What Kind Of Therapist Should I See For Depression?

Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions worldwide. Due to its prevalence, there are hundreds of therapy modalities now available for treating this condition and others. However, having so many options available can be overwhelming or confusing, as it may lead people to experience confusion around the question, “What kind of therapist should I see for depression?”   

What is depression?

Depression is a serious mood disorder characterized by a persistent low mood and loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities, among other symptoms. Depression can be an umbrella term for all types of depressive disorders but is often used in reference to major depression, officially called major depressive disorder. 

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, some other types of depressive disorders include persistent depressive disorder, seasonal affective disorder, and perinatal depression. A person with bipolar disorder may also experience depressive symptoms. Although symptoms of these conditions may vary, all depressive disorders have one characteristic in common: a persistent and chronic sadness or hopelessness lasting for a prolonged period. 

Depression is more than feeling sad or having “the blues.” Depressive disorders encompass many physical and emotional symptoms that can negatively impact a person’s ability to function in their daily life. Depression can affect different people differently, and not everyone with depression will experience all the symptoms listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) for depressive disorders.  That said, common symptoms of depression are listed below. 

Physical and behavioral symptoms of depression 

Below are some of the most common physical and behavioral symptoms of depression:  

• A sense of fatigue or exhaustion 

• Difficulty concentrating, remembering events or conversations, or making decisions 

• Difficulty sleeping or sleeping more than usual  

• Weight loss or gain 

• Changes in eating patterns 

• Lower energy levels and lethargy  

• Achiness or intense pains without an explanation 

• Agitation 

• Decreased speed of movement and speech 

• Isolation 

• Avoidance of personal responsibilities 

• Neglect of previously close relationships with family and friends 

• New or increased substance use 

• Decreased attention paid to personal hygiene  

• Missing work or school 

• Restlessness or nervous behaviors 

• Self-harming 

• Self-destructive behaviors 

Emotional symptoms of depression 

Below are a few of the most common emotional or mood-related symptoms of depression:  

• Feeling persistent hopelessness, sadness, emptiness, worthlessness, or guilt 

• Ongoing negative thoughts about oneself, others, or the world 

• Persistent sensitivity to criticism 

• Irritability and anger  

• A bleak outlook toward the future 

• A tendency to blame oneself  

• Decreased self-esteem 

• A single-minded focus on past mistakes and embarrassment 

• A sense that one’s life cannot improve  

• Loss of interest in activities and hobbies that once brought joy 

• Internalizing criticism from other people 

• Persistent thoughts of death, hurting oneself, or suicide 

What kind of therapist should I see for depression?  

Depression can cause several overwhelming symptoms, causing some to believe these symptoms signify a lack of hope for the future. However, depression is treatable with the support of the right health professionals, and many evidence-based treatment options are available.  

The American Psychological Association’s Clinical Practice Guideline recommends any of seven talk therapy interventions for treating depression in adults, including the following:  

• Behavioral therapy 

• Cognitive therapy 

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) 

• Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) 

• Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) 

• Psychodynamic therapy 

• Supportive therapy 

Two of the most widely used of these evidence-based health care approaches are CBT and IPT, so it may be helpful to look more closely at those modalities. If a particular treatment method seems like it would work best for you and your circumstances, consider consulting with some providers with experience in those modalities. Otherwise, you can usually meet with a therapist who engages in a general practice to get their professional opinion on what method might be right for you and the mental illness symptoms you may be experiencing. 

CBT  

Cognitive behavioral therapy is considered by many medical and mental health professionals to be the current gold standard of psychotherapy for treating a wide range of conditions, including depression.  

CBT focuses on helping a client identify negative or maladaptive thought patterns and understanding the relationship between those thought patterns and their subsequent behaviors. This approach hinges on the idea that shifting unhealthy thoughts can result in improvements in emotions and behaviors along with a greater sense of overall well-being.  

A mental health professional trained in CBT techniques may work with you on implementing activities or techniques to help you better understand your thoughts and adjust your behaviors, such as journaling, mindfulness, and behavior-reward practices. 

IPT therapists 

Another type of therapeutic approach commonly used to address depression symptoms is interpersonal therapy (IPT). Mental health professionals trained in IPT can work with you on the interpersonal relationships and social connections in your life based on the understanding that your social network can play a significant role in managing mood disorders like depression. 

IPT explores the connections between a person’s mood and their life as a whole, taking note of any impactful life situations or changes such as starting a new job, ending an intimate relationship, moving to a new location, or losing a loved one.  

In doing IPT work, you may talk to your therapist about ways to develop or hone interpersonal and communication skills to build a stronger network of social support that may help you cope with depressive symptoms. Through interpersonal therapy, you may come to better understand how you relate to others and how those relationships can impact your mental health.  

Do I need to see a doctor for symptoms of depression? 

The most effective treatment option for depression can vary from one person to the next, and for some people, the combination of therapy and antidepressant medications is most effective. If you’re interested in learning more about medication for depression, you should speak with a qualified health professional to determine what might work best for you.  

Meeting with a primary care doctor or psychiatrist to talk about prescription medication for depression usually involves a discussion of your medical history and any other health concerns. However, note that prescription medication may not be necessary to treat depression in every case. Or, some people use it temporarily to control their mood while going to therapy. Consult a doctor or psychiatrist for medical advice before starting, changing, or stopping any medication.   

Online support for depression 

If you’re not sure where to start in seeking treatment for depression, it’s usually helpful to begin by meeting with a licensed and qualified therapist. That said, if you are experiencing common depression symptoms like lethargy and exhaustion, it may be overwhelming to think about leaving the house to attend in-person therapy appointments. If this is your experience, online therapy through a platform like BetterHelp may be more approachable, as it allows you to meet with a licensed therapist from wherever you have internet, including the comfort of home.  

Research has shown that online therapy can be an effective treatment option for many mental health conditions, including depression. One such study suggests that CBT conducted through online health services was associated with significant improvements in levels of depression, anxiety, and general distress.