Depression Therapists in Playa Vista, CA

Photo of Alesia Anne Wesley - Playa Vista Family Counseling, LLC, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Playa Vista Family Counseling, LLC
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Playa Vista, CA 90094  (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
EMDR is effective for PTSD, anxiety and depression.
People want to be understood and not judged. People desire to have healthy interpersonal relationships, as well as a healthy self-image. Life circumstances sometimes impede our inner visions and leave us feeling stuck. By using EMDR and Cognitive Behavioral therapy, you can expect to experience improvement in the various domains of your life. The key is to utilize the strategies provided. Change takes alot of hard work, a vision and a support system. I can support you with therapeutic techniques that will help to change your thoughts, thus changing your life! I hope to hear from you soon.
EMDR is effective for PTSD, anxiety and depression.
People want to be understood and not judged. People desire to have healthy interpersonal relationships, as well as a healthy self-image. Life circumstances sometimes impede our inner visions and leave us feeling stuck. By using EMDR and Cognitive Behavioral therapy, you can expect to experience improvement in the various domains of your life. The key is to utilize the strategies provided. Change takes alot of hard work, a vision and a support system. I can support you with therapeutic techniques that will help to change your thoughts, thus changing your life! I hope to hear from you soon.
(323) 894-9574 View (323) 894-9574
Photo of Sara Mehrabani, PsyD, Psychologist
Sara Mehrabani
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Playa Vista, CA 90094
I specialize in trauma, depression, and anxiety.
I believe the most important factors in the therapeutic relationship are compassion, acceptance, and collaboration. Through this type of relationship, I will create an environment where you feel safe and understood, and therefore ready to make effective change. My approach to therapy is strength- based and I will combine psychotherapy interventions with practical and personalized approaches to help you meet your unique needs. My therapy practice is based in the strongest research as well as specialized training in evidence based treatments.
I specialize in trauma, depression, and anxiety.
I believe the most important factors in the therapeutic relationship are compassion, acceptance, and collaboration. Through this type of relationship, I will create an environment where you feel safe and understood, and therefore ready to make effective change. My approach to therapy is strength- based and I will combine psychotherapy interventions with practical and personalized approaches to help you meet your unique needs. My therapy practice is based in the strongest research as well as specialized training in evidence based treatments.
(323) 271-4437 View (323) 271-4437
Photo of Becky White, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Becky White
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Playa Vista, CA 90094
I provide treatment for individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, grief and anger.
I am the Founder and Director of Root to Rise Therapy, a boutique psychotherapy practice that provides couples therapy and individual counseling in a warm, accepting space. As a highly trained psychotherapist and relationship counselor located in the heart of Culver City, California, my passion is helping individuals, couples, and families to create relationships and lives that they love. I believe that healthy relationships start with you and that in order to serve the people that we love most, we first have to learn to take care of ourselves!
I provide treatment for individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, grief and anger.
I am the Founder and Director of Root to Rise Therapy, a boutique psychotherapy practice that provides couples therapy and individual counseling in a warm, accepting space. As a highly trained psychotherapist and relationship counselor located in the heart of Culver City, California, my passion is helping individuals, couples, and families to create relationships and lives that they love. I believe that healthy relationships start with you and that in order to serve the people that we love most, we first have to learn to take care of ourselves!
(310) 627-2660 View (310) 627-2660
Photo of Erin Bishop - Erin Bishop JD MFT, JD, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Erin Bishop JD MFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, JD, MFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Playa Vista, CA 90094
IT TAKES COURAGE to reach out for support and guidance when we feel lost, distressed, confused or uncertain. My goal is to meet you - in whatever emotional state you find yourself - with empathy and acceptance, and provide a safe, caring and consistent therapeutic relationship in which we collaborate on identifying and moving toward the CHANGES AND GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES that matter most to you. I have worked with clients since 2010, tailoring the counseling experience to each individual or couple's unique strengths and needs and drawing from a wide range of psychological theories and healing modalities. My approach is also informed by my PERSONAL EXPERIENCE being treated for major depression and anxiety. NO EMOTIONAL CHALLENGE IS TOO BIG TO WORK ON, and it would be my privilege to accompany you on your journey toward a healthier, more satisfying life.
IT TAKES COURAGE to reach out for support and guidance when we feel lost, distressed, confused or uncertain. My goal is to meet you - in whatever emotional state you find yourself - with empathy and acceptance, and provide a safe, caring and consistent therapeutic relationship in which we collaborate on identifying and moving toward the CHANGES AND GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES that matter most to you. I have worked with clients since 2010, tailoring the counseling experience to each individual or couple's unique strengths and needs and drawing from a wide range of psychological theories and healing modalities. My approach is also informed by my PERSONAL EXPERIENCE being treated for major depression and anxiety. NO EMOTIONAL CHALLENGE IS TOO BIG TO WORK ON, and it would be my privilege to accompany you on your journey toward a healthier, more satisfying life.
(424) 361-0216 View (424) 361-0216
Photo of Amber Lopez Molnar, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Amber Lopez Molnar
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
Playa Vista, CA 90094
Starting a family is one of the most incredible yet nerve racking transitions one can go through. I specialize in Infertility, Maternal Mental Health as well as overall life transitions. The process of infertility treatments alone can leave a person feeling vulnerable, heartbroken and unsure about the future. Some of the core issues that I treat include; Postpartum Depression/Anxiety/OCD, Grief, and the transition of your new identify as a mother. In addition I enjoy working with the LGBTQ community as well as adoption and families of multiples.
Starting a family is one of the most incredible yet nerve racking transitions one can go through. I specialize in Infertility, Maternal Mental Health as well as overall life transitions. The process of infertility treatments alone can leave a person feeling vulnerable, heartbroken and unsure about the future. Some of the core issues that I treat include; Postpartum Depression/Anxiety/OCD, Grief, and the transition of your new identify as a mother. In addition I enjoy working with the LGBTQ community as well as adoption and families of multiples.
(310) 340-1927 View (310) 340-1927
Photo of Noel Joy Plourde, PhD, Marriage & Family Therapist
Noel Joy Plourde
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD
Verified Verified
Playa Vista, CA 90094
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 Dr. Jordyn Trockman, MA, PsyD, Psychologist
Dr. Jordyn Trockman
Psychologist, MA, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Playa Vista, CA 90094  (Online Only)
I help clients come to terms with their past, heal, grow, get unstuck, and move forward. You may be feeling stressed, overwhelmed, lonely, hopeless, lost, or just "stuck." Still, I know that you can overcome your struggles and begin to live your best life. I help women of all ages and life stages rise up to meet life's many challenges. I help clients overcome their struggles with anxiety, depression, chronic stress, feelings of overwhelm, relationship issues, work challenges, and difficulties staying focused and making important decisions. I'm an active, engaging therapist with a supportive and collaborative approach.
I help clients come to terms with their past, heal, grow, get unstuck, and move forward. You may be feeling stressed, overwhelmed, lonely, hopeless, lost, or just "stuck." Still, I know that you can overcome your struggles and begin to live your best life. I help women of all ages and life stages rise up to meet life's many challenges. I help clients overcome their struggles with anxiety, depression, chronic stress, feelings of overwhelm, relationship issues, work challenges, and difficulties staying focused and making important decisions. I'm an active, engaging therapist with a supportive and collaborative approach.
(424) 341-5210 View (424) 341-5210
Photo of Mike Endes, LMFT, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist
Mike Endes
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
Playa Vista, CA 90094
I have had the pleasure of being in practice for over 7 years, working with clients to help them reach their objectives and goals for therapy. My passion is helping people rebuild relationships, resolve stress related to anxiety and depression, and rediscover the best version of themselves with renewed confidence.
I have had the pleasure of being in practice for over 7 years, working with clients to help them reach their objectives and goals for therapy. My passion is helping people rebuild relationships, resolve stress related to anxiety and depression, and rediscover the best version of themselves with renewed confidence.
(424) 417-6277 View (424) 417-6277
Photo of Amanda Pantaleón, LMFT, MA, BS, Marriage & Family Therapist
Amanda Pantaleón
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA, BS
Verified Verified
Playa Vista, CA 90094  (Online Only)
Hi, my name's Amanda Pantaleón and I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist with over a decade of experience providing psychotherapy, primarily in non-profit and community-based mental health. I earned my Master's degree in Counseling in Marriage & Family Therapy and have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, boundaries and relationship issues, communication issues, parenting problems, and general life stressors and events. I also have substantial experience supporting people in their healing journeys who have suffered trauma and abuse.
Hi, my name's Amanda Pantaleón and I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist with over a decade of experience providing psychotherapy, primarily in non-profit and community-based mental health. I earned my Master's degree in Counseling in Marriage & Family Therapy and have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, boundaries and relationship issues, communication issues, parenting problems, and general life stressors and events. I also have substantial experience supporting people in their healing journeys who have suffered trauma and abuse.
(707) 348-5860 View (707) 348-5860
Photo of Sarah Musich, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Sarah Musich
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Playa Vista, CA 90094
My specialties include grief and loss, relationship issues, depression, and anxiety.
Asking for help is a sign of strength and therapy is one of the greatest gifts you can give to yourself. Whether you are going through a life transition, experiencing relationship difficulties, struggling with low self-esteem, overwhelmed with day to day life, or just needing a place to talk to someone who will listen, I am here for you.
My specialties include grief and loss, relationship issues, depression, and anxiety.
Asking for help is a sign of strength and therapy is one of the greatest gifts you can give to yourself. Whether you are going through a life transition, experiencing relationship difficulties, struggling with low self-esteem, overwhelmed with day to day life, or just needing a place to talk to someone who will listen, I am here for you.
(424) 655-2962 View (424) 655-2962
Photo of Cristina Wood, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Cristina Wood
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Playa Vista, CA 90094  (Online Only)
Find Your Path to Healing and Joy Are you overwhelmed by anxiety, trauma, or depression? You're not alone. Many struggle with these invisible burdens daily, but there's hope. You deserve to lead a life marked not by your struggles but by your strength and happiness. As a dedicated trauma therapist ACT and EMDR specialist, I am here to guide you through the shadows of your past into a brighter, joy-filled future.
Find Your Path to Healing and Joy Are you overwhelmed by anxiety, trauma, or depression? You're not alone. Many struggle with these invisible burdens daily, but there's hope. You deserve to lead a life marked not by your struggles but by your strength and happiness. As a dedicated trauma therapist ACT and EMDR specialist, I am here to guide you through the shadows of your past into a brighter, joy-filled future.
(310) 359-9382 View (310) 359-9382
Photo of Sadaf F. Mayet, LMFT , Marriage & Family Therapist
Sadaf F. Mayet
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Playa Vista, CA 90094
Time and again, we find ourselves in troubling patterns that make our lives feel worse, not better. We may get into one unsatisfying relationship after another, hesitate to express our needs or repeatedly fail to achieve our goals. We might struggle with a vague sense of anxiety and depression, a pervasive general dissatisfaction or a feeling that we cannot be ourselves. We try to make sense of these things, but often come up short. This is the value of exploring parts of ourselves not consciously available to us.
Time and again, we find ourselves in troubling patterns that make our lives feel worse, not better. We may get into one unsatisfying relationship after another, hesitate to express our needs or repeatedly fail to achieve our goals. We might struggle with a vague sense of anxiety and depression, a pervasive general dissatisfaction or a feeling that we cannot be ourselves. We try to make sense of these things, but often come up short. This is the value of exploring parts of ourselves not consciously available to us.
(323) 897-8396 View (323) 897-8396
Photo of Rachel Thomasian, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Rachel Thomasian
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Playa Vista, CA 90094
I have been licensed for over 10 years and have helped countless clients work through their anxiety, depression, relationship struggles and more to find a more satisfying life.
You're ready to start your journey to a better you. Whether you wish for less anxiety, more joy, relationship satisfaction or finding inner peace, I'm here to work towards it with you. You want something different, and you deserve to give yourself the gift of living a more fulfilling life.
I have been licensed for over 10 years and have helped countless clients work through their anxiety, depression, relationship struggles and more to find a more satisfying life.
You're ready to start your journey to a better you. Whether you wish for less anxiety, more joy, relationship satisfaction or finding inner peace, I'm here to work towards it with you. You want something different, and you deserve to give yourself the gift of living a more fulfilling life.
(818) 396-8465 View (818) 396-8465
Photo of Khana Lacewell, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Khana Lacewell
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Playa Vista, CA 90094  (Online Only)
Are you a woman in your 20's, 30's or 40's who is struggling with anxiety, depression, friend or dating issues, career/creative/life purpose confusion, burnout, loneliness/lack of connection, self-judgment, Imposter/Comparison Syndrome? Are you struggling to get clarity around big or small life decisions and move forward on your path, yet feel blocked, stuck or a little behind? You're definitely not alone, and I've been helping women just like you feel more comfortable in their own skin, cultivate healthy relationships, increase clarity and calm, and create healthier, happier routines so they can be their best selves.
Are you a woman in your 20's, 30's or 40's who is struggling with anxiety, depression, friend or dating issues, career/creative/life purpose confusion, burnout, loneliness/lack of connection, self-judgment, Imposter/Comparison Syndrome? Are you struggling to get clarity around big or small life decisions and move forward on your path, yet feel blocked, stuck or a little behind? You're definitely not alone, and I've been helping women just like you feel more comfortable in their own skin, cultivate healthy relationships, increase clarity and calm, and create healthier, happier routines so they can be their best selves.
(310) 927-1086 View (310) 927-1086
Photo of Marcela Rondani, MA, LMFT, CEDS, PsyD, Marriage & Family Therapist
Marcela Rondani
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, CEDS, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Playa Vista, CA 90094
I am specialized in Teens, Families, Eating Disorders, Trauma, Relationship issues, life struggles, depression, anxiety, Panic Disorder and Family Conflict.
I believe that psychotherapy can be a tool to help someone to increase their self-awareness and promote healing and reparation to the life's pain and struggles. If you would like someone on your side to the new journey of rediscovering who you are and who you want to be, that is my goal. To provide support through this new path with the objective that life will unfold with more joy and happiness.
I am specialized in Teens, Families, Eating Disorders, Trauma, Relationship issues, life struggles, depression, anxiety, Panic Disorder and Family Conflict.
I believe that psychotherapy can be a tool to help someone to increase their self-awareness and promote healing and reparation to the life's pain and struggles. If you would like someone on your side to the new journey of rediscovering who you are and who you want to be, that is my goal. To provide support through this new path with the objective that life will unfold with more joy and happiness.
(310) 933-3406 View (310) 933-3406
Photo of Richard Vishnevsky, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Richard Vishnevsky
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Playa Vista, CA 90094  (Online Only)
My speciality areas include anxiety, stress management, depression, grief, and family and relationship issues.
My main goal is for individuals to leave sessions feeling heard and capable of using their newly developed tools to make change. Whether you are coming in to address current stressors, past problems that seem to have a lasting impact, or worries about the future, I am here to help you meet your treatment goals. I work with children, adolescents, adults, families, and couples to help manage a wide range of presenting issues. Each individual comes into therapy with their own personal intentions. I hope to provide a space to address your unique needs and aspirations.
My speciality areas include anxiety, stress management, depression, grief, and family and relationship issues.
My main goal is for individuals to leave sessions feeling heard and capable of using their newly developed tools to make change. Whether you are coming in to address current stressors, past problems that seem to have a lasting impact, or worries about the future, I am here to help you meet your treatment goals. I work with children, adolescents, adults, families, and couples to help manage a wide range of presenting issues. Each individual comes into therapy with their own personal intentions. I hope to provide a space to address your unique needs and aspirations.
(310) 683-0925 View (310) 683-0925
Photo of Laura Markgraf, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Laura Markgraf
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Playa Vista, CA 90094
 In my practice, I see teens, adults, couples and families who are coping with trauma, abuse, anxiety, depression, grief, life transitions, parenting and relational issues, are victims of DV or crime or want to find more meaning in life.
Congratulations on deciding to seek support. What a great step toward meeting your health and relationship goals! Psychotherapy can help you feel more calm, joyful and connected to others, while gaining greater understanding of your inner self and healing psychic wounds.  You deserve to be heard, encouraged to express yourself, connect, grow and self actualize. Therapy can be difficult work; however, you will quickly see that relief and clarity are within your reach. With my guidance, you will make your own discoveries and decisions and maintain control over your process, keeping it exciting, safe and appropriate for you.
 In my practice, I see teens, adults, couples and families who are coping with trauma, abuse, anxiety, depression, grief, life transitions, parenting and relational issues, are victims of DV or crime or want to find more meaning in life.
Congratulations on deciding to seek support. What a great step toward meeting your health and relationship goals! Psychotherapy can help you feel more calm, joyful and connected to others, while gaining greater understanding of your inner self and healing psychic wounds.  You deserve to be heard, encouraged to express yourself, connect, grow and self actualize. Therapy can be difficult work; however, you will quickly see that relief and clarity are within your reach. With my guidance, you will make your own discoveries and decisions and maintain control over your process, keeping it exciting, safe and appropriate for you.
(310) 935-4709 View (310) 935-4709
Photo of Susanna De Mari, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Susanna De Mari
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Playa Vista, CA 90094
There are times in our lives when we may need support in navigating certain life-challenging situations or emotions. If you are struggling to feel connected, unhappy with where you are in life, often feel anxious, and experience relationship challenges; then therapy is an opportunity to take a look at potential patterns that might repeat in your life and make changes. My psychotherapy practice is primarily focused on helping people who are struggling with the effects of trauma, relationship stress, depression, anxiety, substance use and addiction. I can support you in strengthening your sense of self and healing process.
There are times in our lives when we may need support in navigating certain life-challenging situations or emotions. If you are struggling to feel connected, unhappy with where you are in life, often feel anxious, and experience relationship challenges; then therapy is an opportunity to take a look at potential patterns that might repeat in your life and make changes. My psychotherapy practice is primarily focused on helping people who are struggling with the effects of trauma, relationship stress, depression, anxiety, substance use and addiction. I can support you in strengthening your sense of self and healing process.
(310) 905-8436 View (310) 905-8436
Photo of Gayla Terzian, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Gayla Terzian
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Playa Vista, CA 90094
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 Rachel R Thomasian - Playa Vista Counseling, Marriage & Family Therapist
Playa Vista Counseling
Marriage & Family Therapist
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Playa Vista, CA 90094
Looking to create a more satisfying relationship with yourself, your partner or your family? We can help! Our team of therapists will help you identify your concerns and work together to create a path towards your goal. We work with clients who are experiencing problems concerning anxiety, depression, ADHD, relationships and trauma. Our therapists are trained in working with individuals as well as couples, using evidence based treatments such as CBT for effective therapy.
Looking to create a more satisfying relationship with yourself, your partner or your family? We can help! Our team of therapists will help you identify your concerns and work together to create a path towards your goal. We work with clients who are experiencing problems concerning anxiety, depression, ADHD, relationships and trauma. Our therapists are trained in working with individuals as well as couples, using evidence based treatments such as CBT for effective therapy.
(323) 347-3164 View (323) 347-3164

See more therapy options for Playa Vista

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.