Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Is Psychotherapy?Psychotherapy for DepressionTherapy ApproachesHow Long Does It Take to Work?Choosing a Therapist
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What Is Psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy for Depression
Therapy Approaches
How Long Does It Take to Work?
Choosing a Therapist
Depressionis more than feeling sad or unmotivated for a few days; it’s an ongoing and persistent feeling of extreme sadness or despair affecting every aspect of a person’s life. Data from 2020 shows 18.4% of U.S. adults have received a diagnosis of depression.
Fortunately, treatment options like psychotherapy can be effective. The key is finding out what type of psychotherapy is right for you, depending on the severity of your symptoms, personal preferences, and therapy goals.
This article covers the most effective evidence-based psychotherapy treatments for depression.
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What Is Clinical Depression, and How Does It Feel?
Psychotherapy istalk therapy. It takes place in outpatient settings (i.e., therapy offices) and inpatient settings (i.e., hospitals). Its purpose is to help relieve symptoms and prevent them from returning.
Each form of psychotherapy is unique, but typical sessions help a person identify the thought patterns, learned behaviors, or personal circumstances that may be contributing to their depression. The focus then shifts to building healthy coping strategies for managing negative thoughts, unwanted behaviors, and difficult emotions or experiences.
What Are the Different Types and Benefits of Therapy?
The following are the most common types of psychotherapy for depression.
Cognitive Therapy
Cognitive therapy (also called cognitive processing therapy) is a type of cognitive behavioral therapy shown to be effective in helping people challenge and change unhelpful or unwanted beliefs or attitudes that result fromtraumatic experiencessuch as sexual assault or natural disaster.
Cognitive therapy involves learning about symptoms like intrusive thoughts resulting from traumatic experiences and working on processing the experience and questioning and reframing negative self-thinking.
Cognitive Processing Therapy: Everything You Need to Know
Behavioral Therapy
What Is Mental Health Counseling?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is considered the best-researched technique and the “gold standard” of psychotherapy. It’s been shown effective in reducing depression symptoms and helping patients build skills to change thought patterns and behaviors to break them out of depression. It also encourages greater adherence to medications and other treatments.
CBT when combined with medication for depression has been shown more effective in treating symptoms and preventing relapse than pharmacology alone.
How Effective Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
DBT is a skilled-focused technique centered on acceptance and change. It involves acceptance-oriented skills, such as mindfulness and increasing tolerance to distress. It also uses change-oriented skills, emotional regulation (keeping emotions in check), and interpersonal development (i.e., saying no, asking for what you want, and establishing interpersonal boundaries).
Research suggests DBT is particularly beneficial for people experiencingchronic suicidal thinking.
What Is Dialectical Behavior Therapy?
Suicide Prevention HotlineIf you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, dial988to contact the988 Suicide & Crisis Lifelineand connect with a trained counselor. For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
Suicide Prevention Hotline
If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, dial988to contact the988 Suicide & Crisis Lifelineand connect with a trained counselor. For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
Psychodynamic Therapy
Psychodynamic therapy is based on the theory that moods and behaviors are directly but unconsciously related to childhood and past experiences. It involves building self-awareness of these experiences and their influence on a person while empowering them to change unwanted patterns.
Treatment with psychodynamic therapy has been shown to be as effective as other treatments in reducing depressive symptoms in depressive disorders.
Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)
IPT focuses on how relationships impact mental health. It helps people manage and strengthen current relationships, as well as looking at how different environments influence thinking and behavior.Numerous studies support the effectiveness of ITP for depression treatment and symptom relapse prevention.
Problem-Solving Therapy (PST)
The Different Types of Psychotherapists
Approaches to Therapy for Depression
Therapy is not one-size-fits-all. The best approach will depend on severity of symptoms and overall therapy goals, and may include a combination of individual therapy,group therapy,family therapy, orcouples therapy. Someone experiencing ongoing depression may benefit from the one-on-one support of individual therapy, but also from a family-based approach andpeer support groups.
How to Choose Between a Counselor and a Therapist
How Long Does Therapy for Depression Take?
The length of time therapy takes to experience results will vary depending on factors such as:
General TimelinePsychotherapy can be short-term and last a few weeks to months (for situational acute depression) or long-term and last a few months to years (for persistent or chronic depression).
General Timeline
Psychotherapy can be short-term and last a few weeks to months (for situational acute depression) or long-term and last a few months to years (for persistent or chronic depression).
The 8 Best Online Therapy Services for Anxiety
How to Choose a Technique and Therapist
Consider which types of therapy best align with your goals and seek a therapist who offers that type of therapy. Bear in mind that therapists may offer more than one technique and can help you determine which techniques may be most suitable.
When choosing a therapist, you may consider their credentials, such as if they have a medical degree and can prescribemedication for depression, as a psychiatrist can. It’s crucial to choose a therapist whom you feel comfortable working with. It’s OK to attend a few sessions before deciding if they’re the right therapist for you.
A Word From VerywellMaking sure you feel comfortable and have rapport with your therapist is one of the most important determinants for effective therapy. Set up short introductions or consultations with a few therapists so you can pick one you feel you can build the most rapport with.—KATHLEEN DALY, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
A Word From Verywell
Making sure you feel comfortable and have rapport with your therapist is one of the most important determinants for effective therapy. Set up short introductions or consultations with a few therapists so you can pick one you feel you can build the most rapport with.—KATHLEEN DALY, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
Making sure you feel comfortable and have rapport with your therapist is one of the most important determinants for effective therapy. Set up short introductions or consultations with a few therapists so you can pick one you feel you can build the most rapport with.
—KATHLEEN DALY, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
Summary
There are many types of evidence-based therapy that are suitable for treating depression. Some involve working one-on-one with a therapist, and others may include family members, spouses, or peer groups experiencing depression. Making the correct choice includes determining your therapy goals and finding a therapist you feel comfortable working with.
13 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.National, state-level, and county-level prevalence estimates of adults aged ≥18 years self-reporting a lifetime diagnosis of depression — United States, 2020.Informed Health.Depression: How effective is psychological treatment?American Psychological Association.Cognitive processing therapy (CPT).University of Michigan.Behavioral activation for depression.Gautam M, Tripathi A, Deshmukh D, Gaur M.Cognitive behavioral therapy for depression.Indian J Psychiatry. 2020;62( 2):S223-S229. doi:10.4103/psychiatry.IndianJPsychiatry_772_19Wersen AD, Meiser-Stedman R, Laidlaw K.A meta-analysis of CBT efficacy for depression comparing adults and older adults.Journal of Affective Disorders. 2022;319:189-20. doi:10.1016/j.jad.2022.09.020University of Washington.Dialectical behavioral therapy.American Psychiatric Association.What is psychotherapy?Steinert C, Munder T, Rabung S, Hoyer J, Leichsenring F.Psychodynamic therapy: as efficacious as other empirically supported treatments? A meta-analysis testing equivalence of outcomes.AJP. 2017;174(10):943-953. doi:10.1176/appi.ajp.2017.17010057American Psychological Association.APA dictionary of psychology: interpersonal psychotherapy (ITP).Cuijpers P, Donker T, Weissman MM, Ravitz P, Cristea IA.Interpersonal psychotherapy for mental health problems: A comprehensive meta-analysis.Am J Psychiatry. 2016;173(7):680-687. doi:10.1176/appi.ajp.2015.15091141Zhang A, Park S, Sullivan JE, Jing S.The effectiveness of problem-solving therapy for primary care patients' depressive and/or anxiety disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis.J Am Board Fam Med. 2018;31(1):139-150. doi:10.3122/jabfm.2018.01.170270American Psychological Association.How long will it take for treatment to work?
13 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.National, state-level, and county-level prevalence estimates of adults aged ≥18 years self-reporting a lifetime diagnosis of depression — United States, 2020.Informed Health.Depression: How effective is psychological treatment?American Psychological Association.Cognitive processing therapy (CPT).University of Michigan.Behavioral activation for depression.Gautam M, Tripathi A, Deshmukh D, Gaur M.Cognitive behavioral therapy for depression.Indian J Psychiatry. 2020;62( 2):S223-S229. doi:10.4103/psychiatry.IndianJPsychiatry_772_19Wersen AD, Meiser-Stedman R, Laidlaw K.A meta-analysis of CBT efficacy for depression comparing adults and older adults.Journal of Affective Disorders. 2022;319:189-20. doi:10.1016/j.jad.2022.09.020University of Washington.Dialectical behavioral therapy.American Psychiatric Association.What is psychotherapy?Steinert C, Munder T, Rabung S, Hoyer J, Leichsenring F.Psychodynamic therapy: as efficacious as other empirically supported treatments? A meta-analysis testing equivalence of outcomes.AJP. 2017;174(10):943-953. doi:10.1176/appi.ajp.2017.17010057American Psychological Association.APA dictionary of psychology: interpersonal psychotherapy (ITP).Cuijpers P, Donker T, Weissman MM, Ravitz P, Cristea IA.Interpersonal psychotherapy for mental health problems: A comprehensive meta-analysis.Am J Psychiatry. 2016;173(7):680-687. doi:10.1176/appi.ajp.2015.15091141Zhang A, Park S, Sullivan JE, Jing S.The effectiveness of problem-solving therapy for primary care patients' depressive and/or anxiety disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis.J Am Board Fam Med. 2018;31(1):139-150. doi:10.3122/jabfm.2018.01.170270American Psychological Association.How long will it take for treatment to work?
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.National, state-level, and county-level prevalence estimates of adults aged ≥18 years self-reporting a lifetime diagnosis of depression — United States, 2020.Informed Health.Depression: How effective is psychological treatment?American Psychological Association.Cognitive processing therapy (CPT).University of Michigan.Behavioral activation for depression.Gautam M, Tripathi A, Deshmukh D, Gaur M.Cognitive behavioral therapy for depression.Indian J Psychiatry. 2020;62( 2):S223-S229. doi:10.4103/psychiatry.IndianJPsychiatry_772_19Wersen AD, Meiser-Stedman R, Laidlaw K.A meta-analysis of CBT efficacy for depression comparing adults and older adults.Journal of Affective Disorders. 2022;319:189-20. doi:10.1016/j.jad.2022.09.020University of Washington.Dialectical behavioral therapy.American Psychiatric Association.What is psychotherapy?Steinert C, Munder T, Rabung S, Hoyer J, Leichsenring F.Psychodynamic therapy: as efficacious as other empirically supported treatments? A meta-analysis testing equivalence of outcomes.AJP. 2017;174(10):943-953. doi:10.1176/appi.ajp.2017.17010057American Psychological Association.APA dictionary of psychology: interpersonal psychotherapy (ITP).Cuijpers P, Donker T, Weissman MM, Ravitz P, Cristea IA.Interpersonal psychotherapy for mental health problems: A comprehensive meta-analysis.Am J Psychiatry. 2016;173(7):680-687. doi:10.1176/appi.ajp.2015.15091141Zhang A, Park S, Sullivan JE, Jing S.The effectiveness of problem-solving therapy for primary care patients' depressive and/or anxiety disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis.J Am Board Fam Med. 2018;31(1):139-150. doi:10.3122/jabfm.2018.01.170270American Psychological Association.How long will it take for treatment to work?
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.National, state-level, and county-level prevalence estimates of adults aged ≥18 years self-reporting a lifetime diagnosis of depression — United States, 2020.
Informed Health.Depression: How effective is psychological treatment?
American Psychological Association.Cognitive processing therapy (CPT).
University of Michigan.Behavioral activation for depression.
Gautam M, Tripathi A, Deshmukh D, Gaur M.Cognitive behavioral therapy for depression.Indian J Psychiatry. 2020;62( 2):S223-S229. doi:10.4103/psychiatry.IndianJPsychiatry_772_19
Wersen AD, Meiser-Stedman R, Laidlaw K.A meta-analysis of CBT efficacy for depression comparing adults and older adults.Journal of Affective Disorders. 2022;319:189-20. doi:10.1016/j.jad.2022.09.020
University of Washington.Dialectical behavioral therapy.
American Psychiatric Association.What is psychotherapy?
Steinert C, Munder T, Rabung S, Hoyer J, Leichsenring F.Psychodynamic therapy: as efficacious as other empirically supported treatments? A meta-analysis testing equivalence of outcomes.AJP. 2017;174(10):943-953. doi:10.1176/appi.ajp.2017.17010057
American Psychological Association.APA dictionary of psychology: interpersonal psychotherapy (ITP).
Cuijpers P, Donker T, Weissman MM, Ravitz P, Cristea IA.Interpersonal psychotherapy for mental health problems: A comprehensive meta-analysis.Am J Psychiatry. 2016;173(7):680-687. doi:10.1176/appi.ajp.2015.15091141
Zhang A, Park S, Sullivan JE, Jing S.The effectiveness of problem-solving therapy for primary care patients' depressive and/or anxiety disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis.J Am Board Fam Med. 2018;31(1):139-150. doi:10.3122/jabfm.2018.01.170270
American Psychological Association.How long will it take for treatment to work?
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