Photo of Joanne Armstrong, Psychologist in Greenville, SC
Joanne Armstrong
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Greenville, SC 29615
They often suffer with stress, insomnia, ADHD, depression, anxiety, anger, and low self-confidence.
After 25+ years working as a clinical psychologist, business owner, and mediator, I am even more enthusiastic and delighted to go about my work than when I first began. Helping people of all ages as they learn to make decisions, handle stress, control emotions, advance their careers, and acquire loving relationships is a privilege and is what I am called to do. I care about your outcome and seek to be a trusted professional advisor and resource to you, both immediately and whenever you need me in years to come. Together we can transform your relationships, health, and career to get you safely through the toughest times. CALL NOW!
They often suffer with stress, insomnia, ADHD, depression, anxiety, anger, and low self-confidence.
After 25+ years working as a clinical psychologist, business owner, and mediator, I am even more enthusiastic and delighted to go about my work than when I first began. Helping people of all ages as they learn to make decisions, handle stress, control emotions, advance their careers, and acquire loving relationships is a privilege and is what I am called to do. I care about your outcome and seek to be a trusted professional advisor and resource to you, both immediately and whenever you need me in years to come. Together we can transform your relationships, health, and career to get you safely through the toughest times. CALL NOW!
(864) 649-6106 View (864) 649-6106
Photo of Amy Taylor Scully, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Greenville, SC
Amy Taylor Scully
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Greenville, SC 29605
I believe that behind every problem lies the powerful desire for something better. In addition to working with couples and families, my expertise is in therapy with adolescents (13+) and adults, both gay and straight. I use research-based therapies that offer practical methods and skills that build emotional flexibility, self-awareness and resilience. Many of my clients are working to become free of self-defeating patterns resulting from emotional neglect in early or adolescent development. My typical client is intelligent and responsible as well as anxious and stressed, lonely, depressed or angry.
I believe that behind every problem lies the powerful desire for something better. In addition to working with couples and families, my expertise is in therapy with adolescents (13+) and adults, both gay and straight. I use research-based therapies that offer practical methods and skills that build emotional flexibility, self-awareness and resilience. Many of my clients are working to become free of self-defeating patterns resulting from emotional neglect in early or adolescent development. My typical client is intelligent and responsible as well as anxious and stressed, lonely, depressed or angry.
(864) 571-0723 View (864) 571-0723
Photo of Gene E Wagstaff in Greenville, SC
Gene E Wagstaff
Verified Verified
Greenville, SC 29617
We are a counseling center with a team of both male and female counselors who can help you if you are suffering from depression, anger, OCD or addictions. We reconcile marriages that are headed towards divorce by: (1) Teaching husbands and wives how to communicate with each other without it leading to the same old argument. (2). Healing the hurts and wounds from the past that lead to the same old arguments. (3). Teaching husbands and wives how to love and meet each other's needs (to feel loved by each other). Visit our website at WOGCounseling.org for further understanding
We are a counseling center with a team of both male and female counselors who can help you if you are suffering from depression, anger, OCD or addictions. We reconcile marriages that are headed towards divorce by: (1) Teaching husbands and wives how to communicate with each other without it leading to the same old argument. (2). Healing the hurts and wounds from the past that lead to the same old arguments. (3). Teaching husbands and wives how to love and meet each other's needs (to feel loved by each other). Visit our website at WOGCounseling.org for further understanding
(864) 606-3099 View (864) 606-3099
Photo of Kim Peake, Licensed Professional Counselor in Greenville, SC
Kim Peake
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Greenville, SC 29605  (Online Only)
Hi there! In the midst of life's demands, it's easy to feel emotionally and mentally drained. Balancing roles as parents, partners, colleagues, and caretakers often leads us to overlook our own well-being. It can feel like an endless cycle of battling anxiety, depression, and self-doubt, leaving us feeling stuck in a hamster wheel of stress. While we prioritize relationships with others, it's equally crucial to nurture our relationship with ourselves. If you're grappling with self-criticism or navigating life's transitions while seeking identity, remember: self-care isn't a luxury; it's vital for our well-being.
Hi there! In the midst of life's demands, it's easy to feel emotionally and mentally drained. Balancing roles as parents, partners, colleagues, and caretakers often leads us to overlook our own well-being. It can feel like an endless cycle of battling anxiety, depression, and self-doubt, leaving us feeling stuck in a hamster wheel of stress. While we prioritize relationships with others, it's equally crucial to nurture our relationship with ourselves. If you're grappling with self-criticism or navigating life's transitions while seeking identity, remember: self-care isn't a luxury; it's vital for our well-being.
(803) 710-4542 View (803) 710-4542
Photo of J. Suzanne Hagopian, Integrative Practitioner, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Greenville, SC
J. Suzanne Hagopian, Integrative Practitioner
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-R, RYT
Verified Verified
Greenville, SC 29601  (Online Only)
Clients who work with me are seeking a collaborative effort for wellness, open to mind / body approaches and a healthful path. Clients may be dealing with Anxiety or Depression or Life Transitions (job related / relational / fertility / LGBTQ+ / men's & women's issues / aging). You may be working to find peace & purpose in your life. I hope to help you in evaluating and processing internal and external barriers that may prevent you from actualizing authentic-self potential. We will work together to provide applicable skills for meeting the goals we set forth.
Clients who work with me are seeking a collaborative effort for wellness, open to mind / body approaches and a healthful path. Clients may be dealing with Anxiety or Depression or Life Transitions (job related / relational / fertility / LGBTQ+ / men's & women's issues / aging). You may be working to find peace & purpose in your life. I hope to help you in evaluating and processing internal and external barriers that may prevent you from actualizing authentic-self potential. We will work together to provide applicable skills for meeting the goals we set forth.
(646) 859-0962 View (646) 859-0962
Photo of Jennifer Livingstone, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Greenville, SC
Jennifer Livingstone
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LCAS, LISW-CP
Verified Verified
Greenville, SC 29601  (Online Only)
Your life has not turned out how you had planned or hoped. You are struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, anger, substance use, or loss. You find yourself trying to solve this discomfort by repeating behaviors that provide temporary relief, but ultimately lead you further away from the kind of life you want, and the kind of person you want to be. Instead of stuck, exhausted, desperate, and dissatisfied, you'd like to move through your life with confidence, compassion, clarity, trust, creativity, curiosity, and centeredness. You'd like to finally resolve the hurt or pain you have been carrying inside you.
Your life has not turned out how you had planned or hoped. You are struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, anger, substance use, or loss. You find yourself trying to solve this discomfort by repeating behaviors that provide temporary relief, but ultimately lead you further away from the kind of life you want, and the kind of person you want to be. Instead of stuck, exhausted, desperate, and dissatisfied, you'd like to move through your life with confidence, compassion, clarity, trust, creativity, curiosity, and centeredness. You'd like to finally resolve the hurt or pain you have been carrying inside you.
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Photo of Sarah Allen, Licensed Professional Counselor in Greenville, SC
Sarah Allen
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC, CCTP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Greenville, SC 29601  (Online Only)
Has life got you feeling overwhelmed? Do you feel stressed and don't know what to do? I help client become the masters of their own lives again. I work with clients who are experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, and self harming behaviors. I also work with clients who are adjusting to new circumstances in their lives, having difficulty managing stress, or trouble navigating relationships and interpersonal conflict. I help clients work to build skills to regulate their emotions and thoughts effectively to become their own therapists.
Has life got you feeling overwhelmed? Do you feel stressed and don't know what to do? I help client become the masters of their own lives again. I work with clients who are experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, and self harming behaviors. I also work with clients who are adjusting to new circumstances in their lives, having difficulty managing stress, or trouble navigating relationships and interpersonal conflict. I help clients work to build skills to regulate their emotions and thoughts effectively to become their own therapists.
(864) 396-2151 View (864) 396-2151
Photo of Penny Orr, Counselor in Greenville, SC
Penny Orr
Counselor, LPC-S, ATR-BC, RPT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Greenville, SC 29601
Are you feeling anxious or depressed? Are you working on your gender, personal or professional identity? Are you looking for support and direction to manage your life. Do you have a history or trauma that is contributing to your emotional turmoil.
Are you feeling anxious or depressed? Are you working on your gender, personal or professional identity? Are you looking for support and direction to manage your life. Do you have a history or trauma that is contributing to your emotional turmoil.
(854) 946-5109 View (854) 946-5109
Photo of Therapy Light Counseling Solutions, LPC Associate in Greenville, SC
Therapy Light Counseling Solutions
LPC Associate, MA, LPCA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Greenville, SC 29607  (Online Only)
I also work with anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, and PTSD.
Come relax, chat, and learn new ways of being! In a world full of noise...it's hard to feel heard! If you’re looking for a safe space where your voice matters; then head over for some genuine & authentic conversations. Conversations that allow you to explore thoughts, behaviors, and patterns that are blocking the truest version of yourself from showing up. After all we're created in God's perfect image, and sometimes we just need someone to hold the mirror for us until we're able to hold it ourselves. Allow me to be that guiding light! Providing hope in places of darkness.
I also work with anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, and PTSD.
Come relax, chat, and learn new ways of being! In a world full of noise...it's hard to feel heard! If you’re looking for a safe space where your voice matters; then head over for some genuine & authentic conversations. Conversations that allow you to explore thoughts, behaviors, and patterns that are blocking the truest version of yourself from showing up. After all we're created in God's perfect image, and sometimes we just need someone to hold the mirror for us until we're able to hold it ourselves. Allow me to be that guiding light! Providing hope in places of darkness.
(864) 351-7161 View (864) 351-7161
Photo of Kirby Barkley, Licensed Professional Counselor in Greenville, SC
Kirby Barkley
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC-A
Verified Verified
Greenville, SC 29607
Now accepting new clients! Maybe your style of constant mental noise is to second guess every interaction you have. “Why did I say that? They probably think I’m some weirdo,” or “I should have done...” Maybe your style is a habit you’re acting out and wish you could change. Call it anxiety, stress, depression, or some fourth thing; Regulating our emotions and forming healthier connections is possible. Our conditioning gets in the way of us relating to each other and manifests in unhelpful behaviors, thoughts, and attitudes. Awareness can help us unhook from the conditioning that leads us into unwanted patterns of being and doing.
Now accepting new clients! Maybe your style of constant mental noise is to second guess every interaction you have. “Why did I say that? They probably think I’m some weirdo,” or “I should have done...” Maybe your style is a habit you’re acting out and wish you could change. Call it anxiety, stress, depression, or some fourth thing; Regulating our emotions and forming healthier connections is possible. Our conditioning gets in the way of us relating to each other and manifests in unhelpful behaviors, thoughts, and attitudes. Awareness can help us unhook from the conditioning that leads us into unwanted patterns of being and doing.
(864) 657-4599 View (864) 657-4599
Photo of Hayley McDonald, Licensed Professional Counselor Associate in Greenville, SC
Hayley McDonald
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, MA, LPC-A
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Greenville, SC 29601
If you found your way here, you are ready to begin your journey back to yourself. You might be experiencing chronic mental health issues such as depression or anxiety. Perhaps you are feeling disillusioned by difficult relationships or disheartened by behaviors you’ve tried to change unsuccessfully. Maybe you just feel stuck and cannot identify why. Sometimes we can identify a traumatic event or series of traumatic events that leaves us lost. Sometimes the journey we find ourselves on just happens gradually, while we were unaware; distracted by the challenges of living in a complicated world, with complicated people.
If you found your way here, you are ready to begin your journey back to yourself. You might be experiencing chronic mental health issues such as depression or anxiety. Perhaps you are feeling disillusioned by difficult relationships or disheartened by behaviors you’ve tried to change unsuccessfully. Maybe you just feel stuck and cannot identify why. Sometimes we can identify a traumatic event or series of traumatic events that leaves us lost. Sometimes the journey we find ourselves on just happens gradually, while we were unaware; distracted by the challenges of living in a complicated world, with complicated people.
(864) 387-5533 View (864) 387-5533
Photo of Joe Paciarelli, Psychologist in Greenville, SC
Joe Paciarelli
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Greenville, SC 29601
You have an unmet need to feel heard in the midst of the noise, distractions, loss, never ending pressure, and stress that surrounds you. You want to break free so that you can enjoy a focused, balanced, and functional life, but don't know how. The anxiety, grief, depression, worry, insomnia, trauma, and chaos associated with coping and fitting in can be so overwhelming that you need some hope, directions, and solutions. Simply put, you need a blueprint for your own revolution so that you can continue moving forward, instead of running around in circles.
You have an unmet need to feel heard in the midst of the noise, distractions, loss, never ending pressure, and stress that surrounds you. You want to break free so that you can enjoy a focused, balanced, and functional life, but don't know how. The anxiety, grief, depression, worry, insomnia, trauma, and chaos associated with coping and fitting in can be so overwhelming that you need some hope, directions, and solutions. Simply put, you need a blueprint for your own revolution so that you can continue moving forward, instead of running around in circles.
(864) 606-6945 View (864) 606-6945
Photo of McKenna Raymond, Licensed Professional Counselor in Greenville, SC
McKenna Raymond
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC, MEd
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Greenville, SC 29607
I use an integrative approach and holistic lens to help clients struggling with issues related to trauma, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, stress, attachment, anger management, perfectionism, codependency, grief, and substance use.
Exploring who you were, who you are, and who you could be requires a sense of safety. As your therapist, I will strive to cultivate meaningful connection, authenticity, and acceptance while you gain your own mental clarity and self-understanding. Change can bring discomfort, but I’m dedicated to supporting you through this vulnerable process. I will provide you with evidence-based tools to help you feel more confident, empowered, and capable. Allow me to be the hope that you lean on when you don’t know where to start.
I use an integrative approach and holistic lens to help clients struggling with issues related to trauma, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, stress, attachment, anger management, perfectionism, codependency, grief, and substance use.
Exploring who you were, who you are, and who you could be requires a sense of safety. As your therapist, I will strive to cultivate meaningful connection, authenticity, and acceptance while you gain your own mental clarity and self-understanding. Change can bring discomfort, but I’m dedicated to supporting you through this vulnerable process. I will provide you with evidence-based tools to help you feel more confident, empowered, and capable. Allow me to be the hope that you lean on when you don’t know where to start.
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Photo of Amy Pantele, Licensed Professional Counselor Associate in Greenville, SC
Amy Pantele
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, LPCA
Verified Verified
Greenville, SC 29615
Are you in a continual state of stress, anxiety, depression, or uncertainty? Does your world feel out of control? Do you feel disconnected from yourself or others? I believe that power and hope can be found in every situation, and offer a space of non-judgmental acceptance and support. I’m passionate about helping others create a life filled with peace, purpose, and opportunities. We shape our minds; Our minds shape us.
Are you in a continual state of stress, anxiety, depression, or uncertainty? Does your world feel out of control? Do you feel disconnected from yourself or others? I believe that power and hope can be found in every situation, and offer a space of non-judgmental acceptance and support. I’m passionate about helping others create a life filled with peace, purpose, and opportunities. We shape our minds; Our minds shape us.
(864) 465-8457 View (864) 465-8457
Photo of Holly Durham French, Licensed Professional Counselor in Greenville, SC
Holly Durham French
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Greenville, SC 29615
Waitlist for new clients
I specialize in trauma, anxiety disorders, ADHD and behavioral problems, anger management, life adjustments, depression, and women’s issues.
With over decade of experience, I firmly believe that counseling is a collaborative effort between the counselor and the client. I believe it’s vital for individuals to find a counselor who fits their needs and personality. You as the client need a counselor who understands you and what you need! So I want to tell you a little about myself to help you determine if I’m the right fit for you. I work with individuals of all ages, but especially enjoy working with adolescence through mid-adulthood aged individuals.
I specialize in trauma, anxiety disorders, ADHD and behavioral problems, anger management, life adjustments, depression, and women’s issues.
With over decade of experience, I firmly believe that counseling is a collaborative effort between the counselor and the client. I believe it’s vital for individuals to find a counselor who fits their needs and personality. You as the client need a counselor who understands you and what you need! So I want to tell you a little about myself to help you determine if I’m the right fit for you. I work with individuals of all ages, but especially enjoy working with adolescence through mid-adulthood aged individuals.
(864) 319-3829 View (864) 319-3829
Photo of April Titus, Licensed Professional Counselor Associate in Greenville, SC
April Titus
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, MA, LPCA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Greenville, SC 29609
My specializations address attachment wounds, trauma, complex trauma, PTSD, and co-occurring challenges like anxiety, depression, and grief.
Life is a tapestry of experiences, each thread weaving together challenges, accomplishments, confusion, introspection, pain, trauma, and joy. We are intricate beings with diverse experiences, unique needs, and dreams. Our basic needs are simple: to be seen, validated, accepted, and space to explore the intricacies of our minds, bodies, and souls. You don't have to navigate life's winding path alone. Your choice to reach out for help is an act of courage, and I recognize the bravery it takes to embark on this journey. I am here to honor your resilience and offer a judgment-free, tranquil, and secure sanctuary for your self-discovery
My specializations address attachment wounds, trauma, complex trauma, PTSD, and co-occurring challenges like anxiety, depression, and grief.
Life is a tapestry of experiences, each thread weaving together challenges, accomplishments, confusion, introspection, pain, trauma, and joy. We are intricate beings with diverse experiences, unique needs, and dreams. Our basic needs are simple: to be seen, validated, accepted, and space to explore the intricacies of our minds, bodies, and souls. You don't have to navigate life's winding path alone. Your choice to reach out for help is an act of courage, and I recognize the bravery it takes to embark on this journey. I am here to honor your resilience and offer a judgment-free, tranquil, and secure sanctuary for your self-discovery
(864) 671-3558 View (864) 671-3558
Photo of Justina Prenatt, Counselor in Greenville, SC
Justina Prenatt
Counselor, MS, LCMHC
Verified Verified
Greenville, SC 29601
Whether you experience low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, parenting difficulties, or are recovering from trauma, I can help you to heal deeply, feel better, and enjoy life and YOURSELF more.
I believe that we live in challenging times. Many people find it difficult to feel confident and self assured, have peaceful, fulfilling relationships, navigate the demands of finances, family, work and home, and also focus on nourishing self care. These challenges are interconnected. They are related to how we have developed our sense of self in the context of family expectations and experiences, societal demands, cultural assumptions, and media influence. It is necessary for all of us to learn how to live our best lives in these particular circumstances. You are not alone.
Whether you experience low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, parenting difficulties, or are recovering from trauma, I can help you to heal deeply, feel better, and enjoy life and YOURSELF more.
I believe that we live in challenging times. Many people find it difficult to feel confident and self assured, have peaceful, fulfilling relationships, navigate the demands of finances, family, work and home, and also focus on nourishing self care. These challenges are interconnected. They are related to how we have developed our sense of self in the context of family expectations and experiences, societal demands, cultural assumptions, and media influence. It is necessary for all of us to learn how to live our best lives in these particular circumstances. You are not alone.
(828) 970-8533 View (828) 970-8533
Photo of Jessica Loving, Marriage & Family Therapist in Greenville, SC
Jessica Loving
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Greenville, SC 29601  (Online Only)
I work best with clients experiencing anxiety, OCD, depression, and who have experienced trauma.
There are many challenges or stages in life that can cause us to feel out of control and uncertain. Having a safe person to help us along the way can make all the difference. Sometimes we just need a safe person to understand our feelings and thoughts. Other times we may need guidance with finding the best tools that allow us to overcome a challenging time. I believe that therapy works best when it is a collaborative effort between therapist and client. My goal is to get to know you and help you find what works best for your life.
I work best with clients experiencing anxiety, OCD, depression, and who have experienced trauma.
There are many challenges or stages in life that can cause us to feel out of control and uncertain. Having a safe person to help us along the way can make all the difference. Sometimes we just need a safe person to understand our feelings and thoughts. Other times we may need guidance with finding the best tools that allow us to overcome a challenging time. I believe that therapy works best when it is a collaborative effort between therapist and client. My goal is to get to know you and help you find what works best for your life.
(864) 528-3339 View (864) 528-3339
Photo of Aspen Vista Counseling and Wellness, Licensed Professional Counselor in Greenville, SC
Aspen Vista Counseling and Wellness
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Greenville, SC 29601  (Online Only)
I specialize in the treatment of depression, anxiety, trauma-related challenges, intimate partner violence, childhood abuse and PTSD, relationship dynamics, grief, parenting struggles, career transitions, life transition issues, and executive functioning issues.
Life's journey can sometimes get messy, and confusing, and can bring pain and conflict into your life, This can leave you feeling empty, lonely, angry, and unfulfilled in your relationship with yourself and others. Maybe you want to make a change and don't know where to start. By seeking a therapist for you or your child, you've already taken the first courageous step toward healing. I'm Roxanne, a licensed professional counselor serving the state of South Carolina. Within our trusting therapeutic relationship, you will find the strength to release your fears and shed unhealthy behavioral patterns that hinder your personal growth.
I specialize in the treatment of depression, anxiety, trauma-related challenges, intimate partner violence, childhood abuse and PTSD, relationship dynamics, grief, parenting struggles, career transitions, life transition issues, and executive functioning issues.
Life's journey can sometimes get messy, and confusing, and can bring pain and conflict into your life, This can leave you feeling empty, lonely, angry, and unfulfilled in your relationship with yourself and others. Maybe you want to make a change and don't know where to start. By seeking a therapist for you or your child, you've already taken the first courageous step toward healing. I'm Roxanne, a licensed professional counselor serving the state of South Carolina. Within our trusting therapeutic relationship, you will find the strength to release your fears and shed unhealthy behavioral patterns that hinder your personal growth.
(839) 333-4205 View (839) 333-4205
Photo of Hyatt Counseling, LLC, Licensed Professional Counselor in Greenville, SC
Hyatt Counseling, LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, CIMHP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Greenville, SC 29605
Feeling stuck and overwhelmed by traditional talk therapy? You are not alone. Hello, my name is Michelle and I am a Holistic Psychotherapist licensed in North and South Carolina. My approach to therapy is holistic and addresses all aspects of who you are as a person.  Holistic Psychotherapy gets to the root of what is driving the issue and helps foster the mind/body/spirit connection. I have an extensive background in treating issues related to trauma, chronic physical issues, anxiety, depression, and legalism in regards to Religion. There is HOPE.
Feeling stuck and overwhelmed by traditional talk therapy? You are not alone. Hello, my name is Michelle and I am a Holistic Psychotherapist licensed in North and South Carolina. My approach to therapy is holistic and addresses all aspects of who you are as a person.  Holistic Psychotherapy gets to the root of what is driving the issue and helps foster the mind/body/spirit connection. I have an extensive background in treating issues related to trauma, chronic physical issues, anxiety, depression, and legalism in regards to Religion. There is HOPE.
(803) 258-6277 View (803) 258-6277
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.