Photo of Jennifer Mary Paul, Counselor in Broward County, FL
Jennifer Mary Paul
Counselor, PhD, LMHC, QS
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
As a Dialectical Behavioral Therapist (DBT) with over 15 years of experience, I have a sincere commitment to helping people achieve mental wellness by treating a broad range of difficulties including phase of life issues, women's issues, depression, anxiety, personality disorders, grief, substance abuse, and interpersonal and family relationship issues. My goal is to promote overall mental wellness of individuals through support, encouragement and challenge. In conjunction with providing individual therapy and couples/marital therapy, I also provide coaching services including executive, career and basic life coaching.
As a Dialectical Behavioral Therapist (DBT) with over 15 years of experience, I have a sincere commitment to helping people achieve mental wellness by treating a broad range of difficulties including phase of life issues, women's issues, depression, anxiety, personality disorders, grief, substance abuse, and interpersonal and family relationship issues. My goal is to promote overall mental wellness of individuals through support, encouragement and challenge. In conjunction with providing individual therapy and couples/marital therapy, I also provide coaching services including executive, career and basic life coaching.
(954) 388-7415 View (954) 388-7415
Photo of Shayla Felicien, Pre-Licensed Professional in Broward County, FL
Shayla Felicien
Pre-Licensed Professional, MS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Plantation, FL 33324  (Online Only)
Shayla brings a unique and empathetic perspective to her practice. As a psychotherapist, Shayla is committed to creating a foundation for successful therapy based on genuine concern for each individual's unique experiences. She employs a non-judgmental, strength-based approach, aiming to illuminate strengths in her clients that they may not yet recognize in themselves. She specializes in treating a range of issues including stress, anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, narcissistic abuse, low self-esteem, career challenges, parenting skills, and boundary issues.
Shayla brings a unique and empathetic perspective to her practice. As a psychotherapist, Shayla is committed to creating a foundation for successful therapy based on genuine concern for each individual's unique experiences. She employs a non-judgmental, strength-based approach, aiming to illuminate strengths in her clients that they may not yet recognize in themselves. She specializes in treating a range of issues including stress, anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, narcissistic abuse, low self-esteem, career challenges, parenting skills, and boundary issues.
(954) 371-1889 View (954) 371-1889
Photo of The Miranda Healing Group/ Counsel NJ LLC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Broward County, FL
The Miranda Healing Group/ Counsel NJ LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Tamarac, FL 33321
Want better quality of life? What is getting in your way? Trauma, Depression, Anxiety, OCD, Mood Shifts, Emotional Shutdowns, Bad Memories, Painful Experiences, Loss/Accidents, Invading Thoughts? We will work to help individuals and families heal these experiences in order to live a healthy, content and more authentic life. We aim to provide a secure and supportive environment where you can explore, process, and resolve negative thoughts and feelings that interfere with your functional life. We will provide you the opportunity to work with a specialty trained therapist to achieve a better quality of life. Call us today.
Want better quality of life? What is getting in your way? Trauma, Depression, Anxiety, OCD, Mood Shifts, Emotional Shutdowns, Bad Memories, Painful Experiences, Loss/Accidents, Invading Thoughts? We will work to help individuals and families heal these experiences in order to live a healthy, content and more authentic life. We aim to provide a secure and supportive environment where you can explore, process, and resolve negative thoughts and feelings that interfere with your functional life. We will provide you the opportunity to work with a specialty trained therapist to achieve a better quality of life. Call us today.
(954) 580-6434 View (954) 580-6434
Photo of Raymond Navarro, Counselor in Broward County, FL
Raymond Navarro
Counselor, MS, LMHC
Verified Verified
Coral Springs, FL 33067
Raymond Navarro has experience working in substance abuse and mental health. He received extensive training in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT), trauma-informed mental health care for children and adults, and substance abuse treatment. He is well-suited to help clients of all ages and demographics. His specialties are in Anxiety and mood disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), Panic Disorder, depression, and their related symptoms.
Raymond Navarro has experience working in substance abuse and mental health. He received extensive training in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT), trauma-informed mental health care for children and adults, and substance abuse treatment. He is well-suited to help clients of all ages and demographics. His specialties are in Anxiety and mood disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), Panic Disorder, depression, and their related symptoms.
(754) 219-5990 View (754) 219-5990
Photo of Caring Therapists of Broward in Broward County, FL
Caring Therapists of Broward
LMHC, CAP, NCC
Verified Verified
Davie, FL 33328
We specialize in anxiety, depression, couples counseling, substance abuse, failure to launch, child & adolescent therapy and holistic treatment.
We are here to help. If you or a loved one is struggling with feelings of sadness, worry or stress, we are here to help you. Let us help you reduce your anxiety, heal your depression and reconnect your marriage with counseling at our practice. We use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in our treatment approach. We are located in Davie but we see clients all over Broward County. We provide individual counseling to children as young as 5 years old through teenage years. We offer individual counseling to adults who want to work on depression, anxiety, personality issues, codependency and substance abuse treatment. We love to work with couples in couples counseling and marriage therapy in order to help you open lines of communicate, increase intimacy, learn to solve problems in a healthy manner and overall improve your relationship or marriage. We are trained in Gottman and Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy.
We specialize in anxiety, depression, couples counseling, substance abuse, failure to launch, child & adolescent therapy and holistic treatment.
We are here to help. If you or a loved one is struggling with feelings of sadness, worry or stress, we are here to help you. Let us help you reduce your anxiety, heal your depression and reconnect your marriage with counseling at our practice. We use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in our treatment approach. We are located in Davie but we see clients all over Broward County. We provide individual counseling to children as young as 5 years old through teenage years. We offer individual counseling to adults who want to work on depression, anxiety, personality issues, codependency and substance abuse treatment. We love to work with couples in couples counseling and marriage therapy in order to help you open lines of communicate, increase intimacy, learn to solve problems in a healthy manner and overall improve your relationship or marriage. We are trained in Gottman and Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy.
(954) 573-1845 View (954) 573-1845
Photo of Dr. Michael A Farris, Psychologist in Broward County, FL
Dr. Michael A Farris
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Wilton Manors, FL 33305
If you are visiting this website, you are probably in search of help from a concerned, empathic listener. You are undoubtedly concerned about your potential psychotherapist's training, expertise, and experience. In addition, you want to feel that a therapist can understand you and be helpful in your particular situation. After thirty-two years in practice, I have become a seasoned and skilled therapist, having developed expertise in the treatment of mood disorders (e.g., depression, bipolar disorder), adjustment and anxiety disorders, couples' and communication problems, and personality issues.
If you are visiting this website, you are probably in search of help from a concerned, empathic listener. You are undoubtedly concerned about your potential psychotherapist's training, expertise, and experience. In addition, you want to feel that a therapist can understand you and be helpful in your particular situation. After thirty-two years in practice, I have become a seasoned and skilled therapist, having developed expertise in the treatment of mood disorders (e.g., depression, bipolar disorder), adjustment and anxiety disorders, couples' and communication problems, and personality issues.
(954) 713-9717 View (954) 713-9717
Photo of Cassandre Charnel, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Broward County, FL
Cassandre Charnel
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309  (Online Only)
Hi! My name is Cassie, and I am a psychotherapist serving the state of Florida. My areas of expertise includes: anxiety and depression, PTSD, addictions, codependency, childhood trauma and abuse, sexual abuse survivors, domestic violence survivors, homelessness, relationship issues, family of origin issues, and post abortion recovery. I believe you are the expert of your own story and have many God-given strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support you in that journey.
Hi! My name is Cassie, and I am a psychotherapist serving the state of Florida. My areas of expertise includes: anxiety and depression, PTSD, addictions, codependency, childhood trauma and abuse, sexual abuse survivors, domestic violence survivors, homelessness, relationship issues, family of origin issues, and post abortion recovery. I believe you are the expert of your own story and have many God-given strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support you in that journey.
(954) 246-3067 View (954) 246-3067
Photo of Alina Gastesi-de Armas, Counselor in Broward County, FL
Alina Gastesi-de Armas
Counselor, MA, MEd, LMHC
Verified Verified
Weston, FL 33326
Let go of using substances, heal anxiety and depression and build healthier relationships.
Let me help you--TURN CONFLICT INTO CONNECTION. Couples who avoid addressing problems, continue in negative, hurtful patterns, or wait too long to get help, can destroy their trust in each other and their commitment to the relationship. Stop fighting, and start understanding. This is a huge opportunity to improve your relationship. Pain creates motivation to change. Smart couples who care about their relationsh seize moments like these, and make the investment in professional support and guidance. Good marriage counseling helps you learn about each other, solve problems, learn how to communicate and repair your faith in each other.
Let go of using substances, heal anxiety and depression and build healthier relationships.
Let me help you--TURN CONFLICT INTO CONNECTION. Couples who avoid addressing problems, continue in negative, hurtful patterns, or wait too long to get help, can destroy their trust in each other and their commitment to the relationship. Stop fighting, and start understanding. This is a huge opportunity to improve your relationship. Pain creates motivation to change. Smart couples who care about their relationsh seize moments like these, and make the investment in professional support and guidance. Good marriage counseling helps you learn about each other, solve problems, learn how to communicate and repair your faith in each other.
(954) 532-8450 View (954) 532-8450
Photo of Gazaria Cori Williams, Counselor in Broward County, FL
Gazaria Cori Williams
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
Davie, FL 33314  (Online Only)
Cori Williams is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida with 22 years of professional work experience. She has experience helping clients with family conflicts, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & parenting issues. Cori also specializes in addressing stress, anxiety, addictions, LGBTQ+ issues, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, anger management, career difficulties, bipolar disorder, depression, and life changes, among others.
Cori Williams is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida with 22 years of professional work experience. She has experience helping clients with family conflicts, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & parenting issues. Cori also specializes in addressing stress, anxiety, addictions, LGBTQ+ issues, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, anger management, career difficulties, bipolar disorder, depression, and life changes, among others.
(954) 231-4931 View (954) 231-4931
Photo of Ronald L Bergman, Psychologist in Broward County, FL
Ronald L Bergman
Psychologist, PhD, ABPP, FAACP
Verified Verified
Plantation, FL 33324
I have been a practicing clinical psychologist since 1973. During that time I have treated a wide variety of clients in the broadest array of clinical contexts. Although I am very comfortable in almost any clinical situation, at this stage of my career I tend to spend most of my time with adults of all ages having a wide variety of issues. Most particularly I work with those struggling with addictions ( both classic and process), mood and personality disorders. anxiety, depression, marital and other relationship difficulties, also chronic emotional and behavioral problems, and issues attendant to stage of life transitions.
I have been a practicing clinical psychologist since 1973. During that time I have treated a wide variety of clients in the broadest array of clinical contexts. Although I am very comfortable in almost any clinical situation, at this stage of my career I tend to spend most of my time with adults of all ages having a wide variety of issues. Most particularly I work with those struggling with addictions ( both classic and process), mood and personality disorders. anxiety, depression, marital and other relationship difficulties, also chronic emotional and behavioral problems, and issues attendant to stage of life transitions.
(305) 501-4457 View (305) 501-4457
Photo of John S Auerbach, Psychologist in Broward County, FL
John S Auerbach
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Plantation, FL 33317
My approach to psychotherapy is highly relational. I believe that most of our distress in life, often in the form of anxiety, depression, or uncontrolled anger, arises from unresolved conflicts in our important relationships, past and present, and that psychotherapy works by providing a new relationship-a supportive, empathic one in a which person can explore these important interpersonal connections, come to understand them in new ways, and change them. I focus the dialogue on a person's significant relationships, past and current, and on the feelings that one has about oneself and the important people in one's life.
My approach to psychotherapy is highly relational. I believe that most of our distress in life, often in the form of anxiety, depression, or uncontrolled anger, arises from unresolved conflicts in our important relationships, past and present, and that psychotherapy works by providing a new relationship-a supportive, empathic one in a which person can explore these important interpersonal connections, come to understand them in new ways, and change them. I focus the dialogue on a person's significant relationships, past and current, and on the feelings that one has about oneself and the important people in one's life.
(352) 504-3771 View (352) 504-3771
Photo of Brooke E Hillary, Psychologist in Broward County, FL
Brooke E Hillary
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
I am an adult and pediatric psychologist. Having been a practicing psychologist for over 20 years, my focus is cognitive behavior therapy. This involves changing the irrational beliefs behind stress, anxiety, and depression. Some of my specialties include women's issues, trauma, rape, OCD, teens, children, divorce, drug & alcohol related issues. Life is stressful. It sometimes feels like it's just too much to handle. Perhaps you are feeling tired all the time, anxious, depressed, unfulfilled in your relationships or job, or as though you are going through the motions of life experiencing little joy. You are not alone.
I am an adult and pediatric psychologist. Having been a practicing psychologist for over 20 years, my focus is cognitive behavior therapy. This involves changing the irrational beliefs behind stress, anxiety, and depression. Some of my specialties include women's issues, trauma, rape, OCD, teens, children, divorce, drug & alcohol related issues. Life is stressful. It sometimes feels like it's just too much to handle. Perhaps you are feeling tired all the time, anxious, depressed, unfulfilled in your relationships or job, or as though you are going through the motions of life experiencing little joy. You are not alone.
(954) 860-8313 View (954) 860-8313
Photo of SVM Counseling Corp., Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Broward County, FL
SVM Counseling Corp.
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
If you are dealing with issues related to: Anxiety, Depression, Stress, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Relationship Conflicts, Anger Management, Family Problems, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, Eating Disorders, Parenting Challenges, Teen Issues, Sexual Identity, Grief and other self defeating behaviors, our office can help improve the quality of your life.
Life is a balance of holding on and letting go. We all experience times in our lives when we feel a bit out of balance. Whether it's in our relationships, work life, or general well-being, balance is essential for fulfillment and happiness. Anxiety, depression, anger, conflict, stress and other self-defeating issues create imbalances. Therapy helps to restore, and many times creates, the balance that is needed in all of our lives.
If you are dealing with issues related to: Anxiety, Depression, Stress, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Relationship Conflicts, Anger Management, Family Problems, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, Eating Disorders, Parenting Challenges, Teen Issues, Sexual Identity, Grief and other self defeating behaviors, our office can help improve the quality of your life.
Life is a balance of holding on and letting go. We all experience times in our lives when we feel a bit out of balance. Whether it's in our relationships, work life, or general well-being, balance is essential for fulfillment and happiness. Anxiety, depression, anger, conflict, stress and other self-defeating issues create imbalances. Therapy helps to restore, and many times creates, the balance that is needed in all of our lives.
(305) 680-1693 View (305) 680-1693
Photo of Kayla Roberts, Counselor in Broward County, FL
Kayla Roberts
Counselor, MS, LMHC, BCCC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Davie, FL 33324
My clients come from diverse backgrounds. I help individuals that typically struggle with identity issues, depression, anxiety, stress, and anger. I work with people who need help overcoming depression, anxiety, mood swings, addictions, disappointments, grief, hopelessness, as well as trauma. I enjoy helping people who are willing to take the risk to address the most difficult issues in their lives because they think that they are worth the change! I work with my clients to assist them to find hope and truth that I believe are catalysts for positive changes in their lives.
My clients come from diverse backgrounds. I help individuals that typically struggle with identity issues, depression, anxiety, stress, and anger. I work with people who need help overcoming depression, anxiety, mood swings, addictions, disappointments, grief, hopelessness, as well as trauma. I enjoy helping people who are willing to take the risk to address the most difficult issues in their lives because they think that they are worth the change! I work with my clients to assist them to find hope and truth that I believe are catalysts for positive changes in their lives.
(754) 300-1506 View (754) 300-1506
Photo of Amanda Strunin, Psychologist in Broward County, FL
Amanda Strunin
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Weston, FL 33326
I am a licensed clinical psychologist who enjoys helping individuals with depression, anxiety, self-esteem issues, eating problems, existential and grief issues, and difficulty in relationships. I also specialize in behavioral medicine and the treatment of sleep disorders, chronic pain, smoking cessation, trouble with behavior modification, and stressors related to managing a chronic illness. Having worked with individuals, couples and families in both hospital and private practice settings, I welcome the opportunity to help you find creative and innovative solutions to living a balanced life.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist who enjoys helping individuals with depression, anxiety, self-esteem issues, eating problems, existential and grief issues, and difficulty in relationships. I also specialize in behavioral medicine and the treatment of sleep disorders, chronic pain, smoking cessation, trouble with behavior modification, and stressors related to managing a chronic illness. Having worked with individuals, couples and families in both hospital and private practice settings, I welcome the opportunity to help you find creative and innovative solutions to living a balanced life.
(786) 565-4065 View (786) 565-4065
Photo of Dr. Heather Violante Psy. D., Psychologist in Broward County, FL
Dr. Heather Violante Psy. D.
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
22 Endorsed
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308  (Online Only)
I specialize in helping adults struggling with anxiety, stress, depression, drug/alcohol addiction, and bipolar disorder.
Are you ready to improve your life? I offer the respect, expertise, and empathy you deserve. I provide online therapy to adults who are facing a variety of challenges who live in FL, NY, and PsyPact enrolled states (psypact.org). I am a firm believer in facilitating positive self-change no matter how great or small. My goal is to help guide you through your own personal journey towards emotional wellness by providing you with opportunities to create healthy lifestyle adjustments, improve self-confidence, promote your overall sense of well-being, foster acceptance through mindfulness, and develop inner serenity and resiliency.
I specialize in helping adults struggling with anxiety, stress, depression, drug/alcohol addiction, and bipolar disorder.
Are you ready to improve your life? I offer the respect, expertise, and empathy you deserve. I provide online therapy to adults who are facing a variety of challenges who live in FL, NY, and PsyPact enrolled states (psypact.org). I am a firm believer in facilitating positive self-change no matter how great or small. My goal is to help guide you through your own personal journey towards emotional wellness by providing you with opportunities to create healthy lifestyle adjustments, improve self-confidence, promote your overall sense of well-being, foster acceptance through mindfulness, and develop inner serenity and resiliency.
(954) 874-8461 View (954) 874-8461
Photo of Erin Hoenemeyer, Marriage & Family Therapist in Broward County, FL
Erin Hoenemeyer
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
My areas of specialty include, anxiety and depression, couples and communicational problems, infidelity, self-esteem issues, compulsive overeating, adolescent behavioral problems, and LGBTQ challenges.
~I am currently accepting new clients~ My philosophy is that life is a journey and we can be thrown unexpected difficulties and challenges during the ride. Many times we just need a little help during tough times to successfully move forward. I work with individuals, couples, and children. I provide an empathetic non-judgmental environment for clients to feel safe and comfortable while working towards their goals. I have worked with clients on many different complicated issues and relational difficulties.
My areas of specialty include, anxiety and depression, couples and communicational problems, infidelity, self-esteem issues, compulsive overeating, adolescent behavioral problems, and LGBTQ challenges.
~I am currently accepting new clients~ My philosophy is that life is a journey and we can be thrown unexpected difficulties and challenges during the ride. Many times we just need a little help during tough times to successfully move forward. I work with individuals, couples, and children. I provide an empathetic non-judgmental environment for clients to feel safe and comfortable while working towards their goals. I have worked with clients on many different complicated issues and relational difficulties.
(754) 212-8469 View (754) 212-8469
Photo of Alexandra Scallion, Counselor in Broward County, FL
Alexandra Scallion
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Davie, FL 33314
Hi! I’m Alexandra Scallion, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Florida. I am passionate about helping individuals improve their mental health and empower them to become their best selves. Whether you are facing major life changes, relationship issues, difficulties with depression or anxiety, or are simply looking to better yourself, I am here to help.
Hi! I’m Alexandra Scallion, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Florida. I am passionate about helping individuals improve their mental health and empower them to become their best selves. Whether you are facing major life changes, relationship issues, difficulties with depression or anxiety, or are simply looking to better yourself, I am here to help.
(954) 787-5309 View (954) 787-5309
Photo of Elif Angel Raynor, Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Broward County, FL
Elif Angel Raynor
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, MIBA, MS, LMHC
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Coral Springs, FL 33065
If you are suffering from depression or anxiety, please search no more... I strive to help you to find your happiness and peace. I offer unique techniques that blended with arts and technology. I have a great understanding of diverse cultures, religions and family dynamics. Whether you are dealing with depression, anxiety, trauma or need help with your academic, career or business choices, I am here for you. I also use hypnosis to treat childhood traumas. I have a master degree in Forensic Psychology, a master degree in International Business, and a master degree in Mental Health Counseling.
If you are suffering from depression or anxiety, please search no more... I strive to help you to find your happiness and peace. I offer unique techniques that blended with arts and technology. I have a great understanding of diverse cultures, religions and family dynamics. Whether you are dealing with depression, anxiety, trauma or need help with your academic, career or business choices, I am here for you. I also use hypnosis to treat childhood traumas. I have a master degree in Forensic Psychology, a master degree in International Business, and a master degree in Mental Health Counseling.
(954) 951-8687 View (954) 951-8687
Photo of Anne Marie Miller, Counselor in Broward County, FL
Anne Marie Miller
Counselor, MS, LMHC, QS
Verified Verified
Weston, FL 33331  (Online Only)
I offer individual counseling for teenagers and adults dealing with difficult life issues such as depression, anxiety, addiction, trauma, as well as Bipolar Disorder, and PTSD.
Are you struggling emotionally, mentally, or spiritually? If you're reading this, you must be ready for a change. Good for you! The first step in making a change is acknowledging a need for one. It takes courage and strength to seek out a therapist, and I will help you feel comfortable and supported in whatever it is you want to work on. In addition to being a Licensed Therapist, I am also a Certified Life Coach. I can help you change things in a positive direction and help you be a happier and more satisfied person. I collaborate with my clients to find the best treatment for them.
I offer individual counseling for teenagers and adults dealing with difficult life issues such as depression, anxiety, addiction, trauma, as well as Bipolar Disorder, and PTSD.
Are you struggling emotionally, mentally, or spiritually? If you're reading this, you must be ready for a change. Good for you! The first step in making a change is acknowledging a need for one. It takes courage and strength to seek out a therapist, and I will help you feel comfortable and supported in whatever it is you want to work on. In addition to being a Licensed Therapist, I am also a Certified Life Coach. I can help you change things in a positive direction and help you be a happier and more satisfied person. I collaborate with my clients to find the best treatment for them.
(954) 231-1191 View (954) 231-1191

See more therapy options for Broward County

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.