Therapies
Compare treatment approaches
Understand what major guidelines recommend, what each therapy involves and what to ask about training, consent, monitoring and alternatives.
Evidence-based approaches
CBT, behavioral activation, interpersonal therapy and other structured approaches may be used for depression. The exact treatment should match the diagnosis rather than being marketed as a universal cure.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Depression
CBT helps people identify patterns linking thoughts, behavior and mood, then test practical changes. Treatment should use clear goals, collaborative formulation and progress review.
TherapiesBehavioral Activation for Depression
Behavioral activation focuses on reducing avoidance and rebuilding meaningful, manageable activity. It is more structured than simply telling someone to exercise or stay busy.
TherapiesInterpersonal Therapy for Depression
Interpersonal therapy links depressive symptoms with grief, role transitions, conflict and relationship patterns. It is time-limited and uses an agreed interpersonal focus.
TherapiesProblem-Solving Therapy for Depression
Problem-solving therapy teaches a structured way to define manageable problems, generate options, act and review. It may be useful when practical stressors and low agency maintain symptoms.
TherapiesMindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy
MBCT combines mindfulness practice with cognitive therapy principles and is often used to reduce relapse risk in people with recurrent depression. It is not a substitute for crisis care.
TherapiesPsychodynamic Therapy for Depression
Psychodynamic approaches explore recurring emotional and relationship patterns. Ask how the treatment is structured, what evidence applies and how progress and safety will be monitored.
TherapiesCouples Therapy and Depression
Couples work may help when relationship patterns and depression affect each other, provided it is safe and appropriate. Abuse and coercive control require a different response.
TherapiesGroup Therapy for Depression
Group therapy can provide structured treatment, practice and connection. Program quality depends on the clinical model, facilitator training, screening, confidentiality and crisis procedures.
TherapiesOnline Therapy for Depression
Remote therapy can improve access and may deliver evidence-based care. Confirm clinician licensing, privacy, emergency planning and whether the format suits symptom severity.
TherapiesWhen Therapy for Depression Is Not Helping
A stalled treatment calls for collaborative review of diagnosis, therapeutic fit, attendance barriers, treatment fidelity, safety, medication and social or medical factors—not blame.