Photo of David H Lifschutz, Psychiatrist in 10016, NY
David H Lifschutz
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10016
If you have been suffering from depression and have tried two or more typical antidepressant medications that do not help, or have suicidal thoughts that frighten you, perhaps it is time to try Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy. Ketamine has recently been discovered to quickly treat depressions that are unresponsive, to resolve suicidal thinking, as well as to help treat Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Unlike Ketamine IV infusion alone, Dr Lifschutz combines Ketamine treatment with Psychotherapy enabling you to utilize the insights that arise during the ketamine treatment.
If you have been suffering from depression and have tried two or more typical antidepressant medications that do not help, or have suicidal thoughts that frighten you, perhaps it is time to try Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy. Ketamine has recently been discovered to quickly treat depressions that are unresponsive, to resolve suicidal thinking, as well as to help treat Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Unlike Ketamine IV infusion alone, Dr Lifschutz combines Ketamine treatment with Psychotherapy enabling you to utilize the insights that arise during the ketamine treatment.
(551) 257-2558 View (551) 257-2558
Photo of James Valinoti, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in 10016, NY
James Valinoti
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10016  (Online Only)
My name is James Valinoti. I am a board certified Psychiatric Mental health Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP-BC. I see clients across the lifespan including young children. I treat numerous areas of psychiatry including, ADHD, Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar, PTSD and Trauma, sleep and appetite, Schizophrenia, and disorders involving: OCD, ODD, personality, and eating disorders. I also treat addiction.
My name is James Valinoti. I am a board certified Psychiatric Mental health Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP-BC. I see clients across the lifespan including young children. I treat numerous areas of psychiatry including, ADHD, Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar, PTSD and Trauma, sleep and appetite, Schizophrenia, and disorders involving: OCD, ODD, personality, and eating disorders. I also treat addiction.
(929) 412-1143 View (929) 412-1143
Photo of Adam N Raff, M.D., Psychiatrist in 10016, NY
Adam N Raff, M.D.
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10016
I treat adults and adolescents with a wide array of emotional and psychological concerns, such as depression, anxiety, concentration problems, emotional dysregulation, and bipolar disorder. I also help individuals struggling with relationship or work issues, low self-esteem, anger/irritability, sleep troubles, and questions of meaning and purpose. A thorough and comprehensive psychiatric consultation demands that my patient and I do our best to understand all the potential reasons for their presentation for help. I focus on an alliance that supports an interaction of mutual involvement rather than a traditional paternalistic or authoritarian hierarchy in the doctor-patient relationship.
I treat adults and adolescents with a wide array of emotional and psychological concerns, such as depression, anxiety, concentration problems, emotional dysregulation, and bipolar disorder. I also help individuals struggling with relationship or work issues, low self-esteem, anger/irritability, sleep troubles, and questions of meaning and purpose. A thorough and comprehensive psychiatric consultation demands that my patient and I do our best to understand all the potential reasons for their presentation for help. I focus on an alliance that supports an interaction of mutual involvement rather than a traditional paternalistic or authoritarian hierarchy in the doctor-patient relationship.
(917) 791-6643 View (917) 791-6643
Photo of Hisla Bates, MD, Psychiatrist in 10016, NY
Hisla Bates, MD
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
New York, NY 10016  (Online Only)
I’m a psychiatrist who is well-versed in medication management and the treatment of psychiatric disorders such as depression, anxiety, trauma, ADHD, and disorders associated with chronic medical conditions.
I am a board-certified Pediatric and Adult Psychiatrist. Harvard, Mount Sinai, and Yale-trained, I have over twenty years of experience in psychopharmacology and psychotherapy working with complex cases in a variety of clinical settings. I have a holistic and integrative approach to my practice using art, positive psychiatry and mindfulness approaches. I use strength-based approaches to help you become more resilient and optimistic. I’m an artist (Parson’s grad) with a special interest in creativity and the arts as a healing modality. I work with professionals with burnout, depression, anxiety, and stress-related disorders.
I’m a psychiatrist who is well-versed in medication management and the treatment of psychiatric disorders such as depression, anxiety, trauma, ADHD, and disorders associated with chronic medical conditions.
I am a board-certified Pediatric and Adult Psychiatrist. Harvard, Mount Sinai, and Yale-trained, I have over twenty years of experience in psychopharmacology and psychotherapy working with complex cases in a variety of clinical settings. I have a holistic and integrative approach to my practice using art, positive psychiatry and mindfulness approaches. I use strength-based approaches to help you become more resilient and optimistic. I’m an artist (Parson’s grad) with a special interest in creativity and the arts as a healing modality. I work with professionals with burnout, depression, anxiety, and stress-related disorders.
(929) 357-1796 View (929) 357-1796
Photo of Octavia Ingram, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in 10016, NY
Octavia Ingram
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, FNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
New York, NY 10016  (Online Only)
I provide comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and supportive therapy for patients experiencing depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder and personality disorders, stress intolerance and recovery from addiction.
Many patients present from families that were not educated about mental health. So through learned behavior the patient learns to suppress their emotions in fear they’ll be viewed as weak or flawed. Let’s work to break the generational stereotypes and achieve overall well being. You’re in the right place because seeking help is usually the most difficult step in your process.
I provide comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and supportive therapy for patients experiencing depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder and personality disorders, stress intolerance and recovery from addiction.
Many patients present from families that were not educated about mental health. So through learned behavior the patient learns to suppress their emotions in fear they’ll be viewed as weak or flawed. Let’s work to break the generational stereotypes and achieve overall well being. You’re in the right place because seeking help is usually the most difficult step in your process.
(929) 203-8654 View (929) 203-8654
Photo of Victoria Lanzara, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in 10016, NY
Victoria Lanzara
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
New York, NY 10016
Areas of focus include depression and other mood disorders, anxiety, stress, trauma-related disorders, and sleep issues, among others.
Mental health is an integral, yet often overlooked, part of our wellness. In our modern, fast-paced lives self-care is the typically the first thing that we choose not to prioritize. In recognition of the commitment needed to begin treatment, I strive to work with my clients on an individualized level to move toward their wellness goals.
Areas of focus include depression and other mood disorders, anxiety, stress, trauma-related disorders, and sleep issues, among others.
Mental health is an integral, yet often overlooked, part of our wellness. In our modern, fast-paced lives self-care is the typically the first thing that we choose not to prioritize. In recognition of the commitment needed to begin treatment, I strive to work with my clients on an individualized level to move toward their wellness goals.
(347) 707-7735 View (347) 707-7735
Photo of Neil Krishan Aggarwal, Psychiatrist in 10016, NY
Neil Krishan Aggarwal
Psychiatrist, MD, MBA, MA
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10016
My broad education - medical school at Case, cultural psychiatry at Harvard, residency training at Yale - has helped me understand that people need help throughout life. I treat adults ages 18 and over with a wide range of problems, including anxiety and depression. I can work with you to make sense of tough transitions like grief, relationship issues, balancing family roles, divorce, not meeting expectations at work or school, and medical illnesses. As former advisor to Yale's University Chaplain, I know how people who are suffering search for hope. I teach and supervise psychotherapy at Columbia where I am a full professor.
My broad education - medical school at Case, cultural psychiatry at Harvard, residency training at Yale - has helped me understand that people need help throughout life. I treat adults ages 18 and over with a wide range of problems, including anxiety and depression. I can work with you to make sense of tough transitions like grief, relationship issues, balancing family roles, divorce, not meeting expectations at work or school, and medical illnesses. As former advisor to Yale's University Chaplain, I know how people who are suffering search for hope. I teach and supervise psychotherapy at Columbia where I am a full professor.
(917) 746-8687 View (917) 746-8687
Photo of Deepti Anbarasan, Psychiatrist in 10016, NY
Deepti Anbarasan
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
New York, NY 10016
As a double-boarded neurologist and psychiatrist, my goal is to improve one's emotional well-being by combining my understanding of the mind-brain interface and each person's unique circumstances to create an individualized, integrative treatment plan. I have experience with treatment of intractable depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, functional neurological disorders (FND) including non-epileptic seizures (NES), somatic symptom disorder, chronic pain, and ADHD. I use a combination of both individual psychotherapy and medication management to serve the needs of my patients.
As a double-boarded neurologist and psychiatrist, my goal is to improve one's emotional well-being by combining my understanding of the mind-brain interface and each person's unique circumstances to create an individualized, integrative treatment plan. I have experience with treatment of intractable depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, functional neurological disorders (FND) including non-epileptic seizures (NES), somatic symptom disorder, chronic pain, and ADHD. I use a combination of both individual psychotherapy and medication management to serve the needs of my patients.
(347) 801-7490 View (347) 801-7490
Photo of Ihab Ibrahim, Psychiatrist in 10016, NY
Ihab Ibrahim
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10016
Ibrahim for a variety of reasons, including psychiatry consultations, depression, anxiety, autism, and obsessive compulsive disorder.
Dr. Ihab Ibrahim is a dedicated and caring psychiatrist, specializing in child and adolescent psychiatry, serving the community of New York and New Jersey.He complete his residency in psychiatry at Delaware Psychiatric Center. He also completed a fellowship in child and adolescent psychiatry at North Shore-LIJ Health System. He is certified in General Psychiatry and child and adolescent psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. He is a member of American Psychiatric association and AACAP.
Ibrahim for a variety of reasons, including psychiatry consultations, depression, anxiety, autism, and obsessive compulsive disorder.
Dr. Ihab Ibrahim is a dedicated and caring psychiatrist, specializing in child and adolescent psychiatry, serving the community of New York and New Jersey.He complete his residency in psychiatry at Delaware Psychiatric Center. He also completed a fellowship in child and adolescent psychiatry at North Shore-LIJ Health System. He is certified in General Psychiatry and child and adolescent psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. He is a member of American Psychiatric association and AACAP.
(347) 380-9716 View (347) 380-9716
Photo of Dr. Gabriel Rodriguez, Psychiatrist in 10016, NY
Dr. Gabriel Rodriguez
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10016
I am experienced in diagnosing and treating a wide array of emotional and psychiatric conditions, such as depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, and distressing personality traits.
I am a board-certified psychiatrist who works with adolescents and adults. I completed medical school and psychiatry residency training at Yale University, where I currently also serve as an assistant professor. As a candidate in clinical psychoanalysis, I have keen interest in helping you understand the connection between past emotional experiences and your current struggles in order to provide with you with insight to improve your quality of life.
I am experienced in diagnosing and treating a wide array of emotional and psychiatric conditions, such as depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, and distressing personality traits.
I am a board-certified psychiatrist who works with adolescents and adults. I completed medical school and psychiatry residency training at Yale University, where I currently also serve as an assistant professor. As a candidate in clinical psychoanalysis, I have keen interest in helping you understand the connection between past emotional experiences and your current struggles in order to provide with you with insight to improve your quality of life.
(929) 362-5982 View (929) 362-5982
Photo of Paula F Eagle, Psychiatrist in 10016, NY
Paula F Eagle
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10016
If you are anxious and depressed despite trying different medications and treatments and, you can't seem to get the relief you need, and if you still don't connect in relationships, and can't find satisfaction in your accomplishments, or engage in self-destructive behavior, then I am the person to contact. I have traditional training in psychoanalysis and psychopharmacology, but I also use hypnosis, EMDR, and other innovative forms of treatment. I believe that communication is the key to effective treatment and that our teamwork is essential to the development of trust and empathy necessary in developing healthy relationships..
If you are anxious and depressed despite trying different medications and treatments and, you can't seem to get the relief you need, and if you still don't connect in relationships, and can't find satisfaction in your accomplishments, or engage in self-destructive behavior, then I am the person to contact. I have traditional training in psychoanalysis and psychopharmacology, but I also use hypnosis, EMDR, and other innovative forms of treatment. I believe that communication is the key to effective treatment and that our teamwork is essential to the development of trust and empathy necessary in developing healthy relationships..
(212) 448-0248 View (212) 448-0248
Photo of Yeqi Chen, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in 10016, NY
Yeqi Chen
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PNP
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10016  (Online Only)
She is experienced in treating depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, Bipolar Disorder, and Psychosis.
Yeqi is a listener, mentor, and partner in patient's recovery journey. She gets to know every patient by listening to their history, what they are at currently, and what their goals are. Throughout the treatment course, Yeqi provides extensive psychoeducation, discusses different treatment options, and eventually reaches a plan of action that is individualized, feasible, and efficacious for each patient. Getting a prescription is never the end of the story. Yeqi strives to achieve sustainable treatment goal by empowering patients to become engaged partners in their care.
She is experienced in treating depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, Bipolar Disorder, and Psychosis.
Yeqi is a listener, mentor, and partner in patient's recovery journey. She gets to know every patient by listening to their history, what they are at currently, and what their goals are. Throughout the treatment course, Yeqi provides extensive psychoeducation, discusses different treatment options, and eventually reaches a plan of action that is individualized, feasible, and efficacious for each patient. Getting a prescription is never the end of the story. Yeqi strives to achieve sustainable treatment goal by empowering patients to become engaged partners in their care.
(646) 693-3284 View (646) 693-3284
Photo of Feng Liu, Psychiatrist in 10016, NY
Feng Liu
Psychiatrist, MD, PhD
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10016
I have extensive experience in diagnosis and treatment of ADHD, depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, Bipolar Disorder, and Autistic Spectrum Disorder in children and adolescents, age 3 to 21.
Is your child smart but gets poor grades in school? Is your child too shy or too worried about blending in with peers? Does your child lose interest in things and refuse to go to school? Does your child seem angry, sad, tired, argumentative or unable to focus? I can help, with my 8 years of experience as an attending psychiatrist in the child inpatient unit at NYU-Bellevue Hospital and 12 years of experience as an outpatient psychiatrist in mid/downtown Manhattan, and with my knowledge and skills as a Clinical Assistant Professor in Child/Adolescent/Adult Psychiatry at NYU School of Medicine.
I have extensive experience in diagnosis and treatment of ADHD, depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, Bipolar Disorder, and Autistic Spectrum Disorder in children and adolescents, age 3 to 21.
Is your child smart but gets poor grades in school? Is your child too shy or too worried about blending in with peers? Does your child lose interest in things and refuse to go to school? Does your child seem angry, sad, tired, argumentative or unable to focus? I can help, with my 8 years of experience as an attending psychiatrist in the child inpatient unit at NYU-Bellevue Hospital and 12 years of experience as an outpatient psychiatrist in mid/downtown Manhattan, and with my knowledge and skills as a Clinical Assistant Professor in Child/Adolescent/Adult Psychiatry at NYU School of Medicine.
(646) 798-9217 View (646) 798-9217
Photo of Leroy Scott, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in 10016, NY
Leroy Scott
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
New York, NY 10016  (Online Only)
Comprehensive Medication Management- My primary areas of expertise are in ADHD, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and in working with the LGBTQ+ community.
Specialist in Mental Health and Wellness as a whole. Comprehensive Medication Management- NOT currently offering talk therapy. obtained my Psychiatric training from Charles Drew University of Medicine and Science. I am a Board-Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I utilize the most up to date, advanced researched driven standards including biogenetic testing to identify the most optimal medication based on your gene testing.
Comprehensive Medication Management- My primary areas of expertise are in ADHD, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and in working with the LGBTQ+ community.
Specialist in Mental Health and Wellness as a whole. Comprehensive Medication Management- NOT currently offering talk therapy. obtained my Psychiatric training from Charles Drew University of Medicine and Science. I am a Board-Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I utilize the most up to date, advanced researched driven standards including biogenetic testing to identify the most optimal medication based on your gene testing.
(657) 293-2989 View (657) 293-2989
Photo of Gauri Khurana, Psychiatrist in 10016, NY
Gauri Khurana
Psychiatrist, MD, MPH
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
New York, NY 10016
I believe that each individual is unique and requires a personalized approach to therapy. Drawing from my training at Columbia and Yale, I treat people going through difficult life circumstances including relationship difficulties, family problems, anxiety, trauma and job stress. I also have expertise in working with a range of psychiatric illnesses, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and OCD. I have a special interest in working with college and graduate students and patients with complex trauma histories. By integrating psychotherapy with medication management, I strive to help patients attain their goals.
I believe that each individual is unique and requires a personalized approach to therapy. Drawing from my training at Columbia and Yale, I treat people going through difficult life circumstances including relationship difficulties, family problems, anxiety, trauma and job stress. I also have expertise in working with a range of psychiatric illnesses, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and OCD. I have a special interest in working with college and graduate students and patients with complex trauma histories. By integrating psychotherapy with medication management, I strive to help patients attain their goals.
(347) 354-1116 View (347) 354-1116
Photo of Rashad Previllon, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in 10016, NY
Rashad Previllon
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
New York, NY 10016  (Online Only)
Rashad is a board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner who specializes in providing mental health care to patients 18 and older. Her role involves assessing, diagnosing, and treating patients with various mental health conditions, including anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, mood disorders, and ADHD. When providing to care to patients, Rashad uses pharmacological interventions, psychotherapy, and other evidence- based treatments to help patients manage their symptoms and improve their overall quality of life. Rashad has a deep understanding of social and cultural factors that impact mental health.
Rashad is a board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner who specializes in providing mental health care to patients 18 and older. Her role involves assessing, diagnosing, and treating patients with various mental health conditions, including anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, mood disorders, and ADHD. When providing to care to patients, Rashad uses pharmacological interventions, psychotherapy, and other evidence- based treatments to help patients manage their symptoms and improve their overall quality of life. Rashad has a deep understanding of social and cultural factors that impact mental health.
(347) 906-5689 View (347) 906-5689
Photo of Addiction Psychiatrist NYC - Stephen Gilman, MD, Psychiatrist in 10016, NY
Addiction Psychiatrist NYC - Stephen Gilman, MD
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10016
Helping motivated individuals overcome substance use, drug abuse, addiction alcohol, even if failed in the past. Being an addiction psychiatrist, I’ll treat any other psychiatric issues, depression, anxiety - including those in stable recovery. Are you always a little bit afraid that another relapse to your substance is waiting just around the corner? Have you tried and failed countless times to stop your use on your own? Have you gone to other clinicians for addiction treatment, but had relapsed or worsening depression, anxiety, relationship and job consequences? This is how an addiction psychiatrist excels in addiction treatment.
Helping motivated individuals overcome substance use, drug abuse, addiction alcohol, even if failed in the past. Being an addiction psychiatrist, I’ll treat any other psychiatric issues, depression, anxiety - including those in stable recovery. Are you always a little bit afraid that another relapse to your substance is waiting just around the corner? Have you tried and failed countless times to stop your use on your own? Have you gone to other clinicians for addiction treatment, but had relapsed or worsening depression, anxiety, relationship and job consequences? This is how an addiction psychiatrist excels in addiction treatment.
(646) 736-4362 View (646) 736-4362
Photo of Betty Wang, Psychiatrist in 10016, NY
Betty Wang
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10016
My clinical interests include lgbtq care, autism, eating disorders, depression, anxiety, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, and women's health.
Hi- thank you for visiting. I am a Mount Sinai Hospital-trained, double board-certified Adult and Child/Adolescent psychiatrist. In addition to seeing patients in my private practice, I am an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Mount Sinai.
My clinical interests include lgbtq care, autism, eating disorders, depression, anxiety, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, and women's health.
Hi- thank you for visiting. I am a Mount Sinai Hospital-trained, double board-certified Adult and Child/Adolescent psychiatrist. In addition to seeing patients in my private practice, I am an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Mount Sinai.
(332) 244-3656 View (332) 244-3656
Photo of DOCTOR IN THE FAMILY, Psychiatrist in 10016, NY
DOCTOR IN THE FAMILY
Psychiatrist, MD, APA, FAAFP
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10016
We do participate with: AETNA OPEN CHOICE, MERITAIN, GEHA PPO, UHC STUDENT PPO. WE DO NOT ACCEPT ANY HMO or POS Insurances, Medicare, Medicaid, or BCBS plans. Give the office a call, we are a small practice without automation, rushed visits, or automation. I include this in my personal statement since I have many requests for consults--and have openings--but let's get billing issues aside before ensuring you the best care. Sincerely, Dr. Schleider
We do participate with: AETNA OPEN CHOICE, MERITAIN, GEHA PPO, UHC STUDENT PPO. WE DO NOT ACCEPT ANY HMO or POS Insurances, Medicare, Medicaid, or BCBS plans. Give the office a call, we are a small practice without automation, rushed visits, or automation. I include this in my personal statement since I have many requests for consults--and have openings--but let's get billing issues aside before ensuring you the best care. Sincerely, Dr. Schleider
(917) 214-9792 View (917) 214-9792
Photo of Dr. Karuna Mizusaki, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in 10016, NY
Dr. Karuna Mizusaki
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10016
My therapeutic approach is warm, non judgmental, and from a place of empathy and compassion. I am committed to providing trauma-informed and culturally relevant mental health care for underserved communities in New York City. My focuses are child and adolescent psychiatry, young adults, as well as mental health advocacy for marginalized populations. As a psychiatric nurse practitioner, I prioritize individualized, person-centered care to create a comprehensive treatment and medication plan for every individual.
My therapeutic approach is warm, non judgmental, and from a place of empathy and compassion. I am committed to providing trauma-informed and culturally relevant mental health care for underserved communities in New York City. My focuses are child and adolescent psychiatry, young adults, as well as mental health advocacy for marginalized populations. As a psychiatric nurse practitioner, I prioritize individualized, person-centered care to create a comprehensive treatment and medication plan for every individual.
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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.