Depression Therapists in Chattanooga, TN
![Photo of Roberta Fish, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4ee11d28-91db-48e9-a553-c0909c2423ee/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over twenty-five years of experience. My approach is eclectic and evidence-based, adapting to my client's needs and goals. I support clients with various issues, i.e., depression, anxiety, PTSD, trauma, abuse (both childhood and adult), LGBTQ issues, and grief.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over twenty-five years of experience. My approach is eclectic and evidence-based, adapting to my client's needs and goals. I support clients with various issues, i.e., depression, anxiety, PTSD, trauma, abuse (both childhood and adult), LGBTQ issues, and grief.
![Photo of Peter Wadkin Coleman, MS, LMFT, CP-ATP, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/46397061-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Peter Wadkin Coleman
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT, CP-ATP
Verified Verified
Chattanooga, TN 37411
In the past, I have worked with anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, PTSD, phase of life transitions, self-worth, sexuality, substance abuse, relationship issues, divorce, and family issues.
"We do not see things as they are, we see them as we are." -Anais Nin per Talmudic origin. We must create things twice; once in our minds, and once articulated. When we think our thoughts, it lights up one part of the brain, and when we speak our thoughts, it lights up a different part of the brain. There is often something very different when we articulate our thoughts, and they change in some way. Talking out these experiences in a narrative way assists us in making sense of how we feel about those experiences.
In the past, I have worked with anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, PTSD, phase of life transitions, self-worth, sexuality, substance abuse, relationship issues, divorce, and family issues.
"We do not see things as they are, we see them as we are." -Anais Nin per Talmudic origin. We must create things twice; once in our minds, and once articulated. When we think our thoughts, it lights up one part of the brain, and when we speak our thoughts, it lights up a different part of the brain. There is often something very different when we articulate our thoughts, and they change in some way. Talking out these experiences in a narrative way assists us in making sense of how we feel about those experiences.
![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 Suzanne Kent, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1c12d091-3cf0-48a0-a3ee-103908ab699f/3/320x400.jpeg)
The issues I see most often are anxiety, depression and relationship issues.
Thank you for reading my profile. It can be hard to ask for help. Over many years in practice I have studied many different theories and techniques of counseling and psychotherapy, so hopefully I can find ideas and tools to help you with whatever issues you bring. I do not claim to be the best therapist for everyone but I will do my best.
The issues I see most often are anxiety, depression and relationship issues.
Thank you for reading my profile. It can be hard to ask for help. Over many years in practice I have studied many different theories and techniques of counseling and psychotherapy, so hopefully I can find ideas and tools to help you with whatever issues you bring. I do not claim to be the best therapist for everyone but I will do my best.
![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 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 Robert (Bob) E Swope, MEd, LPC, MHSP, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/59cc2650-f632-452d-8725-00b1df784956/2/320x400.jpeg)
Robert (Bob) E Swope
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC, MHSP, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chattanooga, TN 37421
If you are having issues with anxiety , depression ,relationship issues or trauma that are interfering with school , work or other areas of your life.
I am Licensed Professional Counselor with over twenty 28 years of experience working with adults, children and families. I am a graduate of U T Chattanooga with a BS in Psychology and a MEd. in Community Counseling I also did some graduate work at Florida State and University of Houston.. I have both personal and professional experience with parenting, stepfamilies, divorce issues, adoption and reunification, and the adjustment issues which challenge families today.I am an advocate for the LGBTQ community. I am passionate about educating ,coaching and empowering my clients to make the best choices for their unique selves.
If you are having issues with anxiety , depression ,relationship issues or trauma that are interfering with school , work or other areas of your life.
I am Licensed Professional Counselor with over twenty 28 years of experience working with adults, children and families. I am a graduate of U T Chattanooga with a BS in Psychology and a MEd. in Community Counseling I also did some graduate work at Florida State and University of Houston.. I have both personal and professional experience with parenting, stepfamilies, divorce issues, adoption and reunification, and the adjustment issues which challenge families today.I am an advocate for the LGBTQ community. I am passionate about educating ,coaching and empowering my clients to make the best choices for their unique selves.
![Photo of Shan Alexander, LPC, MHSP, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/13eca6cf-31c1-4bd3-9e13-e89d67b37536/2/320x400.jpeg)
Shan Alexander
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MHSP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Chattanooga, TN 37404
I work with folks who have depression, anxiety, OCD, mood disorders, abuse, women’s needs, spiritual formation, parenting and much more.
Life is hard and we all need a supportive safe space from time to time to process and heal. I walk with my clients through the trials of life with compassion and 30 years of experience bringing an accepting presence, clinical expertise and if desired, the wisdom of a Christian worldview.
I work with folks who have depression, anxiety, OCD, mood disorders, abuse, women’s needs, spiritual formation, parenting and much more.
Life is hard and we all need a supportive safe space from time to time to process and heal. I walk with my clients through the trials of life with compassion and 30 years of experience bringing an accepting presence, clinical expertise and if desired, the wisdom of a Christian worldview.
![Photo of Taylor Gautier, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4d3be956-fea4-4040-a5d0-eab8ea9efccd/3/320x400.jpeg)
Taylor Gautier
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Chattanooga, TN 37405 (Online Only)
Taylor is a psychotherapist practicing in the state of Tennessee. She enjoys and is specialized in treating young adults and adolescents with psychosis, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, and families of individuals with serious mental illness. She is interested in helping individuals and families cope, provide education, problem solve, reduce distress related to symptoms, and identify ways that they can continue to successfully achieve their goals. She also offers clinical supervision for Tennessee LCSW candidates and consultations for providers of any license.
Taylor is a psychotherapist practicing in the state of Tennessee. She enjoys and is specialized in treating young adults and adolescents with psychosis, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, and families of individuals with serious mental illness. She is interested in helping individuals and families cope, provide education, problem solve, reduce distress related to symptoms, and identify ways that they can continue to successfully achieve their goals. She also offers clinical supervision for Tennessee LCSW candidates and consultations for providers of any license.
![Photo of Dawn Smith Gibbs, MSSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6b95ab3c-a06f-4298-919a-330b5381f573/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dawn Smith Gibbs
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Chattanooga, TN 37421 (Online Only)
In a world that continues to turn with or without us, we often wonder where we can get off in order to regroup. When we are expected to fulfill all of the everyday roles that we have taken on, we tend to lose touch with ourselves. My purpose is to provide an open, restorative and non-judgmental healing space for you. I am pleased to work with individuals who want help with anxiety, depression, trauma and grief. As well as providing support during life transitions, unexpected changes and personal growth.
In a world that continues to turn with or without us, we often wonder where we can get off in order to regroup. When we are expected to fulfill all of the everyday roles that we have taken on, we tend to lose touch with ourselves. My purpose is to provide an open, restorative and non-judgmental healing space for you. I am pleased to work with individuals who want help with anxiety, depression, trauma and grief. As well as providing support during life transitions, unexpected changes and personal growth.
![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).
15 Second Videos
Roberta Fish
Emily Pohorence
Abby Fowler
Julie Spurling
Codi Dawn Kyle
Alyssa Pesavento
Matt Mills
Deborah Lancaster
Celesta Palmer
Trey Sommerfeld
Rachel Bloodworth
Naomi Boothe
Tennessee Art Therapy and Counseling, LLC
Patricia A Grady LMFT Counseling Services
Brooke Douglas
Rachael Shepard
Lauren Elise Peterson
Kendal McDaniel
Erin Rayburn
Micah Arfons
Hayley Santonastaso
Leah E. Newman
Ashley Dillon
Jessica Hurst-Leggett
Ginamarie Guarino
Angela Begres
Angela Lancaster
Hannah R. Pollok
Joshua Zello
Laura Rocks
Pennie Leggett
The Middle Path. Intensive Outpatient Ages 10+
Central Care Counseling Services LLC
Jennifer Roney
Diana Partington
Destination Station
Carley Chollman
Daniel Pelts
Kristen McGeehon
Jon Morgan
Judy K Herman
Melissa Meade
Linden Turner
Frances Wyatt
Raychel Pepperman
Laura Elizabeth Cartwright
Karen Chambless
Tori Ballard
Sandy McKenzie
Brittany Elizabeth Vazquez
![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 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 Shea Collins M Ed, M, Ed, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5200187b-d932-4b77-b60d-e00d601856ac/1/320x400.jpeg)
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 Jennifer Morgan-Lambert, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/40cd480d-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Jennifer Morgan-Lambert
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chattanooga, TN 37421
Waitlist for new clients
"You are the author of your own life story". As a therapist I strive to provide a safe and confidential environment where people can discuss their struggles and know that they will not be judged or criticized for talking about how they feel or think. I am experienced in the treatment of ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, behavior problems, family conflict, gender identify, grief, trauma and life stressors. I enjoy working with preteens, adolescents and adults by meeting the client where they are in life. I would enjoy the opportunity to meet with you to discuss your needs and work together to begin improving your current situation.
"You are the author of your own life story". As a therapist I strive to provide a safe and confidential environment where people can discuss their struggles and know that they will not be judged or criticized for talking about how they feel or think. I am experienced in the treatment of ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, behavior problems, family conflict, gender identify, grief, trauma and life stressors. I enjoy working with preteens, adolescents and adults by meeting the client where they are in life. I would enjoy the opportunity to meet with you to discuss your needs and work together to begin improving your current situation.
![Photo of Nancy Graves Wahler, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4c323e0d-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I work with people who are ready to heal. I’m a Christian and Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years experience working 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.
I work with people who are ready to heal. I’m a Christian and Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years experience working 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 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 Tara Murphy, LPC, MHSP, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a4b5b4bd-3c35-473f-9395-2b8baeea4757/1/320x400.jpeg)
Tara Murphy
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MHSP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chattanooga, TN 37421
If you are feeling hopeless, out of control, or stuck about what is going on in your life, you have come to the right place. The most common issues clients come to me with are: grief, depression, anxiety, relationship problems, job/school stress, self-esteem issues, divorce care, and midlife "crisis." Also, some people seek therapy because they just feel "blah" and unfulfilled and they don't know why. If any of this rings a bell with you, let's talk! I can help by offering new perspectives, teaching coping skills, and introducing more helpful thinking patterns. Change can be so hard, but you don't have to do it alone.
If you are feeling hopeless, out of control, or stuck about what is going on in your life, you have come to the right place. The most common issues clients come to me with are: grief, depression, anxiety, relationship problems, job/school stress, self-esteem issues, divorce care, and midlife "crisis." Also, some people seek therapy because they just feel "blah" and unfulfilled and they don't know why. If any of this rings a bell with you, let's talk! I can help by offering new perspectives, teaching coping skills, and introducing more helpful thinking patterns. Change can be so hard, but you don't have to do it alone.
![Photo of Sara Deyoung, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0a016555-d726-4edb-809e-14d04da5de53/3/320x400.jpeg)
Sara Deyoung
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chattanooga, TN 37405
I have been a clinical social worker for approximately 15 years and I feel honored that my clients share their stories, their dreams and their goals with me. I enjoy working with people of all ages and backgrounds. I tend to work more with depression, anxiety and relationship issues. I would love to discuss with you more about your specific needs.
I have been a clinical social worker for approximately 15 years and I feel honored that my clients share their stories, their dreams and their goals with me. I enjoy working with people of all ages and backgrounds. I tend to work more with depression, anxiety and relationship issues. I would love to discuss with you more about your specific needs.
See more therapy options for Chattanooga
Nearby Depression Therapists Searches for Chattanooga
- Cleveland
- Collegedale
- Dayton
- East Ridge
- Hixson
- Lookout Mountain
- Ooltewah
- Red Bank
- Sewanee
- Signal Mountain
- Soddy Daisy
Nearby Searches for Chattanooga
- Cleveland
- Collegedale
- Dayton
- East Ridge
- Hixson
- Lookout Mountain
- Ooltewah
- Red Bank
- Sewanee
- Signal Mountain
- Soddy Daisy
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.