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Online Therapists

Photo of Christina Gwenn Copeland, MS, LPCC
Christina Gwenn Copeland
MS, LPCC
Verified Verified
Minneapolis, MN 55449
Areas; ADHD, Adoption, ASD, DD, Foster Care, Blended/Divorced Families and Attachment concerns, Aging and Lifespan issues, LGBTQ, Anxiety, Depression, Schizophrenia, Mood and Personality Disorders, Intellectual, Emotional and Physical Disabilities, Couples, Family and Relationship dynamics and Communication issues, Abuse, Trauma and Anger Management.
Christina enjoys working with individuals, couples and families helping support them in making changes they want to make. She has her B.A. in Sociology and Diversity Studies from SCSU and her M.S. in MHC from Walden University. She is an LPCC, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in the State of MN. Christina has worked 10 years in clinical counseling. She has 24 additional years working with children, and families with services that are person-centered, strength-based and therapeutic. She has worked in foster and long-term residential based programs, as well as crisis, substance abuse treatment, vocational and education areas.
Areas; ADHD, Adoption, ASD, DD, Foster Care, Blended/Divorced Families and Attachment concerns, Aging and Lifespan issues, LGBTQ, Anxiety, Depression, Schizophrenia, Mood and Personality Disorders, Intellectual, Emotional and Physical Disabilities, Couples, Family and Relationship dynamics and Communication issues, Abuse, Trauma and Anger Management.
Christina enjoys working with individuals, couples and families helping support them in making changes they want to make. She has her B.A. in Sociology and Diversity Studies from SCSU and her M.S. in MHC from Walden University. She is an LPCC, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in the State of MN. Christina has worked 10 years in clinical counseling. She has 24 additional years working with children, and families with services that are person-centered, strength-based and therapeutic. She has worked in foster and long-term residential based programs, as well as crisis, substance abuse treatment, vocational and education areas.
(636) 266-2065 View (636) 266-2065
Photo of Madison Tweed, MA, LPCC, LADC
Madison Tweed
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MA, LPCC, LADC
Verified Verified
Edina, MN 55435
I have interest in working with a variety of concerns such as anxiety, depression, trauma and challenging life transitions (i.
I have a few immediate openings for clients. My goal as a therapist is to create a safe and warm environment where clients are free to explore their thoughts and emotions. I believe in fostering a therapeutic relationship that is welcoming and nonjudgmental. My hope is to help individuals feel understood and empowered as they heal. I enjoy working collaboratively with my clients to help them find deeper understanding of themselves.
I have interest in working with a variety of concerns such as anxiety, depression, trauma and challenging life transitions (i.
I have a few immediate openings for clients. My goal as a therapist is to create a safe and warm environment where clients are free to explore their thoughts and emotions. I believe in fostering a therapeutic relationship that is welcoming and nonjudgmental. My hope is to help individuals feel understood and empowered as they heal. I enjoy working collaboratively with my clients to help them find deeper understanding of themselves.
(651) 403-6511 View (651) 403-6511
Photo of Dan Schmoyer, MEd, MA, LSC, LPCC, Counselor
Dan Schmoyer
Counselor, MEd, MA, LSC, LPCC
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Saint Michael, MN 55376
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.
(763) 280-7963 View (763) 280-7963
Photo of Kara E Aguilar, MA, LPCC, Counselor
Kara E Aguilar
Counselor, MA, LPCC
Verified Verified
Fridley, MN 55432  (Online Only)
Pain and hurt seem to find each of us, myself included. I am passionate about helping people find healing, which is what has led me to specialize in trauma, grief and loss. This covers a very broad range of topics, such as sexual abuse, death of a loved one, divorce, healing from break-up, and much more. Whether you struggle with depression, anxiety, or just a broken heart, I would love to help you move forward toward finding joy in your life again.
Pain and hurt seem to find each of us, myself included. I am passionate about helping people find healing, which is what has led me to specialize in trauma, grief and loss. This covers a very broad range of topics, such as sexual abuse, death of a loved one, divorce, healing from break-up, and much more. Whether you struggle with depression, anxiety, or just a broken heart, I would love to help you move forward toward finding joy in your life again.
(651) 213-9066 View (651) 213-9066
Photo of Cheryl Kack - Stepping Stones Counseling LLC, MSW, LICSW, LADC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Stepping Stones Counseling LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW, LADC
Verified Verified
Shakopee, MN 55379
It is important to find the right therapist that you can trust. Congratulations for getting to this point in your life in seeking out the services to assist you in making a positive transition. My name is Cheryl and I am a LICSW and a LADC. Sometimes life hands you difficulties that can be overwhelming. These situations end up causing you to experience anxiety, depression, anger, confusion, fear or frustration. I believe that successful therapy stems from a positive therapeutic relationship. My process stimulates communication in a respectful, supportive and productive manner.
It is important to find the right therapist that you can trust. Congratulations for getting to this point in your life in seeking out the services to assist you in making a positive transition. My name is Cheryl and I am a LICSW and a LADC. Sometimes life hands you difficulties that can be overwhelming. These situations end up causing you to experience anxiety, depression, anger, confusion, fear or frustration. I believe that successful therapy stems from a positive therapeutic relationship. My process stimulates communication in a respectful, supportive and productive manner.
(507) 298-2125 View (507) 298-2125
Photo of Laurie A Grengs, MA, LP, LICSW, Psychologist
Laurie A Grengs
Psychologist, MA, LP, LICSW
Verified Verified
Coon Rapids, MN 55433
You, the client, are the priority of my psychology practice. I work as a Licensed Psychologist and a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker. What your goals and vision are for your life personally and professionally is the focus of your psychotherapy and/or marriage therapy. I will provide a therapeutic environment based on positive regard for you and assist and assess what your wants and needs are psychologically. I am willing, committed, and trained as your psychologist/coach to help empower you in your life choices. I specialize in Couples Counseling, Marriage Therapy, Trauma Therapy, Depression Therapy, and Life Coaching.
You, the client, are the priority of my psychology practice. I work as a Licensed Psychologist and a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker. What your goals and vision are for your life personally and professionally is the focus of your psychotherapy and/or marriage therapy. I will provide a therapeutic environment based on positive regard for you and assist and assess what your wants and needs are psychologically. I am willing, committed, and trained as your psychologist/coach to help empower you in your life choices. I specialize in Couples Counseling, Marriage Therapy, Trauma Therapy, Depression Therapy, and Life Coaching.
(763) 250-5380 View (763) 250-5380
Photo of Leslie Russell-Martin - True Balance Counseling, MS, LMFT, PhD, LP, RPT-S, Psychologist
True Balance Counseling
Psychologist, MS, LMFT, PhD, LP, RPT-S
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Cold Spring, MN 56320
Anxiety? Depression? Just sick and tired of being sick and tired? We get it. Life can be a pain in the .....well.... a pain. Sometimes we just have to let it all out. Our team of experienced therapists get it. Trauma? YEP! ADHD? YEP! Military and public service? YEP! Let us help. We can offer you an alternative, non- doctory, take of your shoes and be comfy, place to let it all start to heal. We work with children, adults, couples, and families. Let us help you, help yourself.
Anxiety? Depression? Just sick and tired of being sick and tired? We get it. Life can be a pain in the .....well.... a pain. Sometimes we just have to let it all out. Our team of experienced therapists get it. Trauma? YEP! ADHD? YEP! Military and public service? YEP! Let us help. We can offer you an alternative, non- doctory, take of your shoes and be comfy, place to let it all start to heal. We work with children, adults, couples, and families. Let us help you, help yourself.
(320) 632-5524 View (320) 632-5524
Photo of Cindy M Wiltgen, LICSW, LADC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Cindy M Wiltgen
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LADC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Saint Louis Park, MN 55416
My special interests include eating disorders, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, trauma, and addictions.
I believe in using a client centered approach and working collaboratively with my clients in reaching their goals for change. I became a therapist to help people in some way, whether to offer support through the process of improving mental health, addressing relationship difficulties, or adjusting to challenging life changes.
My special interests include eating disorders, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, trauma, and addictions.
I believe in using a client centered approach and working collaboratively with my clients in reaching their goals for change. I became a therapist to help people in some way, whether to offer support through the process of improving mental health, addressing relationship difficulties, or adjusting to challenging life changes.
(952) 234-3612 View (952) 234-3612
Photo of Adam Palowski - Canvas Health, Oakdale, LPCC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Canvas Health, Oakdale
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LPCC
Verified Verified
Oakdale, MN 55128
All are welcome at Canvas Health! Our compassionate clinicians help children, adolescents, adults, and families who struggle with mental illness and substance use disorders through exceptional clinical care. We work with clients from every walk of life who are struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, addiction, substance use disorders, panic attacks, mood disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder, schizophrenia, and more. We specialize in complex issues that can be addressed through our more than 35 programs.
All are welcome at Canvas Health! Our compassionate clinicians help children, adolescents, adults, and families who struggle with mental illness and substance use disorders through exceptional clinical care. We work with clients from every walk of life who are struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, addiction, substance use disorders, panic attacks, mood disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder, schizophrenia, and more. We specialize in complex issues that can be addressed through our more than 35 programs.
(651) 433-6187 View (651) 433-6187
Photo of Becca Kwon, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Becca Kwon
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Minneapolis, MN 55455
Waitlist for new clients
Specifically, Becca has worked with individuals suffering with Anxiety, Depression, disordered eating, Bipolar I, Bipolar II, PTSD, agoraphobia, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, OCD, substance abuse, and others.
Becca meets every client where they are and believes in going at the pace of her client's needs. She believes that building a relationship is what allows a therapeutic relationship to flourish and be successful. She believes the client is the expert of their own life, and progress can only be made when the client is ready. By offering a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, she feels everyone can be successful and make positive changes in their lives with the proper support, and to increase their quality of life.
Specifically, Becca has worked with individuals suffering with Anxiety, Depression, disordered eating, Bipolar I, Bipolar II, PTSD, agoraphobia, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, OCD, substance abuse, and others.
Becca meets every client where they are and believes in going at the pace of her client's needs. She believes that building a relationship is what allows a therapeutic relationship to flourish and be successful. She believes the client is the expert of their own life, and progress can only be made when the client is ready. By offering a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, she feels everyone can be successful and make positive changes in their lives with the proper support, and to increase their quality of life.
(406) 540-0291 View (406) 540-0291
Photo of Ellie Biglow Anderson, LMFT, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist
Ellie Biglow Anderson
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
Minneapolis, MN 55406
In addition, I have experience assisting individuals in working through grief and loss, general life transitions, anxiety and depression.
I believe strongly in the power of human resilience and believe our relationships are a key factor in this. As a marriage and family therapist, I enjoy working with adults, couples and families. I have experience working in a treatment setting for chemical dependency and complex trauma, where I gained experience in using somatic approaches such as Brainspotting and inner child work to help individuals overcome childhood wounds to be more present and functional in their current lives and relationships. I am also an AAMFT approved supervisor and with current openings for individual, dyad or group supervision.
In addition, I have experience assisting individuals in working through grief and loss, general life transitions, anxiety and depression.
I believe strongly in the power of human resilience and believe our relationships are a key factor in this. As a marriage and family therapist, I enjoy working with adults, couples and families. I have experience working in a treatment setting for chemical dependency and complex trauma, where I gained experience in using somatic approaches such as Brainspotting and inner child work to help individuals overcome childhood wounds to be more present and functional in their current lives and relationships. I am also an AAMFT approved supervisor and with current openings for individual, dyad or group supervision.
(844) 292-0103 View (844) 292-0103
Photo of Natalie A Larson, MA, LPCC, Counselor
Natalie A Larson
Counselor, MA, LPCC
Verified Verified
Blaine, MN 55449
My professional experiences have taught me that my passion is working with children and families. I have a wealth of knowledge in infant and child mental health. Also, I work with children who have trauma histories and the families that care for them. I have experience assisting with adoption issues, family work, anxiety, depression, PTSD, coping with life change, and child and adolescent mental health issues. Working collaboratively with parents is also an essential part of my therapy practice.
My professional experiences have taught me that my passion is working with children and families. I have a wealth of knowledge in infant and child mental health. Also, I work with children who have trauma histories and the families that care for them. I have experience assisting with adoption issues, family work, anxiety, depression, PTSD, coping with life change, and child and adolescent mental health issues. Working collaboratively with parents is also an essential part of my therapy practice.
(763) 600-8273 View (763) 600-8273
Photo of Doug Petrie, MA, LPCC, Counselor
Doug Petrie
Counselor, MA, LPCC
Verified Verified
Rochester, MN 55902
Doug has many years of professional therapy experience working with children and adults. His specialities include: trauma, child abuse, depression, anxiety, ADHD, autism, adoption, sexual identity, and life transitions. Clients appreciate his calm, reassuring and engaging presence and knowledgeable, empowering and creative approaches for understanding and overcoming these serious problems. Your values, ideas and preferences are fully respected and help create truly meaningful results. Doug has a Master's degree in Counseling Psychology from St. Thomas University, a Certified Narrative Therapist, and Registered Play Therapist.
Doug has many years of professional therapy experience working with children and adults. His specialities include: trauma, child abuse, depression, anxiety, ADHD, autism, adoption, sexual identity, and life transitions. Clients appreciate his calm, reassuring and engaging presence and knowledgeable, empowering and creative approaches for understanding and overcoming these serious problems. Your values, ideas and preferences are fully respected and help create truly meaningful results. Doug has a Master's degree in Counseling Psychology from St. Thomas University, a Certified Narrative Therapist, and Registered Play Therapist.
(612) 712-5959 View (612) 712-5959
Photo of Julie De Wilde, MA, LPCC, Counselor
Julie De Wilde
Counselor, MA, LPCC
Verified Verified
Minnetonka, MN 55305  (Online Only)
Do you find yourself discouraged with the demands of life or with not finding healthy relationships? Do you feel alone with the circumstances in your life? I specialize in working with depression, anxiety, chronic health, chronic pain, grief, abuse, trauma, autism, ADHD, mental illness, marriage issues, and parenting.
Do you find yourself discouraged with the demands of life or with not finding healthy relationships? Do you feel alone with the circumstances in your life? I specialize in working with depression, anxiety, chronic health, chronic pain, grief, abuse, trauma, autism, ADHD, mental illness, marriage issues, and parenting.
(651) 439-2059 x1 View (651) 439-2059 x1
Photo of Jacqueline Bluem - Positive Psychology Consultants - Jacqueline Bluem, MA, LPCC, LMHC, LADC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Positive Psychology Consultants - Jacqueline Bluem
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPCC, LMHC, LADC
Verified Verified
Bloomington, MN 55425  (Online Only)
Depression, anxiety, substance abuse and mental health disorders, fertility assisted treatment, support and infertility concerns, pregnancy and perinatal mood and anxiety disorder (PMAD), pain management, severe and persistent mental illness, multicultural counseling, stress management, career counseling, Rule 25 Assessments and Comprehensive Assessments.
Jackie is passionate about helping others succeed in improving their mental health and chemical health symptoms so they can live an optimal healthy life. She utilizes Positive Psychology concepts and Motivational Interviewing which are both a form of strength-based approaches. Motivational Interviewing has been defined as “a collaborative, person-centered form of guiding to elicit and strengthen motivation to change”. Jackie also uses an informed Cognitive Behavioral Therapy approach, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
Depression, anxiety, substance abuse and mental health disorders, fertility assisted treatment, support and infertility concerns, pregnancy and perinatal mood and anxiety disorder (PMAD), pain management, severe and persistent mental illness, multicultural counseling, stress management, career counseling, Rule 25 Assessments and Comprehensive Assessments.
Jackie is passionate about helping others succeed in improving their mental health and chemical health symptoms so they can live an optimal healthy life. She utilizes Positive Psychology concepts and Motivational Interviewing which are both a form of strength-based approaches. Motivational Interviewing has been defined as “a collaborative, person-centered form of guiding to elicit and strengthen motivation to change”. Jackie also uses an informed Cognitive Behavioral Therapy approach, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
(651) 383-1978 View (651) 383-1978
Photo of David R Bradshaw - Healing Connections Therapy Center, MSEd, LP, Psychologist
Healing Connections Therapy Center
Psychologist, MSEd, LP
Not Verified Not Verified
Burnsville, MN 55306
Our specialties include personality disorders, DBT (dialectical behavior therapy), trauma informed therapy, marriage and family therapy, addictions, depression, anxiety, adolescents, EMDR, PTSD, grief/loss, and life transitions.
We are a multi-disciplinary team offering medication management, individual therapy, couples and family counseling, and group therapy to provide you with comprehensive care for treatment of many mental health issues. Our groups and individual therapy have proven to change destructive behaviors, improve ability to manage mood, and enhance stress management skills. Our goal is to be of support by helping individuals develop and strengthen skills that promote well-being and success in daily living. We look forward to working with you.
Our specialties include personality disorders, DBT (dialectical behavior therapy), trauma informed therapy, marriage and family therapy, addictions, depression, anxiety, adolescents, EMDR, PTSD, grief/loss, and life transitions.
We are a multi-disciplinary team offering medication management, individual therapy, couples and family counseling, and group therapy to provide you with comprehensive care for treatment of many mental health issues. Our groups and individual therapy have proven to change destructive behaviors, improve ability to manage mood, and enhance stress management skills. Our goal is to be of support by helping individuals develop and strengthen skills that promote well-being and success in daily living. We look forward to working with you.
(952) 479-5976 View (952) 479-5976
Photo of Noah J Simcox, MSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Noah J Simcox
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Saint Louis Park, MN 55416
It is important to feel seen and cared about in therapy; as we learn to take in this care, great healing can take place. When you are struggling with difficult life issues, it can be difficult to go it alone. I am here to provide support as you move through it. I work with individuals and couples in areas including depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, life transitions and stress management. As someone who has personally engaged in mindfulness practices such as meditation, qigong and yoga for 20+ years, I bring a strong presence and compassion to my work with clients.
It is important to feel seen and cared about in therapy; as we learn to take in this care, great healing can take place. When you are struggling with difficult life issues, it can be difficult to go it alone. I am here to provide support as you move through it. I work with individuals and couples in areas including depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, life transitions and stress management. As someone who has personally engaged in mindfulness practices such as meditation, qigong and yoga for 20+ years, I bring a strong presence and compassion to my work with clients.
(651) 505-4008 View (651) 505-4008
Photo of Balfour Laura - Balfour Therapy, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Balfour Therapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Minneapolis, MN 55410
Hi! I’m an inter-section theorist. I’m a mixed race person. I come from a social justice lens and work from a diversity, race, cultural and also non-binary foundation. I work with all ages, individuals, families and couples. I treat anxiety & depression, behavior/defiance issues, offer parenting support, holistic health, nutrition planning, eating disorders, chemical dependency, intelligence/gifted/sensitivity issues, and personality disorders. I have experience in attachment/adoption and autism in women. I have an efficient, compassionate approach and sense of humor. I’m passionate and interested in your story.
Hi! I’m an inter-section theorist. I’m a mixed race person. I come from a social justice lens and work from a diversity, race, cultural and also non-binary foundation. I work with all ages, individuals, families and couples. I treat anxiety & depression, behavior/defiance issues, offer parenting support, holistic health, nutrition planning, eating disorders, chemical dependency, intelligence/gifted/sensitivity issues, and personality disorders. I have experience in attachment/adoption and autism in women. I have an efficient, compassionate approach and sense of humor. I’m passionate and interested in your story.
(612) 255-9037 View (612) 255-9037
Photo of Michelle Johnson, MS, LPCC, LADC, LPC, CSAC, Counselor
Michelle Johnson
Counselor, MS, LPCC, LADC, LPC, CSAC
Verified Verified
Winona, MN 55987
For over 15 years, I have had the privilege of counseling people of all ages and backgrounds that have struggled with anxiety, depression, marital conflict, family issues and academic concerns. Over the past five years, I have also started working with clients that have alcohol and drug related problems. Everyone is so unique. Therefore, my therapeutic approach is a nonjudgmental positive regard and it is tailored to fit the individual, couple and/or family. It has been very rewarding to watch so many clients make better choices and live a more full, enriched life. Every day is a new beginning!
For over 15 years, I have had the privilege of counseling people of all ages and backgrounds that have struggled with anxiety, depression, marital conflict, family issues and academic concerns. Over the past five years, I have also started working with clients that have alcohol and drug related problems. Everyone is so unique. Therefore, my therapeutic approach is a nonjudgmental positive regard and it is tailored to fit the individual, couple and/or family. It has been very rewarding to watch so many clients make better choices and live a more full, enriched life. Every day is a new beginning!
(507) 216-6141 View (507) 216-6141
Photo of David H Hoy - David Hoy & Associates, PhD, MA, LP, CPCC, Psychologist
David Hoy & Associates
Psychologist, PhD, MA, LP, CPCC
Verified Verified
Golden Valley, MN 55426
Our therapists have skill sets in marriage and family counseling, individual and couples counseling, children and teens, EMDR, grief and loss, depression and anxiety, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, Asperger's and autism, post-traumatic stress disorder and people adjusting to change e.
David Hoy & Associates has immediate openings for new clients to start therapy services via online video counseling or in person. We offer flexible day and evening hours to accommodate busy schedules.
Our therapists have skill sets in marriage and family counseling, individual and couples counseling, children and teens, EMDR, grief and loss, depression and anxiety, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, Asperger's and autism, post-traumatic stress disorder and people adjusting to change e.
David Hoy & Associates has immediate openings for new clients to start therapy services via online video counseling or in person. We offer flexible day and evening hours to accommodate busy schedules.
(763) 280-7732 View (763) 280-7732
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.