Depression Psychiatrists in Encino, CA

Photo of Mavida Health, Psychiatrist in Encino, CA
Mavida Health
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Encino, CA 91436  (Online Only)
Mavida Health is a deeply specialized, comprehensive mental health platform for the path to parenthood - including those trying to conceive, pregnant - including adoption and surrogacy, experiencing pregnancy loss, or in the postpartum. We offer 1:1 therapy, couples/family therapy, group therapy, prescribing, and medication management.
Mavida Health is a deeply specialized, comprehensive mental health platform for the path to parenthood - including those trying to conceive, pregnant - including adoption and surrogacy, experiencing pregnancy loss, or in the postpartum. We offer 1:1 therapy, couples/family therapy, group therapy, prescribing, and medication management.
(747) 294-4239 View (747) 294-4239
Photo of Shaoqing Cindy Tang, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Encino, CA
Shaoqing Cindy Tang
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Encino, CA 91436
Welcome to Mindspace NP, a nurturing practice dedicated to fostering mental health and well-being under the compassionate care of Shaoqing (Cindy) Tang. At the heart of our practice lies Cindy's unwavering commitment to the mental health field, coupled with her broad spectrum of expertise that spans across medication management services and supportive psychotherapy. Cindy Tang's diverse background, from her start as a registered nurse to her impactful work as a mental health clinician, uniquely qualifies her to meet the varied mental health needs of individuals at Mindspace NP.
Welcome to Mindspace NP, a nurturing practice dedicated to fostering mental health and well-being under the compassionate care of Shaoqing (Cindy) Tang. At the heart of our practice lies Cindy's unwavering commitment to the mental health field, coupled with her broad spectrum of expertise that spans across medication management services and supportive psychotherapy. Cindy Tang's diverse background, from her start as a registered nurse to her impactful work as a mental health clinician, uniquely qualifies her to meet the varied mental health needs of individuals at Mindspace NP.
(747) 239-5558 View (747) 239-5558
Photo of Samir Hamed, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Encino, CA
Samir Hamed
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Encino, CA 91416
Exclusively focused on mental health issues, Allied Healers treats a myriad of psychiatric conditions including anxiety, depression, ADHD, sleep disorders, postpartum depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, panic attacks, OCD, and gender dysphoria.
We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Allied Healers, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be.
Exclusively focused on mental health issues, Allied Healers treats a myriad of psychiatric conditions including anxiety, depression, ADHD, sleep disorders, postpartum depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, panic attacks, OCD, and gender dysphoria.
We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Allied Healers, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be.
(805) 600-5670 View (805) 600-5670
Photo of Adel Mostafavi, Psychiatrist in Encino, CA
Adel Mostafavi
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Encino, CA 91436  (Online Only)
Are you struggling to balance your physical and mental health? Are things becoming unmanageable? Is your time limited? Then welcome to WellPsyche! WellPsyche Medical Group provides experts in the field of Adult and Child/Adolescent Psychiatry. Our practice offers the latest in psychiatry including Telemedicine! Now you can visit with your psychiatrist from the privacy and convenience of your home or work. Our providers take a Conservative and Effective approach to medication management and can help you balance your life.
Are you struggling to balance your physical and mental health? Are things becoming unmanageable? Is your time limited? Then welcome to WellPsyche! WellPsyche Medical Group provides experts in the field of Adult and Child/Adolescent Psychiatry. Our practice offers the latest in psychiatry including Telemedicine! Now you can visit with your psychiatrist from the privacy and convenience of your home or work. Our providers take a Conservative and Effective approach to medication management and can help you balance your life.
(310) 589-4299 View (310) 589-4299
Photo of Belinda D De Shay, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Encino, CA
Belinda D De Shay
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Encino, CA 91436  (Online Only)
I treat a variety of mental health issues, but I specialize in anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, mood disorders, and PTSD.
I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Encino, CA. My practice focuses on the mental health needs of patients ages 18-65. I recognize and focus on the uniqueness of each individual and work to explore the issues causing the distress. My goal is to evaluate and support you through improving your life, whether it be with the use of medication and/or psychotherapy. Research has shown that with the combination of medication and psychotherapy, a patient can expect a far better outcome than with one or the other alone. I also collaborate with other mental health professionals to ensure overall success.
I treat a variety of mental health issues, but I specialize in anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, mood disorders, and PTSD.
I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Encino, CA. My practice focuses on the mental health needs of patients ages 18-65. I recognize and focus on the uniqueness of each individual and work to explore the issues causing the distress. My goal is to evaluate and support you through improving your life, whether it be with the use of medication and/or psychotherapy. Research has shown that with the combination of medication and psychotherapy, a patient can expect a far better outcome than with one or the other alone. I also collaborate with other mental health professionals to ensure overall success.
(747) 252-5578 View (747) 252-5578
Photo of Steve Soldinger, Psychiatrist in Encino, CA
Steve Soldinger
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Encino, CA 91316
My practice provides care on the cutting edge of psychiatry, including both psychodynamics and psychopharmacology, and I treat many complex medical and neurological illnesses that interface with psychiatry. I offer the future of psychiatry today. Please visit my other site at sanfernandovalleypsychiatrist.com. Assistant Adjunct Clinical Professor (1981-2013),University of California at Los Angeles. Teaching course on film and Psychiatry to residents at Sepulveda VA . Have given over two hundred educational lectures over the past thirty years to undergraduates, medical students, residents, and colleagues. Received the award for best outside lecture of the year from Cal State Northridge.
My practice provides care on the cutting edge of psychiatry, including both psychodynamics and psychopharmacology, and I treat many complex medical and neurological illnesses that interface with psychiatry. I offer the future of psychiatry today. Please visit my other site at sanfernandovalleypsychiatrist.com. Assistant Adjunct Clinical Professor (1981-2013),University of California at Los Angeles. Teaching course on film and Psychiatry to residents at Sepulveda VA . Have given over two hundred educational lectures over the past thirty years to undergraduates, medical students, residents, and colleagues. Received the award for best outside lecture of the year from Cal State Northridge.
(818) 850-5797 View (818) 850-5797
Photo of Mottsin Thomas, Psychiatrist in Encino, CA
Mottsin Thomas
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Encino, CA 91316  (Online Only)
Exclusively focused on mental health issues, Bonmente treats a myriad of psychiatric conditions including anxiety, depression, ADHD, sleep disorders, postpartum depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, panic attacks, and OCD.
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS-Bonmente knows asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be.
Exclusively focused on mental health issues, Bonmente treats a myriad of psychiatric conditions including anxiety, depression, ADHD, sleep disorders, postpartum depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, panic attacks, and OCD.
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS-Bonmente knows asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be.
(760) 214-9822 View (760) 214-9822
Photo of Mariam Fazil, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Encino, CA
Mariam Fazil
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Encino, CA 91316
Hello, I'm Mariam Fazil, DNP, PMHNP,a board-certified Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). Are you or your loved ones struggling to balance mental and physical health? Are you suffering from anxiety? If this somewhat sounds familiar, I would like to help you in your healing journey. I provide in-person as well as telemedicine services so that you can conveniently be seen from your home for psychiatry appointments and medication management without the need to travel. I aim to help you to thrive at your best.
Hello, I'm Mariam Fazil, DNP, PMHNP,a board-certified Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). Are you or your loved ones struggling to balance mental and physical health? Are you suffering from anxiety? If this somewhat sounds familiar, I would like to help you in your healing journey. I provide in-person as well as telemedicine services so that you can conveniently be seen from your home for psychiatry appointments and medication management without the need to travel. I aim to help you to thrive at your best.
(661) 732-2561 View (661) 732-2561
Photo of Family Psychiatry - Counseling - Wellness, Psychiatrist in Encino, CA
Family Psychiatry - Counseling - Wellness
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Encino, CA 91436
Psychiatric Treatment & Counseling for the Whole Family. We are a Full Service Psychiatry & Counseling Practice. We Have a Team of Psychiatrists, Nurse Practitioners, Marriage & Family Therapists. We Offer Psychiatric Assessment & Treatment of ADHD in Adults and Children, Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Substance Abuse Disorders. We Combine Conventional Medical Treatment With New Non-Drug, Non-Invasive, FPD Approved, Safe & Effective Treatment Modalities Like Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS ).
Psychiatric Treatment & Counseling for the Whole Family. We are a Full Service Psychiatry & Counseling Practice. We Have a Team of Psychiatrists, Nurse Practitioners, Marriage & Family Therapists. We Offer Psychiatric Assessment & Treatment of ADHD in Adults and Children, Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Substance Abuse Disorders. We Combine Conventional Medical Treatment With New Non-Drug, Non-Invasive, FPD Approved, Safe & Effective Treatment Modalities Like Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS ).
(310) 601-8113 View (310) 601-8113
Photo of BBTD Psychiatry, PC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Encino, CA
BBTD Psychiatry, PC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Encino, CA 91426
Hello! I am a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with licenses in California and Florida. I earned my Master's degree from West Coast University in California. Over the past five years, I have dedicated my expertise to the mental health unit at a county hospital in Los Angeles. Throughout my career, I have worked extensively with patients facing a wide range of mental health challenges, including severe depression, anxiety, psychosis, addiction, anger management, and issues related to violence.
Hello! I am a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with licenses in California and Florida. I earned my Master's degree from West Coast University in California. Over the past five years, I have dedicated my expertise to the mental health unit at a county hospital in Los Angeles. Throughout my career, I have worked extensively with patients facing a wide range of mental health challenges, including severe depression, anxiety, psychosis, addiction, anger management, and issues related to violence.
(747) 302-4668 View (747) 302-4668
Photo of Chapters Family Treatment Center | Iman Parhami MD, Psychiatrist in Encino, CA
Chapters Family Treatment Center | Iman Parhami MD
Psychiatrist, MD, MPH
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Encino, CA 91316
Dr. Iman Parhami is a triple-board certified psychiatrist (Child Psychiatry, Adult Psychiatry, and Addiction Medicine) who completed his child and adolescent psychiatry training at Johns Hopkins University. He strongly believes that diagnoses do not define individuals. Instead, diagnoses can help classify a set of symptoms and can help identify empirically supported treatments for that class of symptoms. He also believes that psychiatric treatments cannot just include psychopharmacology but must include a multi-disciplinary approach that is family-driven and culturally sensitive.
Dr. Iman Parhami is a triple-board certified psychiatrist (Child Psychiatry, Adult Psychiatry, and Addiction Medicine) who completed his child and adolescent psychiatry training at Johns Hopkins University. He strongly believes that diagnoses do not define individuals. Instead, diagnoses can help classify a set of symptoms and can help identify empirically supported treatments for that class of symptoms. He also believes that psychiatric treatments cannot just include psychopharmacology but must include a multi-disciplinary approach that is family-driven and culturally sensitive.
(818) 962-6338 View (818) 962-6338
Photo of Alex Lazar TMS, Psychiatrist in Encino, CA
Alex Lazar TMS
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Encino, CA 91436
Welcome to Bliss TMS! Founded and led by Dr. Alex Lazar who has over 25 years of experience in the field of mental health and psychiatry. At the heart of our practice, Bliss TMS is dedicated to treat patients with depression who have failed to attain satisfactory improvement from a prior or current antidepressant medication.
Welcome to Bliss TMS! Founded and led by Dr. Alex Lazar who has over 25 years of experience in the field of mental health and psychiatry. At the heart of our practice, Bliss TMS is dedicated to treat patients with depression who have failed to attain satisfactory improvement from a prior or current antidepressant medication.
(747) 318-5308 View (747) 318-5308
Photo of Conny Huthsteiner, Psychiatrist in Encino, CA
Conny Huthsteiner
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Encino, CA 91436  (Online Only)
Dr. Huthsteiner has always had a strong interest in bio-psycho-social-spiritual aspects of psychiatry and has always seen healing from a holistic perspective. Psychiatry is a unique field in medicine that allows Dr. Huthsteiner the time to really know her patients, and help them to grow in positive ways, using many tools.
Dr. Huthsteiner has always had a strong interest in bio-psycho-social-spiritual aspects of psychiatry and has always seen healing from a holistic perspective. Psychiatry is a unique field in medicine that allows Dr. Huthsteiner the time to really know her patients, and help them to grow in positive ways, using many tools.
(855) 743-2006 View (855) 743-2006
Photo of Ashley Pirozzi, Psychiatrist in Encino, CA
Ashley Pirozzi
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Encino, CA 91436
I specialize in child and adolescents with considerable experience with autism, ADHD, depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, eating disorders, impulse control disorders and developmental issues.
I am a double board certified child, adolescent and adult psychiatrist with a focus on children, teens, and young adults (ages 4-26). I provide a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation with a focus on child development, behavior, and educational functioning. I frequently see teens and college aged students with depression and anxiety when therapy alone has not provided enough improvement in symptoms. I am able to recommend therapeutic approaches for specific conditions as well as psychiatric medication if appropriate. I work closely with parents or guardians to help a child or adolescent thrive.
I specialize in child and adolescents with considerable experience with autism, ADHD, depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, eating disorders, impulse control disorders and developmental issues.
I am a double board certified child, adolescent and adult psychiatrist with a focus on children, teens, and young adults (ages 4-26). I provide a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation with a focus on child development, behavior, and educational functioning. I frequently see teens and college aged students with depression and anxiety when therapy alone has not provided enough improvement in symptoms. I am able to recommend therapeutic approaches for specific conditions as well as psychiatric medication if appropriate. I work closely with parents or guardians to help a child or adolescent thrive.
(323) 310-0560 View (323) 310-0560
Photo of Dr. Todd Hill - Neuro Wellness Spa Psychiatry, Psychiatrist in Encino, CA
Dr. Todd Hill - Neuro Wellness Spa Psychiatry
Psychiatrist, DO
Verified Verified
Encino, CA 91436
Dr. Hill has been practicing Psychiatry for nearly 20 years. He now practices both Psychiatry and TMS at Neuro Wellness Spa. Throughout his medical career, he owned his own private practice for 10 years, was on staff as a consultation psychiatrist for multiple Kansas City hospitals, and served as the Medical Director of Psychiatric Services at one of the largest hospitals in the Kansas City Metro area. Additionally, Dr. Hill served as Assistant Professor and Department Chair of Psychiatry at his alma mater, Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences.
Dr. Hill has been practicing Psychiatry for nearly 20 years. He now practices both Psychiatry and TMS at Neuro Wellness Spa. Throughout his medical career, he owned his own private practice for 10 years, was on staff as a consultation psychiatrist for multiple Kansas City hospitals, and served as the Medical Director of Psychiatric Services at one of the largest hospitals in the Kansas City Metro area. Additionally, Dr. Hill served as Assistant Professor and Department Chair of Psychiatry at his alma mater, Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences.
(424) 238-6522 View (424) 238-6522
Photo of Roberto Figueroa, Psychiatrist in Encino, CA
Roberto Figueroa
Psychiatrist, MD, PhD
Verified Verified
Encino, CA 91436
If you are suffering from anxiety or depression you should know you are not alone. Millions of people in the US and about half a billion people in the world have significant depression or anxiety. Anxiety and depression may be caused by psychological, physical, social, and spiritual factors. Struggling with depression or anxiety can cause intense suffering, affect your ability to have or enjoy relationships and disrupt your ability to function at work or home. Problems with your emotional health can prevent you from pursuing your dreams and living life to the fullest.
If you are suffering from anxiety or depression you should know you are not alone. Millions of people in the US and about half a billion people in the world have significant depression or anxiety. Anxiety and depression may be caused by psychological, physical, social, and spiritual factors. Struggling with depression or anxiety can cause intense suffering, affect your ability to have or enjoy relationships and disrupt your ability to function at work or home. Problems with your emotional health can prevent you from pursuing your dreams and living life to the fullest.
(818) 647-9687 View (818) 647-9687
Photo of Randall Bailey, Psychiatrist in Encino, CA
Randall Bailey
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Encino, CA 91436  (Online Only)
Are you struggling to balance your physical and mental health? Are things becoming unmanageable? Is your time limited? Then welcome to WellPsyche! WellPsyche Medical Group provides experts in the field of Adult and Child/Adolescent Psychiatry. Our practice offers the latest in psychiatry including Telemedicine! Now you can visit with your psychiatrist from the privacy and convenience of your home or work. Our providers take a Conservative and Effective approach to medication management and can help you balance your life.
Are you struggling to balance your physical and mental health? Are things becoming unmanageable? Is your time limited? Then welcome to WellPsyche! WellPsyche Medical Group provides experts in the field of Adult and Child/Adolescent Psychiatry. Our practice offers the latest in psychiatry including Telemedicine! Now you can visit with your psychiatrist from the privacy and convenience of your home or work. Our providers take a Conservative and Effective approach to medication management and can help you balance your life.
(424) 361-1932 View (424) 361-1932
Photo of Paul Prettapapop, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Encino, CA
Paul Prettapapop
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
Encino, CA 91436
Paul provides a holistic approach to patient care, encompassing each person's experiences, needs, and aspirations. He fosters a trust-based relationship, which he views as foundational to effective healing. As an active listener, Paul tailors his evidence-based care to the unique stories and needs of each individual. He credits empathy as one of his greatest strengths in connecting with patients.
Paul provides a holistic approach to patient care, encompassing each person's experiences, needs, and aspirations. He fosters a trust-based relationship, which he views as foundational to effective healing. As an active listener, Paul tailors his evidence-based care to the unique stories and needs of each individual. He credits empathy as one of his greatest strengths in connecting with patients.
(855) 743-2006 View (855) 743-2006
Photo of Thomas Sarti, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Encino, CA
Thomas Sarti
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MS, MSN, PMHNP-B
Verified Verified
Encino, CA 91316  (Online Only)
My mission is to support you through life's twists and turns, especially when it comes to your mental health. Each person I encounter has a unique story, and my role is to be a compassionate guide, fostering a safe space for you to express your thoughts and emotions. I strive to create an environment where individuals feel heard and supported. It's not just about prescriptions; it's about understanding what makes you tick and finding the best way to support you.
My mission is to support you through life's twists and turns, especially when it comes to your mental health. Each person I encounter has a unique story, and my role is to be a compassionate guide, fostering a safe space for you to express your thoughts and emotions. I strive to create an environment where individuals feel heard and supported. It's not just about prescriptions; it's about understanding what makes you tick and finding the best way to support you.
(650) 747-6764 View (650) 747-6764
Photo of Sahar Douek, Psychiatrist in Encino, CA
Sahar Douek
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Encino, CA 91436
I am a board certified psychiatrist, with sub-speciality in Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. I treat children, adolescents and adults. I have an empathetic and non-judgment approach and am committed to providing the highest quality of care for my patients. I use psychotropic medications as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. In my practice, I empower my patients to improve their coping skills and interpersonal skills in order to achieve their optimal mental health.
I am a board certified psychiatrist, with sub-speciality in Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. I treat children, adolescents and adults. I have an empathetic and non-judgment approach and am committed to providing the highest quality of care for my patients. I use psychotropic medications as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. In my practice, I empower my patients to improve their coping skills and interpersonal skills in order to achieve their optimal mental health.
(818) 654-4989 View (818) 654-4989
Depression Psychiatrists

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.