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Updated on January 23, 2025
Major depression is a common and serious mental health condition. Also known as clinical depression, major depressive disorder, or MDD, it causes prolonged sadness and loss of interest. It hampers a person’s ability to participate in daily life.
If you have major depression, your healthcare provider (HCP) may prescribe antidepressant medication to help treat your condition. Psychotherapy, also called talk therapy, will likely be another key part to your depression treatment plan.
Psychotherapy can help ease major depression symptoms by teaching you coping strategies. It can also help prevent a relapse of major depression.
Types of psychotherapy for major depression
Your provider may recommend different kinds of talk therapy. The following are common and may be particularly effective for major depression.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
CBT is based on the theory that a negative mindset is a key component of major depression. It teaches people to reframe negative—and often unrealistic—thought patterns in a more positive light. This helps to counteract depressed feelings and behavior. In short, CBT typically involves working on changing one’s patterns of thinking.
Interpersonal therapy
This type of depression therapy works on the premise that negative experiences in personal relationships can trigger or worsen major depression. It focuses on the link between mood and interpersonal relationships. It can be particularly helpful in addressing issues like unresolved grief, interpersonal disputes, poor social skills, and social isolation.
Psychotherapy treatment basics
Professionals who offer psychotherapy include:
- Psychiatrists
- Psychologists
- Licensed clinical social workers
- Child counselors
- Licensed marriage and family therapists
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who can prescribe medication. A person with major depression may work with a psychiatrist and with a psychologist or other counselor for psychotherapy.
Depression therapy can take place in a variety of settings, ranging from private practice offices and clinics to social service agencies and outpatient mental health clinics.
