Depression Therapists in South Pasadena, CA

Photo of Kristina Rim Bartek, MA, LMFT, ATR, Marriage & Family Therapist
Kristina Rim Bartek
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, ATR
Verified Verified
South Pasadena, CA 91030  (Online Only)
I have worked extensively with people who have endured traumatic and adverse life experiences, and those struggling with symptoms of anxiety, depression and PTSD/stressor-related.
Every person has inherent creativity and a capacity to thrive. My role is to help connect you to your existing strengths and to help you try out new tools. When words are not enough, we can turn to more creative processes. Art therapy and EMDR are modalities that engage the body and mind, what we feel and think. Both modalities help us not only think differently, but also feel something new and healing.
I have worked extensively with people who have endured traumatic and adverse life experiences, and those struggling with symptoms of anxiety, depression and PTSD/stressor-related.
Every person has inherent creativity and a capacity to thrive. My role is to help connect you to your existing strengths and to help you try out new tools. When words are not enough, we can turn to more creative processes. Art therapy and EMDR are modalities that engage the body and mind, what we feel and think. Both modalities help us not only think differently, but also feel something new and healing.
(626) 790-8221 View (626) 790-8221
Photo of Dr. Tim Catalfo, PsyD
Dr. Tim Catalfo
Registered Psychological Associate, PsyD
Verified Verified
South Pasadena, CA 91030
Confronting the secrets we can barely tell ourselves is difficult, and I am here to help you take the first step. Whether you are struggling with a debilitating depression or if you feel immobilized by anxiety, I aim to provide a space that can facilitate symptom relief. I work with individuals suffering from range of conditions. These include depression, anxiety, trauma, disordered eating, and relational difficulties.
Confronting the secrets we can barely tell ourselves is difficult, and I am here to help you take the first step. Whether you are struggling with a debilitating depression or if you feel immobilized by anxiety, I aim to provide a space that can facilitate symptom relief. I work with individuals suffering from range of conditions. These include depression, anxiety, trauma, disordered eating, and relational difficulties.
(323) 688-3648 View (323) 688-3648
Photo of Karen Levine - Karen Levine Ph.D. Teletherapy Services, PhD, Psychologist
Karen Levine Ph.D. Teletherapy Services
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
South Pasadena, CA 91030  (Online Only)
I am trained in a range of therapies but do not use a one-size-fits-all approach to treatment. I work with clients on challenges related to depression, anxiety, loss, adjustment to life changes, trauma, and family dynamics. Your voice and story are important. My goal is for you to not only feel like you have been listened to, but really heard.
I am trained in a range of therapies but do not use a one-size-fits-all approach to treatment. I work with clients on challenges related to depression, anxiety, loss, adjustment to life changes, trauma, and family dynamics. Your voice and story are important. My goal is for you to not only feel like you have been listened to, but really heard.
(323) 716-1404 View (323) 716-1404
Photo of Heather R Halpern, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Heather R Halpern
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
South Pasadena, CA 91030
In a comfortable and supportive atmosphere, I have helped more than 5,500 clients in the last 30 years. I am dedicated to helping men, women, couples, children, and families achieve greater well-being and success. I am gentle, focused, and direct in helping people successfully resolve: Signs or Symptoms of Depression or Anxiety, Life stressors such as Family and Work Problems, Grief, Loss, Marital Distress or Divorce, Parenting, Child and Adolescent Issues, Health Related Adjustment Issues, Post Traumatic Stress.
In a comfortable and supportive atmosphere, I have helped more than 5,500 clients in the last 30 years. I am dedicated to helping men, women, couples, children, and families achieve greater well-being and success. I am gentle, focused, and direct in helping people successfully resolve: Signs or Symptoms of Depression or Anxiety, Life stressors such as Family and Work Problems, Grief, Loss, Marital Distress or Divorce, Parenting, Child and Adolescent Issues, Health Related Adjustment Issues, Post Traumatic Stress.
(626) 935-9961 View (626) 935-9961
Photo of Tana J DeSouza, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Tana J DeSouza
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
South Pasadena, CA 91030  (Online Only)
I specialize in working with people dealing with stress, anxiety and depression or who want to strengthen their relationships (infidelity, improving communication or intimacy issues).
All therapy sessions are held virtually. For more information visit Tana DeSouza.com. I Have been working in the community for over 20 years. My clients are individual adults and couples often experiencing depression, anxiety, work or life stress, and relationship challenges. I am LGBTQ+ affirming. As a therapist, I am very interactive, warm, nonjudgmental and confident in my abilities. I often say that the most courageous people I have ever met are the ones who walk through my office door. Asking for help in a time of need takes great strength and vulnerability. (You can find me on Instagram & TikTok @tanadoestherapy).
I specialize in working with people dealing with stress, anxiety and depression or who want to strengthen their relationships (infidelity, improving communication or intimacy issues).
All therapy sessions are held virtually. For more information visit Tana DeSouza.com. I Have been working in the community for over 20 years. My clients are individual adults and couples often experiencing depression, anxiety, work or life stress, and relationship challenges. I am LGBTQ+ affirming. As a therapist, I am very interactive, warm, nonjudgmental and confident in my abilities. I often say that the most courageous people I have ever met are the ones who walk through my office door. Asking for help in a time of need takes great strength and vulnerability. (You can find me on Instagram & TikTok @tanadoestherapy).
(626) 319-7028 View (626) 319-7028
Photo of Molly Burrets, PhD, Psychologist
Molly Burrets
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
South Pasadena, CA 91030
I have spent my career helping couples and individuals build healthier relationships and work on common painful issues, including: infidelity, trauma, transition to parenthood, perinatal and reproductive health concerns, sexual problems, difficulty communicating, sexual abuse, anxiety, and depression. Many of my clients are high achieving professionals in entertainment, art, law, finance, medicine, and sport that have challenges juggling identities at work, at home, or in love. I am also an Adjunct Professor at the University of Southern California in the Marriage and Family Therapy Program.
I have spent my career helping couples and individuals build healthier relationships and work on common painful issues, including: infidelity, trauma, transition to parenthood, perinatal and reproductive health concerns, sexual problems, difficulty communicating, sexual abuse, anxiety, and depression. Many of my clients are high achieving professionals in entertainment, art, law, finance, medicine, and sport that have challenges juggling identities at work, at home, or in love. I am also an Adjunct Professor at the University of Southern California in the Marriage and Family Therapy Program.
(626) 314-5980 View (626) 314-5980
Photo of Ericka Logan Moreno, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Ericka Logan Moreno
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
South Pasadena, CA 91030
Together, we’ll work to tame the anxiety and depression that cripple you and explore life events that have altered the way you experience the world.
You’re drowning. The waves of life are crashing down hard and they just keep coming. You thought things would be different by now. That you’d be happy, confident, and content with life, but instead you’re struggling. Struggling to find motivation to face the day, to have time and energy to put into your relationships and family, and feeling like nothing you do is ever good enough.
Together, we’ll work to tame the anxiety and depression that cripple you and explore life events that have altered the way you experience the world.
You’re drowning. The waves of life are crashing down hard and they just keep coming. You thought things would be different by now. That you’d be happy, confident, and content with life, but instead you’re struggling. Struggling to find motivation to face the day, to have time and energy to put into your relationships and family, and feeling like nothing you do is ever good enough.
(323) 366-3891 View (323) 366-3891
Photo of Ricardo Robles, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Ricardo Robles
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
South Pasadena, CA 91030  (Online Only)
Book with me now by clicking on my website. Most of my clients are young professionals or college and high school students who want to do in-depth, transformative therapy. I enjoy helping people who wish to heal from past trauma or loss, depression, anxiety, or substance abuse. I believe therapy serves as a way of liberating ourselves from problems and wounds of the past so that we can go out into the world to relate and live in newer, more meaningful, ways.
Book with me now by clicking on my website. Most of my clients are young professionals or college and high school students who want to do in-depth, transformative therapy. I enjoy helping people who wish to heal from past trauma or loss, depression, anxiety, or substance abuse. I believe therapy serves as a way of liberating ourselves from problems and wounds of the past so that we can go out into the world to relate and live in newer, more meaningful, ways.
(626) 498-1293 View (626) 498-1293
Photo of Carlo Diaz, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Carlo Diaz
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
South Pasadena, CA 91030
I have helped people with a wide range of issues including anxiety, depression, relationship problems, and childhood issues, among others.
I believe therapy to be a safe place where someone who is in need of help can be heard free of judgment. One of the main keys of therapy is working together on eliminating behaviors and belief patterns that do not help you grow as a person. By using various approaches that are tailored to your needs, therapy will assist in the development of tools and skills, which will help support personal growth. (Mi lengua materna es el español si le es mas agusto comunicarse asi).
I have helped people with a wide range of issues including anxiety, depression, relationship problems, and childhood issues, among others.
I believe therapy to be a safe place where someone who is in need of help can be heard free of judgment. One of the main keys of therapy is working together on eliminating behaviors and belief patterns that do not help you grow as a person. By using various approaches that are tailored to your needs, therapy will assist in the development of tools and skills, which will help support personal growth. (Mi lengua materna es el español si le es mas agusto comunicarse asi).
(626) 400-6159 View (626) 400-6159
Photo of Mila Renken, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Mila Renken
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
South Pasadena, CA 91030
I specialize in helping people with depression, anxiety, trauma, PTSD, stress management, ADD, family conflict, and managing life transitions.
These are difficult times & it is normal to feel anxious and out of control. I would like provide support and encouragement as you navigate your experience and feelings. I’ll listen carefully to you and provide a warm environment where you can feel safe exploring your concerns without judgement. I use an integrative therapeutic approach and will customize your treatment focusing on your individual needs using a variety of modalities. Tele-therapy is a regular part of my therapy practice, and I am confident that we can create an environment that feels comfortable for you. Be safe and I hope to hear from you.
I specialize in helping people with depression, anxiety, trauma, PTSD, stress management, ADD, family conflict, and managing life transitions.
These are difficult times & it is normal to feel anxious and out of control. I would like provide support and encouragement as you navigate your experience and feelings. I’ll listen carefully to you and provide a warm environment where you can feel safe exploring your concerns without judgement. I use an integrative therapeutic approach and will customize your treatment focusing on your individual needs using a variety of modalities. Tele-therapy is a regular part of my therapy practice, and I am confident that we can create an environment that feels comfortable for you. Be safe and I hope to hear from you.
(626) 346-2994 View (626) 346-2994
Photo of Camila Webb, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Camila Webb
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
South Pasadena, CA 91030
I support individuals, couples and families through experiences of depression, trauma, anxiety, negative self-image, relationship challenges, transitions and other life challenges. My work incorporates training in modalities such as Emotionally Focused Therapy and Attachment-Based Family Therapy that are particularly helpful for couples and families in distress and seeking greater connection. I have also studied personally through a concentrated learning experience with Bessel van der Kolk (Body Keeps the Score) that informs a trauma-informed and depathologizing lens.
I support individuals, couples and families through experiences of depression, trauma, anxiety, negative self-image, relationship challenges, transitions and other life challenges. My work incorporates training in modalities such as Emotionally Focused Therapy and Attachment-Based Family Therapy that are particularly helpful for couples and families in distress and seeking greater connection. I have also studied personally through a concentrated learning experience with Bessel van der Kolk (Body Keeps the Score) that informs a trauma-informed and depathologizing lens.
(323) 990-7095 View (323) 990-7095
Photo of Vanessa Bellafiore, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Vanessa Bellafiore
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
South Pasadena, CA 91030
I work with clients who are experiencing anxiety, depression, addiction, trauma/PTSD, grief and loss, relationship issues, co-dependency, low self-esteem, life transitions, as well as those who are simply seeking greater self-awareness and insight.
I am an active, engaged, and compassionate therapist who tailors therapy toward your individual needs. My approach to psychotherapy is non-judgmental, empathetic, and holistic, focusing on you as a unique, complex, and dynamic individual. As a licensed marriage and family therapist (125563), I work avidly to help you in your process of healing, transformation, and self-discovery. I believe we heal in relationship to others, including the safe and unique relationship with our therapist. Collaboratively we will find solutions and healing, while holding space and welcoming all of the feelings that may arise together.
I work with clients who are experiencing anxiety, depression, addiction, trauma/PTSD, grief and loss, relationship issues, co-dependency, low self-esteem, life transitions, as well as those who are simply seeking greater self-awareness and insight.
I am an active, engaged, and compassionate therapist who tailors therapy toward your individual needs. My approach to psychotherapy is non-judgmental, empathetic, and holistic, focusing on you as a unique, complex, and dynamic individual. As a licensed marriage and family therapist (125563), I work avidly to help you in your process of healing, transformation, and self-discovery. I believe we heal in relationship to others, including the safe and unique relationship with our therapist. Collaboratively we will find solutions and healing, while holding space and welcoming all of the feelings that may arise together.
(323) 870-9746 View (323) 870-9746
Photo of Sophia Kong, PhD, Psychologist
Sophia Kong
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
South Pasadena, CA 91030
Family conflicts and understanding your child or teen can be frustrating, but with the right help and support, understanding your child or teen can be a wonderful experience. I've been working with children and adolescents for over 15 years. I love working with children and adolescents, because I struggled during those years, myself, and would have benefited from someone helping me to understand the various emotional struggles a child or teen goes through. I specialize in working with individuals living with Autism, Asperger's Syndrome, ADD/ ADHD, depression, anxiety, and school and home behavioral problems.
Family conflicts and understanding your child or teen can be frustrating, but with the right help and support, understanding your child or teen can be a wonderful experience. I've been working with children and adolescents for over 15 years. I love working with children and adolescents, because I struggled during those years, myself, and would have benefited from someone helping me to understand the various emotional struggles a child or teen goes through. I specialize in working with individuals living with Autism, Asperger's Syndrome, ADD/ ADHD, depression, anxiety, and school and home behavioral problems.
(323) 545-4908 View (323) 545-4908
Photo of Sophia M. Bicos, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Sophia M. Bicos
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
South Pasadena, CA 91030
I work with people struggling with depression, anxiety, ADHD (adults, or parents trying to help a child diagnosed with ADHD), individuals/couples dealing with infertility, couples dealing with relationship challenges, and young adults grappling with life.
My intention is to help clients experience healthy, fulfilling relationships with themselves and the people in their lives. I work to gain your trust & be your ally as you take on life's challenges. Our therapeutic collaboration is filled with empathy & compassion. Our work together will have respect, gentleness & consideration as you search for the meaningful, integrated life you deserve. It's your process, whether you're struggling to find your way back to the life you enjoy, or discovering a life you want to live. I work with individuals, couples, and families.
I work with people struggling with depression, anxiety, ADHD (adults, or parents trying to help a child diagnosed with ADHD), individuals/couples dealing with infertility, couples dealing with relationship challenges, and young adults grappling with life.
My intention is to help clients experience healthy, fulfilling relationships with themselves and the people in their lives. I work to gain your trust & be your ally as you take on life's challenges. Our therapeutic collaboration is filled with empathy & compassion. Our work together will have respect, gentleness & consideration as you search for the meaningful, integrated life you deserve. It's your process, whether you're struggling to find your way back to the life you enjoy, or discovering a life you want to live. I work with individuals, couples, and families.
(626) 722-5463 View (626) 722-5463
Photo of Emi Iijima, PsyD, Psychologist
Emi Iijima
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
South Pasadena, CA 91030
My experience includes working at community clinics, counseling centers, and skilled nursing and assisted living facilities where I have helped clients restore a life balance tipped over by personal issues such as grief, anxiety, depression, as well as health, relationship, school and career events.
Are you struggling with emotional turmoil? My practice specializes in helping young and older adults manage stressful situations to find a harmonious balance within themselves.
My experience includes working at community clinics, counseling centers, and skilled nursing and assisted living facilities where I have helped clients restore a life balance tipped over by personal issues such as grief, anxiety, depression, as well as health, relationship, school and career events.
Are you struggling with emotional turmoil? My practice specializes in helping young and older adults manage stressful situations to find a harmonious balance within themselves.
(323) 498-1370 View (323) 498-1370
Photo of Lauren Rodarte, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Lauren Rodarte
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
South Pasadena, CA 91030
With over a decade of experience, I specialize in self-esteem, depression, anxiety, and trauma.
I'm passionate about helping adults and teens heal emotional wounds, nurture healthy relationships, and enhance self-esteem. If you tend to overthink, feel unmotivated, or simply struggle to enjoy the present moment, I'm here to help. I provide a space where you can express and sort through unhelpful thoughts and emotions that you may not feel able to process elsewhere. I am dedicated to helping you rediscover confidence and peace within yourself and in your relationships.
With over a decade of experience, I specialize in self-esteem, depression, anxiety, and trauma.
I'm passionate about helping adults and teens heal emotional wounds, nurture healthy relationships, and enhance self-esteem. If you tend to overthink, feel unmotivated, or simply struggle to enjoy the present moment, I'm here to help. I provide a space where you can express and sort through unhelpful thoughts and emotions that you may not feel able to process elsewhere. I am dedicated to helping you rediscover confidence and peace within yourself and in your relationships.
(323) 593-4834 View (323) 593-4834
Photo of Susan P Diamond, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Susan P Diamond
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
South Pasadena, CA 91030
I specialize in supporting people struggling with depression, anxiety, and grief.
I work with adults (individually and as couples) and with teens (individually or in family sessions with parents). I am LGBTQIA+ affirming and offer bilingual services to Spanish speaking clientele. With over ten years of experience, I have worked with clients of all ages, and am confident in the power of therapy to foster insight and emotional healing. My goal is to honor each person's unique story while respecting the range of cultural experiences that shape us. I I would be honored to join you in moving toward positive change.
I specialize in supporting people struggling with depression, anxiety, and grief.
I work with adults (individually and as couples) and with teens (individually or in family sessions with parents). I am LGBTQIA+ affirming and offer bilingual services to Spanish speaking clientele. With over ten years of experience, I have worked with clients of all ages, and am confident in the power of therapy to foster insight and emotional healing. My goal is to honor each person's unique story while respecting the range of cultural experiences that shape us. I I would be honored to join you in moving toward positive change.
(626) 507-3902 View (626) 507-3902
Photo of Miwa Hitsumoto, PhD, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Miwa Hitsumoto
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
South Pasadena, CA 91030
Are you native Japanese or involved in a relationship with a person of Japanese descent? Are you or your family member feeling lost or depressed after moving to Los Angeles from Japan and having trouble adjusting to life in the United States? Are you a college student or foreign language student and feeling overwhelmed by living alone in a foreign culture and learning new social dynamics? Are you having problems parenting your American-born children? I can help you.
Are you native Japanese or involved in a relationship with a person of Japanese descent? Are you or your family member feeling lost or depressed after moving to Los Angeles from Japan and having trouble adjusting to life in the United States? Are you a college student or foreign language student and feeling overwhelmed by living alone in a foreign culture and learning new social dynamics? Are you having problems parenting your American-born children? I can help you.
(626) 219-7328 View (626) 219-7328
Photo of Alexandra Gaty, ACSW
Alexandra Gaty
Associate Clinical Social Worker, ACSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
South Pasadena, CA 91030
I specialize in life transitions/transformations, specifically with college, career changes, relationships, and parenting. My focus is also on artists and creative individuals. I have a range of experience working with trauma, as well as symptoms of depression, bipolar, anxiety, and promote healing through mind and body. We can explore the ways and alleyways of your thoughts, relationships, and past experiences and how they shape your life. I offer a compassionate space for you to expand self-awareness and accomplish meaningful changes.
I specialize in life transitions/transformations, specifically with college, career changes, relationships, and parenting. My focus is also on artists and creative individuals. I have a range of experience working with trauma, as well as symptoms of depression, bipolar, anxiety, and promote healing through mind and body. We can explore the ways and alleyways of your thoughts, relationships, and past experiences and how they shape your life. I offer a compassionate space for you to expand self-awareness and accomplish meaningful changes.
(323) 792-2373 View (323) 792-2373
Photo of Kathleen Telser - Kathleen Telser, LMFT, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Kathleen Telser, LMFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
South Pasadena, CA 91030
Some of the issues my therapy addresses are sexual abuse, relationship distress, depression, childhood trauma, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Emotional and physical trauma, when unresolved, can leave us feeling alone, misunderstood, disconnected and sometimes shamed. It can keep us from forming the relationships we seek and alienate us from the intimacy we might desire. In a non-judgmental way, I engage my clients to help them find meaning and growth through a combination of deep understanding and emotional presence. My approach is attachment-based and focuses on attunement and self-acceptance. When working with couples as well as individuals, I use Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT).
Some of the issues my therapy addresses are sexual abuse, relationship distress, depression, childhood trauma, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Emotional and physical trauma, when unresolved, can leave us feeling alone, misunderstood, disconnected and sometimes shamed. It can keep us from forming the relationships we seek and alienate us from the intimacy we might desire. In a non-judgmental way, I engage my clients to help them find meaning and growth through a combination of deep understanding and emotional presence. My approach is attachment-based and focuses on attunement and self-acceptance. When working with couples as well as individuals, I use Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT).
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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.