Depression Therapists in Blythewood, SC

Photo of Adrienne Michelle Jackson, LISW-CP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Adrienne Michelle Jackson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW-CP
Verified Verified
Blythewood, SC 29016  (Online Only)
Hello and welcome! I am Adrienne Jackson, Clinical Social Worker. I wake up daily being intentional about helping others. We all experience life circumstances and stressors that can feel unbearable and seem insurmountable. I aim to help teens and adults manage anxiety, depression, adjustment, and relationship/interpersonal issues while learning that there is a choice in how we view life's circumstances.
Hello and welcome! I am Adrienne Jackson, Clinical Social Worker. I wake up daily being intentional about helping others. We all experience life circumstances and stressors that can feel unbearable and seem insurmountable. I aim to help teens and adults manage anxiety, depression, adjustment, and relationship/interpersonal issues while learning that there is a choice in how we view life's circumstances.
(803) 886-9801 View (803) 886-9801
Photo of Ashley Young, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Ashley Young
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Blythewood, SC 29016
Waitlist for new clients
My scope of work includes, but is not limited to; working with individuals suffering from depression, emotional growth and development, conflict resolution, anxiety, blended family conflict, sexual trauma, and establishing effective communication.
It's a privilege to be a part of one's therapeutic process and to bear witness to your successful and positive change. As a therapist, I provide a non judgmental and safe place that allows you to process your feelings, identify healthy coping skills, and maintain an environment that allows us to work together to find your way through difficult times.
My scope of work includes, but is not limited to; working with individuals suffering from depression, emotional growth and development, conflict resolution, anxiety, blended family conflict, sexual trauma, and establishing effective communication.
It's a privilege to be a part of one's therapeutic process and to bear witness to your successful and positive change. As a therapist, I provide a non judgmental and safe place that allows you to process your feelings, identify healthy coping skills, and maintain an environment that allows us to work together to find your way through difficult times.
(803) 675-7876 View (803) 675-7876
Photo of Terronda L. Jackson, MA, NCC, LPCS/C, Licensed Professional Counselor
Terronda L. Jackson
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, NCC, LPCS/C
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Blythewood, SC 29016  (Online Only)
Are you ready to discover your truth? Are you ready to shed light on what has been holding you back? Do you struggle with direction and decision-making? I am a culturally sensitive and highly effective psychotherapist who is focused on helping you discover and maintain a healthy life balance. With the use of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and Faith-Based Counseling, I will work with you to address issues of Trauma, Abandonment, Emotional/Phyhsical/Sexual Abuse, Rejection, Grief, Loss, Anxiety, Depression, Adjustments, Unforgiveness, and Hurt from past relationships and difficulties.
Are you ready to discover your truth? Are you ready to shed light on what has been holding you back? Do you struggle with direction and decision-making? I am a culturally sensitive and highly effective psychotherapist who is focused on helping you discover and maintain a healthy life balance. With the use of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and Faith-Based Counseling, I will work with you to address issues of Trauma, Abandonment, Emotional/Phyhsical/Sexual Abuse, Rejection, Grief, Loss, Anxiety, Depression, Adjustments, Unforgiveness, and Hurt from past relationships and difficulties.
(803) 590-1199 View (803) 590-1199
Photo of Theresa McDaniel, LPCS, MA, NCC, CCMHC, CGIP, Licensed Professional Counselor
Theresa McDaniel
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPCS, MA, NCC, CCMHC, CGIP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Blythewood, SC 29016
I have experience in grief therapy, behavioral modification, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, ADHD, anger management, mood disorders (depression, bipolar etc.
Everyone has had a time in their life that they may feel overwhelmed, stressed, sad, or uncertain about life. Dawn of a New Day Counseling & Consulting, is here for you. Allow Dawn of a New Day C&C providers to assist with your development of self-awareness, self-empowerment, an increase in confident and the ability to recognize and manage those intense emotions. Dawn of a New Day Counseling & Consulting is a tranquil, warm and non-judgmental environment that allows you to open up and express yourself. A safe space for you to be you, to develop the your self-care plan, healthy boundaries, self-love and self-compassion.
I have experience in grief therapy, behavioral modification, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, ADHD, anger management, mood disorders (depression, bipolar etc.
Everyone has had a time in their life that they may feel overwhelmed, stressed, sad, or uncertain about life. Dawn of a New Day Counseling & Consulting, is here for you. Allow Dawn of a New Day C&C providers to assist with your development of self-awareness, self-empowerment, an increase in confident and the ability to recognize and manage those intense emotions. Dawn of a New Day Counseling & Consulting is a tranquil, warm and non-judgmental environment that allows you to open up and express yourself. A safe space for you to be you, to develop the your self-care plan, healthy boundaries, self-love and self-compassion.
(803) 219-2625 View (803) 219-2625
Photo of Lintiya McCleary, LPC, LCMHC, Counselor
Lintiya McCleary
Counselor, LPC, LCMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Blythewood, SC 29016  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Greetings. I currently have a wait list for both North Carolina and South Carolina clients. To better serve you, please contact me via email. Living in a society where you live by everyone's standards except your own is challenging and frustrating. You may be anxiously trying to be accepted into a society who may look negatively on your values. You may be depressed by constantly seeking validation in ways you may not have approved of before. Your personality may be enticed by distorted thinking, and you may be facing an identity crisis. No matter what you are facing, you have found someone that can help you be your true self.
Greetings. I currently have a wait list for both North Carolina and South Carolina clients. To better serve you, please contact me via email. Living in a society where you live by everyone's standards except your own is challenging and frustrating. You may be anxiously trying to be accepted into a society who may look negatively on your values. You may be depressed by constantly seeking validation in ways you may not have approved of before. Your personality may be enticed by distorted thinking, and you may be facing an identity crisis. No matter what you are facing, you have found someone that can help you be your true self.
(803) 258-6109 View (803) 258-6109
Photo of Jessica Fox - Jessica Fox - (re)flourish counseling, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Jessica Fox - (re)flourish counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Blythewood, SC 29016
Waitlist for new clients
I specialize in providing counseling to women and children experiencing symptoms of depression, trauma, and anxiety.
I help women and children who just haven’t felt like themselves lately; fatigued, moody, anxious, stressed. You used to feel like you were thriving in life, and then depression or anxiety crept in. You look back and wonder what changed and are unsure how to get back to feeling like your best self, or just YOU again. Or maybe it's your "once-so-sweet" child who is acting out or fearful and stressed all the time. Problems in school, lack of focus, and behavioral changes can all be part of stress, depression, or anxiety - not your parenting! Through supportive counseling, we can help you or your child RE-flourish in life.
I specialize in providing counseling to women and children experiencing symptoms of depression, trauma, and anxiety.
I help women and children who just haven’t felt like themselves lately; fatigued, moody, anxious, stressed. You used to feel like you were thriving in life, and then depression or anxiety crept in. You look back and wonder what changed and are unsure how to get back to feeling like your best self, or just YOU again. Or maybe it's your "once-so-sweet" child who is acting out or fearful and stressed all the time. Problems in school, lack of focus, and behavioral changes can all be part of stress, depression, or anxiety - not your parenting! Through supportive counseling, we can help you or your child RE-flourish in life.
(803) 310-2398 View (803) 310-2398
Photo of Paola von Oelffen - Odyssey Counseling, MA, LPCA, LMHCA
Odyssey Counseling
MA, LPCA, LMHCA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Blythewood, SC 29016  (Online Only)
I am a trauma informed specialist and have worked with substance abuse, anger, domestic violence and mental health issues like depression, anxiety and borderline personality disorder.
Exhausted. Lost. Angry. Betrayed. Alone. If any of these words resonate with you, you've found the right place.
I am a trauma informed specialist and have worked with substance abuse, anger, domestic violence and mental health issues like depression, anxiety and borderline personality disorder.
Exhausted. Lost. Angry. Betrayed. Alone. If any of these words resonate with you, you've found the right place.
(803) 921-0289 View (803) 921-0289
Photo of Hannah Brown - Hannah Brown, LPCS, LPCS, Licensed Professional Counselor
Hannah Brown, LPCS
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPCS
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Blythewood, SC 29016
I also treat anxiety, depression, relationship concerns as well as grief and loss.
You’re feeling defeated and overwhelmed and wonder if anyone or anything can help. Life has become painful and unmanageable at times and nothing is quite working to make it better. You're not sure if the pain or heartache will ever go away. Sometimes, you use things to cope with life and those things start to become hurtful or harmful, too. Imagine being able to manage life not just by surviving or trying to get through the day but by experiencing peace, fulfillment and enjoyment.
I also treat anxiety, depression, relationship concerns as well as grief and loss.
You’re feeling defeated and overwhelmed and wonder if anyone or anything can help. Life has become painful and unmanageable at times and nothing is quite working to make it better. You're not sure if the pain or heartache will ever go away. Sometimes, you use things to cope with life and those things start to become hurtful or harmful, too. Imagine being able to manage life not just by surviving or trying to get through the day but by experiencing peace, fulfillment and enjoyment.
(803) 223-7631 View (803) 223-7631
Photo of Reese L Palmer - Palmer Counseling and Consulting, LMFT, LPC, Marriage & Family Therapist
Palmer Counseling and Consulting
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LPC
Verified Verified
18 Endorsed
Blythewood, SC 29016
We can also help you manage symptoms creating distress, whether it be depression, anxiety, trauma or relationship problems.
You probably can't remember how long ago you started going through the motions. Just surviving each day, not thriving and living the life God intended for you. You can't quite remember when things started to get off track. But, you can probably remember a time when you were really happy, loving life and had dreams you couldn't wait to see come true. But life happens; children, careers and just about everything takes priority over what's most important.
We can also help you manage symptoms creating distress, whether it be depression, anxiety, trauma or relationship problems.
You probably can't remember how long ago you started going through the motions. Just surviving each day, not thriving and living the life God intended for you. You can't quite remember when things started to get off track. But, you can probably remember a time when you were really happy, loving life and had dreams you couldn't wait to see come true. But life happens; children, careers and just about everything takes priority over what's most important.
(803) 602-6158 View (803) 602-6158
Photo of Jill Smith - Jill Smith & Associates Counseling, LISW-CP, S, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jill Smith & Associates Counseling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW-CP, S
Verified Verified
12 Endorsed
Blythewood, SC 29016
Child therapists are trained to work with anxiety, depression, and grief using play therapy.
Jill Smith and Associates Counseling is a thriving, modern team of therapists with offices in Lexington and Columbia, SC. Our goal is true excellence in psychotherapy. If you have been putting off starting your therapy journey , come to JSA to see what all the fuss is about. We have room for you and can typically schedule you within a week.
Child therapists are trained to work with anxiety, depression, and grief using play therapy.
Jill Smith and Associates Counseling is a thriving, modern team of therapists with offices in Lexington and Columbia, SC. Our goal is true excellence in psychotherapy. If you have been putting off starting your therapy journey , come to JSA to see what all the fuss is about. We have room for you and can typically schedule you within a week.
(803) 991-4125 View (803) 991-4125
Photo of Neidy Hernandez Kelly, LPC-A, NCC, MA
Neidy Hernandez Kelly
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, LPC-A, NCC, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Blythewood, SC 29016
I can help with self-esteem challenges, life stages, career changes/exploration, depression, grief and relationship alignments to name just a few.
Help can come in many forms, but professional help can form the lasting results needed to thrive. I offer individual, family, and couples counseling and I’m committed to assisting each client move towards their goals by providing a safe space to explore, identify and challenge their needs, thoughts, behaviors, and goals. We all have different inner gifts, thought processes, and needs that motivate us to reach our goals, behave and think in certain ways. But there can be moments or seasons in life that are difficult and challenging in ways that we cannot understand or move past on our own. Allow me to help.
I can help with self-esteem challenges, life stages, career changes/exploration, depression, grief and relationship alignments to name just a few.
Help can come in many forms, but professional help can form the lasting results needed to thrive. I offer individual, family, and couples counseling and I’m committed to assisting each client move towards their goals by providing a safe space to explore, identify and challenge their needs, thoughts, behaviors, and goals. We all have different inner gifts, thought processes, and needs that motivate us to reach our goals, behave and think in certain ways. But there can be moments or seasons in life that are difficult and challenging in ways that we cannot understand or move past on our own. Allow me to help.
(803) 805-2680 View (803) 805-2680
Photo of Jasmine Doxie, EdS, LPCS/C, Licensed Professional Counselor
Jasmine Doxie
Licensed Professional Counselor, EdS, LPCS/C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Blythewood, SC 29016  (Online Only)
I journey with people who desire to rewrite the false narratives that anxiety, self-doubt, and depression force on your mind.
Welcome name is Jasmine! I specialize in helping clients rewrite the toxic narratives created by trauma, self-doubt, and relationships. I worked within the behavioral and mental health fields for approx. 10 years; with emphasis and specialized training in marriage, family, and couples' therapy, as well as, childhood and family based trauma. I enjoy helping people free themselves from the chaos and shame that come from maintaining unproductive thought patterns, defeated sense of self, and hypercritical expectations from themselves and others. Allow me to join you as you take back your narrative, and become your most authentic self.
I journey with people who desire to rewrite the false narratives that anxiety, self-doubt, and depression force on your mind.
Welcome name is Jasmine! I specialize in helping clients rewrite the toxic narratives created by trauma, self-doubt, and relationships. I worked within the behavioral and mental health fields for approx. 10 years; with emphasis and specialized training in marriage, family, and couples' therapy, as well as, childhood and family based trauma. I enjoy helping people free themselves from the chaos and shame that come from maintaining unproductive thought patterns, defeated sense of self, and hypercritical expectations from themselves and others. Allow me to join you as you take back your narrative, and become your most authentic self.
(803) 258-5693 View (803) 258-5693
Photo of Townsend Smith - Columbia Counseling & Therapy, LPC, MASC
Columbia Counseling & Therapy
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, LPC, MASC
Verified Verified
Blythewood, SC 29016
I specialize in Life Transitions & Adjustments, Marriage & Couples Counseling, Anxiety, Stress Management, Depression, Mood Disorders, Intimacy, Inadequacy, Trauma Management (PTSD), Self-Exploration & Identity, Addiction Recovery (substance, behavior, sexual, technology), and Men’s Issues.
I have over 12 years of successful experience helping individuals and couples understand and change the thoughts, patterns, behaviors and situations causing distress, frustration, and emotional pain. I work to help you understand, define, and make a reality of what it means to live your happy life. I am committed to giving you the tools that empower you to become whatever you aspire to be – now and in the long-term future. I strive to provide a comfortable and non-judgmental environment where you feel safe talking about the things that are most difficult to discuss. I’m available for clients of all ages, genders, and orientations.
I specialize in Life Transitions & Adjustments, Marriage & Couples Counseling, Anxiety, Stress Management, Depression, Mood Disorders, Intimacy, Inadequacy, Trauma Management (PTSD), Self-Exploration & Identity, Addiction Recovery (substance, behavior, sexual, technology), and Men’s Issues.
I have over 12 years of successful experience helping individuals and couples understand and change the thoughts, patterns, behaviors and situations causing distress, frustration, and emotional pain. I work to help you understand, define, and make a reality of what it means to live your happy life. I am committed to giving you the tools that empower you to become whatever you aspire to be – now and in the long-term future. I strive to provide a comfortable and non-judgmental environment where you feel safe talking about the things that are most difficult to discuss. I’m available for clients of all ages, genders, and orientations.
(803) 590-9705 View (803) 590-9705
Photo of Traylor Disbrow, LPCA, Pre-Licensed Professional
Traylor Disbrow
Pre-Licensed Professional, LPCA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Blythewood, SC 29016
My preference and experience is working with clients struggling in these specific areas: Anxiety, Depression, Social/Emotional Issues, Life Transitions, Career Counseling , and Marriage/Family Counseling.
My counseling style is to connect a client’s goals and hopeful outcomes with the realities of what brought them to counseling and to partner with them to see current breakthroughs as well and a healthy and productive future. I'm excited to work with multi-cultural clients in individual counseling sessions on social-emotional issues, grief and loss, sudden life changes, mood disorders such as depression and anxiety, career counseling, and marriage/family counseling. My hope is that with my support a client will hopefully change their current reality in a space where it’s okay to not be okay.
My preference and experience is working with clients struggling in these specific areas: Anxiety, Depression, Social/Emotional Issues, Life Transitions, Career Counseling , and Marriage/Family Counseling.
My counseling style is to connect a client’s goals and hopeful outcomes with the realities of what brought them to counseling and to partner with them to see current breakthroughs as well and a healthy and productive future. I'm excited to work with multi-cultural clients in individual counseling sessions on social-emotional issues, grief and loss, sudden life changes, mood disorders such as depression and anxiety, career counseling, and marriage/family counseling. My hope is that with my support a client will hopefully change their current reality in a space where it’s okay to not be okay.
(803) 866-3579 View (803) 866-3579
Photo of Revella Nesbit - Hope Matters, PLLC, MEd, LCMHCS, ODCP
Hope Matters, PLLC
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MEd, LCMHCS, ODCP
Verified Verified
Blythewood, SC 29016
Life can be complicated. It's important to have someone who can help you navigate these complexities. Whether it is uncertainty that requires clarity, anxiety, depression, or relationship challenges, we are here to walk along side of you. A listening and non-judgmental ear is what we provide so that you can see your way through to the other side. Premarital, Marriage, and Family Therapy offered.
Life can be complicated. It's important to have someone who can help you navigate these complexities. Whether it is uncertainty that requires clarity, anxiety, depression, or relationship challenges, we are here to walk along side of you. A listening and non-judgmental ear is what we provide so that you can see your way through to the other side. Premarital, Marriage, and Family Therapy offered.
(980) 414-8405 View (980) 414-8405
Photo of Madeline Eads, LMSW, MT-BC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Madeline Eads
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, MT-BC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Blythewood, SC 29016  (Online Only)
My goal is to walk alongside you and help you discover your own resiliency and worth in the midst of mental illness, neurodivergence, and even life transitions and stressors. I have significant experience working with a variety of issues, but have extensive knowledge and experience working with folks in crisis, thinking about ending their life or hurting themselves, or folks living with Borderline Personality Disorder. I am also committed to changing the culture of mental health into one that is inclusive, nonjudgemental, accepting, safe and authentic. After all, mental health is not about being sick, it's about being alive.
My goal is to walk alongside you and help you discover your own resiliency and worth in the midst of mental illness, neurodivergence, and even life transitions and stressors. I have significant experience working with a variety of issues, but have extensive knowledge and experience working with folks in crisis, thinking about ending their life or hurting themselves, or folks living with Borderline Personality Disorder. I am also committed to changing the culture of mental health into one that is inclusive, nonjudgemental, accepting, safe and authentic. After all, mental health is not about being sick, it's about being alive.
(803) 386-9640 View (803) 386-9640
Photo of Fredric Mau, Mau, LPCS, DMin, BC-NCC, BC-TMH, Licensed Professional Counselor
Fredric Mau
Licensed Professional Counselor, Mau, LPCS, DMin, BC-NCC, BC-TMH
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Blythewood, SC 29016
Named Outstanding Counselor by the SC Counseling Association. My approach to counseling is different in three major ways: (1) I focus on solutions in order to help you - this is a positive, future rather than past oriented approach. (2) I work on a brief therapy model which is designed to help you address specific issues in short periods of time, typically 3 to 9 weeks. (3) I believe emotion drives behavior; most therapy focuses on cognitive change, but you can know what you need to do, and still not have it happen. The goal here is to help healthier behaviors and beliefs to become emotionally comfortable habits.
Named Outstanding Counselor by the SC Counseling Association. My approach to counseling is different in three major ways: (1) I focus on solutions in order to help you - this is a positive, future rather than past oriented approach. (2) I work on a brief therapy model which is designed to help you address specific issues in short periods of time, typically 3 to 9 weeks. (3) I believe emotion drives behavior; most therapy focuses on cognitive change, but you can know what you need to do, and still not have it happen. The goal here is to help healthier behaviors and beliefs to become emotionally comfortable habits.
(803) 212-0329 View (803) 212-0329
Photo of Marvin M Bryant Sr. - MMB Counseling, LLC, MSW, LISW-CP, CBT, VSP, CPT, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
MMB Counseling, LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LISW-CP, CBT, VSP, CPT
Verified Verified
Blythewood, SC 29016
After the death of my 21-year old son due to a homicide, my life as I once knew it, changed forever. This horrific experience has taught me that you do not get over your grief, you strive to get through and beyond it. This is not like the five stages of grief one experiences during an expected loss of a loved one, you do not progress step by step, but you can get through it. Our loss may be the same but our path will be different. If you are feeling hopeless and/or overwhelmed in your grief, contact me for a consultation.
After the death of my 21-year old son due to a homicide, my life as I once knew it, changed forever. This horrific experience has taught me that you do not get over your grief, you strive to get through and beyond it. This is not like the five stages of grief one experiences during an expected loss of a loved one, you do not progress step by step, but you can get through it. Our loss may be the same but our path will be different. If you are feeling hopeless and/or overwhelmed in your grief, contact me for a consultation.
(803) 666-8716 View (803) 666-8716
Photo of Dr. Connell Anthony, LPC-S, NCC, CCMHC, PsyD, Licensed Professional Counselor
Dr. Connell Anthony
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC-S, NCC, CCMHC, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Blythewood, SC 29016  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I serve as a private practitioner working with a broad spectrum of clients. I have experience in a wide range of settings including schools, a mental health center, and psychiatric hospitals. My training as Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor, Licensed Professional Counselor, and a certified high school teacher enhance my skills to work with parents and their children with many issues they encounter in an educational and social environment, such as bullying, conflict resolution, anger management, low esteem, and many other issues that they may encounter throughout the school year. I provide supervision for Counseling Practicum and Internship, and LPC-I.
I serve as a private practitioner working with a broad spectrum of clients. I have experience in a wide range of settings including schools, a mental health center, and psychiatric hospitals. My training as Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor, Licensed Professional Counselor, and a certified high school teacher enhance my skills to work with parents and their children with many issues they encounter in an educational and social environment, such as bullying, conflict resolution, anger management, low esteem, and many other issues that they may encounter throughout the school year. I provide supervision for Counseling Practicum and Internship, and LPC-I.
(803) 610-2933 View (803) 610-2933
Photo of Michael Ruguleiski, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Michael Ruguleiski
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Blythewood, SC 29016
People like yourself most often work with me when they are having difficulty moving past a tragedy, find themselves feeling stuck due to personal choices and/or unforeseen life events, or experiencing relationship difficulties and are unsure how to move forward. We all experience these things. You are not alone. Whatever you are experiencing, I am here to help you on this journey.
People like yourself most often work with me when they are having difficulty moving past a tragedy, find themselves feeling stuck due to personal choices and/or unforeseen life events, or experiencing relationship difficulties and are unsure how to move forward. We all experience these things. You are not alone. Whatever you are experiencing, I am here to help you on this journey.
(803) 592-9234 View (803) 592-9234
1
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.