Depression Therapists in Chattanooga, TN
![Photo of Leigh Irvin, LPC, MHSP, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/83de6afd-8e78-4d2d-92f3-ed227a591e98/2/320x400.jpeg)
Leigh Irvin
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MHSP, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Chattanooga, TN 37404
Through that experience guidance has been offered in learning to better cope with trauma, depression, anxiety, ADHD, self-injury, and relationships in a healthy way.
As an individual committed to your well-being, I offer personalized counseling to guide you through life's challenges. Together, we can explore strengths, navigate difficulties, and foster a positive mindset. I can provide deep understanding of diverse challenges, offering proven strategies for positive change. Step into a safe space where your thoughts are heard without judgment. My commitment to providing this safe space ensures you can explore, express, and heal. Take the first step toward a more fulfilling life because your path to a happier, healthier life can begin here. Let's embark on this journey together.
Through that experience guidance has been offered in learning to better cope with trauma, depression, anxiety, ADHD, self-injury, and relationships in a healthy way.
As an individual committed to your well-being, I offer personalized counseling to guide you through life's challenges. Together, we can explore strengths, navigate difficulties, and foster a positive mindset. I can provide deep understanding of diverse challenges, offering proven strategies for positive change. Step into a safe space where your thoughts are heard without judgment. My commitment to providing this safe space ensures you can explore, express, and heal. Take the first step toward a more fulfilling life because your path to a happier, healthier life can begin here. Let's embark on this journey together.
![Photo of Leslie Davis, MA, LPC, MHSP, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/403adb87-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Leslie Davis
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, MHSP
Verified Verified
Chattanooga, TN 37404 (Online Only)
I work with men and women of diverse backgrounds in the clinical areas of anxiety, depression, loss, trauma, low self-esteem, sexuality and relationships.
My philosophy combines a non-judgmental, compassionate approach to therapy, with honest, direct feedback. I specialize in EMDR to help clients overcome past issues which are keeping them stuck. I welcome people of all perspectives. I will be an active participant in working with you as you seek to address personal and relationship issues.
I work with men and women of diverse backgrounds in the clinical areas of anxiety, depression, loss, trauma, low self-esteem, sexuality and relationships.
My philosophy combines a non-judgmental, compassionate approach to therapy, with honest, direct feedback. I specialize in EMDR to help clients overcome past issues which are keeping them stuck. I welcome people of all perspectives. I will be an active participant in working with you as you seek to address personal and relationship issues.
![Photo of Shea Collins M Ed - CHATT Consulting and Counseling LLC, M, Ed, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5200187b-d932-4b77-b60d-e00d601856ac/1/320x400.jpeg)
CHATT Consulting and Counseling LLC
Pre-Licensed Professional, M, Ed
Verified Verified
Chattanooga, TN 37421
Adult children of immature parent(s) or neglectful guardian(s) can feel disconnected from others, are fearful of rejection or abandonment, experience anxiety or depression, and struggle with anger, boundaries and relationships. Confiding in friends, family, or co-workers can be supportive, but often their advice leaves you feeling more alone and confused. I also specialize in attachment, human development, and managing chronic illness or limitations that come with aging, and working with women and mothers who identify as neurodivergent, HSP, ADHD, being on the spectrum, or struggle with social cues and sensory processing.
Adult children of immature parent(s) or neglectful guardian(s) can feel disconnected from others, are fearful of rejection or abandonment, experience anxiety or depression, and struggle with anger, boundaries and relationships. Confiding in friends, family, or co-workers can be supportive, but often their advice leaves you feeling more alone and confused. I also specialize in attachment, human development, and managing chronic illness or limitations that come with aging, and working with women and mothers who identify as neurodivergent, HSP, ADHD, being on the spectrum, or struggle with social cues and sensory processing.
![Photo of Hannah Ligon, ATR-BC, Art Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/31c1b0be-72de-46f0-a121-bcf51dadac63/3/320x400.jpeg)
I am interested in continuing to work with people living with anxiety (fear, worry, panic, stress), depression (low motivation, negative self-talk, isolation), mood swings, trauma, PTSD, and dissociation.
Access Art Therapy's mission is to provide client's with access to affordable, expressive therapy. Working with an art therapist is similar to talk-therapy, but the use of art materials in session can help us access inner parts of ourselves and make the invisible visible. It is also a non-threatening and less direct way of communicating, especially for things that are difficult to talk about. Come find out how enjoyable healing can be with art therapy. Call or text me for a free 30 minute consultation!
I am interested in continuing to work with people living with anxiety (fear, worry, panic, stress), depression (low motivation, negative self-talk, isolation), mood swings, trauma, PTSD, and dissociation.
Access Art Therapy's mission is to provide client's with access to affordable, expressive therapy. Working with an art therapist is similar to talk-therapy, but the use of art materials in session can help us access inner parts of ourselves and make the invisible visible. It is also a non-threatening and less direct way of communicating, especially for things that are difficult to talk about. Come find out how enjoyable healing can be with art therapy. Call or text me for a free 30 minute consultation!
![Photo of Richard Jarett Hall, LPC, MHSP, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cf32daef-9c0d-4f80-af23-889cb6b1b37b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Richard Jarett Hall
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MHSP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chattanooga, TN 37404
I work with people who struggle with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, couples counseling, transitions and stress-inducing life adjustments, grief and loss, spiritual & personal development, ministry and missionary issues.
I work with people who struggle with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, couples counseling, transitions and stress-inducing life adjustments, grief and loss, spiritual & personal development, ministry and missionary issues.
![Photo of Sydney McLees, LPC Intern](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cc4ac45c-fc8e-47d6-9fc3-0d90ccbcc2b8/2/320x400.png)
Being a human is complicated and often overwhelming, but there is peace to be found amongst the chaos. If you find yourself in a difficult place, the decision to begin therapy is not an easy one, but it is a first step in offering yourself acceptance, love, and a path forward. I strive to create a safe space for you to process your unique life circumstances through an integrative and collaborative approach that values your perspectives, therapeutic goals, and evolving needs. Together, we can address difficulties such as trauma, anxiety, depression and suicidality, as well as life transitions and self-esteem concerns.
Being a human is complicated and often overwhelming, but there is peace to be found amongst the chaos. If you find yourself in a difficult place, the decision to begin therapy is not an easy one, but it is a first step in offering yourself acceptance, love, and a path forward. I strive to create a safe space for you to process your unique life circumstances through an integrative and collaborative approach that values your perspectives, therapeutic goals, and evolving needs. Together, we can address difficulties such as trauma, anxiety, depression and suicidality, as well as life transitions and self-esteem concerns.
![Photo of Kathryn Parker, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1cece52b-f3f8-451f-97ef-e04b42ed5865/2/320x400.jpeg)
Kathryn Parker
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chattanooga, TN 37411
I have known since I was a teenager that I wanted to be a social worker. It was when I was 14 that an LCSW was able to connect with me and help me through a dark depression and the amplified anxiety that often goes along with it. It has been my passion since then to provide that same help to others. I have 15 years of experience working in the mental health field, 10 of those as an LCSW. I have experience with individual therapy and group therapy modalities, both on an outpatient and an inpatient basis.
I have known since I was a teenager that I wanted to be a social worker. It was when I was 14 that an LCSW was able to connect with me and help me through a dark depression and the amplified anxiety that often goes along with it. It has been my passion since then to provide that same help to others. I have 15 years of experience working in the mental health field, 10 of those as an LCSW. I have experience with individual therapy and group therapy modalities, both on an outpatient and an inpatient basis.
![Photo of Nancy Graves Wahler, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4c323e0d-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Scheduling April 17th and later. I'm a Christian and Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years experience treating people struggling with PTSD, grief, anxiety, anger management, depression and other trauma-related issues. I am EMDR certified and an EMDR consultant and trained in Clinical Hypnosis and Brainspotting level 1. All are treatments for trauma, depression, and anxiety according to the latest research in neuroscience. I enjoy partnering with First Responders, military, adults and teenagers to help them work through whatever issues are interfering with their joy. If you have any questions, call or send me an email.
Scheduling April 17th and later. I'm a Christian and Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years experience treating people struggling with PTSD, grief, anxiety, anger management, depression and other trauma-related issues. I am EMDR certified and an EMDR consultant and trained in Clinical Hypnosis and Brainspotting level 1. All are treatments for trauma, depression, and anxiety according to the latest research in neuroscience. I enjoy partnering with First Responders, military, adults and teenagers to help them work through whatever issues are interfering with their joy. If you have any questions, call or send me an email.
![Photo of Denise Powell, LCSW, CEAP, NBCCH, SAP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/65d251cd-9166-46d0-b9af-c7ea021d537b/3/320x400.jpeg)
Denise Powell
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CEAP, NBCCH, SAP
Verified Verified
Chattanooga, TN 37421
Not accepting new clients
I primarily work with adults. I promote a supportive environment to provide a trusting and caring venue for my clients to explore their concerns. I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, a Certified Employee Assistance Professional Certified Practitioner in Trauma Informed Hypnotherapy and Rapid Resolution Therapy, as well as Certified by the National Board of Certified Clinical Hypnotherapy. My practice focuses on many concerns,in particular I work with addiction, trauma, anxiety, relationship concerns and depression. I am a DOT Substance Abuse Professional, providing services in accordance with DOT regulations.
I primarily work with adults. I promote a supportive environment to provide a trusting and caring venue for my clients to explore their concerns. I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, a Certified Employee Assistance Professional Certified Practitioner in Trauma Informed Hypnotherapy and Rapid Resolution Therapy, as well as Certified by the National Board of Certified Clinical Hypnotherapy. My practice focuses on many concerns,in particular I work with addiction, trauma, anxiety, relationship concerns and depression. I am a DOT Substance Abuse Professional, providing services in accordance with DOT regulations.
![Photo of Brittney Megan Lord, LPC, MHSP, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f43687a4-c7ef-4fbb-9bc0-074d1a3c293f/2/320x400.jpeg)
Brittney Megan Lord
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MHSP
Verified Verified
Chattanooga, TN 37415
I have experience working with adults and adolescents with issues such as relationship distress, grief and loss, depression, anxiety, boundary setting, work/life balance, stage of life issues, spirituality and many different life issues.
Although I am a sole practitioner, I refer to my counseling practice as “our practice.” I do this because the time you spend with me belongs to you. We will work together to help you achieve success through the goals that we will set at the beginning of our time together. I want to join my clients on their life journey and help them better understand how their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are connected. My training as a therapist is empirically based and I am also a Christian and my faith influences my work with clients.
I have experience working with adults and adolescents with issues such as relationship distress, grief and loss, depression, anxiety, boundary setting, work/life balance, stage of life issues, spirituality and many different life issues.
Although I am a sole practitioner, I refer to my counseling practice as “our practice.” I do this because the time you spend with me belongs to you. We will work together to help you achieve success through the goals that we will set at the beginning of our time together. I want to join my clients on their life journey and help them better understand how their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are connected. My training as a therapist is empirically based and I am also a Christian and my faith influences my work with clients.
![Photo of Sharon Ratchford, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/63943ee0-5b4c-4191-b49b-e2a01535987a/1/320x400.jpeg)
Sharon Ratchford
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chattanooga, TN 37405
I especially enjoy working with those who have experienced anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, relationship stressors, work and school stress, trauma, childhood sexual abuse, or emotional and physical abuse.
Life can bring overwhelming challenges. I understand the struggle and mixed emotions. Choosing a therapist during this time can also be difficult but, together, we can work to make this time manageable as we gain understanding of daily conflicts and concerns. I begin each therapeutic relationship based on empathy, compassion and trust while providing a comfortable, safe environment to establish goals, build healthier relationships and achieve life changes. I use resources from cognitive behavior therapy along with other integrative approaches to meet individual needs and help find productive solutions to daily struggles.
I especially enjoy working with those who have experienced anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, relationship stressors, work and school stress, trauma, childhood sexual abuse, or emotional and physical abuse.
Life can bring overwhelming challenges. I understand the struggle and mixed emotions. Choosing a therapist during this time can also be difficult but, together, we can work to make this time manageable as we gain understanding of daily conflicts and concerns. I begin each therapeutic relationship based on empathy, compassion and trust while providing a comfortable, safe environment to establish goals, build healthier relationships and achieve life changes. I use resources from cognitive behavior therapy along with other integrative approaches to meet individual needs and help find productive solutions to daily struggles.
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![Photo of Caroline Rowlader, LPC, MHSP, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/166f28ae-22ff-47cc-91d4-a608b153db39/1/320x400.png)
Caroline Rowlader
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MHSP
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Chattanooga, TN 37402
My ideal clients are adults (ages 25-38) struggling with anxiety, perfectionism, mild depression, and phase of life changes. My clients are navigating new chapters in their lives, including career changes, dating/marriage relationships, and changing family dynamics. They are motivated for change, looking to implement solutions and open to feedback and alternative perspectives. They are seeking a telehealth-only therapist for added scheduling flexibility, confidentiality, and transportability.
My ideal clients are adults (ages 25-38) struggling with anxiety, perfectionism, mild depression, and phase of life changes. My clients are navigating new chapters in their lives, including career changes, dating/marriage relationships, and changing family dynamics. They are motivated for change, looking to implement solutions and open to feedback and alternative perspectives. They are seeking a telehealth-only therapist for added scheduling flexibility, confidentiality, and transportability.
![Photo of Danielle Phillips, LMFT, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/40c4b9bd-1f50-4ddd-9ee4-5fb52691efe6/1/320x400.jpeg)
Danielle Phillips
Licensed Professional Counselor, LMFT
Verified Verified
Chattanooga, TN 37404 (Online Only)
Danielle Phillips is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 3 years of experience in the mental health field. She is passionate about helping individuals, adolescents, and parents overcome challenges and live happier lives. Danielle specializes in anxiety, stress, depression, coping skills, parenting issues, self-esteem, and women's issues.
Danielle Phillips is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 3 years of experience in the mental health field. She is passionate about helping individuals, adolescents, and parents overcome challenges and live happier lives. Danielle specializes in anxiety, stress, depression, coping skills, parenting issues, self-esteem, and women's issues.
![Photo of Amy Fowler, MA, NCC, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2770b2a4-f57c-4280-98b7-6a6726e47a99/5/320x400.jpeg)
If you feel weighed down by overwhelming emotions and life events, an empathetic ear can be a source of healing. I am passionate about working toward hope with those who feel stuck, broken, isolated, or for whom change seems impossible. I advocate for and teach clients the power of fierce self-compassion, which allows them to explore their thoughts, emotions, and actions more clearly. I work with adolescents, adults, and couples navigating anxiety, depression, life transitions, grief, loss, trauma, chronic health issues, marital and parental challenges, spiritual wounds, disordered eating, and addictions.
If you feel weighed down by overwhelming emotions and life events, an empathetic ear can be a source of healing. I am passionate about working toward hope with those who feel stuck, broken, isolated, or for whom change seems impossible. I advocate for and teach clients the power of fierce self-compassion, which allows them to explore their thoughts, emotions, and actions more clearly. I work with adolescents, adults, and couples navigating anxiety, depression, life transitions, grief, loss, trauma, chronic health issues, marital and parental challenges, spiritual wounds, disordered eating, and addictions.
![Photo of Joyre A Montgomery, MSSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c8e21693-96d5-4b1a-93c5-78b2415d9fda/3/320x400.jpeg)
Joyre A Montgomery
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Chattanooga, TN 37421 (Online Only)
I enjoy working with clients who are experiencing issues related to family conflict, couples, parent and child disconnect, foster care/ adoption, self love, depression, anxiety, grief, postpartum issues, parenthood, personality disorders, mood disorders, behavioral challenges, adjustment, intrapersonal conflict, setting healthy boundaries, building lasting relationships, trauma, personal identities and other areas.
I enjoy working with clients who are experiencing issues related to family conflict, couples, parent and child disconnect, foster care/ adoption, self love, depression, anxiety, grief, postpartum issues, parenthood, personality disorders, mood disorders, behavioral challenges, adjustment, intrapersonal conflict, setting healthy boundaries, building lasting relationships, trauma, personal identities and other areas.
![Photo of Sarah Beth Matthews, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/dc7fc79d-ccef-4474-9280-be51fb044d50/2/320x400.jpeg)
Sarah Beth Matthews
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Chattanooga, TN 37412
I enjoy working with adults and teenagers struggling with depression and anxiety. I love to encourage my clients as they walk through life and all of its challenges. I believe that each individual I work with has qualities that no one else can offer, it's a joy to be able to observe that during our time together. Each client brings a different experience, and I will cater my approach to work with your specific needs.
I enjoy working with adults and teenagers struggling with depression and anxiety. I love to encourage my clients as they walk through life and all of its challenges. I believe that each individual I work with has qualities that no one else can offer, it's a joy to be able to observe that during our time together. Each client brings a different experience, and I will cater my approach to work with your specific needs.
![Photo of Daley Ryan, MS, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0be578b2-2653-4bdd-b2a8-01c56b7ba6e2/2/320x400.jpeg)
I love working with a wide variety of clients, but I specialize in working with depression, anxiety, and/or survivors of domestic violence. My education combined with personal and professional experience has opened the door for me to work with clients who may be trying to leave an abusive relationship or who are trying to discern if they are are in an abusive/unhealthy relationship. That said, these are not the only issues I help clients with. If you have questions about how I work or the types of clients I see, feel free to send me an email. I’m happy to chat with you.
I love working with a wide variety of clients, but I specialize in working with depression, anxiety, and/or survivors of domestic violence. My education combined with personal and professional experience has opened the door for me to work with clients who may be trying to leave an abusive relationship or who are trying to discern if they are are in an abusive/unhealthy relationship. That said, these are not the only issues I help clients with. If you have questions about how I work or the types of clients I see, feel free to send me an email. I’m happy to chat with you.
![Photo of Carmen Lydia Torres, MDiv, MACMHC, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d9d880ce-3407-44b0-8187-fb1383ef93e0/2/320x400.jpeg)
Navigating life can sometimes be overwhelming. My goal is to create a safe space where you can process life struggles, feel heard, and gain skills to help you reach your goals. I enjoy working with individual adults, teens ages 16+, and families. I have experience in areas such as depression, grief, anxiety, stress, relational conflict, spirituality, and life transition.
Navigating life can sometimes be overwhelming. My goal is to create a safe space where you can process life struggles, feel heard, and gain skills to help you reach your goals. I enjoy working with individual adults, teens ages 16+, and families. I have experience in areas such as depression, grief, anxiety, stress, relational conflict, spirituality, and life transition.
![Photo of Latoya Mcleod-Carpenter, MSSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/dff66f33-b971-4936-a287-b63499ba6916/2/320x400.jpeg)
Latoya Mcleod-Carpenter
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Chattanooga, TN 37411 (Online Only)
Latoya is licensed to see clients in Tennessee & Georgia. I am passionate about helping individuals foster a deeper connection on their path to healing. My goal as a clinician is to encourage and empower my clients to be the best version of themselves. Recognizing there is always room to grow beyond unfortunate circumstances is vital to increasing one's quality of life. I specialize in working with adults, couples, and families with a variety of challenges such as grief, loss & bereavement, adjustment to illness, life & career transitions, relationship concerns, depression, anxiety, trauma histories, and ADHD.
Latoya is licensed to see clients in Tennessee & Georgia. I am passionate about helping individuals foster a deeper connection on their path to healing. My goal as a clinician is to encourage and empower my clients to be the best version of themselves. Recognizing there is always room to grow beyond unfortunate circumstances is vital to increasing one's quality of life. I specialize in working with adults, couples, and families with a variety of challenges such as grief, loss & bereavement, adjustment to illness, life & career transitions, relationship concerns, depression, anxiety, trauma histories, and ADHD.
![Photo of William A Wray, EdD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3e92b0cb-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Some of the more common problems addressed here are high anxiety, dysphoria/depression, attention deficit issues, post-traumatic stress, brain/memory dysfunction, relationship issues, communication issues, sadness/grief, and recovery from major illness or injury.
I provide counseling and consultative services. With the help of my colleague, Mark Shively, we also provide training using biofeedback technology. As a counselor, my role is to listen, discern strengths and vulnerabilities, and invite growth/advancement from those placing trust in my care. As a consultant, I strive to provide fair/impartial answers (in the manner of a scientist) to posed questions. Cognitive-behavioral training can address many thought patterns, behaviors and physiological states (such as stress).
Some of the more common problems addressed here are high anxiety, dysphoria/depression, attention deficit issues, post-traumatic stress, brain/memory dysfunction, relationship issues, communication issues, sadness/grief, and recovery from major illness or injury.
I provide counseling and consultative services. With the help of my colleague, Mark Shively, we also provide training using biofeedback technology. As a counselor, my role is to listen, discern strengths and vulnerabilities, and invite growth/advancement from those placing trust in my care. As a consultant, I strive to provide fair/impartial answers (in the manner of a scientist) to posed questions. Cognitive-behavioral training can address many thought patterns, behaviors and physiological states (such as stress).
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Depression Therapists
What is the goal of therapy for depression?
Therapy for depression has several major goals. One is to relieve the mental pain of depression, which distorts feeling and thinking so that sufferers cannot see beyond their current state of mind or envision feeling better. Another is to give people the mental tools to recognize and correct the kinds of distorted thinking that turn a problem into a catastrophe and lead to despair. Therapy also teaches people how to process negative emotions in constructive ways, so they have more control over their own emotional reactivity. And it helps people regain the ability to see themselves positively, the motivation to do things, and the capacity for pleasure.
What happens in therapy for depression?
Perhaps most important, no matter the type of therapy, patients form an alliance with the therapist; that connection is therapeutic in itself, plus it becomes an instrument of change. Patients learn to identify and to challenge their own erroneous beliefs and thoughts that amplify the effects of negative experiences. They learn to identify situations in which they are especially vulnerable. And they learn new patterns of thinking and behaving. They may be given “homework” assignments in which they practice their developing skills. In addition, good therapists regularly monitor patients to assess whether and how much the condition is improving.
What therapy types help with depression?
Several types of short-term therapy have been found effective, each targeting one or more areas of dysfunction. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps clients challenge their negative thoughts and beliefs, learn new behavioral strategies, and curb reactivity to distressing situations. Behavioral activation (BA) is a form of therapy often used in conjunction with CBT; it focuses on engagement in rewarding activity as a pathway to changing negative feelings and disturbed mood. Another widely used approach is interpersonal therapy (IPT), which targets the social difficulties that both give rise to and get exacerbated by depression. Therapists may combine approaches as needed.
Can therapy for depression be done online?
Studies have found that online therapy can be highly effective for treating depression, although it may be more challenging to build a good therapist-patient alliance on screen than in person—at least at first. However, online therapy can offer considerable advantages. Accessibility and convenience are tops among them. Some people actually find it easier to talk about problems online than in person. While online therapy typically limits visibility of facial expression and body gestures that give important nonverbal cues to a patient’s state of mind, it can give therapists a glimpse into a patient’s world and life, providing information that can be highly useful in guiding therapy.
How effective is therapy for depression?
Many studies show that therapy is highly effective provided that patients complete the prescribed course of therapy, commonly 16 to 20 sessions. Over the long term, it is more effective than medication and the effects are more enduring. As a result, psychotherapy has the power not just to relieve current suffering but to prevent future episodes of the disorder. Therapy reverses the dysfunction in neural circuitry that disposes individuals to a negative view of themselves, the world, and their future and they acquire coping techniques, problem-solving skills, and understanding of their own vulnerabilities that are useful over the course of a lifetime.