Depression Therapists in Pine Mountain, GA
![Photo of Olga Maxwell, LPC, NCC, CPCS, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ed8afe16-41e9-4f24-841c-a83107d998d8/2/320x400.jpeg)
Olga Maxwell
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC, CPCS
Verified Verified
Pine Mountain, GA 31822
Are you tired of dealing with stress, low self-esteem, flashbacks of bad events, loneliness, anxiety, depression? Are you looking for a safe space to start your healing journey? Don't wait any longer, message me to get started.
Hi there, I'm Olga and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with 9 years of experience providing individual and group therapy to adults 18+. I use trauma-informed, person-centered approach to help overcome obstacles that are negatively affecting your life. I offer a warm and supportive environment allowing you to explore the obstacles to living your best life. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Mindfullness in my sessions. I am also trained in Hypnocounting - hypnosis based treatment for acute trauma and I utilize that in some of my sessions.
Are you tired of dealing with stress, low self-esteem, flashbacks of bad events, loneliness, anxiety, depression? Are you looking for a safe space to start your healing journey? Don't wait any longer, message me to get started.
Hi there, I'm Olga and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with 9 years of experience providing individual and group therapy to adults 18+. I use trauma-informed, person-centered approach to help overcome obstacles that are negatively affecting your life. I offer a warm and supportive environment allowing you to explore the obstacles to living your best life. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Mindfullness in my sessions. I am also trained in Hypnocounting - hypnosis based treatment for acute trauma and I utilize that in some of my sessions.
![Photo of Meredith C Key, EdS, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fdb1d9ef-0628-4aad-9c7f-835d89b1d3c4/2/320x400.jpeg)
Meredith C Key
Licensed Professional Counselor, EdS, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pine Mountain, GA 31822
Waitlist for new clients
Anxiety, depression, and unmanageable stress don’t have to be a permanent part of your life.
If you are struggling to move past traumatic experiences, stressful life events, or the effects of attachment trauma, I am here to help you move from feeling reactive to proactive. If you are struggling with difficult thoughts, feelings, behaviors, situations, or individuals, I want to help you move through your trials and maximize your internal strength.
Anxiety, depression, and unmanageable stress don’t have to be a permanent part of your life.
If you are struggling to move past traumatic experiences, stressful life events, or the effects of attachment trauma, I am here to help you move from feeling reactive to proactive. If you are struggling with difficult thoughts, feelings, behaviors, situations, or individuals, I want to help you move through your trials and maximize your internal strength.
![Photo of Joseph Wilkins - West Georgia Counseling & Assessment Services, LLC, LPC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5d47cbc9-f873-445b-8576-65a77e52cc3d/1/320x400.jpeg)
Our staff are highly trained in trauma therapy, EMDR, addictions, depression, anxiety, grief, phobias, and crisis, and ADHD to name a few.
West Georgia Counseling & Assessment Services has been servicing families through the DFCS since 2000. As of 2021, our practice also services individuals and families with private insurance, as a self pay client, individual, marital & family therapy sessions. We proudly serve our military veterans and their families as well as all members of our community. Our agency is composed of male and female, highly credentialed, diverse, and experienced staff of LPC's, APC's, Master level counselors, parent aids, and other staff.
Our staff are highly trained in trauma therapy, EMDR, addictions, depression, anxiety, grief, phobias, and crisis, and ADHD to name a few.
West Georgia Counseling & Assessment Services has been servicing families through the DFCS since 2000. As of 2021, our practice also services individuals and families with private insurance, as a self pay client, individual, marital & family therapy sessions. We proudly serve our military veterans and their families as well as all members of our community. Our agency is composed of male and female, highly credentialed, diverse, and experienced staff of LPC's, APC's, Master level counselors, parent aids, and other staff.
![Photo of Tammy W Montgomery - Brighter Day Behavioral Health Counseling Services, PhD, LPC, NCC, CCTP, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/59a20e5f-388a-4f69-8a27-8f9e97f1ff73/2/320x400.jpeg)
Brighter Day Behavioral Health Counseling Services
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC, NCC, CCTP
Verified Verified
Pine Mountain, GA 31822
As a mental health therapist, I believe in empowering clients to become aware of their own healthy/unhealthy thinking and behavior so, in return, they can implement positive lifestyle changes. Collaboration between the client and myself is used to guide the client in redefining their own way of life. Clients should know that this sometimes can be a short or lengthy process but I am willing to walk all the way with them as they develop their new healthy self. Clients should know that they are never alone in this new journey...
As a mental health therapist, I believe in empowering clients to become aware of their own healthy/unhealthy thinking and behavior so, in return, they can implement positive lifestyle changes. Collaboration between the client and myself is used to guide the client in redefining their own way of life. Clients should know that this sometimes can be a short or lengthy process but I am willing to walk all the way with them as they develop their new healthy self. Clients should know that they are never alone in this new journey...
![Photo of Greta Angstadt Cork, MS, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/44b902c8-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Greta Angstadt Cork
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Pine Mountain, GA 31822
Waitlist for new clients
I believe that every client is unique and should be treated as such. My goal is to focus on my client's individual needs and create a treatment plan to cater to those needs. This is a collaborative process where the client will be encouraged to be a part of their own treatment. After all, you are the expert on your life! As a person-centered therapist, I view the therapeutic relationship as the most important aspect of treatment. Once that relationship is established, I assess the client's needs to determine what interventions will help them reach their full potential.
I believe that every client is unique and should be treated as such. My goal is to focus on my client's individual needs and create a treatment plan to cater to those needs. This is a collaborative process where the client will be encouraged to be a part of their own treatment. After all, you are the expert on your life! As a person-centered therapist, I view the therapeutic relationship as the most important aspect of treatment. Once that relationship is established, I assess the client's needs to determine what interventions will help them reach their full potential.
![Photo of Joseph Brewton, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b569aa80-441f-4d03-ac88-9625eadab14a/2/320x400.png)
Hello! I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 10 years of clinical experience. As an Atlanta native, I have a vast set of experience working with clients from diverse backgrounds and issues. I’ve provided substance abuse counseling to federal inmates, trauma and PTSD therapy to combat veterans, and a variety of therapies for individuals, families, and couples. I pull from Cognitive Behavioral, Experiential, Motivational interviewing, and Solution Focused therapy modalities. No matter your background, identity, or life circumstances, I have a genuine passion to provide meaningful therapy and I will work hard for you.
Hello! I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 10 years of clinical experience. As an Atlanta native, I have a vast set of experience working with clients from diverse backgrounds and issues. I’ve provided substance abuse counseling to federal inmates, trauma and PTSD therapy to combat veterans, and a variety of therapies for individuals, families, and couples. I pull from Cognitive Behavioral, Experiential, Motivational interviewing, and Solution Focused therapy modalities. No matter your background, identity, or life circumstances, I have a genuine passion to provide meaningful therapy and I will work hard for you.
![Photo of Yaka Johnson, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/33ab2bb3-d305-42bb-8708-29a330655b97/2/320x400.png)
I am aboard licensed professional counselor for the State of Georgia with 16 years of experience in the provision of individual and family therapy to combat life’s stressors and daily challenges that frequently complicate the path to fulfillment. I have worked in a wide variety of settings ranging from private practice to community mental health facilities dedicated to providing others with the tools necessary to cope with both internal and external factors that hinder their ability to make the most of life’s journey.
I am aboard licensed professional counselor for the State of Georgia with 16 years of experience in the provision of individual and family therapy to combat life’s stressors and daily challenges that frequently complicate the path to fulfillment. I have worked in a wide variety of settings ranging from private practice to community mental health facilities dedicated to providing others with the tools necessary to cope with both internal and external factors that hinder their ability to make the most of life’s journey.
![Photo of Kimberly Melson, LPC, NCC, MS, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2020ca4d-c49d-4d87-ad3b-ee682d26b5ae/4/320x400.jpeg)
Kimberly Melson
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC, MS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Pine Mountain, GA 31822
I embrace the belief that every client contains, deeply within their own subconscious mind, the key to their own healing and well-being. The answers are never out there, but instead are inside you waiting to be discovered. I am deeply committed to the path of the heart and I feel privileged to be a part of each individual’s process of healing, which I consider to be a sacred task. I believe we all have the power to heal, no matter how deep our wounds may be!
I embrace the belief that every client contains, deeply within their own subconscious mind, the key to their own healing and well-being. The answers are never out there, but instead are inside you waiting to be discovered. I am deeply committed to the path of the heart and I feel privileged to be a part of each individual’s process of healing, which I consider to be a sacred task. I believe we all have the power to heal, no matter how deep our wounds may be!
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Deborah James, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bedfeddc-6407-4386-abb4-bd3de2f46e1e/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am Debbie James, and I am currently licensed in the state of Georgia as a Professional Counselor and Marriage and Family Therapist. I specialize in working with children, adolescents, and their families on coping with feelings of anxiety, stress, and depression. I have a background in athletics and also work with individuals struggling with anxiety and enhancing their athletic performance.
I am Debbie James, and I am currently licensed in the state of Georgia as a Professional Counselor and Marriage and Family Therapist. I specialize in working with children, adolescents, and their families on coping with feelings of anxiety, stress, and depression. I have a background in athletics and also work with individuals struggling with anxiety and enhancing their athletic performance.
![Photo of Tunisia Lumpford, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/920e8313-0652-45a1-beaa-746d73869557/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am Tunisia Lumpford, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 5 years of experience in the field. I have extensive experience working with youth and their families who have endured violence, trauma, depression, bullying, low self-esteem, and family changes. My approach is person-centered and utilizes Cognitive Behavioral (CBT) and Solution Focused Therapy (SFBT). I am passionate about seeing you THRIVE and I would love to be a part of your journey to change your current state. Ultimately, my goal is to be there every step of the way in order for you to experience balance in the days ahead.
I am Tunisia Lumpford, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 5 years of experience in the field. I have extensive experience working with youth and their families who have endured violence, trauma, depression, bullying, low self-esteem, and family changes. My approach is person-centered and utilizes Cognitive Behavioral (CBT) and Solution Focused Therapy (SFBT). I am passionate about seeing you THRIVE and I would love to be a part of your journey to change your current state. Ultimately, my goal is to be there every step of the way in order for you to experience balance in the days ahead.
![Photo of Shanon Thompson, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/92eb44ae-1bae-440b-afa4-111d6ce21514/2/320x400.jpeg)
Hello and welcome. I am your preferred therapist Shanon Thompson, LPC, NBCC. I look forward to working with you to achieve your goals for therapy. I utilize CBT techniques and use a client centered approach. I have worked with a wide age range of clients in the community, virtual, and private practice settings. I have experience with clients who have challenges with anxiety, depression, stress, ADD, ADHD, anger management, addiction, bipolar, couples therapy, phobias, self harm, grief, trauma, etc.
Hello and welcome. I am your preferred therapist Shanon Thompson, LPC, NBCC. I look forward to working with you to achieve your goals for therapy. I utilize CBT techniques and use a client centered approach. I have worked with a wide age range of clients in the community, virtual, and private practice settings. I have experience with clients who have challenges with anxiety, depression, stress, ADD, ADHD, anger management, addiction, bipolar, couples therapy, phobias, self harm, grief, trauma, etc.
![Photo of Katina Pittman, LPC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/267caf22-bc98-41af-b661-5fdd2568e8ed/1/320x400.png)
I also work with those who are feeling depressed, anxious, struggle with low self-esteem or body image issues.
My name is Dr. Katina Pittman. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Georgia with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, and depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.
I also work with those who are feeling depressed, anxious, struggle with low self-esteem or body image issues.
My name is Dr. Katina Pittman. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Georgia with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, and depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.
![Photo of Charles Glover, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/719ae698-03b4-4064-9a6b-184b57094766/2/320x400.png)
Feeling lost? I’m glad you’ve made it this far and are looking to make a positive change. Life can be a complex experience with multiple difficulties to navigate at times. Anxiety, depression, and stress resulting from loss, traumatic events, and life transition can wear us down. I’m here to help you navigate these complexities of life by providing empathetic listening and providing a safe, non-judgmental space where the work can begin. I have extensive experience aiding adults in effectively managing and overcoming depression, anxiety, addiction and a myriad of other issues. Each person is unique and your own individual needs must
Feeling lost? I’m glad you’ve made it this far and are looking to make a positive change. Life can be a complex experience with multiple difficulties to navigate at times. Anxiety, depression, and stress resulting from loss, traumatic events, and life transition can wear us down. I’m here to help you navigate these complexities of life by providing empathetic listening and providing a safe, non-judgmental space where the work can begin. I have extensive experience aiding adults in effectively managing and overcoming depression, anxiety, addiction and a myriad of other issues. Each person is unique and your own individual needs must
![Photo of Dixie Powers, PhD, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4f6a572a-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dixie Powers
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Hamilton, GA 31811
Waitlist for new clients
Hey! My name is Dixie. I have a Ph.D in Counselor Education and Supervision from Auburn University and have been a counselor for over ten years. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help you learn more about your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, while joining you in the process of change. I will be active and intentional with therapy, and collaboratively set goals to develop a strong therapeutic relationship. We will work together to explore, address, and resolve your concerns. My job is to be a listener, facilitator, and guide to help you see solutions in your life.
Hey! My name is Dixie. I have a Ph.D in Counselor Education and Supervision from Auburn University and have been a counselor for over ten years. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help you learn more about your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, while joining you in the process of change. I will be active and intentional with therapy, and collaboratively set goals to develop a strong therapeutic relationship. We will work together to explore, address, and resolve your concerns. My job is to be a listener, facilitator, and guide to help you see solutions in your life.
Online Therapists
![Photo of Kemesha Nickelson - Kemesha's Therapy Space, LPC, CCTP, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/296fa6f0-dce5-455e-a446-8f68d38a1bbf/2/320x400.jpeg)
Kemesha's Therapy Space
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, CCTP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Duluth, GA 30096 (Online Only)
Welcome to Kemesha's Therapy Space! If you're a young adult grappling with life’s transitions, a family tangled in conflict, a couple seeking to reconnect, or a preteen or teen navigating the stormy seas of adolescence, you’ve come to the right place. I specialize in helping with anxiety, depression, family conflicts, and trauma. Together, we’ll tackle these challenges and work towards a future where you feel understood, empowered, and hopeful. Let’s start this path to healing and growth—your better days are ahead!
Welcome to Kemesha's Therapy Space! If you're a young adult grappling with life’s transitions, a family tangled in conflict, a couple seeking to reconnect, or a preteen or teen navigating the stormy seas of adolescence, you’ve come to the right place. I specialize in helping with anxiety, depression, family conflicts, and trauma. Together, we’ll tackle these challenges and work towards a future where you feel understood, empowered, and hopeful. Let’s start this path to healing and growth—your better days are ahead!
![Photo of Olivia Banks, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/37c6f48f-5715-4722-81cc-cd7bba137771/1/320x400.png)
Over the past decade, I have had the privilege of working closely with individuals, witnessing firsthand how life's challenges and unexpected events can leave them feeling unsettled. It has become increasingly clear to me that when individuals truly know and understand themselves, they are better equipped to navigate the world with a greater sense of contentment and balance. As a dedicated Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with a Master's Degree in Psychology, I specialize in mood disorders and have extensive experience in working with a variety of conditions, including Trauma, Depression, and Anxiety.
Over the past decade, I have had the privilege of working closely with individuals, witnessing firsthand how life's challenges and unexpected events can leave them feeling unsettled. It has become increasingly clear to me that when individuals truly know and understand themselves, they are better equipped to navigate the world with a greater sense of contentment and balance. As a dedicated Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with a Master's Degree in Psychology, I specialize in mood disorders and have extensive experience in working with a variety of conditions, including Trauma, Depression, and Anxiety.
![Photo of Rebecca Pinsky, LAPC, MS, NCC, CRC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/08604ec8-fbd2-462e-8ae9-4318856c53a8/2/320x400.jpeg)
Welcome! Reaching out for help can be a difficult first step, and I'm happy you’ve decided to take it. I will work with you to identity problems and help you find the solutions to live a happier, more fulfilling life. I specialize in supporting teens, college students, and young adults to reduce painful emotions, such as anxiety or depression, experience happiness and peace more often, navigate life transitions, improve friendships and relationships, & work through career/school struggles. Using a DBT & client-centered approach, we will work collaboratively together to develop a plan that fits your individual needs and strengths.
Welcome! Reaching out for help can be a difficult first step, and I'm happy you’ve decided to take it. I will work with you to identity problems and help you find the solutions to live a happier, more fulfilling life. I specialize in supporting teens, college students, and young adults to reduce painful emotions, such as anxiety or depression, experience happiness and peace more often, navigate life transitions, improve friendships and relationships, & work through career/school struggles. Using a DBT & client-centered approach, we will work collaboratively together to develop a plan that fits your individual needs and strengths.
![Photo of Morgan Clary, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f52bae4c-2b58-4cc8-951c-4d211487e07a/2/320x400.jpeg)
Morgan Clary
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Atlanta, GA 30316 (Online Only)
My areas of specialization include women's issues, relational conflicts, depression, anxiety, grief and loss.
As a therapist, my aim is to approach my clients with compassion and respect, fostering a nonjudgmental environment. I work diligently to identify negative automatic thoughts and their effects on behavior and emotional regulation. Additionally, I value delving into the effects of early childhood relationships on adult relational patterns. My commitment is to forge a strong bond with each client, customizing the therapeutic experience to meet your unique needs. Whether it's personal development or achieving harmony in couples counseling, we can collaborate towards your goals.
My areas of specialization include women's issues, relational conflicts, depression, anxiety, grief and loss.
As a therapist, my aim is to approach my clients with compassion and respect, fostering a nonjudgmental environment. I work diligently to identify negative automatic thoughts and their effects on behavior and emotional regulation. Additionally, I value delving into the effects of early childhood relationships on adult relational patterns. My commitment is to forge a strong bond with each client, customizing the therapeutic experience to meet your unique needs. Whether it's personal development or achieving harmony in couples counseling, we can collaborate towards your goals.
![Photo of Shirsten Dreyer, LPC, CCTP, NCC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8eea2e11-b6ed-4ff8-9505-317df9e98b26/2/320x400.jpeg)
My counseling experience covers a variety of issues, including sexual abuse, adverse childhood experiences/trauma, depression, anxiety, relationships, communication, suicide/self-harm, spirituality, parenting, self-esteem, anger, and grief.
Life certainly takes unexpected turns! How, then, do we live balanced, authentic lives in the midst of intense stress, loss, and change? My goal is to help you examine, heal, grow, and gain perspective. Like peeling back layers of an onion, therapy provides clients the opportunity to see that many life events are interconnected by family patterns, past trauma, grief and loss, boundary issues, and learned coping strategies, to name a few. Therapy also gives clients opportunities to strategically prepare for the future, explore personal values and spirituality, strengthen relationships, and clarify goals.
My counseling experience covers a variety of issues, including sexual abuse, adverse childhood experiences/trauma, depression, anxiety, relationships, communication, suicide/self-harm, spirituality, parenting, self-esteem, anger, and grief.
Life certainly takes unexpected turns! How, then, do we live balanced, authentic lives in the midst of intense stress, loss, and change? My goal is to help you examine, heal, grow, and gain perspective. Like peeling back layers of an onion, therapy provides clients the opportunity to see that many life events are interconnected by family patterns, past trauma, grief and loss, boundary issues, and learned coping strategies, to name a few. Therapy also gives clients opportunities to strategically prepare for the future, explore personal values and spirituality, strengthen relationships, and clarify goals.
![Photo of Drew Bazemore, MS, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1c04cdec-0e9c-41c3-ae0c-c330ec00ba2f/2/320x400.jpeg)
I enjoy working with clients 13 and up concerning issues of anxiety, depression, trauma, adjusting to difficult life transitions, and relationship issues.
Feeling anxious? Does it feel that sometimes your emotions can be too loud? Sometimes it can be difficult to make sense of all that life throws your way. You do not have to accept that this is all that life has for you. I offer services to both individuals and couples. My desire is to help clients understand how thoughts and emotions can have an impact on how they view themselves and the world around them. I offer a safe place where we can create a treatment plan that is unique to each individual by assessing presenting problems, identifying and creating goals that will help you to find solutions.
I enjoy working with clients 13 and up concerning issues of anxiety, depression, trauma, adjusting to difficult life transitions, and relationship issues.
Feeling anxious? Does it feel that sometimes your emotions can be too loud? Sometimes it can be difficult to make sense of all that life throws your way. You do not have to accept that this is all that life has for you. I offer services to both individuals and couples. My desire is to help clients understand how thoughts and emotions can have an impact on how they view themselves and the world around them. I offer a safe place where we can create a treatment plan that is unique to each individual by assessing presenting problems, identifying and creating goals that will help you to find solutions.
See more therapy options for Pine Mountain
Nearby Depression Therapists Searches for Pine Mountain
- Cataula
- Columbus
- Concord
- Fortson
- Franklin
- Greenville
- Hamilton
- Hogansville
- Lagrange
- Manchester
- Waverly Hall
- West Point
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.