Depression Therapists in Scappoose, OR
![Photo of Troy Kindy - Portland Elder Counseling, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/403485ce-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Portland Elder Counseling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Scappoose, OR 97056
Mental health concerns for aging persons can become crippling. Older adults who experience depression and anxiety will likely continue to do so until its addressed through assessment, diagnosis and treatment by a clinician. Symptoms that indicate depression and anxiety in older adults can include feeling sad or down, feeling lonely, tearfulness, excessive fears and worries, decreases in appetite and weight, extreme mood changes, withdraw from friends, family, and social events, and frequently talking abut death. Now accepting new patients!
Mental health concerns for aging persons can become crippling. Older adults who experience depression and anxiety will likely continue to do so until its addressed through assessment, diagnosis and treatment by a clinician. Symptoms that indicate depression and anxiety in older adults can include feeling sad or down, feeling lonely, tearfulness, excessive fears and worries, decreases in appetite and weight, extreme mood changes, withdraw from friends, family, and social events, and frequently talking abut death. Now accepting new patients!
![Photo of Dionne Etta Mitchell - Dionne-Etta Mitchell Agency Has Immediate Openings, MSW, QMHA-R, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d7007966-29e2-4f06-8cc9-02b3d5dbe0a8/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dionne-Etta Mitchell Agency Has Immediate Openings
Pre-Licensed Professional, MSW, QMHA-R
Verified Verified
Scappoose, OR 97056 (Online Only)
Welcome! Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma? Feeling burnt out? Wanting to build new skills? I am here for you! During our sessions, we will work to develop a strong connection that allows us to grow towards your best self. No matter who you are or where you come from, you deserve the highest quality care. My Practice Offers Telehealth Sessions All Across The State Of Oregon!
Welcome! Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma? Feeling burnt out? Wanting to build new skills? I am here for you! During our sessions, we will work to develop a strong connection that allows us to grow towards your best self. No matter who you are or where you come from, you deserve the highest quality care. My Practice Offers Telehealth Sessions All Across The State Of Oregon!
![Photo of Joanne R Parker - Joanne R Parker MA LPC, MA , LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/435b86d2-6270-47d5-833e-8dfed74af2bf/1/320x400.jpeg)
Joanne R Parker MA LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA , LPC
Verified Verified
Scappoose, OR 97056
I also work with couples and specialize in working with depression, anxiety , bipolar, and loss issues.
My therapy approach is person- centered therapy. I believe clients needs are most important, and I meet them where they are without judgement or preconceived expectations., Offering my support and trust will help you walk through everyday struggles with the tools you need to succeed. I will be the support system to help you reach your goals.
I also work with couples and specialize in working with depression, anxiety , bipolar, and loss issues.
My therapy approach is person- centered therapy. I believe clients needs are most important, and I meet them where they are without judgement or preconceived expectations., Offering my support and trust will help you walk through everyday struggles with the tools you need to succeed. I will be the support system to help you reach your goals.
![Photo of JoAnn Dohn, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e61bfb94-fa76-461b-a1a9-56e2ea3f1b44/1/320x400.jpeg)
JoAnn Dohn
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Scappoose, OR 97056 (Online Only)
Welcome to Eclogite Counseling. I work with adults impacted by depression, anxiety, insomnia, grief/loss, and life span transitions. Perhaps you are experiencing low mood, hopelessness, or a lack of interest in things you used to enjoy. Perhaps worries have your thoughts looping and going off “the what if cliff”. Perhaps grief has whirled into your life due to the loss of an animal companion, sibling, parent, loved one to suicide, or life transition. Whether you're finding your way through these or other challenges, I am here to provide a non-judgmental environment where you can express your thoughts, emotions, and concerns.
Welcome to Eclogite Counseling. I work with adults impacted by depression, anxiety, insomnia, grief/loss, and life span transitions. Perhaps you are experiencing low mood, hopelessness, or a lack of interest in things you used to enjoy. Perhaps worries have your thoughts looping and going off “the what if cliff”. Perhaps grief has whirled into your life due to the loss of an animal companion, sibling, parent, loved one to suicide, or life transition. Whether you're finding your way through these or other challenges, I am here to provide a non-judgmental environment where you can express your thoughts, emotions, and concerns.
![Photo of Jenna Lander - Active Path Mental Health, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e27dece8-8804-454c-8460-23670b2e9b0b/1/320x400.png)
Active Path Mental Health
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Scappoose, OR 97056
Are you looking for a safe space to discuss your mental health? My counseling style is calm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, individuality, and compassion. I work with clients who experience depression, anxiety, and postpartum. I believe the therapeutic relationship can be a rewarding and remarkable experience. I take great care in the work I do to understand your needs and am honored to witness and walk with you on your journey.
Are you looking for a safe space to discuss your mental health? My counseling style is calm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, individuality, and compassion. I work with clients who experience depression, anxiety, and postpartum. I believe the therapeutic relationship can be a rewarding and remarkable experience. I take great care in the work I do to understand your needs and am honored to witness and walk with you on your journey.
![Photo of Heather M Weaver, LPC, LMFT, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/29a66e5e-468f-4966-a209-c7c1dac88df0/2/320x400.jpeg)
Heather M Weaver
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Scappoose, OR 97056 (Online Only)
I am a licensed professional counselor and licensed marriage and family therapist. I have been practicing counseling for over 10 years and have had experience in a wide range of mental health conditions as well as relationship concerns. Most common areas I work within include anxiety, work stress, relationship issues, depression, and ADHD. I commonly utilize a combination of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy with Attachment focus, to assist with skill building of action oriented methods to help with symptoms, as well as deeper meaning process to identify and shift the origin of symptoms.
I am a licensed professional counselor and licensed marriage and family therapist. I have been practicing counseling for over 10 years and have had experience in a wide range of mental health conditions as well as relationship concerns. Most common areas I work within include anxiety, work stress, relationship issues, depression, and ADHD. I commonly utilize a combination of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy with Attachment focus, to assist with skill building of action oriented methods to help with symptoms, as well as deeper meaning process to identify and shift the origin of symptoms.
![Photo of Emily Ruiz Romero - Empowerment with Emily, LCSW, QMHP, MSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7f308941-b8f4-4757-826b-f8eb0c6f8af4/2/320x400.jpeg)
Empowerment with Emily
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, QMHP, MSW
Verified Verified
Scappoose, OR 97056 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Are you a trauma survivor? Are you overwhelmed, anxious, experiencing panic attacks? Are you depressed, not sleeping/eating, and/or isolating? Are you unsure of why you are the way that you are? Do you feel like you don't belong, maybe you're mixed race and struggle with identity? Do you feel low, loss and are in need of support off the ground? I'm here to help find and/or regain your empowerment to succeed in your goals. We can collaboratively work together to improve your overall functionality & wellbeing through individual outpatient therapy.
Are you a trauma survivor? Are you overwhelmed, anxious, experiencing panic attacks? Are you depressed, not sleeping/eating, and/or isolating? Are you unsure of why you are the way that you are? Do you feel like you don't belong, maybe you're mixed race and struggle with identity? Do you feel low, loss and are in need of support off the ground? I'm here to help find and/or regain your empowerment to succeed in your goals. We can collaboratively work together to improve your overall functionality & wellbeing through individual outpatient therapy.
![Photo of Kelly Jo Salusova- Accepting New Clients Now!, MS, NCC, LPC, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/31777dec-010c-47e9-8c83-3642397177f0/1/320x400.png)
Kelly Jo Salusova- Accepting New Clients Now!
Counselor, MS, NCC, LPC, LMHC
Verified Verified
Scappoose, OR 97056 (Online Only)
Our therapist-client relationship is one that relies on our shared wisdom. You are the expert in the subject area of you, while I bring over 20 years of therapeutic knowledge and experience. I have worked with individuals and families across the lifespan including: teens, adults, and seniors. I use a variety of therapeutic approaches and interventions. I hold a Masters Degree in Counseling and am an LPC and LMHC. I am accepting Oregon Health Plan members who work with Columbia County CCO and Care Oregon Healthshare CCO.
Our therapist-client relationship is one that relies on our shared wisdom. You are the expert in the subject area of you, while I bring over 20 years of therapeutic knowledge and experience. I have worked with individuals and families across the lifespan including: teens, adults, and seniors. I use a variety of therapeutic approaches and interventions. I hold a Masters Degree in Counseling and am an LPC and LMHC. I am accepting Oregon Health Plan members who work with Columbia County CCO and Care Oregon Healthshare CCO.
![Photo of Amy Quaring, LPC , CADCIII, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2169506f-ae23-4cd8-a159-2b4ea93b14a7/1/320x400.jpeg)
Amy Quaring
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC , CADCIII
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Scappoose, OR 97056
Waitlist for new clients
Is your child having behavioral problems which are interfering with school, family, or friendships? Are you wondering if the behavior is normal or if he/she will outgrow it? I use a variety of evidence base practices to help collaborate with the family in restoring balance. Is your teen defiant, distant or abusing substances? I specialize with working with adolescents with a variety of substance use and/or mental health symptoms. I thoroughly enjoy working with teens who have addiction and mental health issues.
Is your child having behavioral problems which are interfering with school, family, or friendships? Are you wondering if the behavior is normal or if he/she will outgrow it? I use a variety of evidence base practices to help collaborate with the family in restoring balance. Is your teen defiant, distant or abusing substances? I specialize with working with adolescents with a variety of substance use and/or mental health symptoms. I thoroughly enjoy working with teens who have addiction and mental health issues.
![Photo of Amanda L. Adams - Amanda Adams Therapy, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ff5c3517-eac5-4900-a341-9b916b848a6b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Amanda Adams Therapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Scappoose, OR 97056 (Online Only)
Change is hard! I'm seeking clients who want support with life's transitions such as adolescent transition to adulthood, identity development, aging, death, or changes in relationship dynamics. Inclusion is important to me, and I strive to help others feel accepted and see the best in themselves.
Change is hard! I'm seeking clients who want support with life's transitions such as adolescent transition to adulthood, identity development, aging, death, or changes in relationship dynamics. Inclusion is important to me, and I strive to help others feel accepted and see the best in themselves.
![Photo of Chloe L Ackerman, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/86666386-7026-484e-9f80-3debdcc5c374/3/320x400.jpeg)
NOT ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS. When we try to achieve perfect happiness, we inevitably fail, and then we think there must be something wrong with us. Many times, we try to escape our hard feelings, distract ourselves from them, or numb them out, but that doesn’t seem to work for very long. Wellness is not about being happy all the time or never feeling pain again. Wellness is about learning to get better at feeling, period. That feeling may be happiness or sadness, contentment or grief, anger or joy.
NOT ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS. When we try to achieve perfect happiness, we inevitably fail, and then we think there must be something wrong with us. Many times, we try to escape our hard feelings, distract ourselves from them, or numb them out, but that doesn’t seem to work for very long. Wellness is not about being happy all the time or never feeling pain again. Wellness is about learning to get better at feeling, period. That feeling may be happiness or sadness, contentment or grief, anger or joy.
![Photo of Rachel Joy Rockey Polyvagal Consultant - RJR Counseling - Rachel J Rockey, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/42a9e66f-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
RJR Counseling - Rachel J Rockey
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
Scappoose, OR 97056 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
I am a female therapist who is committed to cultivating a confidential space for you and I to explore your internal compass and the direction it leads. My work has been focused on working with neurodivergence, people in major life transitions; spiritual and existential crossroads, animal loss/grief, and supporting actions towards desired change. I help guide people to their innate sense of safety, leading to self liberation. I am experienced in helping elicit dynamic change and awareness which opens doors to possibility and healing, for those who come my way.
I am a female therapist who is committed to cultivating a confidential space for you and I to explore your internal compass and the direction it leads. My work has been focused on working with neurodivergence, people in major life transitions; spiritual and existential crossroads, animal loss/grief, and supporting actions towards desired change. I help guide people to their innate sense of safety, leading to self liberation. I am experienced in helping elicit dynamic change and awareness which opens doors to possibility and healing, for those who come my way.
![Photo of Stacy Sheffler, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ede5d984-3f50-46fe-8ec4-0ce288f3d4d5/3/320x400.jpeg)
Stacy Sheffler
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Scappoose, OR 97056
Not accepting new clients
If you would like support while addressing: current stressors, pains, trauma, struggles, transitions, communication needs, healing from relationships, or identity I can help guide you within your own journey to ease these feelings for you and develop fulfilling coping skills. I am also supportive of incorporating your partner or your family to aid in healing, communication and healthier dynamics. I am client centered and focus on what you would like your journey in therapy to look and feel like. I am attachment theory and trauma focused in my modalities.
If you would like support while addressing: current stressors, pains, trauma, struggles, transitions, communication needs, healing from relationships, or identity I can help guide you within your own journey to ease these feelings for you and develop fulfilling coping skills. I am also supportive of incorporating your partner or your family to aid in healing, communication and healthier dynamics. I am client centered and focus on what you would like your journey in therapy to look and feel like. I am attachment theory and trauma focused in my modalities.
![Photo of Kayla C. Hart, MSW, LCSW, LICSW, CCTP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/37b35138-09a9-4d21-9e42-a76016a473e2/2/320x400.jpeg)
Kayla C. Hart
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, LICSW, CCTP
Verified Verified
Scappoose, OR 97056
Not accepting new clients
Please Note: NOT Accepting Clients at This Time, CLOSED waitlist- - No one is born with an owner’s manual to happiness. It can be a long road of trial and error we all have to figure out through life. Traumatic experiences can act as roadblocks, affecting our ability to thrive. Sometimes we need help through this process. My job as a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional is to work as a guide to help clients gain insight into their thoughts and behaviors. Together, we process these experiences through transparent discussion and bodily movement, to explore different avenues of healing.
Please Note: NOT Accepting Clients at This Time, CLOSED waitlist- - No one is born with an owner’s manual to happiness. It can be a long road of trial and error we all have to figure out through life. Traumatic experiences can act as roadblocks, affecting our ability to thrive. Sometimes we need help through this process. My job as a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional is to work as a guide to help clients gain insight into their thoughts and behaviors. Together, we process these experiences through transparent discussion and bodily movement, to explore different avenues of healing.
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Christine Landis, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5047bbc0-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I work with people who are interested in the process of finding healing, wholeness and meaning. Our work will focus on your concerns, whether expressed as depression, anxiety, PTSD, parenting, life transitions, spirituality, relationship issues, loss & grief, childhood trauma, identity issues or self-understanding. We will explore your inner world with compassion and without judgment in order to facilitate greater self-awareness, healing and transformation. My approach is Jungian-oriented, attending to both conscious and unconscious material. I value diversity and the uniqueness of each person's culture, background and lifestyle.
I work with people who are interested in the process of finding healing, wholeness and meaning. Our work will focus on your concerns, whether expressed as depression, anxiety, PTSD, parenting, life transitions, spirituality, relationship issues, loss & grief, childhood trauma, identity issues or self-understanding. We will explore your inner world with compassion and without judgment in order to facilitate greater self-awareness, healing and transformation. My approach is Jungian-oriented, attending to both conscious and unconscious material. I value diversity and the uniqueness of each person's culture, background and lifestyle.
![Photo of Brittany Janes, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8f022af2-41e8-4842-9429-4474f2a9f36e/1/320x400.jpeg)
Offer individual and couples/family therapy addressing issues of anxiety, depression, trauma, existential exploration, LGBTQ support, minority identity support, relationship distress.
I use a nonjudgmental, collaborative approach working with clients. Often therapy includes identifying the root of an issue going on, then exploring options for increasing life satisfaction, and identifying strategies to help maintain that level of satisfaction after therapy ends. Common presenting issues include anxiety and depression, grief, relationship stress, communication struggles, and processing and moving through trauma. I work with both adults and teenagers. I also want to explicitly state that I am open to working with other professionals, as it can be difficult for finding therapy for therapists and other professionals.
Offer individual and couples/family therapy addressing issues of anxiety, depression, trauma, existential exploration, LGBTQ support, minority identity support, relationship distress.
I use a nonjudgmental, collaborative approach working with clients. Often therapy includes identifying the root of an issue going on, then exploring options for increasing life satisfaction, and identifying strategies to help maintain that level of satisfaction after therapy ends. Common presenting issues include anxiety and depression, grief, relationship stress, communication struggles, and processing and moving through trauma. I work with both adults and teenagers. I also want to explicitly state that I am open to working with other professionals, as it can be difficult for finding therapy for therapists and other professionals.
![Photo of Barbara Dawne Feil, DMin, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2eb113b8-64b5-453d-aa77-4d307701da4c/1/320x400.jpeg)
Barbara Dawne Feil
Licensed Professional Counselor, DMin, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97231
I provide therapy for men and women around life transitions, grief, depression, anxiety, marriage and relationship issues, guilt and shame, recovering from physical or sexual abuse, sexuality, identity and self image, spiritual development, spiritual abuse, church and ministry. 35 years of pastoral ministry has given me great exposure to issues across an adult life span including singleness, finding life direction, finding a life partner, empty-nest, mid-life crisis, retirement and finding fulfillment when life and health is diminished by age.
I provide therapy for men and women around life transitions, grief, depression, anxiety, marriage and relationship issues, guilt and shame, recovering from physical or sexual abuse, sexuality, identity and self image, spiritual development, spiritual abuse, church and ministry. 35 years of pastoral ministry has given me great exposure to issues across an adult life span including singleness, finding life direction, finding a life partner, empty-nest, mid-life crisis, retirement and finding fulfillment when life and health is diminished by age.
![Photo of Helene Goode - Goode Counseling, LPC, NCC, CADCI, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6961a1e1-dd26-4d10-b5b6-b5f3dd23f9f1/1/320x400.jpeg)
Goode Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC, CADCI
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97231
Feeling unloveable, being harshly critical of yourself and others, perfectionism, depression and anxiety are just a few of the many symptoms you might experience.
My heartfelt wish is to help you find your voice and connection in the world. There are so many ways we adapt to our circumstances, family, society or culture. To fit in, you might feel like you've lost part of yourself. You may feel isolated, like no one can possibly understand or even accept you. Maybe you grew up in a family affected by addiction, identify as LGBQT, or were raised in a religion that feels unaccepting. Perhaps you're an artist or unemployed and struggling with confidence. Whatever your circumstance, you can find the joy of being you.
Feeling unloveable, being harshly critical of yourself and others, perfectionism, depression and anxiety are just a few of the many symptoms you might experience.
My heartfelt wish is to help you find your voice and connection in the world. There are so many ways we adapt to our circumstances, family, society or culture. To fit in, you might feel like you've lost part of yourself. You may feel isolated, like no one can possibly understand or even accept you. Maybe you grew up in a family affected by addiction, identify as LGBQT, or were raised in a religion that feels unaccepting. Perhaps you're an artist or unemployed and struggling with confidence. Whatever your circumstance, you can find the joy of being you.
![Photo of Amy Madrigal, LPCA, CADC II, CYMHC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d87db80c-0484-47fc-9848-a0c165a47c62/3/320x400.jpeg)
Amy Madrigal
Professional Counselor Associate, LPCA, CADC II, CYMHC
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97231
Depression, anxiety, trauma, addiction, stress and conflict are just a few things that can be overwhelming and make life and relationships difficult to manage.
I am passionate about people leading empowered, connected, and purposeful lives. I work collaboratively with clients in identifying needs, making changes, and practicing new skills in a safe and supportive setting. Sometimes getting assistance is the difference between lasting change, or staying stuck in an increasingly devastating cycle. Depression, anxiety, trauma, addiction, stress and conflict are just a few things that can be overwhelming and make life and relationships difficult to manage. . As a person with lived experience and in long term recovery I am able to connect with and encourage people to make a lasting change.
Depression, anxiety, trauma, addiction, stress and conflict are just a few things that can be overwhelming and make life and relationships difficult to manage.
I am passionate about people leading empowered, connected, and purposeful lives. I work collaboratively with clients in identifying needs, making changes, and practicing new skills in a safe and supportive setting. Sometimes getting assistance is the difference between lasting change, or staying stuck in an increasingly devastating cycle. Depression, anxiety, trauma, addiction, stress and conflict are just a few things that can be overwhelming and make life and relationships difficult to manage. . As a person with lived experience and in long term recovery I am able to connect with and encourage people to make a lasting change.
![Photo of Nicole Kennelly, MA](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/718b509e-1d7b-45c3-884a-0c5fd41990f4/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am passionate about helping you to create a meaningful and fulfilling life, as you learn to move from cycles of pain to cycles of peace. I view the human experience through an existential lens where you are encouraged to engage with your own "becoming" as you create a life worth living. I welcome all ways that bring awareness and change, including restoration therapy, solution-focused therapy, and techniques of self-compassion, mediation, spiritual integration, and somatic regulation. I work with adults, teens and kids and have experience with women's issues, parenting, marriage, anxiety, depression, ADHD, and addiction.
I am passionate about helping you to create a meaningful and fulfilling life, as you learn to move from cycles of pain to cycles of peace. I view the human experience through an existential lens where you are encouraged to engage with your own "becoming" as you create a life worth living. I welcome all ways that bring awareness and change, including restoration therapy, solution-focused therapy, and techniques of self-compassion, mediation, spiritual integration, and somatic regulation. I work with adults, teens and kids and have experience with women's issues, parenting, marriage, anxiety, depression, ADHD, and addiction.
See more therapy options for Scappoose
Nearby Depression Therapists Searches for Scappoose
- Aloha
- Beaverton
- Damascus
- Forest Grove
- Hillsboro
- King City
- Lake Oswego
- North Plains
- Portland
- Rainier
- Saint Helens
- Tigard
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.