Depression Therapists in Williams Creek, Indianapolis, IN

Photo of Julia Lieberman - Lieberman Counseling Services, MSW, LSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Lieberman Counseling Services
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LSW
Verified Verified
Williams Creek, Indianapolis, IN 46240
People want to find meaning and direction in their lives. Yet, sometimes this can be obscured by intrusive thoughts, whether from stress, anxiety and/or depression. This, in turn, can result in behaviors that keep people from living their most fulfilled life. My passion is helping people live more meaningful lives. I have broad experience helping with people who have trauma, anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, self-harm, low self-esteem, life transitions, and substance use disorders. Although I offer services to all ages, I primarily work with teens and adults.
People want to find meaning and direction in their lives. Yet, sometimes this can be obscured by intrusive thoughts, whether from stress, anxiety and/or depression. This, in turn, can result in behaviors that keep people from living their most fulfilled life. My passion is helping people live more meaningful lives. I have broad experience helping with people who have trauma, anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, self-harm, low self-esteem, life transitions, and substance use disorders. Although I offer services to all ages, I primarily work with teens and adults.
(463) 259-6259 View (463) 259-6259
Photo of Ola Smith, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Ola Smith
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Williams Creek, Indianapolis, IN 46240
After many years of working with adults on life stage transitions, I am here to work with you as you work through your transitions. Transitions like - divorce, adult dating, job or career changes, working with aging parents, your own life stages, empty nesting, loss of a loved one or pet. There are so many things that come up in life that adults need to work through - at times this can cause anxiety, depression or just confusion which can impact your outlook and how you are interacting with others. I look forward to working with you to identify your story and to help you decide how you want to write the next chapter.
After many years of working with adults on life stage transitions, I am here to work with you as you work through your transitions. Transitions like - divorce, adult dating, job or career changes, working with aging parents, your own life stages, empty nesting, loss of a loved one or pet. There are so many things that come up in life that adults need to work through - at times this can cause anxiety, depression or just confusion which can impact your outlook and how you are interacting with others. I look forward to working with you to identify your story and to help you decide how you want to write the next chapter.
(317) 648-2752 View (317) 648-2752
Photo of Heather Kaufman, MA, LMHC, Counselor
Heather Kaufman
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Williams Creek, Indianapolis, IN 46240
I offer long-term therapy and work with individuals, who are navigating trauma, grief, depression, life transitions, perinatal health, and chronic health conditions.
Have you found yourself struggling to break unhealthy patterns? Are you hoping for change that lasts? I am a psychoanalytically informed therapist and I believe that life is a journey toward wholeness. Therapy is best understood as a way to move forward with the help of a competent therapist who can partner alongside you. I hope to help you reclaim what has been lost and discover what has yet to be found to promote wellness, wholeness, and healing.
I offer long-term therapy and work with individuals, who are navigating trauma, grief, depression, life transitions, perinatal health, and chronic health conditions.
Have you found yourself struggling to break unhealthy patterns? Are you hoping for change that lasts? I am a psychoanalytically informed therapist and I believe that life is a journey toward wholeness. Therapy is best understood as a way to move forward with the help of a competent therapist who can partner alongside you. I hope to help you reclaim what has been lost and discover what has yet to be found to promote wellness, wholeness, and healing.
(317) 444-4979 View (317) 444-4979
Photo of Michael Jones, PsyD, HSPP, Psychologist
Michael Jones
Psychologist, PsyD, HSPP
Verified Verified
Williams Creek, Indianapolis, IN 46240
Are you going through difficult changes in your life? Divorce, relationship problems, illness, career uncertainty? Feeling depressed, anxious? Having age-related problems? Memory, fear, adjustment, grief? Have you had bad experiences you can't get over, that haunt you, or keep tripping you up? Do others notice that you're different? Do you feel different to yourself; feel that your life is just stuck, without direction, motivation? Does some of this sound like you? Then I can help. You and I can form a productive, helpful relationship through which to take on the issues that are holding you back.
Are you going through difficult changes in your life? Divorce, relationship problems, illness, career uncertainty? Feeling depressed, anxious? Having age-related problems? Memory, fear, adjustment, grief? Have you had bad experiences you can't get over, that haunt you, or keep tripping you up? Do others notice that you're different? Do you feel different to yourself; feel that your life is just stuck, without direction, motivation? Does some of this sound like you? Then I can help. You and I can form a productive, helpful relationship through which to take on the issues that are holding you back.
(317) 793-2320 View (317) 793-2320
Photo of Sue Ellen Stolkin, LMFT, LMHC, Marriage & Family Therapist
Sue Ellen Stolkin
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LMHC
Verified Verified
Williams Creek, Indianapolis, IN 46240
 I provide psychotherapy for adults dealing with depression, anxiety, grief and life transitions as well as family dynamics, couples counseling and relationship issues.
As a therapist, I am always respectful and nonjudgmental. I hold on to the belief that change is possible even when my clients are less optimistic. I continue to study and learn. I have found that my clients can be my best teachers..   The ability to make changes begins with a safe environment. That is my job to provide for you. As the trust continues to grow, together we will work on whatever presents itself. Everyone comes with their own story and that is what makes this work so special.
 I provide psychotherapy for adults dealing with depression, anxiety, grief and life transitions as well as family dynamics, couples counseling and relationship issues.
As a therapist, I am always respectful and nonjudgmental. I hold on to the belief that change is possible even when my clients are less optimistic. I continue to study and learn. I have found that my clients can be my best teachers..   The ability to make changes begins with a safe environment. That is my job to provide for you. As the trust continues to grow, together we will work on whatever presents itself. Everyone comes with their own story and that is what makes this work so special.
(317) 961-7513 View (317) 961-7513
Photo of Ben Wyatt, MA, LMHCA, Counselor
Ben Wyatt
Counselor, MA, LMHCA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Williams Creek, Indianapolis, IN 46240
Are you looking to make long-lasting changes in your life? Maybe you're feeling things that you don't understand. Maybe you are noticing painful patterns in your life that seem to be repeating themselves. Maybe feelings of depression and anxiety have crept up on you, and you don't know how to make them stop. Maybe you're in a relationship that isn't right for you. Maybe you don't even know what "right for you" is. Maybe you're a caregiver who is trying to find some peace and calm in the middle of your stress. Or maybe you're just wondering if life is really supposed to be this hard. If that sounds like you, I think I can help.
Are you looking to make long-lasting changes in your life? Maybe you're feeling things that you don't understand. Maybe you are noticing painful patterns in your life that seem to be repeating themselves. Maybe feelings of depression and anxiety have crept up on you, and you don't know how to make them stop. Maybe you're in a relationship that isn't right for you. Maybe you don't even know what "right for you" is. Maybe you're a caregiver who is trying to find some peace and calm in the middle of your stress. Or maybe you're just wondering if life is really supposed to be this hard. If that sounds like you, I think I can help.
(317) 597-4859 View (317) 597-4859
Photo of Melissa A Wilson, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Melissa A Wilson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Williams Creek, Indianapolis, IN 46240
I work with people who are living with anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, substance use, serious illness and family dynamics.
I am so glad you are here! You are taking the first courageous step in managing and healing what you are currently experiencing! My 13 years of counseling has been with individuals and families facing extreme challenges and supporting ways in which our physical, emotional, and mental health are interconnected. An individualized and holistic approach to care is highly effective in supporting emotional health and growth, and I will work alongside you to find what works best. Afterall, you are the expert of you!
I work with people who are living with anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, substance use, serious illness and family dynamics.
I am so glad you are here! You are taking the first courageous step in managing and healing what you are currently experiencing! My 13 years of counseling has been with individuals and families facing extreme challenges and supporting ways in which our physical, emotional, and mental health are interconnected. An individualized and holistic approach to care is highly effective in supporting emotional health and growth, and I will work alongside you to find what works best. Afterall, you are the expert of you!
(317) 676-4593 View (317) 676-4593
Photo of Eri Rolland Art Therapist, MA, Pre-Licensed Professional
Eri Rolland Art Therapist
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Williams Creek, Indianapolis, IN 46240  (Online Only)
I'm experienced with children and adults with ADHD, behavioral problems, trauma, depression, anxiety, and addiction.
Hey there! I'm excited you’re here. Balancing work, relationships, and family can be extremely difficult...adulting is rough, am I right? Growing up in the Google era, I too understand the social media anxiety experience. How do you manage information overload and make meaningful connections in a rapidly changing world? If you’re feeling lost or anxious- let's talk! I am here to help individuals learn how to manage life’s challenges in a effective and positive way. Additionally, I offer animal therapy with the adorable ICAN therapy dog, Levi (see pic below), providing unique support in our healing work together.
I'm experienced with children and adults with ADHD, behavioral problems, trauma, depression, anxiety, and addiction.
Hey there! I'm excited you’re here. Balancing work, relationships, and family can be extremely difficult...adulting is rough, am I right? Growing up in the Google era, I too understand the social media anxiety experience. How do you manage information overload and make meaningful connections in a rapidly changing world? If you’re feeling lost or anxious- let's talk! I am here to help individuals learn how to manage life’s challenges in a effective and positive way. Additionally, I offer animal therapy with the adorable ICAN therapy dog, Levi (see pic below), providing unique support in our healing work together.
(317) 565-4914 View (317) 565-4914
Photo of Susan Kleinman, LMHC, Counselor
Susan Kleinman
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
Williams Creek, Indianapolis, IN 46240
I provide individualized, person-centered care and create a supportive space where you can explore challenges and cultivate personal growth. My approach infuses strengths-based principles and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to empower you with effective tools for navigating challenging situations and building lasting resilience. Through active listening and open dialogue, we'll work together to reduce symptoms and achieve your desired outcomes. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, a relationship or simply seeking to enhance your well-being, I'm here to help you choose healing, choose growth, and choose well.
I provide individualized, person-centered care and create a supportive space where you can explore challenges and cultivate personal growth. My approach infuses strengths-based principles and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to empower you with effective tools for navigating challenging situations and building lasting resilience. Through active listening and open dialogue, we'll work together to reduce symptoms and achieve your desired outcomes. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, a relationship or simply seeking to enhance your well-being, I'm here to help you choose healing, choose growth, and choose well.
(463) 227-0835 View (463) 227-0835
Photo of Andrea Selak, LMHCA, Counselor
Andrea Selak
Counselor, LMHCA
Verified Verified
Williams Creek, Indianapolis, IN 46240
I'm a licensed clinical mental health therapist that specializes in healing depression, anxiety, PTSD, disruptive behaviors, childhood trauma and various personality disorders.
Are you struggling with depressive and anxious thought processes that are depriving you from the life you want to live? Do you feel that life experiences have contributed to loss of self or perhaps struggle with identifying and expressing needs and wants? Would you want to find the root cause of internal disbalance that is producing a wide range of symptoms and heal them? Then wait no longer to embark on your journey of healing and restoration through the corrective emotional experience in a therapeutic setting! Give me a call or email me to schedule your first session!
I'm a licensed clinical mental health therapist that specializes in healing depression, anxiety, PTSD, disruptive behaviors, childhood trauma and various personality disorders.
Are you struggling with depressive and anxious thought processes that are depriving you from the life you want to live? Do you feel that life experiences have contributed to loss of self or perhaps struggle with identifying and expressing needs and wants? Would you want to find the root cause of internal disbalance that is producing a wide range of symptoms and heal them? Then wait no longer to embark on your journey of healing and restoration through the corrective emotional experience in a therapeutic setting! Give me a call or email me to schedule your first session!
(463) 292-2175 View (463) 292-2175
Photo of Maureen Sweeney, MA, LMHC, Counselor
Maureen Sweeney
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
Williams Creek, Indianapolis, IN 46240
I work with individuals & couples dealing with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, life transitions, self-esteem issues, grief, and trauma.
We often find ourselves repeating patterns in our thoughts and our ways of relating that keep us stuck and unable to move forward in life, preventing us from fully experiencing all that we would like. Past relationships and early experiences impact our current perceptions of our self, others, and the world. Therapy provides an opportunity to gain insight and understanding, as well as a space to explore and work through these patterns and places in life in the hope of gaining a greater sense of freedom and aliveness.
I work with individuals & couples dealing with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, life transitions, self-esteem issues, grief, and trauma.
We often find ourselves repeating patterns in our thoughts and our ways of relating that keep us stuck and unable to move forward in life, preventing us from fully experiencing all that we would like. Past relationships and early experiences impact our current perceptions of our self, others, and the world. Therapy provides an opportunity to gain insight and understanding, as well as a space to explore and work through these patterns and places in life in the hope of gaining a greater sense of freedom and aliveness.
(317) 661-4360 View (317) 661-4360
Photo of Mallory Carr, MA, LMHC, Counselor
Mallory Carr
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Williams Creek, Indianapolis, IN 46240
My clinical expertise includes working with clients experiencing Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, OCD, grief, stress, perfectionism, and difficulty with major life changes.
I specialize in working with adolescents, college students, and young adults. I have been working with clients for over 10 years to address stress, anxiety, family challenges, and more. My goal is to provide a trusting, authentic, and collaborative relationship, where my clients feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and feelings in a nonjudgmental environment. I enjoy using humor in sessions as a way of connecting with my clients and coping with the tough stuff. I currently have a short waitlist for new clients.
My clinical expertise includes working with clients experiencing Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, OCD, grief, stress, perfectionism, and difficulty with major life changes.
I specialize in working with adolescents, college students, and young adults. I have been working with clients for over 10 years to address stress, anxiety, family challenges, and more. My goal is to provide a trusting, authentic, and collaborative relationship, where my clients feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and feelings in a nonjudgmental environment. I enjoy using humor in sessions as a way of connecting with my clients and coping with the tough stuff. I currently have a short waitlist for new clients.
(317) 286-4080 View (317) 286-4080
Photo of Jessica Neidlinger, MS, LMHC, Counselor
Jessica Neidlinger
Counselor, MS, LMHC
Verified Verified
Williams Creek, Indianapolis, IN 46240
I specialize in working with clients dealing with depression, anxiety, addiction, codependency, and trauma.
Do you ever wonder how some people just seem to genuinely enjoy life, while you struggle to simply make it through the day? Do you feel overwhelmed or stuck with your present situation or circumstances? Do you have goals for yourself but are unsure of how to achieve them? Maybe you have stresses in your life that you just don't know how to cope with each day. Or maybe the way you have been coping is what is holding you back from moving forward. The goal of therapy is to improve your quality of life and emotional well-being.
I specialize in working with clients dealing with depression, anxiety, addiction, codependency, and trauma.
Do you ever wonder how some people just seem to genuinely enjoy life, while you struggle to simply make it through the day? Do you feel overwhelmed or stuck with your present situation or circumstances? Do you have goals for yourself but are unsure of how to achieve them? Maybe you have stresses in your life that you just don't know how to cope with each day. Or maybe the way you have been coping is what is holding you back from moving forward. The goal of therapy is to improve your quality of life and emotional well-being.
(317) 548-6742 View (317) 548-6742
Photo of Julie Venis, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Julie Venis
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Williams Creek, Indianapolis, IN 46240  (Online Only)
My passion lies in working with adults and teens dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction and life transitions.
I currently serve as the Director of Mental Health for a correctional-based healthcare organization. In this role I have had the opportunity to interact with individuals from all walks of life. My career in mental health began working for the local child services organization. This was an eye opening opportunity that allowed me to see the gaps in the system and how individuals and families have limited access to needed resources. I then transitioned to a position at a children's hospital, working directly with those in crisis providing trauma response and grief therapy.
My passion lies in working with adults and teens dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction and life transitions.
I currently serve as the Director of Mental Health for a correctional-based healthcare organization. In this role I have had the opportunity to interact with individuals from all walks of life. My career in mental health began working for the local child services organization. This was an eye opening opportunity that allowed me to see the gaps in the system and how individuals and families have limited access to needed resources. I then transitioned to a position at a children's hospital, working directly with those in crisis providing trauma response and grief therapy.
(574) 475-6949 View (574) 475-6949
Photo of Kavita Mehta, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kavita Mehta
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Williams Creek, Indianapolis, IN 46240  (Online Only)
Hello! Struggling with anxiety, depression, or trauma? I’m here to guide you through these challenges. As a licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Indiana with a Master’s from Indiana University, I have 4 years of experience in hospitals, schools, and outpatient settings. I support children, adolescents, and adults in finding healing and growth with a tailored, empathetic approach. Let’s work towards clarity and balance together.
Hello! Struggling with anxiety, depression, or trauma? I’m here to guide you through these challenges. As a licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Indiana with a Master’s from Indiana University, I have 4 years of experience in hospitals, schools, and outpatient settings. I support children, adolescents, and adults in finding healing and growth with a tailored, empathetic approach. Let’s work towards clarity and balance together.
(574) 230-5202 View (574) 230-5202
Photo of Cydaria LaShon Cooke, MBA, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Cydaria LaShon Cooke
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MBA, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Williams Creek, Indianapolis, IN 46240
Waitlist for new clients
I have experience working with clients who suffer from depression, self-harming activities, PTSD, stress, emotional trauma, Adjustment disorder, Anxiety, relationship issues, Self-esteem issues, Bipolar disorders, grief and loss, among other mental health issues/concerns.
Hi! Taking care of your body from your neck up is just as important as taking care of your body from the neck down. We must be personally healthy in order to enjoy our lives, provide support to ourselves, and support to others. Are you having troubles with a big transition in your life? Trouble getting grounded? Are you needing support or self direction? Relationship concerns/couples counseling? Feeling sad/ depressed, anxious, and/or need someone to talk to? I am accepting new clients!
I have experience working with clients who suffer from depression, self-harming activities, PTSD, stress, emotional trauma, Adjustment disorder, Anxiety, relationship issues, Self-esteem issues, Bipolar disorders, grief and loss, among other mental health issues/concerns.
Hi! Taking care of your body from your neck up is just as important as taking care of your body from the neck down. We must be personally healthy in order to enjoy our lives, provide support to ourselves, and support to others. Are you having troubles with a big transition in your life? Trouble getting grounded? Are you needing support or self direction? Relationship concerns/couples counseling? Feeling sad/ depressed, anxious, and/or need someone to talk to? I am accepting new clients!
(317) 751-7846 View (317) 751-7846
Photo of Jack Gettelman, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jack Gettelman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Williams Creek, Indianapolis, IN 46240  (Online Only)
Do you feel stuck in your life or relationship? Do you feel burdened by feelings of anxiety or depression and can't find the motivation to change? I help those who feel stuck find traction in their lives and the courage to make positive changes and build habits that will invigorate their life.
Hi, I'm Jack! I am a relational-based therapist who has a strong desire to meet you where you are and empower you to create meaningful change in your life. I am to challenge those willing to work while maintaining a balance of respect and compassion.
Do you feel stuck in your life or relationship? Do you feel burdened by feelings of anxiety or depression and can't find the motivation to change? I help those who feel stuck find traction in their lives and the courage to make positive changes and build habits that will invigorate their life.
Hi, I'm Jack! I am a relational-based therapist who has a strong desire to meet you where you are and empower you to create meaningful change in your life. I am to challenge those willing to work while maintaining a balance of respect and compassion.
(574) 652-5523 View (574) 652-5523
Photo of Stacey Matelic, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Stacey Matelic
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Williams Creek, Indianapolis, IN 46240  (Online Only)
Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in Indiana. I received my Masters in Social Work from Indiana University. I have been practicing for 26 years and work with teens through elders who may be struggling with stress, anxiety, and depression. I work to assist all my clients recognize their own strengths to battle whatever comes their way.
Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in Indiana. I received my Masters in Social Work from Indiana University. I have been practicing for 26 years and work with teens through elders who may be struggling with stress, anxiety, and depression. I work to assist all my clients recognize their own strengths to battle whatever comes their way.
(574) 601-4037 View (574) 601-4037
Photo of Vanessa Ford, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Vanessa Ford
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Williams Creek, Indianapolis, IN 46240  (Online Only)
Whether you are dealing with depression, anxiety, trauma, mood disorders, ADHD, ODD, or Disruptive Behavior Disorder, I am here to help.
Welcome! I am Vanessa Ford, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have 20 years of therapy and mental health services under my belt. Most of my experience has taken place in a community mental health setting providing therapy to adults and children, along with treating adolescents in the school setting. I was also lucky enough to get some experience in an inpatient unit, ERs, nursing homes, and a state residential facility for children as part of my educational/training experience. I have been told my strengths are making clients comfortable to open up and not feel judged.
Whether you are dealing with depression, anxiety, trauma, mood disorders, ADHD, ODD, or Disruptive Behavior Disorder, I am here to help.
Welcome! I am Vanessa Ford, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have 20 years of therapy and mental health services under my belt. Most of my experience has taken place in a community mental health setting providing therapy to adults and children, along with treating adolescents in the school setting. I was also lucky enough to get some experience in an inpatient unit, ERs, nursing homes, and a state residential facility for children as part of my educational/training experience. I have been told my strengths are making clients comfortable to open up and not feel judged.
(812) 613-2105 View (812) 613-2105
Photo of Cassandra Williams, MSW, LSW, Pre-Licensed Professional
Cassandra Williams
Pre-Licensed Professional, MSW, LSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Williams Creek, Indianapolis, IN 46240  (Online Only)
I specialize in working with a variety of individuals over the age of 18 who have struggled with life transitions, anxiety, depression, PTSD, sexual abuse, grief, self-esteem, domestic violence, postpartum, and financial burdens.
As we transition through life, we go through many phases. We're often faced with challenges and obstacles that can make it difficult to process and move forward. During those times, the light at the end of the tunnel is not always present. Maybe you are under a lot of stress, feel stuck, are grieving the loss of a loved one, dealing with loneliness, chronic pain, anxiety, depression, lack of self-esteem, financial burdens, past trauma, or just don't feel like yourself. Whatever the issue, therapy provides a safe and secure space to talk through your issues, create attainable goals, and begin your healing journey.
I specialize in working with a variety of individuals over the age of 18 who have struggled with life transitions, anxiety, depression, PTSD, sexual abuse, grief, self-esteem, domestic violence, postpartum, and financial burdens.
As we transition through life, we go through many phases. We're often faced with challenges and obstacles that can make it difficult to process and move forward. During those times, the light at the end of the tunnel is not always present. Maybe you are under a lot of stress, feel stuck, are grieving the loss of a loved one, dealing with loneliness, chronic pain, anxiety, depression, lack of self-esteem, financial burdens, past trauma, or just don't feel like yourself. Whatever the issue, therapy provides a safe and secure space to talk through your issues, create attainable goals, and begin your healing journey.
(317) 563-8260 View (317) 563-8260

See more therapy options for Williams Creek, Indianapolis

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.