Depression Therapists in Cobb, GA
![Photo of Roberta (Bobbi) Ballard, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/19d986bd-bb97-4a69-9508-7b61586733bf/2/320x400.jpeg)
You know you aren’t living your fullest life, because fear and anxiety is interfering with what you want and need to do. All you want to do is break free from this anxiety! I get it, and I can help you. Anxiety is treatable, and I have particular expertise treating phobias and OCD. It's exhausting to cope with anxiety, and it can make you vulnerable to depression, burnout, and problems at home and with your job. I am confident that therapy can help you find relief from the grip of fear, panic and anxiety. The same way that anxiety can spiral out of control, it can also spiral back down to a soft landing of serenity and confidence.
You know you aren’t living your fullest life, because fear and anxiety is interfering with what you want and need to do. All you want to do is break free from this anxiety! I get it, and I can help you. Anxiety is treatable, and I have particular expertise treating phobias and OCD. It's exhausting to cope with anxiety, and it can make you vulnerable to depression, burnout, and problems at home and with your job. I am confident that therapy can help you find relief from the grip of fear, panic and anxiety. The same way that anxiety can spiral out of control, it can also spiral back down to a soft landing of serenity and confidence.
![Photo of Patrick P Aaron-Brown, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/50bde1c9-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
includes working with youth, ADHD related behaviors, child/adult depression, aging ,trauma, grief and loss concerns.
Every journey in life begins with a choice. Sometimes, we are faced with challenging choices involving family, children, job, sexual identity disclosure, or mental health issues. When confronted with these situations, we often get stuck and we find ourselves feeling confused or indecisive, or just plain tired and overwhelmed. These kinds of life experiences can affect our mood, mental well-being, physical health and emotional stability. They can shake our confidence and self-esteem.There is hope! I am, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 20 years serving the needs of couples, families and children. My experience
includes working with youth, ADHD related behaviors, child/adult depression, aging ,trauma, grief and loss concerns.
Every journey in life begins with a choice. Sometimes, we are faced with challenging choices involving family, children, job, sexual identity disclosure, or mental health issues. When confronted with these situations, we often get stuck and we find ourselves feeling confused or indecisive, or just plain tired and overwhelmed. These kinds of life experiences can affect our mood, mental well-being, physical health and emotional stability. They can shake our confidence and self-esteem.There is hope! I am, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 20 years serving the needs of couples, families and children. My experience
![Photo of LaVerne Ware, PhD, LPC, CPCS, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/eae8a15c-b271-4984-861e-bfb903fe129e/1/320x400.jpeg)
LaVerne Ware
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC, CPCS
Verified Verified
Cobb, GA 31735 (Online Only)
Today my practice focuses on women and older adolescents who struggle with issues such as grief, relationships, divorce, depression, anxiety, stress, motivation, self-esteem, sexual identity, or who simply feel "stuck.
The decision to seek counseling is the first step to self care. I specialize in providing a safe, judgement free environment that allows individuals to approach any topic including intimacy and feeling overwhelmed by life's responsibilities. My mission is to help women transform their personal and relationship challenges into opportunities for growth.
Today my practice focuses on women and older adolescents who struggle with issues such as grief, relationships, divorce, depression, anxiety, stress, motivation, self-esteem, sexual identity, or who simply feel "stuck.
The decision to seek counseling is the first step to self care. I specialize in providing a safe, judgement free environment that allows individuals to approach any topic including intimacy and feeling overwhelmed by life's responsibilities. My mission is to help women transform their personal and relationship challenges into opportunities for growth.
![Photo of Dr. Manuela Martinaitis, MA, APC, MBA, Ed D, NCC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/dbae762f-02f5-4e23-ab32-5cfdfdb4aa42/1/320x400.png)
Dr. Manuela Martinaitis
Counselor, MA, APC, MBA, Ed D, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cobb, GA 31735
Accepting New Clients! “The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are.” ― Carl Gustav Jung. Manuela has a background in education and business and a desire to help people find psychological wholeness. She is concurrently training as a Jungian Analyst and believes self-awareness, self-understanding, and self-acceptance are three pillars to fostering our truest self.
Accepting New Clients! “The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are.” ― Carl Gustav Jung. Manuela has a background in education and business and a desire to help people find psychological wholeness. She is concurrently training as a Jungian Analyst and believes self-awareness, self-understanding, and self-acceptance are three pillars to fostering our truest self.
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Teresa Carter, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0f162620-75bf-4bbf-b00b-44742ac29d24/1/320x400.jpeg)
However, often there is no obvious explanation for the overwhelming feelings that can completely upset life balance and emotional wellbeing resulting in anxiety, depression, couple discord, and even substance use concerns.
Hello, my name is Teresa Carter and I go by Terri. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) licensed by the state of Georgia, where I live and provide therapy across the state via telehealth. I primarily work with adults 18 and older experiencing anxiety, depression, substance use, trauma, and relationship concerns. The modalities I most rely upon include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance Commitment Therapy, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy-Mindfulness to help my clients progressively regain their life balance.
However, often there is no obvious explanation for the overwhelming feelings that can completely upset life balance and emotional wellbeing resulting in anxiety, depression, couple discord, and even substance use concerns.
Hello, my name is Teresa Carter and I go by Terri. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) licensed by the state of Georgia, where I live and provide therapy across the state via telehealth. I primarily work with adults 18 and older experiencing anxiety, depression, substance use, trauma, and relationship concerns. The modalities I most rely upon include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance Commitment Therapy, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy-Mindfulness to help my clients progressively regain their life balance.
![Photo of Brandon Santan, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4bc05a65-e1f1-48d1-8b1f-0654df3542e2/1/320x400.png)
Dr. Brandon Santan is a licensed professional counselor and Ph.D. level therapist who considers himself a general mental health and relationship therapist. Dr. Santan specializes in anxiety issues, such as generalized anxiety, OCD, and phobias. Dr. Santan also specializes in addictions and relationship distress. Dr. Santan has a holistic and person-centered approach to counseling that relies on the CBT family of therapeutic modalities during treatment.
Dr. Brandon Santan is a licensed professional counselor and Ph.D. level therapist who considers himself a general mental health and relationship therapist. Dr. Santan specializes in anxiety issues, such as generalized anxiety, OCD, and phobias. Dr. Santan also specializes in addictions and relationship distress. Dr. Santan has a holistic and person-centered approach to counseling that relies on the CBT family of therapeutic modalities during treatment.
![Photo of Debby L Lazarine, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c6c60e8b-2503-44eb-90dd-ad5570425a2a/1/320x400.png)
I am a licensed clinical social worker with direct experience working with children, adolescents, and adults, utilizing a wide range of modalities in order to maximize a person-centered approach. I received a Master’s degree in Social Work in December 2016 from Southern Adventist University in Collegedale, TN. In 2018, my family and I relocated to South Georgia.Since then, I worked with adolescents at Donalsonville Hospital Behavioral Health Unit, and I completed the Georgia required hours to become an LCSW in September 2020.
I am a licensed clinical social worker with direct experience working with children, adolescents, and adults, utilizing a wide range of modalities in order to maximize a person-centered approach. I received a Master’s degree in Social Work in December 2016 from Southern Adventist University in Collegedale, TN. In 2018, my family and I relocated to South Georgia.Since then, I worked with adolescents at Donalsonville Hospital Behavioral Health Unit, and I completed the Georgia required hours to become an LCSW in September 2020.
Online Therapists
![Photo of Lukman Adebayo, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f6efb6bf-03df-41ed-a481-428cf7cfa68b/1/320x400.png)
Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 7 years of experience in the field. I specialize in working with clients in areas of anxiety, behavioral issues, coping skills, depression, panic attacks, racial identity, relationship issues, and self-esteem. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as well as eclectic & multicultural approaches, as I believe that no two situations are exactly the same. I am an active and empathetic communicator and work to better understand clients and find solutions together.
Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 7 years of experience in the field. I specialize in working with clients in areas of anxiety, behavioral issues, coping skills, depression, panic attacks, racial identity, relationship issues, and self-esteem. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as well as eclectic & multicultural approaches, as I believe that no two situations are exactly the same. I am an active and empathetic communicator and work to better understand clients and find solutions together.
![Photo of Wesley Cole, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/256ae5d7-c36f-4e14-b518-5b10287792e2/2/320x400.jpeg)
Greetings! I am a Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), as well as a Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor (LICDC) in Georgia with original roots in Ohio. I am a Vietnam-Era Veteran with experience working with veterans and the homeless population. Although my expertise is with Substance Abuse; I am skilled in Mental Health issues such as, (PTSD, Depression, Anxiety Disorder, Bipolar Disorder; etc.) I have worked the majority of my career with Veterans, homeless, and substance abuse clients. I don't limit myself to working with veterans, but that's where I'm most comfortable.
Greetings! I am a Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), as well as a Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor (LICDC) in Georgia with original roots in Ohio. I am a Vietnam-Era Veteran with experience working with veterans and the homeless population. Although my expertise is with Substance Abuse; I am skilled in Mental Health issues such as, (PTSD, Depression, Anxiety Disorder, Bipolar Disorder; etc.) I have worked the majority of my career with Veterans, homeless, and substance abuse clients. I don't limit myself to working with veterans, but that's where I'm most comfortable.
![Photo of Susan Marshall, LPC, NCC, CPCS, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/45c7c13d-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Susan Marshall
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC, CPCS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lagrange, GA 30240
I believe first and foremost that we all have the innate ability to heal. When we are stuck in pain and life-long patterns that are no longer working, it can be difficult to see the path toward healing. I work with adults and couples struggling with a spectrum of issues including depression, anxiety, trauma, and life transitions.
I believe first and foremost that we all have the innate ability to heal. When we are stuck in pain and life-long patterns that are no longer working, it can be difficult to see the path toward healing. I work with adults and couples struggling with a spectrum of issues including depression, anxiety, trauma, and life transitions.
![Photo of Michelle Alden - Michelle Alden Counseling Services, MS, LPC, NCC, CAMS, II, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3e0de50e-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Michelle Alden Counseling Services
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, NCC, CAMS, II
Verified Verified
Valdosta, GA 31605
I am a fully licensed, bilingual clinician working with a diverse population. Since 2010, I have worked with Adolescents and Children as well as with families, and groups. The populations were diverse anywhere from depression, multiple personalities, trauma victims, alcohol abuse, physical/emotional and sexual abuse, anxiety, anger management, self-mutilators, bipolar, bullying victims, OCD, conduct/Oppositional, some eating disorders, grief self-esteem to name a few.
I am a fully licensed, bilingual clinician working with a diverse population. Since 2010, I have worked with Adolescents and Children as well as with families, and groups. The populations were diverse anywhere from depression, multiple personalities, trauma victims, alcohol abuse, physical/emotional and sexual abuse, anxiety, anger management, self-mutilators, bipolar, bullying victims, OCD, conduct/Oppositional, some eating disorders, grief self-esteem to name a few.
![Photo of Kristen Partin, Marriage & Family Therapist Intern](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/81f970c8-2306-4306-a777-c3152c7c7b38/1/320x400.jpeg)
I have experience with children diagnosed with ADHD as well as adolescents struggling with eating disorders, anger management, depression, anxiety, and couples therapy.
Your story matters! Often times, individuals, couples, and families are hurting and struggling and it is my goal to help each person during this difficult time. It is important that clients have a safe environment where they are free to talk with acceptance and without judgment, and this is something that I take to heart in trying to provide for my clients.
I have experience with children diagnosed with ADHD as well as adolescents struggling with eating disorders, anger management, depression, anxiety, and couples therapy.
Your story matters! Often times, individuals, couples, and families are hurting and struggling and it is my goal to help each person during this difficult time. It is important that clients have a safe environment where they are free to talk with acceptance and without judgment, and this is something that I take to heart in trying to provide for my clients.
![Photo of Tiffany Nolan, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/242af31c-5118-4a83-b81d-e907be765296/1/320x400.jpeg)
Whether you are dealing with burnout, depression, anxiety, or relationship woes, or family struggles- I've got your back! Let's work together to get the results you need.
Hi there, I'm Tiffany! Do you feel like you just can't keep it all straight in your head in anymore? Too many thoughts on your mind keeping you up too late? Are you struggling to find your purpose and meaning in your day to day routine?
Whether you are dealing with burnout, depression, anxiety, or relationship woes, or family struggles- I've got your back! Let's work together to get the results you need.
Hi there, I'm Tiffany! Do you feel like you just can't keep it all straight in your head in anymore? Too many thoughts on your mind keeping you up too late? Are you struggling to find your purpose and meaning in your day to day routine?
![Photo of Alex Lynch, APC, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/33033af4-311a-41e7-94b4-8d6eb51dc0ff/2/320x400.jpeg)
Alex enjoys working with teens and young adults struggling with depression, anxiety, lack of motivation, ADHD, divorce/blended families, stress, academic challenges, future planning, self esteem, social concerns, and relationships.
At Be Well Therapy, Alex is a dedicated and compassionate professional counselor, specializing in supporting adolescents and young adults through the complex journey of self-discovery and personal growth. With over a 5 years of experience in the field, Alex has become a trusted guide for young individuals, helping them navigate the challenges of this pivotal stage in life. Her practice is rooted in the belief that every young person holds the potential to lead a purposeful and fulfilling life, and she is committed to helping her clients discover that for themselves. The best way to schedule is online: www.bewelltherapists.com
Alex enjoys working with teens and young adults struggling with depression, anxiety, lack of motivation, ADHD, divorce/blended families, stress, academic challenges, future planning, self esteem, social concerns, and relationships.
At Be Well Therapy, Alex is a dedicated and compassionate professional counselor, specializing in supporting adolescents and young adults through the complex journey of self-discovery and personal growth. With over a 5 years of experience in the field, Alex has become a trusted guide for young individuals, helping them navigate the challenges of this pivotal stage in life. Her practice is rooted in the belief that every young person holds the potential to lead a purposeful and fulfilling life, and she is committed to helping her clients discover that for themselves. The best way to schedule is online: www.bewelltherapists.com
![Photo of Lavonia Brown - LSB Consulting Services, LLC, PhD, MS, LPCC, CDS, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/50f7903f-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/5/320x400.jpeg)
LSB Consulting Services, LLC
Pre-Licensed Professional, PhD, MS, LPCC, CDS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Locust Grove, GA 30248
My experience includes working with children with ADHD, school issues, social skills issues and depression.
Phd(c) Lavonia Brown is a Professional Mental Health Counselor in private practice owner for LSB Consulting & Counseling Services. In this role, Mrs. Brown provides emotional support and counsel to children, adolescents, and young adults to help overcome the effects of stressful and traumatic life experiences on the client's emotional well-being. Mrs. Brown's approach to counseling incorporates an empathic, holistic, playful, providing genuine healing and a faith-based approach to psychotherapy with clients and families. By collaborating and forming relationships with school-based counselors, social workers, parents and teachers.
My experience includes working with children with ADHD, school issues, social skills issues and depression.
Phd(c) Lavonia Brown is a Professional Mental Health Counselor in private practice owner for LSB Consulting & Counseling Services. In this role, Mrs. Brown provides emotional support and counsel to children, adolescents, and young adults to help overcome the effects of stressful and traumatic life experiences on the client's emotional well-being. Mrs. Brown's approach to counseling incorporates an empathic, holistic, playful, providing genuine healing and a faith-based approach to psychotherapy with clients and families. By collaborating and forming relationships with school-based counselors, social workers, parents and teachers.
![Photo of Rochely Terrón - HOPE Virtual Counseling & Therapy - Healing Online, MS, LPC, LMHC, CFRC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7468b677-ab1b-48d5-ada8-d5de4b2fc0f5/1/320x400.png)
HOPE Virtual Counseling & Therapy - Healing Online
Counselor, MS, LPC, LMHC, CFRC
Verified Verified
Byron, GA 31008 (Online Only)
I am a bilingual Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor with 20+ years experience in treating issues such as depression, anxiety, anger management, family issues, grief, behavior problems and many other problems that people may be experiencing. I work with clients from diverse ethnic backgrounds and different sexual orientations. I have a unique, interdisciplinary background. The well-being of my clients is my biggest passion. I am committed to helping people avoid negative consequences in their lives and resolve their issues and internal conflict sensibly, effectively, and compassionately.
I am a bilingual Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor with 20+ years experience in treating issues such as depression, anxiety, anger management, family issues, grief, behavior problems and many other problems that people may be experiencing. I work with clients from diverse ethnic backgrounds and different sexual orientations. I have a unique, interdisciplinary background. The well-being of my clients is my biggest passion. I am committed to helping people avoid negative consequences in their lives and resolve their issues and internal conflict sensibly, effectively, and compassionately.
![Photo of Arless 'Rich' Lewis, LPC, MAMFC, NCC, MFLC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6b82e1ca-6340-41e6-afcd-e581c50fb1aa/1/320x400.jpeg)
Arless 'Rich' Lewis
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MAMFC, NCC, MFLC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Locust Grove, GA 30248
Just to give you a brief idea of how I may be able to help you, I specialize in working with individuals and families who are struggling with all of life's various issues, such as, but not limited to: depression, anxiety, relationships, parenting, divorce, grief, career, spiritual, etc.
Greetings! I am so glad we were able to find each other! I appreciate you taking the time to read my profile and consider giving me the opportunity to help you during this stressful time of your life. My goal will always be to meet you where you're at in your journey and to help you get to the place where you want to be. The counseling process can be both challenging and rewarding, but I want to reassure you that we will walk it together. You're not alone!
Just to give you a brief idea of how I may be able to help you, I specialize in working with individuals and families who are struggling with all of life's various issues, such as, but not limited to: depression, anxiety, relationships, parenting, divorce, grief, career, spiritual, etc.
Greetings! I am so glad we were able to find each other! I appreciate you taking the time to read my profile and consider giving me the opportunity to help you during this stressful time of your life. My goal will always be to meet you where you're at in your journey and to help you get to the place where you want to be. The counseling process can be both challenging and rewarding, but I want to reassure you that we will walk it together. You're not alone!
![Photo of Viviana Silva-Horne, MS, MEd, APC, NCC, CRC, BCBA](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b0a6e0cd-aea7-40c5-a64e-46d12d5dab56/1/320x400.jpeg)
Viviana Silva-Horne
Associate Professional Counselor, MS, MEd, APC, NCC, CRC, BCBA
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Columbus, GA 31904 (Online Only)
My behavioral modification approach helps individuals suffering from depression, anxiety, impulsivity, masking, and outburst of anger—neurodiverse individuals with autism, ADHD, and learning disabilities.
A very warm welcome to you! I am a bilingual (Spanish) Associate Professional Counselor (APC) and National Certified Counselor (NCC). I specialize in Clinical Rehabilitation (CRC) and Behavioral Counseling (BCBA). I provide individual, group, and family counseling services. I am a passionate advocate for person-centered, trauma-informed, and culturally positive counseling where you, the client, are empowered to decide how to change. As your counselor, "I want to empower you with the tools and the knowledge you need to overcome and succeed in all aspects of your life."
My behavioral modification approach helps individuals suffering from depression, anxiety, impulsivity, masking, and outburst of anger—neurodiverse individuals with autism, ADHD, and learning disabilities.
A very warm welcome to you! I am a bilingual (Spanish) Associate Professional Counselor (APC) and National Certified Counselor (NCC). I specialize in Clinical Rehabilitation (CRC) and Behavioral Counseling (BCBA). I provide individual, group, and family counseling services. I am a passionate advocate for person-centered, trauma-informed, and culturally positive counseling where you, the client, are empowered to decide how to change. As your counselor, "I want to empower you with the tools and the knowledge you need to overcome and succeed in all aspects of your life."
![Photo of Kimberly Michelle Grace, LPC, MAC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/67b7b54c-ac95-45f8-875d-36881cbe50be/1/320x400.jpeg)
Kimberly Michelle Grace
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MAC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Warner Robins, GA 31088 (Online Only)
I've dealt with a wide range of issues that includes but are not limited to substance abuse, anger management, ADHD, depression, anxiety, grief, self-esteem, and conflict issues.
Don't allow mental blocks to control you, set yourself free! Are negative thoughts taking over your mind? Do you need help with taming your emotions? It's important to be mindful, one talk at a time. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and Master Addiction Counselor. I've been in the mental health field over 20+ years.
I've dealt with a wide range of issues that includes but are not limited to substance abuse, anger management, ADHD, depression, anxiety, grief, self-esteem, and conflict issues.
Don't allow mental blocks to control you, set yourself free! Are negative thoughts taking over your mind? Do you need help with taming your emotions? It's important to be mindful, one talk at a time. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and Master Addiction Counselor. I've been in the mental health field over 20+ years.
![Photo of Ashley Rhys, MS, LMFT, EMDR-C, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e646ea2c-0787-4160-b2c9-df23efaa869e/3/320x400.jpeg)
Ashley Rhys
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT, EMDR-C
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Valdosta, GA 31603 (Online Only)
I specialize in all Trauma/PTSD (sexual assault, domestic violence, childhood, loss, car accident, etc), depression, stress, anxiety, racial issues, and family issues.
Therapy with me looks like support, growth, gaining strength, and insight along the way. You don't have to take the struggles of life alone. I have been a therapist for 12 years and I am truly passionate about providing a safe space for all my clients. I enjoy creating a calm, non-judgmental, and peaceful environment for clients to be their full and true selves as they evolve, while accomplishing their goals. I teach clients how to empower and heal themselves. I provide services for individuals (adults & adolescents) and families. I work with people between the ages of 18- 65+. Including all demographics, and backgrounds.
I specialize in all Trauma/PTSD (sexual assault, domestic violence, childhood, loss, car accident, etc), depression, stress, anxiety, racial issues, and family issues.
Therapy with me looks like support, growth, gaining strength, and insight along the way. You don't have to take the struggles of life alone. I have been a therapist for 12 years and I am truly passionate about providing a safe space for all my clients. I enjoy creating a calm, non-judgmental, and peaceful environment for clients to be their full and true selves as they evolve, while accomplishing their goals. I teach clients how to empower and heal themselves. I provide services for individuals (adults & adolescents) and families. I work with people between the ages of 18- 65+. Including all demographics, and backgrounds.
See more therapy options for Cobb
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.