Depression Therapists in West Henrietta, NY

Photo of Sharee Gunner, MS, LMHC
Sharee Gunner
Mental Health Counselor, MS, LMHC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
West Henrietta, NY 14586  (Online Only)
Anxiety taking over? Depression not far behind? Well, I'm so glad you are here. This is definitely the first step in your emotional wellness journey. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in New York with 16 years of experience supporting individuals with life's challenges. I have experience with evaluating, treatment planning, individual therapy and group therapy. I enjoy working with individuals from different backgrounds with a variety of challenges, including, but not limited to anxiety, depression, trauma and life transitions.
Anxiety taking over? Depression not far behind? Well, I'm so glad you are here. This is definitely the first step in your emotional wellness journey. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in New York with 16 years of experience supporting individuals with life's challenges. I have experience with evaluating, treatment planning, individual therapy and group therapy. I enjoy working with individuals from different backgrounds with a variety of challenges, including, but not limited to anxiety, depression, trauma and life transitions.
(585) 382-1691 View (585) 382-1691
Photo of Elizabeth Walker, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Elizabeth Walker
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
West Henrietta, NY 14586
Hi. How are you today? My name is Beth Walker. I am a licensed clinical social worker. I see counseling as a collaboration where I walk beside you on your healing journey, and I really appreciate client input, especially if I am missing the mark. My areas of practice include; depression, anxiety, OCD, emotion regulation, trauma, Bipolar disorder, Schizophrenia, addictions, and dissociation. Treatment interventions I am trained in include; Trauma Informed Care, CBT, DBT, Emotion Focused Couple therapy, EMDR, CPT, Ego State therapy, Internal Family Systems, and Schema therapy.
Hi. How are you today? My name is Beth Walker. I am a licensed clinical social worker. I see counseling as a collaboration where I walk beside you on your healing journey, and I really appreciate client input, especially if I am missing the mark. My areas of practice include; depression, anxiety, OCD, emotion regulation, trauma, Bipolar disorder, Schizophrenia, addictions, and dissociation. Treatment interventions I am trained in include; Trauma Informed Care, CBT, DBT, Emotion Focused Couple therapy, EMDR, CPT, Ego State therapy, Internal Family Systems, and Schema therapy.
(332) 378-1757 View (332) 378-1757
Photo of Allison Bergamo, LMHC, Counselor
Allison Bergamo
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
West Henrietta, NY 14586  (Online Only)
I work with tweens, teens and young adults who struggle with anxiety, depression, impulsivity, peer and family challenges, as well as life transitions and adjustments.
Hello, my name is Allison, I’m a licensed mental health counselor with over 10 years of experience working with youth mental health. Are you worried about your tween, teen or young adult and not sure what to do to help them? Their world is a world where things are always coming at them at the speed of light; and they don’t always have the ability to turn things off. The standard challenges of adolescents are compounded by increasing social pressures and the ever growing comparison and accessibility of social media. These challenges don't end in adolescence either, I also support young adults with many transitions of early adulthood.
I work with tweens, teens and young adults who struggle with anxiety, depression, impulsivity, peer and family challenges, as well as life transitions and adjustments.
Hello, my name is Allison, I’m a licensed mental health counselor with over 10 years of experience working with youth mental health. Are you worried about your tween, teen or young adult and not sure what to do to help them? Their world is a world where things are always coming at them at the speed of light; and they don’t always have the ability to turn things off. The standard challenges of adolescents are compounded by increasing social pressures and the ever growing comparison and accessibility of social media. These challenges don't end in adolescence either, I also support young adults with many transitions of early adulthood.
(585) 540-1761 View (585) 540-1761
Photo of Carol Inzinga - Carol Inzinga, LCSW, PLLC, LCSW-R, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Carol Inzinga, LCSW, PLLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-R
Verified Verified
West Henrietta, NY 14586
I specialize in the area of Trauma, which is an extraordinarily stressful event or events that shatters your sense of security, making you feel helpless and vulnerable. My experience has enabled me to work with clients that have symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, depression, stress and many other emotional and physical responses. It is important to develop a collaborative relationship with the clients I serve and create an environment that provides support. My focus is first on relieving the symptoms and then addressing the distressing or traumatic events.
I specialize in the area of Trauma, which is an extraordinarily stressful event or events that shatters your sense of security, making you feel helpless and vulnerable. My experience has enabled me to work with clients that have symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, depression, stress and many other emotional and physical responses. It is important to develop a collaborative relationship with the clients I serve and create an environment that provides support. My focus is first on relieving the symptoms and then addressing the distressing or traumatic events.
(585) 454-9226 View (585) 454-9226
Photo of Gloria Zukoski, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Gloria Zukoski
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
West Henrietta, NY 14586
Hi! I'm Gloria Zukoski, LCSW. I have been working in the helping field for 13 years. When I began my career in the helping field, I worked with children with developmental disabilities in a school setting; then moved to a residential placement for adults with developmental disabilities. During my master’s program, I started working more with children and families impacted by mental health and found my passion. I have since had experience in community-based, residential, healthcare, school, and outpatient clinic settings. I work mostly with people ages 5-35 diagnosed with ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, perinatal/women’s health issues.
Hi! I'm Gloria Zukoski, LCSW. I have been working in the helping field for 13 years. When I began my career in the helping field, I worked with children with developmental disabilities in a school setting; then moved to a residential placement for adults with developmental disabilities. During my master’s program, I started working more with children and families impacted by mental health and found my passion. I have since had experience in community-based, residential, healthcare, school, and outpatient clinic settings. I work mostly with people ages 5-35 diagnosed with ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, perinatal/women’s health issues.
(585) 515-2978 View (585) 515-2978
Photo of Rachel Steiner, LMHC, Counselor
Rachel Steiner
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
West Henrietta, NY 14586
I am a child and adolescent therapist committed to helping children, adolescents, and emerging adults cope with what can be an incredibly stressful and confusing chapter of life. I recognize that this period of life is uniquely demanding and that support in coping with a variety of challenges can go a long way. I am passionate about helping kids, teens, and emerging adults process difficulties related to mental health, practice strategies, and learn how to build meaningful connections. My experience includes, but is not limited to, depression, anxiety, self-esteem, trauma or adjusting to stressful life events, relationships.
I am a child and adolescent therapist committed to helping children, adolescents, and emerging adults cope with what can be an incredibly stressful and confusing chapter of life. I recognize that this period of life is uniquely demanding and that support in coping with a variety of challenges can go a long way. I am passionate about helping kids, teens, and emerging adults process difficulties related to mental health, practice strategies, and learn how to build meaningful connections. My experience includes, but is not limited to, depression, anxiety, self-esteem, trauma or adjusting to stressful life events, relationships.
(585) 312-6770 View (585) 312-6770
Photo of Aaron Max Klein, LMHC, CASACMC, SEP™, Counselor
Aaron Max Klein
Counselor, LMHC, CASACMC, SEP™
Verified Verified
West Henrietta, NY 14586  (Online Only)
Does no one get how anxious, frustrated or checked out you feel? It's so hard to be misunderstood. Trauma, family pressure, relationship issues; these things can have you stuck in a cycle of unhappiness. These experiences may even have you anxious, depressed, and seeking relief through using substances. You’ve tried everything you can to address issues on your own. You want someone to actually help you. Despite it being hard, you're willing to ask for help. I want you to know that you can feel more connected, whole, energized and fulfilled. I am dedicated to helping you, using somatic therapy to link the mind, body and spirit.
Does no one get how anxious, frustrated or checked out you feel? It's so hard to be misunderstood. Trauma, family pressure, relationship issues; these things can have you stuck in a cycle of unhappiness. These experiences may even have you anxious, depressed, and seeking relief through using substances. You’ve tried everything you can to address issues on your own. You want someone to actually help you. Despite it being hard, you're willing to ask for help. I want you to know that you can feel more connected, whole, energized and fulfilled. I am dedicated to helping you, using somatic therapy to link the mind, body and spirit.
(315) 784-4129 View (315) 784-4129
Photo of Dr. Jacque Tara Washington, DSW, LCSW-R, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Dr. Jacque Tara Washington
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, DSW, LCSW-R
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
West Henrietta, NY 14586  (Online Only)
I am a Doctor of Clinical Social Work with a degree from the University of Pennsylvania; a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Master’s degree from Syracuse University; a member of the National Association of Social Workers; an EMDR certified trauma treatment specialist; a professional actress, playwright, director, vocalist and member of Actor’s Equity Association and Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists; and a Christian, so I do my best to live a life of integrity, goodness, and service, without judgement. I integrate my skills, knowledge, and experiences to help you reach your full potential!
I am a Doctor of Clinical Social Work with a degree from the University of Pennsylvania; a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Master’s degree from Syracuse University; a member of the National Association of Social Workers; an EMDR certified trauma treatment specialist; a professional actress, playwright, director, vocalist and member of Actor’s Equity Association and Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists; and a Christian, so I do my best to live a life of integrity, goodness, and service, without judgement. I integrate my skills, knowledge, and experiences to help you reach your full potential!
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Photo of Caroline Curran, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Caroline Curran
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
West Henrietta, NY 14586
Hello! My name is Caroline Curran, LCSW. If you are struggling with anxiety, a mood disorder, stress, difficult life transitions, or a combination of them, then you are someone who I would love to help work through and past these issues. People are unique and complex, and sometimes, need help moving past difficult times in their lives.
Hello! My name is Caroline Curran, LCSW. If you are struggling with anxiety, a mood disorder, stress, difficult life transitions, or a combination of them, then you are someone who I would love to help work through and past these issues. People are unique and complex, and sometimes, need help moving past difficult times in their lives.
(585) 501-2714 View (585) 501-2714

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Matt Kois, LMHC, MS, Licensed Professional Counselor
Matt Kois
Licensed Professional Counselor, LMHC, MS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Gates, NY 14624  (Online Only)
Whether you are struggling with anxiety, stress, depression, relationships, sleep, loneliness, or other mental health concerns I have the experience to support!.
Hey everyone, I'm glad you're here! Life is challenging and overwhelming nowadays, and therapy can be a place to break this cycle. Do you want to feel less stressed or anxious? Do you want more meaningful relationships? Do you think about how to create a more fulfilling life through the ups and downs? We will work together as a team to manage the rollercoaster that life is while finding ways to cope and help identify more about yourself. I ensure my treatment is always individualized and I adapt my approach based upon what will be best for you. I look forward to connecting and to start tackling things together!
Whether you are struggling with anxiety, stress, depression, relationships, sleep, loneliness, or other mental health concerns I have the experience to support!.
Hey everyone, I'm glad you're here! Life is challenging and overwhelming nowadays, and therapy can be a place to break this cycle. Do you want to feel less stressed or anxious? Do you want more meaningful relationships? Do you think about how to create a more fulfilling life through the ups and downs? We will work together as a team to manage the rollercoaster that life is while finding ways to cope and help identify more about yourself. I ensure my treatment is always individualized and I adapt my approach based upon what will be best for you. I look forward to connecting and to start tackling things together!
(716) 526-6240 View (716) 526-6240
Photo of Lenka Schroeder, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Lenka Schroeder
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Rochester, NY 14607
Waitlist for new clients
I build resilience by teaching skills to manage anxiety, depression, life's ups and downs, be it learning to be kinder to yourself or learning to manage feelings when relationships change.
Life can get really tough sometimes and I think we all need a place to come and just BE REAL with another person. Vent feelings, share thoughts that one is not really comfortable sharing with close friends and family, just lay it all out however messy. ABOUT ME: I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in both California and New York with over 15 years in the field. I got my Masters degree in Integral Counseling Psychology at California Institute of Integral Studies in San Francisco, CA in 2008. My areas of study was Gestalt Therapy, Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction and Creative Arts Therapy.
I build resilience by teaching skills to manage anxiety, depression, life's ups and downs, be it learning to be kinder to yourself or learning to manage feelings when relationships change.
Life can get really tough sometimes and I think we all need a place to come and just BE REAL with another person. Vent feelings, share thoughts that one is not really comfortable sharing with close friends and family, just lay it all out however messy. ABOUT ME: I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in both California and New York with over 15 years in the field. I got my Masters degree in Integral Counseling Psychology at California Institute of Integral Studies in San Francisco, CA in 2008. My areas of study was Gestalt Therapy, Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction and Creative Arts Therapy.
(585) 257-0198 View (585) 257-0198
Photo of Julie Gardner, LMSW
Julie Gardner
Licensed Master Social Worker, LMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Rochester, NY 14618
Are you struggling with depression, anxiety, ADHD, or trying to work through past traumas? Are you going through stressful transitions and are unsure what to do next? Sometimes it feels like the weight of the world is on your shoulders and you don’t know where to turn. I offer a warm and welcoming environment where I believe building a rapport with whom I’m working with is important to help you on your journey. Together we will make strides by helping you learn about yourself and ways to manage the challenges you’re facing. I’m here to support and guide you in whatever way to help you live a happy and healthy life you deserve.
Are you struggling with depression, anxiety, ADHD, or trying to work through past traumas? Are you going through stressful transitions and are unsure what to do next? Sometimes it feels like the weight of the world is on your shoulders and you don’t know where to turn. I offer a warm and welcoming environment where I believe building a rapport with whom I’m working with is important to help you on your journey. Together we will make strides by helping you learn about yourself and ways to manage the challenges you’re facing. I’m here to support and guide you in whatever way to help you live a happy and healthy life you deserve.
(585) 531-6821 View (585) 531-6821
Photo of Kinga Kondor-Hine, LMHC, NBCC, RYT-200, Counselor
Kinga Kondor-Hine
Counselor, LMHC, NBCC, RYT-200
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pittsford, NY 14534  (Online Only)
With almost 30 years of experience, I help clients work through depression, anxiety, trauma, interpersonal struggles, life transitions, and personal growth and development while supporting them on their journey to live a more balanced life. My therapeutic approach is person-centered and I work closely with clients to help them connect with their values, and gain personal insight, understanding, and self-compassion.
With almost 30 years of experience, I help clients work through depression, anxiety, trauma, interpersonal struggles, life transitions, and personal growth and development while supporting them on their journey to live a more balanced life. My therapeutic approach is person-centered and I work closely with clients to help them connect with their values, and gain personal insight, understanding, and self-compassion.
(585) 540-1494 View (585) 540-1494
Photo of Jeff Young, LCSW-R, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jeff Young
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-R
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Mendon, NY 14506
Parents bring their children and teens because of anxiety, depression, reactions to divorce, other losses such as the death of a parent or of a friend.
Jeff Young is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in New York State. He earned his Masters of Social Work from The University of Buffalo in 1991. Since then Jeff has kept up to date with professional training in mental health therapy and business management. Over 20 years of private practice, Jeff has worked with children, adolescents, adults, and couples. Clients come looking for hope and relief from stress and emotional pain. Jeff has had over 50 clients return for therapy with me because successful outcomes during the first counseling sessions. They learn that the counseling process is ultimately rewarding.
Parents bring their children and teens because of anxiety, depression, reactions to divorce, other losses such as the death of a parent or of a friend.
Jeff Young is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in New York State. He earned his Masters of Social Work from The University of Buffalo in 1991. Since then Jeff has kept up to date with professional training in mental health therapy and business management. Over 20 years of private practice, Jeff has worked with children, adolescents, adults, and couples. Clients come looking for hope and relief from stress and emotional pain. Jeff has had over 50 clients return for therapy with me because successful outcomes during the first counseling sessions. They learn that the counseling process is ultimately rewarding.
(585) 312-0207 View (585) 312-0207
Photo of Alisha Gunsalus, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Alisha Gunsalus
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Pittsford, NY 14534  (Online Only)
Infertility and depression can negatively impact our relationships with friends and family.
The trauma of infertility is often unimaginable, unpredictable, and unfair. It is full of loss, sacrifice and a desperate desire for an outcome you fear may never come. The anxiety can be overwhelming. Maybe you are feeling exhausted and alone, terrified of not ever having the life you want. Perhaps you are struggling with feelings of guilt, anger or emptiness and a deep longing for a change in your circumstances. Depression is usually not far behind on this journey and compounds an already shattered worldview.
Infertility and depression can negatively impact our relationships with friends and family.
The trauma of infertility is often unimaginable, unpredictable, and unfair. It is full of loss, sacrifice and a desperate desire for an outcome you fear may never come. The anxiety can be overwhelming. Maybe you are feeling exhausted and alone, terrified of not ever having the life you want. Perhaps you are struggling with feelings of guilt, anger or emptiness and a deep longing for a change in your circumstances. Depression is usually not far behind on this journey and compounds an already shattered worldview.
(585) 575-0762 View (585) 575-0762
Photo of Gabrielle Eryn Hazan, LCMHC, LMHC, LPC, Counselor
Gabrielle Eryn Hazan
Counselor, LCMHC, LMHC, LPC
Verified Verified
Rochester, NY 14619  (Online Only)
At an early age, I knew that my path in life was to become a therapist. This goal has driven both my education and clinical experiences over the past decade. Over the years, I have worked in clinics serving children, adolescents, adults, and families struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, substance misuse, ADHD, parenting challenges, and life transitions. My experiences have shaped who I am as an individual and has directly impacted my therapeutic style.
At an early age, I knew that my path in life was to become a therapist. This goal has driven both my education and clinical experiences over the past decade. Over the years, I have worked in clinics serving children, adolescents, adults, and families struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, substance misuse, ADHD, parenting challenges, and life transitions. My experiences have shaped who I am as an individual and has directly impacted my therapeutic style.
(585) 378-4108 View (585) 378-4108
Photo of Patricia P Schultz - Pati Schultz, PhD, Psychologist
Pati Schultz
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pittsford, NY 14534
I am a licensed Clinical Psychologist whose approach to therapy is collaborative, non-judgmental, direct, and warm. I strive to create a space you can better understand yourself, your emotions, your interpersonal relationships and, consequently, live a more fulfilling life. I work with adults who are experiencing emotional distress (such as anxiety and depression), grief and loss, relationship issues, or going through life changes (e.g., dislocation, career decisions, starting college). I have interest and experience with identity-based work (e.g., sexual orientation) and parenting.
I am a licensed Clinical Psychologist whose approach to therapy is collaborative, non-judgmental, direct, and warm. I strive to create a space you can better understand yourself, your emotions, your interpersonal relationships and, consequently, live a more fulfilling life. I work with adults who are experiencing emotional distress (such as anxiety and depression), grief and loss, relationship issues, or going through life changes (e.g., dislocation, career decisions, starting college). I have interest and experience with identity-based work (e.g., sexual orientation) and parenting.
(585) 632-6994 View (585) 632-6994
Photo of Barbara Hicks Shapiro, LCSW-R, MSW, MS, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Barbara Hicks Shapiro
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-R, MSW, MS
Verified Verified
Rochester, NY 14619
Not accepting new clients
Understanding ourselves allows us to make choices that otherwise might be out of our reach. Acknowledging how we feel opens the way to understanding. When we repress our feelings we can shut down not only how we experience ourselves but how we connect to others. Ignoring our feelings often leads to depression and anxiety and interferes with our ability to know ourselves and trust ourselves. We may feel at times that others are in control and that we are helpless. We are the ones responsible for the choices we make and recognizing this is empowering and builds self-esteem.
Understanding ourselves allows us to make choices that otherwise might be out of our reach. Acknowledging how we feel opens the way to understanding. When we repress our feelings we can shut down not only how we experience ourselves but how we connect to others. Ignoring our feelings often leads to depression and anxiety and interferes with our ability to know ourselves and trust ourselves. We may feel at times that others are in control and that we are helpless. We are the ones responsible for the choices we make and recognizing this is empowering and builds self-esteem.
(585) 286-3539 View (585) 286-3539
Photo of Yara Adam Whiter, LMHC, Counselor
Yara Adam Whiter
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
North Chili, NY 14514
Areas of expertise include PTSD, anxiety, depression, addiction, and stress.
My name is Yara Adam-Whiter, and I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) based in Brooklyn, New York, working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work mostly from a person-centered approach to understand your worldview so that we can achieve progress toward your unique therapy goals. ​ I enjoy working with LGBTQIA2S+ individuals and their families. I may also be a good fit for clients for first-generation and immigrant clients. We can work on understanding how your intersectionality forms your ideas about the world and the challenges you deal with navigating different cultural expectations in different situations.
Areas of expertise include PTSD, anxiety, depression, addiction, and stress.
My name is Yara Adam-Whiter, and I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) based in Brooklyn, New York, working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work mostly from a person-centered approach to understand your worldview so that we can achieve progress toward your unique therapy goals. ​ I enjoy working with LGBTQIA2S+ individuals and their families. I may also be a good fit for clients for first-generation and immigrant clients. We can work on understanding how your intersectionality forms your ideas about the world and the challenges you deal with navigating different cultural expectations in different situations.
(332) 877-9403 View (332) 877-9403
Photo of Jeffrey S Young - Renew Hope and Healing - Henrietta, LCSW-R, PsyD, PhD, LCMH, PMHNP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Renew Hope and Healing - Henrietta
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-R, PsyD, PhD, LCMH, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Rochester, NY 14623
Clinicians specializing in: anxiety, depression, panic attacks, adjustment problems, controlling relationships, grief/loss, trauma, bipolar and more.
Immediate Openings! Get scheduled in 7 days. Most insurances accepted. We have over 60 clinicians with all different specialities so we are confident that we can find the right fit for you! "I have been referring patients to Jeff Young for more than a decade. He is professional, caring, and insightful. Patients comment back to me how much their time with Jeff has been both helpful and healing. He is a gifted therapist!" - Michael Brennan, Doctor Nurse Practitioner (DNP)
Clinicians specializing in: anxiety, depression, panic attacks, adjustment problems, controlling relationships, grief/loss, trauma, bipolar and more.
Immediate Openings! Get scheduled in 7 days. Most insurances accepted. We have over 60 clinicians with all different specialities so we are confident that we can find the right fit for you! "I have been referring patients to Jeff Young for more than a decade. He is professional, caring, and insightful. Patients comment back to me how much their time with Jeff has been both helpful and healing. He is a gifted therapist!" - Michael Brennan, Doctor Nurse Practitioner (DNP)
(607) 251-0242 x1 View (607) 251-0242 x1

See more therapy options for West Henrietta

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.