Depression Therapists in Bellaire, TX

Photo of Andrew Krieger, DSW, MBA, LCSW-S, LCDC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Andrew Krieger
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, DSW, MBA, LCSW-S, LCDC
Verified Verified
Bellaire, TX 77401
Specialty areas include: Finding effective solutions for substance abuse related issues; Psychotherapy with people active in 12 step recovery; Reduction of symptoms associated with depression; Overcoming anxiety; Improved relationship dynamics; Emotional healing of trauma and abuse; Effective coping strategies for stress; and Successfully dealing with life challenges (loss, separation, and divorce).
I am committed to providing life changing solutions to my clients in an engaging, respectful, and supportive manner. Whether seeking assistance in coping with depression, anxiety, addiction, marital issues or grief and loss, the decision to seek psychotherapy is an important step on the path of meaningful change. I am trained and experienced in the use of several effective therapeutic techniques and am committed to tailoring my approach to each client's unique needs. My therapeutic style is centered in mutual collaboration, honest and open communication, and pragmatic approaches to dealing with issues.
Specialty areas include: Finding effective solutions for substance abuse related issues; Psychotherapy with people active in 12 step recovery; Reduction of symptoms associated with depression; Overcoming anxiety; Improved relationship dynamics; Emotional healing of trauma and abuse; Effective coping strategies for stress; and Successfully dealing with life challenges (loss, separation, and divorce).
I am committed to providing life changing solutions to my clients in an engaging, respectful, and supportive manner. Whether seeking assistance in coping with depression, anxiety, addiction, marital issues or grief and loss, the decision to seek psychotherapy is an important step on the path of meaningful change. I am trained and experienced in the use of several effective therapeutic techniques and am committed to tailoring my approach to each client's unique needs. My therapeutic style is centered in mutual collaboration, honest and open communication, and pragmatic approaches to dealing with issues.
(713) 568-6671 View (713) 568-6671
Photo of Dormetra Henry, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Dormetra Henry
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Bellaire, TX 77401
Hello, my name is Dormetra and I am a LPC and certified Sandtray Therapist in Houston, Texas. It has been my dream to become a licensed therapist and I am so excited to walk alongside you as you work through your life experiences. Are you dealing with stress and anxiety or possibly depression? Making the decision to begin therapy is a huge one which can be scary for some and maybe seem weird for others.
Hello, my name is Dormetra and I am a LPC and certified Sandtray Therapist in Houston, Texas. It has been my dream to become a licensed therapist and I am so excited to walk alongside you as you work through your life experiences. Are you dealing with stress and anxiety or possibly depression? Making the decision to begin therapy is a huge one which can be scary for some and maybe seem weird for others.
(346) 369-7234 View (346) 369-7234
Photo of Theresa Flanagan, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Theresa Flanagan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Bellaire, TX 77401
I have been in practice for twenty five years. I love what I do ; I have a passion for the healing of marriages,trauma, depression, anxiety. I am commited to working with/beside my clients as they seek to move forward in their lives. For marriage counseling, I offer larger blocks of time to allow for each indivual to be fully heard. Within these blocks of time for marriage counseling ,we address such issues as; accumulated resentments, past hurts, childhood wounds that are affecting the present day adult relationship, and resolving conflict in a kind, respectful way.
I have been in practice for twenty five years. I love what I do ; I have a passion for the healing of marriages,trauma, depression, anxiety. I am commited to working with/beside my clients as they seek to move forward in their lives. For marriage counseling, I offer larger blocks of time to allow for each indivual to be fully heard. Within these blocks of time for marriage counseling ,we address such issues as; accumulated resentments, past hurts, childhood wounds that are affecting the present day adult relationship, and resolving conflict in a kind, respectful way.
(713) 669-0373 View (713) 669-0373
Photo of Mary Duran, LCSW, LCDC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Mary Duran
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LCDC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Bellaire, TX 77401
Are you grappling with self-esteem issues, searching for your place in the world, or struggling with boundaries? Do you or a loved one live with a substance use disorder or mental health challenges? You're not alone and you've come to the right place. I specialize in helping young adults and their families with anxiety, depression, substance use concerns, and life transitions. My goal is to create a welcoming, judgment-free environment where we can collaborate. Together, we'll identify your goals and develop a tailored treatment plan to equip you with the skills needed for a more authentic and fulfilling life.
Are you grappling with self-esteem issues, searching for your place in the world, or struggling with boundaries? Do you or a loved one live with a substance use disorder or mental health challenges? You're not alone and you've come to the right place. I specialize in helping young adults and their families with anxiety, depression, substance use concerns, and life transitions. My goal is to create a welcoming, judgment-free environment where we can collaborate. Together, we'll identify your goals and develop a tailored treatment plan to equip you with the skills needed for a more authentic and fulfilling life.
(281) 729-6148 View (281) 729-6148
Photo of Lisette Theriot, LCSW, CCTP-II, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Lisette Theriot
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CCTP-II
Verified Verified
Bellaire, TX 77401
Special interest in professional burnout, anxiety, depression, significant experience in treating addiction.
Compassionate counseling . Humanist forward with ACT/IFS/CBT/Brainspotting. Houston therapy for depression, anxiety, compassion fatigue, executive burnout, crisis, suicidality, alcohol use disorder, adjustment to illness, grief, neurodivergent individuals, professional burnout. Certified in complex trauma and perinatal mental health as well as CBT and IFS. Adults and older teens.
Special interest in professional burnout, anxiety, depression, significant experience in treating addiction.
Compassionate counseling . Humanist forward with ACT/IFS/CBT/Brainspotting. Houston therapy for depression, anxiety, compassion fatigue, executive burnout, crisis, suicidality, alcohol use disorder, adjustment to illness, grief, neurodivergent individuals, professional burnout. Certified in complex trauma and perinatal mental health as well as CBT and IFS. Adults and older teens.
(346) 209-0846 View (346) 209-0846
Photo of Raquel Angelica Ducote, MA, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Raquel Angelica Ducote
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bellaire, TX 77401
My professional experience is working with individuals, families and couples who may be coping with relational issues, stress, depression, anxiety, past trauma, suicidal ideation and family dysfunction.
The goal of therapy is to empower you with insight, strength, knowledge and healing to make a difference in your own life! We all have the power to heal and with guidance and direction, it is possible. I want to offer hope to every person who comes through my door because that's what I believe! I utilize a variety of proven psychological techniques and have over 15 years of experience! In a calm and peaceful atmosphere, I will offer the insight and wisdom you need to find your way to a place of inner calm and serenity.
My professional experience is working with individuals, families and couples who may be coping with relational issues, stress, depression, anxiety, past trauma, suicidal ideation and family dysfunction.
The goal of therapy is to empower you with insight, strength, knowledge and healing to make a difference in your own life! We all have the power to heal and with guidance and direction, it is possible. I want to offer hope to every person who comes through my door because that's what I believe! I utilize a variety of proven psychological techniques and have over 15 years of experience! In a calm and peaceful atmosphere, I will offer the insight and wisdom you need to find your way to a place of inner calm and serenity.
(832) 924-5551 View (832) 924-5551
Photo of Linda Barnard, MS, LPC, EMDR-C, KAP, Licensed Professional Counselor
Linda Barnard
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, EMDR-C, KAP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bellaire, TX 77401
I help people like you transform depression and anxiety into a meaningful life that brings you joy.
Hi! I’m Linda, a Licensed Professional Counselor, and a Registered Nurse. I integrate Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy with EMDR and somatic therapies to offer a comprehensive approach to addressing trauma symptoms, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression. My medical background and experience inform my approach to the physical and nervous system components of mental well-being. . Alongside individual therapy, I provide in-person Ketamine-Assisted Therapy Groups. Trauma, depression and anxiety are psychological AND physiological, and I am uniquely qualified to address both.
I help people like you transform depression and anxiety into a meaningful life that brings you joy.
Hi! I’m Linda, a Licensed Professional Counselor, and a Registered Nurse. I integrate Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy with EMDR and somatic therapies to offer a comprehensive approach to addressing trauma symptoms, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression. My medical background and experience inform my approach to the physical and nervous system components of mental well-being. . Alongside individual therapy, I provide in-person Ketamine-Assisted Therapy Groups. Trauma, depression and anxiety are psychological AND physiological, and I am uniquely qualified to address both.
(713) 397-1059 View (713) 397-1059
Photo of Edna Lee, MA, LPC-S, Licensed Professional Counselor
Edna Lee
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC-S
Verified Verified
Bellaire, TX 77401
Last, I provide Neurofeedback to decrease symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Since 2003, I have specialized in counseling women struggling with anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, grief, burnout, relationships, faith and other life adjustments. I offer a compassionate and action-oriented approach to therapy. Clients are empowered with insights and practical tools for genuine transformation. I am also a corporate speaker on mental health topics to Fortune 500 companies through Modern Health.
Last, I provide Neurofeedback to decrease symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Since 2003, I have specialized in counseling women struggling with anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, grief, burnout, relationships, faith and other life adjustments. I offer a compassionate and action-oriented approach to therapy. Clients are empowered with insights and practical tools for genuine transformation. I am also a corporate speaker on mental health topics to Fortune 500 companies through Modern Health.
(281) 377-9577 View (281) 377-9577
Photo of Mary Ann Johnston, LPC, MEd, Licensed Professional Counselor
Mary Ann Johnston
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MEd
Verified Verified
Bellaire, TX 77401
I also do EMDR for trauma resolution involving life threatening situations, sexual and physical abuse, anxiety and depression.
I am a psychotherapist who has been in private practice for 30 years. Because of the longevity of my work, I have encountered a wide variety of people of all ages and problems. I believe in the dignity and value of each individual person and treat people with empathy, compassion, warmth, and kindness. I give sustained attention during a session and believe that people can solve their own problems with some objective structure and feedback. For my clients' convenience I maintain two offices. Weekend and evening appointments are available.
I also do EMDR for trauma resolution involving life threatening situations, sexual and physical abuse, anxiety and depression.
I am a psychotherapist who has been in private practice for 30 years. Because of the longevity of my work, I have encountered a wide variety of people of all ages and problems. I believe in the dignity and value of each individual person and treat people with empathy, compassion, warmth, and kindness. I give sustained attention during a session and believe that people can solve their own problems with some objective structure and feedback. For my clients' convenience I maintain two offices. Weekend and evening appointments are available.
(713) 667-5659 View (713) 667-5659
Photo of Alisha L. Wagner, PhD, Psychologist
Alisha L. Wagner
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Bellaire, TX 77401
I work with adults of all ages dealing with depression, anxiety, grief, relationship issues, work & family balance, major life changes and transitions, and infertility, postpartum mood disorders & women's health issues.
People seek therapy for many reasons. You may face illness or health issues, and seek therapy for support. You may experience an unexpected negative event and need therapy to deal with resulting stress, depression or anxiety. Or you may want a different perspective on a given situation and seek therapy for clarity. My goal is to help you find the support, relief and clarity to enjoy a more productive life. I believe in a non-judgmental, active and collaborative approach. Warmth, compassion and humor characterize my therapy style.
I work with adults of all ages dealing with depression, anxiety, grief, relationship issues, work & family balance, major life changes and transitions, and infertility, postpartum mood disorders & women's health issues.
People seek therapy for many reasons. You may face illness or health issues, and seek therapy for support. You may experience an unexpected negative event and need therapy to deal with resulting stress, depression or anxiety. Or you may want a different perspective on a given situation and seek therapy for clarity. My goal is to help you find the support, relief and clarity to enjoy a more productive life. I believe in a non-judgmental, active and collaborative approach. Warmth, compassion and humor characterize my therapy style.
(281) 940-2771 View (281) 940-2771
Photo of Laurie Baldwin, PhD, Psychologist
Laurie Baldwin
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Bellaire, TX 77401
I work with adults coping with depression, loss, emotional problems, anxiety, relationship challenges, difficulties dealing with a change - you know, struggles we all have at times.
In my 27+ year career, I enjoy developing therapeutic relationships with my clients and helping them figure out what needs to change and how to most effectively, and efficiently do this. People are resilient and often know what needs to be done, but could use help identifying the steps and having non-judgemental support in carrying them out. I love people and I love my job. Let me help you figure it out.
I work with adults coping with depression, loss, emotional problems, anxiety, relationship challenges, difficulties dealing with a change - you know, struggles we all have at times.
In my 27+ year career, I enjoy developing therapeutic relationships with my clients and helping them figure out what needs to change and how to most effectively, and efficiently do this. People are resilient and often know what needs to be done, but could use help identifying the steps and having non-judgemental support in carrying them out. I love people and I love my job. Let me help you figure it out.
(281) 507-9252 View (281) 507-9252
Photo of Hannah Hildinger, LMSW
Hannah Hildinger
Licensed Master Social Worker, LMSW
Verified Verified
Bellaire, TX 77401
My areas of expertise are working with children, teen, and young adults that have been through trauma, are facing depression or anxiety, in need of coping skills, exploring different parts of their identity, or needing help growing their confidence.
My biggest goal in therapy is to help clients feel equipped to take on each day to their best ability. Whether that means learning and practicing coping skills, using EMDR to re-process past trauma and reduce triggers, growing your confidence and self-esteem, or just allowing space to better understand your thoughts and emotions, I will be with you every step of the way to support you through your therapeutic journey. I am a firm believer that therapy has the ability to truly improve your quality of life and relationships with those around you, and I hope that you will allow me to be a part of your process.
My areas of expertise are working with children, teen, and young adults that have been through trauma, are facing depression or anxiety, in need of coping skills, exploring different parts of their identity, or needing help growing their confidence.
My biggest goal in therapy is to help clients feel equipped to take on each day to their best ability. Whether that means learning and practicing coping skills, using EMDR to re-process past trauma and reduce triggers, growing your confidence and self-esteem, or just allowing space to better understand your thoughts and emotions, I will be with you every step of the way to support you through your therapeutic journey. I am a firm believer that therapy has the ability to truly improve your quality of life and relationships with those around you, and I hope that you will allow me to be a part of your process.
(346) 456-5104 View (346) 456-5104
Photo of Stephanie Wang, LPC, MA, Licensed Professional Counselor
Stephanie Wang
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bellaire, TX 77402  (Online Only)
Struggling with anxiety, perfectionism, depression, or interpersonal issues can be tough. I get that it takes vulnerability to share your difficulties and innermost thoughts with another person. My goal is to provide you with a safe, nonjudgmental space where you can be your authentic self. I can help you keep yourself accountable on changing behaviors and come up with effective plans for doing so.
Struggling with anxiety, perfectionism, depression, or interpersonal issues can be tough. I get that it takes vulnerability to share your difficulties and innermost thoughts with another person. My goal is to provide you with a safe, nonjudgmental space where you can be your authentic self. I can help you keep yourself accountable on changing behaviors and come up with effective plans for doing so.
(281) 500-8953 View (281) 500-8953
Photo of Marilu Berry, PhD, Psychologist
Marilu Berry
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Bellaire, TX 77401
Are you feeling overwhelmed, alone, and dissatisfied with your life? Are you apprehensive about finding the right therapist? I can help. I see individuals with a variety of issues, including difficulty coping with stress, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, and grief. Clients tell me I am supportive, a good listener, engaging, and insightful. I am an active therapist, meaning I don't just nod and listen but actually speak up, give feedback, teach skills, and encourage. I help people see themselves more clearly and learn new, healthier ways of living.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, alone, and dissatisfied with your life? Are you apprehensive about finding the right therapist? I can help. I see individuals with a variety of issues, including difficulty coping with stress, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, and grief. Clients tell me I am supportive, a good listener, engaging, and insightful. I am an active therapist, meaning I don't just nod and listen but actually speak up, give feedback, teach skills, and encourage. I help people see themselves more clearly and learn new, healthier ways of living.
(713) 338-9261 View (713) 338-9261
Photo of Jasmine Gaw, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Jasmine Gaw
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Bellaire, TX 77401
I help clients from diverse cultures build courage to change, manage symptoms of trauma, anxiety & depression.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor at The Menninger Clinic. I strive to help others live a happy, healthy, successful life and cope when it can get difficult. I have the most experience with teenagers, but I love working with young adults and families. My previous experiences include the Harris County Juvenile Detention Center, Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse, and Crisis Intervention of Houston. Currently, I volunteer as a support group facilitator at Bo's Place.
I help clients from diverse cultures build courage to change, manage symptoms of trauma, anxiety & depression.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor at The Menninger Clinic. I strive to help others live a happy, healthy, successful life and cope when it can get difficult. I have the most experience with teenagers, but I love working with young adults and families. My previous experiences include the Harris County Juvenile Detention Center, Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse, and Crisis Intervention of Houston. Currently, I volunteer as a support group facilitator at Bo's Place.
(346) 787-1817 View (346) 787-1817
Photo of Shacolby Dedmond, MEd, QMHP, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Shacolby Dedmond
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, QMHP, LPC
Verified Verified
Bellaire, TX 77401
Welcome! I enjoy working with individuals, couples, adolescents and members of the LGBTQ+ community in areas such as stress, depression, anxiety, multicultural issues, transitions, self-esteem, relationship issues general mental health, problem-solving, eating disorders and trauma/PTSD. As a therapist, I am passionate about building a trusting therapeutic relationship with my clients and guiding them through the challenges they face. You are the creator of your story and I would be honored to help support you through your journey!
Welcome! I enjoy working with individuals, couples, adolescents and members of the LGBTQ+ community in areas such as stress, depression, anxiety, multicultural issues, transitions, self-esteem, relationship issues general mental health, problem-solving, eating disorders and trauma/PTSD. As a therapist, I am passionate about building a trusting therapeutic relationship with my clients and guiding them through the challenges they face. You are the creator of your story and I would be honored to help support you through your journey!
(832) 937-7677 View (832) 937-7677
Photo of Laura Tolpin, PhD, Psychologist
Laura Tolpin
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Bellaire, TX 77401
I appreciate your taking the time to learn about my psychological practice. I am a licensed psychologist working with adults struggling with a range of difficulties including depression, anxiety, relationship problems, and psychological adjustment to stressors. I am keenly interested in women's health issues, such as helping clients with problems along the reproductive spectrum from preconception counseling through the changes and challenges of parenthood or acceptance of alternatives to clients' original reproductive plans. Within a warm and respectful environment, I collaborate with clients to work through difficulties they are experiencing, maximize strengths and skills, and achieve goals.
I appreciate your taking the time to learn about my psychological practice. I am a licensed psychologist working with adults struggling with a range of difficulties including depression, anxiety, relationship problems, and psychological adjustment to stressors. I am keenly interested in women's health issues, such as helping clients with problems along the reproductive spectrum from preconception counseling through the changes and challenges of parenthood or acceptance of alternatives to clients' original reproductive plans. Within a warm and respectful environment, I collaborate with clients to work through difficulties they are experiencing, maximize strengths and skills, and achieve goals.
(713) 553-9952 View (713) 553-9952
Photo of Susan R. Depew - Susan Depew, LCSW, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Susan Depew, LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Bellaire, TX 77401
Therapy can help change your life in remarkable ways. You may be dealing with depression, anxiety or trauma that holds you back from living your life fully. You may have encountered a rough patch in an important relationship. Or perhaps you've lost someone or something important and need someone to walk through the mourning process with you. Finding the right therapist, someone who is trustworthy and experienced, with whom you can connect and feel safe, is essential to a satisfying and helpful therapeutic process. My goal is to create such an atmosphere for you.
Therapy can help change your life in remarkable ways. You may be dealing with depression, anxiety or trauma that holds you back from living your life fully. You may have encountered a rough patch in an important relationship. Or perhaps you've lost someone or something important and need someone to walk through the mourning process with you. Finding the right therapist, someone who is trustworthy and experienced, with whom you can connect and feel safe, is essential to a satisfying and helpful therapeutic process. My goal is to create such an atmosphere for you.
(713) 306-8393 View (713) 306-8393
Photo of Charlotte Parrott, PhD, Psychologist
Charlotte Parrott
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Bellaire, TX 77401
Are you feeling held back by sadness, worry, or lack of fulfillment in life? These are normal obstacles that we all face in life; therapy can help you tackle them. It can be hard to reach out for help and connect with a therapist who can help you make the changes you hope to see. I have expertise in helping people who suffer from a variety of problems, including depression, anxiety, and recovery from trauma. I also help couples repair conflict and rebuild a foundation of friendship and love.
Are you feeling held back by sadness, worry, or lack of fulfillment in life? These are normal obstacles that we all face in life; therapy can help you tackle them. It can be hard to reach out for help and connect with a therapist who can help you make the changes you hope to see. I have expertise in helping people who suffer from a variety of problems, including depression, anxiety, and recovery from trauma. I also help couples repair conflict and rebuild a foundation of friendship and love.
(281) 628-2509 View (281) 628-2509
Photo of Suzi C. Phelps, PhD, Psychologist
Suzi C. Phelps
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Bellaire, TX 77401
Teaching people how to develop a variety of skills to lower overall emotional distress, anxiety, and depression is frequently helpful.
I believe therapy is a collaborative process where you are the expert in you and I am the expert in human behavior. Together we work toward achieving your goals. I work from a cognitive-behavioral perspective, however, I am trained in a variety of techniques, including EMDR, and I tailor my approach to meet my client's individual needs. Many adults seek treatment when they discover that their coping strategies and survival skills of childhood don't work in adulthood. Frequently, people are feeling overwhelmed when they enter treatment. Therefore, lowering one's baseline level of distress is usually the first step.
Teaching people how to develop a variety of skills to lower overall emotional distress, anxiety, and depression is frequently helpful.
I believe therapy is a collaborative process where you are the expert in you and I am the expert in human behavior. Together we work toward achieving your goals. I work from a cognitive-behavioral perspective, however, I am trained in a variety of techniques, including EMDR, and I tailor my approach to meet my client's individual needs. Many adults seek treatment when they discover that their coping strategies and survival skills of childhood don't work in adulthood. Frequently, people are feeling overwhelmed when they enter treatment. Therefore, lowering one's baseline level of distress is usually the first step.
(713) 338-9079 View (713) 338-9079
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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.