There are many different types of therapy to treat depression and other mood disorders. Psychotherapy can be an effective form of treatment for depression because it can help you delve into possible underlying reasons for your depressive feelings and learn new skills to cope.
Finding out which type of psychotherapy is best for you will depend on a number of factors, including the severity of your symptoms, your own personal preferences, and your therapy goals. The therapeutic modalities described below have evidence supporting their benefits as treatments for depression.
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What Is Psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy:
Psychotherapy is the process of treatingpsychological disorderswith verbal and psychological techniques.
Most types of psychotherapy foster arelationship between therapist and client to help individuals identify and overcome negative thoughts or behavioral patterns.
Psychotherapy is often called "talk therapy" because it involves an individual and a psychotherapist sitting in a room together talking. But it is so much more than that. Psychotherapists have formal training in a variety of techniques that they employ to help people recover from mental illness, resolve personal issues, and create positive changes in their lives.
What is the best approach?
Several studies suggest, however, that the combination of an antidepressant and psychotherapy is the best approach, because of the complex mix of causes of mood disorders like depression.
While psychotherapy is its own professional field, other professionals offer this modality as well, including psychiatrists and clinical psychologists, substance abuse counselors,mental health counselors, marriage and family therapists,social workers, and psychiatric nurses.
If you or a loved one are struggling with depression, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.
For more mental health resources, see our National Helpline Database.
Psychotherapy for Depression
The right type of therapy for depression depends on a variety of factors, and there is no approach that is right for everyone. The type of treatment you choose may depend on various factors, including your preferences and the severity of your symptoms. Consider some of the following commonly used types of therapy for depression to better determine which one might be right for your needs.
Cognitive Therapy
At the heart of cognitive therapy is the idea that our thoughts can affect our emotions. For example, if we choose to look for the silver lining in every experience, we will be more likely to feel good, as opposed to if we only focus on the negative.
Negative thoughts can contribute to and exacerbate depression. Feeling good is hard when you're stuck in a constant loop of negative thoughts. Cognitive therapy helps people learn to identify common patterns of negative thinking (known as cognitive distortions) and turn those negative thoughts into more positive ones, thus improving mood.
Cognitive therapy is usually short-term and goal-focused. Therapy sessions are structured with a specific plan for each session, and there is "homework" practice to do outside of therapy. Cognitive therapy usually lasts between six weeks to four months.
Behavioral Therapy
Whereas cognitive therapy is focused on the negative thoughts that contribute to depression, behavioral therapy is centered on changing behaviors that affect emotions. A central focus of behavioral treatment for depression is behavioral activation. This entails helping patients engage in activities that will enhance their feelings of well-being.
How Behavioral Therapy Works
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
Because cognitive therapy and behavioral therapy work well together to treat depression and anxiety disorders, the two are often combined in an approach called cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT focuses on addressing both the negative thought patterns and the behaviors that contribute to depression.
Your therapist may ask you to keep a journal to track the events of the week and any self-defeating and negative reactions to those events. Habitual negative responses to events (known as automatic negative reactions) are just one pattern of thinking you might address over the course of CBT. Other response patterns include all-or-nothing thinking and overgeneralization, two common cognitive distortions.
Once you have learned how to recognize your response patterns, you will work with your therapist to learn new ways of thinking and responding. You might also practice positive self-talk.
Like cognitive therapy and behavioral therapy, CBT is usually brief and goal-oriented. It generally involves between five to 20 structured sessions centered on addressing specific concerns.
CBT sessions are often accompanied by "homework," which may include keeping a journal, practicing relaxation activities, completing readings, and using worksheets focused on specific goals. Research suggests that CBT can be effective in the treatment of depression and may have lasting effects that prevent future relapses of depressive symptoms.
How Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Works
Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Dialectical behavior therapy is mostly based on CBT. The key difference is that it asks individuals with depression to acknowledge and accept their negative thoughts and behaviors. Through the practice of validation, individuals can come to terms with their negative emotions, learn to cope with stress and regulate their reactions to it, and even improve their relationships with others.
This type of psychotherapy also incorporates mindfulness practices from Buddhist traditions to inform crisis coaching, in which an individual can call the therapist to receive guidance on how to handle difficult situations. As the person continues to practice these new skills, they will eventually become better equipped to handle their challenging situations on their own.
The National Alliance on Mental Health states that DBT has been shown to be effective in the treatment of mental illnesses, including depression.
Psychodynamic Therapy
Psychodynamic therapy, also known as psychoanalytic therapy, assumes that depression can occur because of unresolved—usually unconscious—conflicts, often originating from childhood. The goals of this type of therapy are for the patient to become more aware of their full range of emotions, including contradictory and troubling ones, and to help the patient more effectively bear these feelings and put them in a useful perspective.
Unlike some other treatment approaches for depression, psychodynamic therapy tends to be less focused and longer-term. This approach can be useful for finding connections in past experiences and seeing how those events might contribute to feelings of depression. This approach can also help build self-awareness and increase certain emotional capacities.
How Psychoanalytic Therapy Works
Interpersonal Therapy
Interpersonal conflict and poor social support can also contribute to feelings of depression. Interpersonal therapy is a type of therapy that focuses on these issues by addressing past and present social roles and interpersonal interactions. During treatment, the therapist generally chooses one or two problem areas to focus on.
This type of therapy is usually brief and involves examining social relationships with important people in your life. This can include your relationships with your partner, friends, family, and co-workers.
The goal is to identify the role these relationships play in your life and find ways of resolving conflicts.
Your therapist might ask you to roleplay different scenarios in order to practice and improve your communication. By doing this, the idea is that you will be able to implement these strategies in your relationships and build a stronger social support system.
How Interpersonal Therapy Works
Approaches to Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy can be delivered in a few different ways. In some cases, your treatment may incorporate two or more formats, such as meeting individually with your therapist followed by the occasional group session where you can practice new skills with others. Common approaches to psychotherapy include:
- Individual therapy:This modality involves one-on-one work between patient and therapist. It allows the patient to have the full attention of the therapist but is limited in that it does not allow the therapist an opportunity to observe the patient within social or family relationships.
- Family therapy:This approach is most useful when it is necessary to work on dynamics within the family group. Family therapy can be especially helpful for children and teens.
- Group therapy:Group therapy generally involves anywhere from three to 15 people. It allows everyone to give and receive group support in coping with their particular issues and allows therapists to observe how participants interact in group settings. It may also be a less expensive alternative to individual therapy.
- Couples therapy:This type of therapy is geared toward married couples and those in committed relationships who desire to improve their functioning as a couple.
Choosing a Technique and Therapist
Finding a psychologist or therapist can seem daunting since there are so many to choose from, and you might not know where to start.
- Ask friends and family: Recommendations from others can often be a great way to find a good therapist.
- Ask your doctor: Another place to start is by asking your doctor or another health care professional.
- Conduct your own online research: The American Psychological Association (APA) recommends contacting your local or state psychological association.
- Contact a local mental health center: You can also connect with a mental health center in your community.
- Use an online directory: The APA has a helpful psychologist locatorservice to help you find a therapist in your area.
When deciding on a potential psychotherapist, you will want to find out what their credentials are and whether they are qualified to treat you for depression. Ask if they take your health insurance or if they're able to work with you on a sliding scale.
Mental Health Professionals That Provide Psychotherapy
Once you determine that the therapist is adequately trained and licensed, you can read their bio on their website if they have one or send an email inquiry to find out where they received their education and how many years of experience they have. You’ll also want to know if they have any particular areas of expertise.
For example, one therapist may specialize in marriage or family counseling, while another may be an expert in substance abuse, but both may be skilled at treating depression. You might also be curious about their style of therapy and whether they’ve studied other modalities that inform their technique, such as mindfulness-based stress reduction.
Once You Find a Therapist
When you're ready to try a session with a therapist, remember that it’s of the utmost importance that the two of you click and that you feel comfortable continuing your work together. Treatment is a collaborative two-way process of finding solutions to reinforce the constructive thoughts, behaviors, and emotions that will create positive change in your life.
A Word From Verywell
Psychotherapy should be a safe and supportive process, no matter which type of therapy you decide on. When working with a psychotherapist, you should always feel comfortable opening up and sharing your feelings and challenges with depression.
If you try a therapist and don’t feel connected or are concerned that their technique or approach isn’t the right fit for you, it may be a good idea to try a different therapist. It’s also OK to be upfront and honest with the therapist who didn’t work out, too. They might even have a better recommendation or referral for you.
The Best Online Therapy ProgramsWe've tried, tested and written unbiased reviews of the best online therapy programs including Talkspace, Betterhelp, and Regain.
FAQs
What type of therapy generally is most effective for depression? ›
The kind of psychological treatment that is most commonly used for depression is known as cognitive behavioral therapy (often called “CBT” for short).
What 3 types of therapy have been found to be most effective in treating depression? ›Three of the more common methods used in depression treatment include cognitive behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy, and psychodynamic therapy. Often, a blended approach is used.
Which psychological approach is best for depression? ›Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
Because cognitive therapy and behavioral therapy work well together to treat depression and anxiety disorders, the two are often combined in an approach called cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
How do I choose the right therapist/therapy for me? The most important question to ask yourself is what you want to get out of therapy. That answer may be as simple as, “I want to feel better,” but being able to share that with a potential therapist will help both of you determine if it's a good fit.
What type of therapy has proven to be most beneficial? ›Cognitive behavioral therapy is considered the gold standard in psychotherapy. Numerous clinical trials have found CBT to be effective for a spectrum of emotional health challenges, from anxiety and depression to addiction and schizophrenia.
What type of therapy do most therapists use? ›Some of the most common types of therapy include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR).
What are the most effective mental health therapies? ›Psychotherapy paired with medication is the most effective way to promote recovery. Examples include: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Exposure Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, etc.
Which type of therapy is most effective in the long term in reducing most people's depression? ›Psychological counseling. Psychological counseling (psychotherapy) by a psychiatrist, psychologist or other mental health professional can be very effective. For many people, psychotherapy combined with medication works best. It can help identify underlying concerns that may be adding to your depression.
What do most therapists working to treat anxiety and depression use? ›Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most widely-used therapy for anxiety disorders.
What are the disadvantages of psychodynamic therapy for depression? ›Cons of Psychodynamic Psychotherapy
Psychodynamic psychotherapy is more flexible than traditional forms of therapy, but it's also less structured. And while transference can be helpful, it may interfere with the therapeutic relationship.
What is the best and safest antidepressant? ›
- Citalopram (Celexa)
- Escitalopram (Lexapro)
- Fluoxetine (Prozac)
- Paroxetine (Paxil)
- Sertraline (Zoloft)
- Get Some Exercise. ...
- Challenge Negative Thoughts. ...
- Regularly Eat Wholesome Foods. ...
- Get Adequate Sleep. ...
- Drink Plenty of Water. ...
- Make a Change in Routine. ...
- Get a Routine. ...
- Laughter.
- They actually listen to you. ...
- You feel validated. ...
- They want what's best for you. ...
- They're a strong communicator. ...
- They check in with you. ...
- They take the time to educate themselves. ...
- You view them as an ally. ...
- They earn your trust.
- Consult your insurance directory. ...
- Ask someone you trust. ...
- Use a reliable online database. ...
- Explore local resources. ...
- Reach out to organizations that address your area of concern. ...
- Think about your goals ahead of time.
Psychodynamic therapy
Psychoanalysis is a more intense type of psychodynamic therapy. According to the American Psychiatric Association, therapy sessions generally take place three or more times a week.
A group therapist says research indicates a 93 percent success rate for their services. The research, by Economics NZ, found that group therapy also proved to be cost effective and helped cut mental health waiting lists.
Is there anything better than therapy? ›Alternative options to therapy include exercise (like yoga and dance), meditation, art, music, journaling, and reading. Mental health apps are available to help support you as well. If available to you, animals can also be a great resource for emotional connection.
Which therapy is an effective long term? ›Like psychoanalysis, long-term psychodynamic therapy has been shown to be particularly beneficial with depression and personality disorders.
Why is CBT so effective? ›Why it's done. Cognitive behavioral therapy is used to treat a wide range of issues. It's often the preferred type of psychotherapy because it can quickly help you identify and cope with specific challenges. It generally requires fewer sessions than other types of therapy and is done in a structured way.
What are the 4 major types of therapy? ›- Cognitive.
- Behavioral.
- Humanistic.
- Integrative/holistic.
What are 5 commonly used therapy methods? ›
- Psychoanalysis and psychodynamic therapies. ...
- Behavior therapy. ...
- Cognitive therapy. ...
- Humanistic therapy. ...
- Integrative or holistic therapy.
How are personality disorders treated? Personality disorders are some of the most difficult disorders to treat in psychiatry. This is mainly because people with personality disorders don't think their behavior is problematic, so they don't often seek treatment.
What is the most easily treated mental illness? ›Anxiety disorders are the most common of all mental illnesses, and they are also the most treatable. Unfortunately, only about one quarter of the victims ever seek treatment.
What is the most widely used treatment for mental disorders? ›Psychotherapy. Psychotherapy, also called talk therapy, involves talking about your condition and related issues with a mental health professional. During psychotherapy, you learn about your condition and your moods, feelings, thoughts and behavior.
Which treatment of depression has the lowest rate of relapse? ›There is evidence that cognitive therapy may reduce relapse rates in depression.
What are the 3 levels of depression? ›You may be diagnosed with mild, moderate or severe depression. Your mental health professional may diagnose you with depression if these symptoms: happen most days. last for at least two weeks.
What are two psychological treatments for depression? ›Depth psychotherapy: This is similar to analytical therapy, but it focuses more on current conflicts. Systemic therapy: Systemic therapy is based on the assumption that relationships between people, especially those within the family, play an important role in the development and treatment of depression.
What is most commonly prescribed for anxiety and depression? ›SSRIs. This group of drugs, including fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil), fluvoxamine (Luvox), citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Cipralex) and sertraline (Zoloft), is usually the first choice for treatment of depression and anxiety disorders.
What is usually the best form of treatment for mood and anxiety disorders? ›Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most effective form of psychotherapy for anxiety disorders. Generally a short-term treatment, CBT focuses on teaching you specific skills to improve your symptoms and gradually return to the activities you've avoided because of anxiety.
What interventions are good for depression? ›- Behavioral Therapy. ...
- Cognitive Therapy. ...
- Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) ...
- Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) ...
- Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) ...
- Psychodynamic Therapy. ...
- Supportive Therapy. ...
- Medications.
Who is psychodynamic therapy not good for? ›
Although psychodynamic therapy can be an effective form of treatment for many mental health conditions, the researchers behind one report found that it may be less effective for the following conditions: post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) obsessive-compulsive disorder. drug addiction.
Why is psychodynamic therapy not used anymore? ›Psychodynamic psychotherapy has been criticised as being based on outdated principles of psychoanalysis and lacking an adequate evidence base to convincingly demonstrate its efficacy.
What are the negatives of psychoanalytic therapy? ›Perhaps the greatest disadvantage of psychoanalysis and related approaches is the lack of empirical support for their effectiveness. The limited research that has been conducted on these treatments suggests that they do not reliably lead to better mental health outcomes (e.g., Driessen et al., 2010).
What is the world no 1 antidepressant? ›Zoloft is the most common depression medication; nearly 17% of those surveyed in the 2017 antidepressant use study reported that they had taken this medication. 6. Paxil (paroxetine): You might be more likely to have sexual side effects if you choose Paxil over other antidepressants.
What antidepressant is best for motivation? ›Prozac (fluoxetine) and Wellbutrin (bupropion) are examples of “energizing” antidepressants; whereas Paxil (paroxetine) and Celexa (citalopram) tend to be more sedating.
What is the easiest antidepressant to tolerate? ›These antidepressants generally cause fewer bothersome side effects and are less likely to cause problems at higher therapeutic doses than other types of antidepressants. SSRIs include fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva), sertraline (Zoloft), citalopram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Lexapro).
What is the first choice treatment for depression? ›TREATMENT FOR MAJOR DEPRESSION — For the initial treatment of major depression, we suggest a combination of antidepressant medication and psychotherapy.
What makes depression hard to treat? ›Patients with depression are more likely to present with chronic pain concerns, headaches, problems with fatigue and concentration, and vague illnesses that are challenging to characterize and frequently result in diagnostic workups that are often unfruitful and the bane of primary care.
What are the three most common treatments for depression? ›There are many types of therapy available. Three of the more common methods used in depression treatment include cognitive behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy, and psychodynamic therapy.
How do you tell a therapist they aren't right for you? ›The best way to tell a therapist it isn't working is to be open and honest. At the end of the session, when they ask if you want to schedule another appointment, say: “I really appreciate the time you've spent with me, but I don't think it's a good fit and am going to try to find a different therapist.”
Will a therapist tell you your diagnosis? ›
You have specific rights when disclosing your diagnosis as a client receiving therapy. For example, it's your right to ask your therapist to tell you if they believe you have a mental health condition. If you want a diagnosis, you can ask your therapist upfront.
Why does my therapist watch my hands? ›Hands. Your client's hands can give you clues about how they're reacting to what comes up in the session. Trembling fingers can indicate anxiety or fear. Fists that clench or clutch the edges of clothing or furniture can suggest anger.
What do therapists ask first session? ›The therapist will ask questions about your presenting concerns, as well as your history and background. Most likely, you'll find yourself talking about your current symptoms or struggles, as well saying a bit about your relationships, your interests, your strengths, and your goals.
What should I tell my therapist at first appointment? ›- What are your symptoms?
- What brought you to therapy?
- What do you feel is wrong in your life?
- Some questions about your history, including your childhood, education, relationships (family, romantic, friends), your current living situation, and your career.
Counselors tend to offer short-term care, while therapists tend to offer long-term care. Therapists can be more past focused and counselors more future focused. Counselors often have a set number of sessions, and therapists often work on an ongoing basis. Therapists are more likely to treat mental health conditions.
What is the most beneficial therapy? ›Cognitive behavioral therapy is considered the gold standard in psychotherapy.
Which psychological therapy is the most effective? ›Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
According to surveys of therapists, CBT is rapidly becoming the primary approach among practicing psychologists. Cognitive behavioral therapy aims to help people become aware of and eventually alter dysfunctional patterns of thinking and behaving.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
A well-established, highly effective, and lasting treatment is called cognitive-behavioral therapy, or CBT. It focuses on identifying, understanding, and changing thinking and behavior patterns.
SSRIs. This group of drugs, including fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil), fluvoxamine (Luvox), citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Cipralex) and sertraline (Zoloft), is usually the first choice for treatment of depression and anxiety disorders.
Which therapy is most likely to be used only with severely depressed patients? ›Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a medical treatment most commonly used in patients with severe major depression or bipolar disorder that has not responded to other treatments.
What is the most effective psychotherapy for treating mental disorders? ›
Psychotherapy paired with medication is the most effective way to promote recovery. Examples include: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Exposure Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, etc.
What type of therapy is often recommended for treating many anxiety and depression disorders? ›Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of psychological treatment that has been demonstrated to be effective for a range of problems including depression, anxiety disorders, alcohol and drug use problems, marital problems, eating disorders, and severe mental illness.
What is the first line medical treatment for depression? ›TREATMENT FOR MAJOR DEPRESSION — For the initial treatment of major depression, we suggest a combination of antidepressant medication and psychotherapy.
What is the best depression and anxiety medication? ›| “Worth it” score | |
|---|---|
| Cymbalta | One 30 to 60 mg capsule once daily |
| Prozac | One 20 mg capsule once daily |
| Zoloft | One 25 to 50 mg tablet once daily |
| Celexa | One 20 to 40 mg tablet once daily |
Prozac (fluoxetine) and Wellbutrin (bupropion) are examples of “energizing” antidepressants; whereas Paxil (paroxetine) and Celexa (citalopram) tend to be more sedating.
What are the 4 main causes of depression? ›- Stressful events. Most people take time to come to terms with stressful events, such as bereavement or a relationship breakdown. ...
- Personality. ...
- Family history. ...
- Giving birth. ...
- Loneliness. ...
- Alcohol and drugs. ...
- Illness.
Depression ranges in seriousness from mild, temporary episodes of sadness to severe, persistent depression. Clinical depression is the more-severe form of depression, also known as major depression or major depressive disorder.
What's better than antidepressants? ›- Talking therapies. Cognitive behavioural therapy. ...
- Exercise. ...
- Self-help groups. ...
- Lithium. ...
- Electric shock treatment.