Depression Therapists in Broadway District, Portland, OR

Photo of Charmaine Read, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Charmaine Read
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Broadway District, Portland, OR 97212  (Online Only)
NOW Accepting new clients! I believe that a good fit and feeling confident with your therapist is the first step in reaching your therapeutic goals. Since 2011, I have worked with a wide array of clients and I have specific experience working with people who experience depression, anxiety, Bipolar, life transitions, stress, self-esteem challenges, women’s issues, trauma, and more. Since everyone is different, I utilize a variety of approaches to help people attain the life they desire and deserve. These include but are not limited to CBT, DBT, EMDR, mindfulness, and solution focused therapy.
NOW Accepting new clients! I believe that a good fit and feeling confident with your therapist is the first step in reaching your therapeutic goals. Since 2011, I have worked with a wide array of clients and I have specific experience working with people who experience depression, anxiety, Bipolar, life transitions, stress, self-esteem challenges, women’s issues, trauma, and more. Since everyone is different, I utilize a variety of approaches to help people attain the life they desire and deserve. These include but are not limited to CBT, DBT, EMDR, mindfulness, and solution focused therapy.
(503) 782-5165 View (503) 782-5165
Photo of Anika Amin, MS, MSW, CSWA
Anika Amin
Clinical Social Work Associate, MS, MSW, CSWA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Broadway District, Portland, OR 97232
Accepting OHP clients. It can feel scary to take the first step and reach out for help, but it doesn't have to be. If you are struggling with anxiety, depression, grief and loss, life transitions, trauma, family systems, difficulty with work/life balance or other mental health concerns and need help figuring it out, you are not alone. We can have a safe therapeutic environment to explore, heal and grow that is free from judgment, shame and fear. I believe everyone deserves to be happy, and together, we can work towards the change that you want.
Accepting OHP clients. It can feel scary to take the first step and reach out for help, but it doesn't have to be. If you are struggling with anxiety, depression, grief and loss, life transitions, trauma, family systems, difficulty with work/life balance or other mental health concerns and need help figuring it out, you are not alone. We can have a safe therapeutic environment to explore, heal and grow that is free from judgment, shame and fear. I believe everyone deserves to be happy, and together, we can work towards the change that you want.
(503) 741-8647 View (503) 741-8647
Photo of Angela Guerrero Chapin, MEd, LPC, RYT, Licensed Professional Counselor
Angela Guerrero Chapin
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC, RYT
Verified Verified
Broadway District, Portland, OR 97232
Experience working with people of all ages struggling with anxiety and/or depression.
Do you feel as though you are your own worst enemy? When in the midst of a problem or stressful situation, does it seem like you make matters worse by being self-critical or saying self-defeating things to yourself? When we are going through something painful or difficult to accept, our internal dialogue sometimes becomes judgmental and self-critical, causing us to feel overwhelmed and doubt our ability to manage things on our own. Often we do not notice how the relationship we have with ourselves affects our ability to cope, solve problems, and live the life we want.
Experience working with people of all ages struggling with anxiety and/or depression.
Do you feel as though you are your own worst enemy? When in the midst of a problem or stressful situation, does it seem like you make matters worse by being self-critical or saying self-defeating things to yourself? When we are going through something painful or difficult to accept, our internal dialogue sometimes becomes judgmental and self-critical, causing us to feel overwhelmed and doubt our ability to manage things on our own. Often we do not notice how the relationship we have with ourselves affects our ability to cope, solve problems, and live the life we want.
(971) 351-4376 View (971) 351-4376
Photo of Lola Ryan, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Lola Ryan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Broadway District, Portland, OR 97232  (Online Only)
In our sessions together we can work on managing anxiety, depression, process trauma, and learn stress management.
Maybe you are someone who cares for others, a college or a graduate student, an immigrant, or a driven professional. Perhaps you feel like you need extra help because doing all of the above can be overwhelming. If it is true about you, we might be a good match. Check out my profile and reach out for your free phone consultation.
In our sessions together we can work on managing anxiety, depression, process trauma, and learn stress management.
Maybe you are someone who cares for others, a college or a graduate student, an immigrant, or a driven professional. Perhaps you feel like you need extra help because doing all of the above can be overwhelming. If it is true about you, we might be a good match. Check out my profile and reach out for your free phone consultation.
(971) 365-3173 View (971) 365-3173
Photo of Cassie Porter, MS
Cassie Porter
MS
Verified Verified
Broadway District, Portland, OR 97232
I specialize in depression and trauma recovery, relationship and intimacy work, sexual wellness and personal growth and evolution.
Now Accepting New Clients for In-Person Integrative Therapy. Trauma and depression can leave us immobilized, fragmented, and disconnected from our core aliveness. I am here to support you in finding a path toward wholeness and your most vibrant, authentic and embodied way of being. Together we will bring conscious attention and care to the many facets of you- body, mind, spirit, emotions, relationships- to support you in moving toward what you desire.
I specialize in depression and trauma recovery, relationship and intimacy work, sexual wellness and personal growth and evolution.
Now Accepting New Clients for In-Person Integrative Therapy. Trauma and depression can leave us immobilized, fragmented, and disconnected from our core aliveness. I am here to support you in finding a path toward wholeness and your most vibrant, authentic and embodied way of being. Together we will bring conscious attention and care to the many facets of you- body, mind, spirit, emotions, relationships- to support you in moving toward what you desire.
(503) 563-2495 View (503) 563-2495
Photo of Cassandra Gardner, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Cassandra Gardner
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Broadway District, Portland, OR 97212  (Online Only)
When working with clients I prioritize the therapeutic relationship. We become a team working toward your goals, and I place significant value on honesty, authenticity, humor, compassion, validation, and accountability into our work together. Since starting my counseling practice I have worked with people of all ages and backgrounds experiencing various challenges including but not limited to anxiety, depression, OCD, trauma, gender dysphoria, grief, interpersonal issues, life transitions, adoption, self-esteem, bipolar II disorder, and more.
When working with clients I prioritize the therapeutic relationship. We become a team working toward your goals, and I place significant value on honesty, authenticity, humor, compassion, validation, and accountability into our work together. Since starting my counseling practice I have worked with people of all ages and backgrounds experiencing various challenges including but not limited to anxiety, depression, OCD, trauma, gender dysphoria, grief, interpersonal issues, life transitions, adoption, self-esteem, bipolar II disorder, and more.
(503) 966-8721 View (503) 966-8721
Photo of Douglas Fogel, PsyD, Psychologist
Douglas Fogel
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Broadway District, Portland, OR 97232
Most of my clients are wrestling with some combination of anxiety, depression, and relationship problems. In addition, they are often struggling to figure out what in life is most meaningful and important for them. With other clients, their life goals and values may be clear, but they find themselves running into psychological barriers such as fear and avoidance. In an ideal world I would want all my clients to be able to say that they have never felt more understood and, simultaneously, that they have never felt more challenged -- always in a safe and respectful environment.
Most of my clients are wrestling with some combination of anxiety, depression, and relationship problems. In addition, they are often struggling to figure out what in life is most meaningful and important for them. With other clients, their life goals and values may be clear, but they find themselves running into psychological barriers such as fear and avoidance. In an ideal world I would want all my clients to be able to say that they have never felt more understood and, simultaneously, that they have never felt more challenged -- always in a safe and respectful environment.
(971) 290-4812 View (971) 290-4812
Photo of Anne Sophie Houdek, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Anne Sophie Houdek
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Broadway District, Portland, OR 97232
Dear Potential Client! Have you lost someone and can't seem to move on? Do you find that unresolved abuse issues still bother you and get in the way of daily functioning? Are you not able to create the intimacy and closeness you desire in relationships and find yourself repeating the same patterns that you know don't work? Is your confidence level not where you want it to be? Do you and your partner struggle with how to best parent? Is anxiety and depression causing you to isolate, worry a lot, lose sleep, feel hopeless? I can help!
Dear Potential Client! Have you lost someone and can't seem to move on? Do you find that unresolved abuse issues still bother you and get in the way of daily functioning? Are you not able to create the intimacy and closeness you desire in relationships and find yourself repeating the same patterns that you know don't work? Is your confidence level not where you want it to be? Do you and your partner struggle with how to best parent? Is anxiety and depression causing you to isolate, worry a lot, lose sleep, feel hopeless? I can help!
(503) 388-5861 View (503) 388-5861
Photo of Lisette Heidtke, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Lisette Heidtke
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Broadway District, Portland, OR 97212  (Online Only)
Whether you are seeking long-term treatment or brief support, I provide a safe space for us to work through challenges of anxiety, depression, PTSD and ADHD.
Hello! I specialize in providing psychotherapy to those in career/college development, life transitions, or experiencing symptoms, utilizing a holistic and relational approach. I believe every individual has the ability to define and cultivate a path towards their ideal life. My primary focus is to help clients overcome barriers to growth by understanding the origin of their symptoms and concerns through psychoanalysis. Through this self-awareness and applied psychoeducational techniques, clients are able to move forward in their lives building upon their inherent strengths and skills with confidence.
Whether you are seeking long-term treatment or brief support, I provide a safe space for us to work through challenges of anxiety, depression, PTSD and ADHD.
Hello! I specialize in providing psychotherapy to those in career/college development, life transitions, or experiencing symptoms, utilizing a holistic and relational approach. I believe every individual has the ability to define and cultivate a path towards their ideal life. My primary focus is to help clients overcome barriers to growth by understanding the origin of their symptoms and concerns through psychoanalysis. Through this self-awareness and applied psychoeducational techniques, clients are able to move forward in their lives building upon their inherent strengths and skills with confidence.
(971) 299-2791 View (971) 299-2791
Photo of Caitlynn Hill, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Caitlynn Hill
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Broadway District, Portland, OR 97212  (Online Only)
I have experience helping those struggling with depression and anxiety.
Are you looking a radical cheerleader for the goals that are important to you? How about a therapist who will happily roll their eyes at social norms/expectations? That's me! To see if we're a good fit, reach out via email to schedule a free 10 minute video consultation.
I have experience helping those struggling with depression and anxiety.
Are you looking a radical cheerleader for the goals that are important to you? How about a therapist who will happily roll their eyes at social norms/expectations? That's me! To see if we're a good fit, reach out via email to schedule a free 10 minute video consultation.
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Photo of Mary Wells Pope, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Mary Wells Pope
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Broadway District, Portland, OR 97212
For most people, strong relationships are an important indicator of health and well-being. When we feel stuck in old patterns that no longer serve us, our connection to others suffers too, which can turn up as depression, anxiety, or simply feeling alone and disconnected. By reconnecting with our essential gifts and strengths through the therapy process, we in turn can offer more to family, friends, and community.
For most people, strong relationships are an important indicator of health and well-being. When we feel stuck in old patterns that no longer serve us, our connection to others suffers too, which can turn up as depression, anxiety, or simply feeling alone and disconnected. By reconnecting with our essential gifts and strengths through the therapy process, we in turn can offer more to family, friends, and community.
(503) 836-5340 View (503) 836-5340
Photo of Dr. Heidi Christensen, LMFT, CADCI, Marriage & Family Therapist
Dr. Heidi Christensen
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CADCI
Verified Verified
Broadway District, Portland, OR 97212  (Online Only)
Intimacy, creativity, and feelings are essential aspects of nourishment when we are experiencing troubling times in our lives. The symptoms we experience such as depression, anxiety, or relationship challenges are often directing our attention to deeper meaning and understanding of ourselves. In my work with individuals and couples, we are often engaged in relationship and intimacy concerns and exploring ways to heal and experience self-love and self-trust. We all have survival, coping, and healing abilities that can help us grow and thrive under many circumstances. Sometimes assistance is needed to help these abilities develop.
Intimacy, creativity, and feelings are essential aspects of nourishment when we are experiencing troubling times in our lives. The symptoms we experience such as depression, anxiety, or relationship challenges are often directing our attention to deeper meaning and understanding of ourselves. In my work with individuals and couples, we are often engaged in relationship and intimacy concerns and exploring ways to heal and experience self-love and self-trust. We all have survival, coping, and healing abilities that can help us grow and thrive under many circumstances. Sometimes assistance is needed to help these abilities develop.
(971) 302-4058 View (971) 302-4058
Photo of Melissa Chernaik, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Melissa Chernaik
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
Broadway District, Portland, OR 97212
Waitlist for new clients
I help people facing all sorts of challenges—self-esteem, anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship struggles, gender identity, sexuality, grief & loss.
Just being human in this world can be confusing, exhausting and heartbreaking. We all feel stuck sometimes—in old patterns, painful feelings, anxious thoughts, or harsh beliefs about ourselves or others. And therapy is a great place to change those things. But I believe the true magic of therapy is in learning to feel—really feel in your bones—how whole and worthy you actually are, no matter how stuck or broken you might feel today. My job is to support and challenge you to get to know and accept all parts of yourself (yes, even that harsh inner critic). Together, we'll heal old wounds so you can feel more balanced and integrated.
I help people facing all sorts of challenges—self-esteem, anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship struggles, gender identity, sexuality, grief & loss.
Just being human in this world can be confusing, exhausting and heartbreaking. We all feel stuck sometimes—in old patterns, painful feelings, anxious thoughts, or harsh beliefs about ourselves or others. And therapy is a great place to change those things. But I believe the true magic of therapy is in learning to feel—really feel in your bones—how whole and worthy you actually are, no matter how stuck or broken you might feel today. My job is to support and challenge you to get to know and accept all parts of yourself (yes, even that harsh inner critic). Together, we'll heal old wounds so you can feel more balanced and integrated.
(503) 925-4041 View (503) 925-4041
Photo of Thomas Joseph Doherty, PsyD, Psychologist
Thomas Joseph Doherty
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Broadway District, Portland, OR 97212
I am a licensed psychologist who provides teletherapy and outdoor walking sessions. My office is in SW Portland. I have a specialty helping people overcome distress about climate change and environmental issues. ** CURRENTLY I ONLY HAVE OPENINGS FOR CLIENTS WITH THIS FOCUS. ** I have a direct, supportive style. I work with adult women, men and couples of diverse backgrounds and orientations. I have 25 years of experience. I also help people with personal growth; reducing anxiety or depression; dealing with losses; improving communication and relationships; and public speaking and job performance.
I am a licensed psychologist who provides teletherapy and outdoor walking sessions. My office is in SW Portland. I have a specialty helping people overcome distress about climate change and environmental issues. ** CURRENTLY I ONLY HAVE OPENINGS FOR CLIENTS WITH THIS FOCUS. ** I have a direct, supportive style. I work with adult women, men and couples of diverse backgrounds and orientations. I have 25 years of experience. I also help people with personal growth; reducing anxiety or depression; dealing with losses; improving communication and relationships; and public speaking and job performance.
(971) 225-0913 View (971) 225-0913
Photo of Melinda Byrd, PsyD, Psychologist
Melinda Byrd
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Broadway District, Portland, OR 97212
My specialities include treating depression and anxiety, grief and loss, trauma, relationship and family issues, work and school related challenges.
Feeling overwhelmed, depressed, or anxious? Are you feeling stuck? Is your life out of balance? I can help you regain a sense of purpose and meaning by providing a safe and caring environment for you to explore your concerns. I will work collaboratively with you to create a plan to meet your specific needs. I have over 20 years of experience working with adolescents and adults struggling with a wide range of issues.
My specialities include treating depression and anxiety, grief and loss, trauma, relationship and family issues, work and school related challenges.
Feeling overwhelmed, depressed, or anxious? Are you feeling stuck? Is your life out of balance? I can help you regain a sense of purpose and meaning by providing a safe and caring environment for you to explore your concerns. I will work collaboratively with you to create a plan to meet your specific needs. I have over 20 years of experience working with adolescents and adults struggling with a wide range of issues.
(503) 446-4255 View (503) 446-4255
Photo of Robin Kellett - Robin Kellett, LPC, LLC, MEd, LPC, LMHC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Robin Kellett, LPC, LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC, LMHC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Broadway District, Portland, OR 97212
Waitlist for new clients
I use EMDR therapy, clinical hypnotherapy, distress tolerance skill building, mind/body connection, meditation, guided imagery, & CBT to help you reduce anxiety, depression and traumatic stress symptoms while supporting healthy lifestyle changes and improved relationships.
Living with anxieties / fears, depression and stress can be overwhelming. One may resort to avoidance and unhealthy lifestyle choices as a means of escape. I offer a safe place and opportunity for you to explore your concerns while learning healthy and effective ways to manage intense feelings and resolve problems. Our work together can help you uncover issues that impact your present, learn different ways of looking at things and grow confidence in your ability to live well.
I use EMDR therapy, clinical hypnotherapy, distress tolerance skill building, mind/body connection, meditation, guided imagery, & CBT to help you reduce anxiety, depression and traumatic stress symptoms while supporting healthy lifestyle changes and improved relationships.
Living with anxieties / fears, depression and stress can be overwhelming. One may resort to avoidance and unhealthy lifestyle choices as a means of escape. I offer a safe place and opportunity for you to explore your concerns while learning healthy and effective ways to manage intense feelings and resolve problems. Our work together can help you uncover issues that impact your present, learn different ways of looking at things and grow confidence in your ability to live well.
(978) 415-9926 View (978) 415-9926
Photo of Stephen Scherr - Stephen Scherr Ph.D., PhD, Psychologist
Stephen Scherr Ph.D.
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Broadway District, Portland, OR 97212
For me the heart of the work involves helping you more effectively work through and control painful and sometimes chronic feelings of depression, anxiety sadness and/or anger as well as repetitive behaviors that are dysfunctional including conflicts in relationships.
People come to see me because they are experiencing psychological distress and/or interpersonal difficulties. The in-depth look at these issues not only leads to symptom relief but to longterm change of dysfunctional and painful (sometimes unconscious) ways we may perceive and judge ourselves and to recognize and build on strengths. I enjoy being a psychotherapist in part because it is satisfying and exciting to see people become more insightful, effective and confident in each of the important areas of their lives. I have been doing this work for 35+ years and plan to continue for many years.
For me the heart of the work involves helping you more effectively work through and control painful and sometimes chronic feelings of depression, anxiety sadness and/or anger as well as repetitive behaviors that are dysfunctional including conflicts in relationships.
People come to see me because they are experiencing psychological distress and/or interpersonal difficulties. The in-depth look at these issues not only leads to symptom relief but to longterm change of dysfunctional and painful (sometimes unconscious) ways we may perceive and judge ourselves and to recognize and build on strengths. I enjoy being a psychotherapist in part because it is satisfying and exciting to see people become more insightful, effective and confident in each of the important areas of their lives. I have been doing this work for 35+ years and plan to continue for many years.
(503) 400-7204 View (503) 400-7204
Photo of Danahy Sharonrose, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Danahy Sharonrose
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Broadway District, Portland, OR 97212
Are you unhappy with your relationship with yourself, friends, or partner? Try as you may, depression keeps you stuck? No matter what you do, it just doesn’t seem like enough? Past traumas interfering with present life? You hold within you the power to heal yourself and your relationships. I create an unconditionally loving, yet challenging, environment where it’s safe for you to grow. I enjoy helping anxious and depressed women of all sexual orientations build self esteem. Issues: trauma, anxiety/ depression, life transition, grief/loss, creativity/spirituality. I do brief solution focused therapy & long term depth psychotherapy.
Are you unhappy with your relationship with yourself, friends, or partner? Try as you may, depression keeps you stuck? No matter what you do, it just doesn’t seem like enough? Past traumas interfering with present life? You hold within you the power to heal yourself and your relationships. I create an unconditionally loving, yet challenging, environment where it’s safe for you to grow. I enjoy helping anxious and depressed women of all sexual orientations build self esteem. Issues: trauma, anxiety/ depression, life transition, grief/loss, creativity/spirituality. I do brief solution focused therapy & long term depth psychotherapy.
(503) 262-9079 View (503) 262-9079
Photo of Siri Hoogen, PhD, Psychologist
Siri Hoogen
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Broadway District, Portland, OR 97212
Are you frustrated that you can't "snap out of it" when you feel depressed, anxious, or making the same mistakes over and over again? Maybe you have felt stuck for a long time, wondering what's wrong with you that you can't find your way out. But all of us of us get lost in our suffering sometimes, because when you're in the middle of it, it's hard to see the way through. I offer the outside perspective and collaboration you need to get unstuck, to help you find your way back to a full and satisfying life.
Are you frustrated that you can't "snap out of it" when you feel depressed, anxious, or making the same mistakes over and over again? Maybe you have felt stuck for a long time, wondering what's wrong with you that you can't find your way out. But all of us of us get lost in our suffering sometimes, because when you're in the middle of it, it's hard to see the way through. I offer the outside perspective and collaboration you need to get unstuck, to help you find your way back to a full and satisfying life.
(503) 298-6467 View (503) 298-6467
Photo of Ian J Kepler, LCSW, CADC-II, MSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Ian J Kepler
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CADC-II, MSW
Verified Verified
Broadway District, Portland, OR 97212  (Online Only)
I believe that when we are buried in fear, anxiety, depression, existential dread or the various forms of mental and emotional distress that lead us to seek counseling, we are primarily dealing with a loss of connection. That disconnection - from people, purpose, safety, motivation, meaning and even disconnection from our own sense of self - can have so many different causes, and each of us must chart our own path to wholeness which can feel impossible to do on our own. I am continuously humbled by the bravery of my clients as they step onto this path of healing and self discovery which is not always easy, but is always worth it.
I believe that when we are buried in fear, anxiety, depression, existential dread or the various forms of mental and emotional distress that lead us to seek counseling, we are primarily dealing with a loss of connection. That disconnection - from people, purpose, safety, motivation, meaning and even disconnection from our own sense of self - can have so many different causes, and each of us must chart our own path to wholeness which can feel impossible to do on our own. I am continuously humbled by the bravery of my clients as they step onto this path of healing and self discovery which is not always easy, but is always worth it.
(971) 265-6364 View (971) 265-6364
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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.