Therapists in Baton Rouge, LA
![Photo of Cassandra Bradley Jones, MA, LPC-S, NCC, CCTP, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d8413aa7-27bb-475c-b34d-06df4fcc978a/1/320x400.jpeg)
Cassandra Bradley Jones
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC-S, NCC, CCTP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Baton Rouge, LA 70816
Cassandra B. Jones, M.A. LPC-S, NCC, CCTP addresses issues surrounding trauma, substance use, depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders. These avenues of experience have allowed her to hone her abilities to have an exceptional understanding and knowledge of how to treat her clients with great professionalism and a unique approach.
Cassandra B. Jones, M.A. LPC-S, NCC, CCTP addresses issues surrounding trauma, substance use, depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders. These avenues of experience have allowed her to hone her abilities to have an exceptional understanding and knowledge of how to treat her clients with great professionalism and a unique approach.
![Photo of Claire Leerkes Worsham, LCSW, BACS, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/dff5e408-1745-46d0-bcde-cc2a2e877fff/4/320x400.jpeg)
Claire Leerkes Worsham
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, BACS
Verified Verified
Baton Rouge, LA 70806 (Online Only)
My areas of expertise involve working with anxiety, depression, self-esteem, parenting & relationship issues.
Are you struggling with overwhelming feelings & wish you could get more out of life? If you want to explore the challenges getting in your way, I offer a guided approach that helps you go from problem focused to solution focused. I feel a strengths-based & solution-focused approach like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is most effective when trying to achieve physical/mental health goals. It can move you towards personal growth quickly and help you identify the problematic thinking that stops you from being a happy person, worker, spouse, parents, or child. When you change your thinking to better serve you, everything works.
My areas of expertise involve working with anxiety, depression, self-esteem, parenting & relationship issues.
Are you struggling with overwhelming feelings & wish you could get more out of life? If you want to explore the challenges getting in your way, I offer a guided approach that helps you go from problem focused to solution focused. I feel a strengths-based & solution-focused approach like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is most effective when trying to achieve physical/mental health goals. It can move you towards personal growth quickly and help you identify the problematic thinking that stops you from being a happy person, worker, spouse, parents, or child. When you change your thinking to better serve you, everything works.
![Photo of Shawn Campbell Joseph, LPC-S, LMFT, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/458e78ad-b74f-4961-9909-7ff52b51a53c/3/320x400.jpeg)
Shawn Campbell Joseph
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC-S, LMFT, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Baton Rouge, LA 70816
My specialty areas include: Depression Anxiety and Phobias Relationship Difficulties Life Transitions Difficulties with Self-Esteem Cosmetic Surgery Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Professional/Career Issues Medical and Health Concerns Gender Roles Grief Loss Marriage & Family Issues Stress Management ADHD .
As CEO/Owner of Gordon and Gordon Counseling LLC, the focus of my private practice is to incorporate a healthy perspective of one's mental health. Helping clients maneuver through daily challenges and identifing triggers will help them use coping skills to reduce stressors.
My specialty areas include: Depression Anxiety and Phobias Relationship Difficulties Life Transitions Difficulties with Self-Esteem Cosmetic Surgery Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Professional/Career Issues Medical and Health Concerns Gender Roles Grief Loss Marriage & Family Issues Stress Management ADHD .
As CEO/Owner of Gordon and Gordon Counseling LLC, the focus of my private practice is to incorporate a healthy perspective of one's mental health. Helping clients maneuver through daily challenges and identifing triggers will help them use coping skills to reduce stressors.
![Photo of Ramon Lopez, LPC-S, PMH-C, LCPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1819bc38-9ede-457d-94d9-a40061266b32/1/320x400.jpeg)
Ramon Lopez
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC-S, PMH-C, LCPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Baton Rouge, LA 70806
I specialize in adult clients going through adjustment issues, depression, anxiety, trauma, grief and loss, and addiction/substance use problems.
Through personal, professional, and educational experiences, I have learned to use an integrated and balanced approach to emotional, mental, and physical change through the counseling process. I graduated with a BA in Psychology from Louisiana State University in 2003 and Masters in Counseling from Southeastern in 2007. I have spent the last 17 years providing mental health services to clients at each level of care. I am dual licensed as a LPC-S in the State of Louisiana and a LCPC in the State of Maine with telehealth license in State of Vermont
I specialize in adult clients going through adjustment issues, depression, anxiety, trauma, grief and loss, and addiction/substance use problems.
Through personal, professional, and educational experiences, I have learned to use an integrated and balanced approach to emotional, mental, and physical change through the counseling process. I graduated with a BA in Psychology from Louisiana State University in 2003 and Masters in Counseling from Southeastern in 2007. I have spent the last 17 years providing mental health services to clients at each level of care. I am dual licensed as a LPC-S in the State of Louisiana and a LCPC in the State of Maine with telehealth license in State of Vermont
![Photo of Shantelle Jacobs - Shantelle Jacobs | Pure Mind Counseling & Wellness, Founder, MA, LPC-S, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a6c88b3c-94a5-4089-9da3-234c760d03ac/2/320x400.jpeg)
Shantelle Jacobs | Pure Mind Counseling & Wellness
Licensed Professional Counselor, Founder, MA, LPC-S
Verified Verified
Baton Rouge, LA 70816
Accepting new clients -Sept. 2024. When was the last time you smiled, laughed, lived without fear or felt confident and beautiful? Have you remained at the starting line because of fear and distractions? Many are in a constant state of comparison to others and those insecurities prevent the process of moving forward. If you are single, widowed, separated, divorced, and feel depressed, give yourself permission to gain clarity and healing. Allow yourself to live the life you are destined to live! Failing marriages, fear of loving someone again and living with the loss of a loved one are experiences that no one should navigate alone.
Accepting new clients -Sept. 2024. When was the last time you smiled, laughed, lived without fear or felt confident and beautiful? Have you remained at the starting line because of fear and distractions? Many are in a constant state of comparison to others and those insecurities prevent the process of moving forward. If you are single, widowed, separated, divorced, and feel depressed, give yourself permission to gain clarity and healing. Allow yourself to live the life you are destined to live! Failing marriages, fear of loving someone again and living with the loss of a loved one are experiences that no one should navigate alone.
![Photo of Mendy Daniels, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3e289b79-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Mendy Daniels
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Baton Rouge, LA 70816 (Online Only)
Overwhelmed? Exhausted? Struggling with relationships? Whether you are one of the many people who could use support and guidance sorting through the complications of life or you are someone who struggles with managing depression, anxiety, or trauma, you've come to the right place. If you long to get back to your old self or you're focused on personal growth, help is here....no waiting list. Additional information can be found at mendydaniels.com.
Overwhelmed? Exhausted? Struggling with relationships? Whether you are one of the many people who could use support and guidance sorting through the complications of life or you are someone who struggles with managing depression, anxiety, or trauma, you've come to the right place. If you long to get back to your old self or you're focused on personal growth, help is here....no waiting list. Additional information can be found at mendydaniels.com.
![Photo of Anastasia Porche Arceneaux, SSP, LPC-S, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c916ffd6-7f05-452f-9417-75f88ff0ef06/1/320x400.jpeg)
Anastasia Porche Arceneaux
Licensed Professional Counselor, SSP, LPC-S, NCC
Verified Verified
Baton Rouge, LA 70820 (Online Only)
I have helped many clients work through stress, anxiety, trauma, abuse, self-injurious behaviors, parenting issues, relational/familial issues, behavioral problems, personality disorders, mood disorders, and depression.
Hi! My name is Anastasia, and I am excited to be with you on your journey to health and wellness. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor and have been in practice for 16 years in both outpatient and inpatient settings. I believe everyone needs someone to talk to when life presents its daily challenges. I will meet you where you are and walk with you throughout your journey through life. I enjoy working with a diverse community and creating a safe, open, and nonjudgmental environment where your thoughts and feelings can be shared and explored.
I have helped many clients work through stress, anxiety, trauma, abuse, self-injurious behaviors, parenting issues, relational/familial issues, behavioral problems, personality disorders, mood disorders, and depression.
Hi! My name is Anastasia, and I am excited to be with you on your journey to health and wellness. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor and have been in practice for 16 years in both outpatient and inpatient settings. I believe everyone needs someone to talk to when life presents its daily challenges. I will meet you where you are and walk with you throughout your journey through life. I enjoy working with a diverse community and creating a safe, open, and nonjudgmental environment where your thoughts and feelings can be shared and explored.
![Photo of C L Morris, NCC, LPC-S, ACS, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/004ec61b-f703-4289-ac38-d09fc5674971/3/320x400.jpeg)
C L Morris
Licensed Professional Counselor, NCC, LPC-S, ACS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Baton Rouge, LA 70816 (Online Only)
Depression and anxiety can be the result of unresolved problems and unaddressed personal matters.
As a Licensed Professional Counselor, I have spent years studying how individuals learn to cope with life events that have led to a need for therapeutic support. I assist clients develop skills to improve their overall functioning. Specifically, I combine Person Center Therapy, Mindfulness, and other traditional therapeutic techniques to meet the needs of my clients. I have been able to invest in others professionally following becoming an Approved Clinical Supervisor. It has been very rewarding pouring into those seeking licensure.
Depression and anxiety can be the result of unresolved problems and unaddressed personal matters.
As a Licensed Professional Counselor, I have spent years studying how individuals learn to cope with life events that have led to a need for therapeutic support. I assist clients develop skills to improve their overall functioning. Specifically, I combine Person Center Therapy, Mindfulness, and other traditional therapeutic techniques to meet the needs of my clients. I have been able to invest in others professionally following becoming an Approved Clinical Supervisor. It has been very rewarding pouring into those seeking licensure.
![Photo of Christine Belaire, PhD, LPC, LMFT, NCC, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/45133f2f-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Christine Belaire
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LPC, LMFT, NCC
Verified Verified
Baton Rouge, LA 70816
I view counseling as a collaborative relationship in which the client and I work together to explore the current problematic issues and develop goals to address these issues. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, adjustment to life issues, and communication and relationships. I work with adults, children (play therapy), teens, couples, and families of all backgrounds. Additionally, I work within your spiritual beliefs to address your issues according to your values. I believe that change occurs through the development of a collaborative working relationship and through changing negative thoughts and behaviors that affect changes in mood.
I view counseling as a collaborative relationship in which the client and I work together to explore the current problematic issues and develop goals to address these issues. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, adjustment to life issues, and communication and relationships. I work with adults, children (play therapy), teens, couples, and families of all backgrounds. Additionally, I work within your spiritual beliefs to address your issues according to your values. I believe that change occurs through the development of a collaborative working relationship and through changing negative thoughts and behaviors that affect changes in mood.
![Photo of Dr. Melanie Washington, EdD, LCSW, BACS, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b09a50b7-e055-41c6-b4e0-a5dea67fedb6/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Melanie Washington
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, EdD, LCSW, BACS
Verified Verified
Baton Rouge, LA 70809 (Online Only)
Sometimes we find ourselves in situations where we might question how we got to a particular place. How we arrived at a certain path and more importantly, how to change it or how to cope? There are days we may wake up and feel like the sun just isn't shining. If you are experiencing depression, anxiety, stress, self-esteem issues, relationship issues, family problems, work pressure, abuse, trauma (past or present), life transitions, adjustment issues, etc., let's work together to find and implement solutions and improve your coping as we navigate the journey together.
Sometimes we find ourselves in situations where we might question how we got to a particular place. How we arrived at a certain path and more importantly, how to change it or how to cope? There are days we may wake up and feel like the sun just isn't shining. If you are experiencing depression, anxiety, stress, self-esteem issues, relationship issues, family problems, work pressure, abuse, trauma (past or present), life transitions, adjustment issues, etc., let's work together to find and implement solutions and improve your coping as we navigate the journey together.
![Photo of Megan Thiel, MSW, LCSW, BACS, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fe2aef8e-18f1-4c06-ab81-040ceb59eb68/1/320x400.jpeg)
Megan Thiel
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, BACS
Verified Verified
Baton Rouge, LA 70803 (Online Only)
We are not just minds, just bodies, just hearts--we are all these things at once, so in my practice I enjoy incorporating a variety of therapeutic methods to reach a holistic solution. In each session, I blend my over 17 years of experience as a licensed social worker with my passion for fitness and health and interest in yoga and mindfulness techniques. My clients receive constructive, comprehensive support as they cope with anxiety, depression, trauma, and grief.
We are not just minds, just bodies, just hearts--we are all these things at once, so in my practice I enjoy incorporating a variety of therapeutic methods to reach a holistic solution. In each session, I blend my over 17 years of experience as a licensed social worker with my passion for fitness and health and interest in yoga and mindfulness techniques. My clients receive constructive, comprehensive support as they cope with anxiety, depression, trauma, and grief.
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![Photo of Melissa Walker Fleming, PhD, LPC-S, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d2568fa-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Melissa Walker Fleming
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC-S, NCC
Verified Verified
Baton Rouge, LA 70810 (Online Only)
By using a CBT (Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy) approach, I help others with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, social skills, life transitions and self-esteem.
How are you actually doing? Feeling depressed, anxious, overwhelmed, confused, or aggravated? It happens to the best of us. Counseling may make things easier to deal with. I believe that change is possible- with support and a fresh game plan. I aim to create a safe, empathic environment to help my clients reach their goals, whatever they may be. I am a board certified and licensed professional counselor and supervisor. I offer telehealth sessions in both Louisiana and Texas. I am paneled with BCBS, PPO, Aetna Commercial, United Commercial, UMR, and Gilsbar for insurance.
By using a CBT (Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy) approach, I help others with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, social skills, life transitions and self-esteem.
How are you actually doing? Feeling depressed, anxious, overwhelmed, confused, or aggravated? It happens to the best of us. Counseling may make things easier to deal with. I believe that change is possible- with support and a fresh game plan. I aim to create a safe, empathic environment to help my clients reach their goals, whatever they may be. I am a board certified and licensed professional counselor and supervisor. I offer telehealth sessions in both Louisiana and Texas. I am paneled with BCBS, PPO, Aetna Commercial, United Commercial, UMR, and Gilsbar for insurance.
![Photo of Blair Boggs, MSW, LCSW, BACS, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5ef0c7e5-85a5-451a-85e5-d92ddcee3fa9/2/320x400.jpeg)
Blair Boggs
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, BACS
Verified Verified
Baton Rouge, LA 70801 (Online Only)
Looking for help in these stressful times? Feeling anxious, depressed, overwhelmed? Grieving from loss or isolation due to the pandemic? Trouble regulating emotions? Difficulty setting boundaries? I would love the opportunity to meet and discuss goals that you would like to achieve. I am a very open, warm, inviting person with zero judgement. I am trauma informed in my practice.
Looking for help in these stressful times? Feeling anxious, depressed, overwhelmed? Grieving from loss or isolation due to the pandemic? Trouble regulating emotions? Difficulty setting boundaries? I would love the opportunity to meet and discuss goals that you would like to achieve. I am a very open, warm, inviting person with zero judgement. I am trauma informed in my practice.
Specialties include clinical services for ADHD, learning disabilities, anxiety, depression, anger, and parenting struggles.
John Otzenberger, Psy. D. is a licensed clinical psychologist with almost 30 years of experience working with a variety of populations, including children (ages 10 and older), adolescents and adults. Most recently, Dr. Otzenberger served as the Director of Mental Health Services at the LSU Student Health Center, overseeing a team of clinicians that provides psychological care for more than 32,000 students. As a trained Adlerian psychologist, Dr. Otzenberger’s goal is to help clients develop a sense of social connection through the positive development of relationships within family, school, work, and community.
Specialties include clinical services for ADHD, learning disabilities, anxiety, depression, anger, and parenting struggles.
John Otzenberger, Psy. D. is a licensed clinical psychologist with almost 30 years of experience working with a variety of populations, including children (ages 10 and older), adolescents and adults. Most recently, Dr. Otzenberger served as the Director of Mental Health Services at the LSU Student Health Center, overseeing a team of clinicians that provides psychological care for more than 32,000 students. As a trained Adlerian psychologist, Dr. Otzenberger’s goal is to help clients develop a sense of social connection through the positive development of relationships within family, school, work, and community.
![Photo of Linda Peace-Buie, LPC, NCC, NCSC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6ec8f21c-1c09-42fd-a09b-55bdac4d6b53/1/320x400.jpeg)
Linda Peace-Buie
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC, NCSC
Verified Verified
Baton Rouge, LA 70811
Using multiple therapeutic approaches, I specialize in Adolescent Behavior, ADHD, Anxiety, Stress, Depression and Grief & loss.
Life can be challenging at any age! Youth, teens, young adults and seniors can often overcome struggles and learn to cope in a safe, confidential, judge-free environment. As a Licensed Professional Counselor, I have had the pleasure of helping individuals reach their greatest potential as we worked together addressing many different issues and concerns.
Using multiple therapeutic approaches, I specialize in Adolescent Behavior, ADHD, Anxiety, Stress, Depression and Grief & loss.
Life can be challenging at any age! Youth, teens, young adults and seniors can often overcome struggles and learn to cope in a safe, confidential, judge-free environment. As a Licensed Professional Counselor, I have had the pleasure of helping individuals reach their greatest potential as we worked together addressing many different issues and concerns.
![Photo of Sharon Spencer Rose, LPC - S, LAC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c5978289-b9b0-4b55-b73d-703c278606d9/1/320x400.jpeg)
Sharon Spencer Rose
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC - S, LAC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Baton Rouge, LA 70809
My focus is on addictions, anxiety, depression, PTSD, spirituality, and certain traumas.
Trying to maneuver through life challenges and feeling like you will never see the light at the end of the tunnel? I specialize in assisting you to experience the hope and peace that you deserve. Through integrative techniques your breakthrough can become a reality.
My focus is on addictions, anxiety, depression, PTSD, spirituality, and certain traumas.
Trying to maneuver through life challenges and feeling like you will never see the light at the end of the tunnel? I specialize in assisting you to experience the hope and peace that you deserve. Through integrative techniques your breakthrough can become a reality.
![Photo of Charlotte Gilmore, LPC-S, LAC-CCS, SAP, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/dd082699-c845-4f01-b805-814dd70f53c7/1/320x400.jpeg)
Charlotte Gilmore
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC-S, LAC-CCS, SAP
Verified Verified
Baton Rouge, LA 70816
My areas of expertise are in assisting clients that are struggling with addiction, families struggling with the impact of an addicted loved one and clients struggling with trauma, anxiety, depression or grief and loss.
I provide counseling for individuals, couples and families seeking help with trauma, anxiety, depression and substance abuse recovery.
My areas of expertise are in assisting clients that are struggling with addiction, families struggling with the impact of an addicted loved one and clients struggling with trauma, anxiety, depression or grief and loss.
I provide counseling for individuals, couples and families seeking help with trauma, anxiety, depression and substance abuse recovery.
![Photo of Todd David Ulmer, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4fa234eb-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
My ideal client is someone who is just not quite sure,'where to go from here', with issues such as Anxiety, Depression, and just plain being,' Stuck'.I have over 25 years of counseling experience and have successfully helped clients overcome career, family, and relationship dilemmas, as well as addiction and troubles with compulsive behaviors. I will work with you in determining your best course and help you break down seemingly monstrous problems into manageable tasks. Co-Dependency in relationships is one of my specialties. I have even trained other therapists in dealing with this and other issues.
My ideal client is someone who is just not quite sure,'where to go from here', with issues such as Anxiety, Depression, and just plain being,' Stuck'.I have over 25 years of counseling experience and have successfully helped clients overcome career, family, and relationship dilemmas, as well as addiction and troubles with compulsive behaviors. I will work with you in determining your best course and help you break down seemingly monstrous problems into manageable tasks. Co-Dependency in relationships is one of my specialties. I have even trained other therapists in dealing with this and other issues.
![Photo of LaTrina Craig, MA, LPC-S, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f9cd9fab-b7ed-4025-b998-7cc53e4c2dba/1/320x400.jpeg)
LaTrina Craig
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC-S
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Baton Rouge, LA 70816 (Online Only)
My name is LaTrina Craig, I am a Licensed Professional Counselor practicing in Arizona and Louisiana and Co-Founder of C & C Wellness Center. Specializing in counseling, supervision, and life coaching, I have extensive experience working with individuals, adolescents, couples, and families. My focus includes addressing depression, anxiety, stress, and life phase challenges.
My name is LaTrina Craig, I am a Licensed Professional Counselor practicing in Arizona and Louisiana and Co-Founder of C & C Wellness Center. Specializing in counseling, supervision, and life coaching, I have extensive experience working with individuals, adolescents, couples, and families. My focus includes addressing depression, anxiety, stress, and life phase challenges.
![Photo of Dionne C Smith, MS, LPC-S, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/232f670b-d0fc-4d78-9fde-8133f895fa28/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dionne C Smith
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC-S, NCC
Verified Verified
Baton Rouge, LA 70815
As a clinician, I empower clients to work through depression, anxiety, life’s stress, and substance use, through motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, and mindful based strategies.
Life’s challenges can often lead to feelings of discouragement, feeling overwhelm, and disappointment. The good news is that hope, and inner growth is just a phone call away. Together, we can navigate through the murky waters of life, while building a new foundation of emotional wellness and freedom.
As a clinician, I empower clients to work through depression, anxiety, life’s stress, and substance use, through motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, and mindful based strategies.
Life’s challenges can often lead to feelings of discouragement, feeling overwhelm, and disappointment. The good news is that hope, and inner growth is just a phone call away. Together, we can navigate through the murky waters of life, while building a new foundation of emotional wellness and freedom.
See more therapy options for Baton Rouge
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.