Depression Therapists in Sylmar, CA

Photo of Emily Ropes, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Emily Ropes
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Sylmar, CA 91342  (Online Only)
Individuals in the midst of these life circumstances may be experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, grief and loss, or trauma-related issues.
Hello, my name is Emily Ropes. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who is passionate about supporting individuals navigate through life’s challenges while engaging their own self-determination and instilling hope. My approach is strength-based and client-centered and varies based on each client’s individual needs. It is my belief that we are experts in our own lives and therapy can engage us in discovering our own strengths and guide us toward healing. I also understand the way our environment impacts our lives. I utilize a variety of modalities including Cognitive Behavioral, and Dialectic Behavioral therapy.
Individuals in the midst of these life circumstances may be experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, grief and loss, or trauma-related issues.
Hello, my name is Emily Ropes. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who is passionate about supporting individuals navigate through life’s challenges while engaging their own self-determination and instilling hope. My approach is strength-based and client-centered and varies based on each client’s individual needs. It is my belief that we are experts in our own lives and therapy can engage us in discovering our own strengths and guide us toward healing. I also understand the way our environment impacts our lives. I utilize a variety of modalities including Cognitive Behavioral, and Dialectic Behavioral therapy.
(323) 643-8569 View (323) 643-8569
Photo of Tiffany Lu, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Tiffany Lu
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Sylmar, CA 91342  (Online Only)
Tiffany has experience treating all kinds of mental health diagnoses and issues, including depression, anxiety, life transitions, family conflicts, interpersonal issues, and trauma-related disorders.
Tiffany is a compassionate and empathetic individual whose passion in life is to help individuals who are struggling with their mental health. Tiffany has 5 years of experience working with individuals from all kinds of backgrounds and has dedicated her career to helping individuals improve their overall quality of life. Tiffany believes in a collaborative therapeutic approach and meets her clients where they are at no matter what stage of life they are in. Tiffany believes that the client is the expert in their own life and she works together with her clients to help them reach their treatment goals.
Tiffany has experience treating all kinds of mental health diagnoses and issues, including depression, anxiety, life transitions, family conflicts, interpersonal issues, and trauma-related disorders.
Tiffany is a compassionate and empathetic individual whose passion in life is to help individuals who are struggling with their mental health. Tiffany has 5 years of experience working with individuals from all kinds of backgrounds and has dedicated her career to helping individuals improve their overall quality of life. Tiffany believes in a collaborative therapeutic approach and meets her clients where they are at no matter what stage of life they are in. Tiffany believes that the client is the expert in their own life and she works together with her clients to help them reach their treatment goals.
(323) 643-8569 View (323) 643-8569
Photo of Kathy Jean Macleay - Kathy J. MacLeay PhD, PhD, Psychologist
Kathy J. MacLeay PhD
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sylmar, CA 91342
I have been in practice for 30 years treating eating disorders, depression, anxiety, adjustment disorders and working with people who want to succeed in life and have resistance to their own success. I am a certified psychoanalyst. I teach graduate school courses in Clinical Psychology something I have been doing for 27 years. I have a very holistic approach to therapy having been trained in psychosynthesis (a spiritual approach) and Modern Psychoanalyis. I love the work I do helping people reach their potential.
I have been in practice for 30 years treating eating disorders, depression, anxiety, adjustment disorders and working with people who want to succeed in life and have resistance to their own success. I am a certified psychoanalyst. I teach graduate school courses in Clinical Psychology something I have been doing for 27 years. I have a very holistic approach to therapy having been trained in psychosynthesis (a spiritual approach) and Modern Psychoanalyis. I love the work I do helping people reach their potential.
(818) 918-3064 View (818) 918-3064
Photo of Tania Cisneros-Ventura, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Tania Cisneros-Ventura
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Sylmar, CA 91342  (Online Only)
I am Tania Cisneros-Ventura. A bilingual, bicultural Licensed Marriage Family Therapist (LMFT). I have acquired 20 years of experience working with diverse communities in various settings. I have the privilege of working with children, youth, adults, and families to address symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress, and trauma that impacts their ability to problem-solve. I am committed to helping clients develop practical strategies that can be used in daily life, even after therapy ends using methods like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT).
I am Tania Cisneros-Ventura. A bilingual, bicultural Licensed Marriage Family Therapist (LMFT). I have acquired 20 years of experience working with diverse communities in various settings. I have the privilege of working with children, youth, adults, and families to address symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress, and trauma that impacts their ability to problem-solve. I am committed to helping clients develop practical strategies that can be used in daily life, even after therapy ends using methods like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT).
(323) 643-8569 View (323) 643-8569
Photo of Ana Guzman-Wiley, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Ana Guzman-Wiley
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Sylmar, CA 91342  (Online Only)
I have robust experience with adults and families and in treating anxiety and depression.
My name is Ana Guzman-Wiley, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Riverside, CA. I work with individuals using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to assist them in moving through difficult times. I am well versed in CBT and ACT modalities to work with patients in achieving desired outcomes. My approach to therapy is based on processing and developing acceptance of difficult feelings while also highlighting and leveraging patients’ strengths to enact change.
I have robust experience with adults and families and in treating anxiety and depression.
My name is Ana Guzman-Wiley, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Riverside, CA. I work with individuals using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to assist them in moving through difficult times. I am well versed in CBT and ACT modalities to work with patients in achieving desired outcomes. My approach to therapy is based on processing and developing acceptance of difficult feelings while also highlighting and leveraging patients’ strengths to enact change.
(323) 643-8569 View (323) 643-8569
Photo of Simone Weber, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Simone Weber
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Sylmar, CA 91342  (Online Only)
Hi, I’m Simone Weber, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) from Kailua, Hawaii now based in Oakland, California where I work with clients in person and via telehealth. I work primarily with adolescents, young adults, parents of adolescents, and families who are facing the challenges of anxiety, depression, trauma, neurodivergence, and life stressors. I approach this intimate work with a trauma-informed and social justice-oriented lens.
Hi, I’m Simone Weber, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) from Kailua, Hawaii now based in Oakland, California where I work with clients in person and via telehealth. I work primarily with adolescents, young adults, parents of adolescents, and families who are facing the challenges of anxiety, depression, trauma, neurodivergence, and life stressors. I approach this intimate work with a trauma-informed and social justice-oriented lens.
(323) 643-8569 View (323) 643-8569
Photo of Judy Hails, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Judy Hails
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Sylmar, CA 91342  (Online Only)
The most common conditions I treat are anxiety, depression, and panic attacks.
My name is Judith Hails, but you can call me Judy. I have been a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California since 2018. I provide an individualized approach to therapy that centers on helping you achieve your goals, while also making sure we have time to process day-to-day happenings that impact you. If you don’t know what your goals are yet, don’t worry. We can sort that out together, too. My go-to is CBT. The basic premise is that our thoughts influence how we view problems and modifying how we think about problems often changes how we feel about them. This in turn often has a profound impact on how we respond.
The most common conditions I treat are anxiety, depression, and panic attacks.
My name is Judith Hails, but you can call me Judy. I have been a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California since 2018. I provide an individualized approach to therapy that centers on helping you achieve your goals, while also making sure we have time to process day-to-day happenings that impact you. If you don’t know what your goals are yet, don’t worry. We can sort that out together, too. My go-to is CBT. The basic premise is that our thoughts influence how we view problems and modifying how we think about problems often changes how we feel about them. This in turn often has a profound impact on how we respond.
(323) 643-8569 View (323) 643-8569
Photo of Laura Amezcua, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Laura Amezcua
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Sylmar, CA 91342  (Online Only)
My name is Laur Amezcua, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based out of the Inland Empire. I have experience working with children, adults, and families specifically with those who experience traumatic stress, depression, anxiety, and behavioral issues. My style is a strengths-based and client-centered approach. I utilize a variety of therapeutic styles such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused, and Mindfulness techniques.
My name is Laur Amezcua, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based out of the Inland Empire. I have experience working with children, adults, and families specifically with those who experience traumatic stress, depression, anxiety, and behavioral issues. My style is a strengths-based and client-centered approach. I utilize a variety of therapeutic styles such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused, and Mindfulness techniques.
(323) 643-8569 View (323) 643-8569
Photo of Sharon Robinson, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Sharon Robinson
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Sylmar, CA 91342  (Online Only)
My Name is Dr. Sharon Robinson; I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California, Colorado, and Texas. I have worked in a Christian Counseling Clinic in Southern California, providing mental health services in English and Spanish to culturally diverse populations. In this role, I have provided individual, couples, children, family, and group therapy to culturally diverse populations. My work experience includes working with children, adolescents, pre-marital couples, married couples, families, re-married families, affairs, grief, anxiety, depression, divorce adjustment, anger management, and conducting group therapy.
My Name is Dr. Sharon Robinson; I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California, Colorado, and Texas. I have worked in a Christian Counseling Clinic in Southern California, providing mental health services in English and Spanish to culturally diverse populations. In this role, I have provided individual, couples, children, family, and group therapy to culturally diverse populations. My work experience includes working with children, adolescents, pre-marital couples, married couples, families, re-married families, affairs, grief, anxiety, depression, divorce adjustment, anger management, and conducting group therapy.
(323) 643-8569 View (323) 643-8569
Photo of Sarah Garcia, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Sarah Garcia
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Sylmar, CA 91342  (Online Only)
I am comfortable treating depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, substance use, and stress.
My name is Sarah Garcia and I am a licensed clinical social worker based in El Centro, California. I work with clients of all ages and backgrounds and specialize in areas including substance use, women’s issues, LGBTQIA issues, anxiety, depression, grief, and trauma. I approach therapy from a person-centered, strengths-based perspective. I let the client be the expert on their own experience and offer encouragement and an outside perspective to encourage reflection, insight, and growth. I most often use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, as well as CBT.
I am comfortable treating depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, substance use, and stress.
My name is Sarah Garcia and I am a licensed clinical social worker based in El Centro, California. I work with clients of all ages and backgrounds and specialize in areas including substance use, women’s issues, LGBTQIA issues, anxiety, depression, grief, and trauma. I approach therapy from a person-centered, strengths-based perspective. I let the client be the expert on their own experience and offer encouragement and an outside perspective to encourage reflection, insight, and growth. I most often use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, as well as CBT.
(323) 643-8569 View (323) 643-8569
Photo of Ashley Wilson-Dixon, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Ashley Wilson-Dixon
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Sylmar, CA 91342  (Online Only)
My areas of expertise include trauma, mood disorders such as PTSD, anxiety, and depression, as well as high-risk situations like suicidal ideation and self-harm.
I'm Dr. Ashley Wilson-Dixon, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a PhD in psychology. I specialize in trauma-informed care, using evidence-based practices to provide personalized interventions for children, teens, adults (including young adults), and families. My approach integrates holistic and transpersonal methods to foster healing and growth.
My areas of expertise include trauma, mood disorders such as PTSD, anxiety, and depression, as well as high-risk situations like suicidal ideation and self-harm.
I'm Dr. Ashley Wilson-Dixon, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a PhD in psychology. I specialize in trauma-informed care, using evidence-based practices to provide personalized interventions for children, teens, adults (including young adults), and families. My approach integrates holistic and transpersonal methods to foster healing and growth.
(323) 643-8569 View (323) 643-8569
Photo of Ginger Moyer, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Ginger Moyer
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Sylmar, CA 91342  (Online Only)
I am passionate about helping individuals with depression, anxiety, self-harm thoughts and/or behaviors, suicidal ideations, trauma.
Hello, my name is Ginger Moyer I am an LMFT. Therapy comes from the heart with me as this is my passion. There is no one size fits all so our sessions will be tailored to your individual needs. I create a comfortable relaxed atmosphere. I make therapy feel like a conversation, not therapy.
I am passionate about helping individuals with depression, anxiety, self-harm thoughts and/or behaviors, suicidal ideations, trauma.
Hello, my name is Ginger Moyer I am an LMFT. Therapy comes from the heart with me as this is my passion. There is no one size fits all so our sessions will be tailored to your individual needs. I create a comfortable relaxed atmosphere. I make therapy feel like a conversation, not therapy.
(323) 643-8569 View (323) 643-8569
Photo of Kelly Castillo, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Kelly Castillo
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Sylmar, CA 91342  (Online Only)
Hello, my name is Kelly Castillo I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 15 years' experience. I have helped individuals who have experienced difficulties in their life from childhood trauma, loss, self-esteem, depression, anxiety, and life changes. I have always had a desire and a passion of mine to help others from an early age. I volunteered in elementary school special needs classes. After my bachelor's degree, I worked with developmentally disabled children and young adults and the juvenile detention center.
Hello, my name is Kelly Castillo I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 15 years' experience. I have helped individuals who have experienced difficulties in their life from childhood trauma, loss, self-esteem, depression, anxiety, and life changes. I have always had a desire and a passion of mine to help others from an early age. I volunteered in elementary school special needs classes. After my bachelor's degree, I worked with developmentally disabled children and young adults and the juvenile detention center.
(323) 643-8569 View (323) 643-8569
Photo of Sam Colby, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Sam Colby
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Sylmar, CA 91342  (Online Only)
I am especially comfortable working with people of any community experiencing anxiety, depression, and the effects of trauma, or anyone wanting support navigating life transitions or simply looking for support with living their best lives.
My name means 'listener' and I believe I was aptly named. I have always had an uncanny ability to listen fully and empathize with anyone. I am a natural at seeing others' perspectives and asking questions that guide and deepen understanding, as well as seeing connections and patterns. I have always wanted to work in mental health, although I did take a side journey in college and beyond pursuing a career in the natural sciences. Even my time as an ecologist, however, has contributed to my work as a social worker and therapist.
I am especially comfortable working with people of any community experiencing anxiety, depression, and the effects of trauma, or anyone wanting support navigating life transitions or simply looking for support with living their best lives.
My name means 'listener' and I believe I was aptly named. I have always had an uncanny ability to listen fully and empathize with anyone. I am a natural at seeing others' perspectives and asking questions that guide and deepen understanding, as well as seeing connections and patterns. I have always wanted to work in mental health, although I did take a side journey in college and beyond pursuing a career in the natural sciences. Even my time as an ecologist, however, has contributed to my work as a social worker and therapist.
(323) 643-8569 View (323) 643-8569
Photo of Alexes Togiai Ciardi, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Alexes Togiai Ciardi
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Sylmar, CA 91342  (Online Only)
I have experience working with anxiety and depression, trauma, and low self-esteem.
Hi! I'm Alexes Togiai Ciardi, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 6 years of experience in a variety of settings including nonprofit, community mental health, and individual 1:1 therapy. I operate mainly from a solution-focused perspective, focusing on finding achievable and effective solutions to reach your goals together. I bring in pieces of other modalities as well when appropriate, including strengths-based interventions and acceptance and commitment therapy, with a tailored approach to your needs and situation. I also enjoy bringing mindfulness and creativity into sessions.
I have experience working with anxiety and depression, trauma, and low self-esteem.
Hi! I'm Alexes Togiai Ciardi, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 6 years of experience in a variety of settings including nonprofit, community mental health, and individual 1:1 therapy. I operate mainly from a solution-focused perspective, focusing on finding achievable and effective solutions to reach your goals together. I bring in pieces of other modalities as well when appropriate, including strengths-based interventions and acceptance and commitment therapy, with a tailored approach to your needs and situation. I also enjoy bringing mindfulness and creativity into sessions.
(323) 643-8569 View (323) 643-8569
Photo of Lisa Cortez, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Lisa Cortez
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Sylmar, CA 91342  (Online Only)
I treat anxiety disorders, depression, work, and life stress as well as adjustment related to phase of life challenges.
Hello, my name is Lisa Cortez, and I am a licensed clinical social worker who provides telehealth therapy in California. I view therapy as a warm, safe place to gain clarity and begin moving through your journey of healing and growth. I have a strong foundation in social justice and trauma-informed, strengths-based practices. I utilize modalities such as CBT, DBT, ACT, mindfulness, and relational therapeutic approaches. I am a certified Narcissistic Abuse Treatment Clinician (NATC).
I treat anxiety disorders, depression, work, and life stress as well as adjustment related to phase of life challenges.
Hello, my name is Lisa Cortez, and I am a licensed clinical social worker who provides telehealth therapy in California. I view therapy as a warm, safe place to gain clarity and begin moving through your journey of healing and growth. I have a strong foundation in social justice and trauma-informed, strengths-based practices. I utilize modalities such as CBT, DBT, ACT, mindfulness, and relational therapeutic approaches. I am a certified Narcissistic Abuse Treatment Clinician (NATC).
(747) 349-3655 View (747) 349-3655
Photo of Celena Mendez, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Celena Mendez
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Sylmar, CA 91342  (Online Only)
My name is Celena Mendez. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), based in Southern California. I work with women of all ages, experiencing anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, phase of life transitions, and challenges using a predominantly client-centered and eclectic approach to helping clients heal and start feeling better.
My name is Celena Mendez. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), based in Southern California. I work with women of all ages, experiencing anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, phase of life transitions, and challenges using a predominantly client-centered and eclectic approach to helping clients heal and start feeling better.
(323) 643-8569 View (323) 643-8569
Photo of Priscilla Morales, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Priscilla Morales
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Sylmar, CA 91342  (Online Only)
I predominantly use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and client-centered therapy, tailoring interventions to address anxiety, trauma, and depression effectively while supporting my client's unique needs.
My name is Priscilla Morales and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Los Angeles, California. I work with clients statewide via telehealth. I specialize in working with children and adolescents, focusing on anxiety, trauma, and depression. My approach integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT), and Client-Centered Therapy to provide comprehensive and empathetic support to my clients.
I predominantly use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and client-centered therapy, tailoring interventions to address anxiety, trauma, and depression effectively while supporting my client's unique needs.
My name is Priscilla Morales and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Los Angeles, California. I work with clients statewide via telehealth. I specialize in working with children and adolescents, focusing on anxiety, trauma, and depression. My approach integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT), and Client-Centered Therapy to provide comprehensive and empathetic support to my clients.
(323) 643-8569 View (323) 643-8569
Photo of Melissa Williams, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Melissa Williams
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Sylmar, CA 91342  (Online Only)
This often takes the form of anxiety, depression, confusion, and loneliness.
My name is Melissa Williams-Rodgers, and I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor based in the high desert of San Bernadino County and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with youth and adults and specialize in racial trauma, BIPOC/multicultural counseling, LGBTQIA+, women's issues, and childhood behavior issues and trauma. My approach to therapy varies based on the needs of each client I work with. I most frequently use person-centered and humanistic approaches as both modalities help me and the client build a shared understanding of their reality and allow us to work together to chart a path forward.
This often takes the form of anxiety, depression, confusion, and loneliness.
My name is Melissa Williams-Rodgers, and I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor based in the high desert of San Bernadino County and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with youth and adults and specialize in racial trauma, BIPOC/multicultural counseling, LGBTQIA+, women's issues, and childhood behavior issues and trauma. My approach to therapy varies based on the needs of each client I work with. I most frequently use person-centered and humanistic approaches as both modalities help me and the client build a shared understanding of their reality and allow us to work together to chart a path forward.
(323) 643-8569 View (323) 643-8569
Photo of Keisha Lord, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Keisha Lord
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Sylmar, CA 91342  (Online Only)
I am available to address relational and family problems, and issues such as depression, anxiety, emotional abuse, trauma, separation and divorce, parenting problems, women's issues, spiritual, self-esteem, and blended/extended family issues.
Hello, My name is Keisha Lord and I am the founder of Magnolia Family Therapy and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 12 years of experience treating children, adults, and families to overcome life’s challenges. My passion is to work with individuals and families to help overcome emotional, behavioral, and relational difficulties.
I am available to address relational and family problems, and issues such as depression, anxiety, emotional abuse, trauma, separation and divorce, parenting problems, women's issues, spiritual, self-esteem, and blended/extended family issues.
Hello, My name is Keisha Lord and I am the founder of Magnolia Family Therapy and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 12 years of experience treating children, adults, and families to overcome life’s challenges. My passion is to work with individuals and families to help overcome emotional, behavioral, and relational difficulties.
(323) 643-8569 View (323) 643-8569
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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.