Depression Therapists in West Bank, Minneapolis, MN

Photo of Deb Goggins, MA, ATR, Pre-Licensed Professional
Deb Goggins
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, ATR
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
West Bank, Minneapolis, MN 55454  (Online Only)
Do you need help managing stress, anxiety, depression, relationships, toxic behavior, focus/cognitive function, emotions, goal setting, motivation, achievement, career, grief, trauma, self-identity, work-life balance, or finding calm and happiness? I provide encouragement and guidance toward joy and hope with a focus on mind, body, and spirit to achieve wellness. I collaborate with you, and help you focus on yourself, so you find solutions that work for you. You will learn how to enrich yourself with positivity and purpose, and learn how to empower yourself to live authentically in peace.
Do you need help managing stress, anxiety, depression, relationships, toxic behavior, focus/cognitive function, emotions, goal setting, motivation, achievement, career, grief, trauma, self-identity, work-life balance, or finding calm and happiness? I provide encouragement and guidance toward joy and hope with a focus on mind, body, and spirit to achieve wellness. I collaborate with you, and help you focus on yourself, so you find solutions that work for you. You will learn how to enrich yourself with positivity and purpose, and learn how to empower yourself to live authentically in peace.
(763) 292-3539 View (763) 292-3539
Photo of Moniek Garside, LCSW, MBA, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Moniek Garside
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MBA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
West Bank, Minneapolis, MN 55454  (Online Only)
Book with me now by clicking on my website. It can be difficult to navigate life's challenges. You don't have to do it alone. I am here to guide and support you along the way. My goal is to empower you to reach your full potential in all areas of your life. I incorporate wellness practices in my therapeutic approach. Every client is different, so your goals in therapy will be catered to fit your specific needs. Some of my specialties include depression, anxiety, and grief. I provide virtual therapy in Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Minnesota, South Carolina, and Vermont. Thank you for choosing me to be a part of your journey.
Book with me now by clicking on my website. It can be difficult to navigate life's challenges. You don't have to do it alone. I am here to guide and support you along the way. My goal is to empower you to reach your full potential in all areas of your life. I incorporate wellness practices in my therapeutic approach. Every client is different, so your goals in therapy will be catered to fit your specific needs. Some of my specialties include depression, anxiety, and grief. I provide virtual therapy in Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Minnesota, South Carolina, and Vermont. Thank you for choosing me to be a part of your journey.
(678) 506-2140 View (678) 506-2140
Photo of Lul Abdirahman Haji-Mohamed - Bridging The Gap Behavioral Health PLLC, LICSW, CCTP-II, CCATP, C-DBT, CIATC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Bridging The Gap Behavioral Health PLLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, CCTP-II, CCATP, C-DBT, CIATC
Verified Verified
West Bank, Minneapolis, MN 55454  (Online Only)
My area of expertise are: Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Trauma and abuse, Grief & Self esteem, Attachment Issue, interpersonal conflicts, Stress management, anxiety and depression.
My Name is Lul Haji-Mohamed. I have 13+ years of experience in the behavioral Health field. My philosophy is to meet people where they are at and work in partnership. I recognizes that an open and honest relationship between client and therapist can produce a positive effect in the therapeutic process and the level of acceptance demonstrated. I strives to reduce anxiety in order to increase engagement and connection, create a safe environment for discussion, and impart knowledge and facts about the various options and their implications. I enjoy to see people reach their full potential and thrive.
My area of expertise are: Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Trauma and abuse, Grief & Self esteem, Attachment Issue, interpersonal conflicts, Stress management, anxiety and depression.
My Name is Lul Haji-Mohamed. I have 13+ years of experience in the behavioral Health field. My philosophy is to meet people where they are at and work in partnership. I recognizes that an open and honest relationship between client and therapist can produce a positive effect in the therapeutic process and the level of acceptance demonstrated. I strives to reduce anxiety in order to increase engagement and connection, create a safe environment for discussion, and impart knowledge and facts about the various options and their implications. I enjoy to see people reach their full potential and thrive.
(612) 248-1852 View (612) 248-1852
Photo of Tracey Wilkins, MSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Tracey Wilkins
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
West Bank, Minneapolis, MN 55454
If you are unhappy, struggling with life's challenges, feel like you are not reaching your potential, have difficulty in managing relationships or feel like there is something seriously wrong, we can work together to figure out what's wrong and work on solutions. I have over 15 years of clinical experience. I have siginificant experience in treating mood disorders including Depression and Bipolar Disorder, anxiety disorders and eating disorders.
If you are unhappy, struggling with life's challenges, feel like you are not reaching your potential, have difficulty in managing relationships or feel like there is something seriously wrong, we can work together to figure out what's wrong and work on solutions. I have over 15 years of clinical experience. I have siginificant experience in treating mood disorders including Depression and Bipolar Disorder, anxiety disorders and eating disorders.
(651) 560-3831 View (651) 560-3831
Photo of Abby J. Schnedler, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Abby J. Schnedler
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
West Bank, Minneapolis, MN 55454  (Online Only)
My therapeutic interests are general but I am well versed in working with clients experiencing stress/overwhelm, depression, adoption issues, anxiety, challenging relationships, family of origin issues, boundary issues, and constraints stemming from institutional and systemic racism and discrimination.
Hello! Let’s talk about healing…what are we struggling with that is our responsibility to heal and what might we be carrying that was passed onto us? Giving yourself the grace and compassion to heal is one way to change the dynamics of our interactions with others as well as our relationship with ourselves. Holding space for people to explore the impact of mental health on their own life is the central focus of my work. I am a relational therapist and feel that it is most important to establish a sense of trust and empathy with clients in order for therapeutic growth to occur.
My therapeutic interests are general but I am well versed in working with clients experiencing stress/overwhelm, depression, adoption issues, anxiety, challenging relationships, family of origin issues, boundary issues, and constraints stemming from institutional and systemic racism and discrimination.
Hello! Let’s talk about healing…what are we struggling with that is our responsibility to heal and what might we be carrying that was passed onto us? Giving yourself the grace and compassion to heal is one way to change the dynamics of our interactions with others as well as our relationship with ourselves. Holding space for people to explore the impact of mental health on their own life is the central focus of my work. I am a relational therapist and feel that it is most important to establish a sense of trust and empathy with clients in order for therapeutic growth to occur.
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Photo of Chanel Flower, MSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Chanel Flower
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
West Bank, Minneapolis, MN 55454
Immediate availability for afternoons and evenings, both virtually and in-person!
Immediate availability for afternoons and evenings, both virtually and in-person!
(612) 425-1755 View (612) 425-1755
Photo of Nikhat Rafiq, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Nikhat Rafiq
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
West Bank, Minneapolis, MN 55454
Nikhat (knee-cot) has a super positive vibe about her. She’s one of those people that lifts people’s spirits simply by her being in their orbit. Honestly, she’s pretty dang awesome. Have you ever met someone who just radiates positivity? That’s Nikhat. She’s just one of those people that everyone likes. And, let us tell you why. First, she is very engaged with her clients, and what she puts her mind to. She’s not a therapist who will just sit there, nod her head, and say “uh-huh”. Instead, she get’s right into the thick of things with her clients.
Nikhat (knee-cot) has a super positive vibe about her. She’s one of those people that lifts people’s spirits simply by her being in their orbit. Honestly, she’s pretty dang awesome. Have you ever met someone who just radiates positivity? That’s Nikhat. She’s just one of those people that everyone likes. And, let us tell you why. First, she is very engaged with her clients, and what she puts her mind to. She’s not a therapist who will just sit there, nod her head, and say “uh-huh”. Instead, she get’s right into the thick of things with her clients.
(763) 342-5598 View (763) 342-5598
Photo of Eli Coleman, PhD, LP, Psychologist
Eli Coleman
Psychologist, PhD, LP
Verified Verified
West Bank, Minneapolis, MN 55454  (Online Only)
I am accepting new referrals using telehealth now. I am especially looking for patients who are concerned about compulsive sexual behavior. I really enjoy working with motivated clients who are seeking help to resolve problems in their life. Some things are simple but other things are quite complex. I enjoy working with both kinds of problems. It is very satisfying to watch a client learn, grow and change - and sometimes over years of time.
I am accepting new referrals using telehealth now. I am especially looking for patients who are concerned about compulsive sexual behavior. I really enjoy working with motivated clients who are seeking help to resolve problems in their life. Some things are simple but other things are quite complex. I enjoy working with both kinds of problems. It is very satisfying to watch a client learn, grow and change - and sometimes over years of time.
(612) 482-1464 View (612) 482-1464
Photo of Noah C. Venables, PhD, LP, Psychologist
Noah C. Venables
Psychologist, PhD, LP
Verified Verified
West Bank, Minneapolis, MN 55454
I am a clinical psychologist and proprietor of Minnesota Psychological Services, LLC. I consider myself a generalist clinician, meaning I can assess and treat most psychological and mental health concerns. I have extensive training and experience working with individuals in various stages of substance use recovery: individual therapy as a primary means to address problematic substance use and/or developing new strategies for coping with strong emotions and other behavioral concerns without substance use. I offer a genuine dual-diagnosis approach that most addiction treatments do not provide.
I am a clinical psychologist and proprietor of Minnesota Psychological Services, LLC. I consider myself a generalist clinician, meaning I can assess and treat most psychological and mental health concerns. I have extensive training and experience working with individuals in various stages of substance use recovery: individual therapy as a primary means to address problematic substance use and/or developing new strategies for coping with strong emotions and other behavioral concerns without substance use. I offer a genuine dual-diagnosis approach that most addiction treatments do not provide.
(763) 703-1731 View (763) 703-1731
Photo of Gabe Gebremicael - Sunrise Recovery Services, LLC, MSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Sunrise Recovery Services, LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
West Bank, Minneapolis, MN 55454
Not accepting new clients
I specialize in working with clients (children & adults) experiencing acute stress, situational or chronic depression, anxiety, adjustment concerns.
Welcome! I'm here to support my clients cope with difficult emotions such as anger, worry, and hopelessness. Often, these challenges greatly impact us, our relationships, as well as other critical aspects of life. I support my clients in this journey and walk alongside them as they discover their strengths and persevere, whether it is overcoming anxiety or healing from lived trauma. My approach is cognitive behavioral, with an emphasis on using compassion, strengths, and behavioral activation in order to help individuals recover, grow, and develop new ways of adapting to life’s many challenges.
I specialize in working with clients (children & adults) experiencing acute stress, situational or chronic depression, anxiety, adjustment concerns.
Welcome! I'm here to support my clients cope with difficult emotions such as anger, worry, and hopelessness. Often, these challenges greatly impact us, our relationships, as well as other critical aspects of life. I support my clients in this journey and walk alongside them as they discover their strengths and persevere, whether it is overcoming anxiety or healing from lived trauma. My approach is cognitive behavioral, with an emphasis on using compassion, strengths, and behavioral activation in order to help individuals recover, grow, and develop new ways of adapting to life’s many challenges.
(612) 230-8358 View (612) 230-8358

Online Therapists

Photo of Margaret Peltier, MA, LPCC, Counselor
Margaret Peltier
Counselor, MA, LPCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Minneapolis, MN 55414
Specialties: Anxiety, OCD, depression, trauma, ASD.
As an anxiety and OCD specialist, I primarily utilize CBT, DBT, ACT, and ERP (exposure) therapies to help you better manage your symptoms. I have extensive experience treating social anxiety, health anxiety, generalized anxiety, phobias, and every subtype of OCD. Depression, trauma, and other co-occurring disorders often exist alongside anxiety or OCD, and can be treated simultaneously. As an ASD specialist, I am also familiar with treatment modifications that could help neurodivergent clients approach their symptoms and manage them more effectively.
Specialties: Anxiety, OCD, depression, trauma, ASD.
As an anxiety and OCD specialist, I primarily utilize CBT, DBT, ACT, and ERP (exposure) therapies to help you better manage your symptoms. I have extensive experience treating social anxiety, health anxiety, generalized anxiety, phobias, and every subtype of OCD. Depression, trauma, and other co-occurring disorders often exist alongside anxiety or OCD, and can be treated simultaneously. As an ASD specialist, I am also familiar with treatment modifications that could help neurodivergent clients approach their symptoms and manage them more effectively.
(651) 362-1653 View (651) 362-1653
Photo of Elizabeth Volkman, MA, LPCC, LADC, Counselor
Elizabeth Volkman
Counselor, MA, LPCC, LADC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Minneapolis, MN 55406
I am experienced in working with individuals who are coping with depression, anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Psychotic Disorders, trauma, and substance use concerns.
I believe that understanding, accepting, and committing to our values is an integral part of recovery and creating a meaningful life. I aim to provide tools and support that allow individuals to resolve their past and thrive in the present. My professional experience and training is focused on providing advocacy and guidance for adults seeking management and relief from PTSD, substance use concerns, mood and anxiety disorders, and personality disorders.
I am experienced in working with individuals who are coping with depression, anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Psychotic Disorders, trauma, and substance use concerns.
I believe that understanding, accepting, and committing to our values is an integral part of recovery and creating a meaningful life. I aim to provide tools and support that allow individuals to resolve their past and thrive in the present. My professional experience and training is focused on providing advocacy and guidance for adults seeking management and relief from PTSD, substance use concerns, mood and anxiety disorders, and personality disorders.
(612) 441-2828 View (612) 441-2828
Photo of Libby Dunnigan, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Libby Dunnigan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Minneapolis, MN 55403
My primary areas of expertise include: anxiety, depression, ADHD, emotional regulation, parent coaching, life transitions, and stress management.
We all have unique experiences that shape our perspectives. I believe that through self-awareness and vulnerability, we can all grow to become more resilient and confident individuals. As a licensed clinical therapist, I will guide you through the therapeutic process and empower you with the skills to feel more in control in your life. I’ll help you build a toolbox of coping strategies to find what works best for you. I have a client-centered, collaborative style that draws techniques from a variety of therapy modalities including (but not limited to): CBT, Psychodynamic, DBT, Solution-focused, Strength-based, and Play Therapy.
My primary areas of expertise include: anxiety, depression, ADHD, emotional regulation, parent coaching, life transitions, and stress management.
We all have unique experiences that shape our perspectives. I believe that through self-awareness and vulnerability, we can all grow to become more resilient and confident individuals. As a licensed clinical therapist, I will guide you through the therapeutic process and empower you with the skills to feel more in control in your life. I’ll help you build a toolbox of coping strategies to find what works best for you. I have a client-centered, collaborative style that draws techniques from a variety of therapy modalities including (but not limited to): CBT, Psychodynamic, DBT, Solution-focused, Strength-based, and Play Therapy.
(720) 782-2241 View (720) 782-2241
Photo of Sarah Huffstetler, LSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Sarah Huffstetler
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Minneapolis, MN 55406  (Online Only)
Building skills to manage symptoms of anxiety and depression through CBT and DBT while working on external stress allows clients to build self confidence at the same time.
I'm Sarah, an LCSW who has been practicing in the mental health field for over 6 years. Many of my clients find themselves struggling to balance all of life's responsibilities like work, kids, finances, relationships and school. This often creates anxiety, depression, and sense of overwhelm, and often feeling stuck, not knowing what next step to take. They want to organize their thoughts and sense of overwhelm, find ways to manage anxiety and depression, and learn new strategies to allow them to participate productively in all their roles.
Building skills to manage symptoms of anxiety and depression through CBT and DBT while working on external stress allows clients to build self confidence at the same time.
I'm Sarah, an LCSW who has been practicing in the mental health field for over 6 years. Many of my clients find themselves struggling to balance all of life's responsibilities like work, kids, finances, relationships and school. This often creates anxiety, depression, and sense of overwhelm, and often feeling stuck, not knowing what next step to take. They want to organize their thoughts and sense of overwhelm, find ways to manage anxiety and depression, and learn new strategies to allow them to participate productively in all their roles.
(440) 664-3713 View (440) 664-3713
Photo of Jon Lewis, PhD, LP, ABPP, CGP, Psychologist
Jon Lewis
Psychologist, PhD, LP, ABPP, CGP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Minneapolis, MN 55409
I am a board-certified psychologist (ABPP) specializing in relational trauma, depression, anxiety, attachment issues, relationship problems, and people who have toxic shame and a vicious inner critic.
Chances are you’ve come to this website because something in life isn’t going well or you're in emotional pain. Maybe you feel sad, depressed, isolated, overwhelmed, misunderstood, unimportant, or are just feeling stuck in life. Maybe you’re struggling with toxic shame and guilt. Maybe you’ve got a history of relational trauma that you just can’t shake. You’ve come to the right place. I specialize in helping people not feel so overwhelmed by their feelings, improve their relationships with others, and feel less shame and guilt in life. After working with me, you’ll have a healthier relationship with both yourself and others.
I am a board-certified psychologist (ABPP) specializing in relational trauma, depression, anxiety, attachment issues, relationship problems, and people who have toxic shame and a vicious inner critic.
Chances are you’ve come to this website because something in life isn’t going well or you're in emotional pain. Maybe you feel sad, depressed, isolated, overwhelmed, misunderstood, unimportant, or are just feeling stuck in life. Maybe you’re struggling with toxic shame and guilt. Maybe you’ve got a history of relational trauma that you just can’t shake. You’ve come to the right place. I specialize in helping people not feel so overwhelmed by their feelings, improve their relationships with others, and feel less shame and guilt in life. After working with me, you’ll have a healthier relationship with both yourself and others.
(952) 592-2852 View (952) 592-2852
Photo of Beth A Lenz, MA, LPCC, Counselor
Beth A Lenz
Counselor, MA, LPCC
Verified Verified
Minneapolis, MN 55408  (Online Only)
Sometimes life’s challenges can feel overwhelming, making it seem as if we have little control over the path our lives are taking. Trauma, depression, anxiety, grief, low self-esteem, and other life challenges can make ordinary life difficult to navigate. I provide a supportive, non-judgmental environment that allows my clients to gain mastery over their situation rather than allowing their circumstances to run their lives. My therapeutic approach is culturally sensitive, collaborative, unique to each client, and focuses on client strengths.
Sometimes life’s challenges can feel overwhelming, making it seem as if we have little control over the path our lives are taking. Trauma, depression, anxiety, grief, low self-esteem, and other life challenges can make ordinary life difficult to navigate. I provide a supportive, non-judgmental environment that allows my clients to gain mastery over their situation rather than allowing their circumstances to run their lives. My therapeutic approach is culturally sensitive, collaborative, unique to each client, and focuses on client strengths.
(612) 416-1664 View (612) 416-1664
Photo of Robert L Reis II, PhD, LP, Psychologist
Robert L Reis II
Psychologist, PhD, LP
Verified Verified
Minneapolis, MN 55402
Waitlist for new clients
I can help you deal with your pain, celebrate your joys, and manage the day to day. I believe that we are partners in the counseling process, and together we can figure out what works best for you. Some special interest areas include working with life transitions and adjustment, exploring values and identity, working with depression and anxiety, working with individuals that identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender, and working with men. Please contact me to discuss how I can help you meet your goals.
I can help you deal with your pain, celebrate your joys, and manage the day to day. I believe that we are partners in the counseling process, and together we can figure out what works best for you. Some special interest areas include working with life transitions and adjustment, exploring values and identity, working with depression and anxiety, working with individuals that identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender, and working with men. Please contact me to discuss how I can help you meet your goals.
(612) 255-6618 View (612) 255-6618
Photo of Rachel Mira Hoff, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Rachel Mira Hoff
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Minneapolis, MN 55408  (Online Only)
I also work with depression, anxiety, parent needs and life transitions.
I am a visually impaired Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I am trained and certified in Early Childhood Mental Health and Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral therapy. I believe that we are all created for relationships and the current world we live in fosters isolation and individuality. I seek to provide children, families, and adults effective mental health care that teaches them how to heal and recreate healthy relationships.
I also work with depression, anxiety, parent needs and life transitions.
I am a visually impaired Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I am trained and certified in Early Childhood Mental Health and Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral therapy. I believe that we are all created for relationships and the current world we live in fosters isolation and individuality. I seek to provide children, families, and adults effective mental health care that teaches them how to heal and recreate healthy relationships.
(612) 888-8683 View (612) 888-8683
Photo of Larry Suess, MA, LP, Psychologist
Larry Suess
Psychologist, MA, LP
Verified Verified
Minneapolis, MN 55408
You can grow through crisis and challenge! As a psychologist and family therapist I am interested in the family dynamics that have contributed to the issues my clients are facing. I'm especially interested in couples' issues because it's such a challenge to live with someone who inevitably brings up your issues. I'm a seasoned therapist, originally trained as a music therapist, who works with a wide range of issues from personal coaching to parenting, from depression/anxiety to spiritual growth. My view is that every crisis and difficult issue is an opportunity for personal growth.
You can grow through crisis and challenge! As a psychologist and family therapist I am interested in the family dynamics that have contributed to the issues my clients are facing. I'm especially interested in couples' issues because it's such a challenge to live with someone who inevitably brings up your issues. I'm a seasoned therapist, originally trained as a music therapist, who works with a wide range of issues from personal coaching to parenting, from depression/anxiety to spiritual growth. My view is that every crisis and difficult issue is an opportunity for personal growth.
(612) 293-7041 View (612) 293-7041
Photo of Julia Jergensen Edelman, LMFT, LADC, Marriage & Family Therapist
Julia Jergensen Edelman
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LADC
Verified Verified
Minneapolis, MN 55408
I specialize in life transitions, anxiety, communication skills, co-occurring disorders, depression, resilience, grief and loss, mindfulness, and communication.
We’ve all struggled at times, in ways both big and small. If you are interested in changing your relationship with yourself and others, I can help. People come to me to better their communication skills, unlearn patters that negatively impact their significant relationships (including with self), and make room for joy and meaning. Some clients come looking for tools to manage anxiety; others seek tips and insight for navigating through grief and loss; still others wish to improve their intimacy and communication with their partners. I work with individuals, couples, and families on a wide range of life's experiences.
I specialize in life transitions, anxiety, communication skills, co-occurring disorders, depression, resilience, grief and loss, mindfulness, and communication.
We’ve all struggled at times, in ways both big and small. If you are interested in changing your relationship with yourself and others, I can help. People come to me to better their communication skills, unlearn patters that negatively impact their significant relationships (including with self), and make room for joy and meaning. Some clients come looking for tools to manage anxiety; others seek tips and insight for navigating through grief and loss; still others wish to improve their intimacy and communication with their partners. I work with individuals, couples, and families on a wide range of life's experiences.
(763) 347-2326 View (763) 347-2326
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.