Photo of Counseling & Consulting Services of North Jersey, Physician Assistant in Montville, NJ
Counseling & Consulting Services of North Jersey
Physician Assistant, PA
Verified Verified
Montville, NJ 07045
We have staff that specializes in ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, PTSD and EMDR Therapy.
We provide the highest quality of care in prescribing mental health medications. CCSNJ is a beautiful and established facility that individualizes ALL our patients. You will have direct access to your prescriber and can contact them at any time. New medication, Side effects, text us! We are flexible to accommodate you offering Tele-health and flexible hours for treatment. The turn around time for appointments can be anywhere from 4-48 hours. We also have a staff of specialists offering comprehensive treatment if you are in need of psychotherapy ,kids, couples,or family counseling, in addition to your medication.
We have staff that specializes in ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, PTSD and EMDR Therapy.
We provide the highest quality of care in prescribing mental health medications. CCSNJ is a beautiful and established facility that individualizes ALL our patients. You will have direct access to your prescriber and can contact them at any time. New medication, Side effects, text us! We are flexible to accommodate you offering Tele-health and flexible hours for treatment. The turn around time for appointments can be anywhere from 4-48 hours. We also have a staff of specialists offering comprehensive treatment if you are in need of psychotherapy ,kids, couples,or family counseling, in addition to your medication.
(862) 212-1197 View (862) 212-1197
Photo of Margaret Gorny, Psychiatric Nurse in Montville, NJ
Margaret Gorny
Psychiatric Nurse, APN
Verified Verified
Montville, NJ 07045
I have worked in the Mental Health field for over 30 years and have treated adults ranging in age from 18 to 80. I have also done extensive work with couples and families. My clients have had a wide variety of presenting problems from depression, anger management, relationships issues, anxiety, mood disorders, marital problems, phobias and obsessive compulsive behaviors. I see my client as a whole person not as a person with a problem. A person with strengths and weaknesses. Our job together is to find the answers and develop the skills to move forward to an enriching life.
I have worked in the Mental Health field for over 30 years and have treated adults ranging in age from 18 to 80. I have also done extensive work with couples and families. My clients have had a wide variety of presenting problems from depression, anger management, relationships issues, anxiety, mood disorders, marital problems, phobias and obsessive compulsive behaviors. I see my client as a whole person not as a person with a problem. A person with strengths and weaknesses. Our job together is to find the answers and develop the skills to move forward to an enriching life.
(973) 845-4092 View (973) 845-4092
Photo of Pearl Psychiatry & Therapy Center: Child & Adult, Psychiatrist in Montville, NJ
Pearl Psychiatry & Therapy Center: Child & Adult
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Montville, NJ 07045
Evidence-based care, holistic approach, and personal plans! I have extensive experience helping individuals, children, and families navigate the complexities of anxiety, depression, trauma, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), mood disorders, and other mental health issues.
Hi! I'm Dr. Zeynep Ozinci, a double-board certified psychiatrist with over 15 years of experience in the medical field. Beyond my credentials, I'm a dedicated professional, genuinely passionate about helping individuals of all ages achieve lasting well-being. I understand that every mental health journey is unique, and I'm committed to providing expert, personalized care tailored to your specific needs. My path to expertise has been extensive, from prestigious research at NYU to comprehensive medical training at Rutgers and Hofstra/Northwell, culminating in specialized fellowship training with clinical excellence recognition.
Evidence-based care, holistic approach, and personal plans! I have extensive experience helping individuals, children, and families navigate the complexities of anxiety, depression, trauma, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), mood disorders, and other mental health issues.
Hi! I'm Dr. Zeynep Ozinci, a double-board certified psychiatrist with over 15 years of experience in the medical field. Beyond my credentials, I'm a dedicated professional, genuinely passionate about helping individuals of all ages achieve lasting well-being. I understand that every mental health journey is unique, and I'm committed to providing expert, personalized care tailored to your specific needs. My path to expertise has been extensive, from prestigious research at NYU to comprehensive medical training at Rutgers and Hofstra/Northwell, culminating in specialized fellowship training with clinical excellence recognition.
(973) 381-3937 View (973) 381-3937
Photo of Nancy Cursi-Vogle, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Montville, NJ
Nancy Cursi-Vogle
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APN
Verified Verified
Montville, NJ 07045
Mental illness is not a choice but Recovery is. You can believe in yourself and make changes with the right support. I have been working with people who have mental health issues for a long time. I enjoy helping people improve their mental health and their overall wellbeing. I believe I have been blessed with the character and skills needed to help others. I provide an integrative approach to improving mental health. I focus on you as a whole person - Mind, Body, & Spirit. I provide psychotherapy, medication management, herbal supplements, nutritional changes, movement/exercise and meditation/relaxation techniques.
Mental illness is not a choice but Recovery is. You can believe in yourself and make changes with the right support. I have been working with people who have mental health issues for a long time. I enjoy helping people improve their mental health and their overall wellbeing. I believe I have been blessed with the character and skills needed to help others. I provide an integrative approach to improving mental health. I focus on you as a whole person - Mind, Body, & Spirit. I provide psychotherapy, medication management, herbal supplements, nutritional changes, movement/exercise and meditation/relaxation techniques.
(973) 840-7257 View (973) 840-7257
Photo of Ashley Anderson, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Montville, NJ
Ashley Anderson
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, APRN
Verified Verified
Montville, NJ 07045
Hello! I am Dr. Ashley Anderson, DNP, APRN. I believe in person-centered care with evidence-based treatment approaches and I strongly feel that building a connection with patients is a vital aspect of providing care. I use evidence-based practices with a focus on person-centered care and optimal clinical outcomes targeting quality of life, maximizing wellness, and recovery. I take pride in supporting my patients through difficult mental health symptoms, and I bring a knowledgeable and compassionate perspective to patient care. I like when my patients ask questions, and I'm always happy to address their concerns!
Hello! I am Dr. Ashley Anderson, DNP, APRN. I believe in person-centered care with evidence-based treatment approaches and I strongly feel that building a connection with patients is a vital aspect of providing care. I use evidence-based practices with a focus on person-centered care and optimal clinical outcomes targeting quality of life, maximizing wellness, and recovery. I take pride in supporting my patients through difficult mental health symptoms, and I bring a knowledgeable and compassionate perspective to patient care. I like when my patients ask questions, and I'm always happy to address their concerns!
(973) 221-9692 View (973) 221-9692
Photo of Ashley Anderson, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Montville, NJ
Ashley Anderson
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, APRN
Verified Verified
Montville, NJ 07045  (Online Only)
Hello! I am Dr. Ashley Anderson, DNP, APRN. I believe in person-centered care with evidence-based treatment approaches and I strongly feel that building a connection with patients is a vital aspect of providing care. I use evidence-based practices with a focus on person-centered care and optimal clinical outcomes targeting quality of life, maximizing wellness, and recovery. I take pride in supporting my patients through difficult mental health symptoms, and I bring a knowledgeable and compassionate perspective to patient care. I like when my patients ask questions, and I'm always happy to address their concerns!
Hello! I am Dr. Ashley Anderson, DNP, APRN. I believe in person-centered care with evidence-based treatment approaches and I strongly feel that building a connection with patients is a vital aspect of providing care. I use evidence-based practices with a focus on person-centered care and optimal clinical outcomes targeting quality of life, maximizing wellness, and recovery. I take pride in supporting my patients through difficult mental health symptoms, and I bring a knowledgeable and compassionate perspective to patient care. I like when my patients ask questions, and I'm always happy to address their concerns!
(973) 310-5576 View (973) 310-5576

More Psychiatrists Nearby

Photo of Dr. Arif Noorbaksh, Psychiatrist in Montville, NJ
Dr. Arif Noorbaksh
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Morristown, NJ 07960
Are you struggling with depression, anxiety, and/or bipolar and related disorders? I strongly believe in meeting patients where they are in their individual journeys. The ideal client is the one who attends their initial evaluation to talk through their experience and potential treatment options. I approach patient care holistically and attempt to develop an understanding of the patient’s lived experience and current symptoms.
Are you struggling with depression, anxiety, and/or bipolar and related disorders? I strongly believe in meeting patients where they are in their individual journeys. The ideal client is the one who attends their initial evaluation to talk through their experience and potential treatment options. I approach patient care holistically and attempt to develop an understanding of the patient’s lived experience and current symptoms.
(973) 397-5984 View (973) 397-5984
Photo of BirchWood Health - Jacquelyn Zagone, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Montville, NJ
BirchWood Health - Jacquelyn Zagone
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Parsippany, NJ 07054  (Online Only)
As a mental health specialist, I address ADHD, Bipolar, Depression, Anxiety, Postpartum, PTSD, Women's issues, and work with clients aged 13+.
As a Board-Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC), I am dedicated to providing compassionate and comprehensive mental health care. With a deep understanding of the complexities of psychiatric conditions, I employ a patient-centered approach to treatment, ensuring that each individual’s unique needs and circumstances are at the forefront of their care plan. Find out more about me and my practice at www.BirchWood.Health
As a mental health specialist, I address ADHD, Bipolar, Depression, Anxiety, Postpartum, PTSD, Women's issues, and work with clients aged 13+.
As a Board-Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC), I am dedicated to providing compassionate and comprehensive mental health care. With a deep understanding of the complexities of psychiatric conditions, I employ a patient-centered approach to treatment, ensuring that each individual’s unique needs and circumstances are at the forefront of their care plan. Find out more about me and my practice at www.BirchWood.Health
(862) 356-6293 View (862) 356-6293
Photo of Mona Maaty, Psychiatrist in Montville, NJ
Mona Maaty
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Caldwell, NJ 07006
Depression, fear, and anxiety are common emotions that we experience at some point in our lives and sometimes these emotions can feel overpowering. Many individuals also experience lingering anxiety, fear, and hopelessness, associated with painful and traumatic events. My goal is to help you rediscover your innate strength and empower you to navigate life’s challenges and ultimately reclaim joy. My approach is collaborative and often includes a combination of psychotherapy and medication. I am an IFS (Internal Family System) level 1 trained therapist, certified schema therapist, and integrate a somatic approach.
Depression, fear, and anxiety are common emotions that we experience at some point in our lives and sometimes these emotions can feel overpowering. Many individuals also experience lingering anxiety, fear, and hopelessness, associated with painful and traumatic events. My goal is to help you rediscover your innate strength and empower you to navigate life’s challenges and ultimately reclaim joy. My approach is collaborative and often includes a combination of psychotherapy and medication. I am an IFS (Internal Family System) level 1 trained therapist, certified schema therapist, and integrate a somatic approach.
(862) 254-8911 View (862) 254-8911
Photo of Angelic Helpers Behavioral Health Services, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Montville, NJ
Angelic Helpers Behavioral Health Services
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APN-C, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Morristown, NJ 07960
Life is full of challenges, obstacles, and disequilibrium. Are you feeling depressed, anxious, or given up hope about a better future? Utilizing a holistic approach that combines treating the physical and emotional, I am able to help you maximize your potential, and live a life that is fulfilling and rewarding. Have you been diagnosed or are you a survivor of a life-changing illness? I am able to help you emotionally while you recover physically.
Life is full of challenges, obstacles, and disequilibrium. Are you feeling depressed, anxious, or given up hope about a better future? Utilizing a holistic approach that combines treating the physical and emotional, I am able to help you maximize your potential, and live a life that is fulfilling and rewarding. Have you been diagnosed or are you a survivor of a life-changing illness? I am able to help you emotionally while you recover physically.
(973) 493-6857 View (973) 493-6857
Photo of Joseph A. Donnellan, M.D., Psychiatrist in Montville, NJ
Joseph A. Donnellan, M.D.
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Morristown, NJ 07960
Hi! I have 27 years experience as a board-certified psychiatrist in central New Jersey. My specialties are eating disorders, depression, anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder. I have been the medical director of the Eating Disorders Program at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset (formerly Somerset Medical Center) for 22 years and I am the Chief of Psychiatry there, a position I have held since 1999. I have a private-practice in Hillsborough, which I started in 1993. I believe that one size does NOT fit all and every patient needs a unique treatment plan that should be developed together between professional and patient.
Hi! I have 27 years experience as a board-certified psychiatrist in central New Jersey. My specialties are eating disorders, depression, anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder. I have been the medical director of the Eating Disorders Program at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset (formerly Somerset Medical Center) for 22 years and I am the Chief of Psychiatry there, a position I have held since 1999. I have a private-practice in Hillsborough, which I started in 1993. I believe that one size does NOT fit all and every patient needs a unique treatment plan that should be developed together between professional and patient.
(908) 332-5624 View (908) 332-5624
Photo of Yelena Khaysman, Psychiatrist in Montville, NJ
Yelena Khaysman
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Parsippany, NJ 07054
I am a board-certified psychiatrist who specializes in adult and geriatric psychiatry. I have 13 years of clinical experience. I completed residency at NS-LIJ Zucker Hillside Hospital followed by a fellowship in Consultation Liaison/Psychosomatic medicine at Long Island Jewish Katz Hospital. I specialize in a broad range of psychiatric disorders including depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, schizophrenia, and personality disorders. Additionally, I have a particular focus in geriatric psychiatry and offer expert evaluation, work up, and management of dementia.
I am a board-certified psychiatrist who specializes in adult and geriatric psychiatry. I have 13 years of clinical experience. I completed residency at NS-LIJ Zucker Hillside Hospital followed by a fellowship in Consultation Liaison/Psychosomatic medicine at Long Island Jewish Katz Hospital. I specialize in a broad range of psychiatric disorders including depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, schizophrenia, and personality disorders. Additionally, I have a particular focus in geriatric psychiatry and offer expert evaluation, work up, and management of dementia.
(973) 359-5798 View (973) 359-5798
Photo of Total Wellness Center, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Montville, NJ
Total Wellness Center
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, P, M, H, N
Verified Verified
Montclair, NJ 07042
CONDITIONS: Anxiety; Attention Deficit (and Hyperactivity) Disorder; Bipolar Disorder; Depression; General Mood Disorder; Insomnia; Post Traumatic Stress Disorder; Post Partum Depression and Schizophrenia.
Total Wellness Center is psychiatry and counseling practice that offers treatment both in-person and via Telehealth. With offices in New Jersey and Connecticut, all of our doctors come from Ivy league schools. We offer evening and weekends appointments and accept major insurance plans such as Horizon, Cigna, Aetna and others. Not all doctors and therapists are in-network with all insurances, please contact our office for more information on how to book an appointment. Aside from Medication management and Psychotherapy. we provide Hypnotherapy, Group therapy and divorce mediation.
CONDITIONS: Anxiety; Attention Deficit (and Hyperactivity) Disorder; Bipolar Disorder; Depression; General Mood Disorder; Insomnia; Post Traumatic Stress Disorder; Post Partum Depression and Schizophrenia.
Total Wellness Center is psychiatry and counseling practice that offers treatment both in-person and via Telehealth. With offices in New Jersey and Connecticut, all of our doctors come from Ivy league schools. We offer evening and weekends appointments and accept major insurance plans such as Horizon, Cigna, Aetna and others. Not all doctors and therapists are in-network with all insurances, please contact our office for more information on how to book an appointment. Aside from Medication management and Psychotherapy. we provide Hypnotherapy, Group therapy and divorce mediation.
(862) 263-7056 x1 View (862) 263-7056 x1
Photo of Eronmwon Balogun, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Montville, NJ
Eronmwon Balogun
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, ANP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Morristown, NJ 07960
As an ideal psychiatric mental health client, I present with moderate depression and generalized anxiety disorder. My primary needs include medication management for symptom relief and psychoeducation on coping strategies. My goals are to attain emotional stability, enhance daily functioning, and reduce distress. I seek an understanding of my conditions, effective pharmacological interventions, and therapeutic support to develop resilience. Motivated by a desire for improved quality of life, I aim to cultivate a balanced mental state, fostering a sense of control and well-being in navigating life's challenges.
As an ideal psychiatric mental health client, I present with moderate depression and generalized anxiety disorder. My primary needs include medication management for symptom relief and psychoeducation on coping strategies. My goals are to attain emotional stability, enhance daily functioning, and reduce distress. I seek an understanding of my conditions, effective pharmacological interventions, and therapeutic support to develop resilience. Motivated by a desire for improved quality of life, I aim to cultivate a balanced mental state, fostering a sense of control and well-being in navigating life's challenges.
(973) 241-1740 View (973) 241-1740
Photo of KaVaris Health and Wellness , Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Montville, NJ
KaVaris Health and Wellness
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Verified Verified
Morristown, NJ 07960  (Online Only)
We currently focus on working with adults who suffer from Depression, Anxiety, Insomnia, PTSD, Postpartum depression, Anger Management, OCD, Acute stress disorder, and a wide range of other mental health conditions.
At KaVaris Health and Wellness, we believe mental health is a crucial part of a person’s well-being and we are devoted to empowering our patients to achieve their optimal level of health and quality of life. We approach psychiatric treatments as a collaborative effort between the clinician and patient. We offer comprehensive psychological evaluations, diagnoses, and medication management. We utilize Evidence-based treatment modalities, which include supportive psychotherapy, complementary, holistic, and integrative treatment approach and healthy lifestyle recommendations. KaVaris Health & Wellness got you covered!
We currently focus on working with adults who suffer from Depression, Anxiety, Insomnia, PTSD, Postpartum depression, Anger Management, OCD, Acute stress disorder, and a wide range of other mental health conditions.
At KaVaris Health and Wellness, we believe mental health is a crucial part of a person’s well-being and we are devoted to empowering our patients to achieve their optimal level of health and quality of life. We approach psychiatric treatments as a collaborative effort between the clinician and patient. We offer comprehensive psychological evaluations, diagnoses, and medication management. We utilize Evidence-based treatment modalities, which include supportive psychotherapy, complementary, holistic, and integrative treatment approach and healthy lifestyle recommendations. KaVaris Health & Wellness got you covered!
(908) 224-7013 View (908) 224-7013
Photo of David Goldbloom, Psychiatrist in Montville, NJ
David Goldbloom
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Paterson, NJ 07501
Thank you for viewing my profile. I completed a general psychiatry residency program and then additional specialty training in addiction psychiatry. As such, I treat patients with common psychiatric disorders such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and PTSD, as well as drug, alcohol, and behavioral addictions. I utilize evidence-based psychotherapies including cognitive behavioral therapy, relapse prevention, and motivational enhancement as well as medication when indicated. I regard mental illness and addiction for the impairments and negative consequences they create in the client's life and work to involve all those affected including clients and their family and friends.
Thank you for viewing my profile. I completed a general psychiatry residency program and then additional specialty training in addiction psychiatry. As such, I treat patients with common psychiatric disorders such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and PTSD, as well as drug, alcohol, and behavioral addictions. I utilize evidence-based psychotherapies including cognitive behavioral therapy, relapse prevention, and motivational enhancement as well as medication when indicated. I regard mental illness and addiction for the impairments and negative consequences they create in the client's life and work to involve all those affected including clients and their family and friends.
(973) 786-3215 View (973) 786-3215
Photo of Harmony Bay, Psychiatrist in Montville, NJ
Harmony Bay
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Morristown, NJ 07960
Harmony Bay Wellness is a psychiatry and therapy office that provides primary mental health treatment programs for psychiatric conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and ADHD. We offer a clean, bright environment with a calming and positive tone. We offer programs and services for both therapy and psychiatry including individual therapy, group therapy, couples therapy, and medication management.
Harmony Bay Wellness is a psychiatry and therapy office that provides primary mental health treatment programs for psychiatric conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and ADHD. We offer a clean, bright environment with a calming and positive tone. We offer programs and services for both therapy and psychiatry including individual therapy, group therapy, couples therapy, and medication management.
(973) 798-9062 View (973) 798-9062
Photo of Michelle McCarthy, Psychiatric Nurse in Montville, NJ
Michelle McCarthy
Psychiatric Nurse, APN, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Morristown, NJ 07960
Michelle is passionate about delivering care to individuals suffering from anxiety, substance use, and depression. Client motivation and dedication are key to utilizing the tools provided during our sessions including medication management, implementing lifestyle interventions, and therapy to help develop and implement a successful treatment plan. Relief of the client's suffering in dealing with their mental health issues and striving for an improvement in their quality of life is key to treatment.
Michelle is passionate about delivering care to individuals suffering from anxiety, substance use, and depression. Client motivation and dedication are key to utilizing the tools provided during our sessions including medication management, implementing lifestyle interventions, and therapy to help develop and implement a successful treatment plan. Relief of the client's suffering in dealing with their mental health issues and striving for an improvement in their quality of life is key to treatment.
(973) 382-7871 View (973) 382-7871
Photo of Allen Ogram, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Montville, NJ
Allen Ogram
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APN, PMHNP-B
Verified Verified
Livingston, NJ 07039
I offer treatment for multiple modalities including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and PTSD.
I would like a client that is perhaps hesitant to utilize mental health treatment. I feel reducing the stigma often attached to this treatment is vital. Having someone trust me enough to work with me and achieve a positive outcome would be my ideal client.
I offer treatment for multiple modalities including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and PTSD.
I would like a client that is perhaps hesitant to utilize mental health treatment. I feel reducing the stigma often attached to this treatment is vital. Having someone trust me enough to work with me and achieve a positive outcome would be my ideal client.
(973) 447-8814 View (973) 447-8814
Photo of Robert Kirk, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Montville, NJ
Robert Kirk
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Morristown, NJ 07960
My client's issues may include academic issues, relationships, job stress, grieving, and alcohol/substance use. They would need help managing pronounced symptoms/episodes of difficulty with focus, attention, and staying organized; anxiety or depression; hyper-vigilance/arousal, poor/low frustration tolerance, and/or exhibit behaviors of avoidance; mood dysregulation; alcohol/substance withdrawal; or difficulty with sleep. Their overall goal would be to experience, at minimum, a significant reduction in frequency, intensity, and duration of pronounced symptoms, and perhaps with some of the symptoms, elimination of them.
My client's issues may include academic issues, relationships, job stress, grieving, and alcohol/substance use. They would need help managing pronounced symptoms/episodes of difficulty with focus, attention, and staying organized; anxiety or depression; hyper-vigilance/arousal, poor/low frustration tolerance, and/or exhibit behaviors of avoidance; mood dysregulation; alcohol/substance withdrawal; or difficulty with sleep. Their overall goal would be to experience, at minimum, a significant reduction in frequency, intensity, and duration of pronounced symptoms, and perhaps with some of the symptoms, elimination of them.
(973) 791-4085 View (973) 791-4085

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.