Depression Therapists in Denver County, CO

Photo of Scott Stricker, PsyD, NCSP, LP, Psychologist
Scott Stricker
Psychologist, PsyD, NCSP, LP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Denver, CO 80207
Are you a man or parent of a teen who is grappling with depression, anxiety, or finding it hard to maintain relationships and manage big emotions? It’s hard to ask for help when you are in pain. It can be especially hard for men who have been taught that suffering in silence is strength. If held tightly, these myths of manhood may leave us feeling isolated, ashamed, and hopeless. No matter how hard we try to hide our difficulties from others, they tend to show up regardless - at work, at home, and in our relationships. Without guidance, we can check out, numb out, and get stuck in a cycle of fear, anger, and helplessness.
Are you a man or parent of a teen who is grappling with depression, anxiety, or finding it hard to maintain relationships and manage big emotions? It’s hard to ask for help when you are in pain. It can be especially hard for men who have been taught that suffering in silence is strength. If held tightly, these myths of manhood may leave us feeling isolated, ashamed, and hopeless. No matter how hard we try to hide our difficulties from others, they tend to show up regardless - at work, at home, and in our relationships. Without guidance, we can check out, numb out, and get stuck in a cycle of fear, anger, and helplessness.
(720) 896-4118 View (720) 896-4118
Photo of Michael Heckendorn, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Michael Heckendorn
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Denver, CO 80212
Hi, I'm Michael Heckendorn, a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Colorado and a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC). With over 10 years of experience in mental health, I’ve worked with teens and young adults in various settings, including schools, universities, and private practice. I understand how challenging adolescence can be, from managing anxiety and depression to navigating important life changes like school transitions, social pressures, or sports performance. My goal is to support your teen by offering guidance and tools to help them thrive during these pivotal years, walking with them every step of the way.
Hi, I'm Michael Heckendorn, a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Colorado and a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC). With over 10 years of experience in mental health, I’ve worked with teens and young adults in various settings, including schools, universities, and private practice. I understand how challenging adolescence can be, from managing anxiety and depression to navigating important life changes like school transitions, social pressures, or sports performance. My goal is to support your teen by offering guidance and tools to help them thrive during these pivotal years, walking with them every step of the way.
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Photo of Keith D. Wall, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Keith D. Wall
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Denver, CO 80238  (Online Only)
If you're struggling in any way, please reach out. I specialize in helping individuals navigate life's challenges while finding practical strategies for change. Many of my clients are people dealing with issues such as anxiety, depression, and self-doubt, seeking genuine understanding of themselves and a direction forward. You and I will work together to identify specific challenges in your life and develop effective solutions. My aim is to foster self-discovery, resilience, and meaningful change, empowering you to experience life fully again.
If you're struggling in any way, please reach out. I specialize in helping individuals navigate life's challenges while finding practical strategies for change. Many of my clients are people dealing with issues such as anxiety, depression, and self-doubt, seeking genuine understanding of themselves and a direction forward. You and I will work together to identify specific challenges in your life and develop effective solutions. My aim is to foster self-discovery, resilience, and meaningful change, empowering you to experience life fully again.
(720) 924-4693 View (720) 924-4693
Photo of Rebecca Hickman, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Rebecca Hickman
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80222
Waitlist for new clients
By the time most people seek help, they’ve been operating from a place of their own core wounding, hurting themselves and others in the process. All of our behaviors serve a purpose to meet our needs, even if they are harmful to others and ourselves. I work with clients who have experienced trauma around relationships, have attachment issues, codependency, anxiety, depression, and survivors of abuse. Many people do not recognize unresolved grief, and the need to address it to heal current relationships. My expertise is in working with losses which may go back to early childhood, or recent losses that need to be grieved.
By the time most people seek help, they’ve been operating from a place of their own core wounding, hurting themselves and others in the process. All of our behaviors serve a purpose to meet our needs, even if they are harmful to others and ourselves. I work with clients who have experienced trauma around relationships, have attachment issues, codependency, anxiety, depression, and survivors of abuse. Many people do not recognize unresolved grief, and the need to address it to heal current relationships. My expertise is in working with losses which may go back to early childhood, or recent losses that need to be grieved.
(720) 575-5316 View (720) 575-5316
Photo of Crystal Randles, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Crystal Randles
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Denver, CO 80202  (Online Only)
Are you tired of negative and intense emotions running your life? Impacting your relationships? Impacting how you feel about yourself? Are you feeling lost and unsure of yourself? Noticing that you can't hold onto or find positivity in your life anymore? Well, I'm here to tell you that you are not alone. Trauma, anxiety, and depression may be what's keeping you stuck and believing that you don't deserve better. You recognize you want things to change but just don't know where to start. I'm glad you're here and reading these words to seek out help. I see you and I want to support you in making that lasting change in your life.
Are you tired of negative and intense emotions running your life? Impacting your relationships? Impacting how you feel about yourself? Are you feeling lost and unsure of yourself? Noticing that you can't hold onto or find positivity in your life anymore? Well, I'm here to tell you that you are not alone. Trauma, anxiety, and depression may be what's keeping you stuck and believing that you don't deserve better. You recognize you want things to change but just don't know where to start. I'm glad you're here and reading these words to seek out help. I see you and I want to support you in making that lasting change in your life.
(720) 513-0889 View (720) 513-0889
Photo of Tahzeeb Gillani, Licensed Professional Counselor
Tahzeeb Gillani
Licensed Professional Counselor
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Denver, CO 80212  (Online Only)
I am a licensed professional counselor with a focus in marriage and family therapy in Colorado. I have been working in this field for over 6 years, and in this time I have worked with clients with all types of problems and life stress including depression, anxiety, and other stressors. I believe working with everyone together helps increase insight and prevent ongoing stress.
I am a licensed professional counselor with a focus in marriage and family therapy in Colorado. I have been working in this field for over 6 years, and in this time I have worked with clients with all types of problems and life stress including depression, anxiety, and other stressors. I believe working with everyone together helps increase insight and prevent ongoing stress.
(720) 419-3585 View (720) 419-3585
Photo of Stephen Drozda, LCP, Psychologist
Stephen Drozda
Psychologist, LCP
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80203  (Online Only)
Clients having difficulties with mood (most often depression), anxiety, relationships, or who are experiencing problems dealing with work, school, or challenges in other astpects of life and its challenges are my most frequent focus.
I am Stephen Drozda, a Licensed Psychologist in Colorado with over 40 years experience in the field. I treat clients from a variety of backgrounds in my practice using research-supported techniques such as cognitive-behavioral and solution-focused therapies to actively help clients to identify, plan, and work toward their goals.
Clients having difficulties with mood (most often depression), anxiety, relationships, or who are experiencing problems dealing with work, school, or challenges in other astpects of life and its challenges are my most frequent focus.
I am Stephen Drozda, a Licensed Psychologist in Colorado with over 40 years experience in the field. I treat clients from a variety of backgrounds in my practice using research-supported techniques such as cognitive-behavioral and solution-focused therapies to actively help clients to identify, plan, and work toward their goals.
(323) 643-8569 View (323) 643-8569
Photo of Glen Willis, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Glen Willis
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80211
I work with adults on challenges such as anxiety, depression, relationships, anger, life changes and self-improvement.
Life can be difficult at times to say the least. Every single one of us face challenges that we need help with from time to time. I am fully committed to helping you find the most effective methods to achieve the lasting changes you desire, resulting in improved happiness, sustained contentment, and a higher quality of life. Asking for help is a sign of strength, courage, and emotional intelligence.
I work with adults on challenges such as anxiety, depression, relationships, anger, life changes and self-improvement.
Life can be difficult at times to say the least. Every single one of us face challenges that we need help with from time to time. I am fully committed to helping you find the most effective methods to achieve the lasting changes you desire, resulting in improved happiness, sustained contentment, and a higher quality of life. Asking for help is a sign of strength, courage, and emotional intelligence.
(720) 213-5517 View (720) 213-5517
Photo of Amanda Fields, LCSW, CAS, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Amanda Fields
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CAS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Denver, CO 80220
Hello, my name is Amanda Fields. Welcome to my canine assisted therapy practice! I specialize in treating: attachment wounds, depression, anxiety, trauma, acute stress, relational trauma, grief and loss, and perfectionism. I’m here to help you move through painful emotions, get “unstuck”, feel seen, feel understood, increase awareness around triggers and learn healthy patterns that will serve you well. My goal is to create a non-judgmental, compassionate, understanding and comfortable environment. The approach I find most helpful is authenticity, humanity and attuning to your needs.
Hello, my name is Amanda Fields. Welcome to my canine assisted therapy practice! I specialize in treating: attachment wounds, depression, anxiety, trauma, acute stress, relational trauma, grief and loss, and perfectionism. I’m here to help you move through painful emotions, get “unstuck”, feel seen, feel understood, increase awareness around triggers and learn healthy patterns that will serve you well. My goal is to create a non-judgmental, compassionate, understanding and comfortable environment. The approach I find most helpful is authenticity, humanity and attuning to your needs.
(720) 738-5326 View (720) 738-5326
Photo of Jorge Daniel Flores, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Jorge Daniel Flores
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Denver, CO 80210
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and have a Master’s in Professional Counseling from Texas State University. I have been a practicing therapist since June 2018. I have worked with a wide variety of issues such as depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress, trauma, regulation, substance abuse, and communication, and interpersonal relationships. I have worked primarily at agencies and have helped individuals and families in crisis as well as providing traditional individual therapy. I have worked with children (7+) to adults of all ages, backgrounds, and cultures. I am also able to provide therapy in Spanish.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and have a Master’s in Professional Counseling from Texas State University. I have been a practicing therapist since June 2018. I have worked with a wide variety of issues such as depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress, trauma, regulation, substance abuse, and communication, and interpersonal relationships. I have worked primarily at agencies and have helped individuals and families in crisis as well as providing traditional individual therapy. I have worked with children (7+) to adults of all ages, backgrounds, and cultures. I am also able to provide therapy in Spanish.
(303) 529-7068 View (303) 529-7068
Photo of Stephanie Berliant, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Stephanie Berliant
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80203  (Online Only)
Attention is one of the most powerful gifts we can give. I embody this philosophy in my practice by striving to listen well, to understand you, to find the good that has been ignored or buried, and to name themes and beliefs that keep you stuck. I enjoy working with adults who are mired by anxiety, panic, depression, disordered eating, relationship difficulties, compulsions, addictions, or who are having difficulty adjusting to life circumstances. I am highly relational, meaning therapy with me feels like talking to an interested and compassionate friend.
Attention is one of the most powerful gifts we can give. I embody this philosophy in my practice by striving to listen well, to understand you, to find the good that has been ignored or buried, and to name themes and beliefs that keep you stuck. I enjoy working with adults who are mired by anxiety, panic, depression, disordered eating, relationship difficulties, compulsions, addictions, or who are having difficulty adjusting to life circumstances. I am highly relational, meaning therapy with me feels like talking to an interested and compassionate friend.
(720) 796-4909 View (720) 796-4909
Photo of Andrew Larrimer, LPC, LAC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Andrew Larrimer
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LAC
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80237
If you are feeling anxious, depressed, or emotionally volatile, you are not alone - according to the National Institute of Mental Health, one in five people in the United States live with a mental health issue. Whether you need room to express yourself, help separating, prioritizing, and reflecting on the issues you’re facing, or outside accountability (or maybe a little bit of all of those), I am here for you. My clients find me easy to talk to, straightforward, and a great teammate in helping them set and realize their goals. I adapt well to the needs of my clients so that you are able to benefit from our time together.
If you are feeling anxious, depressed, or emotionally volatile, you are not alone - according to the National Institute of Mental Health, one in five people in the United States live with a mental health issue. Whether you need room to express yourself, help separating, prioritizing, and reflecting on the issues you’re facing, or outside accountability (or maybe a little bit of all of those), I am here for you. My clients find me easy to talk to, straightforward, and a great teammate in helping them set and realize their goals. I adapt well to the needs of my clients so that you are able to benefit from our time together.
(720) 571-1607 View (720) 571-1607
Photo of Jorie Cotton, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Jorie Cotton
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Denver, CO 80246
If you are struggling with anxiety and depression, experiencing relationship issues, or feeling the effects of significant life transitions, I can help. For over 12 years, I have been providing counseling support through a combination of evidence-based techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Positive Psychology. My focus is on empowering you with practical tools and strategies that can be applied in your daily life to manage challenges and improve your overall well-being.
If you are struggling with anxiety and depression, experiencing relationship issues, or feeling the effects of significant life transitions, I can help. For over 12 years, I have been providing counseling support through a combination of evidence-based techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Positive Psychology. My focus is on empowering you with practical tools and strategies that can be applied in your daily life to manage challenges and improve your overall well-being.
(720) 383-6977 View (720) 383-6977
Photo of Manali Gadgil, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Manali Gadgil
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80209  (Online Only)
I have worked with a wide range of human experiences including anxiety, depression, substance use, stress, trauma, and ethnic and racial identity issues.
I am a licensed professional counselor (LPC) in Colorado with a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology from the University of Denver. I have been in the mental health field for 10 years. My experience includes working with kids, teens, and families, and adults from diverse backgrounds in school and outpatient settings. I use a combination of DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy), CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), TF-CBT (trauma focused cognitive behavioral therapy), and narrative therapy. With kids, I integrate therapeutic play, mindfulness, and art activities.
I have worked with a wide range of human experiences including anxiety, depression, substance use, stress, trauma, and ethnic and racial identity issues.
I am a licensed professional counselor (LPC) in Colorado with a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology from the University of Denver. I have been in the mental health field for 10 years. My experience includes working with kids, teens, and families, and adults from diverse backgrounds in school and outpatient settings. I use a combination of DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy), CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), TF-CBT (trauma focused cognitive behavioral therapy), and narrative therapy. With kids, I integrate therapeutic play, mindfulness, and art activities.
(323) 643-8569 View (323) 643-8569
Photo of Stephanie Peetz, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Stephanie Peetz
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Denver, CO 80209
I work with folks ages 5 and up. I specialize in working with LGBTQIA+ related issues, Anxiety, Depression, Children & Adolescent issues, Parenting, Relationship issues, and Life Transitions. Additionally, I am currently accepting clients in search of stand alone Gender Affirming Care Evaluations for Gender Affirming Surgery (GAS) and Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT).
I work with folks ages 5 and up. I specialize in working with LGBTQIA+ related issues, Anxiety, Depression, Children & Adolescent issues, Parenting, Relationship issues, and Life Transitions. Additionally, I am currently accepting clients in search of stand alone Gender Affirming Care Evaluations for Gender Affirming Surgery (GAS) and Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT).
(720) 410-6589 View (720) 410-6589
Photo of Amity Walter - Trauma Informed Sex Therapy, ACSW, LCSW, CST, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Amity Walter - Trauma Informed Sex Therapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, ACSW, LCSW, CST
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Denver, CO 80209
I've worked extensively with Individuals and Couples to resolve a variety of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship conflict, parenting issues, and career/academic dissatisfaction.
I have been a therapist for 23 years, so I have had thousands of conversations with clients and extensive advanced training. I know change can be challenging so I try to make the process as efficient and painless as possible. I am motivated to help you meet YOUR goals. I always offer you the insights gained from my years of experience as well as my knowledge about what helps us lead a good life. I am practical and down-to-earth in my approach. Relationship skills can be learned, and you can feel better about yourself + your partner when you are relating with love, consideration, kindness, and passion.
I've worked extensively with Individuals and Couples to resolve a variety of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship conflict, parenting issues, and career/academic dissatisfaction.
I have been a therapist for 23 years, so I have had thousands of conversations with clients and extensive advanced training. I know change can be challenging so I try to make the process as efficient and painless as possible. I am motivated to help you meet YOUR goals. I always offer you the insights gained from my years of experience as well as my knowledge about what helps us lead a good life. I am practical and down-to-earth in my approach. Relationship skills can be learned, and you can feel better about yourself + your partner when you are relating with love, consideration, kindness, and passion.
(720) 730-5311 View (720) 730-5311
Photo of Kelsea Gutknecht, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kelsea Gutknecht
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80209  (Online Only)
My approach works best with adult individuals who are experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, and challenging life transitions.
My name is Kelsea Gutknecht and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Colorado. I work with adults who are experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, and challenging life transitions. I utilize Person-Centered, Strength-Based, and Trauma-Informed approaches, to help clients build the tools and skills needed to navigate difficult life challenges and create a path toward healing.
My approach works best with adult individuals who are experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, and challenging life transitions.
My name is Kelsea Gutknecht and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Colorado. I work with adults who are experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, and challenging life transitions. I utilize Person-Centered, Strength-Based, and Trauma-Informed approaches, to help clients build the tools and skills needed to navigate difficult life challenges and create a path toward healing.
(323) 643-8569 View (323) 643-8569
Photo of Blakely Heckman, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Blakely Heckman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80237
My ideal clients are adults grappling with trauma, depression, anxiety, addiction, and self-harming behaviors. They often feel overwhelmed and dissatisfied with their current circumstances, seeking a path to healing and personal growth. Their needs include a safe, empathetic space to explore their feelings without judgment. They want effective coping strategies and tools to navigate their emotional challenges and ultimately aspire to lead more fulfilling lives. I help clients build resilience and regain control over their mental health and well-being by addressing these issues and providing tailored support.
My ideal clients are adults grappling with trauma, depression, anxiety, addiction, and self-harming behaviors. They often feel overwhelmed and dissatisfied with their current circumstances, seeking a path to healing and personal growth. Their needs include a safe, empathetic space to explore their feelings without judgment. They want effective coping strategies and tools to navigate their emotional challenges and ultimately aspire to lead more fulfilling lives. I help clients build resilience and regain control over their mental health and well-being by addressing these issues and providing tailored support.
(720) 734-8159 View (720) 734-8159
Photo of Laura Lavoie, MS, LPC, Counselor
Laura Lavoie
Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Denver, CO 80218
After 15 yrs in this field, I specialize in self-growth, self-love, anxiety, depression, trauma, eating disorders, body image, LGBTQ, and relationship/family dynamics.
I strive to empower my clients to be their vibrant and truest selves! We often feel there is something wrong with us when we struggle without understanding what is driving our behavior and experience. It's never too late to improve our relationship with ourselves. It is normal to fear the unknown when desiring change. However, nothing is better than a life reflecting our values, goals, and dreams. I see my clients as creative, capable and whole. Society tends to focus on the "surface" which often creates 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!
After 15 yrs in this field, I specialize in self-growth, self-love, anxiety, depression, trauma, eating disorders, body image, LGBTQ, and relationship/family dynamics.
I strive to empower my clients to be their vibrant and truest selves! We often feel there is something wrong with us when we struggle without understanding what is driving our behavior and experience. It's never too late to improve our relationship with ourselves. It is normal to fear the unknown when desiring change. However, nothing is better than a life reflecting our values, goals, and dreams. I see my clients as creative, capable and whole. Society tends to focus on the "surface" which often creates 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 Alex Zobel, MA, LPCC, Counselor
Alex Zobel
Counselor, MA, LPCC
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80218  (Online Only)
I offer a dynamic approach to psychotherapy. I specialize in working with anxiety, depression and life transitions. I incorporate practices that work with balancing the nervous system through a psychodynamic approach incorporating Gestalt therapy, EMDR, SPT, art, somatic practices and neuroscience among other modalities. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate in the state of Colorado (LPCC).
I offer a dynamic approach to psychotherapy. I specialize in working with anxiety, depression and life transitions. I incorporate practices that work with balancing the nervous system through a psychodynamic approach incorporating Gestalt therapy, EMDR, SPT, art, somatic practices and neuroscience among other modalities. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate in the state of Colorado (LPCC).
(720) 928-5923 View (720) 928-5923
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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.