Depression Therapists in Albertville, MN
![Photo of Kathleen Massmann, LPCC, MS, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3cbf74e4-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/5/320x400.jpeg)
My areas of specialty include; Depression, Postpartum Depression, anxiety, grief and grief associated with the loss of a child, pregnancy after a loss, parenting issues and self-esteem/body image issues.
"A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step"
Throughout the past ten years, I have been working with adolescents and adults in a variety of setting.
I believe in the personal power that each individual has and their ability to make positive life changes Helping people find that power and clarity is my primary focus while working with each client.
My areas of specialty include; Depression, Postpartum Depression, anxiety, grief and grief associated with the loss of a child, pregnancy after a loss, parenting issues and self-esteem/body image issues.
"A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step"
Throughout the past ten years, I have been working with adolescents and adults in a variety of setting.
I believe in the personal power that each individual has and their ability to make positive life changes Helping people find that power and clarity is my primary focus while working with each client.
![Photo of Brooke Halliday, MA, LPCC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/053cd15c-0686-4ae1-b56c-3cb39fd435ba/2/320x400.jpeg)
Brooke Halliday
Licensed professional clinical counselor, MA, LPCC
Verified Verified
Albertville, MN 55301
I have found my passion in helping Millennial and Gen Z women who are dealing with symptoms of anxiety, depression, trauma, and other life stressors. I create a non-judgmental space for my clients to show up just as they are. I believe in working collaboratively with clients using humor, validation, and empathy to build a solid connection which then allows for clients to feel safe enough to try explore societal norms and expectations that have prevented them from living their idealized life. In my experience I've found that when clients are able to try out new ways of being they can achieve the healing they've been desiring.
I have found my passion in helping Millennial and Gen Z women who are dealing with symptoms of anxiety, depression, trauma, and other life stressors. I create a non-judgmental space for my clients to show up just as they are. I believe in working collaboratively with clients using humor, validation, and empathy to build a solid connection which then allows for clients to feel safe enough to try explore societal norms and expectations that have prevented them from living their idealized life. In my experience I've found that when clients are able to try out new ways of being they can achieve the healing they've been desiring.
![Photo of Nicole Otis, MA, LMFT, CSAT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5a9cc920-e743-48ad-bfaa-e20e78e681ac/1/320x400.jpeg)
Are you struggling with sexual compulsivity, unwanted sexual behaviors or betrayal trauma? If you or your partner are struggling with these specific issues, let me guide you and your relationship towards healing and freedom.
I am a trained (CSAT) Certified Sex Addiction Therapist and certified Brainspotting therapist. I am passionate about helping individuals and couples affected by sex and porn compulsivity, and betrayal trauma, including sexting, prostitution, emotional affairs, and physical affairs, as well as anxiety, depression, grief and loss, and life transitions.
Are you struggling with sexual compulsivity, unwanted sexual behaviors or betrayal trauma? If you or your partner are struggling with these specific issues, let me guide you and your relationship towards healing and freedom.
I am a trained (CSAT) Certified Sex Addiction Therapist and certified Brainspotting therapist. I am passionate about helping individuals and couples affected by sex and porn compulsivity, and betrayal trauma, including sexting, prostitution, emotional affairs, and physical affairs, as well as anxiety, depression, grief and loss, and life transitions.
![Photo of Michelle Clark, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ccb4f10f-decf-40b2-a583-2524d0aca342/1/320x400.jpeg)
Michelle Clark
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Albertville, MN 55301
Are you wanting to live a more fulfilled life? Are you engaged in an unhealthy relationship or experiencing marital conflicts? Do you feel overwhelmed with depression, anxiety or suffer from PTSD? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then call me, Michelle Clark MA, LMFT, where help & healing begins. I am devoted to helping you live the life you have always wanted and committed to providing the highest quality care in a fun, safe, professional environment focusing on practical strategies to help you live the life you have always wanted but struggled to achieve.
Are you wanting to live a more fulfilled life? Are you engaged in an unhealthy relationship or experiencing marital conflicts? Do you feel overwhelmed with depression, anxiety or suffer from PTSD? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then call me, Michelle Clark MA, LMFT, where help & healing begins. I am devoted to helping you live the life you have always wanted and committed to providing the highest quality care in a fun, safe, professional environment focusing on practical strategies to help you live the life you have always wanted but struggled to achieve.
![Photo of Mark Schmoyer, MS, LPCC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2daeaa0c-1391-4a02-80c9-be0b306357d2/2/320x400.jpeg)
I have experience working with adolescents and teenagers, particularly males, and help them through family struggles, school problems, relationships, depression, anxiety, and any other concern they may be experiencing.
I enjoy working with adults and teenagers as they navigate many of life's transitions. I make it my goal to establish a genuine relationship so that you feel validated and respected and our time together is centered on coming along side of you to create meaningful change. For those having thoughts of death or dying, it can be extremely distressing and I want to align with you to determine the best path forwards to manage and decrease those thoughts. I also value the role of faith in pursuing healing and strive to incorporate faith based conversations and interventions to assist you in your goals.
I have experience working with adolescents and teenagers, particularly males, and help them through family struggles, school problems, relationships, depression, anxiety, and any other concern they may be experiencing.
I enjoy working with adults and teenagers as they navigate many of life's transitions. I make it my goal to establish a genuine relationship so that you feel validated and respected and our time together is centered on coming along side of you to create meaningful change. For those having thoughts of death or dying, it can be extremely distressing and I want to align with you to determine the best path forwards to manage and decrease those thoughts. I also value the role of faith in pursuing healing and strive to incorporate faith based conversations and interventions to assist you in your goals.
![Photo of Andrea M Hendel, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/223f8eda-c837-4a5e-93e3-2496e598753e/1/320x400.jpeg)
Andrea M Hendel
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Albertville, MN 55301
Waitlist for new clients
I help individuals and family systems increase coping tools to manage daily stressors, to deal with anxiety and depression and more significant stress and trauma.
I specialize in working with law enforcement and other first responders to deal with on the job stress and work/home balance. I have passion working individuals and couples who have experienced high levels of stress, trauma or loss in their lives. I have a strong ability to connect with people and believe in everyone's ability to facilitate personal change. I love the opportunity to serve a wide range of issues ( depression, anxiety, trauma, grief...) in my practice and offer varied hours through the week to accommodate many schedules. Sunrise Wellness takes a holistic approach to serving others through mind, body and spirit.
I help individuals and family systems increase coping tools to manage daily stressors, to deal with anxiety and depression and more significant stress and trauma.
I specialize in working with law enforcement and other first responders to deal with on the job stress and work/home balance. I have passion working individuals and couples who have experienced high levels of stress, trauma or loss in their lives. I have a strong ability to connect with people and believe in everyone's ability to facilitate personal change. I love the opportunity to serve a wide range of issues ( depression, anxiety, trauma, grief...) in my practice and offer varied hours through the week to accommodate many schedules. Sunrise Wellness takes a holistic approach to serving others through mind, body and spirit.
![Photo of Heidi Carsello, MSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e2cf05f5-24e5-433b-9794-945c80a224ee/2/320x400.jpeg)
Heidi Carsello
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Albertville, MN 55301 (Online Only)
I have extensive experience as a school social worker in Minneapolis Public Schools, which comes with a wealth of knowledge and expertise in mental health intervention, human growth and behavior, family dynamics, and community resources that I will bring into our time together. I have worked with students with a vast range of needs and ability levels, diverse backgrounds, and socioeconomic classes. My areas of strength include working with anxiety, depression, LGBTQ+, trauma, ADHD, intellectual disabilities, and teacher burnout.
I have extensive experience as a school social worker in Minneapolis Public Schools, which comes with a wealth of knowledge and expertise in mental health intervention, human growth and behavior, family dynamics, and community resources that I will bring into our time together. I have worked with students with a vast range of needs and ability levels, diverse backgrounds, and socioeconomic classes. My areas of strength include working with anxiety, depression, LGBTQ+, trauma, ADHD, intellectual disabilities, and teacher burnout.
![Photo of Kevin Smith - Northwinds Counseling Services, P.A., LMFT, LPCC, LGSW](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3deaa0eb-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
At Northwinds, we consider it a privilege to help our clients as they go through life-changing experiences. With integrity, compassion, and a deep devotion to the worth of each individual we see, we are here to help you make positive adjustments to the stressful life challenges you are facing. We offer individual, couples, and family counseling. Our primary model of treatment is Cognitive-Behavioral therapy, though we frequently draw from other treatment models as needed. LMFT: Kevin Smith, Amy Halverson, John Torkelson, and Terri Jorstad; LPCC: Jordan Leuthold, Michelle Rhea, Raven Winter & Rindie Eagle; LGSW: Allison Brockway
At Northwinds, we consider it a privilege to help our clients as they go through life-changing experiences. With integrity, compassion, and a deep devotion to the worth of each individual we see, we are here to help you make positive adjustments to the stressful life challenges you are facing. We offer individual, couples, and family counseling. Our primary model of treatment is Cognitive-Behavioral therapy, though we frequently draw from other treatment models as needed. LMFT: Kevin Smith, Amy Halverson, John Torkelson, and Terri Jorstad; LPCC: Jordan Leuthold, Michelle Rhea, Raven Winter & Rindie Eagle; LGSW: Allison Brockway
![Photo of Maura Freshour, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/36c69c1a-9a93-440c-9afb-cd8c03498edd/1/320x400.jpeg)
Maura Freshour
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Albertville, MN 55301
Waitlist for new clients
Maura Freshour, LICSW, is the therapist behind Fresh Outlook Therapy for Children and Parents. She is passionate about working with children ages 3+ and parents at any stage of their parenting journey: family planning, experiencing infertility, miscarriage, postpartum mood and anxiety disorders, adoption, step-parenting, and parents experiencing family change. Maura works closely with outside providers, schools, and supports to address all challenges and concerns. Maura utilizes attachment and connection-based approaches to heal and create lasting change.
Maura Freshour, LICSW, is the therapist behind Fresh Outlook Therapy for Children and Parents. She is passionate about working with children ages 3+ and parents at any stage of their parenting journey: family planning, experiencing infertility, miscarriage, postpartum mood and anxiety disorders, adoption, step-parenting, and parents experiencing family change. Maura works closely with outside providers, schools, and supports to address all challenges and concerns. Maura utilizes attachment and connection-based approaches to heal and create lasting change.
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Nick Flottmeier, MS, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e8dbb68e-4097-4c55-99a8-544b0738b984/2/320x400.png)
As a dedicated pre-licensed clinician, I am passionately committed to the field of mental health and relational well-being. I aim to help individuals and families navigate all of life's challenges including depression, anxiety, grief, and trauma. Throughout my career journey, I have actively engaged in clinical training and coursework which has helped me develop skills in assessment, diagnosis, and therapeutic intervention. Drawing from various theoretical frameworks, including family systems theory and cognitive-behavioral techniques, I tailor my approach to meet the unique needs of each client.
As a dedicated pre-licensed clinician, I am passionately committed to the field of mental health and relational well-being. I aim to help individuals and families navigate all of life's challenges including depression, anxiety, grief, and trauma. Throughout my career journey, I have actively engaged in clinical training and coursework which has helped me develop skills in assessment, diagnosis, and therapeutic intervention. Drawing from various theoretical frameworks, including family systems theory and cognitive-behavioral techniques, I tailor my approach to meet the unique needs of each client.
![Photo of Alison Potter, MSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/aa95f4fb-3941-4e00-a215-41b932ffc246/1/320x400.jpeg)
As human beings, we are driven towards inner balance, and many situations in life can impact functioning and offset balance. Maybe you have developed patterns of coping that are not working anymore, or you are feeling stuck. I have experience treating anxiety, depression, trauma, eating concerns, eating disorders, grief, adjustments, and life adjustments. Collaboratively, we will work together on your goals, while noticing the strengths that lie within you and your authentic self. I have worked in a variety of settings, including: outpatient, school-based, residential treatment centers and community based.
As human beings, we are driven towards inner balance, and many situations in life can impact functioning and offset balance. Maybe you have developed patterns of coping that are not working anymore, or you are feeling stuck. I have experience treating anxiety, depression, trauma, eating concerns, eating disorders, grief, adjustments, and life adjustments. Collaboratively, we will work together on your goals, while noticing the strengths that lie within you and your authentic self. I have worked in a variety of settings, including: outpatient, school-based, residential treatment centers and community based.
![Photo of Whitney McElhone, MS, LPCC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4123f347-298a-4660-94dc-d41a208cb14c/1/320x400.jpeg)
Whitney McElhone
Counselor, MS, LPCC
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Saint Michael, MN 55376 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Embarking on the path to healing from trauma, anxiety, and depression is a deeply personal journey, and you don't have to navigate it alone.
Are you ready to make a positive change for YOU? If you are experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma symptoms or overwhelmed by life's stressors then you have come to the right place! I specialize in empowering adults to conquer these challenges, drawing on my expertise as a devoted mental health therapist. Together, we'll navigate your journey to healing and happiness. I have been working in the field and helping individuals since 2016. Together, we can empower you to grow through healing wounds, reduce symptoms, gain insight and become the best version of yourself—all while staying true to who you are.
Embarking on the path to healing from trauma, anxiety, and depression is a deeply personal journey, and you don't have to navigate it alone.
Are you ready to make a positive change for YOU? If you are experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma symptoms or overwhelmed by life's stressors then you have come to the right place! I specialize in empowering adults to conquer these challenges, drawing on my expertise as a devoted mental health therapist. Together, we'll navigate your journey to healing and happiness. I have been working in the field and helping individuals since 2016. Together, we can empower you to grow through healing wounds, reduce symptoms, gain insight and become the best version of yourself—all while staying true to who you are.
![Photo of Michele Laney, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3b810538-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
Michele Laney
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Saint Michael, MN 55376
I have worked for several years with individuals, couples, families, children, and adolescents on many different presenting issues. I work collaboratively with people to identify strengths within themselves to address their life challenges. I work with many parents regarding parenting concerns, balancing marriage and kids, and trying to find themselves again after having children. I work with couples to re-start their relationship after many years of unspoken distance. My practice is broad-based; I have experience with a range of issues such as marital strife, blended families, substance abuse, mental illness, depression, grief, anxiety, sexual abuse, and loss.
I have worked for several years with individuals, couples, families, children, and adolescents on many different presenting issues. I work collaboratively with people to identify strengths within themselves to address their life challenges. I work with many parents regarding parenting concerns, balancing marriage and kids, and trying to find themselves again after having children. I work with couples to re-start their relationship after many years of unspoken distance. My practice is broad-based; I have experience with a range of issues such as marital strife, blended families, substance abuse, mental illness, depression, grief, anxiety, sexual abuse, and loss.
![Photo of Nathan Hoffman, MA, LPCC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a9d383e3-b798-47aa-8aeb-0dfc4416827b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Nathan Hoffman
Counselor, MA, LPCC
Verified Verified
Saint Michael, MN 55376
Waitlist for new clients
I specialize in substance abuse, trauma, grief/loss, guilt and shame, domestic abuse, depression, and anxiety.
As a therapist, I take a person-centered approach to therapy and work with individuals to help them gain awareness and understanding of their mental health, while helping them identify their strengths and values. I work to meet individuals where they are and I believe that openness, honesty, trust, and respect are foundational in a therapeutic relationship. I am committed to helping individuals move towards improving their mental health and overall well-being by utilizing a holistic approach that focuses on physical, emotional, and spiritual health.
I specialize in substance abuse, trauma, grief/loss, guilt and shame, domestic abuse, depression, and anxiety.
As a therapist, I take a person-centered approach to therapy and work with individuals to help them gain awareness and understanding of their mental health, while helping them identify their strengths and values. I work to meet individuals where they are and I believe that openness, honesty, trust, and respect are foundational in a therapeutic relationship. I am committed to helping individuals move towards improving their mental health and overall well-being by utilizing a holistic approach that focuses on physical, emotional, and spiritual health.
![Photo of Chrissy Bensen, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7fb20508-7aff-4927-8459-9a622809250f/1/320x400.jpeg)
Chrissy Bensen
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Saint Michael, MN 55376 (Online Only)
Are you searching for ways to show up more joyfully and authentically in your life? Does something feel a little "off," and you wish there was a place where you could sort it out and find a way to feel better? You may be struggling with depression, anger, or anxiety. You might seem fine on the outside, but inside you feel disconnected, a little lonely, or falling just short of where you'd like to be in your life. Although it might be more of a nagging feeling, you might also have some history with workplace, family, or religious trauma, parenting/step-parenting, chronic pain or illness, or identity/existential concerns.
Are you searching for ways to show up more joyfully and authentically in your life? Does something feel a little "off," and you wish there was a place where you could sort it out and find a way to feel better? You may be struggling with depression, anger, or anxiety. You might seem fine on the outside, but inside you feel disconnected, a little lonely, or falling just short of where you'd like to be in your life. Although it might be more of a nagging feeling, you might also have some history with workplace, family, or religious trauma, parenting/step-parenting, chronic pain or illness, or identity/existential concerns.
![Photo of Rindie Eagle, MA, LPCC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/47f6bb51-affa-41c1-89fa-383baeeb6826/2/320x400.png)
Rindie Eagle
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MA, LPCC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Saint Michael, MN 55376
Waitlist for new clients
My areas of expertise include: perfectionism, chronic anxiety, panic, depression, anger, and those with a tendency to please others at the expense of self.
Currently full. If you find yourself struggling to keep the "perfect" mask on, I can help you become empowered to make the changes you want in your life to feel better and become recharged. We will use a strengths-based approach to identify the strengths you already have, and then you will learn how to use them in your favor to make the changes you want in your life in order to reduce the anxiety or depression that is draining your system. Go to this link to get on the waitlist: jotform.com/rindie/appointments
My areas of expertise include: perfectionism, chronic anxiety, panic, depression, anger, and those with a tendency to please others at the expense of self.
Currently full. If you find yourself struggling to keep the "perfect" mask on, I can help you become empowered to make the changes you want in your life to feel better and become recharged. We will use a strengths-based approach to identify the strengths you already have, and then you will learn how to use them in your favor to make the changes you want in your life in order to reduce the anxiety or depression that is draining your system. Go to this link to get on the waitlist: jotform.com/rindie/appointments
![Photo of Dan Schmoyer, MEd, MA, LSC, LPCC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5210627e-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Some speciality areas include: divorce, infidelity, pre-marriage/marriage counseling, high conflict divorce situations, women's issues, parenting, teenage behavior, healthy boundaries, depression, stress, anxiety, ADHD, sexual addictions, feeling lost and stuck in life, and finding purpose and direction.
*** We offer online/telehealth counseling sessions! If you are looking for someone who is compassionate yet honest enough to provide direction, advice, and guidance than give us a call. We also specialize in working with teenagers/young adults as they navigate life. Women's issues are an area of passion for some of our staff too. We base our counsel on a Christian worldview and have helped people from all walks of life find meaning, hope, and restoration through their struggle. Check out our website for more information and to watch a short video about our clinic.
Some speciality areas include: divorce, infidelity, pre-marriage/marriage counseling, high conflict divorce situations, women's issues, parenting, teenage behavior, healthy boundaries, depression, stress, anxiety, ADHD, sexual addictions, feeling lost and stuck in life, and finding purpose and direction.
*** We offer online/telehealth counseling sessions! If you are looking for someone who is compassionate yet honest enough to provide direction, advice, and guidance than give us a call. We also specialize in working with teenagers/young adults as they navigate life. Women's issues are an area of passion for some of our staff too. We base our counsel on a Christian worldview and have helped people from all walks of life find meaning, hope, and restoration through their struggle. Check out our website for more information and to watch a short video about our clinic.
![Photo of Jennifer Cepress, MA, LPCC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bc5024e6-5e88-4daf-8ffe-08ac34998f32/1/320x400.jpeg)
As a Licensed Clinical Therapist, I especially enjoy working with couples. I also absolutely love working with individuals and families through their transformative journeys. My focus areas include navigating complex relationships, overcoming anxiety and depression by exploring core issues and utilizing proven techniques, healing from trauma, managing ADHD, sleep issues, providing effective parenting strategies encouraging healthier connections, addressing addiction challenges, navigating career and educational transitions, and managing chronic stress.
As a Licensed Clinical Therapist, I especially enjoy working with couples. I also absolutely love working with individuals and families through their transformative journeys. My focus areas include navigating complex relationships, overcoming anxiety and depression by exploring core issues and utilizing proven techniques, healing from trauma, managing ADHD, sleep issues, providing effective parenting strategies encouraging healthier connections, addressing addiction challenges, navigating career and educational transitions, and managing chronic stress.
![Photo of Johanna Schultz, MA, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/678b3ca3-15ad-47be-b1e3-a02a50f3e7e1/4/320x400.jpeg)
Johanna Schultz
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA
Verified Verified
Saint Michael, MN 55376
Waitlist for new clients
Hello! I have experience and enjoy working with individuals across the lifespan. I believe in the inherent value, purpose, and dignity of each person and that through therapy, individuals can develop or re-establish this believe about themselves. I am here to actively and non-judgmentally listen to your story and work collaboratively to build upon your internal strengths and reaching your goals. I desire to create a space that is safe and supportive where you feel comfortable expressing yourself, your concerns, and aspirations.
Hello! I have experience and enjoy working with individuals across the lifespan. I believe in the inherent value, purpose, and dignity of each person and that through therapy, individuals can develop or re-establish this believe about themselves. I am here to actively and non-judgmentally listen to your story and work collaboratively to build upon your internal strengths and reaching your goals. I desire to create a space that is safe and supportive where you feel comfortable expressing yourself, your concerns, and aspirations.
See more therapy options for Albertville
Nearby Depression Therapists Searches for Albertville
See More Depression TherapistsDepression 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.