Depression Therapists in Playa Del Rey, CA

Photo of Susan Reichmann, MA, MFT, ATR-BC, Marriage & Family Therapist
Susan Reichmann
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT, ATR-BC
Verified Verified
Playa Del Rey, CA 90293  (Online Only)
When you find yourself at a crossroads in your life, it is often the best time to come into therapy to address the issues that are troubling you. I am adept at guiding you to explore the feelings and thoughts that are weighing on you, assisting you in gaining insight that can help you shift your perspective and make positive changes that can lead to the realization of your most deeply treasured goals. Together, we'll come to understand your experience of depression, anxiety/stress and/or conflict in your relationships and/or in your career, and we'll develop ways of making your desired changes.
When you find yourself at a crossroads in your life, it is often the best time to come into therapy to address the issues that are troubling you. I am adept at guiding you to explore the feelings and thoughts that are weighing on you, assisting you in gaining insight that can help you shift your perspective and make positive changes that can lead to the realization of your most deeply treasured goals. Together, we'll come to understand your experience of depression, anxiety/stress and/or conflict in your relationships and/or in your career, and we'll develop ways of making your desired changes.
(424) 294-8234 View (424) 294-8234
Photo of Noel Joy Plourde, PhD, Marriage & Family Therapist
Noel Joy Plourde
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD
Verified Verified
Playa Del Rey, CA 90293
I have over 30 years of experience in helping people of all ages with a variety of presenting problems, including depression, anxiety, severe and chronic mental illnesses, etc. I have extensive experience in work with trauma, addictions, and adults from dysfunctional families. I also work with people who have chronic and terminal illnesses and their families, and in accepting losses of all kinds. I welcome children, adolescents, adults and families to experience the benefits of therapy.
I have over 30 years of experience in helping people of all ages with a variety of presenting problems, including depression, anxiety, severe and chronic mental illnesses, etc. I have extensive experience in work with trauma, addictions, and adults from dysfunctional families. I also work with people who have chronic and terminal illnesses and their families, and in accepting losses of all kinds. I welcome children, adolescents, adults and families to experience the benefits of therapy.
(424) 254-5532 View (424) 254-5532
Photo of Isabella Dutra, MA, APCC, Pre-Licensed Professional
Isabella Dutra
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, APCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Playa Del Rey, CA 90293
I specialize in working with individual’s dealing with trauma, depression, anxiety, relationship challenges, and issues stemming from ADHD. I work with children, adolescents, and adults as well as couples and families. I also have extensive experience working with individuals with social anxiety and ASD. I strive to provide clients with a safe, compassionate, judgement-free space in which we work together to understand one's unique goals and deeper rooted needs. I welcome all my clients to show up as they are, my job being to meet you there and help you move forward.
I specialize in working with individual’s dealing with trauma, depression, anxiety, relationship challenges, and issues stemming from ADHD. I work with children, adolescents, and adults as well as couples and families. I also have extensive experience working with individuals with social anxiety and ASD. I strive to provide clients with a safe, compassionate, judgement-free space in which we work together to understand one's unique goals and deeper rooted needs. I welcome all my clients to show up as they are, my job being to meet you there and help you move forward.
(310) 692-7980 View (310) 692-7980
Photo of Courtney L Pender, LCSW, PPSC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Courtney L Pender
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, PPSC
Verified Verified
Playa Del Rey, CA 90293
My specialties include: Grief and loss, Relationship Issues, and Depression and Anxiety.
It helps to have a safe place to process feelings, work on relationships, and better understand patterns of behavior when feeling overwhelmed or stuck. Together through exploring your thoughts, feelings, and experiences we can work through obstacles and develop new coping skills that allow you to move forward in a healthy happy manner.
My specialties include: Grief and loss, Relationship Issues, and Depression and Anxiety.
It helps to have a safe place to process feelings, work on relationships, and better understand patterns of behavior when feeling overwhelmed or stuck. Together through exploring your thoughts, feelings, and experiences we can work through obstacles and develop new coping skills that allow you to move forward in a healthy happy manner.
(855) 308-4289 View (855) 308-4289
Photo of Delena Zimmerman, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Delena Zimmerman
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Playa Del Rey, CA 90293
I work with mood disorders that include depression and anxiety.
As a strengths-based therapist, I am here as a warm and compassionate partner to walk alongside you through some of life's most difficult challenges. I offer a safe, non-judgmental space to explore, process, and cope with past pain, present fears, and future uncertainties. I provide empathy, insight, and a fresh perspective, as we sort through the muck of life together, and you discover your own inner strength and power. You experience healing hope. I'm highly intuitive, coupled with an open heart, and experience working with a range of emotional issues to help guide you toward leading the fulfilling life you desire.
I work with mood disorders that include depression and anxiety.
As a strengths-based therapist, I am here as a warm and compassionate partner to walk alongside you through some of life's most difficult challenges. I offer a safe, non-judgmental space to explore, process, and cope with past pain, present fears, and future uncertainties. I provide empathy, insight, and a fresh perspective, as we sort through the muck of life together, and you discover your own inner strength and power. You experience healing hope. I'm highly intuitive, coupled with an open heart, and experience working with a range of emotional issues to help guide you toward leading the fulfilling life you desire.
(213) 223-8027 View (213) 223-8027
Photo of Cz Helps Inc: Carrie Zerling, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Cz Helps Inc: Carrie Zerling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Playa Del Rey, CA 90293  (Online Only)
Many of us struggle with issues such as stress, depression, anxiety, social isolation, fear, grief, loss, trauma, relationship difficulties, or we just feel generally overwhelmed with life. You don't have to be alone with these struggles. Psychotherapy is an empowering tool that helps you to better understand yourself and the obstacles that are preventing change. I have worked with clients from various backgrounds in race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, socioeconomic status & political affiliations. My mission is to help you to improve your life skills and to progress from the difficult experiences that you've had.
Many of us struggle with issues such as stress, depression, anxiety, social isolation, fear, grief, loss, trauma, relationship difficulties, or we just feel generally overwhelmed with life. You don't have to be alone with these struggles. Psychotherapy is an empowering tool that helps you to better understand yourself and the obstacles that are preventing change. I have worked with clients from various backgrounds in race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, socioeconomic status & political affiliations. My mission is to help you to improve your life skills and to progress from the difficult experiences that you've had.
(323) 844-3504 View (323) 844-3504
Photo of Sarah Raike, PA-C
Sarah Raike
PA-C
Verified Verified
Playa Del Rey, CA 90291  (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, and panic attacks.
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS FOR MEDICATONS MANAGEMENT ONLY -- 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. 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.
Exclusively focused on mental health issues, Bonmente treats a myriad of psychiatric conditions including anxiety, depression, ADHD, sleep disorders, postpartum depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and panic attacks.
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS FOR MEDICATONS MANAGEMENT ONLY -- 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. 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.
(323) 366-3083 View (323) 366-3083
Photo of Susan Kaufman, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Susan Kaufman
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Playa Del Rey, CA 90293  (Online Only)
In addition to providing parenting support, I work with individuals encountering a variety of life challenges such as anxiety, relational issues, work stress, loneliness and depression. I also work with couples looking to repair ruptures, rekindle connection, improve communication and/or work on parenting issues. I have a background in meditation and mindfulness. It informs my practice and I often use it as modality to assist clients whether working with anxiety or parenting or other relational issues.
In addition to providing parenting support, I work with individuals encountering a variety of life challenges such as anxiety, relational issues, work stress, loneliness and depression. I also work with couples looking to repair ruptures, rekindle connection, improve communication and/or work on parenting issues. I have a background in meditation and mindfulness. It informs my practice and I often use it as modality to assist clients whether working with anxiety or parenting or other relational issues.
(951) 783-2452 View (951) 783-2452
Photo of Harper White, MA, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Harper White
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Playa Del Rey, CA 90293
Navigating your 20s and 30s can often feel anxiety-provoking, overwhelming, and lonely. It’s understandable that juggling relationships, work, family, and a social life may leave you feeling depressed, anxious, and burnt out. I work with young adults who are navigating this challenging phase of life and are looking to improve their important relationships, reduce levels of stress, and heal from past painful experiences. Working together collaboratively, we will focus on helping you understand what you need in relationships, identify how to best take care of yourself through your stressors, and live in alignment with your key values.
Navigating your 20s and 30s can often feel anxiety-provoking, overwhelming, and lonely. It’s understandable that juggling relationships, work, family, and a social life may leave you feeling depressed, anxious, and burnt out. I work with young adults who are navigating this challenging phase of life and are looking to improve their important relationships, reduce levels of stress, and heal from past painful experiences. Working together collaboratively, we will focus on helping you understand what you need in relationships, identify how to best take care of yourself through your stressors, and live in alignment with your key values.
(818) 350-5688 View (818) 350-5688
Photo of Nargess Fassih - Nargess Fassih - Soul Strategy Therapy          , MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Nargess Fassih - Soul Strategy Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Playa Del Rey, CA 90291  (Online Only)
On the surface, life seems to be going smoothly. On the inside, it's a different story. Anxiety, depression, and stress quietly chip away at your well-being and relationships. What once proved effective might now fall short as circumstances shift, and your life and goals evolve. Perhaps you're mid-career, grappling with the elusive balance between personal and professional life. Maybe you've ticked off the milestones on your "roadmap to success" yet yearn for more depth and meaning. If this narrative resonates with you, and you're here in search of a solution, welcome and congratulations on taking this pivotal first step!
On the surface, life seems to be going smoothly. On the inside, it's a different story. Anxiety, depression, and stress quietly chip away at your well-being and relationships. What once proved effective might now fall short as circumstances shift, and your life and goals evolve. Perhaps you're mid-career, grappling with the elusive balance between personal and professional life. Maybe you've ticked off the milestones on your "roadmap to success" yet yearn for more depth and meaning. If this narrative resonates with you, and you're here in search of a solution, welcome and congratulations on taking this pivotal first step!
(424) 688-6044 View (424) 688-6044
Photo of Jessica Gallo, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jessica Gallo
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Playa Del Rey, CA 90293  (Online Only)
My specialties include women's issues, healing relational & intergenerational trauma, attachment & relationship issues, codependency, grief/loss, depression/anxiety & mindfulness.
Together, we can make sense of the messiness of life. My treatment approach is strengths-based, authentic, holistic, collaborative & highly customized to each client. In sessions, you can expect to be equipped with practical tools, observations, insights and nurturing containment. You can expect an honest, connected relationship where both laughter and tears are welcomed. Our work will allow you to build on your innate resiliency. Connecting with a professional therapist can shed light on what may need to shift in order to heal and align with the healthiest version of you.
My specialties include women's issues, healing relational & intergenerational trauma, attachment & relationship issues, codependency, grief/loss, depression/anxiety & mindfulness.
Together, we can make sense of the messiness of life. My treatment approach is strengths-based, authentic, holistic, collaborative & highly customized to each client. In sessions, you can expect to be equipped with practical tools, observations, insights and nurturing containment. You can expect an honest, connected relationship where both laughter and tears are welcomed. Our work will allow you to build on your innate resiliency. Connecting with a professional therapist can shed light on what may need to shift in order to heal and align with the healthiest version of you.
(424) 372-0962 View (424) 372-0962
Photo of Sharon Z Berg, PhD, Psychologist
Sharon Z Berg
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Playa Del Rey, CA 90293
My specializations include depression, anxiety and stage of life issues, such as the transition into parenthood.
I am a licensed psychologist with over 25 years of clinical experience. My approach is to be a collaborative partner supporting you to gain insights, increasing your self acceptance and trusting your instincts. The goal is for lasting change. I work with adults, as well as adults parenting young children. An additional area of interest is supporting parents of children who are transgender or gender diverse. Being a good parent is not about being perfect, but it's about being authentic and reflective, supporting your children to live successfully in an imperfect world.
My specializations include depression, anxiety and stage of life issues, such as the transition into parenthood.
I am a licensed psychologist with over 25 years of clinical experience. My approach is to be a collaborative partner supporting you to gain insights, increasing your self acceptance and trusting your instincts. The goal is for lasting change. I work with adults, as well as adults parenting young children. An additional area of interest is supporting parents of children who are transgender or gender diverse. Being a good parent is not about being perfect, but it's about being authentic and reflective, supporting your children to live successfully in an imperfect world.
(310) 872-1947 View (310) 872-1947
Photo of Mark Mitchell, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Mark Mitchell
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Playa Del Rey, CA 90293  (Online Only)
My areas of expertise encompass a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, men's issues, couples issues, recovery, retirement , & dealing with an aging parent or partner.
Welcome! I'm Mark Mitchell, a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) dedicated to helping individuals with healing, growth, and transformation in a very pragmatic way. With over 40 years of experience in the field, I bring a wealth of knowledge and empathy to guide you through life's challenges. After all, this is Grow Therapy.... I can help you with your roots, trunk, leaves, fruit, pests and even fertilizer!:) Of course, I am speaking in metaphor.
My areas of expertise encompass a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, men's issues, couples issues, recovery, retirement , & dealing with an aging parent or partner.
Welcome! I'm Mark Mitchell, a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) dedicated to helping individuals with healing, growth, and transformation in a very pragmatic way. With over 40 years of experience in the field, I bring a wealth of knowledge and empathy to guide you through life's challenges. After all, this is Grow Therapy.... I can help you with your roots, trunk, leaves, fruit, pests and even fertilizer!:) Of course, I am speaking in metaphor.
(424) 226-5652 View (424) 226-5652
Photo of Desiree Basl, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Desiree Basl
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Playa Del Rey, CA 90293
Are you looking to remove the obstacles that stand in the way of achieving well-being and live your most authentic and connected life? In the work with clients, it is my job to support you through a supportive therapeutic relationship. Whether you are coming in to process a relationship, attachment trauma, increased anxiety or depression or struggling with life transitions, I am here to help provide you with a safe space to reach your goals.
Are you looking to remove the obstacles that stand in the way of achieving well-being and live your most authentic and connected life? In the work with clients, it is my job to support you through a supportive therapeutic relationship. Whether you are coming in to process a relationship, attachment trauma, increased anxiety or depression or struggling with life transitions, I am here to help provide you with a safe space to reach your goals.
(424) 378-5129 View (424) 378-5129
Photo of Gayla Terzian, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Gayla Terzian
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Playa Del Rey, CA 90291
Deciding to seek therapy takes courage and is not always an easy thing to do, but sometimes we all need a little help and objective guidance with what life is handing us. Whether it's depression, anxiety, relationship issues, a life transition, coping skills, addiction, grief and loss, personal exploration or something else, I possess a wide range of professional and personal experience. If you think you may be ready to address what's bothering you more directly, with some professional and compassionate assistance, please contact me for a free 30-minute phone consultation to see if we're a good fit.
Deciding to seek therapy takes courage and is not always an easy thing to do, but sometimes we all need a little help and objective guidance with what life is handing us. Whether it's depression, anxiety, relationship issues, a life transition, coping skills, addiction, grief and loss, personal exploration or something else, I possess a wide range of professional and personal experience. If you think you may be ready to address what's bothering you more directly, with some professional and compassionate assistance, please contact me for a free 30-minute phone consultation to see if we're a good fit.
(424) 384-1764 View (424) 384-1764
Photo of Amy Rodriguez-Sanders, MS, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Amy Rodriguez-Sanders
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MS, AMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Playa Del Rey, CA 90293
Hello and welcome! Seeking a therapist is an important step toward your well-being. You may be anxious, depressed, stressed, or struggling with relationships in your life and looking for a way to feel better. I specialize in working with people who identify as LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, immigrants, and children of immigrants while affirming their identities and lived experiences. As a child of immigrants myself, I understand the unique challenges and perspectives that can come with trying to reconcile one’s individual identity and culture with the dominant culture-at-large.
Hello and welcome! Seeking a therapist is an important step toward your well-being. You may be anxious, depressed, stressed, or struggling with relationships in your life and looking for a way to feel better. I specialize in working with people who identify as LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, immigrants, and children of immigrants while affirming their identities and lived experiences. As a child of immigrants myself, I understand the unique challenges and perspectives that can come with trying to reconcile one’s individual identity and culture with the dominant culture-at-large.
(626) 684-4953 View (626) 684-4953
Photo of Lisa Anderson - Happy Heart Therapy, MA, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Happy Heart Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
Playa Del Rey, CA 90291  (Online Only)
Hello all, I am an African-American marriage and family therapist who provides services in the Bay Area & So. Cal. I specialize in somatic therapy modalities that work well with individuals or couples who have experienced any trauma whether acute or developmental. I also work with client's experiencing grief, depression, and relational issues. My clients' find me easy to talk to and non-judgmental, this coupled with my life experience, creates a safe environment for healing to happen.
Hello all, I am an African-American marriage and family therapist who provides services in the Bay Area & So. Cal. I specialize in somatic therapy modalities that work well with individuals or couples who have experienced any trauma whether acute or developmental. I also work with client's experiencing grief, depression, and relational issues. My clients' find me easy to talk to and non-judgmental, this coupled with my life experience, creates a safe environment for healing to happen.
(424) 354-2814 View (424) 354-2814
Photo of Mycah McNamara, MA, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Mycah McNamara
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
Playa Del Rey, CA 90293
It can be challenging to ask for help, whether it is for yourself or someone you know. I am here to help make it easier. I work with kids, teens, and their families that are struggling to connect or understand one another amongst a wide range of other struggles. Some include depression, anxiety, trauma, impulsivity, anger, and defiance. My clients needs range from those struggling to clearly communicate to finding coping skills that work for their depression, suicide ideation, self-harm, anxiety, anger, and other intense emotions.
It can be challenging to ask for help, whether it is for yourself or someone you know. I am here to help make it easier. I work with kids, teens, and their families that are struggling to connect or understand one another amongst a wide range of other struggles. Some include depression, anxiety, trauma, impulsivity, anger, and defiance. My clients needs range from those struggling to clearly communicate to finding coping skills that work for their depression, suicide ideation, self-harm, anxiety, anger, and other intense emotions.
(424) 999-7050 View (424) 999-7050
Photo of Natasha Mehta, PhD, Psychologist
Natasha Mehta
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Playa Del Rey, CA 90291
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with nearly a decade of experience in the treatment of trauma, anxiety, and depression. My approach to therapy is to provide a safe, non-judgmental space for you to explore and understand your struggles and to help you obtain the tools to be more effective in achieving the life you want. In addition to private practice, I have worked as the Team Lead on the women’s unit of a mental health residential rehabilitation treatment program and currently work in a medical center’s outpatient mental health clinic, where I provide psychotherapy and supervise trainees.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with nearly a decade of experience in the treatment of trauma, anxiety, and depression. My approach to therapy is to provide a safe, non-judgmental space for you to explore and understand your struggles and to help you obtain the tools to be more effective in achieving the life you want. In addition to private practice, I have worked as the Team Lead on the women’s unit of a mental health residential rehabilitation treatment program and currently work in a medical center’s outpatient mental health clinic, where I provide psychotherapy and supervise trainees.
(424) 232-0695 View (424) 232-0695
Photo of Nora J. Baladerian, PhD, LMFT, CST, TFT-VT, TFT, Psychologist
Nora J. Baladerian
Psychologist, PhD, LMFT, CST, TFT-VT, TFT
Verified Verified
Playa Del Rey, CA 90293
My belief is that at heart each wants to lead a meaningful life. We want to enjoy achievements, milestones, and enjoy our loved ones. We also need to feel loved, needed and appreciated. Our work, social and family life reflect our spiritual and philosophical beliefs...and when they don't, we feel in conflict with ourselves, and seek assistance to get into a place of feeling good. I'll work with you to support you in improving your life, with a beginning focus on those factors that are critical now. We'll work together for your well-being. The intake packet asks you to list the issues you want to address & indicate priority.
My belief is that at heart each wants to lead a meaningful life. We want to enjoy achievements, milestones, and enjoy our loved ones. We also need to feel loved, needed and appreciated. Our work, social and family life reflect our spiritual and philosophical beliefs...and when they don't, we feel in conflict with ourselves, and seek assistance to get into a place of feeling good. I'll work with you to support you in improving your life, with a beginning focus on those factors that are critical now. We'll work together for your well-being. The intake packet asks you to list the issues you want to address & indicate priority.
(310) 895-9808 View (310) 895-9808
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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.