Depression Therapists in McMurray, PA

Photo of Dr. Terra Mauro, PhD, LPC, NCC, CRC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Dr. Terra Mauro
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC, NCC, CRC
Verified Verified
McMurray, PA 15317
Mental Health counseling experience with anxiety, depression, grief/loss, adjustment disorders, and mood disorders.
As a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, I have 20 + years experience combined in psychotherapy and rehabilitation counseling. Our busy world demands many tools for coping, problem-solving, and stress management. Personal wellness, positive thinking patterns, and effective self-talk make a difference. Learning to manage life's stressors provides an important base for happiness. Making good choices for yourself improves your quality of life, mental health, and personal wellness.
Mental Health counseling experience with anxiety, depression, grief/loss, adjustment disorders, and mood disorders.
As a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, I have 20 + years experience combined in psychotherapy and rehabilitation counseling. Our busy world demands many tools for coping, problem-solving, and stress management. Personal wellness, positive thinking patterns, and effective self-talk make a difference. Learning to manage life's stressors provides an important base for happiness. Making good choices for yourself improves your quality of life, mental health, and personal wellness.
(724) 259-7149 View (724) 259-7149
Photo of Cristina Panaccione, MA, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Cristina Panaccione
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
McMurray, PA 15317
I am the owner of a group practice, Cristina Panaccione and Associates, LLC. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor who specializes in mental health services across the lifespan with expertise in treatment of depression and anxiety as well as therapeutic approaches from a family systemic and cognitive behavioral perspective. My clinical experience includes service coordination, school therapy, crisis intervention, Family Systems Theory, Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, as well has extensive work within an outpatient setting treating individuals, couples, families, children and teens. Let me help you handle life's challenges.
I am the owner of a group practice, Cristina Panaccione and Associates, LLC. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor who specializes in mental health services across the lifespan with expertise in treatment of depression and anxiety as well as therapeutic approaches from a family systemic and cognitive behavioral perspective. My clinical experience includes service coordination, school therapy, crisis intervention, Family Systems Theory, Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, as well has extensive work within an outpatient setting treating individuals, couples, families, children and teens. Let me help you handle life's challenges.
(412) 906-4433 View (412) 906-4433
Photo of Courtney Ramous - Ramous Psychology & Associates, PsyD, Psychologist
Ramous Psychology & Associates
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
McMurray, PA 15317
Waitlist for new clients
The providers at Ramous Psychology & Associates serve individuals, couples and families in the south hills of Pittsburgh, PA who are looking for support and relief from life’s struggles. Whether it be depression, anxiety, family conflicts, challenges of divorce, parenting stress, behavioral or attention/concentration problems, or coping with life changes, we give people the tools they need to resolve difficult situations and achieve happiness and stability. We realize that no two people are the same, and we tailor our therapy to meet your specific needs as an individual.
The providers at Ramous Psychology & Associates serve individuals, couples and families in the south hills of Pittsburgh, PA who are looking for support and relief from life’s struggles. Whether it be depression, anxiety, family conflicts, challenges of divorce, parenting stress, behavioral or attention/concentration problems, or coping with life changes, we give people the tools they need to resolve difficult situations and achieve happiness and stability. We realize that no two people are the same, and we tailor our therapy to meet your specific needs as an individual.
(878) 213-4778 View (878) 213-4778
Photo of Kimberly June, LCSW, LMT, CST, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kimberly June
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LMT, CST
Verified Verified
McMurray, PA 15317
I am a holistic psychotherapist, trained in medical hypnotherapy,EMDR, Energy Psychology (TFT/EFT), Family Constellation work, and energy and shamanic healing in private practice in Pittsburgh. I work primarily with adults with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and chronic pain. I have trained extensively in the integration of different therapeutic modalities in order to facilitate healing and integration of the body, mind and spirit. I am also a student of meditation and teach the "Awakening the Light Body" meditation curriculum offered as both a pathway of personal transformation and as a therapeutic treatment model.
I am a holistic psychotherapist, trained in medical hypnotherapy,EMDR, Energy Psychology (TFT/EFT), Family Constellation work, and energy and shamanic healing in private practice in Pittsburgh. I work primarily with adults with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and chronic pain. I have trained extensively in the integration of different therapeutic modalities in order to facilitate healing and integration of the body, mind and spirit. I am also a student of meditation and teach the "Awakening the Light Body" meditation curriculum offered as both a pathway of personal transformation and as a therapeutic treatment model.
(724) 359-0802 View (724) 359-0802
Photo of Vanessa Alimario Meredith, MA, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Vanessa Alimario Meredith
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
McMurray, PA 15317
I also have experience facilitating various groups/workshops including Coping with Depression, Surviving Separation and Divorce, Stress Management, Helping Families Cope with Grief and Loss, and Codependency Groups.
I have 30 years experience working with individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, couple/marital problems, addictions, codependency, sexual assault and other emotional problems. I utilize a strength-based, eclectic approach which tailors the course of treatment around the individual's needs. For example, when working with individuals relating problems with anxiety or depression, cognitive behavioral principles may be introduced which examine thinking patterns. Couples experiencing discord may need to work on improving communication skills, rebuilding trust, and enhancing emotional and sexual intimacy.
I also have experience facilitating various groups/workshops including Coping with Depression, Surviving Separation and Divorce, Stress Management, Helping Families Cope with Grief and Loss, and Codependency Groups.
I have 30 years experience working with individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, couple/marital problems, addictions, codependency, sexual assault and other emotional problems. I utilize a strength-based, eclectic approach which tailors the course of treatment around the individual's needs. For example, when working with individuals relating problems with anxiety or depression, cognitive behavioral principles may be introduced which examine thinking patterns. Couples experiencing discord may need to work on improving communication skills, rebuilding trust, and enhancing emotional and sexual intimacy.
(724) 398-4433 View (724) 398-4433
Photo of Megan Dami, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Megan Dami
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
McMurray, PA 15317
Megan is a Licensed Professional Counselor who earned her Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Waynesburg University in 2018 and has been in the field with a variety of populations, for almost a decade overall. She has spent time working in community agencies, inpatient, and outpatient settings over the past several years. Megan has specialized over time in helping individuals with anxiety, depression, PTSD, self-esteem issues, and self-destructive behaviors, to name a few.
Megan is a Licensed Professional Counselor who earned her Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Waynesburg University in 2018 and has been in the field with a variety of populations, for almost a decade overall. She has spent time working in community agencies, inpatient, and outpatient settings over the past several years. Megan has specialized over time in helping individuals with anxiety, depression, PTSD, self-esteem issues, and self-destructive behaviors, to name a few.
(412) 538-6018 View (412) 538-6018
Photo of Ashley Spahn, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Ashley Spahn
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
McMurray, PA 15317
I am particularly passionate about working with individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, challenges with self-esteem, and substance use.
Hello! I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to walk alongside you on your journey to self-discovery and healing. As a therapist, my core mission is to help you unlock and reach your full potential. My approach to therapy is grounded in warmth and empathy. I believe that the therapeutic relationship is a partnership, one where we explore your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors together in a safe and supportive environment. The goal is not just to navigate through your struggles but also to celebrate and build upon your inherent strengths and resilience.
I am particularly passionate about working with individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, challenges with self-esteem, and substance use.
Hello! I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to walk alongside you on your journey to self-discovery and healing. As a therapist, my core mission is to help you unlock and reach your full potential. My approach to therapy is grounded in warmth and empathy. I believe that the therapeutic relationship is a partnership, one where we explore your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors together in a safe and supportive environment. The goal is not just to navigate through your struggles but also to celebrate and build upon your inherent strengths and resilience.
(724) 801-3743 View (724) 801-3743
Photo of Danielle Turner, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Danielle Turner
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
McMurray, PA 15317
Healing can be intimidating; but also unimaginably life changing for the better. Danielle Turner (she/her/hers) is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Danielle is currently working towards her PhD in Counselor Supervision and Education. Danielle is a Nationally Certified Counselor. She has multiple years of experience treating clients who are anxious, depressed, have experienced loss and or trauma (physical, verbal or sexual), suffer from mood disorders and psychotic disorders.
Healing can be intimidating; but also unimaginably life changing for the better. Danielle Turner (she/her/hers) is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Danielle is currently working towards her PhD in Counselor Supervision and Education. Danielle is a Nationally Certified Counselor. She has multiple years of experience treating clients who are anxious, depressed, have experienced loss and or trauma (physical, verbal or sexual), suffer from mood disorders and psychotic disorders.
(724) 251-5871 View (724) 251-5871
Photo of Samantha J Lacy, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Samantha J Lacy
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
McMurray, PA 15317
I enjoy working with people who have Trauma or PTSD, Depression, Anxiety, OCD, ADHD, Autism, Bipolar Disorder, and Reactive Attachment Disorder.
Are you currently living your best life? Are you living your truth? Or maybe events from your past and/or present are weighing on you and you're not sure what to do at this point or where to turn. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor who prides myself on my ability to help others achieve their therapeutic goals and be the best version of themselves. I have over 18 years of experience in the field of psychology, and have worked in many different settings such as partial hospital, IBHS, Social Skills programming, school settings, and Outpatient MH. I enjoy working with children, adolescents, and adults.
I enjoy working with people who have Trauma or PTSD, Depression, Anxiety, OCD, ADHD, Autism, Bipolar Disorder, and Reactive Attachment Disorder.
Are you currently living your best life? Are you living your truth? Or maybe events from your past and/or present are weighing on you and you're not sure what to do at this point or where to turn. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor who prides myself on my ability to help others achieve their therapeutic goals and be the best version of themselves. I have over 18 years of experience in the field of psychology, and have worked in many different settings such as partial hospital, IBHS, Social Skills programming, school settings, and Outpatient MH. I enjoy working with children, adolescents, and adults.
(412) 913-6109 View (412) 913-6109
Photo of Sherry A Raineri, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Sherry A Raineri
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
McMurray, PA 15317
Welcome to "We Talk Straight Counseling"! A place where incredible and sometimes surprising changes have happened. I have enjoyed helping to change the lives not only of my clients but also the lives of those they love for the past 29 years. It takes courage to be able to recognize that a change needs to be made and to be able to reach out for help. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, addiction, codependency, self-injury, marital or family conflict, grief and despair as well as other concerns, there is hope. When you are ready, I will be there to help you improve your life.
Welcome to "We Talk Straight Counseling"! A place where incredible and sometimes surprising changes have happened. I have enjoyed helping to change the lives not only of my clients but also the lives of those they love for the past 29 years. It takes courage to be able to recognize that a change needs to be made and to be able to reach out for help. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, addiction, codependency, self-injury, marital or family conflict, grief and despair as well as other concerns, there is hope. When you are ready, I will be there to help you improve your life.
(724) 580-1039 View (724) 580-1039
Photo of Christina Pucel, MS, NCC, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Christina Pucel
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, NCC, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
McMurray, PA 15317
depression and trauma.
I am a board certified counselor who strives to give personalized care to each person who walks through my door. I understand that when you decide to come to counseling, you need to feel understood and for the process to be as comfortable as possible. I believe counseling can often help you grow to live your best life. When there are so many things we can't control in the world, therapy can help you learn where you do have control - your thoughts, feelings and behaviors. I have an eclectic approach to counseling and have a particular interest in treating anxiety, depression, life transitions, trauma and fostering personal growth.
depression and trauma.
I am a board certified counselor who strives to give personalized care to each person who walks through my door. I understand that when you decide to come to counseling, you need to feel understood and for the process to be as comfortable as possible. I believe counseling can often help you grow to live your best life. When there are so many things we can't control in the world, therapy can help you learn where you do have control - your thoughts, feelings and behaviors. I have an eclectic approach to counseling and have a particular interest in treating anxiety, depression, life transitions, trauma and fostering personal growth.
(724) 972-4894 View (724) 972-4894
Photo of Elizabeth Rychcik, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Elizabeth Rychcik
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
McMurray, PA 15317
ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS!! “Change how you see…and see how you change.” -Zen Proverb- For more than 15 years, I have worked with people struggling with a variety of concerns including anxiety, depression, life transitions, self-esteem, interpersonal/relationship concerns, adjustment issues, and career development. I use both a client-centered approach and cognitive behavioral techniques to create an environment that is warm and non-judgmental where clients feel comfortable examining their mindsets and how their thoughts impact their feelings.
ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS!! “Change how you see…and see how you change.” -Zen Proverb- For more than 15 years, I have worked with people struggling with a variety of concerns including anxiety, depression, life transitions, self-esteem, interpersonal/relationship concerns, adjustment issues, and career development. I use both a client-centered approach and cognitive behavioral techniques to create an environment that is warm and non-judgmental where clients feel comfortable examining their mindsets and how their thoughts impact their feelings.
(412) 725-0242 View (412) 725-0242
Photo of Joseph Hegedus, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Joseph Hegedus
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
McMurray, PA 15317
Whether you are struggling to manage stress, navigating a demanding lifestyle, or facing mental health challenges, I offer personalized therapy solutions. For over 20 years, I've helped individuals, couples, and families in the Pittsburgh region overcome acute and chronic stressors and symptoms, including anxiety, depression, trauma, and more. Schedule an in-person or virtual appointment easily at www.josephhegeduslpc.com.
Whether you are struggling to manage stress, navigating a demanding lifestyle, or facing mental health challenges, I offer personalized therapy solutions. For over 20 years, I've helped individuals, couples, and families in the Pittsburgh region overcome acute and chronic stressors and symptoms, including anxiety, depression, trauma, and more. Schedule an in-person or virtual appointment easily at www.josephhegeduslpc.com.
(878) 218-7047 View (878) 218-7047
Photo of Alexandra Cox - Grounding Tree Therapy, LPC, MA, Counselor
Grounding Tree Therapy
Counselor, LPC, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
McMurray, PA 15317  (Online Only)
Accepting New Clients . At Grounding Tree Therapy, I work with adults who feel negatively about themselves. I help navigate feelings and emotions of anxiety and depression that you’ve carried with you since childhood. If you have felt like you aren’t enough or feel like you are failing, let’s talk. We will explore the root cause of the emotions and process situations based on your perspective while being challenged to see outcomes and decisions differently.
Accepting New Clients . At Grounding Tree Therapy, I work with adults who feel negatively about themselves. I help navigate feelings and emotions of anxiety and depression that you’ve carried with you since childhood. If you have felt like you aren’t enough or feel like you are failing, let’s talk. We will explore the root cause of the emotions and process situations based on your perspective while being challenged to see outcomes and decisions differently.
(412) 214-8978 View (412) 214-8978
Photo of John D Massella, EdD, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
John D Massella
Licensed Professional Counselor, EdD, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
McMurray, PA 15317
As a clinician with more than 40 years of experience, I have worked with adults and youth who have contended with depression and/or anxiety, alcohol/substance use issues, co-dependency, adjustment problems or life changes, career frustrations and parenting issues as well as interpersonal, marital and partner conflicts.
At times we may find ourselves contending with issues that have perhaps developed recently or plagued us for years. Regardless of how they come about you have decided seek some assistance. I am willing to help. I offer free phone consultation to discuss whats been happening and to find if I am the best fit for you. To ease the process as much as possible I can be reached by phone at 412-218-1675 or E-mail at johnmassella@yahoo.com. Contact me even if you have questions about other resources; I want you to get what is needed.
As a clinician with more than 40 years of experience, I have worked with adults and youth who have contended with depression and/or anxiety, alcohol/substance use issues, co-dependency, adjustment problems or life changes, career frustrations and parenting issues as well as interpersonal, marital and partner conflicts.
At times we may find ourselves contending with issues that have perhaps developed recently or plagued us for years. Regardless of how they come about you have decided seek some assistance. I am willing to help. I offer free phone consultation to discuss whats been happening and to find if I am the best fit for you. To ease the process as much as possible I can be reached by phone at 412-218-1675 or E-mail at johnmassella@yahoo.com. Contact me even if you have questions about other resources; I want you to get what is needed.
(412) 218-1675 View (412) 218-1675
Carolyn Marie Vorhes-Reed
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
McMurray, PA 15317  (Online Only)
My name is Carolyn Vorhes-Reed. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor who has been working in the field of mental health for over 20 years. I have worked primarily with children and adolescents in community mental health, both in an office setting and in local school districts, but I also work with adults. Over the course of my career, I have assisted those with a wide variety of struggles, including behavioral and school related issues, autism, anxiety, depression, and PTSD. I pride myself in learning who my patients truly are so that I can establish an authentic and meaningful therapeutic alliance with each of them.
My name is Carolyn Vorhes-Reed. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor who has been working in the field of mental health for over 20 years. I have worked primarily with children and adolescents in community mental health, both in an office setting and in local school districts, but I also work with adults. Over the course of my career, I have assisted those with a wide variety of struggles, including behavioral and school related issues, autism, anxiety, depression, and PTSD. I pride myself in learning who my patients truly are so that I can establish an authentic and meaningful therapeutic alliance with each of them.
(878) 205-2022 View (878) 205-2022
Photo of Jozi Compliment - Wonder + Wellness, MA, ATR-BC, CCTP, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Wonder + Wellness
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, ATR-BC, CCTP, LPC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
McMurray, PA 15317
Jozi is accepting new adult clients, Carolyn and Maggie are accepting clients of all ages. My name is Jozi and I am a therapist and owner of Wonder + Wellness. Our clinicians have experience working with diverse clients, including adults, teens, and children who have survived traumatic experiences, experienced depression and anxiety, and have mood disorders, to name a few. Our therapists are EMDR trained. We work using a collaborative and interactive style to work with you to help identify the best method that'll give you the support to help you move in the direction of health, healing, and growth.
Jozi is accepting new adult clients, Carolyn and Maggie are accepting clients of all ages. My name is Jozi and I am a therapist and owner of Wonder + Wellness. Our clinicians have experience working with diverse clients, including adults, teens, and children who have survived traumatic experiences, experienced depression and anxiety, and have mood disorders, to name a few. Our therapists are EMDR trained. We work using a collaborative and interactive style to work with you to help identify the best method that'll give you the support to help you move in the direction of health, healing, and growth.
(724) 647-3237 View (724) 647-3237
Photo of Jennifer Krause, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Jennifer Krause
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
McMurray, PA 15317
With over 20 years of experience providing counseling services, I have worked with people struggling to manage anxiety, depression, addiction, and marital/relationship issues.
**Accepting new clients** Are you finding it harder and harder to cope with every day life stressors? Is your marriage being tested by the demands of busy schedules and lack of communication? Is your anxiety becoming too overwhelming to manage on your own? If you answered yes, then it sounds like you are motivated to learn skills to better manage life's challenges. You may be ready to reach out for some guidance and I want to be here to help you embrace your journey.
With over 20 years of experience providing counseling services, I have worked with people struggling to manage anxiety, depression, addiction, and marital/relationship issues.
**Accepting new clients** Are you finding it harder and harder to cope with every day life stressors? Is your marriage being tested by the demands of busy schedules and lack of communication? Is your anxiety becoming too overwhelming to manage on your own? If you answered yes, then it sounds like you are motivated to learn skills to better manage life's challenges. You may be ready to reach out for some guidance and I want to be here to help you embrace your journey.
(724) 200-8425 View (724) 200-8425
Photo of Samantha Lalama, MS, LAPC, NCC
Samantha Lalama
Associate Professional Counselor, MS, LAPC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
McMurray, PA 15317
I provide individual, couple, and group counseling services to clients across the lifespan with various mental health issues, such as anxiety, ADHD, women's issues, depression, trauma, and relationship problems.
Have you found it difficult to live your life authentically? Have you ever felt out of place or different? You are not alone. I value an integrative approach to therapy which allows me to tailor my treatment methods to work best with each individual as no two people are the same. Focusing on a holistic point of view, I encourage self-discovery through the mind, body, relationships, spirituality, thoughts, and emotions. A large part of my work includes mindfulness-based cognitive behavioral therapy which aids in connecting thoughts and emotions to promote healthy behavior.
I provide individual, couple, and group counseling services to clients across the lifespan with various mental health issues, such as anxiety, ADHD, women's issues, depression, trauma, and relationship problems.
Have you found it difficult to live your life authentically? Have you ever felt out of place or different? You are not alone. I value an integrative approach to therapy which allows me to tailor my treatment methods to work best with each individual as no two people are the same. Focusing on a holistic point of view, I encourage self-discovery through the mind, body, relationships, spirituality, thoughts, and emotions. A large part of my work includes mindfulness-based cognitive behavioral therapy which aids in connecting thoughts and emotions to promote healthy behavior.
(412) 545-6453 View (412) 545-6453
Photo of Nicholle O'Leary, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Nicholle O'Leary
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
McMurray, PA 15317
I specialize in working with those struggling with parenting, career, relationship/marital issues, anxiety, depression, PTSD, perinatal/ postnatal mood disorders, domestic abuse and others issues.
Are you experiencing anxiety, depression, anger or feeling unbalanced in one or several areas of your life? Do you feel as if your life is unraveling? If this sounds like you, then you have come to the right place. You do not have to travel this road alone.
I specialize in working with those struggling with parenting, career, relationship/marital issues, anxiety, depression, PTSD, perinatal/ postnatal mood disorders, domestic abuse and others issues.
Are you experiencing anxiety, depression, anger or feeling unbalanced in one or several areas of your life? Do you feel as if your life is unraveling? If this sounds like you, then you have come to the right place. You do not have to travel this road alone.
(724) 517-4548 View (724) 517-4548
1

See more therapy options for McMurray

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.