Depression Therapists in Knoxville, TN

Photo of Benjamin Henckel, APC, Pre-Licensed Professional
Benjamin Henckel
Pre-Licensed Professional, APC
Verified Verified
Knoxville, TN 37922
He enjoys working with a wide range of behavioral health issues, including depression, anxiety, grief, attachment injuries, life transitions, and trauma.
Benjamin Henckel is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Tennessee who has been practicing since 2022. Benjamin obtained his master’s degree in Counseling and from Carson-Newman University, and also holds a bachelor’s of psychology and human development from University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. His previous experience includes many years working with children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, as well as teenagers, college students, and adults within both residential and outpatient settings. Benjamin sees adolescents and adults individually, as well as families.
He enjoys working with a wide range of behavioral health issues, including depression, anxiety, grief, attachment injuries, life transitions, and trauma.
Benjamin Henckel is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Tennessee who has been practicing since 2022. Benjamin obtained his master’s degree in Counseling and from Carson-Newman University, and also holds a bachelor’s of psychology and human development from University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. His previous experience includes many years working with children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, as well as teenagers, college students, and adults within both residential and outpatient settings. Benjamin sees adolescents and adults individually, as well as families.
(865) 391-2067 View (865) 391-2067
Photo of Angela Masini, PhD, Psychologist
Angela Masini
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Knoxville, TN 37919
Do you find yourself in internal arguments with your inner critic or feel so pressured by should’s that being stressed has become the norm? Do you miss your former, more alive self or notice that feelings you had hoped were resolved continue to generate painful memories? Are you struggling with unwanted behaviors - irritable outbursts, addictions, or indecisiveness? Or missing intimacy and positive communication with your spouse or partner? Though there is no "typical client", resolving these concerns or decreasing symptoms of anxiety, depression, or PTSD, are frequent reasons reported by my clients when they come to therapy.
Do you find yourself in internal arguments with your inner critic or feel so pressured by should’s that being stressed has become the norm? Do you miss your former, more alive self or notice that feelings you had hoped were resolved continue to generate painful memories? Are you struggling with unwanted behaviors - irritable outbursts, addictions, or indecisiveness? Or missing intimacy and positive communication with your spouse or partner? Though there is no "typical client", resolving these concerns or decreasing symptoms of anxiety, depression, or PTSD, are frequent reasons reported by my clients when they come to therapy.
(865) 217-0514 View (865) 217-0514
Photo of Alyssa Royce, MS, NCC, Pre-Licensed Professional
Alyssa Royce
Pre-Licensed Professional, MS, NCC
Verified Verified
Knoxville, TN 37922
I am really glad you are here. It can be hard to find places where we feel seen and truly heard. Whether you're dealing with profound grief, managing anxiety or depression, or carrying the weight of past traumas, I'm dedicated to walking alongside you on this journey of discovery and healing. With extensive experience caring for people from all walks of life, I approach each person's challenges with deep empathy and respect. Together, we'll create a safe and nurturing space where you can find the comfort and understanding you deserve, along with the tools that will empower you to move forward with confidence and strength.
I am really glad you are here. It can be hard to find places where we feel seen and truly heard. Whether you're dealing with profound grief, managing anxiety or depression, or carrying the weight of past traumas, I'm dedicated to walking alongside you on this journey of discovery and healing. With extensive experience caring for people from all walks of life, I approach each person's challenges with deep empathy and respect. Together, we'll create a safe and nurturing space where you can find the comfort and understanding you deserve, along with the tools that will empower you to move forward with confidence and strength.
(865) 635-9334 View (865) 635-9334
Photo of Kathryn Perkel, PsyD, ReikiMa, Psychologist
Kathryn Perkel
Psychologist, PsyD, ReikiMa
Verified Verified
Knoxville, TN 37909
Many people seeking therapy are simply sensitive souls in need of new or different ways of protecting themselves in a world which does not always honor the intuitive, sensitive, and creative self. I am passionate about helping individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, and obsessional thinking that I believe often results from highly sensitive creative individuals lacking an outlet for expressing and/or understanding themselves.
Many people seeking therapy are simply sensitive souls in need of new or different ways of protecting themselves in a world which does not always honor the intuitive, sensitive, and creative self. I am passionate about helping individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, and obsessional thinking that I believe often results from highly sensitive creative individuals lacking an outlet for expressing and/or understanding themselves.
(865) 280-1911 View (865) 280-1911
Photo of Justin R Hall, LPCMHSP, Licensed Professional Counselor
Justin R Hall
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPCMHSP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Knoxville, TN 37931
Justin Hall is a licensed professional counselor with a mental health service provider designation and over a decade of experience in the helping professions. He is a Knoxville native, and he obtained his Master’s degree in Counseling from the University of Tennessee. Justin has been a successful psychotherapist in outpatient, hospital, residential and crisis settings; providing services to individuals and couples. He is experienced with and is absolutely driven in helping his clients address depression, anxiety, and relationship issues. Justin writes letters for emotional support animals.
Justin Hall is a licensed professional counselor with a mental health service provider designation and over a decade of experience in the helping professions. He is a Knoxville native, and he obtained his Master’s degree in Counseling from the University of Tennessee. Justin has been a successful psychotherapist in outpatient, hospital, residential and crisis settings; providing services to individuals and couples. He is experienced with and is absolutely driven in helping his clients address depression, anxiety, and relationship issues. Justin writes letters for emotional support animals.
(865) 326-3567 View (865) 326-3567
Photo of Dottie Cornett, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Dottie Cornett
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Knoxville, TN 37932
Dottie Cornett, LPC-MHSP Dottie Cornett is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Tennessee who has been practicing since 2004. Dottie has worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including addiction depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, and ADHD. She has also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. Dottie's counseling style is warm and interactive. She believes in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. She does not believe in stigmatizing labels.
Dottie Cornett, LPC-MHSP Dottie Cornett is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Tennessee who has been practicing since 2004. Dottie has worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including addiction depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, and ADHD. She has also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. Dottie's counseling style is warm and interactive. She believes in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. She does not believe in stigmatizing labels.
(865) 328-4012 View (865) 328-4012
Photo of Meirav Matityahou, PhD, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Meirav Matityahou
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC
Verified Verified
Knoxville, TN 37919
We all differ in meaningful ways, and therefore, therapy is different with each person. With careful, non-judgmental, and respectful listening, I hope you will feel deeply understood and hopeful, and we will be able to work together in a genuine, collaborative way. I work with adults with different difficulties and emotional struggles like depression, anxiety, trauma, identity, relationship issues, LGBT, cancer, life transitions and losses. Being of an international background and past military service, I value diversity and am deeply attuned to your unique background (cultural, ethnic, gender, sexual orientation) and its effect on your individuality.
We all differ in meaningful ways, and therefore, therapy is different with each person. With careful, non-judgmental, and respectful listening, I hope you will feel deeply understood and hopeful, and we will be able to work together in a genuine, collaborative way. I work with adults with different difficulties and emotional struggles like depression, anxiety, trauma, identity, relationship issues, LGBT, cancer, life transitions and losses. Being of an international background and past military service, I value diversity and am deeply attuned to your unique background (cultural, ethnic, gender, sexual orientation) and its effect on your individuality.
(865) 622-9450 View (865) 622-9450
Photo of Susan Wendy Hundley, MA, MSSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Susan Wendy Hundley
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, MSSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Knoxville, TN 37919  (Online Only)
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in the areas of depression, infertility, anxiety, relationship issues/boundaries, and grief. I am an advocate for those I work with, empowering them to find strength within themselves to become successful independently. However, I also enjoy problem solving and supporting self-determination. I am a realist, meaning that I do not expect that life will become easy or happiness will be immediately achieved, but I also feel few things are insurmountable. I work tirelessly to improve the lives of the individuals and couples who see me because this is my passion.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in the areas of depression, infertility, anxiety, relationship issues/boundaries, and grief. I am an advocate for those I work with, empowering them to find strength within themselves to become successful independently. However, I also enjoy problem solving and supporting self-determination. I am a realist, meaning that I do not expect that life will become easy or happiness will be immediately achieved, but I also feel few things are insurmountable. I work tirelessly to improve the lives of the individuals and couples who see me because this is my passion.
(865) 234-4150 View (865) 234-4150
Photo of Landon J Dalton, LPC, MHSP, Licensed Professional Counselor
Landon J Dalton
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MHSP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Knoxville, TN 37919
I have experience with individuals suffering from major depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, psychotic disorders, and adjustment disorders; among others.
Visit my website for real-time availability and to request an appointment. I am a licensed therapist that works with adults and young adults. My approach to therapy is holistic and is individually tailored to meet the needs of my clients. By using an insight-oriented therapeutic approach, I aim to help clients learn not just "how" to cope, but also, why these thoughts/behaviors started to occur. I work in a relaxed, welcoming setting with individuals who are motivated to take a deeper look into themselves. I believe everyone is capable of making significant changes in their life for the better!
I have experience with individuals suffering from major depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, psychotic disorders, and adjustment disorders; among others.
Visit my website for real-time availability and to request an appointment. I am a licensed therapist that works with adults and young adults. My approach to therapy is holistic and is individually tailored to meet the needs of my clients. By using an insight-oriented therapeutic approach, I aim to help clients learn not just "how" to cope, but also, why these thoughts/behaviors started to occur. I work in a relaxed, welcoming setting with individuals who are motivated to take a deeper look into themselves. I believe everyone is capable of making significant changes in their life for the better!
(865) 509-9970 View (865) 509-9970
Photo of Tamara Diaz-Hart, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Tamara Diaz-Hart
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Knoxville, TN 37909
Tammy has been practicing as a Licensed Marital and Family Therapist in Tennessee since 1999. She believes life is a journey and we all need supportive people. She strives to offer a non-judgmental and empathetic environment while teaching practical coping skills. Tammy counsels' individuals, families, parents, youth, and group therapy. Tammy provides therapy for depression and anxiety, addictions, chronic mental illness, anger management, ADHD, cultural and ethnic issues, parenting, spirituality, and grief. She offers individual therapy for thirteen and up, and family therapy for all ages.
Tammy has been practicing as a Licensed Marital and Family Therapist in Tennessee since 1999. She believes life is a journey and we all need supportive people. She strives to offer a non-judgmental and empathetic environment while teaching practical coping skills. Tammy counsels' individuals, families, parents, youth, and group therapy. Tammy provides therapy for depression and anxiety, addictions, chronic mental illness, anger management, ADHD, cultural and ethnic issues, parenting, spirituality, and grief. She offers individual therapy for thirteen and up, and family therapy for all ages.
(865) 205-6482 View (865) 205-6482
Photo of Mishi C Worrell, LPC, MHSP, Pre-Licensed Professional
Mishi C Worrell
Pre-Licensed Professional, LPC, MHSP
Verified Verified
Knoxville, TN 37909
She is humbled by the opportunity to work with a wide range of emotional and behavioral health issues to include depression, anxiety, bipolar and personality disorders.
Mishi C. Worrell is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Tennessee who has been practicing since 2021. Mishi obtained her Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Pentecostal Theological Seminary and also holds a Bachelor's degree in Marketing/Business Administration. Her previous experience includes many years working as a staffing consultant and account executive for principals nationally and internationally. Mishi left the business arena and entered clinical services after years of finding herself functioning in the dual roles of helping with intrapersonal issues and closing business deals.
She is humbled by the opportunity to work with a wide range of emotional and behavioral health issues to include depression, anxiety, bipolar and personality disorders.
Mishi C. Worrell is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Tennessee who has been practicing since 2021. Mishi obtained her Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Pentecostal Theological Seminary and also holds a Bachelor's degree in Marketing/Business Administration. Her previous experience includes many years working as a staffing consultant and account executive for principals nationally and internationally. Mishi left the business arena and entered clinical services after years of finding herself functioning in the dual roles of helping with intrapersonal issues and closing business deals.
(865) 351-6403 View (865) 351-6403
Photo of Pamela Carpenter, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Pamela Carpenter
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Knoxville, TN 37909
I specialize in working with issues of grief and loss, aging, trauma, life transition, and mood disorders, such as anxiety, depression and bipolar disorders.
Life is filled with change. Oftentimes, we have to confront things we never expected. Sometimes, we are faced with overwhelming situations, such as loss or trauma, and we need someone to walk alongside us. But for all of us, there are times we know we want our lives to be different, but we may be unsure how to make changes. Perhaps, our moods or feelings seem to command our choices, or perhaps we just don't know what steps to take first. Therapy is an opportunity for us to pursue desired changes with the assistance that can help us achieve our goals.
I specialize in working with issues of grief and loss, aging, trauma, life transition, and mood disorders, such as anxiety, depression and bipolar disorders.
Life is filled with change. Oftentimes, we have to confront things we never expected. Sometimes, we are faced with overwhelming situations, such as loss or trauma, and we need someone to walk alongside us. But for all of us, there are times we know we want our lives to be different, but we may be unsure how to make changes. Perhaps, our moods or feelings seem to command our choices, or perhaps we just don't know what steps to take first. Therapy is an opportunity for us to pursue desired changes with the assistance that can help us achieve our goals.
(865) 551-6113 View (865) 551-6113
Photo of Joshua Coy Williams, LPC, MHSP, Licensed Professional Counselor
Joshua Coy Williams
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MHSP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Knoxville, TN 37918
My specialties include helping with anxiety, grief, anger, depression, phobias, and any day-to-day life crises.
I know that seeking help can be overwhelming and there are many qualified individuals who could help you, but you need a therapist who is a good fit for you. Consider if I am this "good fit". I believe I have the unique ability to connect with my clients, and they with me. This can be done through empathy. Empathy is the experience of understanding another persons thoughts, feelings, and conditions from their point of view. I work hard at doing this with every individual and their unique experiences. Irvin Yalom, a renowned psychologist, suggested, therapy is mostly a process of removing obstacle
My specialties include helping with anxiety, grief, anger, depression, phobias, and any day-to-day life crises.
I know that seeking help can be overwhelming and there are many qualified individuals who could help you, but you need a therapist who is a good fit for you. Consider if I am this "good fit". I believe I have the unique ability to connect with my clients, and they with me. This can be done through empathy. Empathy is the experience of understanding another persons thoughts, feelings, and conditions from their point of view. I work hard at doing this with every individual and their unique experiences. Irvin Yalom, a renowned psychologist, suggested, therapy is mostly a process of removing obstacle
(865) 351-6121 View (865) 351-6121
Photo of Nicola Bone, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Nicola Bone
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Knoxville, TN 37922
Nicola has experience in life coaching, social work supervision, and working with individuals and couples who have wrestled with pain inflicted by trauma, chronic and/or life-threatening diseases, grief/loss, anxiety depression and the slow perpetual build up of life stress.
Nicola is a licensed clinical social worker who has encouraged individuals in the pursuit of personal growth and healing for more than 20 years. Nicola has worked in a variety of settings including the District Attorney's Office in Atlanta, GA, Loudon County School systems, hospice and private practice. In these arenas, Nicola has learned about the resilience of the human spirit.
Nicola has experience in life coaching, social work supervision, and working with individuals and couples who have wrestled with pain inflicted by trauma, chronic and/or life-threatening diseases, grief/loss, anxiety depression and the slow perpetual build up of life stress.
Nicola is a licensed clinical social worker who has encouraged individuals in the pursuit of personal growth and healing for more than 20 years. Nicola has worked in a variety of settings including the District Attorney's Office in Atlanta, GA, Loudon County School systems, hospice and private practice. In these arenas, Nicola has learned about the resilience of the human spirit.
(865) 326-3997 View (865) 326-3997
Photo of Anne Little-Goss, MSSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Anne Little-Goss
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Knoxville, TN 37922
Over the years Anne has worked with a multitude of issues including, but not limited to, depression, anxiety, trauma, grief and loss, personality challenges, crisis prevention, anger management, and relationship challenges.
For over 17 years Anne has had the privilege of providing therapy/coaching services to children, adolescents, and adults who have been negatively impacted by varying life circumstances. Anne is passionate about helping clients understand that a diagnosis does not define who they are, but only identifies the patterns they are struggling with. Anne believes "everyone has a story in which each chapter can create different needs and challenges". She adds, "Therapy/Coaching provides a safe and confidential space to process and learn new coping strategies or to challenge the way we look at those challenges and needs".
Over the years Anne has worked with a multitude of issues including, but not limited to, depression, anxiety, trauma, grief and loss, personality challenges, crisis prevention, anger management, and relationship challenges.
For over 17 years Anne has had the privilege of providing therapy/coaching services to children, adolescents, and adults who have been negatively impacted by varying life circumstances. Anne is passionate about helping clients understand that a diagnosis does not define who they are, but only identifies the patterns they are struggling with. Anne believes "everyone has a story in which each chapter can create different needs and challenges". She adds, "Therapy/Coaching provides a safe and confidential space to process and learn new coping strategies or to challenge the way we look at those challenges and needs".
(865) 217-2659 View (865) 217-2659
Photo of Rebecca Callaway, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Rebecca Callaway
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Knoxville, TN 37919
As a counselor, my goal is to help each individual reach their own goals and recognize that they are already amazing people. Depression, anxiety, phobias, grief, trauma, and addiction are all areas that I am trained in, but these issues do not define who my patients are. Rather, they are obstacles in life that can be managed and even overcome with their strength and resilience that is already present. I simply act as a guide through their journey, providing insight, coping skills, and a unique perspective.
As a counselor, my goal is to help each individual reach their own goals and recognize that they are already amazing people. Depression, anxiety, phobias, grief, trauma, and addiction are all areas that I am trained in, but these issues do not define who my patients are. Rather, they are obstacles in life that can be managed and even overcome with their strength and resilience that is already present. I simply act as a guide through their journey, providing insight, coping skills, and a unique perspective.
(865) 800-4081 View (865) 800-4081
Photo of Jeff Cockerham, LPCMHSP, MSc, MDiv, Licensed Professional Counselor
Jeff Cockerham
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPCMHSP, MSc, MDiv
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Knoxville, TN 37918
I am currently accepting new clients. I specialize in couples (Gottman Method - Level 2), depression, anxiety, anger, and religious trauma. I am not accepting insurance at this time. Both in-person and telehealth appointments are available. If you'd like to make an appointment, click here: www.jeff-cockerham-lpc-mhsp.square.site/
I am currently accepting new clients. I specialize in couples (Gottman Method - Level 2), depression, anxiety, anger, and religious trauma. I am not accepting insurance at this time. Both in-person and telehealth appointments are available. If you'd like to make an appointment, click here: www.jeff-cockerham-lpc-mhsp.square.site/
(865) 351-2646 View (865) 351-2646
Photo of Linda L Behel, MS, LMFT, LPC, MHSP, Marriage & Family Therapist
Linda L Behel
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT, LPC, MHSP
Verified Verified
Knoxville, TN 37923  (Online Only)
My goal is to help people identify problem areas and the personal strengths that are available to begin to address those problems. I also focus on helping people improve communication and relationship skills as a part of problem-solving. I treat individuals and couples dealing with depression, anxiety, grief/loss issues, substance abuse, communication and relationship problems, women's issues, adjustment problems, parenting, spiritual issues. I participate in many employee assistance plans and I am in most insurance networks. Please call for detailed information about plans.
My goal is to help people identify problem areas and the personal strengths that are available to begin to address those problems. I also focus on helping people improve communication and relationship skills as a part of problem-solving. I treat individuals and couples dealing with depression, anxiety, grief/loss issues, substance abuse, communication and relationship problems, women's issues, adjustment problems, parenting, spiritual issues. I participate in many employee assistance plans and I am in most insurance networks. Please call for detailed information about plans.
(865) 375-5136 View (865) 375-5136
Photo of Charles E Martin, PhD, Psychologist
Charles E Martin
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Knoxville, TN 37922
Martin's special areas of interest are the treatment of depression, anxiety, stress issues, anger management, and marriage/couples counseling.
Dr. Charles E. Martin is a licensed clinical psychologist in private practice in Knoxville, TN. He is currently accepting new patients, and both day and evening hours are available, as well as Telehealth sessions. Dr. Martin has been in practice over 40 years working with adults with a wide range of problems. Dr. Martin's treatment approach is solution-oriented. Often described as gentle and easy-going with a good sense of humor, Dr. Martin's counseling style is amiable and courteous. He understands that many people are quite anxious when they begin counseling and he makes the initial sessions comfortable.
Martin's special areas of interest are the treatment of depression, anxiety, stress issues, anger management, and marriage/couples counseling.
Dr. Charles E. Martin is a licensed clinical psychologist in private practice in Knoxville, TN. He is currently accepting new patients, and both day and evening hours are available, as well as Telehealth sessions. Dr. Martin has been in practice over 40 years working with adults with a wide range of problems. Dr. Martin's treatment approach is solution-oriented. Often described as gentle and easy-going with a good sense of humor, Dr. Martin's counseling style is amiable and courteous. He understands that many people are quite anxious when they begin counseling and he makes the initial sessions comfortable.
(865) 320-9901 View (865) 320-9901
Photo of Kristina L Hall, MS, CTRS
Kristina L Hall
MS, CTRS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Knoxville, TN 37922
Hello, Welcome! I am accepting new clients seeking to cope with anxiety, addiction, and depression. I also offer parenting and family counseling.You or your child may need help processing overwhelming core beliefs that bind you to unhealthy behavior or negative thought patterns. I utilize a CBT based program that allows you to rediscover joy, balance and peace. I believe the most important thing I offer is my experience, strength and hope, my humanness. With over 25 years of experience as a therapist, I can help you work through life’s challenges. You are not alone. Please take the next step and schedule an appointment today.
Hello, Welcome! I am accepting new clients seeking to cope with anxiety, addiction, and depression. I also offer parenting and family counseling.You or your child may need help processing overwhelming core beliefs that bind you to unhealthy behavior or negative thought patterns. I utilize a CBT based program that allows you to rediscover joy, balance and peace. I believe the most important thing I offer is my experience, strength and hope, my humanness. With over 25 years of experience as a therapist, I can help you work through life’s challenges. You are not alone. Please take the next step and schedule an appointment today.
(865) 375-8718 View (865) 375-8718
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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.