Depression Therapists in Thomas County, GA

Photo of Chimere Brooks, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Chimere Brooks
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Thomasville, GA 31792
My areas of clinical focus are on depression and anxiety.
Peace and Light! I am Chimere L. Brooks, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and therapist dedicated to helping adults navigate the complexity of stress in their lives. As an empathetic person who sees the best in people, my career in mental health has been a natural calling. Leading with curiosity, kindness, and compassion, my goal is to provide a space where you can express yourself freely and to teach practical skills that help you live life with confidence.
My areas of clinical focus are on depression and anxiety.
Peace and Light! I am Chimere L. Brooks, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and therapist dedicated to helping adults navigate the complexity of stress in their lives. As an empathetic person who sees the best in people, my career in mental health has been a natural calling. Leading with curiosity, kindness, and compassion, my goal is to provide a space where you can express yourself freely and to teach practical skills that help you live life with confidence.
(229) 363-4330 View (229) 363-4330
Photo of Kristi Meade, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Kristi Meade
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Meigs, GA 31765  (Online Only)
I have worked with clients with depression, anxiety, bipolar, schizophrenia, substance abuse, etc.
My name is Kristi Meade. I’m 37 year old straight married female with two wonderful son. I have been fully licensed as LPC for over 3 years now but have been working in the mental health/substance abuse field for over 6 years now. I recently become National Board Certified Counselor in 1/2024. I currently work full time as an inpatient assessor/therapist at a behavioral health crisis center for over 6 years now.
I have worked with clients with depression, anxiety, bipolar, schizophrenia, substance abuse, etc.
My name is Kristi Meade. I’m 37 year old straight married female with two wonderful son. I have been fully licensed as LPC for over 3 years now but have been working in the mental health/substance abuse field for over 6 years now. I recently become National Board Certified Counselor in 1/2024. I currently work full time as an inpatient assessor/therapist at a behavioral health crisis center for over 6 years now.
(229) 210-8792 View (229) 210-8792
Photo of Wesley Cole, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Wesley Cole
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Thomasville, GA 31792
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.
(404) 476-6481 View (404) 476-6481
Photo of Diahann JohnBaptiste, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Diahann JohnBaptiste
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Thomasville, GA 31792
My expertise includes crisis counseling and stabilization, trauma, PTSD, Grief and loss, addictive behaviors, domestic and intimate partner violence, treating symptoms related to anxiety, depression, psychotic disorders, religion and spirituality, and mood disorders.
I am glad you decided to read my profile. My name is Diahann JohnBaptiste, and I am a licensed Professional Counselor based in Newnan, Georgia. I have over 10 years of direct clinical mental health counseling experience that includes Christian Counseling, and an additional 20 years of administrative experience working in the mental healthcare industry. I have worked in a variety of settings utilizing talk-based therapies to provide support to clients in the areas of anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction, learning differences, relational issues, life transitions, stressors, and everyday life decisions.
My expertise includes crisis counseling and stabilization, trauma, PTSD, Grief and loss, addictive behaviors, domestic and intimate partner violence, treating symptoms related to anxiety, depression, psychotic disorders, religion and spirituality, and mood disorders.
I am glad you decided to read my profile. My name is Diahann JohnBaptiste, and I am a licensed Professional Counselor based in Newnan, Georgia. I have over 10 years of direct clinical mental health counseling experience that includes Christian Counseling, and an additional 20 years of administrative experience working in the mental healthcare industry. I have worked in a variety of settings utilizing talk-based therapies to provide support to clients in the areas of anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction, learning differences, relational issues, life transitions, stressors, and everyday life decisions.
(470) 589-4323 View (470) 589-4323
Photo of Vershonda Scott, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Vershonda Scott
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Thomasville, GA 31792
Hello, I am Vershonda Scott, LPC, CADC II. I work with adults and couples. I believe that each person can find and create their own path. Life is a journey, and how one chooses to respond to life is what one gets back. But don't worry if how you respond to life is not benefiting you; I can help you deconstruct your old ways of thinking. I have extensive experience working with adults dealing with past trauma, transition/adjustment issues, depression, anxiety, self-esteem issues, relationship issues, substance abuse, and other life challenges.
Hello, I am Vershonda Scott, LPC, CADC II. I work with adults and couples. I believe that each person can find and create their own path. Life is a journey, and how one chooses to respond to life is what one gets back. But don't worry if how you respond to life is not benefiting you; I can help you deconstruct your old ways of thinking. I have extensive experience working with adults dealing with past trauma, transition/adjustment issues, depression, anxiety, self-esteem issues, relationship issues, substance abuse, and other life challenges.
(770) 762-0944 View (770) 762-0944
Photo of Marylynn M. P. Mohr, MS, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Marylynn M. P. Mohr
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Thomasville, GA 31792
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Georgia with eight years of experience. I work with a wide array of clients; from survivors of trauma to those struggling with anxiety, coping skills, depression, obsessive-compulsive (OCD), stress, trauma and PTSD, adolescents/teens, dual diagnosis, life transitions, self-esteem, and self-harming. I utilize a mix of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). I also offer parenting assistance to parents struggling with their children's behaviors. I believe the whole family benefits from progress in therapy.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Georgia with eight years of experience. I work with a wide array of clients; from survivors of trauma to those struggling with anxiety, coping skills, depression, obsessive-compulsive (OCD), stress, trauma and PTSD, adolescents/teens, dual diagnosis, life transitions, self-esteem, and self-harming. I utilize a mix of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). I also offer parenting assistance to parents struggling with their children's behaviors. I believe the whole family benefits from progress in therapy.
(470) 252-4385 View (470) 252-4385
Photo of Robin Dees, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Robin Dees
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Thomasville, GA 31757
I specialize in the treatment of Mood Disorders to include anxiety and depression.
I have been a licensed therapist for over 22years. I enjoy being able to help my clients on an individual, relational and family basis. Deciding to come to therapy can be a difficult and personal choice. My job is to help one define what is best suited for one's needs and life changes. Navigation of life circumstances can be challenging and finding your strengths and assets to guide you helps in coping.
I specialize in the treatment of Mood Disorders to include anxiety and depression.
I have been a licensed therapist for over 22years. I enjoy being able to help my clients on an individual, relational and family basis. Deciding to come to therapy can be a difficult and personal choice. My job is to help one define what is best suited for one's needs and life changes. Navigation of life circumstances can be challenging and finding your strengths and assets to guide you helps in coping.
(229) 210-2189 View (229) 210-2189
Photo of Leah C. McMillan, DPA, LMFT, CFRC, Marriage & Family Therapist
Leah C. McMillan
Marriage & Family Therapist, DPA, LMFT, CFRC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Thomasville, GA 31758
My areas of specialty focus/expertise are PTSD/trauma, intimate partner violence, sexual assault/rape, child abuse, grief, depression, anxiety, mood disorders, couple/marital, divorce/co-parenting, & vicarious traumatization.
I have extensive clinical experience, 20 years+, working in the trauma-related, mental health, and counseling fields. I have been clinically licensed as a LMFT since 2006 and am an active member (clinical fellow) of AAMFT/GAMFT. My clinical path has allowed me to gain significant knowledge and experience in the field of mental health & counseling, clinical consultation, and speaking. I provide ongoing counseling in the areas of individual (children, adolescents, and adults), family, marital/couple/pre-marital, and group therapy. In addition, I am EMDR Trained and obtained my certification as a Certified First Responder Counselor.
My areas of specialty focus/expertise are PTSD/trauma, intimate partner violence, sexual assault/rape, child abuse, grief, depression, anxiety, mood disorders, couple/marital, divorce/co-parenting, & vicarious traumatization.
I have extensive clinical experience, 20 years+, working in the trauma-related, mental health, and counseling fields. I have been clinically licensed as a LMFT since 2006 and am an active member (clinical fellow) of AAMFT/GAMFT. My clinical path has allowed me to gain significant knowledge and experience in the field of mental health & counseling, clinical consultation, and speaking. I provide ongoing counseling in the areas of individual (children, adolescents, and adults), family, marital/couple/pre-marital, and group therapy. In addition, I am EMDR Trained and obtained my certification as a Certified First Responder Counselor.
(229) 515-8880 View (229) 515-8880
Sheree Collins
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Thomasville, GA 31757
I provide Cognitive-Behavioral therapy treatment to adolescents and adults with a variety of problems, including anxiety, depression, academic and job performance problems, parenting, defiant/oppositional behavior, trauma, relationship problems, management of illness, and pain management.
I believe it is important to provide a relaxed and supportive environment for clients to discuss their concerns, with tele-health psychotherapy and evaluations being available online through Thera-link. I strive to provide psychotherapy, psychological consultations, and clinical assessment that promote well-being, personal growth, increase in skills/knowledge base, and effectiveness for clients.
I provide Cognitive-Behavioral therapy treatment to adolescents and adults with a variety of problems, including anxiety, depression, academic and job performance problems, parenting, defiant/oppositional behavior, trauma, relationship problems, management of illness, and pain management.
I believe it is important to provide a relaxed and supportive environment for clients to discuss their concerns, with tele-health psychotherapy and evaluations being available online through Thera-link. I strive to provide psychotherapy, psychological consultations, and clinical assessment that promote well-being, personal growth, increase in skills/knowledge base, and effectiveness for clients.
(850) 366-8990 View (850) 366-8990
Photo of Rodney Larson, Licensed Professional Counselor
Rodney Larson
Licensed Professional Counselor
Verified Verified
Thomasville, GA 31792  (Online Only)
He has extensive experience in working with adults and adolescents. Areas of specialization include personal growth, developmental transitions, trauma (including Complex PTSD), anxiety, attention deficits, depression, behavioral challenges, relationship and communication issues, spiritual exploration, and reactions to stress including panic. His theoretical approach is eclectic and is designed to best serve the individualized needs of his clients as unique bio-psycho-social beings.
He has extensive experience in working with adults and adolescents. Areas of specialization include personal growth, developmental transitions, trauma (including Complex PTSD), anxiety, attention deficits, depression, behavioral challenges, relationship and communication issues, spiritual exploration, and reactions to stress including panic. His theoretical approach is eclectic and is designed to best serve the individualized needs of his clients as unique bio-psycho-social beings.
(470) 649-1837 View (470) 649-1837
Photo of Kevin Larry, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kevin Larry
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Meigs, GA 31765
My name is Kevin Larry. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Master's Addiction Counselor with over 25 years of experience working with individuals, families, couples, and groups. My specialties include mental health, substance abuse, anxiety, stress, depression, anger and aggression, trauma, ADHD, and other behavioral issues. I believe in a strengths-based approach utilizing cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy techniques, and Motivational Interviewing.
My name is Kevin Larry. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Master's Addiction Counselor with over 25 years of experience working with individuals, families, couples, and groups. My specialties include mental health, substance abuse, anxiety, stress, depression, anger and aggression, trauma, ADHD, and other behavioral issues. I believe in a strengths-based approach utilizing cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy techniques, and Motivational Interviewing.
(470) 748-2092 View (470) 748-2092
Photo of Ashley Hall - The Sparrow Center, LLC, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
The Sparrow Center, LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Thomasville, GA 31758
The Sparrow Center, LLC specializes in addressing clients with mental health issues of anxiety, depression, and trauma by utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques (CBT), Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
The Sparrow Center, LLC specializes in addressing clients with mental health issues of anxiety, depression, and trauma. The Sparrow Center, LLC strives to help clients reach their full potential and begin a road to healing.
The Sparrow Center, LLC specializes in addressing clients with mental health issues of anxiety, depression, and trauma by utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques (CBT), Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
The Sparrow Center, LLC specializes in addressing clients with mental health issues of anxiety, depression, and trauma. The Sparrow Center, LLC strives to help clients reach their full potential and begin a road to healing.
(229) 210-3890 View (229) 210-3890
Photo of Jodi Spires, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Jodi Spires
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Meigs, GA 31765
Hi, my name is Jodi Spires. For 25 years, I have worked as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with people learning to deal with depression, anxiety, trauma, and family issues. Though I am comfortable working with clients of all ages, when working with children, I prefer them to be a little older, like 9/10 years+. I am comfortable working with clients from diverse racial, social, or religious/spiritual backgrounds, as well as the LGBTQIA+ community.
Hi, my name is Jodi Spires. For 25 years, I have worked as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with people learning to deal with depression, anxiety, trauma, and family issues. Though I am comfortable working with clients of all ages, when working with children, I prefer them to be a little older, like 9/10 years+. I am comfortable working with clients from diverse racial, social, or religious/spiritual backgrounds, as well as the LGBTQIA+ community.
(678) 928-6812 View (678) 928-6812
Photo of Ashley Williams-Whitley, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Ashley Williams-Whitley
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Boston, GA 31626
Ashley specializes in working with clients suffering from depression, anxiety, sexuality, and substance abuse.
Dr. Ashley Williams-Whitley is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Georgia. Dr. Ashley holds certifications as a Nationally Certified Counselor. Dr. Ashley received her Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision from Mercer University in 2023, a Master of Arts degree in Community Counseling from Clark Atlanta University in 2018, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology with a Minor in Business Administration from the University of Central Arkansas in 2016.
Ashley specializes in working with clients suffering from depression, anxiety, sexuality, and substance abuse.
Dr. Ashley Williams-Whitley is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Georgia. Dr. Ashley holds certifications as a Nationally Certified Counselor. Dr. Ashley received her Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision from Mercer University in 2023, a Master of Arts degree in Community Counseling from Clark Atlanta University in 2018, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology with a Minor in Business Administration from the University of Central Arkansas in 2016.
(770) 758-5059 View (770) 758-5059
Photo of Christina Haire, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Christina Haire
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Thomasville, GA 31758
With two decades of social work experience I have gained a working knowledge of various mental health issues such as anxiety, PTSD, depression, stress management and caregiver fatigue.
I assist individuals who struggle with anxiety to feel significantly less anxious and more self-assured. Do you constantly feel a nagging ache signaling that something isn't right? Do you live with the persistent worry that an anxiety attack might strike at any moment? I understand these feelings well. It's a dreadful experience, and my goal is to ensure you no longer have to endure it. I'm here to offer support. My expertise lies in helping individuals to feel more confident and empowered. My approach is based on a gentle, nonjudgmental attitude, integrating EMDR, mindfulness, and cognitive behavioral therapies.
With two decades of social work experience I have gained a working knowledge of various mental health issues such as anxiety, PTSD, depression, stress management and caregiver fatigue.
I assist individuals who struggle with anxiety to feel significantly less anxious and more self-assured. Do you constantly feel a nagging ache signaling that something isn't right? Do you live with the persistent worry that an anxiety attack might strike at any moment? I understand these feelings well. It's a dreadful experience, and my goal is to ensure you no longer have to endure it. I'm here to offer support. My expertise lies in helping individuals to feel more confident and empowered. My approach is based on a gentle, nonjudgmental attitude, integrating EMDR, mindfulness, and cognitive behavioral therapies.
(229) 290-5247 View (229) 290-5247
Photo of Amy Bond, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Amy Bond
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Boston, GA 31626  (Online Only)
My areas of clinical focus are depression, anxiety, self-esteem, adolescent and adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Greetings, my name is Amy, and I come from the school of hard knocks. I possess a kind and open heart swirled with warmth, love, and humor. I am a grandparent to a four-legged furry Corgi child named Speggi. I have 19 years of experience providing a safe space for my clients to vent, process, and explore, with the goal of moving forward in their respective lives. Mutual problem-solving with my clients is the heart-felt professional goal of my practice.
My areas of clinical focus are depression, anxiety, self-esteem, adolescent and adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Greetings, my name is Amy, and I come from the school of hard knocks. I possess a kind and open heart swirled with warmth, love, and humor. I am a grandparent to a four-legged furry Corgi child named Speggi. I have 19 years of experience providing a safe space for my clients to vent, process, and explore, with the goal of moving forward in their respective lives. Mutual problem-solving with my clients is the heart-felt professional goal of my practice.
(404) 620-3751 View (404) 620-3751
Photo of Christopher Porch, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Christopher Porch
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Boston, GA 31626
I am a licensed professional counselor focused on life enrichment and healthy relationships. I have 19 years of professional work experience in the mental health field. I help clients with stress management, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence. I am empathetic in my approach and believe that when provided with the appropriate knowledge and support, individuals are able to create the life they desire. Modalities utilized: Solution Focused Brief (SFBT), Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), and Mindfulness-Based (MBCT).
I am a licensed professional counselor focused on life enrichment and healthy relationships. I have 19 years of professional work experience in the mental health field. I help clients with stress management, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence. I am empathetic in my approach and believe that when provided with the appropriate knowledge and support, individuals are able to create the life they desire. Modalities utilized: Solution Focused Brief (SFBT), Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), and Mindfulness-Based (MBCT).
(470) 664-5842 View (470) 664-5842
Photo of Adriane Alexander, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Adriane Alexander
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Ochlocknee, GA 31773
Welcome! My name is Adriane Alexander and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Georgia with over 10 years of experience. I typically work with clients who have a variety of issues. I am comfortable treating clients that are dealing with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, grief, relationship issues, work place stress and women issues. My approach to providing therapy is to make sure that my clients feel safe. I believe that what we need is "already in us." Sometimes we just need a listening ear and support to bring it out of us.
Welcome! My name is Adriane Alexander and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Georgia with over 10 years of experience. I typically work with clients who have a variety of issues. I am comfortable treating clients that are dealing with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, grief, relationship issues, work place stress and women issues. My approach to providing therapy is to make sure that my clients feel safe. I believe that what we need is "already in us." Sometimes we just need a listening ear and support to bring it out of us.
(678) 671-4279 View (678) 671-4279
Photo of Lina Munoz, PhD, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Lina Munoz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, LCSW
Verified Verified
Ochlocknee, GA 31773
Hi there, my name is Lina Muñoz and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 15 years of experience based in Atlanta, Georgia who works with clients statewide via telehealth. I provide trauma-informed therapy with youth, adults and families from different cultural backgrounds. I have found that my style and approach is a good fit for adults dealing with challenges in the form of anxiety, depression, stress, grief, loss, and relational problems. I use a systemic and psychodynamic approach to understand the underlying factors that may influence the behavior, performance, and emotions of my clients.
Hi there, my name is Lina Muñoz and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 15 years of experience based in Atlanta, Georgia who works with clients statewide via telehealth. I provide trauma-informed therapy with youth, adults and families from different cultural backgrounds. I have found that my style and approach is a good fit for adults dealing with challenges in the form of anxiety, depression, stress, grief, loss, and relational problems. I use a systemic and psychodynamic approach to understand the underlying factors that may influence the behavior, performance, and emotions of my clients.
(706) 808-3709 View (706) 808-3709
Photo of Shakilah Rene Williams - Truth Is Therapy & More, LPC, CADC-II, CAM-S, Licensed Professional Counselor
Truth Is Therapy & More
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, CADC-II, CAM-S
Verified Verified
Thomasville, GA 31792  (Online Only)
Whether you're dealing with being overwhelmed, relationship issues, or cycles of anxiety and depression, I'm here to help.
Do you feel pulled in a million directions, unable to fit it all in? Are you struggling to keep up with your relationships, work, and health? Is it hard to be kind to yourself? I help high performers manage anxiety and avoid burnout. Together, we can identify what's not working and get you back to balance. We'll use a whole-self approach, addressing the needs of your mind, body and spirit. I also integrate mindfulness, self-care, art, and therapeutic journaling to help you develop a stronger relationship with yourself.
Whether you're dealing with being overwhelmed, relationship issues, or cycles of anxiety and depression, I'm here to help.
Do you feel pulled in a million directions, unable to fit it all in? Are you struggling to keep up with your relationships, work, and health? Is it hard to be kind to yourself? I help high performers manage anxiety and avoid burnout. Together, we can identify what's not working and get you back to balance. We'll use a whole-self approach, addressing the needs of your mind, body and spirit. I also integrate mindfulness, self-care, art, and therapeutic journaling to help you develop a stronger relationship with yourself.
(229) 252-3602 View (229) 252-3602
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Depression Therapists

What is the goal of therapy for depression?

Therapy for depression has several major goals. One is to relieve the mental pain of depression, which distorts feeling and thinking so that sufferers cannot see beyond their current state of mind or envision feeling better. Another is to give people the mental tools to recognize and correct the kinds of distorted thinking that turn a problem into a catastrophe and lead to despair. Therapy also teaches people how to process negative emotions in constructive ways, so they have more control over their own emotional reactivity. And it helps people regain the ability to see themselves positively, the motivation to do things, and the capacity for pleasure.

What happens in therapy for depression?

Perhaps most important, no matter the type of therapy, patients form an alliance with the therapist; that connection is therapeutic in itself, plus it becomes an instrument of change. Patients learn to identify and to challenge their own erroneous beliefs and thoughts that amplify the effects of negative experiences. They learn to identify situations in which they are especially vulnerable. And they learn new patterns of thinking and behaving. They may be given “homework” assignments in which they practice their developing skills. In addition, good therapists regularly monitor patients to assess whether and how much the condition is improving.

What therapy types help with depression?

Several types of short-term therapy have been found effective, each targeting one or more areas of dysfunction. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps clients challenge their negative thoughts and beliefs, learn new behavioral strategies, and curb reactivity to distressing situations. Behavioral activation (BA) is a form of therapy often used in conjunction with CBT; it focuses on engagement in rewarding activity as a pathway to changing negative feelings and disturbed mood. Another widely used approach is interpersonal therapy (IPT), which targets the social difficulties that both give rise to and get exacerbated by depression. Therapists may combine approaches as needed.

Can therapy for depression be done online?

Studies have found that online therapy can be highly effective for treating depression, although it may be more challenging to build a good therapist-patient alliance on screen than in person—at least at first. However, online therapy can offer considerable advantages. Accessibility and convenience are tops among them. Some people actually find it easier to talk about problems online than in person. While online therapy typically limits visibility of facial expression and body gestures that give important nonverbal cues to a patient’s state of mind, it can give therapists a glimpse into a patient’s world and life, providing information that can be highly useful in guiding therapy.

How effective is therapy for depression?

Many studies show that therapy is highly effective provided that patients complete the prescribed course of therapy, commonly 16 to 20 sessions. Over the long term, it is more effective than medication and the effects are more enduring. As a result, psychotherapy has the power not just to relieve current suffering but to prevent future episodes of the disorder. Therapy reverses the dysfunction in neural circuitry that disposes individuals to a negative view of themselves, the world, and their future and they acquire coping techniques, problem-solving skills, and understanding of their own vulnerabilities that are useful over the course of a lifetime.