Therapists in Gaston County, NC
![Photo of Krystal Mangandi, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ff7b575c-31ae-4d65-a26a-b4f0435b1b39/1/320x400.jpeg)
Krystal Mangandi
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Stanley, NC 28164
Krys Mangandi is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 10 years of experience in the mental health field. Over the course of her career, she obtained experience working with children and adolescents experiencing family conflict, adjustment issues, trauma, and mood disorders. Krys has experience working with adult populations in the areas of depression, grief and loss, anxiety, relationship concerns, and life transitions. She provides compassionate, collaborative care to those seeking to address the challenges they’re facing in their lives. Krys specializes in depression, anxiety, career-related stress, and caregiver stress.
Krys Mangandi is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 10 years of experience in the mental health field. Over the course of her career, she obtained experience working with children and adolescents experiencing family conflict, adjustment issues, trauma, and mood disorders. Krys has experience working with adult populations in the areas of depression, grief and loss, anxiety, relationship concerns, and life transitions. She provides compassionate, collaborative care to those seeking to address the challenges they’re facing in their lives. Krys specializes in depression, anxiety, career-related stress, and caregiver stress.
![Photo of Mark C Harol, MS, LCM, NCC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e3a12002-9c84-4985-b861-7ca9d0de3355/1/320x400.png)
Mark C Harol
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MS, LCM, NCC
Verified Verified
Mount Holly, NC 28120 (Online Only)
My professional mission is centered on supporting individuals in cultivating healthy relationships and achieving fulfilling lives. Whether you're grappling with depression, anxiety, anger management, or navigating challenging circumstances that leave you feeling adrift, I'm here to assist. My focus is supportive, practical, and centered around your healing. With specialized training in Sex Therapy and sex addiction, I bring extensive expertise to addressing these sensitive areas.
My professional mission is centered on supporting individuals in cultivating healthy relationships and achieving fulfilling lives. Whether you're grappling with depression, anxiety, anger management, or navigating challenging circumstances that leave you feeling adrift, I'm here to assist. My focus is supportive, practical, and centered around your healing. With specialized training in Sex Therapy and sex addiction, I bring extensive expertise to addressing these sensitive areas.
![Photo of Chelsea McCracking - Teen Health Connection, LCSW, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7ca22ccd-4fd4-4167-acc8-c001744221c4/1/320x400.png)
At Teen Health Connection, we empower every adolescent to be healthy, safe, and successful. Our team of 12 therapists specialize in working with adolescents and their families and use evidence-based practices to treat a variety of mental health disorders. Some of our specialties include anxiety, depression, trauma, LGBTQ+, and disordered eating. For more information about our therapists, please visit our website at TeenHealthConnection.org/Behavioral-Health/.
At Teen Health Connection, we empower every adolescent to be healthy, safe, and successful. Our team of 12 therapists specialize in working with adolescents and their families and use evidence-based practices to treat a variety of mental health disorders. Some of our specialties include anxiety, depression, trauma, LGBTQ+, and disordered eating. For more information about our therapists, please visit our website at TeenHealthConnection.org/Behavioral-Health/.
![Photo of Jen Warshawsky, MA/EdS, LCMHC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/08ce20b0-bfe0-489e-97be-fcae94648bd6/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jen Warshawsky
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MA/EdS, LCMHC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Gastonia, NC 28054
I have 20 years of experience in the mental health field providing treatment to children, adolescents, and adults in both an agency and private practice setting. My background also includes work in family, couples, group and individual counseling as well as providing Intensive In-Home and Crisis Services as well. Need help managing a mood disorder? Need helping working through grief? Need help working through a variety of other issues? I am here to help you get to where you need or want to be. I would be honored to walk your journey with you. You are brave to reach out.
I have 20 years of experience in the mental health field providing treatment to children, adolescents, and adults in both an agency and private practice setting. My background also includes work in family, couples, group and individual counseling as well as providing Intensive In-Home and Crisis Services as well. Need help managing a mood disorder? Need helping working through grief? Need help working through a variety of other issues? I am here to help you get to where you need or want to be. I would be honored to walk your journey with you. You are brave to reach out.
![Photo of Kathy Pendlay - Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Cornelius, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2a3e0e2f-d4f9-4941-a088-e16b32c6e2da/1/320x400.jpeg)
At Thriveworks, we're dedicated to providing top-tier mental health services that are easily accessible to everyone. With over 340 locations nationwide and flexible online therapy options, our professional therapists are equipped to assist you through any stress, life transitions, or ongoing mental health concerns. We prioritize your convenience and needs by offering flexible scheduling, including evening and weekend appointments, ensuring that you can start your therapy journey as early as this week. Plus, we accept most major insurance plans, making your path to mental health support smoother and more affordable.
At Thriveworks, we're dedicated to providing top-tier mental health services that are easily accessible to everyone. With over 340 locations nationwide and flexible online therapy options, our professional therapists are equipped to assist you through any stress, life transitions, or ongoing mental health concerns. We prioritize your convenience and needs by offering flexible scheduling, including evening and weekend appointments, ensuring that you can start your therapy journey as early as this week. Plus, we accept most major insurance plans, making your path to mental health support smoother and more affordable.
Online Therapists
![Photo of Deborah Barnett, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/98da5779-467d-47de-809b-6d55b940c762/1/320x400.jpeg)
You are creative, live life consciously, and have enjoyed success in many areas of life. You juggle your career, family, and friends. But it's not easy, is it? In fact, it's impossible when you feel stressed out and the imbalance is contributing to anxiety or depression that you may be experiencing. I'll help you find more balance and experience greater joy and harmony in your life. For couples, I will help you feel more deeply respected and honored by one another. Together, we'll reduce the conflict and tension in your relationship and bring back the fun and romance.
You are creative, live life consciously, and have enjoyed success in many areas of life. You juggle your career, family, and friends. But it's not easy, is it? In fact, it's impossible when you feel stressed out and the imbalance is contributing to anxiety or depression that you may be experiencing. I'll help you find more balance and experience greater joy and harmony in your life. For couples, I will help you feel more deeply respected and honored by one another. Together, we'll reduce the conflict and tension in your relationship and bring back the fun and romance.
![Photo of Adina Godette, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/df1c9666-4690-4b80-9347-c0d2fe589375/1/320x400.jpeg)
Adina Godette is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker / Therapist with 4 years of experience in the mental health field. She is passionate about helping individuals go through (not get over!) their life transitions. Adina specializes in depression, anxiety, grief, relationship issues, trauma, and major life adjustments. Adina completed her Master of Social Work (MSW) at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.
Adina Godette is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker / Therapist with 4 years of experience in the mental health field. She is passionate about helping individuals go through (not get over!) their life transitions. Adina specializes in depression, anxiety, grief, relationship issues, trauma, and major life adjustments. Adina completed her Master of Social Work (MSW) at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.
![Photo of Patricia Krikorian, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a775a6fe-e99d-40df-8047-45b47902cfbd/1/320x400.jpeg)
Patricia Krikorian
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Charlotte, NC 28226 (Online Only)
Patricia Krikorian is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 25 years of experience in the mental health field. Patricia is passionate about helping adults address their unique challenges and live more fulfilled lives. She specializes in depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, relationship issues, and major life transitions. Patricia utilizes multiple treatment approaches including mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, and trauma healing and recovery.
Patricia Krikorian is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 25 years of experience in the mental health field. Patricia is passionate about helping adults address their unique challenges and live more fulfilled lives. She specializes in depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, relationship issues, and major life transitions. Patricia utilizes multiple treatment approaches including mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, and trauma healing and recovery.
![Photo of Anna Gross, MA, LCMHCA](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d373d36-401f-4f0b-8ee5-fca2d33a6d7f/1/320x400.png)
Anna Gross
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MA, LCMHCA
Verified Verified
Concord, NC 28025
I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) who has been practicing since graduating with my master's in clinical mental health counseling in 2017. My areas of specialty are grief/loss, caregiver support (for individuals caring for those with illness, disabilities or dementia), anxiety, and depression. I prefer to utilize supportive therapies and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and I enjoy incorporating art in various medias (drawing, painting, paper craft).
I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) who has been practicing since graduating with my master's in clinical mental health counseling in 2017. My areas of specialty are grief/loss, caregiver support (for individuals caring for those with illness, disabilities or dementia), anxiety, and depression. I prefer to utilize supportive therapies and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and I enjoy incorporating art in various medias (drawing, painting, paper craft).
![Photo of Craig K. Beckner, MA, NCC, LCMHCA, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/386e2e9a-4860-41d8-8998-788ce51b4947/2/320x400.jpeg)
I’m very competent with adolescents and young adults, but I also have experience with and interest in all ages! Anxiety, depression, OCD, interpersonal issues, marital conflict, and grief are a few areas in which I can help using an eclectic approach.
If you are seeking insight and growth as well as fierce empathy from someone who has been on both sides of counseling, I could be a great counselor for you! I am here to build you up, help you to turn your challenges and ambitions into meaningful goals, and help you find inspiration. There is meaning and hope in the challenges we face, and counseling can provide tools that can transform your life in practical and profound ways. I want to use your strengths, and I am deeply interested in what makes you uniquely you. If you, your child or you and your partner are interested, I am happy to walk alongside you towards this aim!
I’m very competent with adolescents and young adults, but I also have experience with and interest in all ages! Anxiety, depression, OCD, interpersonal issues, marital conflict, and grief are a few areas in which I can help using an eclectic approach.
If you are seeking insight and growth as well as fierce empathy from someone who has been on both sides of counseling, I could be a great counselor for you! I am here to build you up, help you to turn your challenges and ambitions into meaningful goals, and help you find inspiration. There is meaning and hope in the challenges we face, and counseling can provide tools that can transform your life in practical and profound ways. I want to use your strengths, and I am deeply interested in what makes you uniquely you. If you, your child or you and your partner are interested, I am happy to walk alongside you towards this aim!
![Photo of Johannah Robinette, MA/EdS, LCMHC, NCC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f364a2f-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
Johannah Robinette
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MA/EdS, LCMHC, NCC
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Harmony, NC 28634
As a native of Iredell County, it is my privilege to counsel individuals who live here and in surrounding areas. Past experience includes working with adults of all ages, couples, children and teens. I particularly enjoyed working with teens in an alternative school setting. I have also counseled individuals struggling with OCD, ADHD, anxiety, depression, parenting issues, low self-esteem, and developmental disabilities. I especially empathize with the DD population due to personally experiencing many of the struggles faced by having a daughter who was born with Spina bifida.
As a native of Iredell County, it is my privilege to counsel individuals who live here and in surrounding areas. Past experience includes working with adults of all ages, couples, children and teens. I particularly enjoyed working with teens in an alternative school setting. I have also counseled individuals struggling with OCD, ADHD, anxiety, depression, parenting issues, low self-esteem, and developmental disabilities. I especially empathize with the DD population due to personally experiencing many of the struggles faced by having a daughter who was born with Spina bifida.
![Photo of Lisa Williams - Miracles Counseling Centers, LCSW, LCMHC, LMFT, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f7b3c43e-b4e7-48b6-a6e2-3e97aaedfe11/1/320x400.png)
Miracles Counseling Centers
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LCMHC, LMFT
Verified Verified
Concord, NC 28027
Miracles is proud to have a variety of highly trained therapists who specialize in marriage therapy, trauma disorders, eating disorders, depression, anxiety, addiction and other challenges that life can throw our way! We continuously engage in higher level trainings to ensure we are serving our clients effectively.
Miracles Counseling Centers is invested in helping you build a life you can feel safe in and proud of. Counseling should be more than talk. It should be provided by a professional with experience in delivering therapy that helps you to grow through your struggles. We aspire to provide personalized, productive psychological counseling therapy and support. We offer effective, tailor-made approaches for difficulties in relationships, depression, anxiety, and trauma. We welcome everyone through our doors, just as you are, and appreciate the confidence you place upon us to faciliate your forward growth!
Miracles is proud to have a variety of highly trained therapists who specialize in marriage therapy, trauma disorders, eating disorders, depression, anxiety, addiction and other challenges that life can throw our way! We continuously engage in higher level trainings to ensure we are serving our clients effectively.
Miracles Counseling Centers is invested in helping you build a life you can feel safe in and proud of. Counseling should be more than talk. It should be provided by a professional with experience in delivering therapy that helps you to grow through your struggles. We aspire to provide personalized, productive psychological counseling therapy and support. We offer effective, tailor-made approaches for difficulties in relationships, depression, anxiety, and trauma. We welcome everyone through our doors, just as you are, and appreciate the confidence you place upon us to faciliate your forward growth!
![Photo of Sara Murphy, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/58ffcb56-1c25-47c6-8f39-0e9743b0166a/1/320x400.jpeg)
Sara Murphy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Winston Salem, NC 27104 (Online Only)
Sara Murphy is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with more than 6 years of experience in the mental health field. She is passionate and driven about helping adults address their unique challenges, reach therapeutic personal goals, and live healthier and happier lives. Sara has a strong background in depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, stress management, ADHD, anger management, and major life transitions. Sara completed her Master's degree in Social Work at North Carolina State University and received her Bachelor's degree in Social Work at Appalachian State University.
Sara Murphy is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with more than 6 years of experience in the mental health field. She is passionate and driven about helping adults address their unique challenges, reach therapeutic personal goals, and live healthier and happier lives. Sara has a strong background in depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, stress management, ADHD, anger management, and major life transitions. Sara completed her Master's degree in Social Work at North Carolina State University and received her Bachelor's degree in Social Work at Appalachian State University.
![Photo of At'lea J Byrd, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/451f9141-fa12-400f-8fcf-a8a646b6d250/1/320x400.jpeg)
At’Lea Byrd is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She obtained her Bachelor of Social Work from North Carolina State University and her Master of Social Work from North Carolina Central University. She has experience working with adolescents, adults, and families, and has provided treatment in a variety of areas including anxiety, depression, helping to navigate through everyday challenges and major life changes, and processing through trauma and grief.
At’Lea Byrd is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She obtained her Bachelor of Social Work from North Carolina State University and her Master of Social Work from North Carolina Central University. She has experience working with adolescents, adults, and families, and has provided treatment in a variety of areas including anxiety, depression, helping to navigate through everyday challenges and major life changes, and processing through trauma and grief.
![Photo of Betsy Servis, LCMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/417bc216-df78-41cb-aa23-ccf29ec521e1/2/320x400.jpeg)
Betsy treats specific issues such as addictive behavior, substance abuse in case management captivity, dementia including Alzheimer’s, aging and depression, bipolar disorder, childhood issues such as attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), learning disorders and disabilities, conduct disorder, autism (high functioning), and adjustment disorders.
Betsy Servis is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) who has worked with community mental health for 25 years in various capacities. The year before Betsy went into behavioral health, she was working exclusively with dementia clients both young and old. She has many years of experience counseling children, adults, and couples of multiple nationalities.
Betsy treats specific issues such as addictive behavior, substance abuse in case management captivity, dementia including Alzheimer’s, aging and depression, bipolar disorder, childhood issues such as attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), learning disorders and disabilities, conduct disorder, autism (high functioning), and adjustment disorders.
Betsy Servis is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) who has worked with community mental health for 25 years in various capacities. The year before Betsy went into behavioral health, she was working exclusively with dementia clients both young and old. She has many years of experience counseling children, adults, and couples of multiple nationalities.
![Photo of Melissa A Johnson, LCSW, LCAS, CCS, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/33e20a5e-ee0f-4dcf-88de-a0154a32be2f/1/320x400.jpeg)
Melissa A Johnson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LCAS, CCS
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Clemmons, NC 27012
Waitlist for new clients
I work with individuals seeking personal insight, relief from anxiety or depression, trauma, grief & loss, stress management and addiction.
The most helpful thing I can do is guide you to your own wisdom and help you trust your inner-voice as the highest authority. I believe anyone who steps into a therapeutic space exhibits strength and courage, and is taking responsibility over their life. We all have times where it is beneficial to talk with someone who isn't part of our daily life, who doesn't judge and where we can feel safe and supported. I am warm, direct and interactive. I use both humor and empathy to connect and help clients grow, change and live the lives they want. I believe there is no limit to our ability to change and evolve throughout our lifetime.
I work with individuals seeking personal insight, relief from anxiety or depression, trauma, grief & loss, stress management and addiction.
The most helpful thing I can do is guide you to your own wisdom and help you trust your inner-voice as the highest authority. I believe anyone who steps into a therapeutic space exhibits strength and courage, and is taking responsibility over their life. We all have times where it is beneficial to talk with someone who isn't part of our daily life, who doesn't judge and where we can feel safe and supported. I am warm, direct and interactive. I use both humor and empathy to connect and help clients grow, change and live the lives they want. I believe there is no limit to our ability to change and evolve throughout our lifetime.
![Photo of Suzanne Hillin, LCMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/162285a5-226a-4660-9efe-dd9568d8ee15/1/320x400.jpeg)
As someone who has overcome her own challenges and transitions, Suzanne is ready to share with you the keys to achieving freedom from depression, worry, and stress by gaining personal freedom and learning a new psychology of health and joy! Suzanne Hillin is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) who has almost 20 years of experience providing counseling services. Suzanne primarily uses cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), reality therapy, rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT), solution-focused therapy, and mindfulness-based approaches.
As someone who has overcome her own challenges and transitions, Suzanne is ready to share with you the keys to achieving freedom from depression, worry, and stress by gaining personal freedom and learning a new psychology of health and joy! Suzanne Hillin is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) who has almost 20 years of experience providing counseling services. Suzanne primarily uses cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), reality therapy, rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT), solution-focused therapy, and mindfulness-based approaches.
![Photo of Shelly Jennings Jarrard - Jarrard Counseling Solutions, MSW, LCSW, LCAS-A, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4cb1246e-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jarrard Counseling Solutions
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, LCAS-A
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Rutherfordton, NC 28139
Life is a journey, full of complex relationships and events that we all strive to understand and live with. Life can become complicated by traumas and relationships, as well as from internal struggles, such as anxiety or depression. Without help, these complications can leave us struggling to cope. I believe we all deserve happiness and understanding as we travel this journey, whatever complexities we face.
Life is a journey, full of complex relationships and events that we all strive to understand and live with. Life can become complicated by traumas and relationships, as well as from internal struggles, such as anxiety or depression. Without help, these complications can leave us struggling to cope. I believe we all deserve happiness and understanding as we travel this journey, whatever complexities we face.
![Photo of Christina Earley, LCSWA, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/eaca4d4f-c522-4cc6-99c1-7a3a0d8bacb3/2/320x400.jpeg)
Warm welcome! Would you like to soothe overwhelming thoughts or feelings? Feel more calm and present in the now? My purpose is to help you find relief from anxiety, depression, or trauma that prevents you from experiencing a life worth living. We would collaborate together to treat whatever is on your list of priorities; examples include helping with anxiety, trauma, ADHD, Autism, school issues, depression, mood, low self-esteem or career goals. I work with children, teenagers, and adults from all walks of life. My style is evidence-based, non-judgmental, and sincere.
Warm welcome! Would you like to soothe overwhelming thoughts or feelings? Feel more calm and present in the now? My purpose is to help you find relief from anxiety, depression, or trauma that prevents you from experiencing a life worth living. We would collaborate together to treat whatever is on your list of priorities; examples include helping with anxiety, trauma, ADHD, Autism, school issues, depression, mood, low self-esteem or career goals. I work with children, teenagers, and adults from all walks of life. My style is evidence-based, non-judgmental, and sincere.
![Photo of Alexandra Lagunas, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cf3b004f-c5d8-41c0-af8c-b9c3c4589384/1/320x400.jpeg)
Alexandra also enjoys working with a wide range of behavioral health issues including depression, anxiety, grief/loss, and trauma from sexual assault/ harassment.
Alexandra Lagunas is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in North Carolina who has been practicing since 2022. She has a Master of Social Work from Aurora University. While attending graduate school, she worked with adolescents who had experienced trauma from sexual abuse. Postgraduate, Alexandra worked at a rape crisis center providing advocacy services and crisis intervention to survivors of sexual assault of all ages. Alexandra has also worked at a private practice and healthcare setting providing therapeutic services for adolescents, adults, and seniors.
Alexandra also enjoys working with a wide range of behavioral health issues including depression, anxiety, grief/loss, and trauma from sexual assault/ harassment.
Alexandra Lagunas is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in North Carolina who has been practicing since 2022. She has a Master of Social Work from Aurora University. While attending graduate school, she worked with adolescents who had experienced trauma from sexual abuse. Postgraduate, Alexandra worked at a rape crisis center providing advocacy services and crisis intervention to survivors of sexual assault of all ages. Alexandra has also worked at a private practice and healthcare setting providing therapeutic services for adolescents, adults, and seniors.
See more therapy options for Gaston County
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.