Depression Therapists in Southlake, TX

Photo of Nicole Marshall, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Nicole Marshall
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
Southlake, TX 76092  (Online Only)
I have experience working with children, adolescents, teenagers, families, individuals, couples, and groups to deal with issues such as eating disorders, addiction, trauma, depression, anxiety, grief, marital issues, divorce, co-parenting, coping skills, self-harm, stress management, relationship distress, identify development, and life skills.
I specialize in treating eating disorders, women's issues, anxiety, trauma and depression. I have 6+ years working within the eating disorder community. I have 8 years working as a therapist. My goal is to help achieve a healthy and loving relationship one's mind and body. I am here to help through your journey and through the process of healing. My passion is to help you enhance you life by learning health coping skills and realizing one's strength and resiliency.
I have experience working with children, adolescents, teenagers, families, individuals, couples, and groups to deal with issues such as eating disorders, addiction, trauma, depression, anxiety, grief, marital issues, divorce, co-parenting, coping skills, self-harm, stress management, relationship distress, identify development, and life skills.
I specialize in treating eating disorders, women's issues, anxiety, trauma and depression. I have 6+ years working within the eating disorder community. I have 8 years working as a therapist. My goal is to help achieve a healthy and loving relationship one's mind and body. I am here to help through your journey and through the process of healing. My passion is to help you enhance you life by learning health coping skills and realizing one's strength and resiliency.
(817) 993-5356 View (817) 993-5356
Photo of Nancy Nilson, MMFT, LPC, EMDR, Trained, Licensed Professional Counselor
Nancy Nilson
Licensed Professional Counselor, MMFT, LPC, EMDR, Trained
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Southlake, TX 76092
My passion is helping people find hope, connection and healthy communication in their life and relationships. If you are looking for the root cause of issues in your life and want strategies to becoming "unstuck", my goal is to form a strong therapeutic relationship with each client to help create a unique treatment tailored for you. My approach is research-supported and holistic, and I treat a variety of needs ranging from relationship/marital issues, anxiety, depression, stress, PTSD, trauma, family issues, blended families, infidelity, abuse , addictions, and many more.
My passion is helping people find hope, connection and healthy communication in their life and relationships. If you are looking for the root cause of issues in your life and want strategies to becoming "unstuck", my goal is to form a strong therapeutic relationship with each client to help create a unique treatment tailored for you. My approach is research-supported and holistic, and I treat a variety of needs ranging from relationship/marital issues, anxiety, depression, stress, PTSD, trauma, family issues, blended families, infidelity, abuse , addictions, and many more.
(682) 243-5348 View (682) 243-5348
Photo of Jimmy McGuffin, PhD, Psychologist
Jimmy McGuffin
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
11 Endorsed
Southlake, TX 76092  (Online Only)
I work with adults, teens, & romantic partners across a variety of areas: depression, anxiety, trauma, family of origin/attachment issues, relationship concerns, identity exploration, sexual functioning, ADHD/Austism, & more.
I offer online/virtual therapy to anyone in the state of Texas. You can expect a warm, collaborative approach that is tailored to your specific needs & values your autonomy. My down-to-earth style combines practical evidence-based strategies to address current symptoms along with diving deep into the origin of your struggles to increase insight. Together, we will create an environment of mutual trust, respect, & safety that honors the complexity of your unique experience. I firmly believe that if we can be authentic with ourselves & others, we inspire people to share their authentic selves with us & create genuine connection.
I work with adults, teens, & romantic partners across a variety of areas: depression, anxiety, trauma, family of origin/attachment issues, relationship concerns, identity exploration, sexual functioning, ADHD/Austism, & more.
I offer online/virtual therapy to anyone in the state of Texas. You can expect a warm, collaborative approach that is tailored to your specific needs & values your autonomy. My down-to-earth style combines practical evidence-based strategies to address current symptoms along with diving deep into the origin of your struggles to increase insight. Together, we will create an environment of mutual trust, respect, & safety that honors the complexity of your unique experience. I firmly believe that if we can be authentic with ourselves & others, we inspire people to share their authentic selves with us & create genuine connection.
(817) 601-1034 View (817) 601-1034
Photo of Christi Garner-Bragg, BSW, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Christi Garner-Bragg
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, BSW, LMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Southlake, TX 76092
Welcome! I understand the courage it takes to embark on the therapy journey, and I'm honored to be part of your path toward healing. Whether you're grappling with trauma, depression, anxiety, or navigating life's transitions, know that you're not alone. I specialize in trauma-competent care, addressing issues ranging from teen and women's issues to sexual assault and addiction. My goal is to provide a non-judgmental and supportive environment where every aspect of you is welcomed and valued. I'm committed to ongoing learning and growth. I look forward to walking alongside you on this journey towards healing.
Welcome! I understand the courage it takes to embark on the therapy journey, and I'm honored to be part of your path toward healing. Whether you're grappling with trauma, depression, anxiety, or navigating life's transitions, know that you're not alone. I specialize in trauma-competent care, addressing issues ranging from teen and women's issues to sexual assault and addiction. My goal is to provide a non-judgmental and supportive environment where every aspect of you is welcomed and valued. I'm committed to ongoing learning and growth. I look forward to walking alongside you on this journey towards healing.
(817) 618-1989 x102 View (817) 618-1989 x102
Photo of Sheresa Dagley, MS, LPC-A
Sheresa Dagley
LPC Associate, MS, LPC-A
Verified Verified
Southlake, TX 76092
“Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.” Viktor Frankl. I am passionate about helping individuals realize that they have the power to choose growth and freedom. I enjoy helping individuals find their identity, self confidence and the greatness within themselves. I have experience helping individuals work through depression, anxiety, life transitions, spiritual issues, grief and trauma. I work with preteens, teens, and adults.
“Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.” Viktor Frankl. I am passionate about helping individuals realize that they have the power to choose growth and freedom. I enjoy helping individuals find their identity, self confidence and the greatness within themselves. I have experience helping individuals work through depression, anxiety, life transitions, spiritual issues, grief and trauma. I work with preteens, teens, and adults.
(817) 631-1453 View (817) 631-1453
Photo of Scott Hickman, PsyD, Psychologist
Scott Hickman
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Southlake, TX 76092
I work with people who are struggling with trauma, depression, anxiety, personality disorders, and other emotional/relational difficulties, particularly those struggles that are long-standing and unchanging. While symptom relief is the initial focus, my goal is to also help people understand why they began struggling in the first place, with the hopes the symptoms do not return. Psychoanalysis and psychotherapy can help address wounds related to a person's family of origin or other relationships. Each treatment is tailored to the individual rather than a "one size fits all" approach.
I work with people who are struggling with trauma, depression, anxiety, personality disorders, and other emotional/relational difficulties, particularly those struggles that are long-standing and unchanging. While symptom relief is the initial focus, my goal is to also help people understand why they began struggling in the first place, with the hopes the symptoms do not return. Psychoanalysis and psychotherapy can help address wounds related to a person's family of origin or other relationships. Each treatment is tailored to the individual rather than a "one size fits all" approach.
(817) 736-1848 View (817) 736-1848
Photo of Dj Troutt, LPC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Dj Troutt
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LPC
Verified Verified
Southlake, TX 76092
DJ Troutt is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Texas who has been practicing since 2012. She has a B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies and an M. A. in Professional Counseling. DJ can offer a wide variety of therapeutic help, including CBT, anxiety/ depression management, anger management, motivational interviewing, talk therapy, etc. Her relaxed, non-judgmental approach allows each patient to feel at ease when discussing their needs and circumstances. DJ is compassionate and kind, willing to devote herself to each client's needs.
DJ Troutt is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Texas who has been practicing since 2012. She has a B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies and an M. A. in Professional Counseling. DJ can offer a wide variety of therapeutic help, including CBT, anxiety/ depression management, anger management, motivational interviewing, talk therapy, etc. Her relaxed, non-judgmental approach allows each patient to feel at ease when discussing their needs and circumstances. DJ is compassionate and kind, willing to devote herself to each client's needs.
(817) 646-1553 View (817) 646-1553
Photo of Amanpreet Randazzo, PsyD, Psychologist
Amanpreet Randazzo
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Southlake, TX 76092  (Online Only)
Since then I have enjoyed an active practice in Southlake and Keller focusing on helping individuals deal with depression, anxiety, and emotions related to various life-changing events.
Achieving health and wellness requires the alignment of mind and body. My practice focuses on building a healthy outlook through introspection, understanding how our thoughts drive feelings and actions, and learning how to harness thoughts to feel better and act with more purpose. Therapy will empower individuals, couples, and families to embrace challenges as opportunities and build strong connections with self and the world around you. Together, we will set goals for your personal & emotional development to achieve the balance that you seek
Since then I have enjoyed an active practice in Southlake and Keller focusing on helping individuals deal with depression, anxiety, and emotions related to various life-changing events.
Achieving health and wellness requires the alignment of mind and body. My practice focuses on building a healthy outlook through introspection, understanding how our thoughts drive feelings and actions, and learning how to harness thoughts to feel better and act with more purpose. Therapy will empower individuals, couples, and families to embrace challenges as opportunities and build strong connections with self and the world around you. Together, we will set goals for your personal & emotional development to achieve the balance that you seek
(817) 904-9282 View (817) 904-9282
Photo of Todd Gjerdevig, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Todd Gjerdevig
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Southlake, TX 76092
I am particularly interested in working with clients who are depressed, have anxiety disorders, including social phobia, and young adults who are experiencing a "failure to launch".
It is a natural part of the human experience to go through difficult times at some point in our lives. We all may benefit from asking for and accepting help while having a crisis or staying stuck. if I am not able to help you, I will refer you to someone who is the right fit for you.
I am particularly interested in working with clients who are depressed, have anxiety disorders, including social phobia, and young adults who are experiencing a "failure to launch".
It is a natural part of the human experience to go through difficult times at some point in our lives. We all may benefit from asking for and accepting help while having a crisis or staying stuck. if I am not able to help you, I will refer you to someone who is the right fit for you.
(682) 463-1420 View (682) 463-1420
Photo of LeAsha Crayton, MS,  LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
LeAsha Crayton
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
Southlake, TX 76092
Working with adolescents and adults, LeAsha has served many individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, selfharm, anger, grief, experiencing phase of life problems, achieving work/life balance, and adjusting to life's circumstances.
LeAsha Crayton is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Texas who has been practicing since 2022. She graduated with a Master of Science degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Tarleton State University. LeAsha’s goal is to create a safe and nonjudgmental space where you can work together to develop coping strategies, explore underlying causes, and ultimately find that inner peace you've been searching for. LeAsha’s experience working as a therapist has provided her the opportunity to work in private practice, Intensive Outpatient (IOP) and Partial Hospitalization (PHP) settings.
Working with adolescents and adults, LeAsha has served many individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, selfharm, anger, grief, experiencing phase of life problems, achieving work/life balance, and adjusting to life's circumstances.
LeAsha Crayton is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Texas who has been practicing since 2022. She graduated with a Master of Science degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Tarleton State University. LeAsha’s goal is to create a safe and nonjudgmental space where you can work together to develop coping strategies, explore underlying causes, and ultimately find that inner peace you've been searching for. LeAsha’s experience working as a therapist has provided her the opportunity to work in private practice, Intensive Outpatient (IOP) and Partial Hospitalization (PHP) settings.
(817) 409-6781 View (817) 409-6781
Photo of Tommie Vela, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Tommie Vela
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Southlake, TX 76092  (Online Only)
I can help your child and/or yourself with the symptoms of anxiety, depression, overcoming the mental burden of trauma memories, sports injuries and all that comes with life transitions.
Are you or your child hurting from a traumatic or an anxiety producing situation? I can help you and/or your child move past disturbing memories or current difficult situations. Using EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy and integrative brain health practices both you and your child may feel a sense of release and become more connected with yourself and others. EMDR can help heal childhood trauma, sexual assault, domestic violence trauma, fear of flying, heights, water, etc., birth trauma, work burnout, grief, OCD, eating disorders, addictions.
I can help your child and/or yourself with the symptoms of anxiety, depression, overcoming the mental burden of trauma memories, sports injuries and all that comes with life transitions.
Are you or your child hurting from a traumatic or an anxiety producing situation? I can help you and/or your child move past disturbing memories or current difficult situations. Using EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy and integrative brain health practices both you and your child may feel a sense of release and become more connected with yourself and others. EMDR can help heal childhood trauma, sexual assault, domestic violence trauma, fear of flying, heights, water, etc., birth trauma, work burnout, grief, OCD, eating disorders, addictions.
(512) 559-1610 View (512) 559-1610
Photo of Adrian Colon, LMFT, MA, MFA, Marriage & Family Therapist
Adrian Colon
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA, MFA
Verified Verified
Southlake, TX 76092
Adrian has spent his clinical and professional experience working in a variety of settings, including nonprofit, intensive outpatient, partial hospitalization and inpatient/residential. He has worked extensively with adolescents and adult individuals experiencing trauma, post-traumatic stress, anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation and relationship concerns. He can also help with self-esteem, life transitions, veteran's issues, relationship violence, sexual abuse, substance use, grief and loss, career concerns, family conflict, gender identity concerns and more.
Adrian has spent his clinical and professional experience working in a variety of settings, including nonprofit, intensive outpatient, partial hospitalization and inpatient/residential. He has worked extensively with adolescents and adult individuals experiencing trauma, post-traumatic stress, anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation and relationship concerns. He can also help with self-esteem, life transitions, veteran's issues, relationship violence, sexual abuse, substance use, grief and loss, career concerns, family conflict, gender identity concerns and more.
(817) 785-9688 View (817) 785-9688
Photo of Samantha Gordon, MS, Marriage & Family Therapist
Samantha Gordon
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Southlake, TX 76092  (Online Only)
Hi! How can I help you grow today? I hope to help individuals and their families manage issues related to disordered eating, eating disorders, substance abuse, depression, anxiety, ADHD, and all that goes along with this.
Hi! How can I help you grow today? I hope to help individuals and their families manage issues related to disordered eating, eating disorders, substance abuse, depression, anxiety, ADHD, and all that goes along with this.
(817) 662-4416 View (817) 662-4416
Photo of Kaity Brock, PhD, LP, LPC, Psychologist
Kaity Brock
Psychologist, PhD, LP, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Southlake, TX 76092
Hello, my name is Dr. Kaity Brock. I am a Licensed Psychologist and Licensed Professional Counselor with over 10 years of experience. I enjoy working with adults, teens, children and couples to achieve mutual goals. Therapy goals are individually tailored to fit each person’s needs. For instance, you may be struggling with adjustment, anxiety, depression, interpersonal crises, with issues pertaining to cultural identity or many other life stressors; we can set goals together and tackle them a little bit at a time. I particularly enjoy working with survivors of trauma, those working on relational issues, and with ADHD.
Hello, my name is Dr. Kaity Brock. I am a Licensed Psychologist and Licensed Professional Counselor with over 10 years of experience. I enjoy working with adults, teens, children and couples to achieve mutual goals. Therapy goals are individually tailored to fit each person’s needs. For instance, you may be struggling with adjustment, anxiety, depression, interpersonal crises, with issues pertaining to cultural identity or many other life stressors; we can set goals together and tackle them a little bit at a time. I particularly enjoy working with survivors of trauma, those working on relational issues, and with ADHD.
(720) 316-7690 View (720) 316-7690
Photo of Dr. Bianca Mickan, PhD, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Dr. Bianca Mickan
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Southlake, TX 76092
Bianca Mickan, PhD, is a passionate licensed professional counselor (LPC) who utilizes cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to treat emotional and behavioral problems in children, adolescents, and adults at Dr. Messina & Associates, in Southlake, Texas. She specializes in treating anxiety, depression, ADHD, grief, life transitions, child behavior problems, and couple’s relationship problems, including sex/marriage therapy. She received her doctorate from Texas Wesleyan University in Fort Worth, Texas where she is currently a professor of graduate school for PhD and Master’s level courses. While studying for her PhD, she spent an abun
Bianca Mickan, PhD, is a passionate licensed professional counselor (LPC) who utilizes cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to treat emotional and behavioral problems in children, adolescents, and adults at Dr. Messina & Associates, in Southlake, Texas. She specializes in treating anxiety, depression, ADHD, grief, life transitions, child behavior problems, and couple’s relationship problems, including sex/marriage therapy. She received her doctorate from Texas Wesleyan University in Fort Worth, Texas where she is currently a professor of graduate school for PhD and Master’s level courses. While studying for her PhD, she spent an abun
(682) 228-6061 View (682) 228-6061
Photo of Dr. Mary Keyhan, LPC, LMFT, Licensed Professional Counselor
Dr. Mary Keyhan
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Southlake, TX 76092  (Online Only)
If you are experiencing depression, anxiety, or both, you know depression is more than just feeling sad and anxiety is more than just feeling worried. Depression can cause overwhelming sadness, take away your joy and motivation, and leave you feeling hopeless and alone. Anxiety may feel like a heavy weight on your chest. It can make it hard to breath or may even cause panic attacks. What you are feeling is your mind and body's way of telling you that they can't take the pain anymore. They are begging you to get help. Are you ready to listen? Are you ready to free yourself from the pain? Are you ready to feel joy and peace again?
If you are experiencing depression, anxiety, or both, you know depression is more than just feeling sad and anxiety is more than just feeling worried. Depression can cause overwhelming sadness, take away your joy and motivation, and leave you feeling hopeless and alone. Anxiety may feel like a heavy weight on your chest. It can make it hard to breath or may even cause panic attacks. What you are feeling is your mind and body's way of telling you that they can't take the pain anymore. They are begging you to get help. Are you ready to listen? Are you ready to free yourself from the pain? Are you ready to feel joy and peace again?
(972) 665-8733 View (972) 665-8733
Photo of Kimberly (Kim) Libby, MEd, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Kimberly (Kim) Libby
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Southlake, TX 76092
My specialty is in dealing with anxiety, depression, and crisis intervention.
I work with individuals from a strengths-based, person-centered perspective. I also like to incorporate interpersonal neurobiology to help you learn to sit with emotions in your body. I let you take the lead - after all, these sessions are all about you! I think it's important to spend time getting to know my clients and making our time together a conversation as opposed to a Q&A session. It's important to me that you feel heard and understood. I am direct but kind, and tailor my approach to specifically address your mental health needs as you define them.
My specialty is in dealing with anxiety, depression, and crisis intervention.
I work with individuals from a strengths-based, person-centered perspective. I also like to incorporate interpersonal neurobiology to help you learn to sit with emotions in your body. I let you take the lead - after all, these sessions are all about you! I think it's important to spend time getting to know my clients and making our time together a conversation as opposed to a Q&A session. It's important to me that you feel heard and understood. I am direct but kind, and tailor my approach to specifically address your mental health needs as you define them.
(737) 300-9253 View (737) 300-9253
Photo of Khayah Hodges, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Khayah Hodges
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Southlake, TX 76092
She works with individuals with anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, grief and loss, adjustment disorders, abandonment, selfesteem, trauma, substance abuse, and anger management.
Khayah Hodges is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Texas who has been practicing since 2018. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change. If you're ready to take that step, Khayah is here to support and empower you. Khayah helps clients by meeting them where they are in the therapy process and works with them with their goals tailored to each session. As a therapist, Khayah has a soft warm approach filled with compassion to help clients achieve their goals. Throughout the years Khayah has developed a compassion to help individuals become the best version of themselves.
She works with individuals with anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, grief and loss, adjustment disorders, abandonment, selfesteem, trauma, substance abuse, and anger management.
Khayah Hodges is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Texas who has been practicing since 2018. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change. If you're ready to take that step, Khayah is here to support and empower you. Khayah helps clients by meeting them where they are in the therapy process and works with them with their goals tailored to each session. As a therapist, Khayah has a soft warm approach filled with compassion to help clients achieve their goals. Throughout the years Khayah has developed a compassion to help individuals become the best version of themselves.
(817) 904-2169 View (817) 904-2169
Photo of Dr. Marietta Richard, PhD, Psychologist
Dr. Marietta Richard
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Southlake, TX 76092
Each one of us has the capacity to change our own path with the help of transformative therapy. Anxiety, depression, frustration, loneliness and feelings of helplessness can impact our daily lives- yet we have the ability to change our perspective. Hope, joy and purpose can be found by processing our feelings to move forward in a positive direction. Helping people heal, begin to affirm who they are, and process their thoughts and feelings to fully embrace their future is the focus of my practice.
Each one of us has the capacity to change our own path with the help of transformative therapy. Anxiety, depression, frustration, loneliness and feelings of helplessness can impact our daily lives- yet we have the ability to change our perspective. Hope, joy and purpose can be found by processing our feelings to move forward in a positive direction. Helping people heal, begin to affirm who they are, and process their thoughts and feelings to fully embrace their future is the focus of my practice.
(817) 402-2677 View (817) 402-2677
Photo of Jennifer Loeravasquez, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Jennifer Loeravasquez
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Southlake, TX 76092
Jennifer offers a warm, relaxed, and comfortable approach to counseling that is genuine, compassionate and solution focused. She has extensive education, training, and experience in the field of mental health and wellness, and has been working with individuals experiencing a wide range of concerns for over 10 years. Jen enjoys treating depression, anxiety, grief, relationship issues, parenting problems, family issues, career challenges, cultural concerns and spiritual problems. She is flexible, person-centered and strengths based, allowing her to address your unique needs.
Jennifer offers a warm, relaxed, and comfortable approach to counseling that is genuine, compassionate and solution focused. She has extensive education, training, and experience in the field of mental health and wellness, and has been working with individuals experiencing a wide range of concerns for over 10 years. Jen enjoys treating depression, anxiety, grief, relationship issues, parenting problems, family issues, career challenges, cultural concerns and spiritual problems. She is flexible, person-centered and strengths based, allowing her to address your unique needs.
(469) 833-2387 View (469) 833-2387
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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.