Therapy & treatment
Therapy for Depression
Psychotherapy is an effective treatment for depression, alone or combined with medication. Learn about CBT, behavioral activation, interpersonal therapy and other evidence-based options.
How therapy helps depression
Therapy can help you understand what contributes to depression, re-engage with activities that bring meaning, challenge harsh or hopeless thinking, and improve relationships and support.
Approaches with good evidence
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): identifies and changes unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns.
- Behavioral activation: gradually increasing rewarding and meaningful activities to counter withdrawal.
- Interpersonal therapy (IPT): focuses on relationships, role changes, grief and conflict.
- Problem-solving therapy: builds structured ways to tackle practical difficulties.
- Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT): often used to prevent relapse.
- Psychodynamic therapy: explores underlying patterns and past experiences.
Therapy and medication
For mild depression, guidelines often suggest starting with therapy or guided self-help. For more severe depression, combining therapy with antidepressants is common. A clinician can help you weigh the options.
Getting started
Look for a licensed therapist experienced in treating depression. If motivation is low, it can help to ask someone you trust to support you in making the first contact.
Related therapy approaches
Find care
Find the right support
Compare types of care — from online therapy to psychiatry — and learn what to consider before choosing a provider.
Explore care optionsWhen to seek professional help
Consider talking with a doctor or licensed mental health professional if symptomslast for more than two weeks, keep coming back, or make it harder to manage work, school, relationships or daily tasks. You don’t need to wait until things feel severe — getting support early often makes things easier.
If you’re thinking about harming yourself or are in immediate danger, call your local emergency number. In the US, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline).Crisis resources in other countries.
Explore care optionsReferences
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About this article
Written by
ExploreMentalHealth Editorial Team
Our editors research and write every article using government health agencies, professional medical organizations and peer-reviewed research, following our published editorial standards.
- First published
- September 9, 2026
- Last updated
- September 22, 2026
- Last medically reviewed
- Review pending