Depression Therapists in Belmont, NC
![Photo of Jacqueline Najafian, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3cbab2cd-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I work with a variety of issues including depression, anxiety, trauma, family conflict, communication issues, ADHD and infidelity, therapy.
Choosing a therapist can be a scary and intimidating experience. It is important that you find a person that you and your family feel comfortable. I hope that I can be that person. The first step in therapy is to have a trusting a mutually resprectful relationship.
I work with a variety of issues including depression, anxiety, trauma, family conflict, communication issues, ADHD and infidelity, therapy.
Choosing a therapist can be a scary and intimidating experience. It is important that you find a person that you and your family feel comfortable. I hope that I can be that person. The first step in therapy is to have a trusting a mutually resprectful relationship.
![Photo of Steve Blahitka, MA, LMFT-A, LCAS-R, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/32511800-939b-4f48-93b9-79d358511163/2/320x400.png)
Steve Blahitka
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, LMFT-A, LCAS-R
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Belmont, NC 28012
You might even be depressed or anxious for no particular reason.
Have you been thinking that maybe it would be easier if you just weren't here anymore? It's awful, isn't it? Well, if you are going through hell... keep going. You made it this far. And even though it may seem like things will never get better, I'm here to listen, validate, and help you find a way out.
You might even be depressed or anxious for no particular reason.
Have you been thinking that maybe it would be easier if you just weren't here anymore? It's awful, isn't it? Well, if you are going through hell... keep going. You made it this far. And even though it may seem like things will never get better, I'm here to listen, validate, and help you find a way out.
![Photo of Laura Gundel, MDiv, MEd, LCMHC, NCC, CCTP, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/46ae2ada-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Laura Gundel
Licensed Professional Counselor, MDiv, MEd, LCMHC, NCC, CCTP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Belmont, NC 28012
My interests in therapy include: * Adult individual/couples counseling, * Relationship and parenting concerns, * Grief and loss, * Transitions, * Depression and Anxiety, * Questions about spirituality and religion.
People who seek help through the stresses and traumas of life instead of succumbing to them are the bravest people I know. Although therapy may not feel courageous, at some point, we all need the presence and compassionate care of someone committed to our healing process. This is my passion. I work with courageous people who choose to move toward wholeness while continuing to live and care for the responsibilities of their lives. A large part of my work is devoted to helping men and women work through traumatic experiences in the present and those remembered from the past.
My interests in therapy include: * Adult individual/couples counseling, * Relationship and parenting concerns, * Grief and loss, * Transitions, * Depression and Anxiety, * Questions about spirituality and religion.
People who seek help through the stresses and traumas of life instead of succumbing to them are the bravest people I know. Although therapy may not feel courageous, at some point, we all need the presence and compassionate care of someone committed to our healing process. This is my passion. I work with courageous people who choose to move toward wholeness while continuing to live and care for the responsibilities of their lives. A large part of my work is devoted to helping men and women work through traumatic experiences in the present and those remembered from the past.
![Photo of Kelly Justin Busher, MSW, LCSWA, PSS, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2f748fd2-3ec1-44f4-b43c-298393049b39/1/320x400.jpeg)
Kelly Justin Busher
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSWA, PSS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Belmont, NC 28012
I have professional experience working with individuals and groups experiencing depression, anxiety, men issues, stress, and those with intellectual and developmental difficulties.
Saturday appointments & online scheduling! CreativePerspectivesTherapy.com Hello, I am an empathetic therapist focused on supporting my clients and have been told I am warm, genuine, and down to earth. I connect with clients by providing a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment. I'm passionate about and enjoy creating art and have a background in graphic design, painting and visual arts. If desired, we can include art in your therapy sessions. In my free time I enjoy being outdoors gardening, hiking, and spending time with family.
I have professional experience working with individuals and groups experiencing depression, anxiety, men issues, stress, and those with intellectual and developmental difficulties.
Saturday appointments & online scheduling! CreativePerspectivesTherapy.com Hello, I am an empathetic therapist focused on supporting my clients and have been told I am warm, genuine, and down to earth. I connect with clients by providing a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment. I'm passionate about and enjoy creating art and have a background in graphic design, painting and visual arts. If desired, we can include art in your therapy sessions. In my free time I enjoy being outdoors gardening, hiking, and spending time with family.
![Photo of Melissa Francis, MA, LCMHC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2c10d0cd-cd37-46d8-b5eb-e303c08a8a3a/2/320x400.jpeg)
Melissa Francis
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MA, LCMHC
Verified Verified
Belmont, NC 28012 (Online Only)
Hello, I am Melissa Francis, LCMHC and owner of Supportive Steps PLLC. I work with adolescents and adults, specializing in providing support for grief, anxiety, depression, codependency, low self-esteem, adjustment related concerns, and trauma. There are times in our life that we feel lost and are trying to make sense of our past circumstances, making us feel overwhelmed and confused.
Hello, I am Melissa Francis, LCMHC and owner of Supportive Steps PLLC. I work with adolescents and adults, specializing in providing support for grief, anxiety, depression, codependency, low self-esteem, adjustment related concerns, and trauma. There are times in our life that we feel lost and are trying to make sense of our past circumstances, making us feel overwhelmed and confused.
![Photo of McKenzie Huggins Wheeler, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/699a2569-8f96-4c1e-b6cd-dc4a7115c15c/3/320x400.jpeg)
McKenzie Huggins Wheeler
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Belmont, NC 28012 (Online Only)
I provide telehealth services to adults coping with trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, self esteem issues, or general life stressors and transitions.
If you are wanting to make a change and wondering where to begin, it may be time to reach out for help. As your therapist, I will work alongside you and take a collaborative approach to identify the steps necessary to achieving your desired outcomes. My goal is to create a compassionate, authentic, and comfortable environment for individuals to explore their current circumstances and build the life they want to live.
I provide telehealth services to adults coping with trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, self esteem issues, or general life stressors and transitions.
If you are wanting to make a change and wondering where to begin, it may be time to reach out for help. As your therapist, I will work alongside you and take a collaborative approach to identify the steps necessary to achieving your desired outcomes. My goal is to create a compassionate, authentic, and comfortable environment for individuals to explore their current circumstances and build the life they want to live.
![Photo of Russ Keeney, MA, LCMHC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ebda11e1-0af2-48c7-88c5-29ad57623525/2/320x400.jpeg)
Russ Keeney
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LCMHC, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Belmont, NC 28012
I am experienced in treating issues such as: anger management, anxiety/ depression, impulse control, relational issues, trauma/PTSD, and ongoing life adjustments.
I have been practicing counseling in NC for the last 18 years and have experience with couples, adolescents, and adults. My goal in counseling is to help you discover your ability to self-regulate your emotions in a safe and nurturing atmosphere. I invite people to look inward to integrate their own individual values in order to become whole in body, mind, and spirit. Along life's journey, we all need occasional assistance to help deal with the stressors of life and to reclaim the fullness that life can offer. I am committed to assisting you to find that place.
I am experienced in treating issues such as: anger management, anxiety/ depression, impulse control, relational issues, trauma/PTSD, and ongoing life adjustments.
I have been practicing counseling in NC for the last 18 years and have experience with couples, adolescents, and adults. My goal in counseling is to help you discover your ability to self-regulate your emotions in a safe and nurturing atmosphere. I invite people to look inward to integrate their own individual values in order to become whole in body, mind, and spirit. Along life's journey, we all need occasional assistance to help deal with the stressors of life and to reclaim the fullness that life can offer. I am committed to assisting you to find that place.
![Photo of Dr. Scott Hammontree, LCMHCS, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6f8ae868-65af-498c-afab-d34bb5464e9a/1/320x400.jpeg)
Hammontree has published and presented papers in anger management, conflict resolution, depression, problem-solving, human-centered design, program evaluation, and business/practice consultation.
Dr. Scott Hammontree has been a clinical counselor, administrator, business consultant/coach, and clinician training supervisor over 30 years. He has spent his entire career helping children, teens, adults, couples, and families lead more fulfilling and happier lives. Dr. Hammontree has trained numerous mental health professionals to be more effective therapists, and he has consulted and coached many businesses to be more productive and more profitable. He provides intensive treatment and is consistently rated as an extremely effective therapist and consultant. If you are motivated for change and want more in your life, call me!
Hammontree has published and presented papers in anger management, conflict resolution, depression, problem-solving, human-centered design, program evaluation, and business/practice consultation.
Dr. Scott Hammontree has been a clinical counselor, administrator, business consultant/coach, and clinician training supervisor over 30 years. He has spent his entire career helping children, teens, adults, couples, and families lead more fulfilling and happier lives. Dr. Hammontree has trained numerous mental health professionals to be more effective therapists, and he has consulted and coached many businesses to be more productive and more profitable. He provides intensive treatment and is consistently rated as an extremely effective therapist and consultant. If you are motivated for change and want more in your life, call me!
![Photo of Elizabeth Davis Clements, MA, LCMHC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8e8d4c09-a188-4e11-8f97-c3c2abb6138a/1/320x400.jpeg)
Elizabeth Davis Clements
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MA, LCMHC
Verified Verified
Belmont, NC 28012
I am happy to be able to provide family and individual therapy for all ages. I have a passion for working with people who acknowledge the imperfections that make us human and are open to discovering truth and working towards positive change. I have worked with clients on issues such as anxiety, depression/mood disorders, ADHD, various forms of abuse, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, anger management, social skills, grief, marital relationships and parenting skills. I look forward to working with clients to help them find the health, healing, and truth that awaits.
I am happy to be able to provide family and individual therapy for all ages. I have a passion for working with people who acknowledge the imperfections that make us human and are open to discovering truth and working towards positive change. I have worked with clients on issues such as anxiety, depression/mood disorders, ADHD, various forms of abuse, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, anger management, social skills, grief, marital relationships and parenting skills. I look forward to working with clients to help them find the health, healing, and truth that awaits.
![Photo of Kent D. Tilley - Montcross Counseling Center, MDiv, FBPPCA, Pastoral Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/418857d6-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Montcross Counseling Center
Pastoral Counselor, MDiv, FBPPCA
Verified Verified
Belmont, NC 28012 (Online Only)
Living and enjoying your life with greater degrees of wholeness, love, freedom and creativity is possible. But you feel stuck in unhealthy patterns of relating to yourself and others. Maybe a traumatic event or life history keeps you frozen in time and in distress. Perhaps your sense of wonder and awe at being alive is diminished and you long for meaning. Maybe you find that you're living through a maze of symptoms like depression and anxiety. You wonder if it's safe enough to talk to someone and be heard in a non-judgmental way.
Living and enjoying your life with greater degrees of wholeness, love, freedom and creativity is possible. But you feel stuck in unhealthy patterns of relating to yourself and others. Maybe a traumatic event or life history keeps you frozen in time and in distress. Perhaps your sense of wonder and awe at being alive is diminished and you long for meaning. Maybe you find that you're living through a maze of symptoms like depression and anxiety. You wonder if it's safe enough to talk to someone and be heard in a non-judgmental way.
![Photo of Shelton D Davis, MA, MDiv, LCMHC, NCC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4c561cfa-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Shelton D Davis
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MA, MDiv, LCMHC, NCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Belmont, NC 28012
I work with adult clients struggling with grief, depression, anxiety, marital issues, perinatal loss/miscarriage, life transitions & finding meaning in life.
At Serenity Pastoral Counseling, you will find a confidential space in which to share your story & reflect on your experiences. Serenity is not just about finding peace. It's about managing life’s challenges with a sense of purpose & preparing to face the future with confidence. We will address together your emotional health with an emphasis on you as a whole person. You may also choose to engage your spiritual concerns, an area in which I am specially trained with people of all faiths. What is pastoral counseling? Pastoral counseling is the integration of evidence-based psychological techniques with client-driven spirituality.
I work with adult clients struggling with grief, depression, anxiety, marital issues, perinatal loss/miscarriage, life transitions & finding meaning in life.
At Serenity Pastoral Counseling, you will find a confidential space in which to share your story & reflect on your experiences. Serenity is not just about finding peace. It's about managing life’s challenges with a sense of purpose & preparing to face the future with confidence. We will address together your emotional health with an emphasis on you as a whole person. You may also choose to engage your spiritual concerns, an area in which I am specially trained with people of all faiths. What is pastoral counseling? Pastoral counseling is the integration of evidence-based psychological techniques with client-driven spirituality.
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Our true selves can be clouded by anxious thoughts, trauma, and the stress of life, creating an internal disconnect. I enjoy working with individuals navigating disordered eating, anxiety, depression, and difficult transitions in life. Many of my clients feel like they have forgotten how to relax or enjoy themselves, despite achieving their goals. My goal is to help you restore what feels lost and quiet the relentless voice of self-criticism.
Our true selves can be clouded by anxious thoughts, trauma, and the stress of life, creating an internal disconnect. I enjoy working with individuals navigating disordered eating, anxiety, depression, and difficult transitions in life. Many of my clients feel like they have forgotten how to relax or enjoy themselves, despite achieving their goals. My goal is to help you restore what feels lost and quiet the relentless voice of self-criticism.
![Photo of Claudette L Peck, LCMHC, RDN, LD, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f19eddf4-39e7-4a74-9a74-ac0e454c93a8/1/320x400.png)
While I do have expertise in treating clients with eating concerns, I enjoy working to help clients with other mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, grief, relationship issues, and general life concerns and obstacles.
Most people get up everyday with the intention to do and feel their best. Clients typically come in to see me when something is getting in the way of allowing this to happen. Whether the obstacle is emotional, relational, behavioral, or motivational, I work interactively with my clients to understand the underlying problem and help them seek alternative methods or solutions toward reaching their goals. Change requires understanding, validation, and trust. I work very hard to establish these with every client I meet.
While I do have expertise in treating clients with eating concerns, I enjoy working to help clients with other mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, grief, relationship issues, and general life concerns and obstacles.
Most people get up everyday with the intention to do and feel their best. Clients typically come in to see me when something is getting in the way of allowing this to happen. Whether the obstacle is emotional, relational, behavioral, or motivational, I work interactively with my clients to understand the underlying problem and help them seek alternative methods or solutions toward reaching their goals. Change requires understanding, validation, and trust. I work very hard to establish these with every client I meet.
![Photo of Amanda Hall, MA, LCMHC, NPT-C](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/762dd508-98da-422a-8cc3-b35c7a134a59/1/320x400.jpeg)
Amanda Hall
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MA, LCMHC, NPT-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Belmont, NC 28012 (Online Only)
I am passionate about empowering women of all ages to pursue health and healing while navigating the journey towards positive growth. Through my practice, I specialize in addressing various challenges including, but not limited to, women's issues, depression, anxiety, parenting struggles, low self-esteem, trauma, survivors of domestic violence, and grief.
I am passionate about empowering women of all ages to pursue health and healing while navigating the journey towards positive growth. Through my practice, I specialize in addressing various challenges including, but not limited to, women's issues, depression, anxiety, parenting struggles, low self-esteem, trauma, survivors of domestic violence, and grief.
![Photo of Reese Barnett - Round Table Coaching & Consulting, MS, LPC, NCC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4a4977a6-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Round Table Coaching & Consulting
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MS, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Belmont, NC 28012
NEW CLIENTS WELCOME Are you depressed, worry excessively, feel nervous, get anxious or wish others understood you? Are you stressed out, need balance, or feel invisible or overwhelmed? Perhaps you stay frustrated and confused, feel lonely, or just need someone to listen without judgement. If this describes you I can help. It's NOT too late! I can help you live your best life now.
NEW CLIENTS WELCOME Are you depressed, worry excessively, feel nervous, get anxious or wish others understood you? Are you stressed out, need balance, or feel invisible or overwhelmed? Perhaps you stay frustrated and confused, feel lonely, or just need someone to listen without judgement. If this describes you I can help. It's NOT too late! I can help you live your best life now.
![Photo of Holly Mackin, MA, LMFT, AASECT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/db7ab4d7-5682-468d-8faa-507e93c09dbe/1/320x400.jpeg)
Holly Mackin
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, AASECT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Belmont, NC 28012 (Online Only)
I'm open-minded, creative, understanding and use these facets of self to collaborate with clients to address relationship and communication issues, infidelity, depression, anxiety, body-image, sexual difficulties, low desire, trauma, as well as issues unique to poly, kink and alternative lifestyles & gender-identity.
Is your sex life causing issues between you and your partner? Would you benefit from better communication with the important people in your life? Are you experiencing a situation that has made it difficult to cope? Do you crave more intimacy and authenticity with others? I believe that anyone can benefit from support and a nonjudgmental perspective, to access the best version of themselves. I offer a high degree of respect for you, meet you where you are in your life, and work on what you consider to be important. Email me today to schedule a free 15 minute video consultation to explore possibilities and areas you can make headway.
I'm open-minded, creative, understanding and use these facets of self to collaborate with clients to address relationship and communication issues, infidelity, depression, anxiety, body-image, sexual difficulties, low desire, trauma, as well as issues unique to poly, kink and alternative lifestyles & gender-identity.
Is your sex life causing issues between you and your partner? Would you benefit from better communication with the important people in your life? Are you experiencing a situation that has made it difficult to cope? Do you crave more intimacy and authenticity with others? I believe that anyone can benefit from support and a nonjudgmental perspective, to access the best version of themselves. I offer a high degree of respect for you, meet you where you are in your life, and work on what you consider to be important. Email me today to schedule a free 15 minute video consultation to explore possibilities and areas you can make headway.
![Photo of Erin E Rice, LCMHCS, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/43a38a0a-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Do you feel like you're not living the life you want? Maybe you’re overwhelmed, depressed or feeling alone; or struggling with the all consuming pressure to have it all together. You know you want a change and you're ready for some relief. You want to feel calm, confident and in control of who you are. You’re ready to work through your struggles, find your purpose, and most importantly love yourself and live your life according to your values.
Do you feel like you're not living the life you want? Maybe you’re overwhelmed, depressed or feeling alone; or struggling with the all consuming pressure to have it all together. You know you want a change and you're ready for some relief. You want to feel calm, confident and in control of who you are. You’re ready to work through your struggles, find your purpose, and most importantly love yourself and live your life according to your values.
![Photo of Tina N Le, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cd9a1b4c-b41e-45be-a8c5-b8aee07799dd/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am currently accepting new clients in-person and virtually. I provide individual therapy to adolescents and adults (12+). I have experience working with people experiencing ADHD, anxiety, depression, trauma informed care, life transition, women’s issues, LGBTQIA+, and more. I believe in a strong foundation of building trust with clients, the value of culture, and that the client is the expert of their life. I believe in a working partnership, with you as the leader, in order to best meet your counseling goals!
I am currently accepting new clients in-person and virtually. I provide individual therapy to adolescents and adults (12+). I have experience working with people experiencing ADHD, anxiety, depression, trauma informed care, life transition, women’s issues, LGBTQIA+, and more. I believe in a strong foundation of building trust with clients, the value of culture, and that the client is the expert of their life. I believe in a working partnership, with you as the leader, in order to best meet your counseling goals!
![Photo of Judith L Ayala, LCMHC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cb827aa8-e3ed-48d8-9f54-6b86773145b3/2/320x400.jpeg)
Have you been feeling depressed, anxious, stressed out, or just can't seem to see situations getting better for you? Or have you experienced any trauma or abuse currently, during childhood or adolescence? Are you experiencing grief? I am so glad that you have decided to reach out for support. Engaging in therapy will help you receive support through professional counseling. As a professional counselor, I have been trained and prepared to assist with situations preventing you from getting the most out of your life.
Have you been feeling depressed, anxious, stressed out, or just can't seem to see situations getting better for you? Or have you experienced any trauma or abuse currently, during childhood or adolescence? Are you experiencing grief? I am so glad that you have decided to reach out for support. Engaging in therapy will help you receive support through professional counseling. As a professional counselor, I have been trained and prepared to assist with situations preventing you from getting the most out of your life.
![Photo of Sara Savino - Remedy Sense Counseling, PLLC, LCMHC, LCSW, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cdf7472e-a49a-4252-977d-7a7baa58ec23/1/320x400.png)
Remedy Sense Counseling, PLLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCMHC, LCSW
Verified Verified
Belmont, NC 28012
Our comprehensive staff of clinicians, some with 20+ years experience, are trained in the areas of trauma, relationship repair, divorce recovery, child and adolescent, pre/post-natal care, depression, anxiety and LGBTQ+ issues.
Visit our website at remedysensecounseling.com! We believe that everyone deserves mental health. At times when the responsibilities of life appear to be overwhelming, and you contemplate what it is you are wanting to do, it can help to have a therapist who understands and can help you find your path. We understand what it means to struggle and how the histories of our lives can greatly impact who we are today and how we are facing our challenges. We welcome clients who desire to gain insight into who they are, move forward in the struggles they are facing and a willingness to embrace change.
Our comprehensive staff of clinicians, some with 20+ years experience, are trained in the areas of trauma, relationship repair, divorce recovery, child and adolescent, pre/post-natal care, depression, anxiety and LGBTQ+ issues.
Visit our website at remedysensecounseling.com! We believe that everyone deserves mental health. At times when the responsibilities of life appear to be overwhelming, and you contemplate what it is you are wanting to do, it can help to have a therapist who understands and can help you find your path. We understand what it means to struggle and how the histories of our lives can greatly impact who we are today and how we are facing our challenges. We welcome clients who desire to gain insight into who they are, move forward in the struggles they are facing and a willingness to embrace change.
See more therapy options for Belmont
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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.