Depression Therapists in Playa Vista, CA
![Photo of Sara Mehrabani, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/406eafb6-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
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.
![Photo of Becky White, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/deebb7a9-b83a-4f00-b8e2-341b12b6cf3e/2/320x400.jpeg)
Becky White
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
4 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!
![Photo of Erin Bishop - Erin Bishop JD MFT, JD, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7d258c5d-4ba9-4b04-8c65-3f2d462aae70/2/320x400.jpeg)
Erin Bishop JD MFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, JD, MFT
Verified Verified
3 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.
![Photo of Amber Lopez Molnar, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/451aad25-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
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.
![Photo of Noel Joy Plourde, PhD, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4289c52e-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
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.
![Photo of Mike Endes, LMFT, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c4050ff1-45f3-4246-bacf-421df8d3172d/1/320x400.jpeg)
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.
![Photo of Dr. Jordyn Trockman, MA, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5418f100-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
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.
![Photo of Amanda Pantaleón, LMFT, MA, BS, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6f22ca02-e766-4dee-ba5e-79a81ab82590/2/320x400.jpeg)
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.
![Photo of Sarah Musich, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c217caad-1362-4849-9b32-741de1f40db5/2/320x400.jpeg)
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.
![Photo of Cristina Wood, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/960fef53-dfc6-474a-9619-2ef8748f4c8d/1/320x400.png)
Cristina Wood
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Playa Vista, CA 90094 (Online Only)
I can help you overcome stress, anxiety, trauma, depression, life transitions, and relationship issues.
You are constantly battling with your negative thoughts. The weight of PTSD, severe anxiety, and panic is an immense burden, one that shapes every moment of your day. Each thought that crosses your mind seems to carry a sharp edge, cutting into your peace and leaving you raw and exposed. You’ve spent so much time fighting against your anxiety, trying to suppress it, hide it, or force it away. This internal war has only amplified your suffering, creating a vicious cycle where the harder you push back, the stronger it seems to become. It's exhausting, isn’t it?
I can help you overcome stress, anxiety, trauma, depression, life transitions, and relationship issues.
You are constantly battling with your negative thoughts. The weight of PTSD, severe anxiety, and panic is an immense burden, one that shapes every moment of your day. Each thought that crosses your mind seems to carry a sharp edge, cutting into your peace and leaving you raw and exposed. You’ve spent so much time fighting against your anxiety, trying to suppress it, hide it, or force it away. This internal war has only amplified your suffering, creating a vicious cycle where the harder you push back, the stronger it seems to become. It's exhausting, isn’t it?
![Photo of Rachel Thomasian, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0984cf0f-5998-4d1a-9c65-727a4336991e/1/320x400.jpeg)
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.
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![Photo of Khana Lacewell, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4f2fbaf5-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
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.
![Photo of Laura Markgraf, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4b519bed-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
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.
![Photo of Marcela Rondani, MA, LMFT, CEDS, PsyD, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3ca4239e-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
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.
![Photo of Richard Vishnevsky, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4486f989-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
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.
![Photo of Susanna De Mari, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f8ea900-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
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.
![Photo of Gayla Terzian, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/03f0c636-3c4c-4f55-97a0-0f633f8280de/1/320x400.jpeg)
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.
![Photo of Samantha Lin Lewis, MA, LPCC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4f610d5a-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Samantha Lin Lewis
Counselor, MA, LPCC
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Playa Vista, CA 90094
Waitlist for new clients
I specialize in trauma recovery, relationship issues, anxiety, and depression.
My approach is grounded in the belief that each person has the innate capacity to heal, grow, and access inner resources to change. My role as your therapist is to create a safe space for your healing and change to unfold, and to help you address barriers that prevent you from living life fully. I have witnessed that when we experience growth and healing, we are able to engage in life more authentically, experiencing more joy and less suffering.
I specialize in trauma recovery, relationship issues, anxiety, and depression.
My approach is grounded in the belief that each person has the innate capacity to heal, grow, and access inner resources to change. My role as your therapist is to create a safe space for your healing and change to unfold, and to help you address barriers that prevent you from living life fully. I have witnessed that when we experience growth and healing, we are able to engage in life more authentically, experiencing more joy and less suffering.
![Photo of Rachel R Thomasian - Playa Vista Counseling, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0a87202d-3a8c-44fe-bf98-8d713a445933/2/320x400.jpeg)
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.
![Photo of Yael Sherne, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8be78a6c-5581-4fa5-8559-68ba67de1fc6/1/320x400.jpeg)
Yael Sherne
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Playa Vista, CA 90094
You were so excited to start building your family, but things aren't going the way you expected. You're feeling overwhelmed and anxious, weighed down by the stress, struggling to manage the uncertainty. Whether you are facing the heartbreak of infertility or miscarriage, experiencing anxiety and depression during pregnancy or postpartum, or lacking confidence as a new parent, therapy with me can help. I'll help you gain insight into your patterns, improve how you handle stress and setbacks, and strengthen your relationship - even amidst the challenges this time brings.
You were so excited to start building your family, but things aren't going the way you expected. You're feeling overwhelmed and anxious, weighed down by the stress, struggling to manage the uncertainty. Whether you are facing the heartbreak of infertility or miscarriage, experiencing anxiety and depression during pregnancy or postpartum, or lacking confidence as a new parent, therapy with me can help. I'll help you gain insight into your patterns, improve how you handle stress and setbacks, and strengthen your relationship - even amidst the challenges this time brings.
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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.