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Online Therapists

Photo of Christine Downing, Counselor in Yorba Linda, CA
Christine Downing
Counselor, MA, LPCC, APTT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Ana, CA 92701
My expertise covers partner betrayal, infidelity, trauma, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, parenting challenges, and overall well-being.
I am dedicated to creating a nurturing and empowering space where you can freely share your story and tackle life's challenges. My goal is to help you rebuild a strong connection with yourself, especially after facing difficult times. Throughout our therapeutic journey, I will support and empower you, focusing on self-awareness, understanding your past experiences, and developing skills for healthy relationships and emotional well-being.
My expertise covers partner betrayal, infidelity, trauma, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, parenting challenges, and overall well-being.
I am dedicated to creating a nurturing and empowering space where you can freely share your story and tackle life's challenges. My goal is to help you rebuild a strong connection with yourself, especially after facing difficult times. Throughout our therapeutic journey, I will support and empower you, focusing on self-awareness, understanding your past experiences, and developing skills for healthy relationships and emotional well-being.
(714) 908-7330 View (714) 908-7330
Photo of Dr. Regine V Muradian, Psychologist in Yorba Linda, CA
Dr. Regine V Muradian
Psychologist, MA, PsyD
Verified Verified
Glendale, CA 91203
Are you feeling unfulfilled in work, or relationships? Do you have trouble sleeping, focusing or completing tasks? Are you having a hard time with your child's/teen's behavior? My name is Dr. Regine Muradian, and I have been practicing for the last 15 years. I'm a Clinical Psychologist and expert working with anxiety, depression, OCD, ADHD Testing and Executive Functioning related issues for children, adolescents, families and adults. We often face many internal conflicts holding us back and I'm here to help you achieve your goals and bring positive change. I use a solution focused and cognitive behavioral therapy approach.
Are you feeling unfulfilled in work, or relationships? Do you have trouble sleeping, focusing or completing tasks? Are you having a hard time with your child's/teen's behavior? My name is Dr. Regine Muradian, and I have been practicing for the last 15 years. I'm a Clinical Psychologist and expert working with anxiety, depression, OCD, ADHD Testing and Executive Functioning related issues for children, adolescents, families and adults. We often face many internal conflicts holding us back and I'm here to help you achieve your goals and bring positive change. I use a solution focused and cognitive behavioral therapy approach.
(818) 964-0420 View (818) 964-0420
Photo of Jill Solomon-Hardie, Marriage & Family Therapist in Yorba Linda, CA
Jill Solomon-Hardie
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
10 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90068
My practice specializes in COUPLES as well as individuals who want to grow together and let go of old patterns that aren’t serving them anymore. Your therapy has to feel like a 'good fit', so I use my curiosity and experience to help us discover what feels right. People can confront the more difficult parts of themselves in a safe environment. I provide this in our sessions together, bringing warmth, respect and humor to the relationship. Aside from couples, my practice focuses on recovery, codependency, love/sex addiction and avoidance, chronic pain and illness, relationship issues, NPD abuse healing, and anxiety/depression.
My practice specializes in COUPLES as well as individuals who want to grow together and let go of old patterns that aren’t serving them anymore. Your therapy has to feel like a 'good fit', so I use my curiosity and experience to help us discover what feels right. People can confront the more difficult parts of themselves in a safe environment. I provide this in our sessions together, bringing warmth, respect and humor to the relationship. Aside from couples, my practice focuses on recovery, codependency, love/sex addiction and avoidance, chronic pain and illness, relationship issues, NPD abuse healing, and anxiety/depression.
(323) 647-5126 View (323) 647-5126
Photo of Cristian Iordan, Marriage & Family Therapist in Yorba Linda, CA
Cristian Iordan
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Loma Linda, CA 92354  (Online Only)
Trained at Loma Linda University licensed as Marital and Family Therapist and Ordained as Minister, I have experience working in both outpatient and inpatient settings with youth and adults dealing with a variety of mental health issues. Licensed in California, with over 13 years of experience I specialize in treatment for Anxiety, Depression, Medical professionals' mental health, Premarital counseling, Spirituality & religion based issues.
Trained at Loma Linda University licensed as Marital and Family Therapist and Ordained as Minister, I have experience working in both outpatient and inpatient settings with youth and adults dealing with a variety of mental health issues. Licensed in California, with over 13 years of experience I specialize in treatment for Anxiety, Depression, Medical professionals' mental health, Premarital counseling, Spirituality & religion based issues.
(909) 245-6656 View (909) 245-6656
Photo of Diana Barrett, Marriage & Family Therapist in Yorba Linda, CA
Diana Barrett
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, CHT
Verified Verified
Torrance, CA 90505
Clients often seek out my services for anxiety, business or career growth, relationships or marital issues, depression, grieving a personal loss, life transitions (getting married or divorced, relocating, career changes, retirement, empty nest) and trauma.
Are you feeling stressed, sad or stuck in any area of your life? Experiencing problems in your relationships, with your children, at work or socially? Difficult times require support to get through. I'm here to help! I focus on working with you in counseling from a holistic perspective (on the physical, mental, emotional & energetic level), to assist you in getting back in touch with your true self. It is my purpose to help you successfully navigate the tough times, reclaim your clarity, joy and balance, and achieve your goals. It's never too early or too late to get the support you need! Call or email us for your free consultation.
Clients often seek out my services for anxiety, business or career growth, relationships or marital issues, depression, grieving a personal loss, life transitions (getting married or divorced, relocating, career changes, retirement, empty nest) and trauma.
Are you feeling stressed, sad or stuck in any area of your life? Experiencing problems in your relationships, with your children, at work or socially? Difficult times require support to get through. I'm here to help! I focus on working with you in counseling from a holistic perspective (on the physical, mental, emotional & energetic level), to assist you in getting back in touch with your true self. It is my purpose to help you successfully navigate the tough times, reclaim your clarity, joy and balance, and achieve your goals. It's never too early or too late to get the support you need! Call or email us for your free consultation.
(747) 239-5377 View (747) 239-5377
Photo of Bianca Rus, Marriage & Family Therapist in Yorba Linda, CA
Bianca Rus
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Glendale, CA 91207  (Online Only)
I work with adults and professionals who struggle with a variety of challenges (anxiety, depression, existential and life transitions, personal & professional development).
Renowned psychologist Carl Rogers once stated that the process of a ‘good life’ involves stretching, growing, and becoming more and more of one's potentialities. He argued that the individual who chooses growth as their compass in life, is truly an inwardly free individual (Rogers, 1961). Inspired by Rogers’ outlook, I focus my work with clients on expanding their process of growth into an engaging endeavor rather than a strenuous one.
I work with adults and professionals who struggle with a variety of challenges (anxiety, depression, existential and life transitions, personal & professional development).
Renowned psychologist Carl Rogers once stated that the process of a ‘good life’ involves stretching, growing, and becoming more and more of one's potentialities. He argued that the individual who chooses growth as their compass in life, is truly an inwardly free individual (Rogers, 1961). Inspired by Rogers’ outlook, I focus my work with clients on expanding their process of growth into an engaging endeavor rather than a strenuous one.
(909) 403-7924 View (909) 403-7924
Photo of Pasadena Trauma Therapy, Inc., Marriage & Family Therapist in Yorba Linda, CA
Pasadena Trauma Therapy, Inc.
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
28 Endorsed
Pasadena, CA 91101
), complex PTSD, attachment issues, dissociation/multiplicity, depersonalization/derealization, general relationship issues, anxiety, depression, fears/phobias, grief, etc.
You can heal from TRAUMA. If you are living with traumatic events from your past, ranging from sexual abuse, incest, rape, humiliation, violence, and attachment wounds, therapy could be a safe space to address these injuries. Through a collaborative approach and taking into account the mind & body, we join you on a journey of exploration, growth, and healing. Our trauma specialists can assist you in reconnecting with yourself and your body, feel grounded, and helping you manage your life more smoothly.
), complex PTSD, attachment issues, dissociation/multiplicity, depersonalization/derealization, general relationship issues, anxiety, depression, fears/phobias, grief, etc.
You can heal from TRAUMA. If you are living with traumatic events from your past, ranging from sexual abuse, incest, rape, humiliation, violence, and attachment wounds, therapy could be a safe space to address these injuries. Through a collaborative approach and taking into account the mind & body, we join you on a journey of exploration, growth, and healing. Our trauma specialists can assist you in reconnecting with yourself and your body, feel grounded, and helping you manage your life more smoothly.
(818) 275-0776 View (818) 275-0776
Alexandra Pestereanu- Gere
Pre-Licensed Professional, PsyD
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92109
I am particularly zealous about social injustice issues and working with the marginalized population. I am passionate about working with and helping people who are facing: depression, anxiety, traumatic events, racism, relationship conflicts, childhood problems, self-esteem issues, communication problems, and acculturation. I am concerned with the impact of anxiety and depression and improving intervention to support daily functioning and living with anxiety and depression for better emotional, physical, and relationship health.
I am particularly zealous about social injustice issues and working with the marginalized population. I am passionate about working with and helping people who are facing: depression, anxiety, traumatic events, racism, relationship conflicts, childhood problems, self-esteem issues, communication problems, and acculturation. I am concerned with the impact of anxiety and depression and improving intervention to support daily functioning and living with anxiety and depression for better emotional, physical, and relationship health.
(760) 280-5240 View (760) 280-5240
Photo of Counseling Services, Inc., Marriage & Family Therapist in Yorba Linda, CA
Counseling Services, Inc.
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, PhD, MFT, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Culver City, CA 90230  (Online Only)
We offer Individual, Child, Couple, and Family psychotherapy treatment for anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, as well as many other mental and emotional challenges.
At Counseling Services/LA Peace of Mind.com, we guide people to the light and empower themselves to heal. We help people who seek trust and freedom to be expressive, address life challenges, and barriers that interfere with growth and achieving life's goals. Now offering Neurofeedback in 2024
We offer Individual, Child, Couple, and Family psychotherapy treatment for anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, as well as many other mental and emotional challenges.
At Counseling Services/LA Peace of Mind.com, we guide people to the light and empower themselves to heal. We help people who seek trust and freedom to be expressive, address life challenges, and barriers that interfere with growth and achieving life's goals. Now offering Neurofeedback in 2024
(424) 353-4257 View (424) 353-4257
Photo of Sebastian G Vasilescu, Marriage & Family Therapist in Yorba Linda, CA
Sebastian G Vasilescu
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Van Nuys, CA 91401
The courageous step of embarking on an experience of bettering one’s life is not easily done. I truly am honored to be a part of that process. In a collaborative approach I help guide Clients to work through the many reasons they arrive to therapy. Clients seem to have a very clear goal of bettering their lives, and I strive to make this happen by helping clients free themselves to use tools learned years into the future. I work with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families with varying presenting issues, including anxiety, depression, family of origin issues, marginalized oppression, relationship issues and addiction.
The courageous step of embarking on an experience of bettering one’s life is not easily done. I truly am honored to be a part of that process. In a collaborative approach I help guide Clients to work through the many reasons they arrive to therapy. Clients seem to have a very clear goal of bettering their lives, and I strive to make this happen by helping clients free themselves to use tools learned years into the future. I work with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families with varying presenting issues, including anxiety, depression, family of origin issues, marginalized oppression, relationship issues and addiction.
(818) 855-7401 View (818) 855-7401
Photo of Bright Idea Psychology, Psychologist in Yorba Linda, CA
Bright Idea Psychology
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Dr. Bright is a Child Psychologist who specializes in working with children, teens and young adults who struggle with High Functioning Autism previously known as Asperger Syndrome. Dr.Bright also has extensive training, education and experience working with children, teens and young adults who struggle with depression, anxiety, anger, mood swings, trauma, obsessive compulsive disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, grief and loss. In her practice, Dr.Bright relies on evidence-based interventions to teach children copings skills to manage difficult situations and re-gain their self esteem.
Dr. Bright is a Child Psychologist who specializes in working with children, teens and young adults who struggle with High Functioning Autism previously known as Asperger Syndrome. Dr.Bright also has extensive training, education and experience working with children, teens and young adults who struggle with depression, anxiety, anger, mood swings, trauma, obsessive compulsive disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, grief and loss. In her practice, Dr.Bright relies on evidence-based interventions to teach children copings skills to manage difficult situations and re-gain their self esteem.
(949) 531-7306 View (949) 531-7306
Photo of Isabelle Futsi, Marriage & Family Therapist in Yorba Linda, CA
Isabelle Futsi
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MS
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Beverly Hills, CA 90211  (Online Only)
I work with high achievers, individuals working through trauma, depression, c/ptsd, anxiety, communication, stress, life transitions and I stress equal importance of healing all aspects of your mind, body, and soul.
No matter how far you are on your journey, it's likely that there will always be something that's not perfect, or the way you want it to be. When we are hurting (and not present), it's difficult to enjoy life, make decisions, or work through transitions, traumas, painful memories, or experiences. Emotional injuries may lead to difficulties with relationships, self worth, goals, and living to your fullest potential. My name is Isabelle, and I will support you in practicing mindfulness and taking control, rather than "sinking" into painful life situations or memories. I use a variety of effective cutting-edge therapies and tools.
I work with high achievers, individuals working through trauma, depression, c/ptsd, anxiety, communication, stress, life transitions and I stress equal importance of healing all aspects of your mind, body, and soul.
No matter how far you are on your journey, it's likely that there will always be something that's not perfect, or the way you want it to be. When we are hurting (and not present), it's difficult to enjoy life, make decisions, or work through transitions, traumas, painful memories, or experiences. Emotional injuries may lead to difficulties with relationships, self worth, goals, and living to your fullest potential. My name is Isabelle, and I will support you in practicing mindfulness and taking control, rather than "sinking" into painful life situations or memories. I use a variety of effective cutting-edge therapies and tools.
(818) 351-7052 View (818) 351-7052
Photo of Afterschool Village, Marriage & Family Therapist in Yorba Linda, CA
Afterschool Village
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Studio City, CA 91604
We welcome children with identifiable symptoms like anxiety, depression or behavioral dysregulation as well as any child who could benefit from a creative, engaging and stress free environment and we work on an integration model.
Kids in our communities today are stressed. Major social issues from racial and environmental injustice to economic precarity cast a daily shadow over their lives. The social dislocation and isolation of the pandemic has made a difficult situation worse. This situation has led to an epidemic of anxiety and depression among young people. More subtly it has also led to feelings of fragility and powerlessness even among kids who are “doing well”. Parents, themselves stressed out, overworked, and far from their families of origin want to help but don’t know how.
We welcome children with identifiable symptoms like anxiety, depression or behavioral dysregulation as well as any child who could benefit from a creative, engaging and stress free environment and we work on an integration model.
Kids in our communities today are stressed. Major social issues from racial and environmental injustice to economic precarity cast a daily shadow over their lives. The social dislocation and isolation of the pandemic has made a difficult situation worse. This situation has led to an epidemic of anxiety and depression among young people. More subtly it has also led to feelings of fragility and powerlessness even among kids who are “doing well”. Parents, themselves stressed out, overworked, and far from their families of origin want to help but don’t know how.
(323) 776-1908 View (323) 776-1908
Photo of Adriana Bagdasarian, Marriage & Family Therapist in Yorba Linda, CA
Adriana Bagdasarian
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90025  (Online Only)
I have extensive experience working with adults who struggle with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, anger, work-life balance, and stress.
I believe that the most effective and lasting changes take place with a strong and supportive client-therapist relationship. I strive to create a comfortable and safe space where my clients can look inward and find their greatest strengths in order to overcome underlying causes and unhealthy patterns that have potentially held them back in the past. Although treatment is not one size fits all, empathy and acceptance are key elements in allowing you to start making positive changes. My goal is to help you take the steps necessary to have the life that you want.
I have extensive experience working with adults who struggle with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, anger, work-life balance, and stress.
I believe that the most effective and lasting changes take place with a strong and supportive client-therapist relationship. I strive to create a comfortable and safe space where my clients can look inward and find their greatest strengths in order to overcome underlying causes and unhealthy patterns that have potentially held them back in the past. Although treatment is not one size fits all, empathy and acceptance are key elements in allowing you to start making positive changes. My goal is to help you take the steps necessary to have the life that you want.
(310) 294-8379 View (310) 294-8379
Photo of Southern California Neuropsychology Group, Psychologist in Yorba Linda, CA
Southern California Neuropsychology Group
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Woodland Hills, CA 91367
Neuro-Psychotherapy: This unique therapeutic modality combines psychotherapy with a brain and behavior perspective. The integrative format helps you better understand your brain patterns in relationship to your behavior and emotional output. This information will help you to permanently correct the negative feeling or behavior, allowing you to establish positive patterns instead. We offer individual, family and couples therapy to children, adolescents and adults with the following problems or difficulties: sadness/depression, mood swings, anxiety (panic attacks), social phobia, poor social skills, OCD, substance abuse (relapse prevention), video game/internet/pornography addiction, gambling, eating disorders, sleep difficulties, impulsivity, anger problems, relationship issues, trauma/abuse, PTSD.
Neuro-Psychotherapy: This unique therapeutic modality combines psychotherapy with a brain and behavior perspective. The integrative format helps you better understand your brain patterns in relationship to your behavior and emotional output. This information will help you to permanently correct the negative feeling or behavior, allowing you to establish positive patterns instead. We offer individual, family and couples therapy to children, adolescents and adults with the following problems or difficulties: sadness/depression, mood swings, anxiety (panic attacks), social phobia, poor social skills, OCD, substance abuse (relapse prevention), video game/internet/pornography addiction, gambling, eating disorders, sleep difficulties, impulsivity, anger problems, relationship issues, trauma/abuse, PTSD.
(747) 236-6291 View (747) 236-6291
Photo of Karine Echighian, Marriage & Family Therapist in Yorba Linda, CA
Karine Echighian
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, MBA, LMFT, CCATP
Verified Verified
Woodland Hills, CA 91367  (Online Only)
Working with individuals with a variety of challenges including anxiety, depression, PTSD, anger management, self-esteem, relationship challenges and changes, etc.
Deciding to seek counseling services is, often times, a personal and difficult decision. Finding the right therapist is a daunting task. Once you take the first step and found the proper support, you are on the path of self-discovery and healing. It is the first step towards "figuring it out" or "making a change". When you find yourself feeling stuck or struggling, reaching out is positive and empowering. Looking forward to helping you thrive all the while providing guidance and support on your journey towards achieving your goals.
Working with individuals with a variety of challenges including anxiety, depression, PTSD, anger management, self-esteem, relationship challenges and changes, etc.
Deciding to seek counseling services is, often times, a personal and difficult decision. Finding the right therapist is a daunting task. Once you take the first step and found the proper support, you are on the path of self-discovery and healing. It is the first step towards "figuring it out" or "making a change". When you find yourself feeling stuck or struggling, reaching out is positive and empowering. Looking forward to helping you thrive all the while providing guidance and support on your journey towards achieving your goals.
(818) 306-5483 View (818) 306-5483
Joanna Novac
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Listening to clients' struggles, I am reminded how our increasingly complicated world tests daily our capacity to adapt and cope. Relationships encounter myriad of challenges, our identity undergoes major pressures and shifts. Ourselves as well as our loved ones are faced regularly with crises and upheavals. When feeling overwhelmed, many people seek support as they reach into familiar coping modes, which may no longer be helpful. In this context, therapy may start as a unique form of education and continue as a process of self growth, a journey of profound transformation.
Listening to clients' struggles, I am reminded how our increasingly complicated world tests daily our capacity to adapt and cope. Relationships encounter myriad of challenges, our identity undergoes major pressures and shifts. Ourselves as well as our loved ones are faced regularly with crises and upheavals. When feeling overwhelmed, many people seek support as they reach into familiar coping modes, which may no longer be helpful. In this context, therapy may start as a unique form of education and continue as a process of self growth, a journey of profound transformation.
(949) 677-9146 View (949) 677-9146
Photo of Andrea Bernard, Psychologist in Yorba Linda, CA
Andrea Bernard
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Carlsbad, CA 92011  (Online Only)
I am a clinical psychologist licensed in the State of California since 1993, with over 35 years' experience. I work with a variety of populations, including adults and adolescents, couples, and families. I am certified in EMDR, a type of therapy that treats people who feel "stuck" in a particular area of their lives or those with PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) following a traumatic experience. My office is easily accessible from Encinitas, Cardiff, Leucadia, La Costa, Olivenhain, Rancho Santa Fe, Vista, San Marcos, and Oceanside.
I am a clinical psychologist licensed in the State of California since 1993, with over 35 years' experience. I work with a variety of populations, including adults and adolescents, couples, and families. I am certified in EMDR, a type of therapy that treats people who feel "stuck" in a particular area of their lives or those with PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) following a traumatic experience. My office is easily accessible from Encinitas, Cardiff, Leucadia, La Costa, Olivenhain, Rancho Santa Fe, Vista, San Marcos, and Oceanside.
(760) 289-5503 View (760) 289-5503
Photo of Panim California Counseling Center, Marriage & Family Therapist in Yorba Linda, CA
Panim California Counseling Center
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Riverside, CA 92504  (Online Only)
Because of my specific cross-cultural background, my training as a spiritual counselor and my professional familiarity with the academic environment, my primary expertise is three folded: (1) helping educated individuals to reach their full potential, (2) guiding adults dealing with faith crises, and (3) facilitating cross-cultural couples'/family's acculturation journey.
Because of my specific cross-cultural background, my training as a spiritual counselor and my professional familiarity with the academic environment, my primary expertise is three folded: (1) helping educated individuals to reach their full potential, (2) guiding adults dealing with faith crises, and (3) facilitating cross-cultural couples'/family's acculturation journey.
(909) 531-4466 View (909) 531-4466
Photo of Corina Gheorghiu, Marriage & Family Therapist in Yorba Linda, CA
Corina Gheorghiu
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, DDS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
Are you tired of the struggle to create and maintain fulfilling relationships within yourself and with others? Do you feel different after the pandemic? Through anxiety & energy management, individual psychotherapy and inter-generational life coaching & parenting, focused on a highly tailored approach of integrating mind and heart, body and soul, you will get to the root of your problems and become confident in your ability to change and heal. You can acquire peace, even in the midst of turmoil. You can start to fulfill the innate desire for love in all your relationships, with your self and others, with the world and its Creator.
Are you tired of the struggle to create and maintain fulfilling relationships within yourself and with others? Do you feel different after the pandemic? Through anxiety & energy management, individual psychotherapy and inter-generational life coaching & parenting, focused on a highly tailored approach of integrating mind and heart, body and soul, you will get to the root of your problems and become confident in your ability to change and heal. You can acquire peace, even in the midst of turmoil. You can start to fulfill the innate desire for love in all your relationships, with your self and others, with the world and its Creator.
(310) 504-1935 View (310) 504-1935

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.