Depression Therapists in Mercer Island, WA

Photo of Dan Reiff, PhD, MPH, LMHC, FAED, Counselor
Dan Reiff
Counselor, PhD, MPH, LMHC, FAED
Verified Verified
Mercer Island, WA 98040  (Online Only)
My specialty areas include: adolescent and adult men; mood disorders including depression and seasonal affective disorder, anxiety disorders; couples counseling; adjustment disorders; family problems; and relationship issues.
The alliance we build as client and therapist is a necessary and very important part of the therapeutic process. I carefully assess each individuals or couples strengths, history of relationships, sense of self, developmental status, learning styles, symptoms and readiness to change. I believe that what you find helpful to talk about in each session is most important. You and I will develop a treatment plan based upon these factors, your experience, my professional experience, research findings and what you would like to accomplish in therapy. I have a general practice and also have areas of specialty.
My specialty areas include: adolescent and adult men; mood disorders including depression and seasonal affective disorder, anxiety disorders; couples counseling; adjustment disorders; family problems; and relationship issues.
The alliance we build as client and therapist is a necessary and very important part of the therapeutic process. I carefully assess each individuals or couples strengths, history of relationships, sense of self, developmental status, learning styles, symptoms and readiness to change. I believe that what you find helpful to talk about in each session is most important. You and I will develop a treatment plan based upon these factors, your experience, my professional experience, research findings and what you would like to accomplish in therapy. I have a general practice and also have areas of specialty.
(206) 701-7728 View (206) 701-7728
Photo of Aviva Wynn, MSW, LSWAIC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Aviva Wynn
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LSWAIC
Verified Verified
Mercer Island, WA 98040
Navigating family, health, love, and work can be complicated, especially when one or more of those areas begin to slip into crisis. You might struggle to connect with yourself and your loved ones, build new relationships, or manage new hardships. Through non-judgmental discussion and an in-depth examination and contextualization of your symptoms, we'll develop solutions for a more resilient, connected, and fulfilling way of life. I frequently work with those navigating sudden or difficult life transitions, relational difficulties, depression, anxiety, identity exploration and upsetting medical diagnoses.
Navigating family, health, love, and work can be complicated, especially when one or more of those areas begin to slip into crisis. You might struggle to connect with yourself and your loved ones, build new relationships, or manage new hardships. Through non-judgmental discussion and an in-depth examination and contextualization of your symptoms, we'll develop solutions for a more resilient, connected, and fulfilling way of life. I frequently work with those navigating sudden or difficult life transitions, relational difficulties, depression, anxiety, identity exploration and upsetting medical diagnoses.
(425) 386-3376 x13 View (425) 386-3376 x13
Photo of Lahaji Thomas- L J T Therapeutics, LMSW, LSW, MSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Lahaji Thomas- L J T Therapeutics
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, LSW, MSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Mercer Island, WA 98040  (Online Only)
Life, Peace, Wealth, and Health. You deserve it. I support individuals who may be navigating life's complexities with a desire for growth and healing. You may face challenges like anxiety, depression, financial instability, or life transitions. Seeking empathy and understanding, you value a safe, non-judgmental space to explore your emotions and gain insight. Committed to personal development, you aspire to cultivate resilience, improve relationships, and achieve emotional well-being through collaborative therapeutic support.
Life, Peace, Wealth, and Health. You deserve it. I support individuals who may be navigating life's complexities with a desire for growth and healing. You may face challenges like anxiety, depression, financial instability, or life transitions. Seeking empathy and understanding, you value a safe, non-judgmental space to explore your emotions and gain insight. Committed to personal development, you aspire to cultivate resilience, improve relationships, and achieve emotional well-being through collaborative therapeutic support.
(206) 312-2271 View (206) 312-2271
Photo of Kerry V Ragain, PhD, Psychologist
Kerry V Ragain
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Mercer Island, WA 98040
Additionally, I have postdoctoral training in the assessment and treatment of children with a wide range of clinical difficulties, including anxiety, depression, trauma history, and emotional struggles that show through disruptive behaviors.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with a private practice on Mercer Island, Washington. I have experience in providing therapy for a variety of mental health concerns with children, adolescents, and adults, including those associated with adoption, depression, anxiety and trauma. My services might be particularly suited to those individuals with long-standing mental health concerns.
Additionally, I have postdoctoral training in the assessment and treatment of children with a wide range of clinical difficulties, including anxiety, depression, trauma history, and emotional struggles that show through disruptive behaviors.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with a private practice on Mercer Island, Washington. I have experience in providing therapy for a variety of mental health concerns with children, adolescents, and adults, including those associated with adoption, depression, anxiety and trauma. My services might be particularly suited to those individuals with long-standing mental health concerns.
(425) 358-4857 View (425) 358-4857
Photo of Kevin Rodas - Grace MindCare (Ketamine Services)
Grace MindCare (Ketamine Services)
Verified Verified
Mercer Island, WA 98040
From anxiety and depression to PTSD, Autism, and bipolar disorder, we provide expert evaluation, medication management, and psychotherapy to help you achieve stability and emotional wellness.
At Grace Mindcare we specialize in comprehensive psychiatric care, cutting-edge ketamine therapy infusions to enhance your mental and physical well-being. Our services are designed to provide holistic support, catering to your unique needs with compassion and expertise.
From anxiety and depression to PTSD, Autism, and bipolar disorder, we provide expert evaluation, medication management, and psychotherapy to help you achieve stability and emotional wellness.
At Grace Mindcare we specialize in comprehensive psychiatric care, cutting-edge ketamine therapy infusions to enhance your mental and physical well-being. Our services are designed to provide holistic support, catering to your unique needs with compassion and expertise.
(206) 984-6038 View (206) 984-6038
Photo of Aude Geltzer, MA, LMHC, Counselor
Aude Geltzer
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Mercer Island, WA 98040  (Online Only)
My clients are adults who have difficulties with anxiety (OCD, phobias, generalized anxiety, social anxiety), depression, low self-esteem, and other behavioral difficulties. If you are feeling stuck and don't know what else to do, we can work together to help you overcome your current challenges.
My clients are adults who have difficulties with anxiety (OCD, phobias, generalized anxiety, social anxiety), depression, low self-esteem, and other behavioral difficulties. If you are feeling stuck and don't know what else to do, we can work together to help you overcome your current challenges.
(206) 538-2485 View (206) 538-2485
Photo of Kelsey Staub, LCMHC, CH
Kelsey Staub
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, LCMHC, CH
Verified Verified
Mercer Island, WA 98040  (Online Only)
As a licensed therapist and hypnotherapist, I have a wide range of experience with varying ages that include depression, anxiety, trauma, substance abuse, self-worth/esteem, negative habits, relationship/family issues, ADHD, sexuality, and intellectual/developmental differences. I provide a welcoming space for processing what arises in therapy, manage and regulate challenging feelings in a healthily, develop effective coping skills, re program thought/behavior patterns, heal unresolved emotions, and create a plan for life improvement. Unconditional positive regard, warmth, and acceptance are key elements to our therapeutic work
As a licensed therapist and hypnotherapist, I have a wide range of experience with varying ages that include depression, anxiety, trauma, substance abuse, self-worth/esteem, negative habits, relationship/family issues, ADHD, sexuality, and intellectual/developmental differences. I provide a welcoming space for processing what arises in therapy, manage and regulate challenging feelings in a healthily, develop effective coping skills, re program thought/behavior patterns, heal unresolved emotions, and create a plan for life improvement. Unconditional positive regard, warmth, and acceptance are key elements to our therapeutic work
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Photo of Stephanie Stanton-Webb, MS, LMHC, Counselor
Stephanie Stanton-Webb
Counselor, MS, LMHC
Verified Verified
Mercer Island, WA 98040
I have additional training and experience working with anxiety, depression, family issues, behavioral struggles, trauma, LGBTQ+ community, self harm, and life transitions.
My belief is that we are all human trying to learn and grow in an ever changing environment. Change for some can be difficult to cope with and result in maladaptive coping skills and other mental health concerns when emotions overwhelm us. I believe that the therapy relationship should always be collaborative and I approach every individual differently to meet their needs with where they are in life. In the therapy process we will assess your different environments and relationships to help understand your current barriers you are seeking help with.
I have additional training and experience working with anxiety, depression, family issues, behavioral struggles, trauma, LGBTQ+ community, self harm, and life transitions.
My belief is that we are all human trying to learn and grow in an ever changing environment. Change for some can be difficult to cope with and result in maladaptive coping skills and other mental health concerns when emotions overwhelm us. I believe that the therapy relationship should always be collaborative and I approach every individual differently to meet their needs with where they are in life. In the therapy process we will assess your different environments and relationships to help understand your current barriers you are seeking help with.
(206) 558-0128 View (206) 558-0128
Photo of Gail Rosenberg, PhD, Psychologist
Gail Rosenberg
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Mercer Island, WA 98040  (Online Only)
I am most interested in working with people who are wanting to more fully be themselves, who are wanting to face their feelings without depression or excessive anxiety and being themselves creatively and within relationships. I enjoy helping people to develop the resources to regulate their emotions and to tolerate the inevitable discomfort that comes with growth.
I am most interested in working with people who are wanting to more fully be themselves, who are wanting to face their feelings without depression or excessive anxiety and being themselves creatively and within relationships. I enjoy helping people to develop the resources to regulate their emotions and to tolerate the inevitable discomfort that comes with growth.
(425) 610-9836 View (425) 610-9836
Photo of Jeffrey Gold - Dr Jeff Gold, Psychotherapy and Video Counseling, MSW, PhD
Dr Jeff Gold, Psychotherapy and Video Counseling
MSW, PhD
Verified Verified
Mercer Island, WA 98040
Utilizing psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral and family systems techniques with strong support and encouragement I am effective in helping clients with depression, anxiety, identity and existential issues.
My work with clients focuses on relationships. I have over 40 years of experience with couples, individuals and families. I specialize in couple therapy but work well with individuals and families.I am active as a therapist, and will be direct and clear about the patterns I see. I will come right to the point, but with care and compassion. I will meet with you in my office or by video. I work with with a range of clients, including straight, gay and lesbians. They may be married, co-habitating or single. Issues include attachment, commitment, betrayal or "heating-up" a partnership gone cold.
Utilizing psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral and family systems techniques with strong support and encouragement I am effective in helping clients with depression, anxiety, identity and existential issues.
My work with clients focuses on relationships. I have over 40 years of experience with couples, individuals and families. I specialize in couple therapy but work well with individuals and families.I am active as a therapist, and will be direct and clear about the patterns I see. I will come right to the point, but with care and compassion. I will meet with you in my office or by video. I work with with a range of clients, including straight, gay and lesbians. They may be married, co-habitating or single. Issues include attachment, commitment, betrayal or "heating-up" a partnership gone cold.
(206) 222-7285 View (206) 222-7285
Photo of Jason E Dodd, MSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jason E Dodd
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Mercer Island, WA 98040
Waitlist for new clients
*CURRENTLY NOT ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS* A veteran of the U.S. Air Force and a former domestic violence advocate, I specialize in providing evidence-based psychotherapy and advocacy-based counseling for survivors of relationship abuse and other traumatic experiences. As a general practitioner, I also help with issues ranging from self-image, depression, and grief, to social and general anxiety, OCD, family conflict and divorce, religious shunning / transitions, adolescent and adult giftedness, nontraditional relationships, and matters of sexual orientation and gender identity (LGBTQ/non-binary affirming).
*CURRENTLY NOT ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS* A veteran of the U.S. Air Force and a former domestic violence advocate, I specialize in providing evidence-based psychotherapy and advocacy-based counseling for survivors of relationship abuse and other traumatic experiences. As a general practitioner, I also help with issues ranging from self-image, depression, and grief, to social and general anxiety, OCD, family conflict and divorce, religious shunning / transitions, adolescent and adult giftedness, nontraditional relationships, and matters of sexual orientation and gender identity (LGBTQ/non-binary affirming).
(425) 276-7262 View (425) 276-7262
Photo of Nancy M Kaplan, MSW, LICSW, DCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Nancy M Kaplan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW, DCSW
Verified Verified
Mercer Island, WA 98040
Waitlist for new clients
My special interests include working with multi-cultural clients, child guidance work, divorce counseling, adoption and foster care issues, mediation, and work with individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, and stress.
I have many years experience counseling children, youth, and adults. I work with individuals, couples, families, and groups. I am also experienced in working with people from multi-cultural backgrounds. I offer a broad spectrum of approaches to help you understand yourself and make positive changes that will make your life a more fulfilling experience. I use a variety of techniques including psychodynamic, behavioral, and cognitive therapy as well as mediation and conflict resolution techniques.
My special interests include working with multi-cultural clients, child guidance work, divorce counseling, adoption and foster care issues, mediation, and work with individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, and stress.
I have many years experience counseling children, youth, and adults. I work with individuals, couples, families, and groups. I am also experienced in working with people from multi-cultural backgrounds. I offer a broad spectrum of approaches to help you understand yourself and make positive changes that will make your life a more fulfilling experience. I use a variety of techniques including psychodynamic, behavioral, and cognitive therapy as well as mediation and conflict resolution techniques.
(360) 523-7029 View (360) 523-7029
Photo of Ian L Weiner - Ian L Weiner M.A. L.M.H.C., MA, LMHC, Counselor
Ian L Weiner M.A. L.M.H.C.
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
Mercer Island, WA 98040
I specialize in working with anxiety, depression, mood disorders, self esteem, family conflict, stress management, life transitions, parenting, obsessive compulsive disorders, motivational coaching.
I embrace a solution focused cognitive behavioral approach to treatment within a humanistic framework. I help clients understand how underlying thoughts and belief systems impact behavior and trigger emotion. The outcome of healthy and integrated thinking opens up the opportunity for clients to grow and discover new modes of thinking and feeling. The result of which allows for a more meaningful and healthier way of living and relating to one's self and to the world.
I specialize in working with anxiety, depression, mood disorders, self esteem, family conflict, stress management, life transitions, parenting, obsessive compulsive disorders, motivational coaching.
I embrace a solution focused cognitive behavioral approach to treatment within a humanistic framework. I help clients understand how underlying thoughts and belief systems impact behavior and trigger emotion. The outcome of healthy and integrated thinking opens up the opportunity for clients to grow and discover new modes of thinking and feeling. The result of which allows for a more meaningful and healthier way of living and relating to one's self and to the world.
(425) 979-2156 View (425) 979-2156
Photo of Tara L Caldwell, MA, LMHC, Counselor
Tara L Caldwell
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Mercer Island, WA 98040  (Online Only)
These wounds often show up as depression, anxiety, anger, insomnia, mood swings, dissociation and/or hopelessness.
My approach with clients is warm, compassionate and collaborative. In addition to relieving pain and symptoms, I strive to help clients make changes that bring them happiness and greater satisfaction in life. Areas of expertise include treatment of PTSD, depression, anxiety, trauma, and abuse, along with problems stemming from relationship issues, divorce, parenting issues, empty nest, career change, relocation, major illness, chronic pain, or grief. I use complementary methodologies and techniques to offer a personalized approach for each client, building on strengths to achieve the changes you want.
These wounds often show up as depression, anxiety, anger, insomnia, mood swings, dissociation and/or hopelessness.
My approach with clients is warm, compassionate and collaborative. In addition to relieving pain and symptoms, I strive to help clients make changes that bring them happiness and greater satisfaction in life. Areas of expertise include treatment of PTSD, depression, anxiety, trauma, and abuse, along with problems stemming from relationship issues, divorce, parenting issues, empty nest, career change, relocation, major illness, chronic pain, or grief. I use complementary methodologies and techniques to offer a personalized approach for each client, building on strengths to achieve the changes you want.
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Photo of Sarah Sterling - Sarah Sterling, Mindfulness-Based Counseling, MA, LPC, LMHC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Sarah Sterling, Mindfulness-Based Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, LMHC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Mercer Island, WA 98040  (Online Only)
Many of us come to counseling with some sort of an issue like anxiety, depression, or low self esteem.
As a mindfulness-based counselor, I help individuals, adolescents and couples transform their struggles into opportunities for growth, learning and adventure. I help you turn your problems into pathways. This journey is an opportunity to unearth the home that is your deep and abiding sense of self. Drawing on nature wisdom, archetypal patterns, myth, mindfulness and the mind-body connection, I am here to be a guide as you dive into your own depths. I look forward to accompanying you on your journey toward wholeness, freedom and purpose.
Many of us come to counseling with some sort of an issue like anxiety, depression, or low self esteem.
As a mindfulness-based counselor, I help individuals, adolescents and couples transform their struggles into opportunities for growth, learning and adventure. I help you turn your problems into pathways. This journey is an opportunity to unearth the home that is your deep and abiding sense of self. Drawing on nature wisdom, archetypal patterns, myth, mindfulness and the mind-body connection, I am here to be a guide as you dive into your own depths. I look forward to accompanying you on your journey toward wholeness, freedom and purpose.
(360) 215-2512 View (360) 215-2512
Photo of Cherie Singer, MA, LMHCA, LMFTA, Counselor
Cherie Singer
Counselor, MA, LMHCA, LMFTA
Verified Verified
Mercer Island, WA 98040
Sometimes life’s demands, stresses and challenges feel like just too much to work-through, cope with, and manage alone. I work with clients who feel depressed, anxious, overwhelmed, or maybe they’re not even sure what they’re feeling but they know something’s deeply wrong or missing in their lives. Others are experiencing a transition or feel confused about their relationships, career, or future.
Sometimes life’s demands, stresses and challenges feel like just too much to work-through, cope with, and manage alone. I work with clients who feel depressed, anxious, overwhelmed, or maybe they’re not even sure what they’re feeling but they know something’s deeply wrong or missing in their lives. Others are experiencing a transition or feel confused about their relationships, career, or future.
(425) 386-3630 View (425) 386-3630
Photo of Jennifer Gannon, MA, LMHCA, Counselor
Jennifer Gannon
Counselor, MA, LMHCA
Verified Verified
Mercer Island, WA 98040  (Online Only)
Whether you're grieving the loss of a loved one; struggling with anxiety, depression, or trauma; or if you've simply hit a rough patch in your journey, I'm here to listen and help you begin to heal. Using an eclectic approach to counseling, I utilize a variety of evidence-based therapies to meet the unique needs of each of my clients. I will help you build resilience, learn tools to calm your anxiety, discover your strengths, regain a sense of well-being, and live life more freely.
Whether you're grieving the loss of a loved one; struggling with anxiety, depression, or trauma; or if you've simply hit a rough patch in your journey, I'm here to listen and help you begin to heal. Using an eclectic approach to counseling, I utilize a variety of evidence-based therapies to meet the unique needs of each of my clients. I will help you build resilience, learn tools to calm your anxiety, discover your strengths, regain a sense of well-being, and live life more freely.
(425) 620-2808 View (425) 620-2808
Photo of Matthew J Bennett, PsyD, MA, Psychologist
Matthew J Bennett
Psychologist, PsyD, MA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Mercer Island, WA 98040  (Online Only)
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with over 20 years of experience as a psychotherapist. Passion for my work, empathy, and excellence in clinical training (several years at University of Pennsylvania) allow me to provide effective, lasting results. I use an integrative, eclectic approach combining psychodynamic and interpersonal therapies to help adolescents and adults gain insight and work through varied life concerns. I see symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and relationship conflict as opportunities for change and personal growth.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with over 20 years of experience as a psychotherapist. Passion for my work, empathy, and excellence in clinical training (several years at University of Pennsylvania) allow me to provide effective, lasting results. I use an integrative, eclectic approach combining psychodynamic and interpersonal therapies to help adolescents and adults gain insight and work through varied life concerns. I see symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and relationship conflict as opportunities for change and personal growth.
(425) 374-4661 View (425) 374-4661
Photo of Dianna L Rose - Sound Guidance: Expressive Arts Counseling, LMHC, MT-BC, NMT, Counselor
Sound Guidance: Expressive Arts Counseling
Counselor, LMHC, MT-BC, NMT
Verified Verified
Mercer Island, WA 98040  (Online Only)
​From early childhood, we are surrounded by expectations - from family, friends, culture, society.  We internalize those expectations and experience their impact on our health, career, finances, relationships. Sometimes it manifests as perfectionism or Imposter Syndrome…sometimes as anxiety, grief, depression and stress.  In the effort to please everyone, we are often left exhausted, defeated, feeling like a failure. So maybe it’s time to rewrite that script imposed upon you…or the one that you imposed upon yourself.
​From early childhood, we are surrounded by expectations - from family, friends, culture, society.  We internalize those expectations and experience their impact on our health, career, finances, relationships. Sometimes it manifests as perfectionism or Imposter Syndrome…sometimes as anxiety, grief, depression and stress.  In the effort to please everyone, we are often left exhausted, defeated, feeling like a failure. So maybe it’s time to rewrite that script imposed upon you…or the one that you imposed upon yourself.
(425) 584-3732 View (425) 584-3732
Photo of Jennifer Tillman, MA, LMHCA, Counselor
Jennifer Tillman
Counselor, MA, LMHCA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Mercer Island, WA 98040  (Online Only)
Hello! My name is Jenny Tillman and I am currently accepting new clients for individual therapy services through Sound Resilience Health. I work with clients ages 15 and older struggling with anxiety, interpersonal conflicts, parenting challenges, depression, mood disorders and challenges surrounding eating behaviors, and self-harm.
Hello! My name is Jenny Tillman and I am currently accepting new clients for individual therapy services through Sound Resilience Health. I work with clients ages 15 and older struggling with anxiety, interpersonal conflicts, parenting challenges, depression, mood disorders and challenges surrounding eating behaviors, and self-harm.
(425) 748-8963 View (425) 748-8963
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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.