Depression Therapists in Portland, OR

Photo of Heather Moore, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Heather Moore
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97225  (Online Only)
Depression, anxiety, or substance dependency can make everyday life feel overwhelming, leaving you drained, stuck, and unsure of how to move forward. You might be feeling isolated, struggling with self-worth, or battling destructive habits. I am here to help you navigate these intense emotions and behaviors. Together, we’ll create a safe space to explore your challenges and build the tools needed to regain control of your life. I’ll meet you where you are and work alongside you to promote healing and growth.
Depression, anxiety, or substance dependency can make everyday life feel overwhelming, leaving you drained, stuck, and unsure of how to move forward. You might be feeling isolated, struggling with self-worth, or battling destructive habits. I am here to help you navigate these intense emotions and behaviors. Together, we’ll create a safe space to explore your challenges and build the tools needed to regain control of your life. I’ll meet you where you are and work alongside you to promote healing and growth.
(971) 385-4958 View (971) 385-4958
Photo of Jolie Krechman, PhD, LLC, Psychologist
Jolie Krechman
Psychologist, PhD, LLC
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97205
My practice consists of adults and older adolescents dealing with a variety of issues including, but not limited to, relationship concerns, divorce, parenting issues, childhood abuse, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, and trauma.
Therapy is an opportunity for personal development in a safe, nonjudgmental, respectful, private, and supportive environment. It is natural to feel overwhelmed at times and it is not a sign of weak character to seek help. Through therapy we can learn to manage our emotions more effectively, improve our relationships and communication, bolster our confidence and self-esteem, and minimize our distress. In my work, I strive to create a comfortable environment in which I can assist clients in identifying thoughts, feelings, beliefs, and recurring patterns of behavior that may be impinging on the capacity to experience and create a fuller, more satisfying life.
My practice consists of adults and older adolescents dealing with a variety of issues including, but not limited to, relationship concerns, divorce, parenting issues, childhood abuse, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, and trauma.
Therapy is an opportunity for personal development in a safe, nonjudgmental, respectful, private, and supportive environment. It is natural to feel overwhelmed at times and it is not a sign of weak character to seek help. Through therapy we can learn to manage our emotions more effectively, improve our relationships and communication, bolster our confidence and self-esteem, and minimize our distress. In my work, I strive to create a comfortable environment in which I can assist clients in identifying thoughts, feelings, beliefs, and recurring patterns of behavior that may be impinging on the capacity to experience and create a fuller, more satisfying life.
(503) 446-6135 View (503) 446-6135
Photo of Paul Lee, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Paul Lee
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97214
I have been providing therapy to women and men and facilitating men's groups for over 30 years. I have extensive experience in helping people overcome depression, anxiety, relationship issues, and heal from childhood or domestic abuse. My approach is collaborative. I listen and understand my clients' perspective of the problem and potential solutions, while providing input based on my professional training and experience. I believe that the chances of making positive changes are enhanced by a combination of support, recognizing and utilizing one's strengths, and being challenged to try new approaches.
I have been providing therapy to women and men and facilitating men's groups for over 30 years. I have extensive experience in helping people overcome depression, anxiety, relationship issues, and heal from childhood or domestic abuse. My approach is collaborative. I listen and understand my clients' perspective of the problem and potential solutions, while providing input based on my professional training and experience. I believe that the chances of making positive changes are enhanced by a combination of support, recognizing and utilizing one's strengths, and being challenged to try new approaches.
(503) 822-6596 View (503) 822-6596
Photo of Joshua Conwell, MA, Pastoral Counselor
Joshua Conwell
Pastoral Counselor, MA
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97214
I enjoy working with those who struggle with pornography addiction, sexuality issues, anxiety, depression, OCD, spiritual OCD, and relationship issues.
Christian counseling engages your story without judgment, and helps change how you see yourself, others, God, and life experiences. This takes time. I would love to walk alongside you through your struggles and difficulties. My counseling experience ranges from residential treatment, church counseling ministry, and private practice.
I enjoy working with those who struggle with pornography addiction, sexuality issues, anxiety, depression, OCD, spiritual OCD, and relationship issues.
Christian counseling engages your story without judgment, and helps change how you see yourself, others, God, and life experiences. This takes time. I would love to walk alongside you through your struggles and difficulties. My counseling experience ranges from residential treatment, church counseling ministry, and private practice.
(503) 809-8634 View (503) 809-8634
Photo of Devin Jones, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Devin Jones
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97225
I received specialized training treating individuals with anxiety, depression, chronic pain, addiction, life transitions, career / educational obstacles, trauma, and relationship difficulties.
Each of us has capacity to grow, change, and better our quality of life, including you.
I received specialized training treating individuals with anxiety, depression, chronic pain, addiction, life transitions, career / educational obstacles, trauma, and relationship difficulties.
Each of us has capacity to grow, change, and better our quality of life, including you.
(503) 850-2863 View (503) 850-2863
Photo of Heather Canby, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Heather Canby
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97214
I focus on working with individuals experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, navigating identity shifts and uncertainty. I listen for recurring themes, beliefs, thoughts and characters in hopes that shedding light on them continues to build awareness and that awareness gives us more of an opportunity to shift our response or action if we’d like. I guide folks through ambivalence, frustration, feelings of stagnation, and unease that often are exacerbated by different life stages and stressors.
I focus on working with individuals experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, navigating identity shifts and uncertainty. I listen for recurring themes, beliefs, thoughts and characters in hopes that shedding light on them continues to build awareness and that awareness gives us more of an opportunity to shift our response or action if we’d like. I guide folks through ambivalence, frustration, feelings of stagnation, and unease that often are exacerbated by different life stages and stressors.
(971) 441-4949 View (971) 441-4949
Konrad von Walther Lcsw LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, CADC, I, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97212
I AM accepting clients at this time. If you desire results, welcome. I offer HIPAA secure video conference and face-to-face therapy. I work with people feeling unsatisfied with their current life and emotional situations, looking for a deeper sense of fulfillment, connection, and/or balance in their lives. I help find the connection between their thoughts and feelings. I explore how desires manifest themselves as: depression, anxiety, fears, disinterest, grief, low self-esteem, etc. I also explore how these impact their body. He offers spiritual guidance and perspectives to those that wish. All services must be approved by provider
I AM accepting clients at this time. If you desire results, welcome. I offer HIPAA secure video conference and face-to-face therapy. I work with people feeling unsatisfied with their current life and emotional situations, looking for a deeper sense of fulfillment, connection, and/or balance in their lives. I help find the connection between their thoughts and feelings. I explore how desires manifest themselves as: depression, anxiety, fears, disinterest, grief, low self-esteem, etc. I also explore how these impact their body. He offers spiritual guidance and perspectives to those that wish. All services must be approved by provider
(503) 512-6042 View (503) 512-6042
Photo of Megan Bucknum, LCSW, CADC I, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Megan Bucknum
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CADC I
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97202  (Online Only)
I offer individual therapy for adults facing challenges like anxiety, depression, intrusive thoughts, self-criticism, perfectionism, and relationship dissatisfaction. Our time together will be engaging, thought provoking, and supportive. I also understand counseling can be painful at times. I am committed to being present alongside you during these moments and to honor your exploration into where you have been, where you are, and where you would like to go. I will assist you in growing self-compassion, unhooking from painful thoughts and feelings, developing healthy coping skills, and supporting your pursuits of a meaningful life.
I offer individual therapy for adults facing challenges like anxiety, depression, intrusive thoughts, self-criticism, perfectionism, and relationship dissatisfaction. Our time together will be engaging, thought provoking, and supportive. I also understand counseling can be painful at times. I am committed to being present alongside you during these moments and to honor your exploration into where you have been, where you are, and where you would like to go. I will assist you in growing self-compassion, unhooking from painful thoughts and feelings, developing healthy coping skills, and supporting your pursuits of a meaningful life.
(503) 563-2186 View (503) 563-2186
Photo of Thomas Joseph Doherty, PsyD, Psychologist
Thomas Joseph Doherty
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97239
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 Beau Henderson, MA, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Beau Henderson
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97215
I specialize in working with kids, teens and adults as they navigate real issues like divorce, anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, abuse, suicidal thoughts, stress, self-harm, ADHD, panic attacks, anger, loneliness, or spiritual identity.
Kids and teens face a challenging and confusing world where terrible things can happen. Sometimes kids need a safe place and a safe person, outside the family, to help them heal, grow and move forward with confidence. Most kids don’t like to sit still and talk about their feelings; they want to be understood and valued while having fun. We’ll keep this in mind as we work together to combine research-based and developmentally appropriate methods like play therapy, sand tray therapy, wilderness therapy and talk therapy to create a personal and intentional counseling process that is engaging, fun and healing.
I specialize in working with kids, teens and adults as they navigate real issues like divorce, anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, abuse, suicidal thoughts, stress, self-harm, ADHD, panic attacks, anger, loneliness, or spiritual identity.
Kids and teens face a challenging and confusing world where terrible things can happen. Sometimes kids need a safe place and a safe person, outside the family, to help them heal, grow and move forward with confidence. Most kids don’t like to sit still and talk about their feelings; they want to be understood and valued while having fun. We’ll keep this in mind as we work together to combine research-based and developmentally appropriate methods like play therapy, sand tray therapy, wilderness therapy and talk therapy to create a personal and intentional counseling process that is engaging, fun and healing.
(503) 406-3848 View (503) 406-3848
Photo of Kristen Peterca, LPC, EMDR, Licensed Professional Counselor
Kristen Peterca
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, EMDR
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97239
Waitlist for new clients
We all experience emotional pain at times. It arises when we are lacking safety, security, support or a sense that we have the ability to live the life we desire. Sometimes this is short-lived, other times it is significant and has a lasting impact on us, leaving us feeling stuck and triggered no matter what we do. If this is your case, maybe I can help. I have over 18 years experience in evidenced-based, trauma-informed therapies that help treat issues like PTSD, anxiety, depression, relationship problems and stress. My goal is to address the root issue so that your time spent in therapy is most transformative and beneficial.
We all experience emotional pain at times. It arises when we are lacking safety, security, support or a sense that we have the ability to live the life we desire. Sometimes this is short-lived, other times it is significant and has a lasting impact on us, leaving us feeling stuck and triggered no matter what we do. If this is your case, maybe I can help. I have over 18 years experience in evidenced-based, trauma-informed therapies that help treat issues like PTSD, anxiety, depression, relationship problems and stress. My goal is to address the root issue so that your time spent in therapy is most transformative and beneficial.
(971) 414-3142 View (971) 414-3142
Photo of Dr. Dianna Harris (Accepting New Clients), PsyD, PMHNP, Psychologist
Dr. Dianna Harris (Accepting New Clients)
Psychologist, PsyD, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97229
I have successfully helped people reduce anxiety and depression that has only partially been helped through therapy by adding psychiatric medication that is targeted to treat worry, panic, OCD, depression and bipolar symptoms.
Accepting NEW Clients (ages 18-65) as of 10/30/24 for Medication Management (I am not taking clients for therapy). Appointments are available in 2 weeks. Complete the Patient Inquiry Form on my website. You will receive a response the same or next day. My practice is primarily composed of adults struggling with anxiety and depression. I find that people reach out to treatment when excessive worry, low motivation, and negative thinking can lead to feeling less confident in their work, behind on tasks at home, and impacting their relationships. I don't treat ADHD and I don't prescribe controlled substances, such as Xanax for anxiety.
I have successfully helped people reduce anxiety and depression that has only partially been helped through therapy by adding psychiatric medication that is targeted to treat worry, panic, OCD, depression and bipolar symptoms.
Accepting NEW Clients (ages 18-65) as of 10/30/24 for Medication Management (I am not taking clients for therapy). Appointments are available in 2 weeks. Complete the Patient Inquiry Form on my website. You will receive a response the same or next day. My practice is primarily composed of adults struggling with anxiety and depression. I find that people reach out to treatment when excessive worry, low motivation, and negative thinking can lead to feeling less confident in their work, behind on tasks at home, and impacting their relationships. I don't treat ADHD and I don't prescribe controlled substances, such as Xanax for anxiety.
(971) 606-4749 View (971) 606-4749
Photo of Brittany England, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Brittany England
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97211  (Online Only)
Issues that are commonly addressed are anxiety, depression, grief & loss, relationship & sexuality, spirituality, stress, living with chronic pain & illness, codependency, and general life dissatisfaction.
I will help you get to the heart of the matter, the root of what is causing suffering in your life, and we will work together to create the changes you seek. I work from a mind-body-spirit lens with a focus on nervous system regulation, somatic interventions, NLP, parts work, mindfulness, and EFT meridian tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques). We work together to help unstick the parts of yourself and your life that are stuck. We will work together to create a different relationship with these parts so you can have the experience of being happy, healthy, well, and fulfilled in you life.
Issues that are commonly addressed are anxiety, depression, grief & loss, relationship & sexuality, spirituality, stress, living with chronic pain & illness, codependency, and general life dissatisfaction.
I will help you get to the heart of the matter, the root of what is causing suffering in your life, and we will work together to create the changes you seek. I work from a mind-body-spirit lens with a focus on nervous system regulation, somatic interventions, NLP, parts work, mindfulness, and EFT meridian tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques). We work together to help unstick the parts of yourself and your life that are stuck. We will work together to create a different relationship with these parts so you can have the experience of being happy, healthy, well, and fulfilled in you life.
(971) 257-1632 View (971) 257-1632
Photo of Zoe Garbarini, MSW
Zoe Garbarini
MSW
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97202
Whether you are dealing with feeling stressed, alone, depressed, anxious, addicted, disconnected, or struggling within your relationship, it can change! A healthy integration of mind, brain and relationships enable you to feel open, connected, engaged, harmonious, compassionate, and energized.
Do you ever wonder, despite all your knowledge and efforts for growth that you still end up in a pattern of doing the same thing over and over again? Well, it's not your fault and there is a way to change it. When we are free to truly see and understand the connection to our brain, body, mind, and relationships, we can actually rewire our brains to build new neural pathways for new ways of thinking and being. Most of what we do, we have no idea why we do it; almost 85% is not on a conscious level.
Whether you are dealing with feeling stressed, alone, depressed, anxious, addicted, disconnected, or struggling within your relationship, it can change! A healthy integration of mind, brain and relationships enable you to feel open, connected, engaged, harmonious, compassionate, and energized.
Do you ever wonder, despite all your knowledge and efforts for growth that you still end up in a pattern of doing the same thing over and over again? Well, it's not your fault and there is a way to change it. When we are free to truly see and understand the connection to our brain, body, mind, and relationships, we can actually rewire our brains to build new neural pathways for new ways of thinking and being. Most of what we do, we have no idea why we do it; almost 85% is not on a conscious level.
(503) 405-4724 View (503) 405-4724
Photo of Daniel Combs, PsyD, Psychologist
Daniel Combs
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97201
Welcome! I am a licensed psychologist who specializes in working with adults and adolescents who are experiencing a wide variety of mental health issues including but not limited to depression, anxiety disorders, behavioral problems, relationship conflict, and trauma recovery. In addition to individual work, I also provide family therapy and parenting consultation, when indicated, to support parents and promote healthy communication and interactions.
Welcome! I am a licensed psychologist who specializes in working with adults and adolescents who are experiencing a wide variety of mental health issues including but not limited to depression, anxiety disorders, behavioral problems, relationship conflict, and trauma recovery. In addition to individual work, I also provide family therapy and parenting consultation, when indicated, to support parents and promote healthy communication and interactions.
(503) 948-7013 View (503) 948-7013
Photo of Cara Zeisloft, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Cara Zeisloft
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97215
Areas of specialty include family-of-origin dynamics, depression, relationship difficulties, and issues around sexuality and gender.
I offer a space for you to find, voice, and consider your most honest feelings. Connecting to your true self can help with a wide variety of issues, including difficulty in relationships, conflicts with others, or simply the feeling that your life isn't going the direction you want. I will help you take a clear look at the issues, the feelings you're having, and how you want to respond. My style is straightforward, active, and warm, and I encourage our thinking creatively together about your situation. I will openly share my thoughts and ideas with you, and I will focus on making sure our collaboration is working for you.
Areas of specialty include family-of-origin dynamics, depression, relationship difficulties, and issues around sexuality and gender.
I offer a space for you to find, voice, and consider your most honest feelings. Connecting to your true self can help with a wide variety of issues, including difficulty in relationships, conflicts with others, or simply the feeling that your life isn't going the direction you want. I will help you take a clear look at the issues, the feelings you're having, and how you want to respond. My style is straightforward, active, and warm, and I encourage our thinking creatively together about your situation. I will openly share my thoughts and ideas with you, and I will focus on making sure our collaboration is working for you.
(510) 594-4331 View (510) 594-4331
Photo of Kathleen M Girod, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kathleen M Girod
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97239  (Online Only)
Therapy can offer hope in the midst of depression, anxiety, trauma, stressful challenges in work, relationships, health, or other arenas of life. It can also help us respond thoughtfully and creatively rather than anxiously or destructively. I am a firm believer in learning to be open towards yourself, your relationships, and life transitions. This is a more powerful motivator than mentally beating yourself up. We'll work together to identify strengths you can use towards making important life changes, and to build coping skills to deal with difficult emotions, trust, relationship issues, and negative thoughts you might have about yourself.
Therapy can offer hope in the midst of depression, anxiety, trauma, stressful challenges in work, relationships, health, or other arenas of life. It can also help us respond thoughtfully and creatively rather than anxiously or destructively. I am a firm believer in learning to be open towards yourself, your relationships, and life transitions. This is a more powerful motivator than mentally beating yourself up. We'll work together to identify strengths you can use towards making important life changes, and to build coping skills to deal with difficult emotions, trust, relationship issues, and negative thoughts you might have about yourself.
(503) 850-0229 View (503) 850-0229
Photo of Antonio Zitting, MS,  APC,  QMHP, Pre-Licensed Professional
Antonio Zitting
Pre-Licensed Professional, MS, APC, QMHP
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97225
Antonio Zitting, a Professional Counselor Associate at LifeStance Health, offers empathetic and expert mental health services to individuals across Oregon. Antonio is dedicated to creating a therapeutic environment where clients feel deeply understood and genuinely cared for. He provides individual therapy for adults and seniors, addressing a range of mental health issues with compassion and skill. Antonio is particularly passionate about treating anxiety, depression, and PTSD. His approach to therapy is eclectic, drawing from PersonCentered Counseling, Psychoanalysis, Existentialism, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
Antonio Zitting, a Professional Counselor Associate at LifeStance Health, offers empathetic and expert mental health services to individuals across Oregon. Antonio is dedicated to creating a therapeutic environment where clients feel deeply understood and genuinely cared for. He provides individual therapy for adults and seniors, addressing a range of mental health issues with compassion and skill. Antonio is particularly passionate about treating anxiety, depression, and PTSD. His approach to therapy is eclectic, drawing from PersonCentered Counseling, Psychoanalysis, Existentialism, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
(833) 996-1403 View (833) 996-1403
Photo of Gretchen Lemmon Vance, PsyD, Psychologist
Gretchen Lemmon Vance
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97210
I am a clinician with years of training and broad experience that have brought about a deep understanding of how people come to feel and behave as they do. I work with people experiencing depression, anxiety, identity and self-esteem problems, relationship difficulties, pregnancy/postpartum adjustment, and those feeling frustrated, overwhelmed, or stuck. My approach is warm, compassionate, honest, and professional. I strive to be a steady and supportive partner throughout the therapy process and facilitate an increasing understanding of your emotions, patterns, and areas of identity impacting many areas of your life. I find curiosity and humor to be important tools in the process.
I am a clinician with years of training and broad experience that have brought about a deep understanding of how people come to feel and behave as they do. I work with people experiencing depression, anxiety, identity and self-esteem problems, relationship difficulties, pregnancy/postpartum adjustment, and those feeling frustrated, overwhelmed, or stuck. My approach is warm, compassionate, honest, and professional. I strive to be a steady and supportive partner throughout the therapy process and facilitate an increasing understanding of your emotions, patterns, and areas of identity impacting many areas of your life. I find curiosity and humor to be important tools in the process.
(503) 622-8589 View (503) 622-8589
Photo of Joyce Yuan, PhD, Psychologist
Joyce Yuan
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97214
I am a licensed clinical psychologist interested in helping people alleviate their suffering, improve their relationships, and understand themselves better. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, trauma, and relationships problems. I believe all people have positive potential that can sometimes be stifled and find it rewarding to help others work through their obstacles. I offer individual therapy and couples counseling and welcome clients of all ethnicities, genders, young adult through the elderly.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist interested in helping people alleviate their suffering, improve their relationships, and understand themselves better. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, trauma, and relationships problems. I believe all people have positive potential that can sometimes be stifled and find it rewarding to help others work through their obstacles. I offer individual therapy and couples counseling and welcome clients of all ethnicities, genders, young adult through the elderly.
(347) 690-7505 View (347) 690-7505
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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.