Depression Therapists in Edgewater, CO

Photo of Xan Schwartz, BA, MFA, Pre-Licensed Professional
Xan Schwartz
Pre-Licensed Professional, BA, MFA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Edgewater, CO 80214  (Online Only)
I use mindfulness, the inner-child lens, and practical therapeutic tools to help clients who are suffering from anxiety, depression, and trauma to gain a little bit more calm in their lives.
As a therapist, I enjoy working with clients who are seeking out more meaning, purpose, and connection in their lives. My clients are often working on learning to regulate their emotions and connect to their bodies, understand their families and cultures, and trying to increase their self-compassion and their compassion for the world. I support people in coming back to their more authentic self, and I know the importance of taking it slow and starting where we are.
I use mindfulness, the inner-child lens, and practical therapeutic tools to help clients who are suffering from anxiety, depression, and trauma to gain a little bit more calm in their lives.
As a therapist, I enjoy working with clients who are seeking out more meaning, purpose, and connection in their lives. My clients are often working on learning to regulate their emotions and connect to their bodies, understand their families and cultures, and trying to increase their self-compassion and their compassion for the world. I support people in coming back to their more authentic self, and I know the importance of taking it slow and starting where we are.
(720) 964-2958 View (720) 964-2958
Photo of Khesed Wellness, LPC
Khesed Wellness
LPC
Verified Verified
12 Endorsed
Edgewater, CO 80214
We believe everyone deserves access to quality mental health therapy they can afford. Our team of therapists offer a variety of expertise, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, addiction and substance use, eating disorders, LGBTQ+ issues, faith, sexuality, boundary setting, identity exploration, and more. We offer individual, couples, and family sessions. Our goal is to match you with the therapist who is the best therapeutic, cultural and relational fit to meet your needs. We return all outreaches within one business day and match you with a therapist within one week so you don't have to wait for care. We're here for you.
We believe everyone deserves access to quality mental health therapy they can afford. Our team of therapists offer a variety of expertise, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, addiction and substance use, eating disorders, LGBTQ+ issues, faith, sexuality, boundary setting, identity exploration, and more. We offer individual, couples, and family sessions. Our goal is to match you with the therapist who is the best therapeutic, cultural and relational fit to meet your needs. We return all outreaches within one business day and match you with a therapist within one week so you don't have to wait for care. We're here for you.
(720) 844-8606 View (720) 844-8606
Photo of Raven Roth, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Raven Roth
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Edgewater, CO 80214
Raven Roth is dual-licensed as a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Addictions Counselor with more than 5 of experience specializing in life transitions, depression, anxiety and substance use disorders. Raven has experience treating individuals between the ages of 15 and 90 in utilizing a variety of therapeutic approaches and modalities such as Person Centered, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and Attachment Theory. She has extensive experience working with a wide spectrum of individuals, couples, and other family dynamics.
Raven Roth is dual-licensed as a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Addictions Counselor with more than 5 of experience specializing in life transitions, depression, anxiety and substance use disorders. Raven has experience treating individuals between the ages of 15 and 90 in utilizing a variety of therapeutic approaches and modalities such as Person Centered, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and Attachment Theory. She has extensive experience working with a wide spectrum of individuals, couples, and other family dynamics.
(720) 802-9717 View (720) 802-9717
Photo of Rebecca Rottinger, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Rebecca Rottinger
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Edgewater, CO 80214
You'll experience a caring presence when you meet with Rebecca. You'll be welcomed into a comfortable therapeutic space infused with compassion and a bit of humor. You'll be supported in feeling more in control of your life. Working in partnership with Rebecca, her clients can learn to manage anxiety and depression, address safety concerns, explore who they are, and work through trauma. Rebecca utilizes active listening and subscribes to CBT, EFT, and person-centered counseling. She often uses multiple tools and techniques to best match to each client.
You'll experience a caring presence when you meet with Rebecca. You'll be welcomed into a comfortable therapeutic space infused with compassion and a bit of humor. You'll be supported in feeling more in control of your life. Working in partnership with Rebecca, her clients can learn to manage anxiety and depression, address safety concerns, explore who they are, and work through trauma. Rebecca utilizes active listening and subscribes to CBT, EFT, and person-centered counseling. She often uses multiple tools and techniques to best match to each client.
(720) 893-8381 View (720) 893-8381
Photo of Launa LaPorta, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Launa LaPorta
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Edgewater, CO 80214
Her main areas of focus include an array of mental health diagnoses and co-occurring disorders/issues, especially; depression, anxiety, PTSD, substance use, eating disorders, personality disorders and etc.
Launa LaPorta, LPC, is an individual psychotherapist, who has been practicing since 2016. She graduated from The University of Denver, Denver CO, with a MA in Clinical Counseling Psychology. Launa believes in providing client centered, trauma informed, and psychodynamic therapy with a strong utilization of clinical interventions based on client's desired areas of growth and needs.
Her main areas of focus include an array of mental health diagnoses and co-occurring disorders/issues, especially; depression, anxiety, PTSD, substance use, eating disorders, personality disorders and etc.
Launa LaPorta, LPC, is an individual psychotherapist, who has been practicing since 2016. She graduated from The University of Denver, Denver CO, with a MA in Clinical Counseling Psychology. Launa believes in providing client centered, trauma informed, and psychodynamic therapy with a strong utilization of clinical interventions based on client's desired areas of growth and needs.
(720) 802-3842 View (720) 802-3842
Photo of Brittany Roper, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Brittany Roper
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Edgewater, CO 80214
Her main areas of focus include trauma, depression, and anxiety.
Brittany Roper is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has been practicing since 2017. She graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington with a Master's degree in Social Work. Brittany believes you are the expert of your life. She is honored to partner with you to explore your concerns, focus on your strengths, and provide tangible tools to help you reach your goals. She deeply cares about your well-being and greets you with empathy and warmth in a non-judgmental space where you can be your authentic self. Brittany uses evidence-based treatments through a trauma-informed lens.
Her main areas of focus include trauma, depression, and anxiety.
Brittany Roper is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has been practicing since 2017. She graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington with a Master's degree in Social Work. Brittany believes you are the expert of your life. She is honored to partner with you to explore your concerns, focus on your strengths, and provide tangible tools to help you reach your goals. She deeply cares about your well-being and greets you with empathy and warmth in a non-judgmental space where you can be your authentic self. Brittany uses evidence-based treatments through a trauma-informed lens.
(720) 784-5819 View (720) 784-5819
Photo of Julie Blumenfeld, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Julie Blumenfeld
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Edgewater, CO 80214
When you meet with Julie, you'll feel safe, secure, and comfortable. You'll feel connected and accepted so you can be yourself. You'll enjoy the humor Julie brings to each session when appropriate. Julie's clients can overcome relational issues and general life struggles, such as interpersonal communication and life transitions, depression, anxiety, and trauma. Active listening and unconditional positive regard are some of the tools Julie uses, as well as providing a balance between education and process. She provides clients with the skills and tools that they need to work through their struggles, inspiring confidence in them.
When you meet with Julie, you'll feel safe, secure, and comfortable. You'll feel connected and accepted so you can be yourself. You'll enjoy the humor Julie brings to each session when appropriate. Julie's clients can overcome relational issues and general life struggles, such as interpersonal communication and life transitions, depression, anxiety, and trauma. Active listening and unconditional positive regard are some of the tools Julie uses, as well as providing a balance between education and process. She provides clients with the skills and tools that they need to work through their struggles, inspiring confidence in them.
(720) 790-3267 View (720) 790-3267
Photo of Kerri Sterrett - Denver Wellness Counseling, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Denver Wellness Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Edgewater, CO 80214
Denver Wellness Counseling is accepting new EMDR clients. We work collaboratively with each client to help them heal from emotional wounds, engage more fully in the present, and work towards building a brighter future. We specialize in treating those who are struggling with trauma, complex-trauma, depression, anxiety, grief, relationship/family problems, and overall life stress. Our approach assists clients in managing present day symptoms, earning secure attachment, and healing emotional wounds through EMDR treatment.
Denver Wellness Counseling is accepting new EMDR clients. We work collaboratively with each client to help them heal from emotional wounds, engage more fully in the present, and work towards building a brighter future. We specialize in treating those who are struggling with trauma, complex-trauma, depression, anxiety, grief, relationship/family problems, and overall life stress. Our approach assists clients in managing present day symptoms, earning secure attachment, and healing emotional wounds through EMDR treatment.
(720) 740-0512 View (720) 740-0512
Photo of Laura Lavoie, MS, LPC, Counselor
Laura Lavoie
Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Edgewater, CO 80214
I specialize in issues surrounding anxiety, depression, eating disorders, body image issues, trauma, relationship issues, self worth, and confidence.
I strive to empower my clients to be their most amazing, vibrant, and truest selves. It is normal to struggle but we don't need to suffer. We're often on the right path when we feel lost. This shows us we are aware and open. We are not hard wired for change but we ARE innately predisposed to search for possibilities that support our values, goals, and dreams. I see my clients as creative, capable and whole. We live in a society that is focused on external “success” and appearance and this can create an internal chaos and disconnection from that which truly feeds the spirit. The good news is that we don’t have to live this way.
I specialize in issues surrounding anxiety, depression, eating disorders, body image issues, trauma, relationship issues, self worth, and confidence.
I strive to empower my clients to be their most amazing, vibrant, and truest selves. It is normal to struggle but we don't need to suffer. We're often on the right path when we feel lost. This shows us we are aware and open. We are not hard wired for change but we ARE innately predisposed to search for possibilities that support our values, goals, and dreams. I see my clients as creative, capable and whole. We live in a society that is focused on external “success” and appearance and this can create an internal chaos and disconnection from that which truly feeds the spirit. The good news is that we don’t have to live this way.
(720) 807-1568 View (720) 807-1568
Photo of Sev Kiroglu - Sev Kiroglu - Mountain Thrive Counseling, LPCC
Sev Kiroglu - Mountain Thrive Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate, LPCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Edgewater, CO 80214
I have experience working with adolescents and adults with anxiety, depression, bipolar needs, suicidal thinking, grief, trauma, criminal justice needs, LGBTQ+ related issues, ADHD, substance use and other concerns.
My aim is to foster a therapeutic space that is client-centered and supportive. As a client, you can expect to have a hands-on approach in your treatment by setting goals that you believe are important in creating the change you want for yourself. Each individual is unique and I do not believe in “one size fits all” therapy, so I will meet you where you are and work with you from there. I strive to empower clients and support their goals by developing and enhancing client skills using a variety of evidence-based interventions. I present a strength-based and solution-focused approach.
I have experience working with adolescents and adults with anxiety, depression, bipolar needs, suicidal thinking, grief, trauma, criminal justice needs, LGBTQ+ related issues, ADHD, substance use and other concerns.
My aim is to foster a therapeutic space that is client-centered and supportive. As a client, you can expect to have a hands-on approach in your treatment by setting goals that you believe are important in creating the change you want for yourself. Each individual is unique and I do not believe in “one size fits all” therapy, so I will meet you where you are and work with you from there. I strive to empower clients and support their goals by developing and enhancing client skills using a variety of evidence-based interventions. I present a strength-based and solution-focused approach.
(720) 943-7911 View (720) 943-7911
Photo of Ashley Patel, LSW
Ashley Patel
Licensed Social Worker, LSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Edgewater, CO 80214
Hello, I am a therapist with iSeek Counseling and am currently accepting new clients! Are you feeling stuck and unsure? Are you having difficulty managing stressors and making progress towards your goals. Are you feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and depressed? I would love to support you in discovering what is keeping you from the life you want. My clinical focus is working with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship issues, life transitions, and low self-esteem. I'm here to support your healing journey to a life you want.
Hello, I am a therapist with iSeek Counseling and am currently accepting new clients! Are you feeling stuck and unsure? Are you having difficulty managing stressors and making progress towards your goals. Are you feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and depressed? I would love to support you in discovering what is keeping you from the life you want. My clinical focus is working with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship issues, life transitions, and low self-esteem. I'm here to support your healing journey to a life you want.
(888) 901-5874 View (888) 901-5874
Photo of Trisha Johnson, MA, LPC, RYT, Licensed Professional Counselor
Trisha Johnson
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, RYT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Edgewater, CO 80214  (Online Only)
Are you curious about wellness? Would you like to work on actualizing your potential? Are you needing better, more effective ways to cope? I can help! If you are in need of someone grounded and objective to help you make sense of your world and provide you with the necessary skills to overcome, then I'm the therapist for you. If your goal is stability and personal growth I can guide you on that path to self-actualization. My experience ranges from general anxiety, depression and mindfulness training to chronic mental illness, trauma and addiction. There is no issue too big or too small for our time together.
Are you curious about wellness? Would you like to work on actualizing your potential? Are you needing better, more effective ways to cope? I can help! If you are in need of someone grounded and objective to help you make sense of your world and provide you with the necessary skills to overcome, then I'm the therapist for you. If your goal is stability and personal growth I can guide you on that path to self-actualization. My experience ranges from general anxiety, depression and mindfulness training to chronic mental illness, trauma and addiction. There is no issue too big or too small for our time together.
(719) 581-4307 View (719) 581-4307
Photo of Lucas Rakel, Pre-Licensed Professional
Lucas Rakel
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Edgewater, CO 80214  (Online Only)
Whether you're grappling with depression, anxiety, trauma, life stressors, or relationship issues, I offer a warm compassionate space where you can explore and grow.
Are you feeling overwhelmed? Perhaps you're experiencing sadness and stress, seeking help but finding only advice without feeling truly understood for who you are. I'm here to offer you compassionate support—to not just provide advice, but to genuinely connect with your lived experiences. Together, we'll navigate these emotions and thoughts, discovering what resonates best for you. Rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all solution, my approach focuses on helping you define how you want to live your life according to your own values.
Whether you're grappling with depression, anxiety, trauma, life stressors, or relationship issues, I offer a warm compassionate space where you can explore and grow.
Are you feeling overwhelmed? Perhaps you're experiencing sadness and stress, seeking help but finding only advice without feeling truly understood for who you are. I'm here to offer you compassionate support—to not just provide advice, but to genuinely connect with your lived experiences. Together, we'll navigate these emotions and thoughts, discovering what resonates best for you. Rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all solution, my approach focuses on helping you define how you want to live your life according to your own values.
(720) 817-8850 View (720) 817-8850
Photo of Jennifer Droski, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jennifer Droski
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Edgewater, CO 80214  (Online Only)
I am a licensed clinical social worker committed to working with individuals looking to address depression, anxiety, relationship and intimacy issues. I also have a background in chemical dependency and trauma. I strongly believe that relationships– whether with ourselves or others– greatly impact our life satisfaction. My goal is to help you strengthen the connection and balance within your relationships to live a meaningful and authentic life.
I am a licensed clinical social worker committed to working with individuals looking to address depression, anxiety, relationship and intimacy issues. I also have a background in chemical dependency and trauma. I strongly believe that relationships– whether with ourselves or others– greatly impact our life satisfaction. My goal is to help you strengthen the connection and balance within your relationships to live a meaningful and authentic life.
(720) 664-7047 View (720) 664-7047
Photo of Alyssandra Livingston-Shelburne, LPC, RPT, Licensed Professional Counselor
Alyssandra Livingston-Shelburne
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, RPT
Verified Verified
Edgewater, CO 80214  (Online Only)
While I specialize in working with children, I also see adult clients who could be struggling with a variety of treatment issues, such as: life adjustment, depression, anxiety, anger, trauma, identity exploration, family conflict, stress, as well as peer and family relationships.
Has your child has started behaving out of character leading you to wonder what they are going through? Perhaps they are struggling with feelings of sadness, anxiety, or anger. Play therapy offers an avenue to gain insight into what your child is struggling with and can help them gain confidence and explore their emotions in a safe environment where they can freely express themselves. I strive to build a therapeutic egalitarian relationship where we work together in order to help resolve the issues you and your family could be struggling with.
While I specialize in working with children, I also see adult clients who could be struggling with a variety of treatment issues, such as: life adjustment, depression, anxiety, anger, trauma, identity exploration, family conflict, stress, as well as peer and family relationships.
Has your child has started behaving out of character leading you to wonder what they are going through? Perhaps they are struggling with feelings of sadness, anxiety, or anger. Play therapy offers an avenue to gain insight into what your child is struggling with and can help them gain confidence and explore their emotions in a safe environment where they can freely express themselves. I strive to build a therapeutic egalitarian relationship where we work together in order to help resolve the issues you and your family could be struggling with.
(855) 910-9401 View (855) 910-9401
Photo of Emily Fisher, MFTC
Emily Fisher
Marriage and Family Therapist Candidate, MFTC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Edgewater, CO 80214
The start of something new is filled with excitement, fear, hesitation, and a variety of other emotions that can influence whether we try again the next day. Therapy is no different. Whether it's beginning again, beginning anew, or simply beginning somewhere, the idea of therapy may stir up unfamiliar feelings. But when our emotions and relationships are a source of pain rather than support, we are left wondering if and how things can change. Seeing a therapist takes courage and you have taken the first step towards this change. My specialties include relationship counseling, boundaries, self esteem, grief, anxiety, & depression.
The start of something new is filled with excitement, fear, hesitation, and a variety of other emotions that can influence whether we try again the next day. Therapy is no different. Whether it's beginning again, beginning anew, or simply beginning somewhere, the idea of therapy may stir up unfamiliar feelings. But when our emotions and relationships are a source of pain rather than support, we are left wondering if and how things can change. Seeing a therapist takes courage and you have taken the first step towards this change. My specialties include relationship counseling, boundaries, self esteem, grief, anxiety, & depression.
(720) 408-3757 View (720) 408-3757
Photo of Megan Yarnall, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Megan Yarnall
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Edgewater, CO 80214
Envision a life where the obstacles you face, such as depression, anxiety, fear, and loneliness, no longer hinder your progress. The unease and apprehension of feeling worried, guilty, adrift, or uncertain can be overwhelming. When these concerns cloud your mind and hinder your sense of purpose, they profoundly impact your mood, relationships, and overall quality of life. In a life unburdened by these challenges, you can cultivate deeper, more meaningful relationships, derive greater satisfaction from your professional and personal endeavors, and better manage worries and fears.
Envision a life where the obstacles you face, such as depression, anxiety, fear, and loneliness, no longer hinder your progress. The unease and apprehension of feeling worried, guilty, adrift, or uncertain can be overwhelming. When these concerns cloud your mind and hinder your sense of purpose, they profoundly impact your mood, relationships, and overall quality of life. In a life unburdened by these challenges, you can cultivate deeper, more meaningful relationships, derive greater satisfaction from your professional and personal endeavors, and better manage worries and fears.
(720) 458-9361 View (720) 458-9361
Photo of Emily Bretl, LSW, MFTC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Emily Bretl
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW, MFTC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Edgewater, CO 80214
My aim to unburden anxiety, feelings of loneliness, negative self-image, depression, grief, complex family and relational dynamics, and feelings of ‘stuckness’ and helplessness sits at the forefront of my mission.
We are all becoming. Becoming more confident, more weighed down by the stressors of life and our relationships, more independent, and more unsure of our identity or place in the world. And the most confusing part: all of those ‘becomings’ are happening at the same time. How are we able to celebrate the joys in our worlds while feeling tied to pressures that are both external to us and internal, hitting close to vulnerable wounds? Welcome to Becoming Therapy Services. By engaging in open and collaborative dialogue, we will use tools to help discover the stories that deserve a voice and parts of you that exist beyond the surface.
My aim to unburden anxiety, feelings of loneliness, negative self-image, depression, grief, complex family and relational dynamics, and feelings of ‘stuckness’ and helplessness sits at the forefront of my mission.
We are all becoming. Becoming more confident, more weighed down by the stressors of life and our relationships, more independent, and more unsure of our identity or place in the world. And the most confusing part: all of those ‘becomings’ are happening at the same time. How are we able to celebrate the joys in our worlds while feeling tied to pressures that are both external to us and internal, hitting close to vulnerable wounds? Welcome to Becoming Therapy Services. By engaging in open and collaborative dialogue, we will use tools to help discover the stories that deserve a voice and parts of you that exist beyond the surface.
(720) 815-9541 View (720) 815-9541
Photo of Amanda Lewis, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Amanda Lewis
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Edgewater, CO 80214
I specialize in individual therapy for adults and couples counseling. Many of my clients struggle with anxiety and/or depression, pressures to be "enough" or perfectionism, burnout and feeling overwhelmed by the demands of their different roles in life. Couples I work with often grapple with how to manage conflict and communication while being both partners and parents in their relationship. Today's culture dictates we have to be "all" to everyone in order to experience joy and happiness. Working with a therapist can help you find the balance you desire and make the changes you deserve.
I specialize in individual therapy for adults and couples counseling. Many of my clients struggle with anxiety and/or depression, pressures to be "enough" or perfectionism, burnout and feeling overwhelmed by the demands of their different roles in life. Couples I work with often grapple with how to manage conflict and communication while being both partners and parents in their relationship. Today's culture dictates we have to be "all" to everyone in order to experience joy and happiness. Working with a therapist can help you find the balance you desire and make the changes you deserve.
(720) 702-8242 View (720) 702-8242
Photo of Andrea Rosenstein, MSW, LCSW, LICSW, CCTP II, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Andrea Rosenstein
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, LICSW, CCTP II
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Edgewater, CO 80214
Has it been hard to feel like yourself for a while? Constantly fighting off feelings of stress, tension, anxiety, or that critical inner voice that's always telling you you're not good enough? Are you looking to learn to be fully present and comfortable in who you are? Let's help you break free from unhealthy patterns and inner turmoil, whether it's feeling numb and disconnected, or panicked and fearful. I help people struggling with trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, shame, body dissatisfaction, and insecurity to feel more connected and confident in themselves.
Has it been hard to feel like yourself for a while? Constantly fighting off feelings of stress, tension, anxiety, or that critical inner voice that's always telling you you're not good enough? Are you looking to learn to be fully present and comfortable in who you are? Let's help you break free from unhealthy patterns and inner turmoil, whether it's feeling numb and disconnected, or panicked and fearful. I help people struggling with trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, shame, body dissatisfaction, and insecurity to feel more connected and confident in themselves.
(303) 622-0246 View (303) 622-0246
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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.