Depression Therapists in Palm Bay, FL
![Photo of Christina Gaines, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d2c97c18-ee63-44b3-bda9-886a6dab4305/2/320x400.jpeg)
It is my goal provide a safe and comfortable environment to allow clients to explore obstacles with concerns related to anxiety, depression, self-esteem and/or self-care.
Hello! My name is Christina Gaines. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and Masters Certified Addiction Professional (MCAP) based in Florida. I also hold licenses in New Hampshire (Licensed Clinical Mental Counselor, LCHMC) and Kentucky (Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor). I received my Master's from the University of North Florida and have been practicing for 14 years. You are here because you are exploring the idea of starting therapy to better your mental health and the idea of putting your trust into a complete stranger can seem terrifying.
It is my goal provide a safe and comfortable environment to allow clients to explore obstacles with concerns related to anxiety, depression, self-esteem and/or self-care.
Hello! My name is Christina Gaines. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and Masters Certified Addiction Professional (MCAP) based in Florida. I also hold licenses in New Hampshire (Licensed Clinical Mental Counselor, LCHMC) and Kentucky (Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor). I received my Master's from the University of North Florida and have been practicing for 14 years. You are here because you are exploring the idea of starting therapy to better your mental health and the idea of putting your trust into a complete stranger can seem terrifying.
![Photo of Tracy Taylor, LCSW, LMHC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/deb77942-6dd8-4160-b3de-70ddb89deaac/2/320x400.jpeg)
Tracy Taylor
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LMHC
Verified Verified
Palm Bay, FL 32907 (Online Only)
I work with individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, grief, and low self-esteem.
Thank you for taking the time to read my profile. My approach to counseling is to provide the assistance needed to make you proficient in governing your life and identifying your strengths. Are you ready to begin your journey to mental clarity and wellness? Would you like to experience peace within yourself and your relationships? Are you ready to feel empowered and focus on creating your best self? Let's talk about it. There are no situations or dilemmas too minuscule or immeasurable that cannot be discussed.
I work with individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, grief, and low self-esteem.
Thank you for taking the time to read my profile. My approach to counseling is to provide the assistance needed to make you proficient in governing your life and identifying your strengths. Are you ready to begin your journey to mental clarity and wellness? Would you like to experience peace within yourself and your relationships? Are you ready to feel empowered and focus on creating your best self? Let's talk about it. There are no situations or dilemmas too minuscule or immeasurable that cannot be discussed.
![Photo of Sharon Salichs, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/79b0f379-21e4-47c9-a06b-844385e6045e/1/320x400.jpeg)
My name is Sharon Salichs and I'm a spanish speaking Licensed Mental Health Counselor based and licensed in Florida. With 6 years of experience as a therapist, I've had the privilege of working with individuals from diverse backgrounds, each facing unique challenges. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, my focus is on helping individuals and families navigate through challenges that impact their emotional and mental well-being. I specialize in working with children, adolescents, and adults who are dealing with behavioral problems, depression, anxiety, trauma, and self-esteem issues.
My name is Sharon Salichs and I'm a spanish speaking Licensed Mental Health Counselor based and licensed in Florida. With 6 years of experience as a therapist, I've had the privilege of working with individuals from diverse backgrounds, each facing unique challenges. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, my focus is on helping individuals and families navigate through challenges that impact their emotional and mental well-being. I specialize in working with children, adolescents, and adults who are dealing with behavioral problems, depression, anxiety, trauma, and self-esteem issues.
![Photo of Tommy Shoriak, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8198f3c0-74ee-471e-932f-11c339a9ef33/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a licensed mental health counselor with over 12 years of clinical experience in various settings including inpatient residential, therapeutic foster care, community outpatient, and community crisis response. I specialize in working with children and adolescents with anxiety, depression, ADHD, oppositional behaviors, as well as various other diagnoses. I also work with adults who struggle with depression, suicidal ideation, anxiety, relationship issues, and divorce recovery. I have been trained in EMDR, Trauma Focused CBT, and the Parenting with Love and Limits program.
I am a licensed mental health counselor with over 12 years of clinical experience in various settings including inpatient residential, therapeutic foster care, community outpatient, and community crisis response. I specialize in working with children and adolescents with anxiety, depression, ADHD, oppositional behaviors, as well as various other diagnoses. I also work with adults who struggle with depression, suicidal ideation, anxiety, relationship issues, and divorce recovery. I have been trained in EMDR, Trauma Focused CBT, and the Parenting with Love and Limits program.
![Photo of Brittany Neasman, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a0ef2ba9-aabd-49ef-be28-7d5f0afeacb5/2/320x400.jpeg)
Brittany Neasman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Palm Bay, FL 32907 (Online Only)
Brittany has worked with clients from various backgrounds on issues surrounding depression, anxiety disorders, grief and loss, stressors related to various transitions in life, co-dependency issues, and interpersonal relationship concerns.
B N Therapy Solutions is commited to assisting those on the path of growth and healing. Growth and healing looks differently for everyone. If you are struggling with growth or healing whether it's from issues such as depression, anxiety, or co-dependency in relationships Brittany is here to assist. Brittany is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Florida with 3+ years of counseling experience. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a Minor in Religious Studies and a certification in Women and Gender Studies, then earned a Master of Social Work from Florida International University.
Brittany has worked with clients from various backgrounds on issues surrounding depression, anxiety disorders, grief and loss, stressors related to various transitions in life, co-dependency issues, and interpersonal relationship concerns.
B N Therapy Solutions is commited to assisting those on the path of growth and healing. Growth and healing looks differently for everyone. If you are struggling with growth or healing whether it's from issues such as depression, anxiety, or co-dependency in relationships Brittany is here to assist. Brittany is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Florida with 3+ years of counseling experience. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a Minor in Religious Studies and a certification in Women and Gender Studies, then earned a Master of Social Work from Florida International University.
![Photo of Serlina D James - Creative Solutions, LCSW, LICSW, LISW-CP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a1c0fb97-8f8b-4132-9e2b-21c16b0b1df9/2/320x400.jpeg)
Creative Solutions
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LICSW, LISW-CP
Verified Verified
Palm Bay, FL 32907 (Online Only)
If you are feeling overwhelmed, anxious, depressed, stuck or repeating patterns of undesirable behaviors, I can offer you a safe place to process your feelings and develop healthy coping skills. Whether you are experiencing challenges or simply just need someone to listen, I can help you to identify actionable steps to manage stress, create desired change and enhance life satisfaction. I tailor client-centered treatment plans, using modalities such as: CBT, Expressive Therapies, Existential (logo) Therapy, Narrative Therapy and Mindfulness to treat anxiety, depression, trauma survivors, loss & grief, mood disorders, PTSD and ADHD.
If you are feeling overwhelmed, anxious, depressed, stuck or repeating patterns of undesirable behaviors, I can offer you a safe place to process your feelings and develop healthy coping skills. Whether you are experiencing challenges or simply just need someone to listen, I can help you to identify actionable steps to manage stress, create desired change and enhance life satisfaction. I tailor client-centered treatment plans, using modalities such as: CBT, Expressive Therapies, Existential (logo) Therapy, Narrative Therapy and Mindfulness to treat anxiety, depression, trauma survivors, loss & grief, mood disorders, PTSD and ADHD.
![Photo of Cathleen Olson, LMFT, PMH-C, CRPS, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/51cf6c7c-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
My passion is to assist individuals, couples, and families with depression, anxiety, and/or family discord.
Do you ever feel like no one understands you? Do you wish you had more support? How would you feel knowing you had a neutral space where you can freely express yourself without judgement, but with compassion and kindness. Well, you have come to the right place. My practice focuses on person-centered treatment allowing you to guide the pace of the treatment that feels right for you. I will offer a private space within a calm and comforting atmosphere where you can address your most challenging needs. With over 11 years of experience in the mental health field, my experience covers many areas. I look forward working with you.
My passion is to assist individuals, couples, and families with depression, anxiety, and/or family discord.
Do you ever feel like no one understands you? Do you wish you had more support? How would you feel knowing you had a neutral space where you can freely express yourself without judgement, but with compassion and kindness. Well, you have come to the right place. My practice focuses on person-centered treatment allowing you to guide the pace of the treatment that feels right for you. I will offer a private space within a calm and comforting atmosphere where you can address your most challenging needs. With over 11 years of experience in the mental health field, my experience covers many areas. I look forward working with you.
![Photo of Maggie Eilts, MA, LMHC, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5f497a09-a587-400d-affd-f97c7e5123e1/2/320x400.jpeg)
Maggie blends a warm and directive approach to walk with clients through their current struggles to a place where they feel more whole, healthy, and alive. Maggie works with ages 15 and up, and can help with issues related to anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, suicidality, self harm, and relationship issues.
Maggie blends a warm and directive approach to walk with clients through their current struggles to a place where they feel more whole, healthy, and alive. Maggie works with ages 15 and up, and can help with issues related to anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, suicidality, self harm, and relationship issues.
![Photo of Kinasya Craven, MS, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/472d1fe3-68e8-4e46-98c4-a2af8a2c9e3c/1/320x400.jpeg)
I specialize in stress management, depression, anxiety, anger management, trauma, grief and loss, PTSD, self-esteem building, difficult life transitions, adjustment issues, peer pressure, divorce, school issues, and interpersonal relationships.
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who specializes in working with children, adolescents, and families. I have a passion for people and consider it a great privilege to serve my community by addressing the mental health needs of individuals from all walks of life.
I specialize in stress management, depression, anxiety, anger management, trauma, grief and loss, PTSD, self-esteem building, difficult life transitions, adjustment issues, peer pressure, divorce, school issues, and interpersonal relationships.
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who specializes in working with children, adolescents, and families. I have a passion for people and consider it a great privilege to serve my community by addressing the mental health needs of individuals from all walks of life.
![Photo of Karen Baluch - Baker Family Counseling LLC , LMHC , LPCC-S , LICDC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/08eb7c7b-9b0d-43e3-a5ab-0c64b528ee8c/1/320x400.jpeg)
Baker Family Counseling LLC
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LMHC , LPCC-S , LICDC
Verified Verified
Palm Bay, FL 32905 (Online Only)
Strengths based counseling services -Are you looking for support and someone to help you reach your goals? Need help to reduce stress and improve your quality of life? Let me help you maximize your strengths to reduce anxiety and depression...naturally.
Strengths based counseling services -Are you looking for support and someone to help you reach your goals? Need help to reduce stress and improve your quality of life? Let me help you maximize your strengths to reduce anxiety and depression...naturally.
![Photo of Sue Kiley, PhD, LMHC, QS, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4a9e3a04-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I provide individual and couples counseling for ages 13 to adult, specializing in working with those who struggle with PTSD, depression, anxiety, grief/loss, poor self-esteem, relationship challenges or who have experienced trauma, abuse, controlling partners, domestic or dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking.
Struggling with trauma, specific challenges, mental health or life issues? I look forward to working with you. Whether past trauma, a serious recent incident, or a general life struggle; counseling can help you resolve, heal, and empower you to find your best self and to create your best life. Additionally, having earned a doctorate degree in Counseling Psychology with a specialization in marriage and family therapy and, as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with 35 years of clinical experience, I also enjoy working with all couples- married or not, LGBTQ or straight, to problem-solve, and address conflict & disconnection.
I provide individual and couples counseling for ages 13 to adult, specializing in working with those who struggle with PTSD, depression, anxiety, grief/loss, poor self-esteem, relationship challenges or who have experienced trauma, abuse, controlling partners, domestic or dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking.
Struggling with trauma, specific challenges, mental health or life issues? I look forward to working with you. Whether past trauma, a serious recent incident, or a general life struggle; counseling can help you resolve, heal, and empower you to find your best self and to create your best life. Additionally, having earned a doctorate degree in Counseling Psychology with a specialization in marriage and family therapy and, as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with 35 years of clinical experience, I also enjoy working with all couples- married or not, LGBTQ or straight, to problem-solve, and address conflict & disconnection.
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![Photo of Mindy Tanner, MA, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c4288278-8bbb-408a-b587-8019499644a2/1/320x400.jpeg)
I'm experienced with clients that are struggling with a wide array of mental health issues including grief/loss, trauma (PTSD, rape, other sexual trauma, & abuse), transitions, depression, anxiety, addiction & recovery, etc.
Working in many different mental health settings has allowed me to gain experience with clients of many different ages (ranging from children through the elderly), sexes (ranging from male to female, including transgender & non-binary), diagnoses, cultures, religions, etc. I am experienced with faith-based counseling & enjoy bringing spirituality, at the client’s request, into the therapeutic process. I offer many different modalities (i.e. solution-focused treatment, mindfulness, behavior modification, goal-setting, etc.) when working with clients and enjoy guiding clients along their pathway to healing & success.
I'm experienced with clients that are struggling with a wide array of mental health issues including grief/loss, trauma (PTSD, rape, other sexual trauma, & abuse), transitions, depression, anxiety, addiction & recovery, etc.
Working in many different mental health settings has allowed me to gain experience with clients of many different ages (ranging from children through the elderly), sexes (ranging from male to female, including transgender & non-binary), diagnoses, cultures, religions, etc. I am experienced with faith-based counseling & enjoy bringing spirituality, at the client’s request, into the therapeutic process. I offer many different modalities (i.e. solution-focused treatment, mindfulness, behavior modification, goal-setting, etc.) when working with clients and enjoy guiding clients along their pathway to healing & success.
![Photo of Crystal McDougle - Artletik Wellness LLC, RCSWI](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/73a8c54b-4157-434d-a63e-a4542e6d50c5/1/320x400.jpeg)
Artletik Wellness LLC
Registered Clinical Social Worker Intern, RCSWI
Verified Verified
Palm Bay, FL 32907
Feeling the weight of anxiety, depression, stress or overwhelming emotions? As a fellow athlete, I resonate with the unique challenges you face. Whether you’re striving for greatness in high school, college, or professional arena, mental health plays a crucial role in your success.
Feeling the weight of anxiety, depression, stress or overwhelming emotions? As a fellow athlete, I resonate with the unique challenges you face. Whether you’re striving for greatness in high school, college, or professional arena, mental health plays a crucial role in your success.
![Photo of Shannon Kirk, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/91fd7b54-569e-400f-b324-939da09d03a2/2/320x400.jpeg)
Now Accepting New Clients! Please visit the Clear Path website link to complete the intake form found under getting started and our administrative scheduler will reach out to you. Are you in need of a safe space to process trauma, work through conflict, life stressors or feeling...stuck? Together, we will explore your path to healing and the life you deserve. I will be here to help you navigate your barriers in order to address anxiety, depression, life transitions, grief, trauma, self-esteem, as well as many other challenges.
Now Accepting New Clients! Please visit the Clear Path website link to complete the intake form found under getting started and our administrative scheduler will reach out to you. Are you in need of a safe space to process trauma, work through conflict, life stressors or feeling...stuck? Together, we will explore your path to healing and the life you deserve. I will be here to help you navigate your barriers in order to address anxiety, depression, life transitions, grief, trauma, self-esteem, as well as many other challenges.
![Photo of Lauren Persad, LMHC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/331142d6-c7ee-43ed-8e58-d26971e4d147/1/320x400.jpeg)
Lauren Persad
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Palm Bay, FL 32905
Hello, my name is Lauren. I am dedicated to providing a safe space for clients to gain further insight into their minds, emotions, and actions. I believe all people can grow, learn, and make positive changes at any stage in life. My specializations include anxiety, depression, life transitions, behavioral issues, self-esteem and crisis management. I have extensive experience working with children, adolescents and adults.
Hello, my name is Lauren. I am dedicated to providing a safe space for clients to gain further insight into their minds, emotions, and actions. I believe all people can grow, learn, and make positive changes at any stage in life. My specializations include anxiety, depression, life transitions, behavioral issues, self-esteem and crisis management. I have extensive experience working with children, adolescents and adults.
![Photo of Rebecca A Cayford, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4e03c80b-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Hurting? Depressed? Anxious? Painful things happen in the past? I provide a safe, calm, peaceful atmosphere where you can focus on you. I specialize in treating individuals with childhood trauma, abuse, or neglect; trauma or post-traumatic stress; depression or anxiety; domestic violence or stalking; separation or divorce; relationship problems, controlling partners, or codependency; grief, accident, or injury; stress due to chronic pain, illness, or job; and underlying issues related to drug and alcohol abuse. I am also a Certified Bariatric Counselor and perform mental health assessments for surgery. Help is available to you.
Hurting? Depressed? Anxious? Painful things happen in the past? I provide a safe, calm, peaceful atmosphere where you can focus on you. I specialize in treating individuals with childhood trauma, abuse, or neglect; trauma or post-traumatic stress; depression or anxiety; domestic violence or stalking; separation or divorce; relationship problems, controlling partners, or codependency; grief, accident, or injury; stress due to chronic pain, illness, or job; and underlying issues related to drug and alcohol abuse. I am also a Certified Bariatric Counselor and perform mental health assessments for surgery. Help is available to you.
![Photo of Stephanie Rios, MS, LMHC-QS](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/34435ad7-ccd8-4980-94d5-ecdfd02452a8/1/320x400.jpeg)
Stephanie Rios
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, MS, LMHC-QS
Verified Verified
16 Endorsed
Palm Bay, FL 32905 (Online Only)
Are you struggling with Depression and/or Anxiety? Feeling unmotivated? Problems in relationships? Needing support? Imagine a life where you're not held back. Where you have the tools to conquer daily struggles, and where you feel a renewed sense of control and enjoyment of life. That's where therapy can come in and help you. We'll work as a team to collaborate on addressing your emotional and mental health struggles. I'll be supportive and challenging in order to help you to progress and feel better. My main specialties are Depression, Anxiety, past trauma, stress, and having anxious attachment style in relationships.
Are you struggling with Depression and/or Anxiety? Feeling unmotivated? Problems in relationships? Needing support? Imagine a life where you're not held back. Where you have the tools to conquer daily struggles, and where you feel a renewed sense of control and enjoyment of life. That's where therapy can come in and help you. We'll work as a team to collaborate on addressing your emotional and mental health struggles. I'll be supportive and challenging in order to help you to progress and feel better. My main specialties are Depression, Anxiety, past trauma, stress, and having anxious attachment style in relationships.
![Photo of Shangri-La Torres, MSW](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/db732d51-72ed-4715-9ae7-8ba61785b338/2/320x400.jpeg)
Shangri-La Torres
Registered Clinical Social Worker Intern, MSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Palm Bay, FL 32911 (Online Only)
Specialties include; Cluster B disorder management, Anxiety / Depression / Mood disturbance, Conflict resolution, Grief support and much more.
With over two decades of Behavioral Health expertise, you are in good hands. As a well rounded practitioner providing therapeutic interventions to both adults and children I aim for excellence. My 25 years of unconventional interventions yield fruitful outcomes.
Specialties include; Cluster B disorder management, Anxiety / Depression / Mood disturbance, Conflict resolution, Grief support and much more.
With over two decades of Behavioral Health expertise, you are in good hands. As a well rounded practitioner providing therapeutic interventions to both adults and children I aim for excellence. My 25 years of unconventional interventions yield fruitful outcomes.
![Photo of Laura Thompson, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c578a682-ece4-4696-87f9-1d7f2c4ca3a6/2/320x400.jpeg)
Feeling stressed? Overwhelmed? Going through a life transition? Struggling with depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, or trauma? I can help with these issues. My name is Dr. Laura Thompson and I am a clinical psychologist who sees adults for individual psychotherapy. I have experience with diverse populations with a wide range of issues. I have over 30 years of experience providing therapy in both inpatient and outpatient settings. I have been in private practice for 12 years. I have attained professional licensing in New York, Georgia, and Florida.
Feeling stressed? Overwhelmed? Going through a life transition? Struggling with depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, or trauma? I can help with these issues. My name is Dr. Laura Thompson and I am a clinical psychologist who sees adults for individual psychotherapy. I have experience with diverse populations with a wide range of issues. I have over 30 years of experience providing therapy in both inpatient and outpatient settings. I have been in private practice for 12 years. I have attained professional licensing in New York, Georgia, and Florida.
![Photo of Jacqueline Maple, LMHC, MCAP, QS, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c7bc5810-2c8e-4191-b204-ade47183c236/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jacqueline Maple
Counselor, LMHC, MCAP, QS
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Palm Bay, FL 32909 (Online Only)
My specialties include trauma, substance abuse, anxiety, depression and difficulty adjusting to the seasons of life.
Do you feel different, misunderstood, judged, embarrassed and or ashamed? Do you know how to create and enforce healthy relationships/healthy boundaries? Do you engage in negative self talk and have self esteem issues? Are you struggling with relationships at home and or at work? Are you or is someone you care for abusing substances? Together we will explore the way you make sense of the world and how your thoughts impact your feelings and behaviors. With a deeper understanding of yourself we will work on forgiveness, acceptance and making positive changes.
My specialties include trauma, substance abuse, anxiety, depression and difficulty adjusting to the seasons of life.
Do you feel different, misunderstood, judged, embarrassed and or ashamed? Do you know how to create and enforce healthy relationships/healthy boundaries? Do you engage in negative self talk and have self esteem issues? Are you struggling with relationships at home and or at work? Are you or is someone you care for abusing substances? Together we will explore the way you make sense of the world and how your thoughts impact your feelings and behaviors. With a deeper understanding of yourself we will work on forgiveness, acceptance and making positive changes.
See more therapy options for Palm Bay
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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.