Depression Therapists in Cleveland, OH

Photo of Egypt C Burge, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Cleveland, OH
Egypt C Burge
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MEd, LPCC
Verified Verified
Cleveland, OH 44120
I specialize in helping women who are struggling with anxiety, depression, self-esteem, chronic illness, relationships, and recovery from trauma.
Are you feeling overwhelmed? Do you settle for less or struggle to create boundaries? Do you constantly put your own needs on the back-burner? Are you having difficulty in your relationships? If you are struggling with difficult emotions (anxiety, depression, anger, guilt) or life circumstances such as change, loss or chronic illness my goal is to empower you to effectively handle life's struggles so that you can live a meaningful and fulfilling life. I can help you gain insight and develop relevant skills that will enhance your ability to cope and thrive despite the circumstances.
I specialize in helping women who are struggling with anxiety, depression, self-esteem, chronic illness, relationships, and recovery from trauma.
Are you feeling overwhelmed? Do you settle for less or struggle to create boundaries? Do you constantly put your own needs on the back-burner? Are you having difficulty in your relationships? If you are struggling with difficult emotions (anxiety, depression, anger, guilt) or life circumstances such as change, loss or chronic illness my goal is to empower you to effectively handle life's struggles so that you can live a meaningful and fulfilling life. I can help you gain insight and develop relevant skills that will enhance your ability to cope and thrive despite the circumstances.
(216) 208-6782 View (216) 208-6782
Photo of Ruth Zuber, Marriage & Family Therapist in Cleveland, OH
Ruth Zuber
Marriage & Family Therapist, LIMFT
Verified Verified
Cleveland, OH 44114  (Online Only)
Imagine a place where you are free to be your true self, a place where you can share your thoughts and be vulnerable without the fear of judgement. How would it feel to be seen, heard and understood? Hello, I am Ruth and as a therapist I strive to create a space like this because this is where true healing and growth happen. We all have different life experiences and sometimes figuring out how to handle and cope with those experiences is challenging. You don't have to do it alone! Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, grief, chronic stress, trauma, relationships or life transition change is possible.
Imagine a place where you are free to be your true self, a place where you can share your thoughts and be vulnerable without the fear of judgement. How would it feel to be seen, heard and understood? Hello, I am Ruth and as a therapist I strive to create a space like this because this is where true healing and growth happen. We all have different life experiences and sometimes figuring out how to handle and cope with those experiences is challenging. You don't have to do it alone! Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, grief, chronic stress, trauma, relationships or life transition change is possible.
(216) 340-9789 View (216) 340-9789
Photo of Kelly Cioletti, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Cleveland, OH
Kelly Cioletti
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW
Verified Verified
Cleveland, OH 44102
Hello, my name is Kelly Cioletti, and I am a Licensed Independent Social Worker and a Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor. My specialty areas of focus are individuals with mental illness, substance use disorders, and co-occurring disorders. I am able to work with adolescents from ages 13-17 and adults 18 and older. I have over 10 years of experience in working with Depression, Mood Disorders, Adjustment Disorders, Bipolar, Anxiety, PTSD, Trauma, Codependency, Grief, and substance use disorders.
Hello, my name is Kelly Cioletti, and I am a Licensed Independent Social Worker and a Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor. My specialty areas of focus are individuals with mental illness, substance use disorders, and co-occurring disorders. I am able to work with adolescents from ages 13-17 and adults 18 and older. I have over 10 years of experience in working with Depression, Mood Disorders, Adjustment Disorders, Bipolar, Anxiety, PTSD, Trauma, Codependency, Grief, and substance use disorders.
(216) 606-8702 View (216) 606-8702
Photo of Doris Rhodes, Counselor in Cleveland, OH
Doris Rhodes
Counselor, MA, LPCC, CGRS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Cleveland, OH 44119  (Online Only)
Many individuals have concerns with depression, grief, and anxiety. These may become overwhelming at times, even hard to deal with. However, they need not be. Don't allow these feelings to become obstacles on your journey to a more fulfilling life. Instead, transform them into stepping stones to your happiness and freedom.
Many individuals have concerns with depression, grief, and anxiety. These may become overwhelming at times, even hard to deal with. However, they need not be. Don't allow these feelings to become obstacles on your journey to a more fulfilling life. Instead, transform them into stepping stones to your happiness and freedom.
(216) 609-3332 View (216) 609-3332
Photo of Linda Stout, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Cleveland, OH
Linda Stout
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW
Verified Verified
Cleveland, OH 44114  (Online Only)
My primary areas of fucus have been anxiety, depression, trauma, family conflict, behavioral issues, anger management, stress management and sexual abuse.
We all experience life differently and sometimes trying to figure out how to handle those experiences can be overwhelming. I am here for you, so you don't have to do it alone. My goal is to provide you with a warm, safe, and inviting environment where I can help you with processing any thoughts and feelings you may have about life challenges. I am a LISW-S and have over 16 years experience working with adults, children, teens, families, and groups.
My primary areas of fucus have been anxiety, depression, trauma, family conflict, behavioral issues, anger management, stress management and sexual abuse.
We all experience life differently and sometimes trying to figure out how to handle those experiences can be overwhelming. I am here for you, so you don't have to do it alone. My goal is to provide you with a warm, safe, and inviting environment where I can help you with processing any thoughts and feelings you may have about life challenges. I am a LISW-S and have over 16 years experience working with adults, children, teens, families, and groups.
(216) 859-0224 View (216) 859-0224
Photo of Noelle Craciun Fitzpatrick, Licensed Professional Counselor in Cleveland, OH
Noelle Craciun Fitzpatrick
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cleveland, OH 44102  (Online Only)
I have experience working with clients who are facing difficulties with depression, anxiety, grief/loss, parenting issues, family issues, dealing with trauma, stress management, and finding a work/life balance.
If you feel stuck or are yearning for a change, therapy is a chance to take life in a different direction. My main goal is to help my clients feel comfortable sharing their story because that is when the true healing happens. I am here to offer my clients total acceptance, support and guidance as they begin their journey of healing and self-discovery. Let me help you take the next step to feeling happiness and fulfillment in your life.
I have experience working with clients who are facing difficulties with depression, anxiety, grief/loss, parenting issues, family issues, dealing with trauma, stress management, and finding a work/life balance.
If you feel stuck or are yearning for a change, therapy is a chance to take life in a different direction. My main goal is to help my clients feel comfortable sharing their story because that is when the true healing happens. I am here to offer my clients total acceptance, support and guidance as they begin their journey of healing and self-discovery. Let me help you take the next step to feeling happiness and fulfillment in your life.
(440) 306-4718 View (440) 306-4718
Photo of Alia Lawlor Counseling, Counselor in Cleveland, OH
Alia Lawlor Counseling
Counselor, LPCC-S, CCTP
Verified Verified
Cleveland, OH 44111  (Online Only)
I have 20 years experience working with anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, relationship issues, emotional regulation, life transitions, grief, religious trauma, self-love/compassion/forgiveness, and college student mental health.
I love to collaborate with clients who seek to explore the connections between their present experiences and the chapters of their past. Discovering these patterns gives us the ability to change the future. It also provides the opportunity to cultivate self-love, forgiveness, and compassion, which serves as a resilient foundation upon which we can experience transformative changes. Leveraging insight and intuition from experience, I aim to support you in experiencing those revelatory "aha" moments—both significant and subtle—where connections previously unnoticed suddenly come to light. These moments mark the real magic of therapy!
I have 20 years experience working with anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, relationship issues, emotional regulation, life transitions, grief, religious trauma, self-love/compassion/forgiveness, and college student mental health.
I love to collaborate with clients who seek to explore the connections between their present experiences and the chapters of their past. Discovering these patterns gives us the ability to change the future. It also provides the opportunity to cultivate self-love, forgiveness, and compassion, which serves as a resilient foundation upon which we can experience transformative changes. Leveraging insight and intuition from experience, I aim to support you in experiencing those revelatory "aha" moments—both significant and subtle—where connections previously unnoticed suddenly come to light. These moments mark the real magic of therapy!
(216) 868-7987 View (216) 868-7987
Photo of April Hicks, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Cleveland, OH
April Hicks
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LISW
Verified Verified
Cleveland, OH 44121  (Online Only)
Whether it be Depression, Anxiety, Abuse, Trauma, Addiction, Relationships, Psychosis or managing everyday life.
Are you tired of feeling stuck in a cycle of engaging in the same behaviors? Do you feel overwhelmed with the pressures of life? Do you feel that you don’t have the support you need to get through difficulties? Do you have a hard time developing and maintaining healthy relationships? Do you have goals you desire to meet and are unsure how to reach them? Are you struggling with Depression and/or Anxiety? Do you have difficulties coping with the loss of a loved one? Do you struggle with Addiction? I believe there is a solution to every problem, and I have made it my life’s mission to help resolve issues that have been a burden.
Whether it be Depression, Anxiety, Abuse, Trauma, Addiction, Relationships, Psychosis or managing everyday life.
Are you tired of feeling stuck in a cycle of engaging in the same behaviors? Do you feel overwhelmed with the pressures of life? Do you feel that you don’t have the support you need to get through difficulties? Do you have a hard time developing and maintaining healthy relationships? Do you have goals you desire to meet and are unsure how to reach them? Are you struggling with Depression and/or Anxiety? Do you have difficulties coping with the loss of a loved one? Do you struggle with Addiction? I believe there is a solution to every problem, and I have made it my life’s mission to help resolve issues that have been a burden.
(216) 446-8482 View (216) 446-8482
Photo of Hallie M Poor, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Cleveland, OH
Hallie M Poor
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cleveland, OH 44113
I am ready to help clients work through anything from anxiety and depression, to relationship and intimacy issues, to exploring sexuality and gender identity.
Humans experience emotion. We experience conflict. We experience pain and trauma. Though normal and common, all of these can disrupt or make it extremely difficult for an individual to meet their goals, have healthy relationships with ourself and others, or even make it through the day. These challenges can be isolating and can make anyone start to feel hopeless and hesitant to reach out for help. I encourage you to reach out anyway. Healing takes time, work, and honesty and it is worth it.
I am ready to help clients work through anything from anxiety and depression, to relationship and intimacy issues, to exploring sexuality and gender identity.
Humans experience emotion. We experience conflict. We experience pain and trauma. Though normal and common, all of these can disrupt or make it extremely difficult for an individual to meet their goals, have healthy relationships with ourself and others, or even make it through the day. These challenges can be isolating and can make anyone start to feel hopeless and hesitant to reach out for help. I encourage you to reach out anyway. Healing takes time, work, and honesty and it is worth it.
(440) 271-8238 View (440) 271-8238
Photo of Hilary Rieman, Licensed Professional Counselor in Cleveland, OH
Hilary Rieman
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, AT-R
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Cleveland, OH 44111
Waitlist for new clients
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and Registered Art Therapist. , who through authentic relationship building helps adults collaboratively to feel empowered with their current life narrative. I assists adults struggling with ADHD, anxiety and depression.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and Registered Art Therapist. , who through authentic relationship building helps adults collaboratively to feel empowered with their current life narrative. I assists adults struggling with ADHD, anxiety and depression.
(216) 626-7891 View (216) 626-7891
Photo of Alisha Lambert, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Cleveland, OH
Alisha Lambert
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MA, LPCC
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Cleveland, OH 44109
I utilize an internal family systems approach to help clients who have experienced trauma or struggle with anxiety, depression, or relationships.
Are you looking for a way to end specific cycles or patterns you find yourself in time and time again? Maybe you are looking to address cycles and patterns that existed even before you. I am here to help you identify and address these cycles and patterns. I want to provide a sanctuary for your healing and processing. I love to work with all types of people and specifically enjoy working with members of the LGBTQ+ community. A lyric that always stands out to me is, "You're all caught up inside, But you know the way". I believe in you. Let's find what way works for you.
I utilize an internal family systems approach to help clients who have experienced trauma or struggle with anxiety, depression, or relationships.
Are you looking for a way to end specific cycles or patterns you find yourself in time and time again? Maybe you are looking to address cycles and patterns that existed even before you. I am here to help you identify and address these cycles and patterns. I want to provide a sanctuary for your healing and processing. I love to work with all types of people and specifically enjoy working with members of the LGBTQ+ community. A lyric that always stands out to me is, "You're all caught up inside, But you know the way". I believe in you. Let's find what way works for you.
(440) 271-8043 View (440) 271-8043
Photo of Flourish CLE, Counselor in Cleveland, OH
Flourish CLE
Counselor, MA, LPCC-S, ATR, RYT-200
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Cleveland, OH 44111  (Online Only)
I work to support clients struggling with challenges related to ADHD, Adjustment (general issues), Adoption, Anxiety, Attachment issues, Bereavement, Complex Trauma/PTSD, Complicated Grief/Traumatic Loss, Depression, LGBTQIA+ Issues, and Life Transitions of all ages.
Hello! My name is Ally McCarley. I am a licensed professional clinical counselor, registered art therapist, and registered yoga teacher. I believe that everyone is capable of healing and growth if given the right tools and support. I also believe that all parts of your self and your story deserve to be heard, honored, validated and sometimes challenged in a safe, supportive space. I have extensive training in many trauma informed modalities including Art Therapy, Yoga, Mindfulness and Meditation, Therapeutic Play, parts of self and EMDR and utilize a blend of these treatments depending on a client's particular needs and experiences.
I work to support clients struggling with challenges related to ADHD, Adjustment (general issues), Adoption, Anxiety, Attachment issues, Bereavement, Complex Trauma/PTSD, Complicated Grief/Traumatic Loss, Depression, LGBTQIA+ Issues, and Life Transitions of all ages.
Hello! My name is Ally McCarley. I am a licensed professional clinical counselor, registered art therapist, and registered yoga teacher. I believe that everyone is capable of healing and growth if given the right tools and support. I also believe that all parts of your self and your story deserve to be heard, honored, validated and sometimes challenged in a safe, supportive space. I have extensive training in many trauma informed modalities including Art Therapy, Yoga, Mindfulness and Meditation, Therapeutic Play, parts of self and EMDR and utilize a blend of these treatments depending on a client's particular needs and experiences.
(216) 485-3781 View (216) 485-3781
Photo of Mindful Living, Counselor in Cleveland, OH
Mindful Living
Counselor, LPCC, MEd
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cleveland, OH 44135  (Online Only)
My specialties include working with children of all ages, families, parenting skills, PTSD, depression, anxiety, grief, adjustment disorder, conduct disorder, anger management, court ordered.
My role is to walk beside my clients as they find their own solutions. I bring a background from journalism, theater, film, event production, dj, and comedy writing to my practice. Clients can expect to be heard and encouraged with genuine empathy and faith in improving life experiences. The modalities I use most are positive psychology , cognitive behavioral, client centered, gestalt, Parent Child Interactive, and trauma informed. I am grateful for every client I am privileged to meet.
My specialties include working with children of all ages, families, parenting skills, PTSD, depression, anxiety, grief, adjustment disorder, conduct disorder, anger management, court ordered.
My role is to walk beside my clients as they find their own solutions. I bring a background from journalism, theater, film, event production, dj, and comedy writing to my practice. Clients can expect to be heard and encouraged with genuine empathy and faith in improving life experiences. The modalities I use most are positive psychology , cognitive behavioral, client centered, gestalt, Parent Child Interactive, and trauma informed. I am grateful for every client I am privileged to meet.
(216) 284-8381 View (216) 284-8381
Photo of Deborah Smith, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Cleveland, OH
Deborah Smith
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW
Verified Verified
Cleveland, OH 44109
Hi! My name is Deborah, and I am a Licensed Independent Social Worker. I work with children, adolescents, and adults and specialize in anxiety, depression, complex trauma, parenting, autism, bipolar disorder, and more. I aim to create a safe environment and build a trusting, nourishing relationship where you can start your journey of healing and growth. I work with children, adolescents, and adults and specialize in anxiety, depression, complex trauma, parenting, autism, bipolar disorder, behavioral challenges, and more.
Hi! My name is Deborah, and I am a Licensed Independent Social Worker. I work with children, adolescents, and adults and specialize in anxiety, depression, complex trauma, parenting, autism, bipolar disorder, and more. I aim to create a safe environment and build a trusting, nourishing relationship where you can start your journey of healing and growth. I work with children, adolescents, and adults and specialize in anxiety, depression, complex trauma, parenting, autism, bipolar disorder, behavioral challenges, and more.
(216) 465-6329 View (216) 465-6329
Photo of Annemarie Colosimo, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Cleveland, OH
Annemarie Colosimo
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW, S
Verified Verified
Cleveland, OH 44131  (Online Only)
The majority of my experience is in grief and loss and bereavement including traumatic loss (Suicide/Overdose), as well as adjustment, anxiety, depression, and caregiver stress.
When people are struggling, they want to be heard, validated, and feel that there is hope. Their goal may be to just feel better, but they need help figuring out how to get there. They want someone they can talk to without fear of judgement and who can help them process their thoughts and emotions in a way that they may not have done in the past. They want to feel that the support they desire does exist and is accessible.
The majority of my experience is in grief and loss and bereavement including traumatic loss (Suicide/Overdose), as well as adjustment, anxiety, depression, and caregiver stress.
When people are struggling, they want to be heard, validated, and feel that there is hope. Their goal may be to just feel better, but they need help figuring out how to get there. They want someone they can talk to without fear of judgement and who can help them process their thoughts and emotions in a way that they may not have done in the past. They want to feel that the support they desire does exist and is accessible.
(216) 284-4715 View (216) 284-4715
Photo of Cynthia J Tepper, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Cleveland, OH
Cynthia J Tepper
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LSW
Verified Verified
Cleveland, OH 44122  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I enjoy and specialize in treating adults navigating experiences including; women's issues, anxiety, depression, grief/loss, and supporting parents of LGBTQIA+ children. I believe fully in the collaborative nature of the therapeutic relationship. The issues and experiences unique to parents of LGBTQIA+ folks are an area of expertise and interest in my work. I enjoy working with clients to acquire the insight to change ineffective patterns with an emphasis on compassionate understanding, empowerment and affirmation. I believe wholeheartedly in helping clients discover their resiliency and comfort within their unique experiences.
I enjoy and specialize in treating adults navigating experiences including; women's issues, anxiety, depression, grief/loss, and supporting parents of LGBTQIA+ children. I believe fully in the collaborative nature of the therapeutic relationship. The issues and experiences unique to parents of LGBTQIA+ folks are an area of expertise and interest in my work. I enjoy working with clients to acquire the insight to change ineffective patterns with an emphasis on compassionate understanding, empowerment and affirmation. I believe wholeheartedly in helping clients discover their resiliency and comfort within their unique experiences.
(216) 714-8069 View (216) 714-8069
Photo of Hallie B. Durchslag, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Cleveland, OH
Hallie B. Durchslag
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, LISW-S
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cleveland, OH 44118
I see clients who struggle with feelings of depression and anxiety, who suffer from biologically-based mood disorders, as well as those who feel the need to deepen a sense of purpose in their lives.
Deciding to seek therapy may coincide with intensely difficult circumstances. A key goal is to help you build a sense of confidence in your ability to both change and heal. Even negative emotions and actions can guide us toward wellness when they are reflected upon in a safe and confidential relationship with a therapist.Together, we will explore how your behaviors, thoughts, and feelings affect you in the here and now and also how they have come to be. I offer a straightforward and thoughtful approach that values and accepts the complex facets of what makes us who we are.
I see clients who struggle with feelings of depression and anxiety, who suffer from biologically-based mood disorders, as well as those who feel the need to deepen a sense of purpose in their lives.
Deciding to seek therapy may coincide with intensely difficult circumstances. A key goal is to help you build a sense of confidence in your ability to both change and heal. Even negative emotions and actions can guide us toward wellness when they are reflected upon in a safe and confidential relationship with a therapist.Together, we will explore how your behaviors, thoughts, and feelings affect you in the here and now and also how they have come to be. I offer a straightforward and thoughtful approach that values and accepts the complex facets of what makes us who we are.
(216) 485-3130 View (216) 485-3130
Photo of Sara Newman, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Cleveland, OH
Sara Newman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW-S
Verified Verified
Cleveland, OH 44122  (Online Only)
Sara Newman is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LiSW-S ) with over 18 years of clinical experience in community mental health and private practice. She provides individual therapy to children, adolescents and adults, with specialty areas that include anxiety and depression issues, mindfulness, relaxation training, developmental disabilities and autism spectrum disorder.
Sara Newman is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LiSW-S ) with over 18 years of clinical experience in community mental health and private practice. She provides individual therapy to children, adolescents and adults, with specialty areas that include anxiety and depression issues, mindfulness, relaxation training, developmental disabilities and autism spectrum disorder.
(216) 208-7364 View (216) 208-7364
Affiliates in Behavioral Health
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cleveland, OH 44131
Affiliates in Behavioral Health, LLC is an independent, multi-disciplinary and culturally diverse behavioral health care practice providing evaluation and treatment of emotional, behavioral and psychiatric problems. We firmly believe in providing coordinated care where specially trained therapists and medical doctors work together, within the same office, to help patients feel better as quickly as possible. Our experienced and licensed clinicians provide quality services to children, teens, adults and seniors for a wide variety of problems including relationship and family issues, depression, anxiety, fear, loss/grief, anger, mood swings, eating disorders, chemical dependency, and difficulties in school or at work.
Affiliates in Behavioral Health, LLC is an independent, multi-disciplinary and culturally diverse behavioral health care practice providing evaluation and treatment of emotional, behavioral and psychiatric problems. We firmly believe in providing coordinated care where specially trained therapists and medical doctors work together, within the same office, to help patients feel better as quickly as possible. Our experienced and licensed clinicians provide quality services to children, teens, adults and seniors for a wide variety of problems including relationship and family issues, depression, anxiety, fear, loss/grief, anger, mood swings, eating disorders, chemical dependency, and difficulties in school or at work.
(216) 772-0078 View (216) 772-0078
Photo of Rachel Tramonte, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Cleveland, OH
Rachel Tramonte
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW
Verified Verified
Cleveland, OH 44106
I work with adults & parents who want to manage their anxiety and depression. My goal is to help you stay focused on what matters most to you most.
I work with adults & parents who want to manage their anxiety and depression. My goal is to help you stay focused on what matters most to you most.
(323) 420-8305 View (323) 420-8305
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.