Photo of Dr. Terry Samuels, PhD, MS, CDBT, CPCS, LCPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Dr. Terry Samuels
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, MS, CDBT, CPCS, LCPC
Verified Verified
Powder Springs, GA 30127
He has experience dealing with domestic violence, relationship problems, anxiety, grief, and depression.
Terry Samuels earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice in December 1994 from Armstrong Atlantic University. Terry obtained his Master of Public Administration degree in December 1996 from Georgia State University. Terry obtained his Master of Professional Counseling degree in December 2015 from Grand Canyon University. Terry completed a 10-month internship at Intown Psychological Associates and completed the hours required for his associate license. Terry is a fully licensed therapist in the state of Georgia (LPC011391). Terry obtained his doctorate in psychology from Grand Canyon University in November of 2023.
He has experience dealing with domestic violence, relationship problems, anxiety, grief, and depression.
Terry Samuels earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice in December 1994 from Armstrong Atlantic University. Terry obtained his Master of Public Administration degree in December 1996 from Georgia State University. Terry obtained his Master of Professional Counseling degree in December 2015 from Grand Canyon University. Terry completed a 10-month internship at Intown Psychological Associates and completed the hours required for his associate license. Terry is a fully licensed therapist in the state of Georgia (LPC011391). Terry obtained his doctorate in psychology from Grand Canyon University in November of 2023.
(678) 944-8120 View (678) 944-8120

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Stephen Barber, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Stephen Barber
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Marietta, GA 30066
I would like to offer support for those who are struggling with life's problems and in need of healing but have found it difficult to reach out for help. I am passionate about working with clients who struggle with depression, anxiety, drug and alcohol abuse, sex and porn addiction, bullying and low self-esteem, spiritual issues, grief and trauma recovery. I also have experience working with couples and families and enjoy seeing the healing that can occur in relationships through counseling. I see clients both in person and online.
I would like to offer support for those who are struggling with life's problems and in need of healing but have found it difficult to reach out for help. I am passionate about working with clients who struggle with depression, anxiety, drug and alcohol abuse, sex and porn addiction, bullying and low self-esteem, spiritual issues, grief and trauma recovery. I also have experience working with couples and families and enjoy seeing the healing that can occur in relationships through counseling. I see clients both in person and online.
(404) 737-9694 View (404) 737-9694
Photo of Isom Eugene White, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Isom Eugene White
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Smyrna, GA 30080
A person cannot be truly understood without a consideration of various aspects of their social, familial, temporal, spiritual, economic, and physical environment. It is through this compassionate lens that my work begins. If you are someone who has suffered through trauma, or is struggling with anxiety, depression, grief and loss, anger, or going through a big life change, I would love to help. I specialize in working with men's issues, with professionals & athletes who struggle with performance pressures, & with those with attachment trauma. I use EMDR to target traumatic memories and help you process then in a safe way.
A person cannot be truly understood without a consideration of various aspects of their social, familial, temporal, spiritual, economic, and physical environment. It is through this compassionate lens that my work begins. If you are someone who has suffered through trauma, or is struggling with anxiety, depression, grief and loss, anger, or going through a big life change, I would love to help. I specialize in working with men's issues, with professionals & athletes who struggle with performance pressures, & with those with attachment trauma. I use EMDR to target traumatic memories and help you process then in a safe way.
(706) 425-8900 x719 View (706) 425-8900 x719
Photo of David George, MA, LPC, CCTP, Licensed Professional Counselor
David George
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, CCTP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Hiram, GA 30141
My areas of expertise include trauma, grief/loss, depression, anxiety, and panic disorder.
I am sure you've heard the phrase, "Men don't listen." I welcome the opportunity to debunk that phrase. In your journey towards self-discovery and healing, it's essential to find a therapist who truly listens and understands your unique experiences. I believe that a skilled male therapist can provide the support and encouragement you need to work towards your personal goals.
My areas of expertise include trauma, grief/loss, depression, anxiety, and panic disorder.
I am sure you've heard the phrase, "Men don't listen." I welcome the opportunity to debunk that phrase. In your journey towards self-discovery and healing, it's essential to find a therapist who truly listens and understands your unique experiences. I believe that a skilled male therapist can provide the support and encouragement you need to work towards your personal goals.
(404) 537-5029 View (404) 537-5029
Photo of Counseling Services Of Atlanta - Counseling Services of Atlanta, Licensed Professional Counselor
Counseling Services of Atlanta
Licensed Professional Counselor
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Marietta, GA 30064
We treat: Depression, Anxiety, Anger, Stress, relationship issues, Parenting, Divorce, Couples, Mood Disorders, Childhood abuse, Sexual Abuse, Trauma, PTSD, OCD, Loneliness, Grief, Eating disorders, Addiction (all forms), ADHD/ADD, Women's Issues, LGBT Issues, Men's Issues,Teen Issues, Bipolar, Play therapy/social skills for ages 3 and up, and Life coaching.
Counseling Services of Atlanta offers individual, couples, and family therapy. We offer therapy and counseling services for both adults and children of all ages including video sessions. We now have 4 male therapists and 20 female therapists! We can treat a wide variety of mental health concerns and sessions are available by phone if needed. We are centrally located to provide services for Marietta, East Cobb, West Cobb, Smyrna, Vinings, Kennesaw, Powder Springs, Austell, Mableton, Dallas, Douglasville, Hiram, Acworth, Atlanta, Peachtree Corners, Lawrenceville, Alpharetta, Roswell, Sandy Springs, Duluth, and Tucker areas.
We treat: Depression, Anxiety, Anger, Stress, relationship issues, Parenting, Divorce, Couples, Mood Disorders, Childhood abuse, Sexual Abuse, Trauma, PTSD, OCD, Loneliness, Grief, Eating disorders, Addiction (all forms), ADHD/ADD, Women's Issues, LGBT Issues, Men's Issues,Teen Issues, Bipolar, Play therapy/social skills for ages 3 and up, and Life coaching.
Counseling Services of Atlanta offers individual, couples, and family therapy. We offer therapy and counseling services for both adults and children of all ages including video sessions. We now have 4 male therapists and 20 female therapists! We can treat a wide variety of mental health concerns and sessions are available by phone if needed. We are centrally located to provide services for Marietta, East Cobb, West Cobb, Smyrna, Vinings, Kennesaw, Powder Springs, Austell, Mableton, Dallas, Douglasville, Hiram, Acworth, Atlanta, Peachtree Corners, Lawrenceville, Alpharetta, Roswell, Sandy Springs, Duluth, and Tucker areas.
(678) 394-3719 View (678) 394-3719
Photo of Bryan Gilbert Stephens, MA, LPC, NCC, MBA, Licensed Professional Counselor
Bryan Gilbert Stephens
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC, MBA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Marietta, GA 30064
I have been practicing as an adult therapist for over 20 years, treating a wide array of issues common in today's world. I am skilled with helping others with their anxiety and depression. I can help people in managing the stress of life transitions.
I have been practicing as an adult therapist for over 20 years, treating a wide array of issues common in today's world. I am skilled with helping others with their anxiety and depression. I can help people in managing the stress of life transitions.
(678) 736-6979 View (678) 736-6979
Photo of Stanley Hoover, PhD, LPC, ACS, Licensed Professional Counselor
Stanley Hoover
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC, ACS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Marietta, GA 30060
People seek therapy for all kinds of reasons. Some struggle with anxiety or depression, others have endured a trauma or significant loss. Many are trying to keep a relationship together or pick up the pieces after one’s ended. Some want to work through a particular problem that's kept them stuck and unable to get ahead, others simply feel discouraged or unsure of themselves. Whatever your situation might be, therapy can help. It provides an opportunity to share your concerns with another person and work together to discover a way forward.
People seek therapy for all kinds of reasons. Some struggle with anxiety or depression, others have endured a trauma or significant loss. Many are trying to keep a relationship together or pick up the pieces after one’s ended. Some want to work through a particular problem that's kept them stuck and unable to get ahead, others simply feel discouraged or unsure of themselves. Whatever your situation might be, therapy can help. It provides an opportunity to share your concerns with another person and work together to discover a way forward.
(678) 680-6233 View (678) 680-6233
Photo of Justin R Murray, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Justin R Murray
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Douglasville, GA 30134  (Online Only)
Have you felt out of sync, unable to communicate clearly, frustrated and wanting to try something different but unhappy with what you've tried? There is hope. Through therapy, I can help you learn new ways of communicating, finding new perspectives to barriers and working through individual or relationship struggles to have your needs and wants met. If you are having difficulty making it through your everyday, dealing with the stresses of life, or managing anxiety and depression; I can help. I will help you learn new coping skills using your own personal strengths to assist you with enhancing your quality of life.
Have you felt out of sync, unable to communicate clearly, frustrated and wanting to try something different but unhappy with what you've tried? There is hope. Through therapy, I can help you learn new ways of communicating, finding new perspectives to barriers and working through individual or relationship struggles to have your needs and wants met. If you are having difficulty making it through your everyday, dealing with the stresses of life, or managing anxiety and depression; I can help. I will help you learn new coping skills using your own personal strengths to assist you with enhancing your quality of life.
(678) 264-6381 View (678) 264-6381
Photo of James Elliott, LPC, CRC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
James Elliott
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, CRC, NCC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Hiram, GA 30141
This approach works well for Identity issues, anxiety, depression, mood disorders or recurrent thoughts.
We may sometimes feel that we are not able to embody our identify and beliefs. Feeling you should be something you are not is unbearable: what is core to you can be honored, and what is not can be examined and then embraced, accepted or changed. What we choose to value, and how we pursue those values, dictate what we are to become. Some things cannot be changed, and yet we can choose how we move around them. Being true to yourself can sometimes seem like a difficult choice, and we all must decide when and how to realize our potential, even in the face of adversity.
This approach works well for Identity issues, anxiety, depression, mood disorders or recurrent thoughts.
We may sometimes feel that we are not able to embody our identify and beliefs. Feeling you should be something you are not is unbearable: what is core to you can be honored, and what is not can be examined and then embraced, accepted or changed. What we choose to value, and how we pursue those values, dictate what we are to become. Some things cannot be changed, and yet we can choose how we move around them. Being true to yourself can sometimes seem like a difficult choice, and we all must decide when and how to realize our potential, even in the face of adversity.
(678) 783-8593 View (678) 783-8593
Photo of Fawaz H Syed, Pre-Licensed Professional
Fawaz H Syed
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Marietta, GA 30006
It takes a lot of courage to take the first, second, or fiftieth step towards progress in mental health. My name is Fawaz Syed, and I am a therapist at Refined Beginnings Counseling dedicated to improving the lives and mental health of my clients. I work with individuals, couples, and families, and with clients of all ages. I use a culturally informed, strengths-based and narrative approach to therapy sessions, and specialize in anxiety, depression, relationship conflict, grief and loss, emotional processing and understanding, and premarital counseling.
It takes a lot of courage to take the first, second, or fiftieth step towards progress in mental health. My name is Fawaz Syed, and I am a therapist at Refined Beginnings Counseling dedicated to improving the lives and mental health of my clients. I work with individuals, couples, and families, and with clients of all ages. I use a culturally informed, strengths-based and narrative approach to therapy sessions, and specialize in anxiety, depression, relationship conflict, grief and loss, emotional processing and understanding, and premarital counseling.
(678) 952-1850 View (678) 952-1850
Photo of Aldreques King, MA, BCCC, BCPC
Aldreques King
MA, BCCC, BCPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Kennesaw, GA 30152
Thank God! I specialize in addressing anxiety, depression, grief, loss, anger management, identity issues, sexual brokenness, recovery from addiction, co-dependency, men’s issues, and healing from trauma (including past sexual, emotional, or physical abuse).
Everyone has a story, and quite often our stories contain certain events and relationships that lead us to unwanted ways of living and coping to over come the pain and missing elements. There is a reason why we do what we do. Yet, there is hope for transformation no matter how dysfunctional and longstanding our issues may seem. I have a passion to help individuals, teens, and families experience wholeness and freedom.
Thank God! I specialize in addressing anxiety, depression, grief, loss, anger management, identity issues, sexual brokenness, recovery from addiction, co-dependency, men’s issues, and healing from trauma (including past sexual, emotional, or physical abuse).
Everyone has a story, and quite often our stories contain certain events and relationships that lead us to unwanted ways of living and coping to over come the pain and missing elements. There is a reason why we do what we do. Yet, there is hope for transformation no matter how dysfunctional and longstanding our issues may seem. I have a passion to help individuals, teens, and families experience wholeness and freedom.
(678) 580-6693 x1 View (678) 580-6693 x1
Photo of Mark L Jones, LAMFT, LAPC, NCC, Counselor
Mark L Jones
Counselor, LAMFT, LAPC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Kennesaw, GA 30152
Most people trapped by unwanted thoughts or feelings struggle to find solutions for harmful automatic responses. I use research-based mental health counseling to provide clients personalized treatment so they gain freedom and flourish in pursuit of their goals. Whether you characterize your distress as anxiety, depression, relationship problems, disturbing memories, a challenging addiction, or something else, it would be my privilege to work with you. It might be uncomfortable to seek help, but imagine how much better life could be without your current problem?
Most people trapped by unwanted thoughts or feelings struggle to find solutions for harmful automatic responses. I use research-based mental health counseling to provide clients personalized treatment so they gain freedom and flourish in pursuit of their goals. Whether you characterize your distress as anxiety, depression, relationship problems, disturbing memories, a challenging addiction, or something else, it would be my privilege to work with you. It might be uncomfortable to seek help, but imagine how much better life could be without your current problem?
(470) 276-8916 View (470) 276-8916
Photo of Patrick P Aaron-Brown, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Patrick P Aaron-Brown
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Dallas, GA 30132
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
(678) 647-9981 View (678) 647-9981
Photo of Drew Phillips, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Drew Phillips
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Smyrna, GA 30082
If your life and relationships aren't going the way you'd like, if your marriage feels painful, if you're at your wit's end with your children's behavior, if you want to do things differently but feel stuck- I'd like to help. Anxiety, depression, self-esteem, intimacy, personal boundaries, parenting issues, divorce and its impact on the children- all of these can be overwhelming and difficult to navigate well. I work with children and families (ages 5+), parents, adult men, and couples.
If your life and relationships aren't going the way you'd like, if your marriage feels painful, if you're at your wit's end with your children's behavior, if you want to do things differently but feel stuck- I'd like to help. Anxiety, depression, self-esteem, intimacy, personal boundaries, parenting issues, divorce and its impact on the children- all of these can be overwhelming and difficult to navigate well. I work with children and families (ages 5+), parents, adult men, and couples.
(678) 647-9031 View (678) 647-9031
Photo of William Patrick Scyphers, MS, APC, NCC, Counselor
William Patrick Scyphers
Counselor, MS, APC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Marietta, GA 30060
Are you struggling with depression and anxiety that is making it hard to navigate your day-to-day responsibilities? Are you exploring your sexual or gender identity and need someone to process this with? Do you or your child struggle to cope with ADHD and need help finding ways to manage everyday life? Does past trauma make it difficult to live life to its fullest? I meet my clients where they are, in a judgement free space, and we work together to create a space for growth and healing.
Are you struggling with depression and anxiety that is making it hard to navigate your day-to-day responsibilities? Are you exploring your sexual or gender identity and need someone to process this with? Do you or your child struggle to cope with ADHD and need help finding ways to manage everyday life? Does past trauma make it difficult to live life to its fullest? I meet my clients where they are, in a judgement free space, and we work together to create a space for growth and healing.
View
Photo of Micah Moore, MA, LAPC, NCC, Counselor
Micah Moore
Counselor, MA, LAPC, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Marietta, GA 30060
I help those experiencing anxiety, depression, spiritual concerns, relationship challenges, and life transitions.
Your decision to seek counseling is a courageous step towards finding peace and meaning in your life. No matter what's brought you here, I'm here to support that bravery and walk alongside you on your journey toward healing and transformation. I'm passionate about helping teen and adult males discover purpose, meaning, and a plan for moving forward. Together, we will navigate the challenges you're facing and work towards achieving your goals.
I help those experiencing anxiety, depression, spiritual concerns, relationship challenges, and life transitions.
Your decision to seek counseling is a courageous step towards finding peace and meaning in your life. No matter what's brought you here, I'm here to support that bravery and walk alongside you on your journey toward healing and transformation. I'm passionate about helping teen and adult males discover purpose, meaning, and a plan for moving forward. Together, we will navigate the challenges you're facing and work towards achieving your goals.
(678) 831-5094 View (678) 831-5094
Photo of Travis Ramsey, MA, LPC, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Travis Ramsey
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LPC, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Smyrna, GA 30080
Have you lost all trust with your partner? Are you at a loss as how to stop your child's destructive behaviors? Or maybe your bad habits are pulling you under. Everyone experiences self-defeating behaviors and relationship problems. But it doesn't have to stay this way. In therapy, things change. I have guided many through their hurts and fears, loneliness and conflicts, anxiety and depression. As an individual, couple, or family, I will sit with you, creating a safe space for you to be true to you, and help you discover the tools to accomplish your goals.
Have you lost all trust with your partner? Are you at a loss as how to stop your child's destructive behaviors? Or maybe your bad habits are pulling you under. Everyone experiences self-defeating behaviors and relationship problems. But it doesn't have to stay this way. In therapy, things change. I have guided many through their hurts and fears, loneliness and conflicts, anxiety and depression. As an individual, couple, or family, I will sit with you, creating a safe space for you to be true to you, and help you discover the tools to accomplish your goals.
(678) 882-7832 View (678) 882-7832
Photo of Charles Houston Jr, MA, APC, NCC, DMin, MDiv
Charles Houston Jr
MA, APC, NCC, DMin, MDiv
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Hiram, GA 30141
I specialize in assisting men, women, couples, and young people address issues with stress, trauma, self-esteem, depression, and other challenges that they may be facing.
Welcome! I am excited that you have chosen to pursue some personal goals and prepare yourself to be a better you. You are my main concern and helping you to reach those therapeutic and self-care goals is my primary priority. The normal activities of life have a tendency to take and drain mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical energy from us and I desire to assist you better use that energy. I believe that everyone deals with challenges in life and need support from a caring and competent professional. I am a certified Prepare/Enrich facilitator as well as a certified SYMBIS facilitator.
I specialize in assisting men, women, couples, and young people address issues with stress, trauma, self-esteem, depression, and other challenges that they may be facing.
Welcome! I am excited that you have chosen to pursue some personal goals and prepare yourself to be a better you. You are my main concern and helping you to reach those therapeutic and self-care goals is my primary priority. The normal activities of life have a tendency to take and drain mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical energy from us and I desire to assist you better use that energy. I believe that everyone deals with challenges in life and need support from a caring and competent professional. I am a certified Prepare/Enrich facilitator as well as a certified SYMBIS facilitator.
(678) 661-5861 View (678) 661-5861
Photo of Timothy Whailen, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Timothy Whailen
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Douglasville, GA 30134
I have experience helping adults, young adults, families, and couples having difficulty with ADHD, Autism, C-PTSD, LGBTQ+ issues, Gender Dysphoria, Depression, Anxiety, plurality/systems, Stress Management, Relationships, and Mood Disorders.
Are you tired of arguing with your own brain or body in ways that most people don't seem able or willing to understand? Getting help does not have to be another insurmountable task. If you have found yourself having to work harder than you believe you should to maintain stability or need a safe place to process with someone who shares some of your experiences, give me a chance to help you learn more about how your own system works and renew your perspective on you. My holistic approach to trauma-informed, neurodivergence-affirming practice is tailored to your needs with tools to help in both an immediate crisis and long-term goals.
I have experience helping adults, young adults, families, and couples having difficulty with ADHD, Autism, C-PTSD, LGBTQ+ issues, Gender Dysphoria, Depression, Anxiety, plurality/systems, Stress Management, Relationships, and Mood Disorders.
Are you tired of arguing with your own brain or body in ways that most people don't seem able or willing to understand? Getting help does not have to be another insurmountable task. If you have found yourself having to work harder than you believe you should to maintain stability or need a safe place to process with someone who shares some of your experiences, give me a chance to help you learn more about how your own system works and renew your perspective on you. My holistic approach to trauma-informed, neurodivergence-affirming practice is tailored to your needs with tools to help in both an immediate crisis and long-term goals.
(770) 230-5658 View (770) 230-5658
Photo of Jason Thompson, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Jason Thompson
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Dallas, GA 30132  (Online Only)
I have experience in a wide range of issues which include, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, and family issues.
Welcome! Today you've taken the first step towards healing. I welcome you and look forward to helping guide you towards clarity, understanding, and healing! I'm a fully Licensed Professional Counselor in the States of Michigan and Georgia and a National Certified Counselor. I graduated from Oakland University with a Master of Arts in Counseling. I completed additional coursework at Oakland University leading an advanced specialization in Couples and Family Counseling. I enjoy working with couples and those seeking to improve their personal relationships with others.
I have experience in a wide range of issues which include, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, and family issues.
Welcome! Today you've taken the first step towards healing. I welcome you and look forward to helping guide you towards clarity, understanding, and healing! I'm a fully Licensed Professional Counselor in the States of Michigan and Georgia and a National Certified Counselor. I graduated from Oakland University with a Master of Arts in Counseling. I completed additional coursework at Oakland University leading an advanced specialization in Couples and Family Counseling. I enjoy working with couples and those seeking to improve their personal relationships with others.
(770) 230-1644 View (770) 230-1644

See more therapy options for Powder Springs

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.