Depression Therapists in Yuba City, CA
![Photo of Morgan Rosa-Diniz, MA, ACSW, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/67d4ceca-7fa7-4de5-8e1d-dc57dfaf7d7b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Morgan Rosa-Diniz
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, ACSW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Yuba City, CA 95991 (Online Only)
Do you wake up thinking about your problems and feeling overwhelmed. Maybe fear and anxiety are keeping you from the life you want. I get it. I understand how life can feel dark and heavy sometimes. But you do not have to live lost in anxiety, depression, loneliness or fear. You don’t have to stay “stuck” in grief or unhealthy relationship patterns. If you are the parent of a teen or young adult who is struggling, I can help.
Do you wake up thinking about your problems and feeling overwhelmed. Maybe fear and anxiety are keeping you from the life you want. I get it. I understand how life can feel dark and heavy sometimes. But you do not have to live lost in anxiety, depression, loneliness or fear. You don’t have to stay “stuck” in grief or unhealthy relationship patterns. If you are the parent of a teen or young adult who is struggling, I can help.
![Photo of Alison Pratt, LMFT, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d969e299-10eb-443a-aabf-35a6ff3f0880/1/320x400.jpeg)
Do you wake thinking about your problems? Do fear & anxiety keep you from the life you want? I get it. I understand how life can feel dark & heavy sometimes. You don't have to live lost in anxiety, depression, emptiness, loneliness or fear. You don’t have to stay “stuck” in grief or trauma. My solution-focused approach to healing will give you the tools you need to renew your hope, confidence & joy. Whether struggling with a relationship, with emotional issues, trauma or depression- you can live a full & happy life. I believe you are unique & strong. I'm eager to work for your success, to empower you toward better, faster solutions.
Do you wake thinking about your problems? Do fear & anxiety keep you from the life you want? I get it. I understand how life can feel dark & heavy sometimes. You don't have to live lost in anxiety, depression, emptiness, loneliness or fear. You don’t have to stay “stuck” in grief or trauma. My solution-focused approach to healing will give you the tools you need to renew your hope, confidence & joy. Whether struggling with a relationship, with emotional issues, trauma or depression- you can live a full & happy life. I believe you are unique & strong. I'm eager to work for your success, to empower you toward better, faster solutions.
![Photo of Marilyn A De Board, MA](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/439cfee9-e51a-4857-971a-5a91b7bc130d/1/320x400.jpeg)
Marilyn A De Board
Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Yuba City, CA 95991
Are you feeling overwhelmed with the chaos of life? Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, stress, mood disorders, relationship and or parenting issues? Are you interested in learning coping skills to help reduce symptoms and enhance yourself awareness? Are you ready to challenge yourself to break repeated patterns of behaviors that have not been working for you?
Are you feeling overwhelmed with the chaos of life? Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, stress, mood disorders, relationship and or parenting issues? Are you interested in learning coping skills to help reduce symptoms and enhance yourself awareness? Are you ready to challenge yourself to break repeated patterns of behaviors that have not been working for you?
![Photo of Emily Coker, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d6d64c8a-02d0-4a16-be04-d02aa89c17d6/2/320x400.jpeg)
Emily Coker
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Yuba City, CA 95993 (Online Only)
Welcome! I'm Emily Coker, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in sunny California. With empathy, I guide your healing journey. Together, we'll embark on a collaborative path where I value your expertise of your own life and experiences and we focus on strengths for positive change. I specialize in helping teens, individuals, and families, while fostering a relaxed environment. Whether addressing adolescence, personal concerns, or family dynamics, my unwavering support is here. I'm passionate about aiding those navigating trauma, chronic illnesses, grief, depression, and anxiety. I offer a safe space for authentic expression.
Welcome! I'm Emily Coker, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in sunny California. With empathy, I guide your healing journey. Together, we'll embark on a collaborative path where I value your expertise of your own life and experiences and we focus on strengths for positive change. I specialize in helping teens, individuals, and families, while fostering a relaxed environment. Whether addressing adolescence, personal concerns, or family dynamics, my unwavering support is here. I'm passionate about aiding those navigating trauma, chronic illnesses, grief, depression, and anxiety. I offer a safe space for authentic expression.
![Photo of Kendra Davis, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d1b35ccb-991e-4924-a79f-ac5def787cc7/2/320x400.png)
Are you struggling to cope with depression, abuse or painful life events? Are the effects of life weighing you down? Are you trying to find the path to well-being and joy? My name is Kendra Davis and I am here to help you find that path. I believe in making every day in our lives count! Join me in an individual therapy experience that will help you regain excitement about your life.
Are you struggling to cope with depression, abuse or painful life events? Are the effects of life weighing you down? Are you trying to find the path to well-being and joy? My name is Kendra Davis and I am here to help you find that path. I believe in making every day in our lives count! Join me in an individual therapy experience that will help you regain excitement about your life.
![Photo of Tami Louis-Olesen, MA, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7fdf3a8a-f3b2-4c97-900c-1ee270496dfa/2/320x400.jpeg)
Tami Louis-Olesen
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, LCSW
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Yuba City, CA 95991
Voted Best Therapist for 7 years! Are you feeling anxious or depressed? Are you unsure how to get the life you want? Sometimes negative thinking, anxious thoughts, unhealthy relationship patterns, previous traumas, (or something else) holds us back from reaching our true potential. It's during these times, that it's difficult to see your value and the strengths you bring to yourself and others. It doesn't have to stay this way. Therapy is an opportunity to work with someone to get the life and relationships you have always wanted - and to feel good again.
Voted Best Therapist for 7 years! Are you feeling anxious or depressed? Are you unsure how to get the life you want? Sometimes negative thinking, anxious thoughts, unhealthy relationship patterns, previous traumas, (or something else) holds us back from reaching our true potential. It's during these times, that it's difficult to see your value and the strengths you bring to yourself and others. It doesn't have to stay this way. Therapy is an opportunity to work with someone to get the life and relationships you have always wanted - and to feel good again.
![Photo of Shannan Ramirez, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/dfd4144b-e122-4f6c-8b81-52655b58b2a9/2/320x400.jpeg)
Shannan Ramirez
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Yuba City, CA 95991
Are you feeling anxious or depressed? Are you unsure how to get the life you want? Are you the parent of a child or teen and you can see that they are struggling? Sometimes negative thinking, anxious thoughts, unhealthy relationship patterns, previous traumas, (or something else) holds us back from reaching our true potential. It's during these times, that it's difficult to see your value and the strengths you bring to yourself and others. It doesn't have to stay this way. Therapy is an opportunity for you to work with someone to get the life you have always wanted - and to feel good again!
Are you feeling anxious or depressed? Are you unsure how to get the life you want? Are you the parent of a child or teen and you can see that they are struggling? Sometimes negative thinking, anxious thoughts, unhealthy relationship patterns, previous traumas, (or something else) holds us back from reaching our true potential. It's during these times, that it's difficult to see your value and the strengths you bring to yourself and others. It doesn't have to stay this way. Therapy is an opportunity for you to work with someone to get the life you have always wanted - and to feel good again!
![Photo of Elizabeth Fossum, APCC, MA](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/edea3aba-a75e-42cc-9dbd-0f543b919752/3/320x400.jpeg)
Elizabeth Fossum
Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, APCC, MA
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Yuba City, CA 95991 (Online Only)
Maybe you've tried everything, but still feel depressed, anxious, or overwhelmed. Old behaviors continue, & are impacting your relationships & day-to-day life. You want to be free from your past, but don’t know how to let go or move on. Reaching out for help is the hardest first step. I am here to help. I know your struggle is real & I'll work with you to develop deeper understanding of what is keeping you from living the life you want. In our sessions, you can expect me to be relational; clients have described me as warm, funny, & nonjudgmental. We'll set goals in the first session to add direction to the therapeutic process.
Maybe you've tried everything, but still feel depressed, anxious, or overwhelmed. Old behaviors continue, & are impacting your relationships & day-to-day life. You want to be free from your past, but don’t know how to let go or move on. Reaching out for help is the hardest first step. I am here to help. I know your struggle is real & I'll work with you to develop deeper understanding of what is keeping you from living the life you want. In our sessions, you can expect me to be relational; clients have described me as warm, funny, & nonjudgmental. We'll set goals in the first session to add direction to the therapeutic process.
![Photo of Jennifer Mcallister, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/448d045a-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Anxiety and depression respond well to cognitive behavioral therapy.
Sometimes life gets hard and you don't know what to do next. Or maybe you are just feeling stuck and don't know where to go from here. I'm here to help. I used a strength-based approached to help you figure out how to overcome your challenges. I love working with people to help them to figure out how to get the life they want. Please call for a free telephone consultation.
Anxiety and depression respond well to cognitive behavioral therapy.
Sometimes life gets hard and you don't know what to do next. Or maybe you are just feeling stuck and don't know where to go from here. I'm here to help. I used a strength-based approached to help you figure out how to overcome your challenges. I love working with people to help them to figure out how to get the life they want. Please call for a free telephone consultation.
![Photo of Edward L Prothero, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d3ed026-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Edward L Prothero
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Yuba City, CA 95991
As a Cognitive Behavioral / Object relations therapist, my therapeutic approach is to provide support and practical feedback to help clients effectively address personal life challenges. I integrate complementary methodologies and techniques to offer a highly personalized approach tailored to each client. With compassion and understanding, I work with each individual to help them build on their strengths and attain the personal growth they are committed to accomplishing. With a broad spectrum of clients, common areas of focus are Trauma based anxiety and depression, PTSD, Childhood Trauma, Marriage challenges, Blended families.
As a Cognitive Behavioral / Object relations therapist, my therapeutic approach is to provide support and practical feedback to help clients effectively address personal life challenges. I integrate complementary methodologies and techniques to offer a highly personalized approach tailored to each client. With compassion and understanding, I work with each individual to help them build on their strengths and attain the personal growth they are committed to accomplishing. With a broad spectrum of clients, common areas of focus are Trauma based anxiety and depression, PTSD, Childhood Trauma, Marriage challenges, Blended families.
![Photo of Margarita Daniels, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/16935c3f-4cb8-416f-8ea2-8fa07fd6204b/1/320x400.jpeg)
My name is Margarita "Maggie" Daniels and I am a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Los Angeles, California, and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with children, adolescents, and adults and specialize in anxiety, stress, depression, and PTSD using an Eclectic mix of modalities in Therapy to help my clients make progress and start feeling better. My communication style is calm, accommodating, and personable. I want my clients to feel comfortable talking with me about anything, and I pride myself on my ability to listen without judgment.
My name is Margarita "Maggie" Daniels and I am a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Los Angeles, California, and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with children, adolescents, and adults and specialize in anxiety, stress, depression, and PTSD using an Eclectic mix of modalities in Therapy to help my clients make progress and start feeling better. My communication style is calm, accommodating, and personable. I want my clients to feel comfortable talking with me about anything, and I pride myself on my ability to listen without judgment.
15 Second Videos
Kendra Davis
Shannan Ramirez
OC Teen Center- Adolescent and Teen Mental Health
Joshua Bienenfeld
Stephanie Ward
Karie F Kaufman
Amberly Sabado
Lorna Laidlaw
Ariana Ramos
Shannon Jessee
Diavonti Escasena
Stephens Family Therapy
![Photo of Stephanie C. Fischer - Stephanie C. Fischer, MFT, SEP, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/45a9a95c-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Stephanie C. Fischer, MFT, SEP
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Yuba City, CA 95991
Hello, my name is Stephanie Fischer and I provide counseling in Yuba City. I work a lot with trauma/abuse, PTSD, depression and anxiety. In addition, I work with individuals experiencing panic attacks, bipolar disorder, stress, relationship difficulties, grief & loss, LGBTQ+ Issues and much more. I believe everybody has the resources within to solve their struggles and it's my job to help you access those resources and to start to live a healthy and fulfilling life.
Hello, my name is Stephanie Fischer and I provide counseling in Yuba City. I work a lot with trauma/abuse, PTSD, depression and anxiety. In addition, I work with individuals experiencing panic attacks, bipolar disorder, stress, relationship difficulties, grief & loss, LGBTQ+ Issues and much more. I believe everybody has the resources within to solve their struggles and it's my job to help you access those resources and to start to live a healthy and fulfilling life.
![Photo of Edith Castellon, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e3cf4035-f469-40bd-98d2-328ff5b4c4fc/1/320x400.jpeg)
I have helped guide clients from various backgrounds, who struggle with various challenges in life, such as disturbances from childhood, phase-of-life issues, relational issues, trauma, grief, anxiety, and depression.
My name is Edith E. Castellon; I am a first-generation bilingual (English/Spanish) Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), providing psychotherapy services in California. My lived experience as a woman of color and intersecting identities has led me to guide people through their healing journey. My personal and professional experiences have enabled me to engage with individuals from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and ethnicities.
I have helped guide clients from various backgrounds, who struggle with various challenges in life, such as disturbances from childhood, phase-of-life issues, relational issues, trauma, grief, anxiety, and depression.
My name is Edith E. Castellon; I am a first-generation bilingual (English/Spanish) Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), providing psychotherapy services in California. My lived experience as a woman of color and intersecting identities has led me to guide people through their healing journey. My personal and professional experiences have enabled me to engage with individuals from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and ethnicities.
![Photo of Emily Lynn Felenczak, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/19895eb8-1586-4599-9952-0ac81ec4e889/1/320x400.jpeg)
I have provided therapy for adults who experience depression and anxiety symptoms of everyday life or that have developed from trauma.
My name is Emily Felenczak. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist for the state of California and Texas. I have worked with adults, children, and families for over 10 years. I would describe my approach as collaborative, genuine, and supportive. I integrate various therapeutic techniques to create an individualized treatment plan. Some of my strengths include crisis communication, coping skill development, safety planning, and behavior modification. I have experience working with children, youth, and families of all backgrounds and family dynamics.
I have provided therapy for adults who experience depression and anxiety symptoms of everyday life or that have developed from trauma.
My name is Emily Felenczak. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist for the state of California and Texas. I have worked with adults, children, and families for over 10 years. I would describe my approach as collaborative, genuine, and supportive. I integrate various therapeutic techniques to create an individualized treatment plan. Some of my strengths include crisis communication, coping skill development, safety planning, and behavior modification. I have experience working with children, youth, and families of all backgrounds and family dynamics.
![Photo of Brice Hildreth, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d5d941b6-596e-457f-ac1b-63d12ae4bcfc/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am well versed in crisis intervention and also treat depression, anxiety, trauma, addiction, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder.
Hello, my name is Brice Hildreth and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Every individual is unique and complex and I am adaptable to your needs in therapy. I greatly empathize with how your mental health can affect your overall well-being and ability to have satisfying and reciprocal relationships. I focus on building a strong therapeutic alliance using my wide range of experience and practice with you taking the lead in your journey to the outcomes and goals you seek. One of my passions is helping individuals understand the processes, thought patterns, and underlying causes of what is causing them distress in their life.
I am well versed in crisis intervention and also treat depression, anxiety, trauma, addiction, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder.
Hello, my name is Brice Hildreth and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Every individual is unique and complex and I am adaptable to your needs in therapy. I greatly empathize with how your mental health can affect your overall well-being and ability to have satisfying and reciprocal relationships. I focus on building a strong therapeutic alliance using my wide range of experience and practice with you taking the lead in your journey to the outcomes and goals you seek. One of my passions is helping individuals understand the processes, thought patterns, and underlying causes of what is causing them distress in their life.
![Photo of Katherine Cuellar-Lei, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/676e6c82-6400-4490-8f7a-f833f1e7e02a/1/320x400.png)
Katherine Cuellar-Lei
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Yuba City, CA 95991 (Online Only)
I am comfortable with a wide variety of conditions including depression, anxiety, acculturative stress, and autism.
Hi, I am Katherine Cuellar-Lei. I am a Spanish-speaking bilingual LMFT and have been in practice for over 10 years. I truly believe everyone has strengths and I like to amplify them in our work together. I believe in challenging the patterns that keep us stuck respectfully and inquisitively. I mainly operate from a Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) approach and am EMDR trained. I am currently also pursuing my certification as a play therapist with kids. I am integrative however and love to incorporate modalities from other theories as I see appropriate.
I am comfortable with a wide variety of conditions including depression, anxiety, acculturative stress, and autism.
Hi, I am Katherine Cuellar-Lei. I am a Spanish-speaking bilingual LMFT and have been in practice for over 10 years. I truly believe everyone has strengths and I like to amplify them in our work together. I believe in challenging the patterns that keep us stuck respectfully and inquisitively. I mainly operate from a Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) approach and am EMDR trained. I am currently also pursuing my certification as a play therapist with kids. I am integrative however and love to incorporate modalities from other theories as I see appropriate.
![Photo of Abigail Hermanus, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8306cafc-d1ab-4b57-a8f2-2c602e6fe980/1/320x400.jpeg)
More specifically, I have a demonstrated history of supporting those with depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, behavioral issues, spiritual struggles, intergenerational family conflict, and life transitions.
Hello! My name is Abigail Hermanus, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in the Southern California region who offers services statewide via telehealth. As a therapist, my hope and passion is to foster a practice that brings hope to the community by maintaining compassion and upholding a multi-cultural posture in elevating each person's strength and narrative. Throughout my clinical experience, I have found that the modalities in which I incorporate in my sessions are applicable to children and teens (between 6-18 years of age), young adults, and individuals undergoing life transitions and relational issues.
More specifically, I have a demonstrated history of supporting those with depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, behavioral issues, spiritual struggles, intergenerational family conflict, and life transitions.
Hello! My name is Abigail Hermanus, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in the Southern California region who offers services statewide via telehealth. As a therapist, my hope and passion is to foster a practice that brings hope to the community by maintaining compassion and upholding a multi-cultural posture in elevating each person's strength and narrative. Throughout my clinical experience, I have found that the modalities in which I incorporate in my sessions are applicable to children and teens (between 6-18 years of age), young adults, and individuals undergoing life transitions and relational issues.
![Photo of Lauren Armstrong - OC Teen Center- Adolescent and Teen Mental Health, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4694badf-3f53-4dc3-b7fe-12d9287519a7/2/320x400.jpeg)
OC Teen Center- Adolescent and Teen Mental Health
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Yuba City, CA 95991
If your child has depression, anxiety, self harm, suicidal ideation, or trans/identity issues please call us.
Dr. Lauren Armstrong is a highly passionate licensed clinical psychologist and Clinical Director with a PsyD from Pepperdine University, and has been working with children and adolescents for the past ten years. She is an expert in working with challenging psychological presentations such as trauma, self harm, mood changes, aggression, and other unsafe or maladaptive coping mechanisms. Dr. Lauren always believes in her patients, even when everyone else has stopped believing in them. She never loses hope, and tirelessly works with patients and their families on improving their relationships, coping skills, and positive change.
If your child has depression, anxiety, self harm, suicidal ideation, or trans/identity issues please call us.
Dr. Lauren Armstrong is a highly passionate licensed clinical psychologist and Clinical Director with a PsyD from Pepperdine University, and has been working with children and adolescents for the past ten years. She is an expert in working with challenging psychological presentations such as trauma, self harm, mood changes, aggression, and other unsafe or maladaptive coping mechanisms. Dr. Lauren always believes in her patients, even when everyone else has stopped believing in them. She never loses hope, and tirelessly works with patients and their families on improving their relationships, coping skills, and positive change.
![Photo of Craig Harris, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/25c8ba7a-d546-4ab8-9ecd-65aa021dffde/1/320x400.jpeg)
Many times, anxiety and depression make us feel disconnected from our loved ones, our work, our passions, and our true selves.
I have worked with children, adults, and families in a variety of settings for over 20 years. I combine understanding and empathy with a straightforward, strength-based, and solution-focused approach. I am passionate about working with people to improve their lives. I am a huge believer that a good connection is the foundation of good therapy.
Many times, anxiety and depression make us feel disconnected from our loved ones, our work, our passions, and our true selves.
I have worked with children, adults, and families in a variety of settings for over 20 years. I combine understanding and empathy with a straightforward, strength-based, and solution-focused approach. I am passionate about working with people to improve their lives. I am a huge believer that a good connection is the foundation of good therapy.
![Photo of Jane Frank Myers, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d818de8-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jane Frank Myers
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Yuba City, CA 95993 (Online Only)
Having worked extensively with treating anxiety and depression, I'm adept with a variety of approaches to increase coping.
Life is difficult, and presents many challenges to us and our loved ones. Often it's helpful to talk with someone who has experience in helping others learn to cope successfully. I have worked in this field for more than 35 years, and have a wide range of experiences from which to draw. I feel very comfortable working with a wide range of issues. I help by offering understanding and empowerment to overcome obstacles and to improve emotional stability and self-esteem.
Having worked extensively with treating anxiety and depression, I'm adept with a variety of approaches to increase coping.
Life is difficult, and presents many challenges to us and our loved ones. Often it's helpful to talk with someone who has experience in helping others learn to cope successfully. I have worked in this field for more than 35 years, and have a wide range of experiences from which to draw. I feel very comfortable working with a wide range of issues. I help by offering understanding and empowerment to overcome obstacles and to improve emotional stability and self-esteem.
See more therapy options for Yuba City
Nearby Depression Therapists Searches for Yuba City
- Browns Valley
- Colusa
- Gridley
- Lincoln
- Linda
- Live Oak
- Marysville
- Olivehurst
- Oroville
- Penn Valley
- Rocklin
- Wheatland
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.