Depression Therapists in Newport, TN

Photo of Rebecca Henry, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Rebecca Henry
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Newport, TN 37821
I enjoy helping clients reduce Depression/Anxiety as well as work through Grief/Loss and Trauma.
Although we often come to therapy with a problem, we also come to be heard and understood, to feel like we matter, and to learn self-compassion. Do you feel overly nervous at times and held back from things you want to do or goals you would like to accomplish? Find yourself over-estimating the odds of something "wrong" possibly happening or assuming worst-case scenario outcomes? There are methods that can be learned to decrease intensity, frequency, and duration of anxiety episodes. I look forward to helping you develop calming skills and replace unhelpful thought patterns with less anxiety producing ones.
I enjoy helping clients reduce Depression/Anxiety as well as work through Grief/Loss and Trauma.
Although we often come to therapy with a problem, we also come to be heard and understood, to feel like we matter, and to learn self-compassion. Do you feel overly nervous at times and held back from things you want to do or goals you would like to accomplish? Find yourself over-estimating the odds of something "wrong" possibly happening or assuming worst-case scenario outcomes? There are methods that can be learned to decrease intensity, frequency, and duration of anxiety episodes. I look forward to helping you develop calming skills and replace unhelpful thought patterns with less anxiety producing ones.
(865) 413-5585 View (865) 413-5585
Photo of Kay C Free - KCF Counseling LLC, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
KCF Counseling LLC
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Newport, TN 37821
Waitlist for new clients
My training and experience assist couples and individuals in renewing their lives and help them move beyond anxiety, grief, depression, trauma and drug/alcohol struggles during our time together.
Greetings! My name is Kay C Free, and I am here to help you on your journey to wellness. Life on life's terms can be challenging at best. Experiencing life's hardships, whether current or past, grief, anxiety, depression, relationships, trauma or drug/alcohol struggles, can only add to those challenges. I believe, however, that everyone has the capacity to move beyond those challenges and experience strong, healthy lives and relationships! Taking the first step toward seeking help is often the hardest part of the journey but seeking in itself shows inner strength and the capacity for resilience.
My training and experience assist couples and individuals in renewing their lives and help them move beyond anxiety, grief, depression, trauma and drug/alcohol struggles during our time together.
Greetings! My name is Kay C Free, and I am here to help you on your journey to wellness. Life on life's terms can be challenging at best. Experiencing life's hardships, whether current or past, grief, anxiety, depression, relationships, trauma or drug/alcohol struggles, can only add to those challenges. I believe, however, that everyone has the capacity to move beyond those challenges and experience strong, healthy lives and relationships! Taking the first step toward seeking help is often the hardest part of the journey but seeking in itself shows inner strength and the capacity for resilience.
(865) 344-1191 View (865) 344-1191
Photo of Karoline Bowman, LPC, MHSP, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Karoline Bowman
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MHSP, NCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Newport, TN 37821
My ideal client would be an adolescent, family, or young adult seeking to learn more about natural, healthy, positive ways to overcome the struggles of life. Needs would include finding more effective ways of communicating feelings to others, finding understanding ways to approach conflict, and finding positive ways to cope with difficulties. The client would want to work on changing unhealthy/ineffective behavior patterns and begin a process of change.
My ideal client would be an adolescent, family, or young adult seeking to learn more about natural, healthy, positive ways to overcome the struggles of life. Needs would include finding more effective ways of communicating feelings to others, finding understanding ways to approach conflict, and finding positive ways to cope with difficulties. The client would want to work on changing unhealthy/ineffective behavior patterns and begin a process of change.
(423) 347-2454 View (423) 347-2454
Photo of Christie C Eberhardt, PhD, BCPC, Pastoral Counselor
Christie C Eberhardt
Pastoral Counselor, PhD, BCPC
Verified Verified
Newport, TN 37821
Life can be difficult and confusing. I am here to help you sort through the pain to find hope and healing for the days ahead. The hurt can be deep, going back to earliest memories or coming from present hardships. Counseling you is about establishing a safe place, a loving environment of grace. My tools come from my training and from 33 years of experience, but each person is exquisitely unique, so no therapeutic relationship is the same as any other. It is an honor and privilege to share deeply in your life and the lives of your family. At present, because of a recent move to another state, I am connecting only online or by cell.
Life can be difficult and confusing. I am here to help you sort through the pain to find hope and healing for the days ahead. The hurt can be deep, going back to earliest memories or coming from present hardships. Counseling you is about establishing a safe place, a loving environment of grace. My tools come from my training and from 33 years of experience, but each person is exquisitely unique, so no therapeutic relationship is the same as any other. It is an honor and privilege to share deeply in your life and the lives of your family. At present, because of a recent move to another state, I am connecting only online or by cell.
(828) 675-7227 View (828) 675-7227

Online Therapists

Photo of Treasure M Bell, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Treasure M Bell
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Knoxville, TN 37924  (Online Only)
I also have experience working with depression.
Life happens. Each individual has his or her own experiences, as well as his or her own way of handling these experiences. Sometimes, our "own way" is unhealthy and may leave us feeling confused, misunderstood, alone, angry, and so many other emotions. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. There is no need to apologize for being who or how you are.
I also have experience working with depression.
Life happens. Each individual has his or her own experiences, as well as his or her own way of handling these experiences. Sometimes, our "own way" is unhealthy and may leave us feeling confused, misunderstood, alone, angry, and so many other emotions. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. There is no need to apologize for being who or how you are.
(865) 672-8548 View (865) 672-8548
Photo of Jody C Johnston, MA, LPC, MHSP, NCC, BC-TMHP, Licensed Professional Counselor
Jody C Johnston
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, MHSP, NCC, BC-TMHP
Verified Verified
Fall Branch, TN 37656  (Online Only)
Visit my website at www.JCJcounseling.com to find out more information about my services and read my testimonials. I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, and relationship issues. I frequently tell clients that, "My job is to teach you how to be your own therapist so you don't need a therapist." There is nothing more valuable than your own independence. My work focuses on helping clients establish a framework for becoming independent and resolving past and present issues. So, when you are ready, feel free to reach out to me.
Visit my website at www.JCJcounseling.com to find out more information about my services and read my testimonials. I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, and relationship issues. I frequently tell clients that, "My job is to teach you how to be your own therapist so you don't need a therapist." There is nothing more valuable than your own independence. My work focuses on helping clients establish a framework for becoming independent and resolving past and present issues. So, when you are ready, feel free to reach out to me.
(423) 376-1908 View (423) 376-1908
Photo of Marsha Litton-Baker, CTRS, MS, LPC, MHSP, Licensed Professional Counselor
Marsha Litton-Baker
Licensed Professional Counselor, CTRS, MS, LPC, MHSP
Verified Verified
Blountville, TN 37617  (Online Only)
Areas of expertise and focus: Anxiety, Depression, Grief and Loss, OCD, Parenting, Infertility, caregiver fatigue, and PTSD.
Have you ever been told when life gives you lemons make lemonade? Well, like most people unless you have a plan or a “recipe” then it is difficult to know where to start. I want to help you with tools and techniques to create your own “recipe” for the current journey you are on. First and foremost, I want to commend you for taking the first steps toward seeking treatment with finding a therapist. It took a lot of courage and inner strength to know your emotional health is the key ingredient to your “recipe” for balance in life.
Areas of expertise and focus: Anxiety, Depression, Grief and Loss, OCD, Parenting, Infertility, caregiver fatigue, and PTSD.
Have you ever been told when life gives you lemons make lemonade? Well, like most people unless you have a plan or a “recipe” then it is difficult to know where to start. I want to help you with tools and techniques to create your own “recipe” for the current journey you are on. First and foremost, I want to commend you for taking the first steps toward seeking treatment with finding a therapist. It took a lot of courage and inner strength to know your emotional health is the key ingredient to your “recipe” for balance in life.
(423) 250-1359 View (423) 250-1359
Photo of Patrisha Tatum, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Patrisha Tatum
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Knoxville, TN 37922  (Online Only)
Patricia "Trisha" Tatum is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 8 years of experience. She quickly learned that she was interested in helping people overcome anxiety and depression and started her work as a therapist working mostly with adolescents and adults. Trisha has a passion for helping her clients through life transitions and overcoming barriers to obtaining their goals. Trisha specializes in anxiety, depression, trauma, and major life transitions.
Patricia "Trisha" Tatum is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 8 years of experience. She quickly learned that she was interested in helping people overcome anxiety and depression and started her work as a therapist working mostly with adolescents and adults. Trisha has a passion for helping her clients through life transitions and overcoming barriers to obtaining their goals. Trisha specializes in anxiety, depression, trauma, and major life transitions.
(865) 568-6083 View (865) 568-6083
Photo of Alice Erickson, PsyD, Psychologist
Alice Erickson
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Jonesborough, TN 37659  (Online Only)
Though genetics can play a role in the development of psychiatric problems; symptoms and conditions like depression, anxiety, panic attacks, obsessions and compulsions, disordered eating, self-harm, thinking problems, and psychosis are some of the ways our psyche and body deal with pain that has not been understood, contextualized, and articulated.
Unbearable emotional and somatic states, relationship problems, identity crises, difficult life transitions, losses, grief, and trauma are some of the many experiences that plague us and make life hard. While suffering is a natural part of life, it is understandable to want to move away from it. However, it is when we give our suffering a voice that healing can begin.
Though genetics can play a role in the development of psychiatric problems; symptoms and conditions like depression, anxiety, panic attacks, obsessions and compulsions, disordered eating, self-harm, thinking problems, and psychosis are some of the ways our psyche and body deal with pain that has not been understood, contextualized, and articulated.
Unbearable emotional and somatic states, relationship problems, identity crises, difficult life transitions, losses, grief, and trauma are some of the many experiences that plague us and make life hard. While suffering is a natural part of life, it is understandable to want to move away from it. However, it is when we give our suffering a voice that healing can begin.
(413) 595-2063 View (413) 595-2063
Photo of Celeste Ballard - Within Holistic Counseling, MA, LCPC, LMT, Counselor
Within Holistic Counseling
Counselor, MA, LCPC, LMT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Knoxville, TN 37918
Working with anxiety & depression and offering an alternative to medication.
At Within Holistic Counseling, we believe in getting to the root of the problem. Traditional talk therapy has been proven highly effective, so we combine this with meditation based therapy and somatic psychology to make it even better. To create lasting change in your life, you need to understand where your feelings are coming from. We are clinically trained in psychological techniques as well as, having specialized training in mindfulness meditation and the ability to create a holistic framework that will assist you in getting to the root of your patterns to heal and change them. Your work will be tailored individually for you.
Working with anxiety & depression and offering an alternative to medication.
At Within Holistic Counseling, we believe in getting to the root of the problem. Traditional talk therapy has been proven highly effective, so we combine this with meditation based therapy and somatic psychology to make it even better. To create lasting change in your life, you need to understand where your feelings are coming from. We are clinically trained in psychological techniques as well as, having specialized training in mindfulness meditation and the ability to create a holistic framework that will assist you in getting to the root of your patterns to heal and change them. Your work will be tailored individually for you.
(865) 297-5077 View (865) 297-5077
Photo of Linda L Behel, MS, LMFT, LPC, MHSP, Marriage & Family Therapist
Linda L Behel
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT, LPC, MHSP
Verified Verified
Knoxville, TN 37923  (Online Only)
My goal is to help people identify problem areas and the personal strengths that are available to begin to address those problems. I also focus on helping people improve communication and relationship skills as a part of problem-solving. I treat individuals and couples dealing with depression, anxiety, grief/loss issues, substance abuse, communication and relationship problems, women's issues, adjustment problems, parenting, spiritual issues. I participate in many employee assistance plans and I am in most insurance networks. Please call for detailed information about plans.
My goal is to help people identify problem areas and the personal strengths that are available to begin to address those problems. I also focus on helping people improve communication and relationship skills as a part of problem-solving. I treat individuals and couples dealing with depression, anxiety, grief/loss issues, substance abuse, communication and relationship problems, women's issues, adjustment problems, parenting, spiritual issues. I participate in many employee assistance plans and I am in most insurance networks. Please call for detailed information about plans.
(865) 375-5136 View (865) 375-5136
Photo of Melanie DeWerff, LPC, MHSP, LPCC, CPC, LMHC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Melanie DeWerff
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MHSP, LPCC, CPC, LMHC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Louisville, TN 37777
My experience covers trauma, sexual abuse victims, depression, anxiety, PTSD, domestic abuse victims, anger management, dysfunctional family systems, suicide, and negative core beliefs.
Eclectic, spiritually bent, and sacredly genuine. I utilize creativity and work from an embodied healing approach. I will lovingly challenge you; while lovingly supporting you. I want to help you connect to, and operate from, your True Self. Out of the box thinker; life does not fit in a box; therefore, therapy does not fit in a box. Connect to what a fulfilled life looks like for you; and, then how to live that life. Shedding of old patterns and transition into your genuine self. Also, offer energy work.
My experience covers trauma, sexual abuse victims, depression, anxiety, PTSD, domestic abuse victims, anger management, dysfunctional family systems, suicide, and negative core beliefs.
Eclectic, spiritually bent, and sacredly genuine. I utilize creativity and work from an embodied healing approach. I will lovingly challenge you; while lovingly supporting you. I want to help you connect to, and operate from, your True Self. Out of the box thinker; life does not fit in a box; therefore, therapy does not fit in a box. Connect to what a fulfilled life looks like for you; and, then how to live that life. Shedding of old patterns and transition into your genuine self. Also, offer energy work.
(865) 346-2935 View (865) 346-2935
Photo of Krystal Bryant, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Krystal Bryant
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Knoxville, TN 37922  (Online Only)
Krystal Bryant is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 12 years of experience in the mental health field. Krystal has worked with a variety of populations including adolescents, adults, and geriatric patients. Krystal has worked in general mental health, as well as addiction recovery and crisis management scenarios. She specializes in treating depression, anxiety, phobias, panic attacks, OCD, social performance, stress, bipolar, addiction, codependency, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, PTSD, and grief.
Krystal Bryant is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 12 years of experience in the mental health field. Krystal has worked with a variety of populations including adolescents, adults, and geriatric patients. Krystal has worked in general mental health, as well as addiction recovery and crisis management scenarios. She specializes in treating depression, anxiety, phobias, panic attacks, OCD, social performance, stress, bipolar, addiction, codependency, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, PTSD, and grief.
(865) 672-0162 View (865) 672-0162
Photo of Ronald Richard Brown, PhD, Psychologist
Ronald Richard Brown
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Knoxville, TN 37918
All of the clients, of which I am honored to see, are ideal. These are clients struggling and/challenged with Depression, Anxiety, Anger, Grief or Loss, Pre-Marital, Marital and Divorce concerns, Parenting Skills Training, Christian Counseling, and Sports Psychology are also services provided.
All of the clients, of which I am honored to see, are ideal. These are clients struggling and/challenged with Depression, Anxiety, Anger, Grief or Loss, Pre-Marital, Marital and Divorce concerns, Parenting Skills Training, Christian Counseling, and Sports Psychology are also services provided.
(865) 329-6249 View (865) 329-6249
Photo of Charlie Mitchell, LPC, MS, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Charlie Mitchell
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MS, NCC
Verified Verified
Norris, TN 37828
Free consultations to help find the right counselor for you! Charlie Mitchell, LPC-MHSP, is the founder and owner of Heart Pine Counseling Center. Heart Pine Counseling Center is missioned to bring premier counseling services to East Tennessee, with a specialty in the application of Emotionally Focused Family and Couples Therapy, focused on deep and long lasting emotional healing. Charlie treats issues including marriage and family conflict, addiction, anger, anxiety and depression. He is well-versed in the 12 steps and Christian integrative approaches, though the client’s values and beliefs are always held central.
Free consultations to help find the right counselor for you! Charlie Mitchell, LPC-MHSP, is the founder and owner of Heart Pine Counseling Center. Heart Pine Counseling Center is missioned to bring premier counseling services to East Tennessee, with a specialty in the application of Emotionally Focused Family and Couples Therapy, focused on deep and long lasting emotional healing. Charlie treats issues including marriage and family conflict, addiction, anger, anxiety and depression. He is well-versed in the 12 steps and Christian integrative approaches, though the client’s values and beliefs are always held central.
(865) 324-0791 View (865) 324-0791
Photo of Cindy Montoya, MA, Pre-Licensed Professional
Cindy Montoya
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Knoxville, TN 37932
One of the most beautiful things about being human is our ability to change. Yet, from observation and personal experience, I know how easy it is to feel stuck in destructive thoughts and behaviors. The good news is that you do not have to remain in a pit. Whether you struggle with addiction, anxiety, depression, grief, relational issues, trauma, etc., every individual is worthy of healing and peace. My favorite part about working with clients is walking alongside them as you continue to find the courage to live out this belief so that you can live a more hopeful, healthy, and whole life.
One of the most beautiful things about being human is our ability to change. Yet, from observation and personal experience, I know how easy it is to feel stuck in destructive thoughts and behaviors. The good news is that you do not have to remain in a pit. Whether you struggle with addiction, anxiety, depression, grief, relational issues, trauma, etc., every individual is worthy of healing and peace. My favorite part about working with clients is walking alongside them as you continue to find the courage to live out this belief so that you can live a more hopeful, healthy, and whole life.
(865) 674-1784 View (865) 674-1784
Photo of Kay Collake, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kay Collake
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Johnson City, TN 37601
Common areas of practice include anxiety and depression management, women's issues, support with chronic illness, minority stress, trauma, relationship difficulties, and grief/loss.
Do you find yourself overwhelmed with the competing priorities of daily life? Stuck in unhealthy patterns such as overuse of alcohol, procrastination, or emotional eating? Are your days spent battling perfectionism and negative self-talk? Would you like to be more active socially but struggle with anxiety or feelings of low self-worth? Hi. I’m Kay. Congratulations on taking the first step toward living your best life! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 15 years of experience providing psychotherapy, assessment, and referral services to adults, children, and families.
Common areas of practice include anxiety and depression management, women's issues, support with chronic illness, minority stress, trauma, relationship difficulties, and grief/loss.
Do you find yourself overwhelmed with the competing priorities of daily life? Stuck in unhealthy patterns such as overuse of alcohol, procrastination, or emotional eating? Are your days spent battling perfectionism and negative self-talk? Would you like to be more active socially but struggle with anxiety or feelings of low self-worth? Hi. I’m Kay. Congratulations on taking the first step toward living your best life! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 15 years of experience providing psychotherapy, assessment, and referral services to adults, children, and families.
(615) 392-6827 View (615) 392-6827
Photo of Sharon Sitler, MA, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Sharon Sitler
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Maryville, TN 37803
In addition to trauma, I do marriage counseling, work with women's issues, anxiety, depression, ADHD, grief, codependency, career counseling as well as other areas.
I enjoy working with people from all walks of life, encouraging them and giving them hope. I believe in balanced living and looking at how issues are affecting us emotionally, mentally, physically and spiritually. I believe in looking at things from a Christian Worldview but work with people from all viewpoints. I used to work in the corporate world so can identify with people from all walks of life and many different life experiences. I started counseling individuals in Florida as an intern many years ago. Graduated in 1997 and am licensed both in Florida and Tennessee. My family moved to Tennessee 16 years ago, we love Tennessee.
In addition to trauma, I do marriage counseling, work with women's issues, anxiety, depression, ADHD, grief, codependency, career counseling as well as other areas.
I enjoy working with people from all walks of life, encouraging them and giving them hope. I believe in balanced living and looking at how issues are affecting us emotionally, mentally, physically and spiritually. I believe in looking at things from a Christian Worldview but work with people from all viewpoints. I used to work in the corporate world so can identify with people from all walks of life and many different life experiences. I started counseling individuals in Florida as an intern many years ago. Graduated in 1997 and am licensed both in Florida and Tennessee. My family moved to Tennessee 16 years ago, we love Tennessee.
(865) 409-1334 View (865) 409-1334
Photo of John Barsotti, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
John Barsotti
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Knoxville, TN 37922  (Online Only)
There is a wide variety of diagnoses he's worked with, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, and ADHD.
John Barsotti is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the state of Tennessee, and he has been practicing therapy for the past 8 years. John's counseling style is non-judgemental, empathetic, and compassionate. He uses a holistic approach to help clients identify their strengths to help manage a balance of self-care, mindfulness, and well-being. John uses several different evidence-based approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and solution-focused therapy. Using a client-centered approach, the focus is to identify and implement techniques to help clients manage their needs and goals.
There is a wide variety of diagnoses he's worked with, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, and ADHD.
John Barsotti is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the state of Tennessee, and he has been practicing therapy for the past 8 years. John's counseling style is non-judgemental, empathetic, and compassionate. He uses a holistic approach to help clients identify their strengths to help manage a balance of self-care, mindfulness, and well-being. John uses several different evidence-based approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and solution-focused therapy. Using a client-centered approach, the focus is to identify and implement techniques to help clients manage their needs and goals.
(865) 432-6814 View (865) 432-6814
Photo of Tamra Snook - Tamra Snook LCSW Counseling, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Tamra Snook LCSW Counseling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Knoxville, TN 37923
I specialize in assisting those seeking to heal from trauma, anxiety, depression and other mental health struggles.
Do you desire a rich, full life but find that life's difficulties, personal emotional issues and unresolved past or present conflicts get in the way? There is hope! Everyone has the capacity for healing and to make the changes they desire. Inherent in each person is the ability to 'live life better' and understanding 'what makes you tick' is key. My desire is to work hand in hand with you...whether it requires working through the past, being mindful of the present or preparing for the future so that you can process and develop the life you desire.
I specialize in assisting those seeking to heal from trauma, anxiety, depression and other mental health struggles.
Do you desire a rich, full life but find that life's difficulties, personal emotional issues and unresolved past or present conflicts get in the way? There is hope! Everyone has the capacity for healing and to make the changes they desire. Inherent in each person is the ability to 'live life better' and understanding 'what makes you tick' is key. My desire is to work hand in hand with you...whether it requires working through the past, being mindful of the present or preparing for the future so that you can process and develop the life you desire.
(865) 874-6303 View (865) 874-6303

See more therapy options for Newport

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.