Depression

Depression is not a sign of weakness. It is not something you can “snap out of.” It is an illness that requires professional treatment. Yet, with the right care, people can feel better. Antidepressant medications can help reduce depression symptoms in some people, especially in people with severe depression. Psychotherapy is also an effective treatment, either alone or in combination with medications. The benefits of psychotherapy may have an enduring effect that protects against symptoms returning even after treatment is ended.

We have Mental Health Professionals (MHP) who are highly trained and experienced in helping patients recover from depression. Several different psychotherapy approaches have been shown to help our clients recover from depression, especially those with mild to moderate depression. Psychotherapy can help people with depression:

  • Pinpoint life events that contribute to their depression and help them find ways to change, accept, or adapt to those situations
  • Set realistic goals for the future. Identify distorted thought processes or identify malformed thought processes or unhelpful behaviors that contribute to feelings of hopelessness and helplessness
  • Develop skills to cope with symptoms and problems, and identify or prevent future episodes of depression

Two of the most common evidence-based therapies for depression are cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a type of therapy in which patients learn to identify and manage negative thought and behavior patterns that can contribute to their depression. CBT helps patients identify unhelpful or harmful thinking, change inaccurate beliefs, change behaviors that might make depression worse, and interact with others positively.

Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) is a form of therapy where patients learn to improve their relationships with others by better expressing their emotions and solving problems in healthier ways. IPT helps patients resolve or adapt to troubling life events, build social skills, and organize their relationships to increase support for coping with depressive symptoms and life stressors.

There is no one “right” approach to therapy. Our therapists work closely with their patients to create tailored treatment plans to address their unique needs and concerns.