Depression Therapists in Staunton, VA

Photo of Ian Rivera, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Ian Rivera
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Staunton, VA 24401
Welcome, my name is Ian Rivera and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 5 years of experience in the field. I work with individuals with all types of issues including depression, anxiety, addiction, men's issues, and mood disorders. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, solution-focused brief, and motivational interviewing to help elicit change from within to become the best you. I have a warm and interactive counseling style and believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion.
Welcome, my name is Ian Rivera and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 5 years of experience in the field. I work with individuals with all types of issues including depression, anxiety, addiction, men's issues, and mood disorders. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, solution-focused brief, and motivational interviewing to help elicit change from within to become the best you. I have a warm and interactive counseling style and believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion.
(703) 810-7912 View (703) 810-7912
Photo of Garika Williams (Soulful Garden Llc), LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Garika Williams (Soulful Garden Llc)
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Staunton, VA 24401  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Hey! My name is Garika and I'm a licensed professional therapist out of Virginia along with licensing in Indiana and South Carolina. I spent the first 7 years post-grad working in a residential facility and last 3 years proving care through telehealth therapy to people from many walks of life. Over the years, I have worked with various diagnoses including depression, anxiety, ADHD, severe trauma, PTSD, dual diagnosis, and personality disorders; along with areas like family issues and grief/loss.
Hey! My name is Garika and I'm a licensed professional therapist out of Virginia along with licensing in Indiana and South Carolina. I spent the first 7 years post-grad working in a residential facility and last 3 years proving care through telehealth therapy to people from many walks of life. Over the years, I have worked with various diagnoses including depression, anxiety, ADHD, severe trauma, PTSD, dual diagnosis, and personality disorders; along with areas like family issues and grief/loss.
(540) 870-0141 View (540) 870-0141
Photo of Brian J Ede, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Brian J Ede
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Staunton, VA 24401
Life's journey is rough. Not every path is smooth or easy and many are difficult and even dangerous. There are times we need someone to walk with us; perhaps help us find a new direction. Having someone that understands because he's been there, makes all the difference in the world. In addition to working with couples and families, he enjoys bringing hope to men. He understands the struggles men face. He shares life and relational skills, including: developing problem solving skills, overcoming depression, reducing anxiety, having victory over addiction, growing through life development stages and recovering from the symptoms of trauma.
Life's journey is rough. Not every path is smooth or easy and many are difficult and even dangerous. There are times we need someone to walk with us; perhaps help us find a new direction. Having someone that understands because he's been there, makes all the difference in the world. In addition to working with couples and families, he enjoys bringing hope to men. He understands the struggles men face. He shares life and relational skills, including: developing problem solving skills, overcoming depression, reducing anxiety, having victory over addiction, growing through life development stages and recovering from the symptoms of trauma.
(540) 885-3481 View (540) 885-3481
Photo of Tawanda McPhatter, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Tawanda McPhatter
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Staunton, VA 24401
I specialize in anger management, anxiety, depression, parenting issues, and mood disorders.
Hello! My name is Ms. Tawanda McPhatter and I'm a licensed professional counselor. I have been providing therapy for 12 years. I allow my clients a safe space to discuss their issues, concerns, and needs for themselves. I am a very avid listener and I feel that listening is very important when assisting my clients and helps identify their feelings and thoughts on things so that I can identify ways that I can be of assistance in helping to work through and/or address these issues and/or concerns.
I specialize in anger management, anxiety, depression, parenting issues, and mood disorders.
Hello! My name is Ms. Tawanda McPhatter and I'm a licensed professional counselor. I have been providing therapy for 12 years. I allow my clients a safe space to discuss their issues, concerns, and needs for themselves. I am a very avid listener and I feel that listening is very important when assisting my clients and helps identify their feelings and thoughts on things so that I can identify ways that I can be of assistance in helping to work through and/or address these issues and/or concerns.
(757) 530-7137 View (757) 530-7137
Photo of Rees Chapman, PhD, Psychologist
Rees Chapman
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Staunton, VA 24401
I regard much of 'psychopathology' as well-intended (but ineffective) efforts to contend with pain and fear, and to pursue needs and wants. So, in psychotherapy, I invite my clients to explore, identify, and take guidance from their emotional experiences, honoring their depression, anxiety, and other symptoms while finding more effective ways of living well. I also provide psychological and neuropsychological assessments.
I regard much of 'psychopathology' as well-intended (but ineffective) efforts to contend with pain and fear, and to pursue needs and wants. So, in psychotherapy, I invite my clients to explore, identify, and take guidance from their emotional experiences, honoring their depression, anxiety, and other symptoms while finding more effective ways of living well. I also provide psychological and neuropsychological assessments.
(571) 568-7931 View (571) 568-7931
Photo of Scott W Mandeville - Bridgewater Counseling Services, PC, MSW, LCSW, CSOTP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Bridgewater Counseling Services, PC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, CSOTP
Verified Verified
Staunton, VA 24401
Life can be overwhelming and difficult because of fear, depression, stress or a host of other problems. Studying oneself utilizing a process where a trained therapist is involved, can be profitable to the point of changing things permanently. Happiness certainly has to be one of life's biggest concerns. This is readily found when a person feels whole within themselves and at peace. Being a calmer, at-ease person is quite possible when certain issues are put to rest.
Life can be overwhelming and difficult because of fear, depression, stress or a host of other problems. Studying oneself utilizing a process where a trained therapist is involved, can be profitable to the point of changing things permanently. Happiness certainly has to be one of life's biggest concerns. This is readily found when a person feels whole within themselves and at peace. Being a calmer, at-ease person is quite possible when certain issues are put to rest.
(540) 425-3496 View (540) 425-3496
Photo of Emily E Lape, LCSW, L, C, S, W
Emily E Lape
LCSW, L, C, S, W
Verified Verified
Staunton, VA 24401
I bring extensive experience treating anxiety, depression, relationship issues, family concerns, sexuality, academic underachievement, creative blocks, work dissatisfaction, grief, trauma &life transitions.
As a seasoned clinician (25+yrs experience) I find the work deeply rewarding. My primary focus is relational but can integrate other techniques. Good therapy helps people to develop a stronger sense of identity, self worth and agency. We can explore strengths, longings, disappointments, stuck places, self defeating behaviors, caregiver strain and coping tools. We can work to deepen relationships and focus on greater satisfaction in both your personal & professional life. Prefer initial contact via text (or email) telling me about yourself and what you are looking to work on in therapy.
I bring extensive experience treating anxiety, depression, relationship issues, family concerns, sexuality, academic underachievement, creative blocks, work dissatisfaction, grief, trauma &life transitions.
As a seasoned clinician (25+yrs experience) I find the work deeply rewarding. My primary focus is relational but can integrate other techniques. Good therapy helps people to develop a stronger sense of identity, self worth and agency. We can explore strengths, longings, disappointments, stuck places, self defeating behaviors, caregiver strain and coping tools. We can work to deepen relationships and focus on greater satisfaction in both your personal & professional life. Prefer initial contact via text (or email) telling me about yourself and what you are looking to work on in therapy.
(434) 361-4798 View (434) 361-4798
Photo of Gavin Bruce Connor, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Gavin Bruce Connor
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Staunton, VA 24401
Contemplative presence--heart-presence--is effective in transforming anxiety and depression, but serves also to initiate a more accurate and profound unfolding of our life as embodied earthlings.
My approach is gentle, and heartful. It is also good science, grounded in trainings devoted to strengthening the bonds with oneself, others, and the earth around us. What initially may seem stuck or unbearable is introduced to a source of health that is already within you. The opportunity in crisis, and the wisdom within torments, is something you will begin to notice. This noticing begins the discovery that we can, each of us, even within the most strained relationships, bring ourselves to an authentic, courageous stance. And ultimately toward an ever-deepening Love. Your experience of this forms the heart of what I offer.
Contemplative presence--heart-presence--is effective in transforming anxiety and depression, but serves also to initiate a more accurate and profound unfolding of our life as embodied earthlings.
My approach is gentle, and heartful. It is also good science, grounded in trainings devoted to strengthening the bonds with oneself, others, and the earth around us. What initially may seem stuck or unbearable is introduced to a source of health that is already within you. The opportunity in crisis, and the wisdom within torments, is something you will begin to notice. This noticing begins the discovery that we can, each of us, even within the most strained relationships, bring ourselves to an authentic, courageous stance. And ultimately toward an ever-deepening Love. Your experience of this forms the heart of what I offer.
(434) 260-5033 View (434) 260-5033
Photo of Erin Johnson, LPC, LMFT, FAMI, Licensed Professional Counselor
Erin Johnson
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LMFT, FAMI
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Staunton, VA 24401
Your decision to start counseling represents a meaningful commitment to yourself, and to a life that is more satisfying and balanced. The clients I work with appreciate my focused, sensitive and caring approach to the issues they present for counseling. If you are dealing with anxiety, depression, grief, stress, or relationship issues, I will work with you to develop strategies that will help you improve self-esteem and self-confidence, enhance self-awareness and relationship skills, reduce worry and negative thinking, and improve mood and energy.
Your decision to start counseling represents a meaningful commitment to yourself, and to a life that is more satisfying and balanced. The clients I work with appreciate my focused, sensitive and caring approach to the issues they present for counseling. If you are dealing with anxiety, depression, grief, stress, or relationship issues, I will work with you to develop strategies that will help you improve self-esteem and self-confidence, enhance self-awareness and relationship skills, reduce worry and negative thinking, and improve mood and energy.
(434) 337-3853 View (434) 337-3853
Photo of Pamela Beverage, EdD, LPCC, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Pamela Beverage
Licensed Professional Counselor, EdD, LPCC, LPC
Verified Verified
Staunton, VA 24401
In a typical work week I may talk with people who are dealing with: loss and grief, life transitions, relationship concerns, communication and conflict, mother-daughter or father-son issues, depression, post-traumatic stress, anxiety, job dissatisfaction, or early conflicts underlying addictions.
In my work I make deep connections with people as we meet and talk honestly. Each person who meets with me seeks to find meaning and purpose in life. Part of this process is helping the unconscious and the conscious talk to each other because many of our inner conflicts, i.e. fights with ourselves, come from a lack of communication between the conscious and unconscious. A part of the work is exploring what lies in shadow. This is not just repressed, ugly stuff. For many folks untapped gifts and potential lie in the unknown parts of themselves.
In a typical work week I may talk with people who are dealing with: loss and grief, life transitions, relationship concerns, communication and conflict, mother-daughter or father-son issues, depression, post-traumatic stress, anxiety, job dissatisfaction, or early conflicts underlying addictions.
In my work I make deep connections with people as we meet and talk honestly. Each person who meets with me seeks to find meaning and purpose in life. Part of this process is helping the unconscious and the conscious talk to each other because many of our inner conflicts, i.e. fights with ourselves, come from a lack of communication between the conscious and unconscious. A part of the work is exploring what lies in shadow. This is not just repressed, ugly stuff. For many folks untapped gifts and potential lie in the unknown parts of themselves.
(540) 905-8130 View (540) 905-8130
Photo of Jeremy Poling - Poling Therapeutic Group , LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Poling Therapeutic Group
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Staunton, VA 24401
My counseling experience includes treating adolescents, adults, and couples. My practice is highly individualized to address common symptoms associated with anxiety, depression, and relationship issues. I treat my clients as unique individuals with their own distinctive concerns impacting their lives. I greatly honor the trust I am given by them to help them navigate difficult times and unexpected life changes. I believe the decision to start the journey towards healing and reconciliation demonstrates a great deal of courage and resolve.
My counseling experience includes treating adolescents, adults, and couples. My practice is highly individualized to address common symptoms associated with anxiety, depression, and relationship issues. I treat my clients as unique individuals with their own distinctive concerns impacting their lives. I greatly honor the trust I am given by them to help them navigate difficult times and unexpected life changes. I believe the decision to start the journey towards healing and reconciliation demonstrates a great deal of courage and resolve.
(540) 216-0542 View (540) 216-0542
Photo of Allison K Garcia, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Allison K Garcia
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Staunton, VA 24401
I AM currently accepting new clients. Having worked in adult community mental health for 20 years, I've had the privilege to counsel clients with a range of diagnoses, including dual diagnosis/co-occurring disorders, substance use disorders, PTSD/trauma, depression, anxiety, grief, and serious mental illness. I am bilingual in both English and Spanish and work solely with adults. As part of the LGBTQ+/queer community, I am passionate about working with clients from diverse cultural backgrounds.
I AM currently accepting new clients. Having worked in adult community mental health for 20 years, I've had the privilege to counsel clients with a range of diagnoses, including dual diagnosis/co-occurring disorders, substance use disorders, PTSD/trauma, depression, anxiety, grief, and serious mental illness. I am bilingual in both English and Spanish and work solely with adults. As part of the LGBTQ+/queer community, I am passionate about working with clients from diverse cultural backgrounds.
(540) 210-0903 View (540) 210-0903
Photo of Dena Hollar, MEd, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Dena Hollar
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC
Verified Verified
Staunton, VA 24401
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor specializing in adolescents, young adult, and adults. I have been in the mental health profession for 20 years, including 13 of those years as a school counselor. I work with clients with a wide variety of issues, including anxiety, depression, life transitions, and adolescent changes and behaviors.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor specializing in adolescents, young adult, and adults. I have been in the mental health profession for 20 years, including 13 of those years as a school counselor. I work with clients with a wide variety of issues, including anxiety, depression, life transitions, and adolescent changes and behaviors.
(540) 426-3744 View (540) 426-3744
Photo of Heather Newcomb, LCSW, MSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Heather Newcomb
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Staunton, VA 24401  (Online Only)
I am most easily accessible via email, and would recommend that you send an email to reach me. I have over 10 years experience working with those struggling with addiction. This is almost always due to past trauma events that initially lead to substance use. Depression and anxiety are often co-occurring disorders that accompany substance use disorders and can lead to further life disruption. My clients want freedom from the mental heath and substance use disorders that are holding them back from their full potential and reaching their dreams.
I am most easily accessible via email, and would recommend that you send an email to reach me. I have over 10 years experience working with those struggling with addiction. This is almost always due to past trauma events that initially lead to substance use. Depression and anxiety are often co-occurring disorders that accompany substance use disorders and can lead to further life disruption. My clients want freedom from the mental heath and substance use disorders that are holding them back from their full potential and reaching their dreams.
(540) 792-4823 View (540) 792-4823
Photo of Laurie S Thomas - Shenandoah Creative Cnslng, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Shenandoah Creative Cnslng
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Staunton, VA 24401
Life can be overwhelming and emotional when children and adolescents are struggling with mental health concerns and challenges. Trauma leaves feelings of anxiety, depression, worthlessness that can make everyday interactions a struggle. Individuals need to feel safe, secure, feel valued and have a sense of belonging to fully participate in their lives. Treatment options should focus on their developmental stage, strengths and values. Building self-esteem, confidence and self image is the first step to healing.
Life can be overwhelming and emotional when children and adolescents are struggling with mental health concerns and challenges. Trauma leaves feelings of anxiety, depression, worthlessness that can make everyday interactions a struggle. Individuals need to feel safe, secure, feel valued and have a sense of belonging to fully participate in their lives. Treatment options should focus on their developmental stage, strengths and values. Building self-esteem, confidence and self image is the first step to healing.
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Photo of Jeff Lown, MA, EdS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Jeff Lown
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, EdS, LPC
Verified Verified
Staunton, VA 24401
I provide individual counseling for adolescents and adults, with experience treating depression, anxiety, trauma, as well as helping individuals cope with bipolar, personality, and schizophrenia spectrum disorders.
There is never a wrong time to start therapy, nor is there a right one. We won’t worry about right or wrong, but instead we’ll accept where you are - as we work together to discover where you want to go and how to get there. I spend a lot of my free time hiking, seeking out new and interesting terrain. The growth you will hopefully experience during our work together may be much like a challenging hike, with some gentle slopes and triumphant summits, but also with trips, stumbles, and strenuous climbs. I cannot climb your mountains for you, but I will climb them with you and help to show you the way forward.
I provide individual counseling for adolescents and adults, with experience treating depression, anxiety, trauma, as well as helping individuals cope with bipolar, personality, and schizophrenia spectrum disorders.
There is never a wrong time to start therapy, nor is there a right one. We won’t worry about right or wrong, but instead we’ll accept where you are - as we work together to discover where you want to go and how to get there. I spend a lot of my free time hiking, seeking out new and interesting terrain. The growth you will hopefully experience during our work together may be much like a challenging hike, with some gentle slopes and triumphant summits, but also with trips, stumbles, and strenuous climbs. I cannot climb your mountains for you, but I will climb them with you and help to show you the way forward.
(540) 534-4438 View (540) 534-4438
Photo of LeRoger Parrish, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
LeRoger Parrish
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Staunton, VA 24401
I have experience working with anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, men’s issues, relationship issues, stress, and addiction disorders.
I am passionate about helping adults and adolescents (age 13+) strengthen the resilience in their lives. Are you experiencing trouble finding your joy in life? Having a lack of self compassion and multiple negative thoughts on a daily basis? Imagine having the skills and perspective to dispute those thoughts to help yourself learn to choose joy even in tough circumstances. "Joy is a decision, a really brave one, about how you are going to respond to life." -Wess Stafford
I have experience working with anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, men’s issues, relationship issues, stress, and addiction disorders.
I am passionate about helping adults and adolescents (age 13+) strengthen the resilience in their lives. Are you experiencing trouble finding your joy in life? Having a lack of self compassion and multiple negative thoughts on a daily basis? Imagine having the skills and perspective to dispute those thoughts to help yourself learn to choose joy even in tough circumstances. "Joy is a decision, a really brave one, about how you are going to respond to life." -Wess Stafford
(540) 274-2595 View (540) 274-2595
Photo of Carrie Schaffer, PhD, Psychologist
Carrie Schaffer
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Staunton, VA 24402
Some of the concerns I help people deal with include depression, relationship issues, women's issues, sexuality, gender identity, loss/grief, negative feelings about oneself, life transitions, aging, and identity concerns (who am I; is this the life I really want to lead?).
I work with people who are struggling with a range of problems and wish to better understand their thoughts, feelings and behavior; they might be at a crossroads and want help thinking about the impact of a significant change on self and others. I am experienced working with people from various ethnic and cultural backgrounds as well as LGBTQ+ individuals. I'm compassionate and non judgmental and tailor my work to each patient's needs. I received my PhD from Yale University and have worked in community clinics, hospitals and extensively with UVA students and faculty.
Some of the concerns I help people deal with include depression, relationship issues, women's issues, sexuality, gender identity, loss/grief, negative feelings about oneself, life transitions, aging, and identity concerns (who am I; is this the life I really want to lead?).
I work with people who are struggling with a range of problems and wish to better understand their thoughts, feelings and behavior; they might be at a crossroads and want help thinking about the impact of a significant change on self and others. I am experienced working with people from various ethnic and cultural backgrounds as well as LGBTQ+ individuals. I'm compassionate and non judgmental and tailor my work to each patient's needs. I received my PhD from Yale University and have worked in community clinics, hospitals and extensively with UVA students and faculty.
(434) 214-4476 View (434) 214-4476
Photo of Travis Kessell, MA, LPC, C-DBT, Licensed Professional Counselor
Travis Kessell
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, C-DBT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Staunton, VA 24401
In our lives, each of us will need the strength of another person, though, allowing another person to help takes great courage. As a therapist, I strive to provide a place where the courage to ask for help is met with compassion and patience as we embark on the path to healing together. I help clients with many common struggles (e.g., anxiety, depression, etc.) make the changes they want for a more fulfilling life. I work with children as young as 10 years old up through adults in individual, couple, and family settings.
In our lives, each of us will need the strength of another person, though, allowing another person to help takes great courage. As a therapist, I strive to provide a place where the courage to ask for help is met with compassion and patience as we embark on the path to healing together. I help clients with many common struggles (e.g., anxiety, depression, etc.) make the changes they want for a more fulfilling life. I work with children as young as 10 years old up through adults in individual, couple, and family settings.
(540) 426-3060 View (540) 426-3060
Photo of Alexis Rennie Wagner-Call, LCSW, MSW, MEd, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Alexis Rennie Wagner-Call
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW, MEd
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Staunton, VA 24401
Hello. I am Alexis and I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Work practicing in Virginia. I have over twenty years of experience working with clients of all ages in a wide range of settings including: inpatient psychiatric hospitalization, outpatient care, in-home, school and residential. Most of my experience has been working with individuals who struggle with grief, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, relationship issues, Autism Spectrum, PTSD, developmental and intellectual disabilities, abuse, trauma and major life changes.
Hello. I am Alexis and I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Work practicing in Virginia. I have over twenty years of experience working with clients of all ages in a wide range of settings including: inpatient psychiatric hospitalization, outpatient care, in-home, school and residential. Most of my experience has been working with individuals who struggle with grief, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, relationship issues, Autism Spectrum, PTSD, developmental and intellectual disabilities, abuse, trauma and major life changes.
(540) 609-2696 View (540) 609-2696
1
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.