Depression Therapists in Manhattan Beach, CA

Photo of Nora Escobedo, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Nora Escobedo
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Nora Escobedo is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California who has been practicing since 2014. She has a Master's in Social Work from California State University, Long Beach. Nora helps clients through end-of-life issues related to self and family member/close friends and offers support to caregivers who are caring for a loved one with a terminal illness, dementia/Alzheimer's, cognitive impairment, and chronic illness, She assists her clients with parenting skills, coping with anticipatory grief, and reducing anxiety and depression.
Nora Escobedo is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California who has been practicing since 2014. She has a Master's in Social Work from California State University, Long Beach. Nora helps clients through end-of-life issues related to self and family member/close friends and offers support to caregivers who are caring for a loved one with a terminal illness, dementia/Alzheimer's, cognitive impairment, and chronic illness, She assists her clients with parenting skills, coping with anticipatory grief, and reducing anxiety and depression.
(424) 552-3179 View (424) 552-3179
Photo of Rina Varughese, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Rina Varughese
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Rina Varughese is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California who has been practicing since 2013. Rina has experience with pain management, anxiety, depression, trauma, LGBTQ population, and works from relational attachment. Outside of work, Rina enjoys guitar, ballroom, circuit training, and gun ranges.
Rina Varughese is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California who has been practicing since 2013. Rina has experience with pain management, anxiety, depression, trauma, LGBTQ population, and works from relational attachment. Outside of work, Rina enjoys guitar, ballroom, circuit training, and gun ranges.
(310) 356-0197 View (310) 356-0197
Photo of Sandra Preciado, PsyD, Psychologist
Sandra Preciado
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
I help clients struggling with depression, anxiety, career development, maternal mental health, and marriage/divorce mediations.
Are you experiencing anxiety, sadness, or a sense of hopelessness? These are normal emotions most of us experience at some point in our lives. What if you find yourself stuck or overwhelmed? First, this is often more normal than we believe it to be, especially when some situations are not within our control. The recent pandemic and social stressors are affecting individuals in many different ways. Therapy will help you gain a new perspective and develop a personalised plan to gain new coping strategies. New clients are offered a free 30-min consultation. In Person Sessions and Telehealth are both available.
I help clients struggling with depression, anxiety, career development, maternal mental health, and marriage/divorce mediations.
Are you experiencing anxiety, sadness, or a sense of hopelessness? These are normal emotions most of us experience at some point in our lives. What if you find yourself stuck or overwhelmed? First, this is often more normal than we believe it to be, especially when some situations are not within our control. The recent pandemic and social stressors are affecting individuals in many different ways. Therapy will help you gain a new perspective and develop a personalised plan to gain new coping strategies. New clients are offered a free 30-min consultation. In Person Sessions and Telehealth are both available.
(424) 254-9012 View (424) 254-9012
Photo of Carrie Newland Lenihan, LMFT
Carrie Newland Lenihan
LMFT
Verified Verified
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Waitlist for new clients
The heart of my practice centers around helping you increase self-acceptance, access inner strength, enhance emotion regulation skills, alter unhelpful behavior patterns, clarify what matters most in your life and act toward that end. Even if the events in your life don't change, your perspective on them and reaction to them can. Common areas of focus include relationship issues, depression, anxiety, career/life transitions, child/adolescent issues, divorce, parenting, assertiveness training/setting boundaries, intimacy/changing unhealthy relationship patterns.
The heart of my practice centers around helping you increase self-acceptance, access inner strength, enhance emotion regulation skills, alter unhelpful behavior patterns, clarify what matters most in your life and act toward that end. Even if the events in your life don't change, your perspective on them and reaction to them can. Common areas of focus include relationship issues, depression, anxiety, career/life transitions, child/adolescent issues, divorce, parenting, assertiveness training/setting boundaries, intimacy/changing unhealthy relationship patterns.
(424) 340-7706 View (424) 340-7706
Photo of Rebecca Hotzel, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Rebecca Hotzel
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Do you believe that there is power in connection? That the healthier we are as individuals, the healthier our relationships are? I believe that it is through connection that we can heal. We must first be able to create a healthy connection with the self to be in healthy contact with others. However, oftentimes challenges such as life transitions, parenting, school, career, anxiety, depression, trauma, and loss may inhibit us from connecting with the self and others.
Do you believe that there is power in connection? That the healthier we are as individuals, the healthier our relationships are? I believe that it is through connection that we can heal. We must first be able to create a healthy connection with the self to be in healthy contact with others. However, oftentimes challenges such as life transitions, parenting, school, career, anxiety, depression, trauma, and loss may inhibit us from connecting with the self and others.
(424) 233-1083 View (424) 233-1083
Photo of Sharon Feigenbaum, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Sharon Feigenbaum
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
I have significant experience with adolescents, adults, couples and families in resolving emotional and relationship problems, such as depression, anxiety, chronic illness, grief and loss and trauma.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, anxious, stressed or simply less happy? There is hope for resolution and you're here taking the first step. It's difficult to admit that we can't always come up with the solutions to feeling better by ourselves. I am here to help. My approach is to collaborate with you in improving your quality of life.Together we can find the solutions to the barriers of your happiness and gain a deeper understanding, create self-awareness, build self-esteem, regain confidence, and find your inner peace and self-empowerment.
I have significant experience with adolescents, adults, couples and families in resolving emotional and relationship problems, such as depression, anxiety, chronic illness, grief and loss and trauma.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, anxious, stressed or simply less happy? There is hope for resolution and you're here taking the first step. It's difficult to admit that we can't always come up with the solutions to feeling better by ourselves. I am here to help. My approach is to collaborate with you in improving your quality of life.Together we can find the solutions to the barriers of your happiness and gain a deeper understanding, create self-awareness, build self-esteem, regain confidence, and find your inner peace and self-empowerment.
(310) 601-8097 View (310) 601-8097
Photo of Samana Budhathoki, MS, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Samana Budhathoki
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MS, AMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Together we uncover the root of anxiety, depression, stress, or trauma by looking into the past to understand/manage the present while approaching the future in a meaningful & practical way.
We all try to cope with our wounds & stresses in the best way we can. Complex life experiences teach us complex ways to cope by perhaps— suppressing our feelings, staying hidden to avoid unwanted attention or punishment, acting out to explain the inexplicable, performing exceptionally & anxiously well to stand out or gain approval, or taking care of others at the expense of ourselves to compensate for our family legacies & cultural dynamics. Whatever the nature and range of your experiences, you may be struggling with your past and how it impacts your present, your work, your relationship with yourself, loved ones, & the world.
Together we uncover the root of anxiety, depression, stress, or trauma by looking into the past to understand/manage the present while approaching the future in a meaningful & practical way.
We all try to cope with our wounds & stresses in the best way we can. Complex life experiences teach us complex ways to cope by perhaps— suppressing our feelings, staying hidden to avoid unwanted attention or punishment, acting out to explain the inexplicable, performing exceptionally & anxiously well to stand out or gain approval, or taking care of others at the expense of ourselves to compensate for our family legacies & cultural dynamics. Whatever the nature and range of your experiences, you may be struggling with your past and how it impacts your present, your work, your relationship with yourself, loved ones, & the world.
(562) 257-3659 View (562) 257-3659
Photo of Sarah C. Wohn - Dr. Sarah C. Wohn Psychotherapy, PsyD, Psychologist
Dr. Sarah C. Wohn Psychotherapy
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
I specialize in the treatment of eating disorders and the issues that commonly occur with this diagnosis including depression, self-mutilation, compulsive movement, anxiety and body dysmorphia.
Some things about me: I have a conversational style, I'm comfortable and casual in the room and I'm not afraid to ask tough questions. I'm not the therapist for you if you are looking for a "blank slate." This is a team effort and I will do what it takes to get you the help you need. I have seen therapy work for a lot of people who thought it could never help them, so give me a call if you are unsure and we will figure it out together. It's time to take control back.
I specialize in the treatment of eating disorders and the issues that commonly occur with this diagnosis including depression, self-mutilation, compulsive movement, anxiety and body dysmorphia.
Some things about me: I have a conversational style, I'm comfortable and casual in the room and I'm not afraid to ask tough questions. I'm not the therapist for you if you are looking for a "blank slate." This is a team effort and I will do what it takes to get you the help you need. I have seen therapy work for a lot of people who thought it could never help them, so give me a call if you are unsure and we will figure it out together. It's time to take control back.
(510) 560-7242 View (510) 560-7242
Photo of Carol J Povenmire, PhD, Psychologist
Carol J Povenmire
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266  (Online Only)
You might be exploring therapy for many reasons. You sense that your life could feel better or bring more fulfillment. You might want to process a disruptive change or recent loss. You may hope to deepen your relationships with others or develop more understanding and acceptance of yourself. You might want to reduce anxiety or depression. You may seek to shed the shadow of past trauma. You might want to build skills and resilience for an upcoming life transition. Whatever your reasons, you are giving yourself the opportunity to grow and become your best self. Therapy is an investment in both your present and future well-being.
You might be exploring therapy for many reasons. You sense that your life could feel better or bring more fulfillment. You might want to process a disruptive change or recent loss. You may hope to deepen your relationships with others or develop more understanding and acceptance of yourself. You might want to reduce anxiety or depression. You may seek to shed the shadow of past trauma. You might want to build skills and resilience for an upcoming life transition. Whatever your reasons, you are giving yourself the opportunity to grow and become your best self. Therapy is an investment in both your present and future well-being.
(626) 469-5579 View (626) 469-5579
Photo of Michelle Bucholtz, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Michelle Bucholtz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Expect something different with me. I'm creative, I'm straight forward, and I'm pretty sure I'll make you laugh. Who said therapy has to be scary or boring? I have worked in the psychiatric social work field for over 15 years in both England and the United States. I have worked with adults with a wide range of mental health difficulties. I have experience treating adults with anxiety, depression, trauma as well as other mood, psychotic, and substance abuse disorders. I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to educate individuals on their symptoms, the roots of those symptoms and how to challenge, cope and work through them.
Expect something different with me. I'm creative, I'm straight forward, and I'm pretty sure I'll make you laugh. Who said therapy has to be scary or boring? I have worked in the psychiatric social work field for over 15 years in both England and the United States. I have worked with adults with a wide range of mental health difficulties. I have experience treating adults with anxiety, depression, trauma as well as other mood, psychotic, and substance abuse disorders. I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to educate individuals on their symptoms, the roots of those symptoms and how to challenge, cope and work through them.
(424) 500-5819 View (424) 500-5819
Photo of Sarah Stoker, PhD, Psychologist
Sarah Stoker
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
I currently practice in Manhattan Beach, and I have been providing psychotherapy since 1996. My orientation blends cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, and family systems approaches to healing and change. I have a special interest in women’s issues such as postpartum depression, the transition to motherhood, balance between work and family, and poor body image. I also work with people who need help with relationship issues and life transitions. I work with adults, adolescents, couples, and families.
I currently practice in Manhattan Beach, and I have been providing psychotherapy since 1996. My orientation blends cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, and family systems approaches to healing and change. I have a special interest in women’s issues such as postpartum depression, the transition to motherhood, balance between work and family, and poor body image. I also work with people who need help with relationship issues and life transitions. I work with adults, adolescents, couples, and families.
(310) 545-9210 View (310) 545-9210
Photo of Teri Arana, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Teri Arana
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266  (Online Only)
Exclusively focused on mental health issues, Bonmente treats a myriad of psychiatric conditions including anxiety, depression, ADHD, sleep disorders, postpartum depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, panic attacks, OCD, and gender dysphoria.
We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now accepting new patients!
Exclusively focused on mental health issues, Bonmente treats a myriad of psychiatric conditions including anxiety, depression, ADHD, sleep disorders, postpartum depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, panic attacks, OCD, and gender dysphoria.
We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now accepting new patients!
(424) 408-1506 View (424) 408-1506
Photo of Veronica Calkins, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Veronica Calkins
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
A Licensed Psychotherapist specializing in trauma, crisis, grief, anxiety, depression, and relationships. Veronica provides an empathetic and caring environment to work through challenges without judgment. Veronica obtained her B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Applied Developmental Psychology and Master’s in Social Welfare at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). She is trained in CBT, DBT, and family and couples therapy. She is also certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and the administration of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and Deep-Brain Theta Stimulation.
A Licensed Psychotherapist specializing in trauma, crisis, grief, anxiety, depression, and relationships. Veronica provides an empathetic and caring environment to work through challenges without judgment. Veronica obtained her B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Applied Developmental Psychology and Master’s in Social Welfare at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). She is trained in CBT, DBT, and family and couples therapy. She is also certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and the administration of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and Deep-Brain Theta Stimulation.
(310) 905-5816 View (310) 905-5816
Photo of Geoff Gershenson, MA, MFT, PhD-Pol, Marriage & Family Therapist
Geoff Gershenson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT, PhD-Pol
Verified Verified
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266  (Online Only)
I work with adults, both younger and older, and specialize in individual therapy. My typical client is a professional busy with the demands of work, love, family, and play. But I have a diverse practice and not everyone fits this label. I work frequently with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, family dynamics, and self-esteem issues. A common theme is a feeling of being stuck in negative dynamics that, best efforts to the contrary, keep repeating.
I work with adults, both younger and older, and specialize in individual therapy. My typical client is a professional busy with the demands of work, love, family, and play. But I have a diverse practice and not everyone fits this label. I work frequently with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, family dynamics, and self-esteem issues. A common theme is a feeling of being stuck in negative dynamics that, best efforts to the contrary, keep repeating.
(562) 372-6802 View (562) 372-6802
Photo of Andrea Jablonski, PsyD, MA, Psychologist
Andrea Jablonski
Psychologist, PsyD, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266  (Online Only)
I can help clients experiencing loss or other significant life changes, depression and loneliness, anxiety, as well as OCD, ADHD, and more.
Are you looking for some support and comforting validation? Would you like to better understand the problems you encounter in your day-to-day living as well as have a clearer view of the "bigger picture" issues and themes that arise in your life? Do you struggle with moderate to crippling anxiety or fear, and have trouble being fully present or accomplishing some of life's everyday tasks? Are you lonely or feeling down, or beginning to feel as though you'll never find peace or contentment? If any of these questions resonate with you, I welcome the opportunity to be in your service, help you find relief, and get your life back.
I can help clients experiencing loss or other significant life changes, depression and loneliness, anxiety, as well as OCD, ADHD, and more.
Are you looking for some support and comforting validation? Would you like to better understand the problems you encounter in your day-to-day living as well as have a clearer view of the "bigger picture" issues and themes that arise in your life? Do you struggle with moderate to crippling anxiety or fear, and have trouble being fully present or accomplishing some of life's everyday tasks? Are you lonely or feeling down, or beginning to feel as though you'll never find peace or contentment? If any of these questions resonate with you, I welcome the opportunity to be in your service, help you find relief, and get your life back.
(424) 380-7396 View (424) 380-7396
Photo of Ryann Walker, LPCC
Ryann Walker
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Ryann J. Walker is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) specializing in depression, anxiety, self-esteem, interpersonal conflict/relationships, life transitions, grief, and trauma. Ryann treats adults (18+). She utilizes a Holistic and Integrative Approach that encompasses Psychodynamic Theory and therapeutic approaches including but not limited to Person Centered, Solution-Focused, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Ryann has experience counseling adults, seniors, families, and couples in outpatient settings.
Ryann J. Walker is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) specializing in depression, anxiety, self-esteem, interpersonal conflict/relationships, life transitions, grief, and trauma. Ryann treats adults (18+). She utilizes a Holistic and Integrative Approach that encompasses Psychodynamic Theory and therapeutic approaches including but not limited to Person Centered, Solution-Focused, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Ryann has experience counseling adults, seniors, families, and couples in outpatient settings.
(310) 299-9289 View (310) 299-9289
Photo of Phuong Tang, MA, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Phuong Tang
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Are you someone who is trying to make a meaningful change in the world but is struggling to make significant changes in their personal life? You may be seeking therapy as a way to explore your past while understanding that it does not have to determine your future. I am an Asian American therapist who works with Asian Americans and other people of color who may identify as activists, creatives, immigrants, children of immigrants who struggle with adjustment disorder, PTSD, intergenerational trauma, depression, anxiety, burnout, perfectionism and substance use.
Are you someone who is trying to make a meaningful change in the world but is struggling to make significant changes in their personal life? You may be seeking therapy as a way to explore your past while understanding that it does not have to determine your future. I am an Asian American therapist who works with Asian Americans and other people of color who may identify as activists, creatives, immigrants, children of immigrants who struggle with adjustment disorder, PTSD, intergenerational trauma, depression, anxiety, burnout, perfectionism and substance use.
(310) 861-7884 View (310) 861-7884
Photo of Kimberly Hegg, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Kimberly Hegg
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
If you are struggling, I would like to help. I have experience working with clients who are living with depression, anxiety, low self esteem, grief, trauma, communication difficulties, relationship issues, mood disorders, personality disorders, among many others. Working with individuals, we can explore life's challenges and how to move towards happiness and fulfillment. I have experience working with couples and families helping them to cultivate and improve interpersonal relationships. I believe that the client is the expert in his/her life and may need some help to process and move through challenges.
If you are struggling, I would like to help. I have experience working with clients who are living with depression, anxiety, low self esteem, grief, trauma, communication difficulties, relationship issues, mood disorders, personality disorders, among many others. Working with individuals, we can explore life's challenges and how to move towards happiness and fulfillment. I have experience working with couples and families helping them to cultivate and improve interpersonal relationships. I believe that the client is the expert in his/her life and may need some help to process and move through challenges.
(310) 455-8846 View (310) 455-8846
Photo of Irma Maldonado-Enriquez, PsyD, Psychologist
Irma Maldonado-Enriquez
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Hi, I’m Dr. Irma. I am a bilingual, Spanish/English, licensed clinical psychologist with more than 17 years of experience in the mental health field. Since 2006, I have been an adjunct professor at Pepperdine University Graduate School of Education and Psychology. ​I specialize in the psychological treatment of the total person: mind, body and spirit; in children, adolescents, adults and families struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, inner conflict, stress and LGBTQ+ issues. I offer a personable approach to therapy in a supportive and nonjudgmental client-centered environment.
Hi, I’m Dr. Irma. I am a bilingual, Spanish/English, licensed clinical psychologist with more than 17 years of experience in the mental health field. Since 2006, I have been an adjunct professor at Pepperdine University Graduate School of Education and Psychology. ​I specialize in the psychological treatment of the total person: mind, body and spirit; in children, adolescents, adults and families struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, inner conflict, stress and LGBTQ+ issues. I offer a personable approach to therapy in a supportive and nonjudgmental client-centered environment.
(424) 321-7659 View (424) 321-7659
Photo of Jonathan Artigue, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jonathan Artigue
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Jonathan earned his master’s in marriage and family therapy at Cal State Dominguez Hills, after which Jonathan was drawn to work with children and families managing challenges associated with autism and other neurodiversity. After shifting to working with adults in both residential and outpatient treatment for addiction and co-occurring challenges such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, OCD, and many other psychiatric diagnoses, Jonathan developed his mindfulness-based approach to therapy further.
Jonathan earned his master’s in marriage and family therapy at Cal State Dominguez Hills, after which Jonathan was drawn to work with children and families managing challenges associated with autism and other neurodiversity. After shifting to working with adults in both residential and outpatient treatment for addiction and co-occurring challenges such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, OCD, and many other psychiatric diagnoses, Jonathan developed his mindfulness-based approach to therapy further.
(310) 953-4421 View (310) 953-4421
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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.