Depression Therapists in Los Altos, CA

Photo of Judy H. Smith, PhD, Psychologist
Judy H. Smith
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Los Altos, CA 94024
Dr. Smith is a licensed clinical psychologist whose patients include adolescents, adults, and families. She uses insight-oriented and supportive techniques to help patients work through difficult events and feelings. While Dr. Smith defines herself as a generalist in the field of psychology, she does have areas of further experience, including but not limited to the following: Depression, Anxiety, Anger Management, Drug and Alcohol Treatment, Academic or Work Difficulties, Parent/Adolescent Conflicts, Family Conflicts and Resolution of Grief Issues. Dr.Smith also works with Transgender and Gender Diverse Children and Adolescents.
Dr. Smith is a licensed clinical psychologist whose patients include adolescents, adults, and families. She uses insight-oriented and supportive techniques to help patients work through difficult events and feelings. While Dr. Smith defines herself as a generalist in the field of psychology, she does have areas of further experience, including but not limited to the following: Depression, Anxiety, Anger Management, Drug and Alcohol Treatment, Academic or Work Difficulties, Parent/Adolescent Conflicts, Family Conflicts and Resolution of Grief Issues. Dr.Smith also works with Transgender and Gender Diverse Children and Adolescents.
(650) 383-3388 View (650) 383-3388
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 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 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 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 Jasmine Teleki, PsyD, Psychologist
Jasmine Teleki
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Los Altos, CA 94024
Not accepting new clients
Anxiety, panic, depression, and mood swings can make you feel like you are being stalked by an invisible tiger. Depression and anxiety can make your life problems feel insurmountable. It can be a very lonely and scary experience. But it doesn't have to be. And, there is reason to have hope, particularly since you have taken the important step of reaching out for help.
Anxiety, panic, depression, and mood swings can make you feel like you are being stalked by an invisible tiger. Depression and anxiety can make your life problems feel insurmountable. It can be a very lonely and scary experience. But it doesn't have to be. And, there is reason to have hope, particularly since you have taken the important step of reaching out for help.
(650) 741-4050 View (650) 741-4050
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 Margot Paul, PsyD, Psychologist
Margot Paul
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Los Altos, CA 94022  (Online Only)
I have experience working with diverse adult populations struggling with depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, performance (sport, school, or work) difficulties, burnout, chronic pain, trauma, and/or substance use. My practice places a high value on patient compatibility, and I am committed to fostering a patient-centered, collaborative environment. Drawing upon evidence-based treatment modalities, my approach is deeply rooted in research to ensure optimal outcomes. I am also trained in using virtual reality as a tool to augment treatment and use this modality with clients when appropriate and desired.
I have experience working with diverse adult populations struggling with depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, performance (sport, school, or work) difficulties, burnout, chronic pain, trauma, and/or substance use. My practice places a high value on patient compatibility, and I am committed to fostering a patient-centered, collaborative environment. Drawing upon evidence-based treatment modalities, my approach is deeply rooted in research to ensure optimal outcomes. I am also trained in using virtual reality as a tool to augment treatment and use this modality with clients when appropriate and desired.
(650) 540-7164 View (650) 540-7164
Photo of Elizabeth (Liz) Paolozzi, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Elizabeth (Liz) Paolozzi
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Los Altos, CA 94024
I provide video therapy for anxiety, depression, and eating disorders to teens 16+ and adults in CA, ID, or OH.
Are you struggling with ongoing worry, stress, or anxiety? Maybe you just can’t shake that inner critical voice or feelings of sadness and hopelessness, no matter how hard you try. Or maybe your relationship with food feels out of whack and chaotic – a cycle of dieting, binge eating or emotional/stress overeating, or a list of food rules that you feel you need to follow in order to ‘eat right’. But you are left feeling guilty, deprived, irritable, and unhappy in your body.
I provide video therapy for anxiety, depression, and eating disorders to teens 16+ and adults in CA, ID, or OH.
Are you struggling with ongoing worry, stress, or anxiety? Maybe you just can’t shake that inner critical voice or feelings of sadness and hopelessness, no matter how hard you try. Or maybe your relationship with food feels out of whack and chaotic – a cycle of dieting, binge eating or emotional/stress overeating, or a list of food rules that you feel you need to follow in order to ‘eat right’. But you are left feeling guilty, deprived, irritable, and unhappy in your body.
(650) 469-8960 View (650) 469-8960
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 Peter Scheufele, PhD, Psychologist
Peter Scheufele
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Los Altos, CA 94024
Struggling with anxiety, depression, stress? I am available to help. I am a licensed psychologist with over 10 years of experience providing care for adults. I will assist you with resolving your current distress with cognitive and behavioral techniques, that may also help reduce problems in the future. I also tailor therapy to best suit the individual needs of each client I work with. I meet with clients in-person or remotely according to your preference.
Struggling with anxiety, depression, stress? I am available to help. I am a licensed psychologist with over 10 years of experience providing care for adults. I will assist you with resolving your current distress with cognitive and behavioral techniques, that may also help reduce problems in the future. I also tailor therapy to best suit the individual needs of each client I work with. I meet with clients in-person or remotely according to your preference.
(408) 215-7064 View (408) 215-7064
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 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 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 Gail Shen, PhD, Psychologist
Gail Shen
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Los Altos, CA 94022
Postpartum depression affects 10-20% of new mothers and 10% of new fathers.
With 20 years of therapy experience, I enjoy helping clients realize their potential and believe that creating a supportive and caring environment is essential to this process. My areas of expertise include treating depression, anxiety, and relationship/interpersonal issues. I view therapy as a partnership where I have the privilege of helping clients navigate their lives more effectively. Clients seek my help for a variety of reasons, including adjusting to major life transitions, better coping with emotions, breaking old behavior patterns, or better understanding themselves.
Postpartum depression affects 10-20% of new mothers and 10% of new fathers.
With 20 years of therapy experience, I enjoy helping clients realize their potential and believe that creating a supportive and caring environment is essential to this process. My areas of expertise include treating depression, anxiety, and relationship/interpersonal issues. I view therapy as a partnership where I have the privilege of helping clients navigate their lives more effectively. Clients seek my help for a variety of reasons, including adjusting to major life transitions, better coping with emotions, breaking old behavior patterns, or better understanding themselves.
(650) 464-9519 View (650) 464-9519
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 Steven Lo, LPCC, LMFT
Steven Lo
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Los Altos, CA 94024
Not accepting new clients
My areas of focus include depression, anxiety, burnout, emotional disturbance, relationship issues, college mental health, multicultural concerns, and grief and loss.
Life is a journey of adventures and challenges, and sometimes we feel stuck due to overwhelming stressors related to work, school, relationships, loss, and life transitions. As a psychotherapist, my passion is to help you grow, get unstuck, move forward, discover hope, and thrive again through a therapeutic journey that is safe, authentic, non-judgmental, collaborative, and effective. Specializing in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, I am also experienced in providing other modalities of treatment including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Person-Centered, Multicultural, and Strength-based Therapy.
My areas of focus include depression, anxiety, burnout, emotional disturbance, relationship issues, college mental health, multicultural concerns, and grief and loss.
Life is a journey of adventures and challenges, and sometimes we feel stuck due to overwhelming stressors related to work, school, relationships, loss, and life transitions. As a psychotherapist, my passion is to help you grow, get unstuck, move forward, discover hope, and thrive again through a therapeutic journey that is safe, authentic, non-judgmental, collaborative, and effective. Specializing in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, I am also experienced in providing other modalities of treatment including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Person-Centered, Multicultural, and Strength-based Therapy.
(650) 643-5364 View (650) 643-5364
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 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
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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.