How Effective Is Psychotherapy for Depression?

When you're struggling with depression, it can feel difficult to know where to start. While antidepressants are a common treatment, you might wonder: can talking to someone really help?

As it turns out, psychotherapy is not only effective, it’s as powerful as medication, without the unwanted side effects.

Talk therapy with a licensed psychologist is as effective as antidepressants for treating depression. That means about half of patients who complete a course of psychotherapy fully recover from depression. And of course, you don’t have to deal with the uncomfortable side effects that come with a pill. – 12 Proven Natural Treatments for Depression

Why does psychotherapy work?

Psychotherapy is more than just sharing your story. It's a structured approach where you actively work with a psychologist or therapist to develop coping skills, challenge negative thought patterns, and make meaningful life changes.

What types of psychotherapy help depression?

Several methods have been scientifically proven effective:

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Teaches you to recognize and alter negative thinking patterns and behaviors.
  
• Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT): Focuses on improving your relationships and social interactions, which are often strained by depression.
  
• Short-term Psychodynamic Psychotherapy (STPP): Explores unconscious thoughts and past experiences influencing your current mood.
  
• Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT): Helps you accept negative emotions rather than fight them, emphasizing mindfulness and living according to your values.
  

If one method doesn’t resonate with you, it's entirely okay, and even recommended, to try another.

Finding the right therapist

Comfort and connection with your therapist significantly influence treatment effectiveness; If you have the option, our suggestion is to visit three psychologists for a first session and choose the one you like the best.

Online therapy: Effective and accessible

Prefer sessions from home? Teletherapy offers similar benefits and convenience:

If you don’t want to leave the house and go visit a clinic, search for psychotherapists or psychologists who offer online sessions.

Online therapy platforms, such as My Online Therapy, provide face-to-face video sessions, making professional mental health care accessible wherever you are.

In short, psychotherapy offers robust, side-effect-free depression relief, whether in-person or online.

Want to explore more natural treatments for depression? Read the full guide here.