Depression Therapists in Birmingham, MI

Photo of Susan Baron, PhD, Limited Licensed Psychologist
Susan Baron
Limited Licensed Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Birmingham, MI 48009
With over 23 years of experience, I work compassionately with individuals to help alleviate the painful symptoms associated with anxiety, depression, trauma, and loss. Life transitions and events including relationship issues, college, marriage, childbirth, divorce, death of a loved one, chronic illness, and retirement present new challenges and often touch upon unresolved past issues as well. Working collaboratively with clients through insight oriented psychotherapy, I can help to enhance one's ability to make desired life changes, and to provide a greater sense of well being overall.
With over 23 years of experience, I work compassionately with individuals to help alleviate the painful symptoms associated with anxiety, depression, trauma, and loss. Life transitions and events including relationship issues, college, marriage, childbirth, divorce, death of a loved one, chronic illness, and retirement present new challenges and often touch upon unresolved past issues as well. Working collaboratively with clients through insight oriented psychotherapy, I can help to enhance one's ability to make desired life changes, and to provide a greater sense of well being overall.
(947) 888-9495 View (947) 888-9495
Photo of Patricia Tattrie, PsyD, Psychologist
Patricia Tattrie
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Birmingham, MI 48012
I offer coaching, compassionate insight and trust in my work with young/midlife adults and elders struggling with anxiety, depression, chronic pain, trauma, substance abuse, obesity and identity issues. I provide unique perspectives considering my own diverse background involving a career change from the corporate arena to clinical psychology. I work in private practice and have conducted research on adult children caring for elder parents. I assist individuals moving through life changing events believing that the path to happiness is self defined and achievement is most rewarding when created from internal wisdom.
I offer coaching, compassionate insight and trust in my work with young/midlife adults and elders struggling with anxiety, depression, chronic pain, trauma, substance abuse, obesity and identity issues. I provide unique perspectives considering my own diverse background involving a career change from the corporate arena to clinical psychology. I work in private practice and have conducted research on adult children caring for elder parents. I assist individuals moving through life changing events believing that the path to happiness is self defined and achievement is most rewarding when created from internal wisdom.
(248) 556-2194 View (248) 556-2194
Photo of Sydney Reiter, LMSW, ACSW, BCD, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Sydney Reiter
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, ACSW, BCD
Verified Verified
Birmingham, MI 48009
Most often I work with people seeking help with the common challenges of adult life: relationship/family issues; grief and loss; adult child recovery; depression; codependency; addictions; health concerns; career/financial challenges; and unfulfilled spiritual yearnings - drawing from cognitive-behaviorial, psychodynamic, and transpersonal methodology.
Finding the best individual and marriage therapist for you can seem daunting. Talking to us, asking questions, paying attention to your feelings and intuition, all help. My 30 years experience as a compassionate, well-trained psychotherapist give me the background and skills to support you in achieving your goals, which might include: resolving immediate symptoms; recognizing and appreciating core strengths; developing deeper self awareness and acceptance; and learning the skills of empowered, effective communication. I am experienced in working with the newer spiritual growth paradigms, as in the work of Eckhart Tolle.
Most often I work with people seeking help with the common challenges of adult life: relationship/family issues; grief and loss; adult child recovery; depression; codependency; addictions; health concerns; career/financial challenges; and unfulfilled spiritual yearnings - drawing from cognitive-behaviorial, psychodynamic, and transpersonal methodology.
Finding the best individual and marriage therapist for you can seem daunting. Talking to us, asking questions, paying attention to your feelings and intuition, all help. My 30 years experience as a compassionate, well-trained psychotherapist give me the background and skills to support you in achieving your goals, which might include: resolving immediate symptoms; recognizing and appreciating core strengths; developing deeper self awareness and acceptance; and learning the skills of empowered, effective communication. I am experienced in working with the newer spiritual growth paradigms, as in the work of Eckhart Tolle.
(248) 408-3058 View (248) 408-3058
Photo of Melinda Abernathy-Pippel, MA, LPC, NCC, Counselor
Melinda Abernathy-Pippel
Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Birmingham, MI 48009
Are anxiety and depression ruling your life? Is everyday a struggle? I am a licensed counselor with experience who can transform your life for the better. I work with clients facing intimate relationship issues, bereavement, severe anxiety and depression. I am compassionate and possess the tools to create positive change in your life. I come from the perspective that everyone has a story to tell and deserves a place where it can be safely heard. My mission is to work with clients in a highly attuned and deeply caring way. I am also trained in EMDR for clients with trauma to help bring balance to their lives.
Are anxiety and depression ruling your life? Is everyday a struggle? I am a licensed counselor with experience who can transform your life for the better. I work with clients facing intimate relationship issues, bereavement, severe anxiety and depression. I am compassionate and possess the tools to create positive change in your life. I come from the perspective that everyone has a story to tell and deserves a place where it can be safely heard. My mission is to work with clients in a highly attuned and deeply caring way. I am also trained in EMDR for clients with trauma to help bring balance to their lives.
(248) 714-0755 View (248) 714-0755
Photo of Jeanette Haitaian, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Jeanette Haitaian
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Birmingham, MI 48009
Are you struggling with balancing your emotions in relationships, at work, or in everyday activities? Are sadness, anxiety, or loneliness a result? My primary focus is centered upon embracing one's inherent strengths while eliminating toxic behaviors and thoughts. This process aids individuals in building stronger and more powerful relationships with themselves and others, as well as fosters greater life satisfaction. I have had extensive training in Relationship Issues, Couples Counseling, Toxic Relationships, Divorce, Stepfamilies, Grief Therapy, Forgiveness Therapy, Anxiety and Depression, and Coping Skills.
Are you struggling with balancing your emotions in relationships, at work, or in everyday activities? Are sadness, anxiety, or loneliness a result? My primary focus is centered upon embracing one's inherent strengths while eliminating toxic behaviors and thoughts. This process aids individuals in building stronger and more powerful relationships with themselves and others, as well as fosters greater life satisfaction. I have had extensive training in Relationship Issues, Couples Counseling, Toxic Relationships, Divorce, Stepfamilies, Grief Therapy, Forgiveness Therapy, Anxiety and Depression, and Coping Skills.
(248) 825-4136 View (248) 825-4136
Photo of Amanda Tompkins, MSW, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Amanda Tompkins
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LMSW
Verified Verified
Birmingham, MI 48009
Are you looking for a therapist who cares a lot about helping you to feel better? I have worked with adults for over 15 years helping them to find healing ways to change and move toward who they want to be. My expertise is specifically in working with people who are experiencing depression and/or anxiety that stops them from living as they desire. I find it rewarding to help someone & see them progress to feeling hopeful about their life and their future.
Are you looking for a therapist who cares a lot about helping you to feel better? I have worked with adults for over 15 years helping them to find healing ways to change and move toward who they want to be. My expertise is specifically in working with people who are experiencing depression and/or anxiety that stops them from living as they desire. I find it rewarding to help someone & see them progress to feeling hopeful about their life and their future.
(947) 777-0528 View (947) 777-0528
Photo of Cally Kantarian, MA, LLP, MLP, Limited Licensed Psychologist
Cally Kantarian
Limited Licensed Psychologist, MA, LLP, MLP
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Birmingham, MI 48009
Waitlist for new clients
I see clients with a variety of mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, grief, transitions, and relationship issues.
EVERY human deserves a place in which they can feel safe, un-judged, and respected. Within that safety comes true growth, understanding, realization and acceptance for yourself and your story. I hope to walk with you on your personal journey in finding the grace and compassion to find your authentic self.
I see clients with a variety of mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, grief, transitions, and relationship issues.
EVERY human deserves a place in which they can feel safe, un-judged, and respected. Within that safety comes true growth, understanding, realization and acceptance for yourself and your story. I hope to walk with you on your personal journey in finding the grace and compassion to find your authentic self.
(248) 988-3015 View (248) 988-3015
Photo of Kristina Belzer, MA, LLP, Limited Licensed Psychologist
Kristina Belzer
Limited Licensed Psychologist, MA, LLP
Verified Verified
Birmingham, MI 48009  (Online Only)
I work with any age group , but specialize in women with depression, anxiety and chronic pain.
Are you looking to become the best version of yourself? I believe through psychotherapy you can become a highly functioning, self- actualized and happy individualized. Together, we will work towards helping you be the person you wish to be and project to the world. My goal is to help you heal from your past, grow, and move forward with your life.
I work with any age group , but specialize in women with depression, anxiety and chronic pain.
Are you looking to become the best version of yourself? I believe through psychotherapy you can become a highly functioning, self- actualized and happy individualized. Together, we will work towards helping you be the person you wish to be and project to the world. My goal is to help you heal from your past, grow, and move forward with your life.
(947) 333-8291 View (947) 333-8291
Photo of Lueva Dixon, LMSW, ACSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Lueva Dixon
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, ACSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Birmingham, MI 48009
In 30 years of private practice, I have learned some basic truths about people: each person is a unique individual, is attempting to do the best they can with their circumstances and abilities, seeks recognition and validation of their worth, desires a sense of belonging and purpose, and has an inner source of empowerment and health that can be accessed. I am an actively engaged, compassionate therapist, addressing the difficulties of adult life: anxiety, relationships, marriage, loneliness, anger, depression, addictions, not fulfilling one's dreams, coping with illness, loss and death, struggles with creativity and spirituality.
In 30 years of private practice, I have learned some basic truths about people: each person is a unique individual, is attempting to do the best they can with their circumstances and abilities, seeks recognition and validation of their worth, desires a sense of belonging and purpose, and has an inner source of empowerment and health that can be accessed. I am an actively engaged, compassionate therapist, addressing the difficulties of adult life: anxiety, relationships, marriage, loneliness, anger, depression, addictions, not fulfilling one's dreams, coping with illness, loss and death, struggles with creativity and spirituality.
(248) 688-0851 View (248) 688-0851
Photo of Jeffrey Degroat, PhD, Psychologist
Jeffrey Degroat
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Birmingham, MI 48009
Thank you for visiting my page, I am a clinical psychologist providing various treatment and assessment services through private practice. I primarily work with children and adolescents, while also providing marital, family, and adult individual counseling as well. I am able to tailor therapeutic services specific to each patient to address many emotional and behavioral difficulties, including: ADHD, depression, panic attacks, generalized anxiety, obsessions and compulsions, grief, developmental disabilities, oppositionality and defiance, as well as marital stress.
Thank you for visiting my page, I am a clinical psychologist providing various treatment and assessment services through private practice. I primarily work with children and adolescents, while also providing marital, family, and adult individual counseling as well. I am able to tailor therapeutic services specific to each patient to address many emotional and behavioral difficulties, including: ADHD, depression, panic attacks, generalized anxiety, obsessions and compulsions, grief, developmental disabilities, oppositionality and defiance, as well as marital stress.
(248) 514-8486 View (248) 514-8486
Photo of David P. Stanislaw, LMSW, BCD, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
David P. Stanislaw
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, BCD
Verified Verified
Birmingham, MI 48009
I work with people experiencing the full range of difficulties; from life transitions, conflicts, painful symptoms such as depression and anxiety, to more severe issues.
You are likely considering therapy or counseling for yourself, a family member, or a friend. A person considers treatment for two reasons. Either you are reacting to an immediate event or crisis in your life, or have been thinking about addressing ongoing issues. My approach to therapy is empathic, interactive and rooted in time-tested techniques that produce deep, long-lasting change. Numerous studies have shown that results in therapy have less to do with a particular "brand" of therapy, and more to do with an outgrowth of the quality of relationship between a skilled practitioner and an invested patient.
I work with people experiencing the full range of difficulties; from life transitions, conflicts, painful symptoms such as depression and anxiety, to more severe issues.
You are likely considering therapy or counseling for yourself, a family member, or a friend. A person considers treatment for two reasons. Either you are reacting to an immediate event or crisis in your life, or have been thinking about addressing ongoing issues. My approach to therapy is empathic, interactive and rooted in time-tested techniques that produce deep, long-lasting change. Numerous studies have shown that results in therapy have less to do with a particular "brand" of therapy, and more to do with an outgrowth of the quality of relationship between a skilled practitioner and an invested patient.
(248) 645-2777 View (248) 645-2777
Photo of Nammi Tandon, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Nammi Tandon
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Birmingham, MI 48009
Are you experiencing feelings of: anxiety, depression, reduced self-esteem, relationship concerns, couples concerns or lifestyle transitions? You are a high achiever with perfectionism tendencies and often find yourself feeling overwhelmed by taking care of others and putting yourself last. You are excellent at your job and are perceived as having everything together however, are inwardly falling short and wanting so much more out of your life. You feel weary after another long day and yearn to enjoy life the way others seem to by feeling carefree and happy however, are uncertain where to start.
Are you experiencing feelings of: anxiety, depression, reduced self-esteem, relationship concerns, couples concerns or lifestyle transitions? You are a high achiever with perfectionism tendencies and often find yourself feeling overwhelmed by taking care of others and putting yourself last. You are excellent at your job and are perceived as having everything together however, are inwardly falling short and wanting so much more out of your life. You feel weary after another long day and yearn to enjoy life the way others seem to by feeling carefree and happy however, are uncertain where to start.
(248) 712-3236 View (248) 712-3236
Photo of Jessica Sherman, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Jessica Sherman
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Birmingham, MI 48009
As a teen I struggled with feelings of anxiety and depression.
My therapeutic practice is tailored to the treatment of teenagers and young adults. I specialize in addressing a wide range of issues commonly faced by this demographic, including anxiety, depression, self-esteem, relationship difficulties, identity exploration, academic stress, and life transitions. Whether it's coping with peer pressure, navigating family dynamics, or managing the demands of school and work, I'm here to offer support and guidance every step of the way. I'm incredibly passionate about supporting teenagers and young adults as they navigate the unique challenges of adolescence and young adulthood.
As a teen I struggled with feelings of anxiety and depression.
My therapeutic practice is tailored to the treatment of teenagers and young adults. I specialize in addressing a wide range of issues commonly faced by this demographic, including anxiety, depression, self-esteem, relationship difficulties, identity exploration, academic stress, and life transitions. Whether it's coping with peer pressure, navigating family dynamics, or managing the demands of school and work, I'm here to offer support and guidance every step of the way. I'm incredibly passionate about supporting teenagers and young adults as they navigate the unique challenges of adolescence and young adulthood.
(248) 949-2191 View (248) 949-2191
Photo of Talia Rybak, MA, LLPC
Talia Rybak
Limited Licensed Counselor, MA, LLPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Birmingham, MI 48009
You hope to work on freeing yourself from pain stemming from trauma or difficult life circumstances that manifest in your day to day as: stress, anxiety, depression, grief, self-esteem issues, negative body image, emotional eating, relationship struggles, career concerns, or life transitions.
You want to find peace, but the critical noise of “it’s just not good enough” controls and weighs you down. There’s a part of you that’s a high achiever with perfectionistic tendencies that feels exhausted and overwhelmed, riddled with self-doubt. The days go by in a flash as you strive to please and meet others: expectations, wants, and needs, while you’ve lost sight of your own. The present moment feels out of reach as you constantly think into the future or ruminate over the past.
You hope to work on freeing yourself from pain stemming from trauma or difficult life circumstances that manifest in your day to day as: stress, anxiety, depression, grief, self-esteem issues, negative body image, emotional eating, relationship struggles, career concerns, or life transitions.
You want to find peace, but the critical noise of “it’s just not good enough” controls and weighs you down. There’s a part of you that’s a high achiever with perfectionistic tendencies that feels exhausted and overwhelmed, riddled with self-doubt. The days go by in a flash as you strive to please and meet others: expectations, wants, and needs, while you’ve lost sight of your own. The present moment feels out of reach as you constantly think into the future or ruminate over the past.
(248) 831-1871 View (248) 831-1871
Photo of Brittany Lutren - Niyama Center, LMSW, EMDR, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Niyama Center
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, EMDR
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Birmingham, MI 48009
You're seeking profound personal transformation and healing. Perhaps you're grappling with complex issues like anxiety, depression, trauma or feeling stuck in life - maybe you've been feeling like this for a long time. You're eager to explore the depths of your inner world, desiring greater self-awareness and a holistic approach to well-being and aspiring to break free from limiting patterns, nurture a deeper connection with yourself, and experience a more fulfilling life - but you're not sure how to get there. It's time to make space for you and your personal growth and I can help you do that by cultivating healing
You're seeking profound personal transformation and healing. Perhaps you're grappling with complex issues like anxiety, depression, trauma or feeling stuck in life - maybe you've been feeling like this for a long time. You're eager to explore the depths of your inner world, desiring greater self-awareness and a holistic approach to well-being and aspiring to break free from limiting patterns, nurture a deeper connection with yourself, and experience a more fulfilling life - but you're not sure how to get there. It's time to make space for you and your personal growth and I can help you do that by cultivating healing
(248) 965-1595 View (248) 965-1595
Photo of Deb Sheldon, MA, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Deb Sheldon
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Birmingham, MI 48009
With over 15 years as a counselor in the local school district, I have worked with adults and adolescents struggling with acute needs, such as depression, anxiety, substance abuse, as well as personal under-achievement.
You do not have to be alone with troubling thoughts or feelings that keep you from being your best. I am experienced, easy to talk with, and willing to help you find solutions and regain your personal resilience. In a non-judgmental, safe space we can work together to unpack the experiences that are getting in the way of your feeling grounded and secure. Focusing on your strengths, we will reflect on the past and present, while keeping an eye to your future self.
With over 15 years as a counselor in the local school district, I have worked with adults and adolescents struggling with acute needs, such as depression, anxiety, substance abuse, as well as personal under-achievement.
You do not have to be alone with troubling thoughts or feelings that keep you from being your best. I am experienced, easy to talk with, and willing to help you find solutions and regain your personal resilience. In a non-judgmental, safe space we can work together to unpack the experiences that are getting in the way of your feeling grounded and secure. Focusing on your strengths, we will reflect on the past and present, while keeping an eye to your future self.
(947) 282-9453 View (947) 282-9453
Photo of Stephany A Elliott, LMSW, CAADC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Stephany A Elliott
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, CAADC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Birmingham, MI 48009
Together we can find ways to reduce confusion, anxiety, depression and self-doubt.
You have lost your way due to life’s ever changing circumstances. Maybe you have spent so much time taking care of others that you have forgotten how to take care of yourself. You yearn to build healthier, stronger relationships and participate in enjoyable and meaningful activities again. You have had experiences that overwhelmed your natural abilities and strength to cope with life as you knew it. You feel a general loss of safety and trust in others and yourself. You developed ways of coping that helped you get through hard times, but now some of those coping mechanisms get in the way of living a truly fulfilling life.
Together we can find ways to reduce confusion, anxiety, depression and self-doubt.
You have lost your way due to life’s ever changing circumstances. Maybe you have spent so much time taking care of others that you have forgotten how to take care of yourself. You yearn to build healthier, stronger relationships and participate in enjoyable and meaningful activities again. You have had experiences that overwhelmed your natural abilities and strength to cope with life as you knew it. You feel a general loss of safety and trust in others and yourself. You developed ways of coping that helped you get through hard times, but now some of those coping mechanisms get in the way of living a truly fulfilling life.
(248) 278-0764 View (248) 278-0764
Photo of David J Sills, PsyS, LLP, PLLC, Limited Licensed Psychologist
David J Sills
Limited Licensed Psychologist, PsyS, LLP, PLLC
Verified Verified
Birmingham, MI 48009
Are you feeling on edge, up tight and having trouble sleeping? Do you easily become irritated at the smallest things? Does your mind race and make concentrating difficult? These are symptoms of anxiety and depression. Over the past 31years,, I have been helping people experience relief from the damaging effects of anxiety, stress and depression. I work with adolescents, adults, families and couples. I provide honest feedback in a confidential, safe and non-judgmental environment for my clients to help facilitate positive change and to reach a much higher level of peace and joy in their lives.
Are you feeling on edge, up tight and having trouble sleeping? Do you easily become irritated at the smallest things? Does your mind race and make concentrating difficult? These are symptoms of anxiety and depression. Over the past 31years,, I have been helping people experience relief from the damaging effects of anxiety, stress and depression. I work with adolescents, adults, families and couples. I provide honest feedback in a confidential, safe and non-judgmental environment for my clients to help facilitate positive change and to reach a much higher level of peace and joy in their lives.
(248) 997-4230 View (248) 997-4230
Photo of Suanne Zager - Suanne Zager, LMSW, Inc., MSW, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Suanne Zager, LMSW, Inc.
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Birmingham, MI 48009  (Online Only)
Anxiety, depression and anger, work or relationship troubles, grief and loss, abuse and sexual identity concerns are some of the many common issues I help people navigate on a daily basis.
I have found that people tend to seek therapy when they are experiencing some kind of stressful situation in their life. You may have found that you keep repeating bad patterns or that you feel stuck in your relationships or your job and you don't know what to do to get unstuck. We all need to find someone we can feel safe sharing our deepest concerns with and we want to feel understood. Whether the work is brief, or more long-term, I am passionate about helping you to develop behavior changes that will lead to healing and eventually to you fulfilling your potential.
Anxiety, depression and anger, work or relationship troubles, grief and loss, abuse and sexual identity concerns are some of the many common issues I help people navigate on a daily basis.
I have found that people tend to seek therapy when they are experiencing some kind of stressful situation in their life. You may have found that you keep repeating bad patterns or that you feel stuck in your relationships or your job and you don't know what to do to get unstuck. We all need to find someone we can feel safe sharing our deepest concerns with and we want to feel understood. Whether the work is brief, or more long-term, I am passionate about helping you to develop behavior changes that will lead to healing and eventually to you fulfilling your potential.
(248) 291-3919 View (248) 291-3919
Photo of Erica Suszek, MA, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Erica Suszek
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Birmingham, MI 48009
You face unique challenges, and deserve to find a way to work towards breaking free from the cycle of anxiety, depression, and self-doubt.
In today’s fast-paced world, you're bombarded with endless to-do lists and the relentless voice of your inner critic. It's understandable to feel overwhelmed and frustrated by the pressures of society to feel you need to be everything to everyone. It is easy to lose sight of your true worth as a human, minimizing your strengths, neglecting your own needs and letting your boundaries blur. If that sounds familiar, I encourage you to embrace your imperfections and cultivate self-compassion while understanding your: anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship concerns, self worth and how lifestyle transitions play into our complexities.
You face unique challenges, and deserve to find a way to work towards breaking free from the cycle of anxiety, depression, and self-doubt.
In today’s fast-paced world, you're bombarded with endless to-do lists and the relentless voice of your inner critic. It's understandable to feel overwhelmed and frustrated by the pressures of society to feel you need to be everything to everyone. It is easy to lose sight of your true worth as a human, minimizing your strengths, neglecting your own needs and letting your boundaries blur. If that sounds familiar, I encourage you to embrace your imperfections and cultivate self-compassion while understanding your: anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship concerns, self worth and how lifestyle transitions play into our complexities.
(313) 710-8202 View (313) 710-8202
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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.