Depression Therapists in Villa Rica, GA

Photo of Samantha A. Adams - Nourished Soul Counseling LLC, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Nourished Soul Counseling LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Villa Rica, GA 30180  (Online Only)
Hello, I'm Samantha Adams, a Licensed Professional Counselor in Georgia with a deep passion for helping people. I’m here to support you on your journey to wholeness, believing that you are the expert in your own life. My role is to walk alongside you, providing guidance, education, and the skills necessary to achieve your goals. I create a safe and nurturing environment where you can process past trauma and navigate life's challenges. I work with both teenagers and adults, addressing a wide range of issues, including trauma, depression, anxiety, personality disorders, bipolar disorder, addiction, and more.
Hello, I'm Samantha Adams, a Licensed Professional Counselor in Georgia with a deep passion for helping people. I’m here to support you on your journey to wholeness, believing that you are the expert in your own life. My role is to walk alongside you, providing guidance, education, and the skills necessary to achieve your goals. I create a safe and nurturing environment where you can process past trauma and navigate life's challenges. I work with both teenagers and adults, addressing a wide range of issues, including trauma, depression, anxiety, personality disorders, bipolar disorder, addiction, and more.
(470) 458-3992 View (470) 458-3992
Photo of Jennifer Grizzard, MA, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Jennifer Grizzard
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Villa Rica, GA 30180
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor who has experience working with people of all ages. I love working with children with almost any issue that may affect them such as behavioral issues, ADD/ADHD, aspergers, school performance, divorce reaction, self-esteem, anxiety and depression to name a few. I also enjoy working with adults, families, and couples who struggle with communication issues, relationship stresses, depression, anxiety, mood disorders, feelings of helplessness, overwhelming worry, financial strain, and many other issues. In therapy, I use a variety of therapeutic techniques to tailor treatment for each individual.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor who has experience working with people of all ages. I love working with children with almost any issue that may affect them such as behavioral issues, ADD/ADHD, aspergers, school performance, divorce reaction, self-esteem, anxiety and depression to name a few. I also enjoy working with adults, families, and couples who struggle with communication issues, relationship stresses, depression, anxiety, mood disorders, feelings of helplessness, overwhelming worry, financial strain, and many other issues. In therapy, I use a variety of therapeutic techniques to tailor treatment for each individual.
(678) 905-7916 View (678) 905-7916
Photo of Judith Ashworth, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Judith Ashworth
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Villa Rica, GA 30180
Hello. My name is Judith Ashworth, and I am a licensed clinical social worker. I just retired from the Wellstar hospital system, where I had been working for 20 years, mostly as a behavioral health and clinician. I ran groups and provided assessment and individual brief therapy on their inpatient unit or but within Path, I am looking forward to doing rational emotive behavioral therapy or REBT. This will provide quicker progress. I have been pretty successful working on addiction, depression, and OCD. I feel comfortable working with severe psychiatric disorders as well. But I know that's not what this forum is all about.
Hello. My name is Judith Ashworth, and I am a licensed clinical social worker. I just retired from the Wellstar hospital system, where I had been working for 20 years, mostly as a behavioral health and clinician. I ran groups and provided assessment and individual brief therapy on their inpatient unit or but within Path, I am looking forward to doing rational emotive behavioral therapy or REBT. This will provide quicker progress. I have been pretty successful working on addiction, depression, and OCD. I feel comfortable working with severe psychiatric disorders as well. But I know that's not what this forum is all about.
(470) 470-9767 View (470) 470-9767
Photo of Nicole Denman, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Nicole Denman
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Villa Rica, GA 30180  (Online Only)
I use a strengths based approach to work with individuals (ages 9+) who need support with learning about and managing depression, anxiety, ADHD, and trauma.
Hello and welcome to my virtual therapy space! My name is Nicole, and I would love to chat with you about what has led to you seek out support through therapy. Often when I ask that question, I hear responses such as, "I feel overwhelmed by everything," "I worry about everything and can't seem to turn it off," "I don't want to do anything or be around people anymore" or "this really bad thing happened to me." If you ever have these types of thoughts, then this might be a good space to talk about and work through those thoughts and feelings.
I use a strengths based approach to work with individuals (ages 9+) who need support with learning about and managing depression, anxiety, ADHD, and trauma.
Hello and welcome to my virtual therapy space! My name is Nicole, and I would love to chat with you about what has led to you seek out support through therapy. Often when I ask that question, I hear responses such as, "I feel overwhelmed by everything," "I worry about everything and can't seem to turn it off," "I don't want to do anything or be around people anymore" or "this really bad thing happened to me." If you ever have these types of thoughts, then this might be a good space to talk about and work through those thoughts and feelings.
(678) 498-6529 View (678) 498-6529
Photo of Zach Holzman, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Zach Holzman
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Villa Rica, GA 30180  (Online Only)
I am a licensed professional counselor with extensive work with clients and is comprised of managing anxiety disorders, depression disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, and numerous other personality and mood disorders. My therapeutic techniques include person-centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, strength-based therapy, and reality therapy. I believe in the significance of helping others feel inner peace and find purpose in life.
I am a licensed professional counselor with extensive work with clients and is comprised of managing anxiety disorders, depression disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, and numerous other personality and mood disorders. My therapeutic techniques include person-centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, strength-based therapy, and reality therapy. I believe in the significance of helping others feel inner peace and find purpose in life.
(678) 487-8498 View (678) 487-8498
Photo of Dana Nummerdor, MA, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Dana Nummerdor
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Villa Rica, GA 30180
If you are struggling and feel lost in your life, or are dealing with challenges to your mental health, reach out to me. We can work together to explore what isn't working in your life and get you to a better place. I work with adults who are experiencing difficulties with grief, depression, anxiety, trauma, stress, life-phase transitions, relationship issues, and spirituality. I am also certified as a Life Coach and Reiki practitioner.
If you are struggling and feel lost in your life, or are dealing with challenges to your mental health, reach out to me. We can work together to explore what isn't working in your life and get you to a better place. I work with adults who are experiencing difficulties with grief, depression, anxiety, trauma, stress, life-phase transitions, relationship issues, and spirituality. I am also certified as a Life Coach and Reiki practitioner.
(770) 450-5769 View (770) 450-5769
Photo of Joy Moses - Family & Forensic Intervention Counseling, LLC, PhD, LPC, NCC, NCSC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Family & Forensic Intervention Counseling, LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC, NCC, NCSC
Verified Verified
Villa Rica, GA 30180
I'm here to address your anxiety, depression, irritable mood triggers, poor relationship building and inconsistency.
Individuals seek therapy for a wide variety of reasons, from coping with major life challenges or childhood trauma, to dealing with depression or anxiety, to simply desiring personal growth and greater self-knowledge. I have served in the helping profession for well over a decade. Years of work in the field has informed the belief that the helping profession is most effective through collaborative and eclectic approaches to treatment, whether in residential / acute, in-home, community outpatient or private practice mental health settings. Professional Counselors bring different dynamics, expertise, approaches, and strengths to collaborative treatment.
I'm here to address your anxiety, depression, irritable mood triggers, poor relationship building and inconsistency.
Individuals seek therapy for a wide variety of reasons, from coping with major life challenges or childhood trauma, to dealing with depression or anxiety, to simply desiring personal growth and greater self-knowledge. I have served in the helping profession for well over a decade. Years of work in the field has informed the belief that the helping profession is most effective through collaborative and eclectic approaches to treatment, whether in residential / acute, in-home, community outpatient or private practice mental health settings. Professional Counselors bring different dynamics, expertise, approaches, and strengths to collaborative treatment.
(470) 470-5298 View (470) 470-5298
Photo of Shireen Andrea Hunte, LPC, NCC, Counselor
Shireen Andrea Hunte
Counselor, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Villa Rica, GA 30180  (Online Only)
I work with a wide range of issues, including depression, anxiety, unresolved emotional issues, self-esteem/self-empowerment, grief and loss, relationship/family issues, marital problems, trauma, anger management, behavioral disorders in children and adolescents, co-dependency issues, parenting, impulsive behaviors.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. I graduated from Argosy University with a M.A. in Community Counseling. I started my career providing mental health services to children, adolescents and adults in the community. My experiences have helped me to gain insight to family systemic problems. I utilize a variety of orientations and therapies to benefit my client's needs which include Cognitive Behavioral, Person Centered and Solution Focused. My goal is to combine my experiences, compassion and enthusiasm as a therapist to assist clients and families in making positive changes in their lives through self-awareness, empowerment, coping strategies and developing a positive mindset.
I work with a wide range of issues, including depression, anxiety, unresolved emotional issues, self-esteem/self-empowerment, grief and loss, relationship/family issues, marital problems, trauma, anger management, behavioral disorders in children and adolescents, co-dependency issues, parenting, impulsive behaviors.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. I graduated from Argosy University with a M.A. in Community Counseling. I started my career providing mental health services to children, adolescents and adults in the community. My experiences have helped me to gain insight to family systemic problems. I utilize a variety of orientations and therapies to benefit my client's needs which include Cognitive Behavioral, Person Centered and Solution Focused. My goal is to combine my experiences, compassion and enthusiasm as a therapist to assist clients and families in making positive changes in their lives through self-awareness, empowerment, coping strategies and developing a positive mindset.
(770) 629-0039 View (770) 629-0039
Photo of Lj Davis, LPC, CPCS, Licensed Professional Counselor
Lj Davis
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, CPCS
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Villa Rica, GA 30180
I know what it's like to feel too shy to make friends or express myself openly, to lose sleep to insomnia, or to struggle with depression.
Are you looking to discover greater vitality and joy in your life? I have found great satisfaction in my work helping people discover what blocks their natural "aliveness." I enjoy working with anyone who is looking to grow and make changes. I work hard to understand my clients, which helps them more deeply understand themselves and their relationship to the world around them. Then we work together to address thoughts and beliefs that interfere with being fully alive.
I know what it's like to feel too shy to make friends or express myself openly, to lose sleep to insomnia, or to struggle with depression.
Are you looking to discover greater vitality and joy in your life? I have found great satisfaction in my work helping people discover what blocks their natural "aliveness." I enjoy working with anyone who is looking to grow and make changes. I work hard to understand my clients, which helps them more deeply understand themselves and their relationship to the world around them. Then we work together to address thoughts and beliefs that interfere with being fully alive.
(678) 809-0279 View (678) 809-0279
Photo of Katie Davis, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Katie Davis
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Villa Rica, GA 30180
Change is hard, particularly when feeling hopeless and overwhelmed. I want to help you overcome the feelings of fear, guilt, and shame that interfere with your ability to be present and have a vital, fulfilling life. I specialize in helping adolescents and young adults who have experienced trauma, or are struggling with issues related to mental health, including depression, anxiety, and post traumatic stress disorder. I help clients recognize their natural resources and potential they already possess. My ultimate goal is to help individuals and families find healing and wholeness.
Change is hard, particularly when feeling hopeless and overwhelmed. I want to help you overcome the feelings of fear, guilt, and shame that interfere with your ability to be present and have a vital, fulfilling life. I specialize in helping adolescents and young adults who have experienced trauma, or are struggling with issues related to mental health, including depression, anxiety, and post traumatic stress disorder. I help clients recognize their natural resources and potential they already possess. My ultimate goal is to help individuals and families find healing and wholeness.
(762) 290-5011 View (762) 290-5011
Photo of Brittany Donner, MSW, Pre-Licensed Professional
Brittany Donner
Pre-Licensed Professional, MSW
Verified Verified
Villa Rica, GA 30180
When working with clients that suffer from trauma, anxiety and depression finding coping strategies to assist in your healing journey can lead to success!.
Sharing your life journey with a stranger takes a lot of courage! Repairing and healing from damaged relationships requires trust and hard work. As we work together we will develop a plan that is goal focused and achievable so that you can be the best version of yourself!
When working with clients that suffer from trauma, anxiety and depression finding coping strategies to assist in your healing journey can lead to success!.
Sharing your life journey with a stranger takes a lot of courage! Repairing and healing from damaged relationships requires trust and hard work. As we work together we will develop a plan that is goal focused and achievable so that you can be the best version of yourself!
(678) 968-1544 View (678) 968-1544
Photo of Nakeya Gore, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Nakeya Gore
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Villa Rica, GA 30180  (Online Only)
I offer online counseling to help adults recover from childhood wounds. These issues can present as depression, anxiety, stress, low-esteem and interpersonal challenges. I approach counseling as an opportunity to understand your story and help you develop a path to healing. It's human nature to want healthy relationships, meaningful work and activities you enjoy, in order to have a good quality of life. If you're experiencing ineffective communication skills, career dissatisfaction, parenting challenges, family/relationship stress or feelings overwhelm, I would be glad to help you improve upon these problems.
I offer online counseling to help adults recover from childhood wounds. These issues can present as depression, anxiety, stress, low-esteem and interpersonal challenges. I approach counseling as an opportunity to understand your story and help you develop a path to healing. It's human nature to want healthy relationships, meaningful work and activities you enjoy, in order to have a good quality of life. If you're experiencing ineffective communication skills, career dissatisfaction, parenting challenges, family/relationship stress or feelings overwhelm, I would be glad to help you improve upon these problems.
(678) 990-1022 View (678) 990-1022
Photo of Faith Richardson, MDiv, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Faith Richardson
Licensed Professional Counselor, MDiv, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Villa Rica, GA 30180
I specialize in helping people identify and achieve their personal and spiritual goals by coping with the issues that are causing them depression, anxiety, and stress.
Hi! I'm a Licensed Professional Counsellor (LPC) based in Georgia. I also am licensed in the states of Alabama and Florida. I help individuals struggling with stress, family dynamics, and life transitions become the best versions of themselves. I also provide couples counseling to those who are struggling with communication, trust, and intimacy. Many people enjoy coming to me to address spirituality and faith matters.
I specialize in helping people identify and achieve their personal and spiritual goals by coping with the issues that are causing them depression, anxiety, and stress.
Hi! I'm a Licensed Professional Counsellor (LPC) based in Georgia. I also am licensed in the states of Alabama and Florida. I help individuals struggling with stress, family dynamics, and life transitions become the best versions of themselves. I also provide couples counseling to those who are struggling with communication, trust, and intimacy. Many people enjoy coming to me to address spirituality and faith matters.
(770) 738-7082 View (770) 738-7082
Photo of Angela Lester - Oasis Behavioral Health, LLC, LCSW, CCTP, NPT-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Oasis Behavioral Health, LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CCTP, NPT-C
Verified Verified
Villa Rica, GA 30180  (Online Only)
Hi, I am Angie Lester, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker working with clients virtually in Georgia. I am here to support you in reaching your treatment goals. If it's processing issues and events from your past that you feel may contribute to your anxiety and depression, we'll work on that. If it's coping skills that you want to work on, I'll be happy to help with those. If you are part of a couple looking for better communication skills, you've come to the right place.
Hi, I am Angie Lester, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker working with clients virtually in Georgia. I am here to support you in reaching your treatment goals. If it's processing issues and events from your past that you feel may contribute to your anxiety and depression, we'll work on that. If it's coping skills that you want to work on, I'll be happy to help with those. If you are part of a couple looking for better communication skills, you've come to the right place.
(470) 594-5054 View (470) 594-5054
Photo of Denard Fenaud, LMSW, MDiv, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Denard Fenaud
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, MDiv
Verified Verified
Villa Rica, GA 30180  (Online Only)
I understand that you're navigating through a particularly challenging phase of life, grappling with thoughts and feelings that may feel overwhelming at times. If you're between 18 and 35 and find yourself wrestling with suicidal ideation, anxiety, depression, or seeking motivation and clarity in your life, I want you to know that you're not alone.
I understand that you're navigating through a particularly challenging phase of life, grappling with thoughts and feelings that may feel overwhelming at times. If you're between 18 and 35 and find yourself wrestling with suicidal ideation, anxiety, depression, or seeking motivation and clarity in your life, I want you to know that you're not alone.
(470) 508-2966 View (470) 508-2966
Photo of Mark F Wagemaker - Transitions Counseling, LPC, BC-NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Transitions Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, BC-NCC
Verified Verified
Villa Rica, GA 30180  (Online Only)
My specialty is PTSD/trauma, with the unexplained anxiety, depression, and body issues that have no clear physical cause.
I am only working online virtually with the app Zoom (HIPPA security), available for cell/tablets, it can be accessed directly on your PC. If you send you your email I’ll send you an activation link. I work with anyone that wants to create change in their life! Anyone that is choosing to move on to a more fulfilling life, it doesn’t matter where that motivation comes from! It could be from deep inside them or someone else helping them to see the need. I use Accelerated Resolution Therapy and hypnotherapy as primary tools for trauma, PTSD, and adverse childhood events (ACE).
My specialty is PTSD/trauma, with the unexplained anxiety, depression, and body issues that have no clear physical cause.
I am only working online virtually with the app Zoom (HIPPA security), available for cell/tablets, it can be accessed directly on your PC. If you send you your email I’ll send you an activation link. I work with anyone that wants to create change in their life! Anyone that is choosing to move on to a more fulfilling life, it doesn’t matter where that motivation comes from! It could be from deep inside them or someone else helping them to see the need. I use Accelerated Resolution Therapy and hypnotherapy as primary tools for trauma, PTSD, and adverse childhood events (ACE).
(404) 341-5520 View (404) 341-5520
Photo of Nicole R. Dodson, LPC, BC-TMH, Licensed Professional Counselor
Nicole R. Dodson
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, BC-TMH
Verified Verified
Villa Rica, GA 30180
I have worked extensively with adolescents, at risk children, and adults who suffer from anxiety, depression, anger management issues, self-esteem issues, behavioral issues, and substance abuse issues. I also work with children and adults who have suffered trauma and experience symptoms of PTSD, ADHD, and ADD. I sometimes incorporate physical activity into the therapeutic process. This "active therapy" can be especially helpful in working with issues of self esteem, anxiety, depression, and addiction. In addition to "active therapy", I have also found that meditation and mindfulness can be especially helpful for children who have trouble with focus and concentration.
I have worked extensively with adolescents, at risk children, and adults who suffer from anxiety, depression, anger management issues, self-esteem issues, behavioral issues, and substance abuse issues. I also work with children and adults who have suffered trauma and experience symptoms of PTSD, ADHD, and ADD. I sometimes incorporate physical activity into the therapeutic process. This "active therapy" can be especially helpful in working with issues of self esteem, anxiety, depression, and addiction. In addition to "active therapy", I have also found that meditation and mindfulness can be especially helpful for children who have trouble with focus and concentration.
(678) 616-2175 View (678) 616-2175
Photo of Rebecca S Blakeman, PhD, Psychologist
Rebecca S Blakeman
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Villa Rica, GA 30180
I will help you to develop the healthiest strategies for managing the anxiety, stress, depression, frustration, parenting struggles, and relationship challenges that come with the COVID-19 crisis.
SERVICES AVAILABLE DURING COVID-19 CRISIS: Beginning the week of 3/23/2020 I will begin providing counseling services via telemental health, as this protects your health and has also been shown to be as effective as face-to-face counseling in an office. I use a HIPPA compliant platform that protects your privacy and confidentiality. I will be providing counseling services to children, adolescents and adults. I will be offering sliding scale fees for individuals who have lost a significant portion of their income during this crisis. I will also provide documentation you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement.
I will help you to develop the healthiest strategies for managing the anxiety, stress, depression, frustration, parenting struggles, and relationship challenges that come with the COVID-19 crisis.
SERVICES AVAILABLE DURING COVID-19 CRISIS: Beginning the week of 3/23/2020 I will begin providing counseling services via telemental health, as this protects your health and has also been shown to be as effective as face-to-face counseling in an office. I use a HIPPA compliant platform that protects your privacy and confidentiality. I will be providing counseling services to children, adolescents and adults. I will be offering sliding scale fees for individuals who have lost a significant portion of their income during this crisis. I will also provide documentation you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement.
(404) 369-7433 View (404) 369-7433
Photo of Greg Byrge - One Truth Counseling, LLC, MA, Pastoral Counselor
One Truth Counseling, LLC
Pastoral Counselor, MA
Verified Verified
Villa Rica, GA 30180
Specializing in anger, depression, anxiety, grief, life coaching, crisis, couples counseling, marriage counseling, and pre-marital counseling, I aim to listen to the complexities of your life, meet you exactly where you are in your journey, and foster a deeper connection with your Christian faith while God transforms and changes your heart.
My name is Greg Byrge, a Christian counselor and owner of One Truth Counseling. I am thankful to walk alongside individuals, couples, and families where God’s presence becomes the great equalizer in reaching emotional, relational, and spiritual healing. Many individuals face unique challenges and circumstances that leave them carrying burdens, which create uncertainty and develop a sense of hopelessness, darkness, and frustration in their lives. Jesus said, "I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in the darkness."
Specializing in anger, depression, anxiety, grief, life coaching, crisis, couples counseling, marriage counseling, and pre-marital counseling, I aim to listen to the complexities of your life, meet you exactly where you are in your journey, and foster a deeper connection with your Christian faith while God transforms and changes your heart.
My name is Greg Byrge, a Christian counselor and owner of One Truth Counseling. I am thankful to walk alongside individuals, couples, and families where God’s presence becomes the great equalizer in reaching emotional, relational, and spiritual healing. Many individuals face unique challenges and circumstances that leave them carrying burdens, which create uncertainty and develop a sense of hopelessness, darkness, and frustration in their lives. Jesus said, "I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in the darkness."
(470) 613-2937 View (470) 613-2937
Photo of Maritza Pitelli, M Ed, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Maritza Pitelli
Licensed Professional Counselor, M Ed, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Villa Rica, GA 30180
My clinical focus is bodily, emotional recovery from trauma, adverse childhood experience, loss, grief, depression and anxiety. I believe in the possibilities for my clients to discover a second life...balance & renewal they couldn’t imagine at the depths of despair/struggle/change. "Maybe we will find a new purpose. Dedicate to an old dream. Maybe we will soften. Meet God. Taste the vast reservoir of our resiliency and strength. Find beauty and meaning in the simple things—like a cup of tea with a loved one while watching a yellow-tinged leaf dance into a puddle. Maybe we will find dancing or painting or writing or art or science
My clinical focus is bodily, emotional recovery from trauma, adverse childhood experience, loss, grief, depression and anxiety. I believe in the possibilities for my clients to discover a second life...balance & renewal they couldn’t imagine at the depths of despair/struggle/change. "Maybe we will find a new purpose. Dedicate to an old dream. Maybe we will soften. Meet God. Taste the vast reservoir of our resiliency and strength. Find beauty and meaning in the simple things—like a cup of tea with a loved one while watching a yellow-tinged leaf dance into a puddle. Maybe we will find dancing or painting or writing or art or science
(678) 647-6930 View (678) 647-6930
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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.