This page is for general education and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment by a qualified professional. If this is an emergency, call 911 or 988.
Talk to someone about treatment options
Reach the free, confidential SAMHSA National Helpline for treatment referrals and information.
This is the free, confidential SAMHSA National Helpline, operated by the U.S. government. Get Mental Help is not affiliated with it and is not compensated for these calls. How this site is funded.
Talk therapy is a core, effective treatment for depression — for mild to moderate depression it often works as well as medication, and for moderate to severe depression it works well alongside it. You don’t have to know which approach is right before you start; a professional helps you choose. Below are the therapies that work and how to take the next step.
Your treatment options
A therapist helps you pick from a few evidence-based approaches:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) — often first. CBT helps you identify and shift the thought and behavior patterns that keep depression going. It is one of the most studied treatments for depression.
- Behavioral activation. A practical approach that rebuilds engagement with rewarding activities, which often lifts mood over time.
- Interpersonal therapy (IPT). Focuses on relationships and life transitions that affect mood.
- Combination. Many people pair therapy with depression medication, especially for moderate to severe depression.
- Other formats and levels of care. Therapy is available individually, in groups, and through structured programs. Our treatment guides explain the options, and the broader treatment overview shows how the pieces fit together.
Not sure which fits? A short conversation can help you sort it out.
What happens when you call
If you use the helpline on this page, here’s what to expect — no surprises:
- A treatment specialist answers and asks a few questions about what you’re going through.
- It’s a no-pressure conversation. There’s no obligation to enter treatment, and you can stop any time.
- They can help you understand options, including cost and insurance.
- This is an advertising-supported service: calls are answered by a paid advertiser, not by Get Mental Help. If you’d rather not use it, the free SAMHSA National Helpline (1-800-662-4357) and 988 are always available.
Check in on your symptoms
Not sure how much depression is affecting you? Take a private, two-minute, non-diagnostic depression self-check. Nothing is saved, and it can help you decide whether to reach out.
Find depression help in your state
Therapists, costs, and coverage differ by state. Use Find Help by State for the mental-health agency, Medicaid coverage, crisis lines, and free or low-cost options where you live — part of our State of Mental Health Access data.
What treatment costs
Cost depends on the type of care, your insurance, and your state — so there’s no single number. A few things that help:
- Insurance and Medicaid generally cover mental health therapy; coverage varies by plan and state.
- Free and low-cost options exist everywhere — community mental health centers, Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), training clinics, and sliding-scale therapists.
- A specialist (or your state’s resources) can help you find care that fits your budget.
From our clinical review. People often expect therapy to be endless and vague. Good therapy for depression is usually focused and skills-based — you learn specific tools, practice them between sessions, and feel the difference within weeks. The relationship with the right therapist matters more than the brand of therapy.
If you’re ready, talk to someone about therapy options now — it’s free to call and there’s no obligation.
Frequently asked questions
What therapy works best for depression?
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT) are among the most studied and effective talk therapies for depression. Behavioral activation also has strong evidence. The best fit depends on you, and a therapist can help you choose.
How long does therapy for depression take?
Many evidence-based therapies for depression are delivered over roughly 12 to 20 weekly sessions, though some people need more or less. Many notice meaningful improvement within the first several weeks.
Is therapy or medication better for depression?
Both work. For mild to moderate depression, therapy alone is often effective; for moderate to severe depression, the combination of therapy and medication tends to work best. A professional can help you decide.
Sources
- Depression — Psychotherapies — National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
- Depression — American Psychological Association (APA)
- Depression — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine
Reviewed against the sources above. This page is educational and is not medical advice.
Talk to someone about treatment options
Reach the free, confidential SAMHSA National Helpline for treatment referrals and information.
This is the free, confidential SAMHSA National Helpline, operated by the U.S. government. Get Mental Help is not affiliated with it and is not compensated for these calls. How this site is funded.