Depression Therapists in Needham, MA

Photo of Heather MacPherson, PhD, Psychologist
Heather MacPherson
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Needham, MA 02494  (Online Only)
I am a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in the treatment of mood, depression, anxiety, stress, and adjustment issues in children, adolescents, and young adults. I am trained in a variety of evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). In my practice, I deliver these interventions within the context of a supportive, validating, and collaborative therapeutic relationship, individualized to each client’s needs, preferences, and treatment goals.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in the treatment of mood, depression, anxiety, stress, and adjustment issues in children, adolescents, and young adults. I am trained in a variety of evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). In my practice, I deliver these interventions within the context of a supportive, validating, and collaborative therapeutic relationship, individualized to each client’s needs, preferences, and treatment goals.
(508) 290-8845 View (508) 290-8845
Photo of Naya Schere - Van Dusen Nutrition, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Naya Schere - Van Dusen Nutrition
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Needham, MA 02494
I specialize in providing therapy to people with eating disorders, anxiety, depression, and trauma.
I'm Naya, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker dedicated to guiding individuals through healing from disordered eating, weight, and body concerns. I believe in the potential for gaining insight, solving problems, and achieving personal growth. With diverse experience, I understand the challenge of finding a supportive, collaborative provider who uses a person-centered approach. Together, we'll explore beyond your eating disorder or co-occurring diagnosis to embrace your best self in a safe and affirming environment.
I specialize in providing therapy to people with eating disorders, anxiety, depression, and trauma.
I'm Naya, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker dedicated to guiding individuals through healing from disordered eating, weight, and body concerns. I believe in the potential for gaining insight, solving problems, and achieving personal growth. With diverse experience, I understand the challenge of finding a supportive, collaborative provider who uses a person-centered approach. Together, we'll explore beyond your eating disorder or co-occurring diagnosis to embrace your best self in a safe and affirming environment.
(339) 293-1936 View (339) 293-1936
Photo of Tanya Cherkerzian, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Tanya Cherkerzian
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Needham, MA 02492
Welcome to my practice! I invite you to consider working together to address your specific goals and challenges in a supportive and collaborative way. I specialize in working with children, adolescents, and adults with issues of anxiety, specific phobias, depression, trauma, mood dysregulation, adjustment to life transitions and building coping strategies and resilience. I believe that with challenge comes an opportunity for inner growth and strength. Mindset is a powerful tool that can help you to feel strong, calm, and confident.
Welcome to my practice! I invite you to consider working together to address your specific goals and challenges in a supportive and collaborative way. I specialize in working with children, adolescents, and adults with issues of anxiety, specific phobias, depression, trauma, mood dysregulation, adjustment to life transitions and building coping strategies and resilience. I believe that with challenge comes an opportunity for inner growth and strength. Mindset is a powerful tool that can help you to feel strong, calm, and confident.
(617) 658-3834 View (617) 658-3834
Photo of Heather Larkin, LMHC, Counselor
Heather Larkin
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
Needham, MA 02494
I am a licensed mental health clinician who provides individual psychotherapy to teens and adults presenting with a wide variety of concerns including anxiety, depression, trauma, vicarious trauma, relationship struggles, and other challenges in life. I meet clients where they are and create a collaborative approach on their individual long term and short-term goals.
I am a licensed mental health clinician who provides individual psychotherapy to teens and adults presenting with a wide variety of concerns including anxiety, depression, trauma, vicarious trauma, relationship struggles, and other challenges in life. I meet clients where they are and create a collaborative approach on their individual long term and short-term goals.
(339) 217-7647 View (339) 217-7647
Photo of Jennifer Pugh, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jennifer Pugh
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Needham, MA 02494  (Online Only)
Current Availability for Individuals & Couples - Do you feel stuck in behaviors or routines that no longer serve you? Is your mindset preventing you from leading the life you wish to lead? Do you catch yourself comparing your life to those around you? I have the expertise to help you navigate life transitions, build your self-esteem, cope with depression and anxiety, and resolve any recurring patterns of conflict with your significant other. Learn more at jppsych.com or participate in a telephone consultation today and begin a treatment that will help you build the skills and insights you need to achieve your goals.
Current Availability for Individuals & Couples - Do you feel stuck in behaviors or routines that no longer serve you? Is your mindset preventing you from leading the life you wish to lead? Do you catch yourself comparing your life to those around you? I have the expertise to help you navigate life transitions, build your self-esteem, cope with depression and anxiety, and resolve any recurring patterns of conflict with your significant other. Learn more at jppsych.com or participate in a telephone consultation today and begin a treatment that will help you build the skills and insights you need to achieve your goals.
(781) 676-3199 View (781) 676-3199
Photo of Carol C. Barnes, MA, LMHC, Counselor
Carol C. Barnes
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
Needham, MA 02492  (Online Only)
While I work with a diverse population, I have extensive experience working with family and individual relationship dynamics, career goals and work place conflicts, sexual identity issues, depression and anxiety.
Learn to work with conflict, unload stress, and safely handle strong emotions in your career and your personal life. Acquire the skill to communicate with authenticity and clarity while working to resolve differences of opinion. The therapy process combines the exploration of early life influences and current everyday personal challenges in an empathic, supportive and engaging manner. I provide a private therapeutic environment for us to engage in the deep psychological work that leads to self-awareness and behavioral change.
While I work with a diverse population, I have extensive experience working with family and individual relationship dynamics, career goals and work place conflicts, sexual identity issues, depression and anxiety.
Learn to work with conflict, unload stress, and safely handle strong emotions in your career and your personal life. Acquire the skill to communicate with authenticity and clarity while working to resolve differences of opinion. The therapy process combines the exploration of early life influences and current everyday personal challenges in an empathic, supportive and engaging manner. I provide a private therapeutic environment for us to engage in the deep psychological work that leads to self-awareness and behavioral change.
(857) 239-0267 View (857) 239-0267
Photo of Stephanie Steinmetz, PsyaD, LMHC, Counselor
Stephanie Steinmetz
Counselor, PsyaD, LMHC
Verified Verified
Needham, MA 02492  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I treat individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, grief/loss, relationship conflict, family-related/academic/occupational stress, trauma, low self-esteem, as well as adjustments and life transitions.
Have you felt utterly alone despite being surrounded by others? Have you felt misunderstood by those close to you? Have you felt despair; trapped as a prisoner of your own mind? Psychotherapy focuses on symptom reduction and management and psychoanalysis targets the root of the symptom. Being able to integrate both of my credentials enables me to provide you with a comprehensive treatment that, along with providing a warm, encouraging and unbiased environment to promote self esteem and feelings of self worth, will lead you on the path to living a more serene, enriched and fulfilled life.
I treat individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, grief/loss, relationship conflict, family-related/academic/occupational stress, trauma, low self-esteem, as well as adjustments and life transitions.
Have you felt utterly alone despite being surrounded by others? Have you felt misunderstood by those close to you? Have you felt despair; trapped as a prisoner of your own mind? Psychotherapy focuses on symptom reduction and management and psychoanalysis targets the root of the symptom. Being able to integrate both of my credentials enables me to provide you with a comprehensive treatment that, along with providing a warm, encouraging and unbiased environment to promote self esteem and feelings of self worth, will lead you on the path to living a more serene, enriched and fulfilled life.
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Photo of Mary Ellen Menken, PhD, Psychologist
Mary Ellen Menken
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Needham, MA 02492
You deserve so much credit for taking this important step toward making things better in life, and finding the right therapist is such a great place to start. I provide a safe, warm, highly collaborative, and nonjudgmental space to help you find your best way to cope with challenges, and become the greatest version of you. Clients have often expressed surprise at what they've learned about themselves in our sessions, and remark on how comfortable they feel to talk about very difficult things. My specialties include problems with anxiety, depression, stress, grief, trauma, relationships, life transitions, and health/medical issues.
You deserve so much credit for taking this important step toward making things better in life, and finding the right therapist is such a great place to start. I provide a safe, warm, highly collaborative, and nonjudgmental space to help you find your best way to cope with challenges, and become the greatest version of you. Clients have often expressed surprise at what they've learned about themselves in our sessions, and remark on how comfortable they feel to talk about very difficult things. My specialties include problems with anxiety, depression, stress, grief, trauma, relationships, life transitions, and health/medical issues.
(339) 201-9749 View (339) 201-9749
Photo of Angeline Maughan, PhD, Psychologist
Angeline Maughan
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Needham, MA 02492
Depression is highly treatable, and with the right help, mothers can heal, thrive, and be active participants in promoting their children's social, emotional, and physical well-being.
I specialize in the treatment of maternal depression (both prenatal and postpartum), with a specific focus on reducing depressive symptoms, improving relationships, and creating lasting change. Many women come to therapy feeling stuck or trapped in the confines of their depression, and often hopeless about freeing themselves from their feelings of sadness and despair. I believe that everyone, despite current challenges, has the capacity to improve their lives and enjoy a rich and meaningful life. Therapy provides the help and support to formulate a way out of whatever is holding you back from having the life you want.
Depression is highly treatable, and with the right help, mothers can heal, thrive, and be active participants in promoting their children's social, emotional, and physical well-being.
I specialize in the treatment of maternal depression (both prenatal and postpartum), with a specific focus on reducing depressive symptoms, improving relationships, and creating lasting change. Many women come to therapy feeling stuck or trapped in the confines of their depression, and often hopeless about freeing themselves from their feelings of sadness and despair. I believe that everyone, despite current challenges, has the capacity to improve their lives and enjoy a rich and meaningful life. Therapy provides the help and support to formulate a way out of whatever is holding you back from having the life you want.
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Photo of Bethany Bonner, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Bethany Bonner
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Needham, MA 02492  (Online Only)
I enjoy working with individuals, couples, and families experiencing symptoms from depression, grief/loss, anxiety, ADHD, and trauma stemming from childhood and life events that have impacted a client's ability to connect with themselves and others in ways that feel fulfilling, safe, and grounding.
My name is Bethany Bonner (she/her), and I am a licensed independent clinical social worker (LICSW) in Massachusetts. I earned my BA in Psychology from UMass and my MSW from Simmons University. I have over 10 years of experience working in community mental health and outpatient therapy settings. The populations I work with include the LGBTQ+ community, children 5-18 years old, and adults 18-75 years old.
I enjoy working with individuals, couples, and families experiencing symptoms from depression, grief/loss, anxiety, ADHD, and trauma stemming from childhood and life events that have impacted a client's ability to connect with themselves and others in ways that feel fulfilling, safe, and grounding.
My name is Bethany Bonner (she/her), and I am a licensed independent clinical social worker (LICSW) in Massachusetts. I earned my BA in Psychology from UMass and my MSW from Simmons University. I have over 10 years of experience working in community mental health and outpatient therapy settings. The populations I work with include the LGBTQ+ community, children 5-18 years old, and adults 18-75 years old.
(617) 485-0806 View (617) 485-0806
Photo of Mya Fonarov, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Mya Fonarov
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Needham, MA 02492  (Online Only)
I provide therapy to adolescents and adults struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, addictions, grief, post-partum depression, pregnancy loss, infertility, eating disorders, relationship problems, family issues, academic and occupational stress, life transitions, and physical illness. My background is eclectic. I have a masters degree in social work, education, and engineering. I also am a certified yoga teacher which I incorporate into my practice through mindfulness and relaxation techniques. I love to learn and always pursue advanced trainings to stay current in my practice. I am passionate and committed to my work with clients; it has enriched and deepened my life.
I provide therapy to adolescents and adults struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, addictions, grief, post-partum depression, pregnancy loss, infertility, eating disorders, relationship problems, family issues, academic and occupational stress, life transitions, and physical illness. My background is eclectic. I have a masters degree in social work, education, and engineering. I also am a certified yoga teacher which I incorporate into my practice through mindfulness and relaxation techniques. I love to learn and always pursue advanced trainings to stay current in my practice. I am passionate and committed to my work with clients; it has enriched and deepened my life.
(617) 446-3077 View (617) 446-3077
Photo of Martha Weiss, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Martha Weiss
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Needham, MA 02492
I am a seasoned psychotherapist with forty years of experience helping my clients to improve relationships with their families, partners and co-workers, to be effective in reaching their goals; and to alleviate depression. My style is warm, interactive, and positive. My clients and I sometimes find ourselves laughing together even with the serious issues that are being addressed. My role is to actively support you in exploring your personal issues. I respect my clients and deeply enjoy my work. Our safe therapist/client relationship is an essential part of resolving your concerns.
I am a seasoned psychotherapist with forty years of experience helping my clients to improve relationships with their families, partners and co-workers, to be effective in reaching their goals; and to alleviate depression. My style is warm, interactive, and positive. My clients and I sometimes find ourselves laughing together even with the serious issues that are being addressed. My role is to actively support you in exploring your personal issues. I respect my clients and deeply enjoy my work. Our safe therapist/client relationship is an essential part of resolving your concerns.
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Photo of Carrie Wechsler, MSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Carrie Wechsler
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Needham, MA 02494  (Online Only)
I have worked with individuals and their caregivers in medical oncology settings to address issues such as depression, anxiety, adjustment concerns and grief.
Welcome! If you are experiencing concerns around anxiety, depressed mood, a serious/chronic illness, poor sleep, grief or other life stressors then you may find my therapeutic approach beneficial. People who come to therapy with me should expect a supportive, respectful and collaborative space in our sessions. Focusing on the issues that are most important to you, we would work to explore effective coping strategies, increase your motivation and build your confidence to pursue a path that is in line with your goals and values.
I have worked with individuals and their caregivers in medical oncology settings to address issues such as depression, anxiety, adjustment concerns and grief.
Welcome! If you are experiencing concerns around anxiety, depressed mood, a serious/chronic illness, poor sleep, grief or other life stressors then you may find my therapeutic approach beneficial. People who come to therapy with me should expect a supportive, respectful and collaborative space in our sessions. Focusing on the issues that are most important to you, we would work to explore effective coping strategies, increase your motivation and build your confidence to pursue a path that is in line with your goals and values.
(781) 253-8656 View (781) 253-8656
Photo of Grace Lilienthal - Renbrook Center for Mental Health LLC, PMHNP, BC
Renbrook Center for Mental Health LLC
PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Needham, MA 02492
100% Telehealth Practice. I provide care to clients located anywhere in Massachusetts via telehealth. I am licensed to provide the following services: 1. Psychotherapy (talk therapy); 2. Psychiatric medication prescribing for depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions; 3. Both talk therapy and psychiatric medication prescribing. I founded Renbrook Center for Mental Health LLC to provide high-quality, individualized mental healthcare to every person I come to know in my practice.
100% Telehealth Practice. I provide care to clients located anywhere in Massachusetts via telehealth. I am licensed to provide the following services: 1. Psychotherapy (talk therapy); 2. Psychiatric medication prescribing for depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions; 3. Both talk therapy and psychiatric medication prescribing. I founded Renbrook Center for Mental Health LLC to provide high-quality, individualized mental healthcare to every person I come to know in my practice.
(339) 230-2086 View (339) 230-2086
Photo of Lau Zocchi, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Lau Zocchi
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Needham, MA 02492  (Online Only)
I work with clients experiencing trauma, anxiety, depression, life transitions, stress, grief, difficulties around sexuality and identity.
I believe all individuals are capable of healing and growth. Having a safe, trusting relationship with a therapist can be an important part of that process. In my practice, I aim to create an open space for us to work towards your goals while allowing you to feel heard, cared for, and accepted.
I work with clients experiencing trauma, anxiety, depression, life transitions, stress, grief, difficulties around sexuality and identity.
I believe all individuals are capable of healing and growth. Having a safe, trusting relationship with a therapist can be an important part of that process. In my practice, I aim to create an open space for us to work towards your goals while allowing you to feel heard, cared for, and accepted.
(508) 475-5899 View (508) 475-5899
Photo of Jill A Edelson, PhD, Psychologist
Jill A Edelson
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Needham, MA 02492
As a clinical psychologist with over 30 years of experience, I want to understand you as a whole person with strengths as well as current difficulties. If you are looking for a therapist, it is generally because many efforts you have made to solve a problem haven't worked. You may be faced with a very difficult and painful situation, such as a relationship problem, loss, job problem, or illness. Or, you may be experiencing symptoms which are associated with emotional distress, such as chronic anxiety, social anxiety, or depression.
As a clinical psychologist with over 30 years of experience, I want to understand you as a whole person with strengths as well as current difficulties. If you are looking for a therapist, it is generally because many efforts you have made to solve a problem haven't worked. You may be faced with a very difficult and painful situation, such as a relationship problem, loss, job problem, or illness. Or, you may be experiencing symptoms which are associated with emotional distress, such as chronic anxiety, social anxiety, or depression.
(781) 461-6361 View (781) 461-6361
Photo of Elizabeth J Spencer, MSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Elizabeth J Spencer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Needham, MA 02492
I offer thoughtful and compassionate psychotherapeutic services. Are you troubled by anxiety, depression or other emotional problems? Are you struggling with past or current difficulties? You are welcome to bring yourself and be who you are in my office. You may wish to come alone or bring your partner for couples therapy. You may feel stuck or unable to stop repeating unhealthy patterns of relating to others. These are just some examples of the kinds of problems where my expertise may help you to find some relief.
I offer thoughtful and compassionate psychotherapeutic services. Are you troubled by anxiety, depression or other emotional problems? Are you struggling with past or current difficulties? You are welcome to bring yourself and be who you are in my office. You may wish to come alone or bring your partner for couples therapy. You may feel stuck or unable to stop repeating unhealthy patterns of relating to others. These are just some examples of the kinds of problems where my expertise may help you to find some relief.
(508) 841-3288 View (508) 841-3288
Photo of Jillian D. Burley, PsyD, Psychologist
Jillian D. Burley
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Needham, MA 02492
Waitlist for new clients
, Depression) and Anxiety Disorders.
It takes tremendous courage to begin the process of establishing a psychotherapy. In enhancing self-awareness we can learn how to cope and contend with many of life's challenges - and to begin to live with more ease. As a licensed Clinical Psychologist, I use evidence-based practices in an integrative way, tailoring treatment for individuals based on a shared and on-going discussion of lived experiences, inherent strengths, personal preferences, and psychological needs.
, Depression) and Anxiety Disorders.
It takes tremendous courage to begin the process of establishing a psychotherapy. In enhancing self-awareness we can learn how to cope and contend with many of life's challenges - and to begin to live with more ease. As a licensed Clinical Psychologist, I use evidence-based practices in an integrative way, tailoring treatment for individuals based on a shared and on-going discussion of lived experiences, inherent strengths, personal preferences, and psychological needs.
(617) 477-8802 View (617) 477-8802
Photo of Wendy Rotfort, PsyD, Psychologist
Wendy Rotfort
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Needham, MA 02492
I work with clients ages 12 though mature adulthood on issues including depression, anxiety, trauma, interpersonal conflict, relationship concerns, sexuality, life transitions and loss.
Welcome! I believe that the most successful therapy occurs when a strong clinical rapport is developed between therapist and client(s). To that end, I will work with you (or your teen) to create a warm, therapeutic environment where we can collaboratively determine your needs and goals, and then work together toward achieving those goals. My approach to therapy is eclectic, which means I pull from a number of different theoretical orientations. This allows me the flexibility to tailor the treatment according to your unique needs.
I work with clients ages 12 though mature adulthood on issues including depression, anxiety, trauma, interpersonal conflict, relationship concerns, sexuality, life transitions and loss.
Welcome! I believe that the most successful therapy occurs when a strong clinical rapport is developed between therapist and client(s). To that end, I will work with you (or your teen) to create a warm, therapeutic environment where we can collaboratively determine your needs and goals, and then work together toward achieving those goals. My approach to therapy is eclectic, which means I pull from a number of different theoretical orientations. This allows me the flexibility to tailor the treatment according to your unique needs.
(781) 708-4947 View (781) 708-4947
Photo of Garima L Menon, PhD, Psychologist
Garima L Menon
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Needham, MA 02492  (Online Only)
With over two decades of experience, I have worked with depression, anxiety, relationship concerns, life transitions, grief/loss, cross cultural concerns, & transitions in older age.
Most of us do the best we can with the resources we have. Sometimes we think no one understands our worries & fears. If open to it, we want to work with a therapist when our usual ways of relating aren't helping & we feel stuck, anxious, angry or depressed. Therapy often helps provide insight into our strengths & internal resources we already have to help navigate challenging times. In sessions, I focus on working with clients to unlock this strength to steer their lives in the direction they want. I bring curiosity, warmth, respect, & empathy to my sessions.
With over two decades of experience, I have worked with depression, anxiety, relationship concerns, life transitions, grief/loss, cross cultural concerns, & transitions in older age.
Most of us do the best we can with the resources we have. Sometimes we think no one understands our worries & fears. If open to it, we want to work with a therapist when our usual ways of relating aren't helping & we feel stuck, anxious, angry or depressed. Therapy often helps provide insight into our strengths & internal resources we already have to help navigate challenging times. In sessions, I focus on working with clients to unlock this strength to steer their lives in the direction they want. I bring curiosity, warmth, respect, & empathy to my sessions.
(617) 917-2337 View (617) 917-2337
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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.