Depression therapy: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What depression therapy is

Depression therapy is a set of sessions with a licensed therapist for people experiencing low mood or loss of interest. The therapist listens, helps you build coping strategies and adjusts the approach to you. If you or someone you know is in crisis or in danger, contact local emergency services instead of waiting for an appointment.

Signs you need it

  • Low mood or numbness that lasts most days over weeks
  • Losing interest in things you used to enjoy
  • Changes in sleep, energy or appetite that your doctor has not tied to another cause
  • Feeling hopeless, withdrawing from people or struggling to get through work or school
  • A doctor or loved one has encouraged you to talk with someone

What the pro does

  • An intake on your history, current mood and what support you already have
  • Setting goals together, even small ones such as a daily routine
  • Sessions of talk-based work and practical strategies, such as planning activities and noticing thought patterns
  • Check-ins on safety and support, with a plan for hard days
  • Reviewing progress and adjusting the approach

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • The therapist's license and training
  • Session length and frequency
  • In person or video
  • Insurance or private pay
  • Coordination with your doctor
  • Cancellation terms

What a written quote should spell out

  • Session length, schedule and how often to meet
  • Cancellation and missed session terms
  • Billing and insurance details
  • Safety plan and what to do between sessions in a crisis
  • How the therapist coordinates with your doctor, if you wish

Questions to ask before you hire

  • What is your license, and how much of your work is with depression?
  • How do you plan sessions when energy is low?
  • How do you handle a crisis between sessions?
  • Will you coordinate with my doctor?
  • What should I expect in the first month?
  • What if I do not feel better right away?

Red flags

  • Telling you to just think positive
  • Promising a fast fix
  • Telling you to stop or start medication
  • Cannot name a license or credential
  • Brushing off thoughts of self-harm

What you can do yourself

Regular sleep, sunlight, gentle movement and contact with people you trust can feel supportive but do not replace professional help. Talk with your doctor about changes in mood and any medication. If you have thoughts of harming yourself, contact local emergency services right away.

Licenses and permits

Therapy and counseling are licensed health professions. Ask for the license type and number, then check it with your state licensing board before the first session.

Depression therapy questions

Do I have to feel ready?

No. A therapist can help you start with small steps.

Will therapy replace medication?

That is between you and your doctor. A therapist does not prescribe.

How do I know it is working?

Your therapist should review goals and progress with you.

What if I cannot afford many sessions?

Ask about session options and what the practice offers.

Pro reviewers

Pros who offer depression therapy remotely can improve this guide, like Wikipedia. We check every edit before it goes live. Every approved edit is credited in the edit history and on the pro's profile.

Edit history

How guide reviews work

How it works

  1. 1. Describe the job

    Pick the service, add your ZIP and a sentence about what is going on.

  2. 2. Pick the pros you want

    See screened pros who serve your ZIP and choose who you want to hear from.

  3. 3. They reach out

    They contact you the way you chose: phone, email or in-app messages.

More health and wellness guides

Find a pro near you

Find a pro

About this guide

Request depression therapy