transitions can impact your happiness and comfort with others as well as change your understanding of yourself. I invite you to use our relationship, created in therapy, and journey with me toward understanding and change. Whatever your reason for seeking help, therapy can be a safe place to start. My approach to psychotherapy is integrative, combining the best tools from psychodynamic and cognitive-behavioral therapies. I offer both short and long-term psychotherapy, specializing in depression, stress and identity issues.
I also focus on the issues of motherhood, including infant and child development, peri- and post-partum depression, parenting education and support, and life stage transitions.
Transitions can be hard, whether it's dealing with the loss of a close relationship or creating a new one. Transitions can impact your happiness and comfort with others as well as change your understanding of yourself. I invite you to use our relationship, created in therapy, and journey with me toward understanding and change. Whatever your reason for seeking help, therapy can be a safe place to start. My approach to psychotherapy is integrative, combining the best tools from psychodynamic and cognitive-behavioral therapies. I offer both short and long-term psychotherapy, specializing in depression, stress and identity issues.
(650) 492-6691 View (650) 492-6691
Photo of Ziba Taghipour, MS, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Ziba Taghipour
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, MFT
Verified Verified
Los Altos, CA 94024
I practice therapies supported by research as effective treatments for a wide range of psychological issues such as depression, anxiety, and relationship conflicts.
For more than a decade, I have successfully helped individuals, couples, and families find greater clarity about what they want their life to stand for and how to pursue that life. Within a supportive therapeutic relationship, I help my clients attain the vibrant and valued life they desire. My approach in therapy is active. I work based on the assumption that clients are able to achieve rapid and significant changes in their behaviors. The interventions used in this approach help clients access alternative ways of "problem solving" that utilize the resources beyond the "common-sense" mind. https://effective-therapy.com/
I practice therapies supported by research as effective treatments for a wide range of psychological issues such as depression, anxiety, and relationship conflicts.
For more than a decade, I have successfully helped individuals, couples, and families find greater clarity about what they want their life to stand for and how to pursue that life. Within a supportive therapeutic relationship, I help my clients attain the vibrant and valued life they desire. My approach in therapy is active. I work based on the assumption that clients are able to achieve rapid and significant changes in their behaviors. The interventions used in this approach help clients access alternative ways of "problem solving" that utilize the resources beyond the "common-sense" mind. https://effective-therapy.com/
(408) 384-9959 View (408) 384-9959
Photo of Sara Johansen, MD
Sara Johansen
MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Altos, CA 94022
I specialize in treatment of depression, anxiety, stress, grief, and life transitions.
I am a Clinical Assistant Professor at Stanford and private practice psychiatrist and therapist. The challenges you are facing now may feel overwhelming, and you may feel stuck in patterns that are no longer serving you. We will work together to understand what is happening in your life right now, while exploring the historical patterns, beliefs, and experiences that may be contributing to your current experience. My approach is to be compassionate, inquisitive, and candid. I believe our partnership is foundational to change.
I specialize in treatment of depression, anxiety, stress, grief, and life transitions.
I am a Clinical Assistant Professor at Stanford and private practice psychiatrist and therapist. The challenges you are facing now may feel overwhelming, and you may feel stuck in patterns that are no longer serving you. We will work together to understand what is happening in your life right now, while exploring the historical patterns, beliefs, and experiences that may be contributing to your current experience. My approach is to be compassionate, inquisitive, and candid. I believe our partnership is foundational to change.
(650) 610-7765 View (650) 610-7765
Photo of Mariya Pavlovsky, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Mariya Pavlovsky
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Altos, CA 94024
I specialize in working with a wide range of mental health concerns and emotional difficulties. Common issues I work with in therapy include anxiety, depression, relationship problems, procrastination, self-esteem and self-worth, and stress management. Drawing from my extensive training and experience in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), I tailor each session to meet the unique needs and goals of my clients. I provide a supportive and non-judgmental environment where individuals feel safe to explore their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.
I specialize in working with a wide range of mental health concerns and emotional difficulties. Common issues I work with in therapy include anxiety, depression, relationship problems, procrastination, self-esteem and self-worth, and stress management. Drawing from my extensive training and experience in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), I tailor each session to meet the unique needs and goals of my clients. I provide a supportive and non-judgmental environment where individuals feel safe to explore their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.
(650) 481-9468 View (650) 481-9468
Photo of Holly Adams, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Holly Adams
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Los Altos, CA 94022
Hi, I'm Holly Adams, a Licensed Psychotherapist with over 21 years of experience providing counseling to help people make meaningful changes in their lives. I help people with things like anxiety, depression, dipolar disorder, and coping skills, and I enjoy working with people dealing with cancer, autoimmune disorders, and other serious health issues. I tailor my therapeutic approach to meet your unique needs, drawing from various models of psychotherapy including, cognitive behavior, humanistic, solution-focused, and problem-solving methods.
Hi, I'm Holly Adams, a Licensed Psychotherapist with over 21 years of experience providing counseling to help people make meaningful changes in their lives. I help people with things like anxiety, depression, dipolar disorder, and coping skills, and I enjoy working with people dealing with cancer, autoimmune disorders, and other serious health issues. I tailor my therapeutic approach to meet your unique needs, drawing from various models of psychotherapy including, cognitive behavior, humanistic, solution-focused, and problem-solving methods.
(619) 349-6781 View (619) 349-6781
Photo of Jill Krafts, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jill Krafts
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Los Altos, CA 94022
My name is Jill Krafts. For nearly 20 years, I have been helping adolescents and adults to improve their mood, manage stress and feel more joyful about their lives. I have experience in treating depression, and I have a specialty in treating anxiety/worry, panic attacks, phobias, unwanted thoughts and repetitive behaviors. I am direct and honest with my clients, and I focus on practical ways to solve problems. I use humor as a powerful ally in helping people analyze and change their thoughts, feelings and behaviors. I primarily use Cognitive-Behavior Therapy (CBT), but I use other therapy approaches as well.
My name is Jill Krafts. For nearly 20 years, I have been helping adolescents and adults to improve their mood, manage stress and feel more joyful about their lives. I have experience in treating depression, and I have a specialty in treating anxiety/worry, panic attacks, phobias, unwanted thoughts and repetitive behaviors. I am direct and honest with my clients, and I focus on practical ways to solve problems. I use humor as a powerful ally in helping people analyze and change their thoughts, feelings and behaviors. I primarily use Cognitive-Behavior Therapy (CBT), but I use other therapy approaches as well.
(650) 489-7710 View (650) 489-7710
Photo of Kelly Dunn, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Kelly Dunn
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Los Altos, CA 94024
I specialize in working with children, teens and young adults who are experiencing struggles with identity development, low self-esteem, difficult life transitions, challenging family dynamics and/or symptoms of depression, anxiety and trauma. I am passionate about helping individuals explore all aspects of what makes them who they are. Many people come to therapy with mixed feelings and assumptions about the therapeutic process. My goal is to create a warm and nurturing space for individuals to explore themselves, build insight, and incorporate positive change in their lives.
I specialize in working with children, teens and young adults who are experiencing struggles with identity development, low self-esteem, difficult life transitions, challenging family dynamics and/or symptoms of depression, anxiety and trauma. I am passionate about helping individuals explore all aspects of what makes them who they are. Many people come to therapy with mixed feelings and assumptions about the therapeutic process. My goal is to create a warm and nurturing space for individuals to explore themselves, build insight, and incorporate positive change in their lives.
(650) 239-3092 View (650) 239-3092
Photo of Dr. Kimberly Diorio, EdD, AMFT, APCC, Pre-Licensed Professional
Dr. Kimberly Diorio
Pre-Licensed Professional, EdD, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
Los Altos, CA 94024  (Online Only)
Specializing in supporting adults & teens with anxiety & depression, trauma/PTSD, life transitions, & psychedelic integration, I also offer walk-and-talk therapy in the hills above Silicon Valley.
Are you feeling trapped in an endless cycle of stress and worry? Is your relationship or career causing you distress? Maybe you feel stuck, lonely, sad, or overwhelmed by choices. Imagine having a compassionate guide to help you navigate these struggles. A therapist is not here to tell you what to do but to help you uncover the hidden barriers that keep you immobilized and explore new perspectives and possibilities. Together, we can work through your challenges and find a path to healing and growth. Therapy is a collaborative process, and I am here to support you every step of the way.
Specializing in supporting adults & teens with anxiety & depression, trauma/PTSD, life transitions, & psychedelic integration, I also offer walk-and-talk therapy in the hills above Silicon Valley.
Are you feeling trapped in an endless cycle of stress and worry? Is your relationship or career causing you distress? Maybe you feel stuck, lonely, sad, or overwhelmed by choices. Imagine having a compassionate guide to help you navigate these struggles. A therapist is not here to tell you what to do but to help you uncover the hidden barriers that keep you immobilized and explore new perspectives and possibilities. Together, we can work through your challenges and find a path to healing and growth. Therapy is a collaborative process, and I am here to support you every step of the way.
(650) 487-1667 View (650) 487-1667
Photo of Tamar Berry, MSA, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Tamar Berry
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSA, LCSW
Verified Verified
Los Altos, CA 94022
I have experience working with trauma, anxiety and depression.
I believe in connecting and supporting you in a compassionate way. I can help you find a resolution and create a positive change by working with the body – mind connection while applying methods such as Hakomi and IFS. When working together, we'll focus on the present moment as you head down the path to healing and health. With over 15 years in the field supporting adults, couples and families, I have developed the unique ability to bring to light your strengths while providing a platform of hope and happiness.
I have experience working with trauma, anxiety and depression.
I believe in connecting and supporting you in a compassionate way. I can help you find a resolution and create a positive change by working with the body – mind connection while applying methods such as Hakomi and IFS. When working together, we'll focus on the present moment as you head down the path to healing and health. With over 15 years in the field supporting adults, couples and families, I have developed the unique ability to bring to light your strengths while providing a platform of hope and happiness.
(669) 221-6607 View (669) 221-6607
Photo of Shela B Fisk, PhD, Psychologist
Shela B Fisk
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Los Altos, CA 94022
Depression, nervousness and trauma are other symptoms that I am quite experienced treating.
It is difficult when something is bothering you and you don't know whom to turn to call. That's why you're reading this. I can't say I'm absolutely the right person for you but i will give it my all to try to understand and help you. It takes courage and determination to begin therapy. Therapy is hard but it is also an adventure into your mind and what makes you, you. Knowing how your mind works, gives you the tools to change. The most profound part of therapy is the relationship that we will form.
Depression, nervousness and trauma are other symptoms that I am quite experienced treating.
It is difficult when something is bothering you and you don't know whom to turn to call. That's why you're reading this. I can't say I'm absolutely the right person for you but i will give it my all to try to understand and help you. It takes courage and determination to begin therapy. Therapy is hard but it is also an adventure into your mind and what makes you, you. Knowing how your mind works, gives you the tools to change. The most profound part of therapy is the relationship that we will form.
(650) 273-9357 View (650) 273-9357
Photo of Richard Knowles, PhD, Psychologist
Richard Knowles
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Los Altos, CA 94022
My focus is on anxiety, depression, and managing difficult life events.
Are you feeling stuck in life, suffering from a traumatic event that is difficult to recover from, finding your relationships filled with more conflict than you can manage, or just feeling overwhelmed with the stress and anxiety of an overly busy life? Whether you're looking for a deep, transformative understanding of ongoing life struggles, or wish for short-term work on specific issues, I am here to provide professional, customized care for you. I focus not just on what is going wrong, but how to awaken and tap into your inner strengths and wisdom.
My focus is on anxiety, depression, and managing difficult life events.
Are you feeling stuck in life, suffering from a traumatic event that is difficult to recover from, finding your relationships filled with more conflict than you can manage, or just feeling overwhelmed with the stress and anxiety of an overly busy life? Whether you're looking for a deep, transformative understanding of ongoing life struggles, or wish for short-term work on specific issues, I am here to provide professional, customized care for you. I focus not just on what is going wrong, but how to awaken and tap into your inner strengths and wisdom.
(650) 482-8844 View (650) 482-8844
Photo of Beryl Hattori, PhD, Psychologist
Beryl Hattori
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Los Altos, CA 94024
I am licensed clinical psychologist with over 15 years of experience in counseling with adult individuals. I work with a wide range of emotional and behavioral issues including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, grief and loss, life transitions, trauma, work stress and cultural diversity issues. I also have a specialty interest in women’s issues including prenatal and postpartum mood disorders, fertility issues and traumatic losses.
I am licensed clinical psychologist with over 15 years of experience in counseling with adult individuals. I work with a wide range of emotional and behavioral issues including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, grief and loss, life transitions, trauma, work stress and cultural diversity issues. I also have a specialty interest in women’s issues including prenatal and postpartum mood disorders, fertility issues and traumatic losses.
(650) 318-6384 View (650) 318-6384
Photo of Mara L Bronstein, PsyD, Psychologist
Mara L Bronstein
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Los Altos, CA 94024
My treatment specialties and areas of interest include: therapy for depression and anxiety, relationship issues, work and career issues, stress management, aging, living with medical issues, parenting issues, conflict resolution, grief counseling, addiction and recovery, identity development, and men's issues.
Welcome! With a warm, open, and interactive style, I aim to work collaboratively with you to help you examine what is getting in the way of your well being, learn new ways to approach your challenges and concerns, and move your life in a direction that is reflective of what matters to you most. I offer both brief and long term psychotherapy. I work with each individual to help them build on their strengths and attain the personal growth they are committed to accomplishing.
My treatment specialties and areas of interest include: therapy for depression and anxiety, relationship issues, work and career issues, stress management, aging, living with medical issues, parenting issues, conflict resolution, grief counseling, addiction and recovery, identity development, and men's issues.
Welcome! With a warm, open, and interactive style, I aim to work collaboratively with you to help you examine what is getting in the way of your well being, learn new ways to approach your challenges and concerns, and move your life in a direction that is reflective of what matters to you most. I offer both brief and long term psychotherapy. I work with each individual to help them build on their strengths and attain the personal growth they are committed to accomplishing.
(650) 830-5336 View (650) 830-5336
Photo of John McKellar, PhD, Psychologist
John McKellar
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Los Altos, CA 94022
I am a licensed clinical psychologist practicing in Los Altos, CA. I have over 20 years of experience providing psychological services to individuals and couples. My specializations include treatment of depression, anxiety, addiction, chronic pain, insomnia, stress management, trauma, and couples therapy. I work with adolescents, adults, and couples.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist practicing in Los Altos, CA. I have over 20 years of experience providing psychological services to individuals and couples. My specializations include treatment of depression, anxiety, addiction, chronic pain, insomnia, stress management, trauma, and couples therapy. I work with adolescents, adults, and couples.
(650) 265-4745 View (650) 265-4745
Photo of Anthony Lopez, LPC, Counselor
Anthony Lopez
Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Los Altos, CA 94022  (Online Only)
I focus solely on males' and men's issues. I take an integrative approach and am trained in various forms of therapy. My niches include Christian Counseling, College Counseling, EMDR, multicultural struggles, depression, and anxiety. I am most sought for Christian Counseling, but I love working with non-Christians! My therapy style is Down to earth, Compassionate, Simple Language, Practical Examples, laid back, comical, and modern at times. I use plain language and simple examples. I maintain a relaxed and safe environment. I encourage people to be themselves and not put on a “front.”
I focus solely on males' and men's issues. I take an integrative approach and am trained in various forms of therapy. My niches include Christian Counseling, College Counseling, EMDR, multicultural struggles, depression, and anxiety. I am most sought for Christian Counseling, but I love working with non-Christians! My therapy style is Down to earth, Compassionate, Simple Language, Practical Examples, laid back, comical, and modern at times. I use plain language and simple examples. I maintain a relaxed and safe environment. I encourage people to be themselves and not put on a “front.”
(650) 910-6757 View (650) 910-6757
Photo of Richard Wayne, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Richard Wayne
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Los Altos, CA 94024  (Online Only)
I've worked extensively with depression, trauma, anxiety, relationship problems, and issues related to divorce and abuse.
Most of us want to solve our own problems, but at times getting help is the wisest move, speeding progress and often bringing desired changes we didn't realize were possible. I help you connect with your inner wisdom and resolve problems while adding skills that bring resilience and strength. My approach is compassionate, non-judging, supportive, and tailored to your uniqueness. Therapy helps with most life challenges because it's really about personal growth: getting better at handling what life brings, and helping the wise, powerful, authentic you come to the forefront, take charge, find meaning, and engage fully.
I've worked extensively with depression, trauma, anxiety, relationship problems, and issues related to divorce and abuse.
Most of us want to solve our own problems, but at times getting help is the wisest move, speeding progress and often bringing desired changes we didn't realize were possible. I help you connect with your inner wisdom and resolve problems while adding skills that bring resilience and strength. My approach is compassionate, non-judging, supportive, and tailored to your uniqueness. Therapy helps with most life challenges because it's really about personal growth: getting better at handling what life brings, and helping the wise, powerful, authentic you come to the forefront, take charge, find meaning, and engage fully.
(650) 667-7226 View (650) 667-7226
Photo of Maria Vahle Klein, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Maria Vahle Klein
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Altos, CA 94024
I believe counseling is about finding meaning and purpose in our lives; about experiencing a deep level of self-trust; and about healing broken relationships. I use a solution focused approach inviting you to view your problems from a different angle. We'll focus on what things you can control and how to let go of circumstances beyond your control. I invite you to identify the sources of internal dialogue that generate self-doubt, anxiety and depression. Each week you will leave with small assignments designed to increase your self-awareness and self-confidence.
I believe counseling is about finding meaning and purpose in our lives; about experiencing a deep level of self-trust; and about healing broken relationships. I use a solution focused approach inviting you to view your problems from a different angle. We'll focus on what things you can control and how to let go of circumstances beyond your control. I invite you to identify the sources of internal dialogue that generate self-doubt, anxiety and depression. Each week you will leave with small assignments designed to increase your self-awareness and self-confidence.
(650) 262-3643 View (650) 262-3643
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Depression Therapists

What is the goal of therapy for depression?

Therapy for depression has several major goals. One is to relieve the mental pain of depression, which distorts feeling and thinking so that sufferers cannot see beyond their current state of mind or envision feeling better. Another is to give people the mental tools to recognize and correct the kinds of distorted thinking that turn a problem into a catastrophe and lead to despair. Therapy also teaches people how to process negative emotions in constructive ways, so they have more control over their own emotional reactivity. And it helps people regain the ability to see themselves positively, the motivation to do things, and the capacity for pleasure.

What happens in therapy for depression?

Perhaps most important, no matter the type of therapy, patients form an alliance with the therapist; that connection is therapeutic in itself, plus it becomes an instrument of change. Patients learn to identify and to challenge their own erroneous beliefs and thoughts that amplify the effects of negative experiences. They learn to identify situations in which they are especially vulnerable. And they learn new patterns of thinking and behaving. They may be given “homework” assignments in which they practice their developing skills. In addition, good therapists regularly monitor patients to assess whether and how much the condition is improving.

What therapy types help with depression?

Several types of short-term therapy have been found effective, each targeting one or more areas of dysfunction. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps clients challenge their negative thoughts and beliefs, learn new behavioral strategies, and curb reactivity to distressing situations. Behavioral activation (BA) is a form of therapy often used in conjunction with CBT; it focuses on engagement in rewarding activity as a pathway to changing negative feelings and disturbed mood. Another widely used approach is interpersonal therapy (IPT), which targets the social difficulties that both give rise to and get exacerbated by depression. Therapists may combine approaches as needed.

Can therapy for depression be done online?

Studies have found that online therapy can be highly effective for treating depression, although it may be more challenging to build a good therapist-patient alliance on screen than in person—at least at first. However, online therapy can offer considerable advantages. Accessibility and convenience are tops among them. Some people actually find it easier to talk about problems online than in person. While online therapy typically limits visibility of facial expression and body gestures that give important nonverbal cues to a patient’s state of mind, it can give therapists a glimpse into a patient’s world and life, providing information that can be highly useful in guiding therapy.

How effective is therapy for depression?

Many studies show that therapy is highly effective provided that patients complete the prescribed course of therapy, commonly 16 to 20 sessions. Over the long term, it is more effective than medication and the effects are more enduring. As a result, psychotherapy has the power not just to relieve current suffering but to prevent future episodes of the disorder. Therapy reverses the dysfunction in neural circuitry that disposes individuals to a negative view of themselves, the world, and their future and they acquire coping techniques, problem-solving skills, and understanding of their own vulnerabilities that are useful over the course of a lifetime.