Photo of Teresa Lathrop, Marriage & Family Therapist in Honolulu, HI
Teresa Lathrop
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
Honolulu, HI 96816
I have lived and worked in Hawaii for over 30 years, first working on Kauai, and for the past 25 years on Oahu. I am the first clinically licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the State. I specialize in relationship counseling, but have significant experience and expertise in helping those with depression, anxiety, trauma recovery, and parent-adolescent issues. I see individuals, couples, and families in treatment. I am a teacher and supervisor of those studying to become marriage and family therapists. I teach Marriage and Family Therapy at the University of Hawaii.
I have lived and worked in Hawaii for over 30 years, first working on Kauai, and for the past 25 years on Oahu. I am the first clinically licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the State. I specialize in relationship counseling, but have significant experience and expertise in helping those with depression, anxiety, trauma recovery, and parent-adolescent issues. I see individuals, couples, and families in treatment. I am a teacher and supervisor of those studying to become marriage and family therapists. I teach Marriage and Family Therapy at the University of Hawaii.
(808) 495-0192 View (808) 495-0192
Photo of Carmenne Anne Chiasson, Psychologist in Honolulu, HI
Carmenne Anne Chiasson
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Honolulu, HI 96813
I specialize in working with adults with anxiety, depression, ADHD grief and with children of all ages treating anxiety, depression, ADHD, Autism and pervasive developmental delay.
I believe that all people are equal and deserve respect regardless of your history or your circumstances. I will collaborate with you towards positive change. I treat most diagnoses including anxiety, depression, PTSD, ADHD, and Autism. I treat clients of all ages and offer individual, couple, family and play therapy and Neurofeedback. I completed my APA approved internship at Kapiolani Counseling Center for women and children and I have previously worked as the child and adolescent psychologist at Kahi Mohala. I was the lead psychologist at my last position, providing consultation for child, adolescent and adult therapists.
I specialize in working with adults with anxiety, depression, ADHD grief and with children of all ages treating anxiety, depression, ADHD, Autism and pervasive developmental delay.
I believe that all people are equal and deserve respect regardless of your history or your circumstances. I will collaborate with you towards positive change. I treat most diagnoses including anxiety, depression, PTSD, ADHD, and Autism. I treat clients of all ages and offer individual, couple, family and play therapy and Neurofeedback. I completed my APA approved internship at Kapiolani Counseling Center for women and children and I have previously worked as the child and adolescent psychologist at Kahi Mohala. I was the lead psychologist at my last position, providing consultation for child, adolescent and adult therapists.
(808) 419-3414 View (808) 419-3414
Photo of Britt Young - Xplor Counseling, Marriage & Family Therapist in Honolulu, HI
Britt Young - Xplor Counseling
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Honolulu, HI 96821
I work with clients on a range of issues, many of which have their roots in anxiety, depression, or relationship distress.
If you're reading this, you've already taken the hardest step toward feeling better - reaching out for help. That's why it's so important my clients feel understood, heard, and supported. I use a collaborative, compassionate, yet direct approach to help my clients gain insight into patterns that may have them feeling "stuck" in place. Among other techniques, I use evidence-based approaches, such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and Emotionally Focused Therapy, so you can make the long-term behavior changes that will put you on the right track.
I work with clients on a range of issues, many of which have their roots in anxiety, depression, or relationship distress.
If you're reading this, you've already taken the hardest step toward feeling better - reaching out for help. That's why it's so important my clients feel understood, heard, and supported. I use a collaborative, compassionate, yet direct approach to help my clients gain insight into patterns that may have them feeling "stuck" in place. Among other techniques, I use evidence-based approaches, such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and Emotionally Focused Therapy, so you can make the long-term behavior changes that will put you on the right track.
(808) 427-0694 View (808) 427-0694
Photo of Brian Kanno, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Honolulu, HI
Brian Kanno, LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Honolulu, HI 96814
Life can be challenging. I am here to help you. My commitment is to work with you in addressing and dealing with the problems and issues that you face. My experience is working with depression, anxiety, trauma, PTSD, relationships (including couples counseling), family issues, and grief and loss. I use a collaborative approach that focuses on your needs, utilizing client-centered, solution-focused and cognitive-behavioral approaches.
Life can be challenging. I am here to help you. My commitment is to work with you in addressing and dealing with the problems and issues that you face. My experience is working with depression, anxiety, trauma, PTSD, relationships (including couples counseling), family issues, and grief and loss. I use a collaborative approach that focuses on your needs, utilizing client-centered, solution-focused and cognitive-behavioral approaches.
(808) 219-0829 View (808) 219-0829
Photo of Richard Rothschiller, Psychologist in Honolulu, HI
Richard Rothschiller
Psychologist, PsyD, RYT
Verified Verified
Honolulu, HI 96816  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I provide Integrative Psychotherapy and Counseling for individuals and couples utilizing Person-centered Humanistic, Cognitive, Behavioral, and Interpersonal/Psychodynamic conceptualizations and treatment modalities. My experience includes more than two decades helping people of diverse and marginalized populations across O'ahu with: anxiety, depression, other mood disorders, acute and post-traumatic stress, anger management, work/career stress and transitions, grief and loss, chronic pain, gender dysphoria, coping with general medical conditions, and improving relationships, as well as general phase-of-life personal growth and self-actualization concerns related to late adolescence, early adulthood, mid-life, and older adults and aging.
I provide Integrative Psychotherapy and Counseling for individuals and couples utilizing Person-centered Humanistic, Cognitive, Behavioral, and Interpersonal/Psychodynamic conceptualizations and treatment modalities. My experience includes more than two decades helping people of diverse and marginalized populations across O'ahu with: anxiety, depression, other mood disorders, acute and post-traumatic stress, anger management, work/career stress and transitions, grief and loss, chronic pain, gender dysphoria, coping with general medical conditions, and improving relationships, as well as general phase-of-life personal growth and self-actualization concerns related to late adolescence, early adulthood, mid-life, and older adults and aging.
(808) 400-6308 View (808) 400-6308
Photo of Arikka Johnson, Marriage & Family Therapist in Honolulu, HI
Arikka Johnson
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Honolulu, HI 96813  (Online Only)
Arikka Price Johnson MSCP, LMFT is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Honolulu, Hawaii with almost 6 years of experience focusing on working with adults addressing trauma, depression, anxiety, self worth, life transitions/organization, relationships and attachment. Arikka's diverse training and experience in Cognitive and Dialectical Behavioral Therapies allow her to weave mindfully-based interventions with her knowledge of working with trauma and the body.
Arikka Price Johnson MSCP, LMFT is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Honolulu, Hawaii with almost 6 years of experience focusing on working with adults addressing trauma, depression, anxiety, self worth, life transitions/organization, relationships and attachment. Arikka's diverse training and experience in Cognitive and Dialectical Behavioral Therapies allow her to weave mindfully-based interventions with her knowledge of working with trauma and the body.
(808) 207-8121 View (808) 207-8121
Photo of Silke Vogelmann-Sine, Ph.D., Inc., Psychologist in Honolulu, HI
Silke Vogelmann-Sine, Ph.D., Inc.
Psychologist, PhD, CSAC, NCACII
Verified Verified
Honolulu, HI 96813
Vogelmann-Sine specializes in abuse, addiction, anger, anxiety, conflict, confusion, depression, fears, grief, obsessions, panic, stress, and trauma.
I am a licensed psychologist who has been in private practice for 38 years. You may be reluctant to consult a psychologist even though you feel overwhelmed and stressed. You might think that it is a weakness to talk to a professional about your situations or problems. Being willing to open up and share your concerns is an important step in finding solutions and is a sign of strength. You might benefit from realizing you are not alone and can be understood. Dr. Silke will be respectful of your spiritual/religious beliefs and will incorporate them into therapy as desired.
Vogelmann-Sine specializes in abuse, addiction, anger, anxiety, conflict, confusion, depression, fears, grief, obsessions, panic, stress, and trauma.
I am a licensed psychologist who has been in private practice for 38 years. You may be reluctant to consult a psychologist even though you feel overwhelmed and stressed. You might think that it is a weakness to talk to a professional about your situations or problems. Being willing to open up and share your concerns is an important step in finding solutions and is a sign of strength. You might benefit from realizing you are not alone and can be understood. Dr. Silke will be respectful of your spiritual/religious beliefs and will incorporate them into therapy as desired.
(808) 419-3686 View (808) 419-3686
Photo of Michelle E. James, Psy.D., LLC, Psychologist in Honolulu, HI
Michelle E. James, Psy.D., LLC
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Honolulu, HI 96813
I am able to work with a variety of issues including traumatic experiences, sleep difficulties, depression and anxiety, severe mental illness, ADHD, children's issues and support in coping with, and improving health.
Thank you for viewing my profile. I know life can be a struggle, whether you are trying your very best to recover from something difficult that has happened, are trying to improve your relationships with others, support your children, increase your productivity, or improve your physical and mental health. You may be trying to make difficult decisions in your life, or perhaps, you know what changes you would like to make, but need some support in taking those steps in your journey forward. I will work with you or your loved one, in growing and striving for full potential.
I am able to work with a variety of issues including traumatic experiences, sleep difficulties, depression and anxiety, severe mental illness, ADHD, children's issues and support in coping with, and improving health.
Thank you for viewing my profile. I know life can be a struggle, whether you are trying your very best to recover from something difficult that has happened, are trying to improve your relationships with others, support your children, increase your productivity, or improve your physical and mental health. You may be trying to make difficult decisions in your life, or perhaps, you know what changes you would like to make, but need some support in taking those steps in your journey forward. I will work with you or your loved one, in growing and striving for full potential.
(808) 670-1241 View (808) 670-1241
Photo of Katelyn Usam, Marriage & Family Therapist Intern in Honolulu, HI
Katelyn Usam
Marriage & Family Therapist Intern, MS, MFT-I
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Honolulu, HI 96817
I am a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) State Intern that primarily works with trauma, couple/family issues, anxiety, and depression.
Life is full of ups and downs, but sometimes, we get stuck in those downs and forget how to come up for air. If left unattended, we can find ourselves feeling depressed, anxious, stressed out, constantly getting emotionally triggered, and maybe even feel as if the relationships in our lives are suffering. However, we don't have to live there forever and we can learn to see that there is light at the end of the tunnel - and I can help you with that.
I am a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) State Intern that primarily works with trauma, couple/family issues, anxiety, and depression.
Life is full of ups and downs, but sometimes, we get stuck in those downs and forget how to come up for air. If left unattended, we can find ourselves feeling depressed, anxious, stressed out, constantly getting emotionally triggered, and maybe even feel as if the relationships in our lives are suffering. However, we don't have to live there forever and we can learn to see that there is light at the end of the tunnel - and I can help you with that.
(808) 435-4814 View (808) 435-4814
Photo of Jeffrey H Nathan, Psychologist in Honolulu, HI
Jeffrey H Nathan
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Honolulu, HI 96814
Like our fingerprints, each individual is unique. I have come to understand that each individual also has a unique way of growing and changing. Let me help you find your way of feeling better. I specialize in psychotherapy for adults, couples, and adolescents. People with trouble with stress, depression, anxiety, confusion, and relationship issues seek my help. I adjust my approach to each client. Located very near Ala Moana Shopping Center. Aloha.
Like our fingerprints, each individual is unique. I have come to understand that each individual also has a unique way of growing and changing. Let me help you find your way of feeling better. I specialize in psychotherapy for adults, couples, and adolescents. People with trouble with stress, depression, anxiety, confusion, and relationship issues seek my help. I adjust my approach to each client. Located very near Ala Moana Shopping Center. Aloha.
(808) 427-1508 View (808) 427-1508
Photo of Tamara Slay, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Honolulu, HI
Tamara Slay
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Honolulu, HI 96817  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Taking new clients in June! I will also be accepting insurance by then. Come back to my page in June to see which insurances I take. In my practice, I've mostly worked with children, adolescents, and women that have faced trauma, stress, burnout, loneliness, depression, and the kind of pain that reaches the deepest part of the soul. In my personal life, I have experienced it too. Not only can I empathize with you, but also listen to you, make you feel supported, and guide you through a treatment plan that best suits your needs.
Taking new clients in June! I will also be accepting insurance by then. Come back to my page in June to see which insurances I take. In my practice, I've mostly worked with children, adolescents, and women that have faced trauma, stress, burnout, loneliness, depression, and the kind of pain that reaches the deepest part of the soul. In my personal life, I have experienced it too. Not only can I empathize with you, but also listen to you, make you feel supported, and guide you through a treatment plan that best suits your needs.
(808) 563-4627 View (808) 563-4627
Photo of Michelle Simpson, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Honolulu, HI
Michelle Simpson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Honolulu, HI 96825  (Online Only)
Michelle is experienced in working with those who are struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, chronic medical conditions, substance use, and serious mental illness.
Michelle is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with nineteen years of experience. She is born and raised on Oahu and earned her Master of Social Work degree from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Michelle aims to help individuals work on building confidence and empowering them to make positive changes. Guiding them through hardships so that they can find their way to healthier situations.
Michelle is experienced in working with those who are struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, chronic medical conditions, substance use, and serious mental illness.
Michelle is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with nineteen years of experience. She is born and raised on Oahu and earned her Master of Social Work degree from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Michelle aims to help individuals work on building confidence and empowering them to make positive changes. Guiding them through hardships so that they can find their way to healthier situations.
(808) 278-9803 View (808) 278-9803
Photo of Paul Grabowsky, Counselor in Honolulu, HI
Paul Grabowsky
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
Honolulu, HI 96817
I have treated depression, anxiety, grief, change of life, domestic violence, substance abuse, and trauma survivors.
Hello, I am Paul Grabowsky, a licensed mental health counselor, at LMHC and a licensed teacher in Hawai’i, and a licensed professional clinical counselor in New Mexico. I am a person-centered counselor, trained in a variety of modalities, including EMDR. I enjoy working with people of all ages and incorporate my training in biology and the connection to mind/body in my approach to therapy. As a former educator, I have worked with adolescents age for many years. I like to incorporate a person-centered approach and cognitive/behavioral therapy with an emphasis on how the vagal system can impact the health of the body and mind.
I have treated depression, anxiety, grief, change of life, domestic violence, substance abuse, and trauma survivors.
Hello, I am Paul Grabowsky, a licensed mental health counselor, at LMHC and a licensed teacher in Hawai’i, and a licensed professional clinical counselor in New Mexico. I am a person-centered counselor, trained in a variety of modalities, including EMDR. I enjoy working with people of all ages and incorporate my training in biology and the connection to mind/body in my approach to therapy. As a former educator, I have worked with adolescents age for many years. I like to incorporate a person-centered approach and cognitive/behavioral therapy with an emphasis on how the vagal system can impact the health of the body and mind.
(808) 468-6471 View (808) 468-6471
Photo of Kenneth Kim, Psychologist in Honolulu, HI
Kenneth Kim
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Honolulu, HI 96825  (Online Only)
Hello, I am a psychologist dedicated to specializing in various aspects of mental health and well-being. With a focus on depression, anxiety, relationship conflicts, personality disorders, and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), I strive to provide compassionate and effective support to individuals navigating these challenges. My approach to therapy is grounded in evidence-based practices, tailoring treatment plans to suit each individual's unique needs and circumstances. Whether you're seeking to overcome debilitating symptoms, improve relationships, or better understand yourself or a loved one, I'm here to help.
Hello, I am a psychologist dedicated to specializing in various aspects of mental health and well-being. With a focus on depression, anxiety, relationship conflicts, personality disorders, and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), I strive to provide compassionate and effective support to individuals navigating these challenges. My approach to therapy is grounded in evidence-based practices, tailoring treatment plans to suit each individual's unique needs and circumstances. Whether you're seeking to overcome debilitating symptoms, improve relationships, or better understand yourself or a loved one, I'm here to help.
(808) 774-3886 View (808) 774-3886
Photo of Ellen Eberhardt, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Honolulu, HI
Ellen Eberhardt
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Honolulu, HI 96814  (Online Only)
I work with clients that suffer from PTSD/trauma, Loss/Grief, Anxiety and Depression, Bi-Polar Disorder, Parent/Child Attachment issues, and Addiction.
Therapy is a journey. I will help you work through challenges on your path to increase your self-awareness of internal strengths as you learn new techniques of managing your thoughts and behaviors to remove barriers that prevent you from living a purposeful life.
I work with clients that suffer from PTSD/trauma, Loss/Grief, Anxiety and Depression, Bi-Polar Disorder, Parent/Child Attachment issues, and Addiction.
Therapy is a journey. I will help you work through challenges on your path to increase your self-awareness of internal strengths as you learn new techniques of managing your thoughts and behaviors to remove barriers that prevent you from living a purposeful life.
(808) 201-7177 View (808) 201-7177
Photo of Alyssa Yonehiro, Counselor in Honolulu, HI
Alyssa Yonehiro
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
Honolulu, HI 96814
My experience comes from working in various settings for over 15 years with childhood disorders, parenting, anxiety, depression, relationships, infidelity, self-esteem issues, and women's issues.
Life takes us for turns we don't expect and sometimes we’re able to get through them, but in other times, we can become stuck. We may feel overwhelmed at work, in our marriage, or in other relationships. Perhaps, there are difficulties with a teenager at home or maybe there are feelings of sadness or anxiousness. When life brings us to this point, reaching out for help is a courageous first step toward change. Entering therapy can provide clarity to the confusion and is a safe place to explore alternative avenues toward an improved quality of life.
My experience comes from working in various settings for over 15 years with childhood disorders, parenting, anxiety, depression, relationships, infidelity, self-esteem issues, and women's issues.
Life takes us for turns we don't expect and sometimes we’re able to get through them, but in other times, we can become stuck. We may feel overwhelmed at work, in our marriage, or in other relationships. Perhaps, there are difficulties with a teenager at home or maybe there are feelings of sadness or anxiousness. When life brings us to this point, reaching out for help is a courageous first step toward change. Entering therapy can provide clarity to the confusion and is a safe place to explore alternative avenues toward an improved quality of life.
(808) 518-3304 View (808) 518-3304
Photo of Christina Lu, Psychologist in Honolulu, HI
Christina Lu
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Honolulu, HI 96813
"As one of the clinical psychologists at Hawaii Counseling and Wellness Center, Dr. Lu works with clients of all ages, through individual, couples, and family therapy. Depression, anxiety, trauma, and relationship issues are among her clinical specialties. Dr. Lu has training in couples and family as well as emotion focused models. Dr. Lu utilizes an integrative approach to therapy that incorporates relational, cognitive behavioral, and strength based methods actively tailored to the individual, couple, or family."
"As one of the clinical psychologists at Hawaii Counseling and Wellness Center, Dr. Lu works with clients of all ages, through individual, couples, and family therapy. Depression, anxiety, trauma, and relationship issues are among her clinical specialties. Dr. Lu has training in couples and family as well as emotion focused models. Dr. Lu utilizes an integrative approach to therapy that incorporates relational, cognitive behavioral, and strength based methods actively tailored to the individual, couple, or family."
(808) 369-9869 View (808) 369-9869
Photo of Kevin Wittenberg, Psychologist and Psychoanalyst, Psychologist in Honolulu, HI
Kevin Wittenberg, Psychologist and Psychoanalyst
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Honolulu, HI 96816  (Online Only)
Our capacity to connect, both with ourselves (i.e. our passions, feelings, and body) and with others, is crucial to our feelings of well-being. When we connect, we generally feel a sense of aliveness in ourselves and the world. When we can't connect, we feel anxious, isolated, empty, or depressed. I feel my job is to help clients to more fully connect to the range of their experiences. I help adults and adolescents explore why they lose connection. I help them identify, understand, and overcome the deep root of their disconnection. I help them find well-being, which gives me great joy.
Our capacity to connect, both with ourselves (i.e. our passions, feelings, and body) and with others, is crucial to our feelings of well-being. When we connect, we generally feel a sense of aliveness in ourselves and the world. When we can't connect, we feel anxious, isolated, empty, or depressed. I feel my job is to help clients to more fully connect to the range of their experiences. I help adults and adolescents explore why they lose connection. I help them identify, understand, and overcome the deep root of their disconnection. I help them find well-being, which gives me great joy.
(808) 353-5827 View (808) 353-5827
Photo of Angelica Tagaban, Counselor in Honolulu, HI
Angelica Tagaban
Counselor, LCMHC
Verified Verified
Honolulu, HI 96817
Hi there! I'm Dr. Angel, and I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. I hope to connect with you and look forward to helping you on your journey to becoming your most authentic self. This provider resides in Hawaii. I worked with clients presenting with a broad range of issues, from anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, grief issues, self-growth, spirituality, and life stressors. As your therapist, my goal is to help you navigate through the pit stops and detours in your life journey so that you can begin to take care of yourself.
Hi there! I'm Dr. Angel, and I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. I hope to connect with you and look forward to helping you on your journey to becoming your most authentic self. This provider resides in Hawaii. I worked with clients presenting with a broad range of issues, from anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, grief issues, self-growth, spirituality, and life stressors. As your therapist, my goal is to help you navigate through the pit stops and detours in your life journey so that you can begin to take care of yourself.
(808) 460-6258 View (808) 460-6258
Photo of Dr. Jennifer Langley, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Honolulu, HI
Dr. Jennifer Langley
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, DSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Honolulu, HI 96813  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
As an experienced therapist on depression and anxiety, as well as the military life and neurodivergent minds, I believe you have the inner strength to heal and grow in order to find yourself and get your life back, while still embracing who you are.
Are you a college student or working professional drowning in work or everyday stressors? You're constantly overthinking and worrying what others will think. Maybe you're a military spouse or service member struggling with stressors unique to the military life: constantly moving every couple years, adjusting to your spouse leaving and returning, or so busy holding the fort down you have no time for self-care. You might not even remember a time things didn't feel this way. But one thing is for sure: you're ready for some relief. Most of all, you're to find yourself again and get your life back.
As an experienced therapist on depression and anxiety, as well as the military life and neurodivergent minds, I believe you have the inner strength to heal and grow in order to find yourself and get your life back, while still embracing who you are.
Are you a college student or working professional drowning in work or everyday stressors? You're constantly overthinking and worrying what others will think. Maybe you're a military spouse or service member struggling with stressors unique to the military life: constantly moving every couple years, adjusting to your spouse leaving and returning, or so busy holding the fort down you have no time for self-care. You might not even remember a time things didn't feel this way. But one thing is for sure: you're ready for some relief. Most of all, you're to find yourself again and get your life back.
(808) 437-8123 View (808) 437-8123
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.