Therapists in San Diego, CA
![Photo of Melanie Hunt, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/588afd1a-1796-4228-9ed7-78a0486b7c59/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am trained in treating depression and anxiety disorders, mood disorders, self-harm issues, stress management, anger issues, childhood trauma, as well as grief and behavioral problems.
Hello, I’m Melanie! My name is Melanie Hunt. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in San Diego; CA. I serve clients within the state of California via telehealth. I work with adults 18 years and older. I specialize in anxiety, depression, and childhood trauma utilizing therapeutic modalities such as Narrative therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and attachment theory to improve the lives of my clients.
I am trained in treating depression and anxiety disorders, mood disorders, self-harm issues, stress management, anger issues, childhood trauma, as well as grief and behavioral problems.
Hello, I’m Melanie! My name is Melanie Hunt. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in San Diego; CA. I serve clients within the state of California via telehealth. I work with adults 18 years and older. I specialize in anxiety, depression, and childhood trauma utilizing therapeutic modalities such as Narrative therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and attachment theory to improve the lives of my clients.
![Photo of Lizette Lopez, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c7f78793-7b87-457b-a2af-bb244a6964d2/2/320x400.jpeg)
I typically work with people of color ages 12 and up. Topics include depression, anxiety, life transitions, trauma, interpersonal conflict, and cultural stressors.
I typically work with people of color ages 12 and up. Topics include depression, anxiety, life transitions, trauma, interpersonal conflict, and cultural stressors.
![Photo of Esau Valdez, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d4eb4b82-b109-4303-9fdb-6b30123b3c49/2/320x400.jpeg)
Esau Valdez is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California who has been practicing since 2022. He has an MA in Psychology from Brandman University. Esau helps in reducing and eliminating these symptoms that have impacted functioning for the individual by providing a welcoming and safe environment where the individual can talk about their problems without judgment, shame, or guilt. Esau has worked and works with people who experience depression, anxiety, social anxiety, grief, loss, work stress, and various family issues.
Esau Valdez is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California who has been practicing since 2022. He has an MA in Psychology from Brandman University. Esau helps in reducing and eliminating these symptoms that have impacted functioning for the individual by providing a welcoming and safe environment where the individual can talk about their problems without judgment, shame, or guilt. Esau has worked and works with people who experience depression, anxiety, social anxiety, grief, loss, work stress, and various family issues.
![Photo of Jeongmi Moon, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a97cf141-48e2-429b-9b68-c9fc9d863a4b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Depression, Anxiety, Women's Issues; Menopause, Postpartum/Prenatal/reproductive issues, Cultural Issues(Immigration), Loss and Grief, Anger Issues, Family issues, Occupational issues, school issues, ADHD, LGBTQAI+ issues.
Dr. Moon is a compassionate psychologist dedicated to fostering mental well-being. She creates a warm and inclusive therapeutic environment, ensuring effective communication with diverse clients. With a wealth of experience in addressing various psychological challenges, Dr. Moon is committed to guiding individuals on their journey to emotional resilience and personal growth.
Depression, Anxiety, Women's Issues; Menopause, Postpartum/Prenatal/reproductive issues, Cultural Issues(Immigration), Loss and Grief, Anger Issues, Family issues, Occupational issues, school issues, ADHD, LGBTQAI+ issues.
Dr. Moon is a compassionate psychologist dedicated to fostering mental well-being. She creates a warm and inclusive therapeutic environment, ensuring effective communication with diverse clients. With a wealth of experience in addressing various psychological challenges, Dr. Moon is committed to guiding individuals on their journey to emotional resilience and personal growth.
![Photo of Celia Cruz-Elmassian Lcsw, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4b1a9cd3-09c8-44f5-adb7-0e3d4823a5d3/1/320x400.jpeg)
Celia Cruz-Elmassian Lcsw
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92111
Addressing depression and anxiety can be intimidating, but my person centered and mindful approach focuses on helping clients towards a state of acceptance - towards themselves, others, and life situation, which is often the springboard toward taking committed action to thrive in a way that is consistent with your values.
You try to put on a brave face, but you've been struggling for a while. Balancing the many demands of life - work, relationships, school, stressful surprises - can feel overwhelming for everyone and it can impact our ability to function in the healthiest of ways. You know you have to try to keep that brave face on and try to be "happy" but you're not even sure what happy means anymore. You need to figure out how to live your own best life, and not everyone else's
Addressing depression and anxiety can be intimidating, but my person centered and mindful approach focuses on helping clients towards a state of acceptance - towards themselves, others, and life situation, which is often the springboard toward taking committed action to thrive in a way that is consistent with your values.
You try to put on a brave face, but you've been struggling for a while. Balancing the many demands of life - work, relationships, school, stressful surprises - can feel overwhelming for everyone and it can impact our ability to function in the healthiest of ways. You know you have to try to keep that brave face on and try to be "happy" but you're not even sure what happy means anymore. You need to figure out how to live your own best life, and not everyone else's
![Photo of Dr. Araceli López-Arenas, PhD, MPH, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e6e2f129-6968-4d0a-bb3a-52a33ab90faf/4/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Araceli López-Arenas
Psychologist, PhD, MPH
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92103 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I specialize in addressing several issues including life transitions, career, anxiety, depression, substance use, & trauma/PTSD.
Hi and welcome! I want to congratulate you for taking the first step in recognizing that you may need support in the areas that you are struggling with. Step two is finding a provider that you feel comfortable working with. You are likely resilient AF, find that you are in need of support, and probably take care of others, but who takes care of you? This is a place to be taken care of when you care for the rest of the world. If you are motivated to make changes in your life, then let’s schedule a phone consult to determine if you would like to start working with me.
I specialize in addressing several issues including life transitions, career, anxiety, depression, substance use, & trauma/PTSD.
Hi and welcome! I want to congratulate you for taking the first step in recognizing that you may need support in the areas that you are struggling with. Step two is finding a provider that you feel comfortable working with. You are likely resilient AF, find that you are in need of support, and probably take care of others, but who takes care of you? This is a place to be taken care of when you care for the rest of the world. If you are motivated to make changes in your life, then let’s schedule a phone consult to determine if you would like to start working with me.
![Photo of Sol Durso, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c15f72c-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I work with individuals, couples and families from different cultural backgrounds dealing with a wide range of challenges including depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship issues, substance abuse and life transitions.
My treatment approach is collaborative working with clients to discover the most helpful ways to talk about and solve their problems. I employ a Narrative and Solution Focus approach where the client is the expert on their experiences and my role is to guide through questions, suggestions and specific practices. The goal is to support you as you reconnect to your values, skills and preferences in life including people you consider family and community. We will decide if individual, couples or family therapy is best for you. You can invite others to treatment. I also collaborate with other professionals to support you and your family.
I work with individuals, couples and families from different cultural backgrounds dealing with a wide range of challenges including depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship issues, substance abuse and life transitions.
My treatment approach is collaborative working with clients to discover the most helpful ways to talk about and solve their problems. I employ a Narrative and Solution Focus approach where the client is the expert on their experiences and my role is to guide through questions, suggestions and specific practices. The goal is to support you as you reconnect to your values, skills and preferences in life including people you consider family and community. We will decide if individual, couples or family therapy is best for you. You can invite others to treatment. I also collaborate with other professionals to support you and your family.
![Photo of Marjorie Manuel, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f3f210f9-c5a0-4491-9f35-ba5be398deea/1/320x400.png)
Marjorie Manuel
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92113
My name is Marjorie Manuel, LCSW practicing in the state of California. I am very big on rapport building and involving the clients in driving their own treatments, which include active participation in goal setting and working on realistic expectations in therapy. My background experiences were focused on depression, anxiety, stress, counseling, mental health illness, substance use, grief, and military.
My name is Marjorie Manuel, LCSW practicing in the state of California. I am very big on rapport building and involving the clients in driving their own treatments, which include active participation in goal setting and working on realistic expectations in therapy. My background experiences were focused on depression, anxiety, stress, counseling, mental health illness, substance use, grief, and military.
![Photo of Sasha Sandles-Palmer, MA, LPCC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6e32b8fa-0a56-4f7e-a5e4-ff70119a0022/4/320x400.jpeg)
This allows Sasha to address anxiety, depression, trauma, self worth, perfectionism, relationship issues, IBD/IBS, career counseling, grief and loss issues.
Does fear, trauma, or anxiety interfere with living your life? Do you feel uncertain about the direction your life or relationships are drifting? Or do you wonder how to assert yourself more in your relationships? If the answer is yes, you are not alone. Life is filled with the unexpected and the best we can do is to find solutions. But it is often not simple to act on or even know what solutions exist. Our fears, anxieties, traumas, and other emotional blocks diminish motivation and confidence to take action. This makes a self-reflective examination of what is necessary to support the growth of what is possible.
This allows Sasha to address anxiety, depression, trauma, self worth, perfectionism, relationship issues, IBD/IBS, career counseling, grief and loss issues.
Does fear, trauma, or anxiety interfere with living your life? Do you feel uncertain about the direction your life or relationships are drifting? Or do you wonder how to assert yourself more in your relationships? If the answer is yes, you are not alone. Life is filled with the unexpected and the best we can do is to find solutions. But it is often not simple to act on or even know what solutions exist. Our fears, anxieties, traumas, and other emotional blocks diminish motivation and confidence to take action. This makes a self-reflective examination of what is necessary to support the growth of what is possible.
![Photo of Julie Lynn Paavola, MA, LPCC, LMHC, ATR-BC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bafd8c4d-adc9-4da1-94b8-a124eb25e3ff/2/320x400.jpeg)
Julie Lynn Paavola
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MA, LPCC, LMHC, ATR-BC
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92121
I also use EMDR for trauma, CBT to address depression and exposure therapy for OCD.
Welcome to Creative Endeavors! I am here to support you in finding the healing potential within yourself. Just as our bodies heal from a cut, under the right conditions our psyche/soul can heal and thrive. It requires us to work together to foster meaning, purpose and new life through therapy which I call a "creative endeavor." Together we can form a compassionate partnership to explore who you are, your goals, hopes and dreams, in a safe, non-judgmental space.
I also use EMDR for trauma, CBT to address depression and exposure therapy for OCD.
Welcome to Creative Endeavors! I am here to support you in finding the healing potential within yourself. Just as our bodies heal from a cut, under the right conditions our psyche/soul can heal and thrive. It requires us to work together to foster meaning, purpose and new life through therapy which I call a "creative endeavor." Together we can form a compassionate partnership to explore who you are, your goals, hopes and dreams, in a safe, non-judgmental space.
![Photo of Skyler White, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4b7e34d8-50db-4cb6-9399-794fafc674d7/2/320x400.jpeg)
It is possible to create lasting change and build the life you want for yourself. In today’s on-the-go culture, it’s easy to feel swept up in the current of productivity and success, leaving little room to slow down, replenish, and heal. This often results in overwhelming stress, anxiety, or depression that interferes with holistic wellness, happiness, and experience of being. With compassion, curiosity, and a non-judgmental approach, I can help you develop skills to ride the tides of your emotional waves instead of being swept into the storm that brews when attempting to numb, avoid, repress, or deny feelings.
It is possible to create lasting change and build the life you want for yourself. In today’s on-the-go culture, it’s easy to feel swept up in the current of productivity and success, leaving little room to slow down, replenish, and heal. This often results in overwhelming stress, anxiety, or depression that interferes with holistic wellness, happiness, and experience of being. With compassion, curiosity, and a non-judgmental approach, I can help you develop skills to ride the tides of your emotional waves instead of being swept into the storm that brews when attempting to numb, avoid, repress, or deny feelings.
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![Photo of Jessica A. Lopez, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/84a7bce4-8915-484f-af09-bcd9c3b1f563/3/320x400.jpeg)
Jessica A. Lopez
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92108 (Online Only)
Together, we will uncover insights into your life goals, relationships, & friendships, addressing the core issues contributing to your anxiety or depression.
Are you feeling anxious or depressed because of work, a relationship, or your adult relationship with your parents? Do you want deeper connections or want to explore your attachment style? I'm Jessica, and I'm here to support you. I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, also known as a connection reviver & hope restorer. As a Native American woman & transplant to San Diego, I believe we are capable of change. I specialize in helping individuals like you navigate the complexities of modern living, offering tailored support to address anxiety & depression, and guide you toward feeling better in yourself & in your relationships.
Together, we will uncover insights into your life goals, relationships, & friendships, addressing the core issues contributing to your anxiety or depression.
Are you feeling anxious or depressed because of work, a relationship, or your adult relationship with your parents? Do you want deeper connections or want to explore your attachment style? I'm Jessica, and I'm here to support you. I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, also known as a connection reviver & hope restorer. As a Native American woman & transplant to San Diego, I believe we are capable of change. I specialize in helping individuals like you navigate the complexities of modern living, offering tailored support to address anxiety & depression, and guide you toward feeling better in yourself & in your relationships.
![Photo of Dr. Tahirih Moffett, PsyD, MSSW, BSN, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6336d77f-1220-4cd8-a4ad-bada004c292d/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Tahirih Moffett
Psychologist, PsyD, MSSW, BSN
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92103 (Online Only)
Let’s say it – life can be hard! It takes courage to ask for help and I’m here to help you develop greater self-understanding and cope with your concerns better. Family and relationship problems, microaggressions/discriminations, financial stress, work and academic demands can sometimes feel overwhelming. Unmanaged self-critical thoughts and rejection of our natural emotions make it worse and can lead to depression and excess anxiety. You may find that the coping strategies you’ve used in the past are no longer working for you. Well, I am here to help support your journey towards building the sort of life you want.
Let’s say it – life can be hard! It takes courage to ask for help and I’m here to help you develop greater self-understanding and cope with your concerns better. Family and relationship problems, microaggressions/discriminations, financial stress, work and academic demands can sometimes feel overwhelming. Unmanaged self-critical thoughts and rejection of our natural emotions make it worse and can lead to depression and excess anxiety. You may find that the coping strategies you’ve used in the past are no longer working for you. Well, I am here to help support your journey towards building the sort of life you want.
![Photo of Sarah Mace, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/dbfee17b-b09f-4a5c-a826-5fee084692ce/1/320x400.jpeg)
Sarah Mace
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92102 (Online Only)
Hi there! I am passionate about creating a safe space for you to work through grief and loss, anxiety, depression, codependency, women's issues, and life transitions such as divorce. Together, we will use evidence-based modalities to support your goals so you can feel better and live a life that is aligned with what is important to you. Therapy is a process and I make it a point to provide education and support every step of the way.
Hi there! I am passionate about creating a safe space for you to work through grief and loss, anxiety, depression, codependency, women's issues, and life transitions such as divorce. Together, we will use evidence-based modalities to support your goals so you can feel better and live a life that is aligned with what is important to you. Therapy is a process and I make it a point to provide education and support every step of the way.
![Photo of Jen Leone - Jennifer Leone, LMFT #14433, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8402a657-8d0f-4a54-b7a2-8729d2ba06cb/1/320x400.png)
Jennifer Leone, LMFT #14433
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92116 (Online Only)
I work with professional adults experiencing anxiety, depression, life transitions, grief issues, and relational conflict/recovery. You must be ready to work to make deep, lasting changes - I help you use your own strengths while teaching you new skills to manage unhelpful habits. If you are coming to therapy to create a deeper, more meaningful existence, I can assist in eliciting the best in you.
I work with professional adults experiencing anxiety, depression, life transitions, grief issues, and relational conflict/recovery. You must be ready to work to make deep, lasting changes - I help you use your own strengths while teaching you new skills to manage unhelpful habits. If you are coming to therapy to create a deeper, more meaningful existence, I can assist in eliciting the best in you.
![Photo of Tess Owens, LMFT, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6a37ffd2-c028-44e0-ba86-223015b3a02b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Qualified to provide individual and family therapy. I have gained an in-depth understanding and passion for relational and family systems, trauma-informed care and experiential interventions. I am an empathic and insightful therapist with a talent for empowering clients towards positive growth. I have a successful history of achievement in academic, training and work experiences. Trained in assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning and providing psychotherapy to adults & adolescents with a wide variety of presenting problems including, depression, anxiety, trauma, dual diagnosis, self esteem, identity, relapse and addiction.
Qualified to provide individual and family therapy. I have gained an in-depth understanding and passion for relational and family systems, trauma-informed care and experiential interventions. I am an empathic and insightful therapist with a talent for empowering clients towards positive growth. I have a successful history of achievement in academic, training and work experiences. Trained in assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning and providing psychotherapy to adults & adolescents with a wide variety of presenting problems including, depression, anxiety, trauma, dual diagnosis, self esteem, identity, relapse and addiction.
![Photo of Dr. Dominic J. DiMaggio, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/731a4eba-e0d9-4d79-b80a-d996bd198f29/1/320x400.jpeg)
I specialize in adult individual psychotherapy. I have worked in multiple outpatient treatment facilities, including community mental health, public high school, federal career training facility, and university counseling centers. I am interested in and have experience in the treatment of anxiety, depression, eating disorders, trauma, emotion regulation, and relationship difficulties. I enjoy providing mental health services to the San Diego community, where there are many people with diverse life experiences.
I specialize in adult individual psychotherapy. I have worked in multiple outpatient treatment facilities, including community mental health, public high school, federal career training facility, and university counseling centers. I am interested in and have experience in the treatment of anxiety, depression, eating disorders, trauma, emotion regulation, and relationship difficulties. I enjoy providing mental health services to the San Diego community, where there are many people with diverse life experiences.
![Photo of Mona Klausing - NISD Counseling, AMFT, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c0db2e12-b80d-497c-a9ad-3ce6cb6826ec/1/320x400.jpeg)
NISD Counseling
Marriage & Family Therapist, AMFT, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92103
Some of the issues that can be discussed in therapy include: depression, anxiety, stress, health conditions, relationships, gender identity, pregnancy and abortion, work challenges, eating issues, body image, parent-child concerns, trauma, grief and loss, major life transitions as well as hopes and aspirations for the future.
NISD Counseling is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide access to affordable individual, couples, family, and group therapy services to clients of diverse abilities, cultures, genders, religions, sexual orientations and documentation statuses. Our clients come from all walks of life, some are new to therapy while many are familiar with therapy but want to try a different approach where their strengths and values will be centered. We provide a confidential space to discuss challenges as well as opportunities. Ask about our 5-session Relational Therapy package for $100 total with our MFT Graduate Student therapists.
Some of the issues that can be discussed in therapy include: depression, anxiety, stress, health conditions, relationships, gender identity, pregnancy and abortion, work challenges, eating issues, body image, parent-child concerns, trauma, grief and loss, major life transitions as well as hopes and aspirations for the future.
NISD Counseling is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide access to affordable individual, couples, family, and group therapy services to clients of diverse abilities, cultures, genders, religions, sexual orientations and documentation statuses. Our clients come from all walks of life, some are new to therapy while many are familiar with therapy but want to try a different approach where their strengths and values will be centered. We provide a confidential space to discuss challenges as well as opportunities. Ask about our 5-session Relational Therapy package for $100 total with our MFT Graduate Student therapists.
![Photo of Julia Kamp, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/963ed5b4-9b09-483e-a044-243eede5265c/1/320x400.jpeg)
Ready to begin your journey of self-discovery and healing? Are you tired of emotionally suffering or staying stuck in old patterns? I am here to help you by providing support and building skills through tele-mental health services. I have over 10 years of experience with both military and civilians working with individuals, couples, families, and children struggling with trauma, stress, depression, anxiety, relationship stress, parenting issues, anger management, and much more.
Ready to begin your journey of self-discovery and healing? Are you tired of emotionally suffering or staying stuck in old patterns? I am here to help you by providing support and building skills through tele-mental health services. I have over 10 years of experience with both military and civilians working with individuals, couples, families, and children struggling with trauma, stress, depression, anxiety, relationship stress, parenting issues, anger management, and much more.
![Photo of Shena Crowe, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/43e14d76-f5e4-44e0-8805-cc814d4edcf6/2/320x400.jpeg)
My whole-person approach to care has helped my clients safeguard their health, work through trauma, manage stress, anxiety, depression and much more.
Hello, my name is Shena and I am a Licensed Mental Health Practitioner who has had the pleasure of working in public and private sector behavioral health which has provided me with a germane of experience working with individuals, children, and families. In my experience, I learned quickly that people who struggled with internal challenges were either confronted with familial shame or cultural stigma which made asking for help very difficult or non-existent which left many to struggle in silence. For these reasons, I have made it my life’s mission to advocate for and help individuals who may not have the support they need.
My whole-person approach to care has helped my clients safeguard their health, work through trauma, manage stress, anxiety, depression and much more.
Hello, my name is Shena and I am a Licensed Mental Health Practitioner who has had the pleasure of working in public and private sector behavioral health which has provided me with a germane of experience working with individuals, children, and families. In my experience, I learned quickly that people who struggled with internal challenges were either confronted with familial shame or cultural stigma which made asking for help very difficult or non-existent which left many to struggle in silence. For these reasons, I have made it my life’s mission to advocate for and help individuals who may not have the support they need.
See more therapy options for San Diego
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.