Depression Therapists in Warrington, PA
![Photo of Jean-Pierre Assouad - Quintessential Health, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/852eb2da-f4e5-4067-b76e-e33d3abff3b2/2/320x400.jpeg)
At Quintessential Health, we serve a wide range of individuals from young children to adults. We often individual therapy, group counseling, couples counseling, and assessment/testing services. We specialize in generalized and social anxiety, depression, relationship issues, behavioral difficulties, grief/loss, Autism, ADHD, and trauma. Common referrals for assessments include ADHD concerns, Autism, academic difficulties, psychoeducational assessments, and developmental concerns. We welcome patients from the following states: PA, NJ, MD
At Quintessential Health, we serve a wide range of individuals from young children to adults. We often individual therapy, group counseling, couples counseling, and assessment/testing services. We specialize in generalized and social anxiety, depression, relationship issues, behavioral difficulties, grief/loss, Autism, ADHD, and trauma. Common referrals for assessments include ADHD concerns, Autism, academic difficulties, psychoeducational assessments, and developmental concerns. We welcome patients from the following states: PA, NJ, MD
![Photo of Jennifer Candelario, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0c01768a-0816-4e07-a646-35f93fdb8596/3/320x400.png)
My primary focus areas include life transitions, depression, anxiety, coping skills development, substance use, and relationship issues.
Are you struggling with difficult life transitions, depression, & anxiety? I enjoy working with clients who feel motivated to take that first step of exploring reasons why they are feeling unhappy or dissatisfied with their lives right now. I work with clients who want to gain insight & learn tangible skills that they can practice outside of the therapeutic sessions to change their lives for the better. My role as a Licensed Professional Counselor is to help individuals gain insight and feel empowered to create positive change in their lives. I offer a collaborative approach to create a unique treatment plan tailored to your needs.
My primary focus areas include life transitions, depression, anxiety, coping skills development, substance use, and relationship issues.
Are you struggling with difficult life transitions, depression, & anxiety? I enjoy working with clients who feel motivated to take that first step of exploring reasons why they are feeling unhappy or dissatisfied with their lives right now. I work with clients who want to gain insight & learn tangible skills that they can practice outside of the therapeutic sessions to change their lives for the better. My role as a Licensed Professional Counselor is to help individuals gain insight and feel empowered to create positive change in their lives. I offer a collaborative approach to create a unique treatment plan tailored to your needs.
![Photo of Kevin Meyer, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5b74df30-c026-46d1-8e19-19a6f208a5bf/1/320x400.jpeg)
Kevin received his Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Harding University and has experience working with a diverse population of clients including children, adolescents, young adults, and adults. He also has extensive experience in treating anxiety disorders, depression and mood disorders, schizophrenia, co-occurring disorders, self-image struggles, intrusive thoughts, relational struggles, couples and marital therapy, as well as experience in handling and responding to crisis situations.
Kevin received his Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Harding University and has experience working with a diverse population of clients including children, adolescents, young adults, and adults. He also has extensive experience in treating anxiety disorders, depression and mood disorders, schizophrenia, co-occurring disorders, self-image struggles, intrusive thoughts, relational struggles, couples and marital therapy, as well as experience in handling and responding to crisis situations.
![Photo of Rebecca Austin, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/06ad4083-eb3f-4cc1-8894-19b9346d7c7c/1/320x400.png)
Are you struggling with overwhelming emotions or persistent negative thoughts? Maybe you're finding it hard to express your needs to loved ones, or you're feeling stuck in a cycle of anxiety and depression. I primarily focus on treating anxiety, depression, & mood disorders while also supporting clients with coping skills development, life transitions, substance use, & relationship issues. My focus is to help you regain control over your emotions, find lasting relief from emotional distress, and achieve a sense of inner peace and happiness.
Are you struggling with overwhelming emotions or persistent negative thoughts? Maybe you're finding it hard to express your needs to loved ones, or you're feeling stuck in a cycle of anxiety and depression. I primarily focus on treating anxiety, depression, & mood disorders while also supporting clients with coping skills development, life transitions, substance use, & relationship issues. My focus is to help you regain control over your emotions, find lasting relief from emotional distress, and achieve a sense of inner peace and happiness.
![Photo of Kathleen Martinez, MA , LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/78ce7a3e-b093-42c0-a73d-216b6b23180e/2/320x400.png)
My ideal client struggles with Anxiety, Depression, Eating Disorders, Trauma, and/or related conditions. They are motivated for change or at least open to the possibility of change. They are open to feedback and willing to lean into the therapeutic process. They do not need to have clear goals for the therapeutic process right away but are willing to work to identify these goals in the treatment process. They would want to improve their life in some way, or even just their relationship with themselves.
My ideal client struggles with Anxiety, Depression, Eating Disorders, Trauma, and/or related conditions. They are motivated for change or at least open to the possibility of change. They are open to feedback and willing to lean into the therapeutic process. They do not need to have clear goals for the therapeutic process right away but are willing to work to identify these goals in the treatment process. They would want to improve their life in some way, or even just their relationship with themselves.
![Photo of Adela Yu, MSS, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f108be10-d193-4a1e-9498-a9396f4c6239/1/320x400.jpeg)
Adela Yu
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSS, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Warrington, PA 18976
Waitlist for new clients
I'm a licensed clinical social worker that specializes in working with children (8+) and adolescents; I also work with families, young adults, and adults. My clients are of diverse populations that are experiencing challenges with education/school, peer relationships, ADHD, depression, anxiety, Autism Spectrum Disorder, mood disorders, and/or trauma. Their goals include being less anxious, develop a toolbox of healthy coping strategies, improve communication and relationships, be more independent, and advocate for themselves.
I'm a licensed clinical social worker that specializes in working with children (8+) and adolescents; I also work with families, young adults, and adults. My clients are of diverse populations that are experiencing challenges with education/school, peer relationships, ADHD, depression, anxiety, Autism Spectrum Disorder, mood disorders, and/or trauma. Their goals include being less anxious, develop a toolbox of healthy coping strategies, improve communication and relationships, be more independent, and advocate for themselves.
![Photo of Michelle Perna, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/54b5e99f-d8dc-4783-9f0d-3144dace366e/2/320x400.png)
I am experienced in depression, anxiety, stress, trauma, relational conflict, family systems, addiction, criminal justice, anger management, eating disorders/body image, and mood disorders. The ideal client actively wants to explore their behaviors and thinking patterns and identify the underlying causes of these behaviors. In addition, the ideal client will be willing to tackle goals inside & outside therapy sessions. My ideal client would be an individual who is internally and externally motivated to change their life. They show up to sessions on time consistently and make a conscious effort to engage in the therapeutic process.
I am experienced in depression, anxiety, stress, trauma, relational conflict, family systems, addiction, criminal justice, anger management, eating disorders/body image, and mood disorders. The ideal client actively wants to explore their behaviors and thinking patterns and identify the underlying causes of these behaviors. In addition, the ideal client will be willing to tackle goals inside & outside therapy sessions. My ideal client would be an individual who is internally and externally motivated to change their life. They show up to sessions on time consistently and make a conscious effort to engage in the therapeutic process.
![Photo of Mindy Rushbrook, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c70678be-2aa4-49f5-b392-f648ee78cacc/1/320x400.jpeg)
Ms. Rushbrook received her Master's of Social Services from Bryn Mawr College. As a licensed clinical social worker she works with children, families, individuals and couples. Mindy takes a person centered, solutions based approach with her clients. She specializes in treating depression, anxiety, grieving, loss, trauma, ADD, self esteem and family issues. Ms. Rushbrook utilizes CBT and Motivational Interviewing as well as other treatment modalities as indicated which can vary from individual to individual.
Ms. Rushbrook received her Master's of Social Services from Bryn Mawr College. As a licensed clinical social worker she works with children, families, individuals and couples. Mindy takes a person centered, solutions based approach with her clients. She specializes in treating depression, anxiety, grieving, loss, trauma, ADD, self esteem and family issues. Ms. Rushbrook utilizes CBT and Motivational Interviewing as well as other treatment modalities as indicated which can vary from individual to individual.
![Photo of Amy Shirey, LSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5e005458-1d6e-4dd4-8aae-a487b3a9f1bb/2/320x400.png)
A lot of us deal with depression, worry, and anxiety in different stages of life.
I can help you cope with multiple stressors in your life as you manage the symptoms of mood and anxiety disorders. If you are looking for guidance and support, then we would be a great match.
A lot of us deal with depression, worry, and anxiety in different stages of life.
I can help you cope with multiple stressors in your life as you manage the symptoms of mood and anxiety disorders. If you are looking for guidance and support, then we would be a great match.
![Photo of Emily Caliguri, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5186d67c-3fa4-444b-a8c7-0b72ac950f49/1/320x400.jpeg)
She has provided individual counseling, social skills groups for individuals on the autism spectrum, groups for children and adolescents with ADHD and group therapy for individuals suffering from anxiety and depression.
Emily received her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Immaculata University. She has an undergraduate degree in Psychology and Social Science from Penn State University. Her specialties include working with children on the autism spectrum, adolescents, families and adults. Emily’s clinical experiences include working with clients with anxiety disorders, major depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and with individuals who need help managing life changes and transitions during young adulthood. Emily provides individual and family therapy.
She has provided individual counseling, social skills groups for individuals on the autism spectrum, groups for children and adolescents with ADHD and group therapy for individuals suffering from anxiety and depression.
Emily received her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Immaculata University. She has an undergraduate degree in Psychology and Social Science from Penn State University. Her specialties include working with children on the autism spectrum, adolescents, families and adults. Emily’s clinical experiences include working with clients with anxiety disorders, major depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and with individuals who need help managing life changes and transitions during young adulthood. Emily provides individual and family therapy.
![Photo of Melissa Hubsher, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/403bc16d-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I have been treating women for over 25 years who are experiencing feelings of depression and/or anxiety that sometimes coincide with lifestyle transitions, such as pregnancy, new motherhood, postpartum depression, miscarriage, infertility, menopause, relationship issues, divorce, PMS or returning to the work force. I work as a partnership in helping each woman to resolve issues in her life, in a safe and nonjudgmental environment. I feel that it's very important that your voice be heard. I can help you to find the relief that you deserve. I can help you feel like your "old self" again.
I have been treating women for over 25 years who are experiencing feelings of depression and/or anxiety that sometimes coincide with lifestyle transitions, such as pregnancy, new motherhood, postpartum depression, miscarriage, infertility, menopause, relationship issues, divorce, PMS or returning to the work force. I work as a partnership in helping each woman to resolve issues in her life, in a safe and nonjudgmental environment. I feel that it's very important that your voice be heard. I can help you to find the relief that you deserve. I can help you feel like your "old self" again.
15 Second Videos
Quintessential Health
Lavanya Devdas
Kiara Peralta
Linda Santana
Matthew L Kane
Karin Murphy
Kierstyn Gunn-Berube
Ellie Mental Health- Warrington
Laura Kate Tressler
Brianna Morgis
![Photo of Chelsea E DiMarco, MA, NCC, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a97b2699-73d7-47fb-9790-faca3932f169/1/320x400.jpeg)
Chelsea E DiMarco
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, NCC, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Warrington, PA 18976 (Online Only)
Are you struggling with your past? Anxiety? Depression? Many people believe trauma is limited to large events such as sexual assault, domestic violence, or natural disasters. What they don't realize is that trauma comes in all sizes, little "t"s and big "T"s. Experiences like shame, humiliation, bullying, and family dynamics, are often not taken into account but can cause similar harm.
Are you struggling with your past? Anxiety? Depression? Many people believe trauma is limited to large events such as sexual assault, domestic violence, or natural disasters. What they don't realize is that trauma comes in all sizes, little "t"s and big "T"s. Experiences like shame, humiliation, bullying, and family dynamics, are often not taken into account but can cause similar harm.
![Photo of Derek Pendleton, LCSW, ACSW, BCD, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4cf1124e-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Derek Pendleton
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, ACSW, BCD
Verified Verified
Warrington, PA 18976
I have nearly 25 years of experience providing individual, family, and couples therapy to people of all ages and diagnoses. My areas of specialty include adult/adolescent Depression, Anxiety, Panic Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, Addiction (all types), and Anger Management. In addition, I work well with families whose children struggle with behavioral and emotional problems, including diagnoses of A.D.H.D., Oppositional Defiant Disorder (O.D.D.), and Autism Spectrum Disorder. I am trained in various Evidenced-Based Practices - such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) - that have been proven to help individuals feel better soon.
I have nearly 25 years of experience providing individual, family, and couples therapy to people of all ages and diagnoses. My areas of specialty include adult/adolescent Depression, Anxiety, Panic Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, Addiction (all types), and Anger Management. In addition, I work well with families whose children struggle with behavioral and emotional problems, including diagnoses of A.D.H.D., Oppositional Defiant Disorder (O.D.D.), and Autism Spectrum Disorder. I am trained in various Evidenced-Based Practices - such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) - that have been proven to help individuals feel better soon.
![Photo of Amy Joseph, MS, LPC, CAADC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/16a98c78-c278-4147-8cbc-d8632c31fde2/2/320x400.jpeg)
Amy Joseph
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, CAADC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Warrington, PA 18976 (Online Only)
I help clients navigate anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, trauma, school/social stress, adjustment/life transitions, narcissistic abuse, family, marital & relationship matters, grief, self-esteem, anger management & addiction/recovery concerns.
The fact that you’re reading this means that you're ready to feel better. It takes courage to reach out to a therapist and means that you have hope that things can be better. Hope is what fuels the work of therapy and together we can help you to manage anxiety, depression and stress so that you can live your happiest life. Therapy is such a rewarding process and I know firsthand that it works and that YOU are so worth it. Being a therapist is my calling, my passion and my purpose and it would be my honor to travel with you on your journey to your Apogee, to your highest self, your journey to YOU!
I help clients navigate anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, trauma, school/social stress, adjustment/life transitions, narcissistic abuse, family, marital & relationship matters, grief, self-esteem, anger management & addiction/recovery concerns.
The fact that you’re reading this means that you're ready to feel better. It takes courage to reach out to a therapist and means that you have hope that things can be better. Hope is what fuels the work of therapy and together we can help you to manage anxiety, depression and stress so that you can live your happiest life. Therapy is such a rewarding process and I know firsthand that it works and that YOU are so worth it. Being a therapist is my calling, my passion and my purpose and it would be my honor to travel with you on your journey to your Apogee, to your highest self, your journey to YOU!
![Photo of Helene Burke, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/46983c70-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Helene Burke
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Warrington, PA 18976 (Online Only)
Thank you for considering me as your counselor. I have experience providing group, telephonic, online, and individual counseling to help individuals thrive, not just survive. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Pennsylvania. I focus on solution-oriented therapies to assist individuals in thriving beyond the challenges of Anxiety, Depression, Self-esteem, Self-acceptance, Coping skill development, Work stress, and Co-Occurring Disorders.
Thank you for considering me as your counselor. I have experience providing group, telephonic, online, and individual counseling to help individuals thrive, not just survive. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Pennsylvania. I focus on solution-oriented therapies to assist individuals in thriving beyond the challenges of Anxiety, Depression, Self-esteem, Self-acceptance, Coping skill development, Work stress, and Co-Occurring Disorders.
![Photo of Deirdre Hally Shaffer, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4cdb8380-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Deirdre Hally Shaffer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Warrington, PA 18976
My practice focuses on the reduction of depression, anxiety, work related stress; relationship enhancement; healing through grief and loss; living with chronic illness; and Twelve Step Recovery from alcohol/drug abuse.
For over 35 years, I have worked collaboratively with individuals and couples who are navigating life transitions and challenges in search of reduced stress, healing, and growth. Through the use of empowering, supportive, solutions-focused strategies, I specialize in personal and relationship improvement with an objective of finding resiliency, joy, and meaning in life as well as creating loving, supportive relationships. Navigating the difficult waters of divorce and supervising other therapists are areas of specialty, in addition to couples counseling, parenting coaching, and conflict management in interpersonal relationships.
My practice focuses on the reduction of depression, anxiety, work related stress; relationship enhancement; healing through grief and loss; living with chronic illness; and Twelve Step Recovery from alcohol/drug abuse.
For over 35 years, I have worked collaboratively with individuals and couples who are navigating life transitions and challenges in search of reduced stress, healing, and growth. Through the use of empowering, supportive, solutions-focused strategies, I specialize in personal and relationship improvement with an objective of finding resiliency, joy, and meaning in life as well as creating loving, supportive relationships. Navigating the difficult waters of divorce and supervising other therapists are areas of specialty, in addition to couples counseling, parenting coaching, and conflict management in interpersonal relationships.
![Photo of Alexis R. Lee - Evergreen Counseling & Wellness, LPC, NCC, LCSW, LMFT, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1d82cb4f-59ab-4736-a292-cb027bf469ef/1/320x400.jpeg)
Evergreen Counseling & Wellness
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC, LCSW, LMFT
Verified Verified
Warrington, PA 18976
We work with children, teens, adults, families, & couples experiencing emotional, behavioral, and/or situational difficulties, including depression, generalized anxiety, trauma, phobias, panic attacks, communication difficulties, behavior issues, anger management, ADHD, disordered eating, stress management, bullying, grief & loss, life transitions, low self-esteem, parenting, vocational issues, and gender identity exploration/issues.
Accepting New Clients as of September 2024 — Life can be challenging and it is our job to provide you with the tools to cope well with whatever difficulties/demands life may present to you. At Evergreen Counseling & Wellness, we tailor therapy to your needs and strengths to help you achieve realistic goals. We want you to feel you can handle whatever is thrown your way. We believe that establishing a healthy, supportive therapeutic relationship & providing an environment where you feel safe and able to openly express yourself without feeling judged is critical to heal and grow.
We work with children, teens, adults, families, & couples experiencing emotional, behavioral, and/or situational difficulties, including depression, generalized anxiety, trauma, phobias, panic attacks, communication difficulties, behavior issues, anger management, ADHD, disordered eating, stress management, bullying, grief & loss, life transitions, low self-esteem, parenting, vocational issues, and gender identity exploration/issues.
Accepting New Clients as of September 2024 — Life can be challenging and it is our job to provide you with the tools to cope well with whatever difficulties/demands life may present to you. At Evergreen Counseling & Wellness, we tailor therapy to your needs and strengths to help you achieve realistic goals. We want you to feel you can handle whatever is thrown your way. We believe that establishing a healthy, supportive therapeutic relationship & providing an environment where you feel safe and able to openly express yourself without feeling judged is critical to heal and grow.
![Photo of Susan M Thompson - McCollaum and Associates, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/45bdf784-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
To support someone in reducing anxiety and depression I willl provide a compassionate ear to listen without judgment.
I have over 20 years experience helping adolescents and adults who struggle with depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and communication issues. My approach is very straight forward and down to earth. I believe adolescents seek a place to express themselves where they will be heard and not judged. I help them develop strategies to overcome their challenges by identifying feelings, developing and practicing coping skills, and increasing positive communication skills in their relationships. When appropriate, I work closely with parents, schools and probation to ensure we're all working toward the same goal.
To support someone in reducing anxiety and depression I willl provide a compassionate ear to listen without judgment.
I have over 20 years experience helping adolescents and adults who struggle with depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and communication issues. My approach is very straight forward and down to earth. I believe adolescents seek a place to express themselves where they will be heard and not judged. I help them develop strategies to overcome their challenges by identifying feelings, developing and practicing coping skills, and increasing positive communication skills in their relationships. When appropriate, I work closely with parents, schools and probation to ensure we're all working toward the same goal.
![Photo of Moran Gottesman, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c9e3b29-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
Lets face it, life happens and feeling "crazy," is often the result of the situations we find outselves in! In my practice I focus on treating individuals suffering from anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and relationship difficulties, among other issues that impact the way we function in our daily lives. I approach treatment by understanding what events led to the "craziness" and work with individuals to adjust the ways in which they view and respond to situations contributing to the madness. As a result, clients often develop a view of themselves, others, and the future that is more functional.
Lets face it, life happens and feeling "crazy," is often the result of the situations we find outselves in! In my practice I focus on treating individuals suffering from anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and relationship difficulties, among other issues that impact the way we function in our daily lives. I approach treatment by understanding what events led to the "craziness" and work with individuals to adjust the ways in which they view and respond to situations contributing to the madness. As a result, clients often develop a view of themselves, others, and the future that is more functional.
![Photo of John Bolger, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3db6d47c-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I specialize in the treatment of symptoms of anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, relationship issues, and social anxiety; and have assisted clients with improving skills in assertiveness, in adapting to life changes, and avoiding ongoing participation in chronic maladaptive behaviors.
Whether you are beginning or continuing your psychotherapy journey, I believe that a thorough assessment of your strengths and specific areas in your life that may benefit from clinical attention. My focus is providing therapeutic supports towards you achieving success in your life as your define it. My practice is informed by psychotherapy principles that promote a collaborative approach to therapy including cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, and humanistic approaches. My practice includes providing assessment and treatment services for adults, couples, and teenagers. I accept coverage from most major insurance companies and a sliding scale is also available.
I specialize in the treatment of symptoms of anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, relationship issues, and social anxiety; and have assisted clients with improving skills in assertiveness, in adapting to life changes, and avoiding ongoing participation in chronic maladaptive behaviors.
Whether you are beginning or continuing your psychotherapy journey, I believe that a thorough assessment of your strengths and specific areas in your life that may benefit from clinical attention. My focus is providing therapeutic supports towards you achieving success in your life as your define it. My practice is informed by psychotherapy principles that promote a collaborative approach to therapy including cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, and humanistic approaches. My practice includes providing assessment and treatment services for adults, couples, and teenagers. I accept coverage from most major insurance companies and a sliding scale is also available.
See more therapy options for Warrington
Nearby Depression Therapists Searches for Warrington
- Ambler
- Buckingham
- Chalfont
- Furlong
- Gwynedd
- Hatboro
- Horsham
- Jamison
- Lower Gwynedd
- Montgomeryville
- New Britain
- Warminster
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.