Depression Therapists in Mendota Heights, MN
![Photo of Bailey Fischer, MA, LMFT, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/84082367-ded9-4dfa-b9d0-a47a02134c30/1/320x400.png)
Bailey Fischer
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Mendota Heights, MN 55120
I have a significant amount of clinical experience treating the following concerns: anxiety, depression, body image concerns, self-esteem issues, grief and loss, couple and family conflict/communication issues, infidelity, life transitions, and traumatic experiences.
I believe that our relationships with others are an essential component of the human experience. We all exist within various systems, whether that is within friendships, romantic relationships, family relationships, or relationships within a school or workplace. These relational systems tend to be transactional, in the sense that we impact and are impacted by those that are in relation to us. As a Marriage and Family therapist, I work with individuals, couples, and families in order to create not only individual change, but also systemic and relational change.
I have a significant amount of clinical experience treating the following concerns: anxiety, depression, body image concerns, self-esteem issues, grief and loss, couple and family conflict/communication issues, infidelity, life transitions, and traumatic experiences.
I believe that our relationships with others are an essential component of the human experience. We all exist within various systems, whether that is within friendships, romantic relationships, family relationships, or relationships within a school or workplace. These relational systems tend to be transactional, in the sense that we impact and are impacted by those that are in relation to us. As a Marriage and Family therapist, I work with individuals, couples, and families in order to create not only individual change, but also systemic and relational change.
![Photo of Tamara Lynn Kaiser, PhD, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/504da27d-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Tamara Lynn Kaiser
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, LICSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Mendota Heights, MN 55118 (Online Only)
I have been in practice providing individual and couple therapy for over 44 years. My areas of expertise include marriage and relationship counseling, divorce and blended families, and work with individuals who have issues related to depression and anxiety, family of origin, chemical dependency and co-dependency. My clientele includes both heterosexual and gay and lesbian individuals and couples. In addition, I work with clients for whom religion or spirituality are important dimensions of their lives, both as a source of strength and as a source of challenge or conflict.
I have been in practice providing individual and couple therapy for over 44 years. My areas of expertise include marriage and relationship counseling, divorce and blended families, and work with individuals who have issues related to depression and anxiety, family of origin, chemical dependency and co-dependency. My clientele includes both heterosexual and gay and lesbian individuals and couples. In addition, I work with clients for whom religion or spirituality are important dimensions of their lives, both as a source of strength and as a source of challenge or conflict.
![Photo of Dr. Kristy Brecke - Dr Brecke Counseling Group, DMFT, LPCC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3605fd72-5c05-4f25-b898-27177cc3d729/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr Brecke Counseling Group
Counselor, DMFT, LPCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Mendota Heights, MN 55118
Treatment is offered around issues with, Parenting, ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Marriage, Attachment, Sleep, Defiance, Trauma, Life transition, OCD, Eating Disorders, Substance Abuse and Addiction.
Welcome to Dr Brecke Counseling Group! Please check out the most detailed info on our website at www.breckecounseling.com. We are all fully licensed clinicians with a variety of specialties to meet most mental health needs. We treat adolescents, adults, couples and families. The clinic is offering tele-therapy and in-office visits with afternoon and evenings available. We are a unique as we are owner operated and offer a personal, attentive experience from the first click on our "apppointment request" botton. The phone is not answered due to high number of unsolicited sales calls. Please click on our website link to get started.
Treatment is offered around issues with, Parenting, ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Marriage, Attachment, Sleep, Defiance, Trauma, Life transition, OCD, Eating Disorders, Substance Abuse and Addiction.
Welcome to Dr Brecke Counseling Group! Please check out the most detailed info on our website at www.breckecounseling.com. We are all fully licensed clinicians with a variety of specialties to meet most mental health needs. We treat adolescents, adults, couples and families. The clinic is offering tele-therapy and in-office visits with afternoon and evenings available. We are a unique as we are owner operated and offer a personal, attentive experience from the first click on our "apppointment request" botton. The phone is not answered due to high number of unsolicited sales calls. Please click on our website link to get started.
![Photo of Jessica Clayton, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bf9a3602-ad5e-48ed-87eb-2650a6c5100f/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jessica received her Master of Social Work from Capella University in 2023, and is pursuing licensure through the state of Minnesota as a Graduate Social Worker. She received her Bachelor of Sciences in Psychology from the University of Minnesota in 2018. Jessica enjoys working with individuals, families, adolescents, and children and has experience working with individuals and families struggling with anxiety disorders, depression, ADHD, Autism, FAS, PTSD, and more.
Jessica received her Master of Social Work from Capella University in 2023, and is pursuing licensure through the state of Minnesota as a Graduate Social Worker. She received her Bachelor of Sciences in Psychology from the University of Minnesota in 2018. Jessica enjoys working with individuals, families, adolescents, and children and has experience working with individuals and families struggling with anxiety disorders, depression, ADHD, Autism, FAS, PTSD, and more.
![Photo of Jill Gray, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/484de084-62a0-46df-a41e-ee02b93e752e/1/320x400.png)
She also treats patients with depression, anxiety, trauma issues and PTSD.
Jill Gray has a doctorate in psychology and has been a licensed psychologist for more than two decades. Originally from the Twin Cities, Jill attended Cornell College where she obtained her undergraduate degree, and she received her graduate degree from Argosy University in Eagan, Minnesota. “I enjoy helping people reclaim their lives from trauma and addiction; overcome depression or anxiety and increase their ability to feel peaceful with their lives. I work to help people get to a place in their lives where they feel they are capable of living the life they want to live and handling the stress of daily life effectively.”
She also treats patients with depression, anxiety, trauma issues and PTSD.
Jill Gray has a doctorate in psychology and has been a licensed psychologist for more than two decades. Originally from the Twin Cities, Jill attended Cornell College where she obtained her undergraduate degree, and she received her graduate degree from Argosy University in Eagan, Minnesota. “I enjoy helping people reclaim their lives from trauma and addiction; overcome depression or anxiety and increase their ability to feel peaceful with their lives. I work to help people get to a place in their lives where they feel they are capable of living the life they want to live and handling the stress of daily life effectively.”
![Photo of Dr. Brecke Counseling Group, DMFT, LPCC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b466f266-545b-497e-adba-4757ef8da036/3/320x400.jpeg)
We can treat Mood D/O, BPD, Cluster B personality, ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Sleep, Defiance, Perfectionism, Trauma, Life transition, Eating Disorders, OCD, Substance Abuse and Addiction.
Is this your first time looking for a counselor or maybe you can't find a good fit? We welcome you to check us out! Please visit our webpage for the best details about our clinic. www.breckecounseling.com. We are a small locally operated clinic and we only have fully licensed clinicians w/ yrs of experience and insight to help you reach your goals. For this reason alone, you will likely not have to therapy, 'shop'. Clients tell us all the time how thankful they are that they found us because we make them feel comfortable, but also do a good job of challenging them to meet their goals. We see clients with most mental health concerns.
We can treat Mood D/O, BPD, Cluster B personality, ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Sleep, Defiance, Perfectionism, Trauma, Life transition, Eating Disorders, OCD, Substance Abuse and Addiction.
Is this your first time looking for a counselor or maybe you can't find a good fit? We welcome you to check us out! Please visit our webpage for the best details about our clinic. www.breckecounseling.com. We are a small locally operated clinic and we only have fully licensed clinicians w/ yrs of experience and insight to help you reach your goals. For this reason alone, you will likely not have to therapy, 'shop'. Clients tell us all the time how thankful they are that they found us because we make them feel comfortable, but also do a good job of challenging them to meet their goals. We see clients with most mental health concerns.
![Photo of Donald Boyer, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/93aa18e6-5e06-450d-8c99-7316ab536ead/1/320x400.jpeg)
I specialize in working with individuals facing a wide range of mental health disorders, including trauma, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, OCD, personality disorders, PTSD, childhood disorders, severe and persistent mental illness (SPMI), poverty-related stress, LGBTQ+ issues, and life-altering events such as grief/loss. My experience also includes helping clients manage self-harm behaviors, suicidal thoughts, chronic stress, and low self-esteem. We will develop effective coping and adaptive skills to handle life's difficulties, resolve conflicts and heal from traumatic experiences, and overcome feelings of being stuck.
I specialize in working with individuals facing a wide range of mental health disorders, including trauma, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, OCD, personality disorders, PTSD, childhood disorders, severe and persistent mental illness (SPMI), poverty-related stress, LGBTQ+ issues, and life-altering events such as grief/loss. My experience also includes helping clients manage self-harm behaviors, suicidal thoughts, chronic stress, and low self-esteem. We will develop effective coping and adaptive skills to handle life's difficulties, resolve conflicts and heal from traumatic experiences, and overcome feelings of being stuck.
![Photo of Scharlemann Klapste, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3e689e2c-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Scharlemann Klapste
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Mendota Heights, MN 55120
Do you feel like it's hard to keep up? Our world is changing fast and dynamically. Does it feel hard to locate yourself in all of it? Do you feel like you ask yourself the same questions over and over: Is this the right relationship? Why does this always happen to me? Why am I anxious or feel depressed ? How am I going to handle this change? I can help you!
Do you feel like it's hard to keep up? Our world is changing fast and dynamically. Does it feel hard to locate yourself in all of it? Do you feel like you ask yourself the same questions over and over: Is this the right relationship? Why does this always happen to me? Why am I anxious or feel depressed ? How am I going to handle this change? I can help you!
![Photo of Megan Sigmon-Olsen, MSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c368ca2-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Megan Sigmon-Olsen
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
10 Endorsed
Mendota Heights, MN 55118
Some of the most common issues I see in therapy are: difficulty managing relationships, school performance decline, increased fighting with parents/siblings, chemical use, anxiety & depression.
I have the awesome privilege of getting to work with teens, families, adults and therapists all day long. I often meet teens who are uncomfortable with the idea of going to therapy. If your teen works with me, I will work closely with them to ensure that therapy with me isn't uncomfortable. I read teens well & will work hard to help your teen have a positive therapy experience. Teens are accepted in my practice for who they are in the world & they have told me that this acceptance is helpful to them during a time of intense growth & change.
Some of the most common issues I see in therapy are: difficulty managing relationships, school performance decline, increased fighting with parents/siblings, chemical use, anxiety & depression.
I have the awesome privilege of getting to work with teens, families, adults and therapists all day long. I often meet teens who are uncomfortable with the idea of going to therapy. If your teen works with me, I will work closely with them to ensure that therapy with me isn't uncomfortable. I read teens well & will work hard to help your teen have a positive therapy experience. Teens are accepted in my practice for who they are in the world & they have told me that this acceptance is helpful to them during a time of intense growth & change.
![Photo of Allen Burns, MA, LPCC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5ee0bffd-2ade-4f56-9075-f0d833eb9320/2/320x400.jpeg)
My specialty is working with people who have unresolved traumatic stress or losses; these may be complicated by depression and anxiety.
Are you feeling irritable, having difficulty sleeping or focusing, experiencing mood swings or angry outbursts? Are you avoiding people or places or activities out of fear? These kinds of problems affect relationships at home and at work, our friendships, and our love relationships. They keep us from living the kind of rewarding life we really want; they keep us from thriving. If you want to find your own path to your thriving life, I'm ready to help. I will bring my compassion, curiosity, courage, and patience. And I will encourage you to bring yours.
My specialty is working with people who have unresolved traumatic stress or losses; these may be complicated by depression and anxiety.
Are you feeling irritable, having difficulty sleeping or focusing, experiencing mood swings or angry outbursts? Are you avoiding people or places or activities out of fear? These kinds of problems affect relationships at home and at work, our friendships, and our love relationships. They keep us from living the kind of rewarding life we really want; they keep us from thriving. If you want to find your own path to your thriving life, I'm ready to help. I will bring my compassion, curiosity, courage, and patience. And I will encourage you to bring yours.
![Photo of Andrea Overall Rick, MSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f4363588-7129-4c0c-b0c2-519848683ea1/1/320x400.jpeg)
Andrea Overall Rick
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Mendota Heights, MN 55118
Waitlist for new clients
Therapy is a very personal process and it's important to find the right therapist to guide you in your journey. My clinical approach is to create an accepting and supportive space for people to build on their own strength, resiliency and enhance their ability to live healthy and happy lives. I enjoy working with adolescents, adults and families who are struggling with traumatic experiences, stress, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, and challenging family dynamics.
Therapy is a very personal process and it's important to find the right therapist to guide you in your journey. My clinical approach is to create an accepting and supportive space for people to build on their own strength, resiliency and enhance their ability to live healthy and happy lives. I enjoy working with adolescents, adults and families who are struggling with traumatic experiences, stress, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, and challenging family dynamics.
![Photo of Lorena Villaseñor, MA, LPCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/49f03098-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Lorena Villaseñor
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPCC
Verified Verified
Mendota Heights, MN 55120 (Online Only)
Helping you heal and reach your full potential is both a blessing and a privilege. Offering you a healing process filled with compassion, authenticity, warmth, and a non judgmental attitude is my priority. My offering: A healing process that helps you to discover and understand how unresolved painful experiences from the past keep impacting your present thoughts, needs, feelings and behaviors. Developing skills to become aware of these, will allow you to have a more loving relationship with ALL the parts of yourself. As a result, more meaningful relationships and deeper connections with others will follow.
Helping you heal and reach your full potential is both a blessing and a privilege. Offering you a healing process filled with compassion, authenticity, warmth, and a non judgmental attitude is my priority. My offering: A healing process that helps you to discover and understand how unresolved painful experiences from the past keep impacting your present thoughts, needs, feelings and behaviors. Developing skills to become aware of these, will allow you to have a more loving relationship with ALL the parts of yourself. As a result, more meaningful relationships and deeper connections with others will follow.
![Photo of Brigit Wingert, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b20994f3-f7e8-44b5-9f2c-3666ac9fcdd4/1/320x400.jpeg)
Brigit Wingert is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in Minnesota who has been practicing since 2018. She has a Master's of Social Work from University of Saint Thomas/Saint Catherine's University. Over the past decade, Brigit has completed internships working with kids developing emotional regulation and social skills in the Minneapolis public school system, ran court appointment anger management groups for adult males, and provided therapeutic support for children and families dealing with complex trauma and abuse.
Brigit Wingert is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in Minnesota who has been practicing since 2018. She has a Master's of Social Work from University of Saint Thomas/Saint Catherine's University. Over the past decade, Brigit has completed internships working with kids developing emotional regulation and social skills in the Minneapolis public school system, ran court appointment anger management groups for adult males, and provided therapeutic support for children and families dealing with complex trauma and abuse.
Steven Kaspari Baker
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Mendota Heights, MN 55118
Steven Kaspari Baker is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in Minnesota who has been practicing since 2018. He has a Master of Social Work from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from North Dakota State University. Steven is here to support you, working to broaden perspectives and highlight strengths as a means of making positive and lasting change. He uses a reflective, solution-focused lens in therapy to explore challenges and join you in working toward your goals.
Steven Kaspari Baker is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in Minnesota who has been practicing since 2018. He has a Master of Social Work from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from North Dakota State University. Steven is here to support you, working to broaden perspectives and highlight strengths as a means of making positive and lasting change. He uses a reflective, solution-focused lens in therapy to explore challenges and join you in working toward your goals.
![Photo of Eric J Christopher, MSMFT, CHT, CRT](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/98337c3b-238d-4dd4-88b7-f84c01b158b9/1/320x400.jpeg)
Spiritual Hypnotherapy is a results-oriented therapy that helps you to connect to your inner wisdom beyond the fears and limiting beliefs of your ego. Connecting to this transcendent part of you can help you safely, quickly and effectively uncover and release traumas, fears, anxieties, feelings of inadequacy, or any limiting emotion or belief that has become entrenched in your subconscious mind. Our suffering comes from a past which no longer exists except as trapped energy in your body and subconscious mind. Connecting to your higher consciousness beyond the ego can bring release, relief, clarity, insights and wisdom.
Spiritual Hypnotherapy is a results-oriented therapy that helps you to connect to your inner wisdom beyond the fears and limiting beliefs of your ego. Connecting to this transcendent part of you can help you safely, quickly and effectively uncover and release traumas, fears, anxieties, feelings of inadequacy, or any limiting emotion or belief that has become entrenched in your subconscious mind. Our suffering comes from a past which no longer exists except as trapped energy in your body and subconscious mind. Connecting to your higher consciousness beyond the ego can bring release, relief, clarity, insights and wisdom.
![Photo of Michael Grewatz, LGSW, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/563a4f72-0a35-4b34-8354-0e02832878a7/1/320x400.jpeg)
Michael Grewatz
Pre-Licensed Professional, LGSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Mendota Heights, MN 55120
My ideal client are those who are in need of a supportive ear to help them overcome structural and interpersonal barriers to fulfillment, success, and meaning in their lives. My values center around decolonization, anti-racism, and social justice. As a queer and non-binary person myself, I understand the need for validating, judgement-free, and shame-free spaces in which we can feel liberated to be our full authentic selves, an environment I strive to build in therapy. You are the expert in your life, so you get to decide what your goals will be and how you reach them, and I’m here to help guide you on your journey towards healing.
My ideal client are those who are in need of a supportive ear to help them overcome structural and interpersonal barriers to fulfillment, success, and meaning in their lives. My values center around decolonization, anti-racism, and social justice. As a queer and non-binary person myself, I understand the need for validating, judgement-free, and shame-free spaces in which we can feel liberated to be our full authentic selves, an environment I strive to build in therapy. You are the expert in your life, so you get to decide what your goals will be and how you reach them, and I’m here to help guide you on your journey towards healing.
![Photo of Ellie Family Services - Ellie Family Services, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2dbff398-0a02-4812-915b-d1688f21bea6/2/320x400.jpeg)
Ellie Family Services
Marriage & Family Therapist
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Mendota Heights, MN 55120
Ellie’s therapists goal is to help people have access to a coach, teacher, therapist, confidant, counselor, and most of all person to share anything from your daily blunders to deepest secrets! If it's happening in your life, we provide judgement free counseling to help handle it head on, as a team! There is a positive vibe, an intuitive conscious and we place a special focus on engaging the whole family. We like to have fun, share new skills for stress management, and solve problems, while making sure individuals and families feel supported and safe while making change!
Ellie’s therapists goal is to help people have access to a coach, teacher, therapist, confidant, counselor, and most of all person to share anything from your daily blunders to deepest secrets! If it's happening in your life, we provide judgement free counseling to help handle it head on, as a team! There is a positive vibe, an intuitive conscious and we place a special focus on engaging the whole family. We like to have fun, share new skills for stress management, and solve problems, while making sure individuals and families feel supported and safe while making change!
![Photo of Chrysa Reichel, MSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/277fcdf8-7e5f-4f8b-8814-654634d76d47/1/320x400.png)
Chrysa Reichel
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Mendota Heights, MN 55120
A little about me – With over eight years of experience in the social services field, I specialize in Adult Mental Health. My expertise includes working with individuals who have experienced trauma, have various mental health diagnoses, are in recovery from substance or alcohol use, and have developmental disabilities. I am deeply committed to the social services field and dedicated to improving the lives of others, always respecting their individual pace and unique needs..
A little about me – With over eight years of experience in the social services field, I specialize in Adult Mental Health. My expertise includes working with individuals who have experienced trauma, have various mental health diagnoses, are in recovery from substance or alcohol use, and have developmental disabilities. I am deeply committed to the social services field and dedicated to improving the lives of others, always respecting their individual pace and unique needs..
![Photo of Gary Paul Muchow - BHSI, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d09fd10-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
We are a behavioral health practice of prescribers, psychologists, marriage-family therapists, and clinical social workers committed to providing high quality and comprehensive care for adults, adolescents and children. Whether you arrange individual therapy, family therapy, couples therapy, medication consultation, or psychological testing, our fully licensed and credentialed clinicians can coordinate all of these services. For your convenience, we offer flexible appointment scheduling, including evening hours and telehealth appointments.
We are a behavioral health practice of prescribers, psychologists, marriage-family therapists, and clinical social workers committed to providing high quality and comprehensive care for adults, adolescents and children. Whether you arrange individual therapy, family therapy, couples therapy, medication consultation, or psychological testing, our fully licensed and credentialed clinicians can coordinate all of these services. For your convenience, we offer flexible appointment scheduling, including evening hours and telehealth appointments.
![Photo of Wendy Abbott, MSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f53945e-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Beginning counseling for the first time can be frightening. The journey to emotional health takes courage. Sometimes you don't realize your own strength until you come face to face with your greatest challenges. Owning our own story and loving ourselves through that process is one of the bravest things that you will ever do. Your courageous journey in counseling is a way to reach personal goals, reduce suffering, and get more joy out of life. We have an unlimited capacity to heal ourselves, despite the pain we've suffered.
Beginning counseling for the first time can be frightening. The journey to emotional health takes courage. Sometimes you don't realize your own strength until you come face to face with your greatest challenges. Owning our own story and loving ourselves through that process is one of the bravest things that you will ever do. Your courageous journey in counseling is a way to reach personal goals, reduce suffering, and get more joy out of life. We have an unlimited capacity to heal ourselves, despite the pain we've suffered.
See more therapy options for Mendota Heights
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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.