Therapy for depression: Getting to know the options

Reviewed by Robert Bogenberger, PhD

Written by

therapist.com team

Last updated: 06/12/2026

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Depression affects an estimated 21 million adults in the U.S.¹ While living with depression can feel overwhelming, and even debilitating, many find relief through talk therapy, medication, or a combination of both.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the thought of seeking treatment, you’re not alone. Here you’ll find a collection of some of the many available approaches to treating depression.

Talk therapy for depression

Talk therapy, also called psychotherapy, is a first-line treatment for depression. Here are a few approaches that may be used.

Cognitive behavioral therapy for depression

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most studied and effective approaches for treating depression.² It helps you identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors.

However, CBT isn’t perfect, nor does it work for everyone. It may work well for certain symptoms, like worry and anxiety-related issues, while other approaches may target different symptoms better.³

Interpersonal psychotherapy for depression

Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) is a brief form of therapy that largely focuses on improving your relationship skills and interactions. Research suggests that it can help reduce depression while also improving how people function socially.⁴

Dialectical behavior therapy for depression

Originally developed for borderline personality disorder (BPD), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) has shown promise for improving depressive symptoms.⁵

One study of adults with difficult-to-treat depression found that a version of DBT called radically open DBT (RO-DBT) led to significant reductions in depression symptoms.⁶

Other talk therapies for depression

Beyond CBT, IPT, and DBT, many other forms of talk therapy have been successfully used in depression treatment:

• Psychodynamic therapy explores how past experiences affect current feelings and understandings. Multiple meta-analyses suggest it works as well as other psychotherapies, including CBT, for depression.⁷
• Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) combines mindfulness with CBT and helps prevent the return of depression symptoms in people who have recovered. It may also be helpful for those who didn’t fully recover with previous therapy.⁸
• Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) helps you accept difficult thoughts while still taking meaningful action. One meta-analysis found it effectively reduced depression symptoms with lasting benefits.⁹

A qualified mental health professional can help you find the approach that works best for your specific needs and concerns. Connect with a therapist today to start your journey toward feeling better.

Medication and combination treatment

Antidepressant medications are another first-line treatment option for depression. If you’re interested in beginning antidepressants, start by speaking with your healthcare provider or seeking out a licensed psychiatrist.

If you haven’t found relief with either therapy or medication alone, combining them can help. A major study found that adding CBT to antidepressants, or adding medication to CBT, improved remission rates regardless of which treatment came first.¹⁰

Advanced and emerging treatments

If talk therapy and medication don’t provide relief, your healthcare provider may recommend one of several advanced treatment options.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation for depression

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) uses magnetic pulses to stimulate specific areas of your brain involved in mood regulation.

The FDA cleared TMS as a treatment for major depression in 2008. It’s considered a clinically effective option for depression that hasn’t responded to other treatments.¹¹

Electroconvulsive therapy for depression

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), sometimes called shock therapy for depression, involves using brief electrical stimulation of the brain to prompt a controlled seizure while you’re under anesthesia. It may be recommended when other treatments either haven’t worked or produced intolerable side effects.

A recent study of patients with severe depression found ECT led to impressive results. About 80% of patients in the study experienced a major change in symptoms and about half reported their symptoms nearly completely resolved.¹²

Ketamine therapy for depression

Ketamine is an emerging treatment that works differently from antidepressants. The FDA hasn’t approved IV ketamine for depression, but it has approved intranasal esketamine (a similar compound) for treatment-resistant depression in some adults.¹³

Studies show ketamine can produce rapid effects, often within hours. A recent review found that a single IV ketamine infusion significantly improved depressive symptoms within 24 hours.¹⁴ The effects typically lasted 3 to 7 days, though repeated infusions may prolong benefits.

Research on ketamine therapy is still emerging. Long-term safety and effectiveness data are limited. Ketamine treatment requires strict medical supervision due to potential side effects including dissociation, elevated blood pressure, and potential for misuse.

Light therapy for depression

Light therapy treats seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a form of depression that occurs mostly during fall and winter months when there’s less sunlight.

A meta-analysis of 19 studies found that bright light therapy was more effective than placebo for seasonal depression.¹⁵ People receiving bright light therapy showed greater improvement in depression scores compared to a placebo group, though the effect was modest.

Light therapy for seasonal depression typically involves sitting near a specialized light box for 30 minutes each morning during darker months. The treatment is generally safe with minimal side effects.

Finding affordable therapy for depression

Cost shouldn’t prevent you from getting help. Research suggests online therapy can work just as well as in-person treatment for depression and is often more cost-effective.¹⁶

Other affordable therapy options include:

• Sliding scale fees: Many therapists offer reduced rates based on income
• Community mental health centers: Provide services regardless of ability to pay
• University training clinics: Offer supervised therapy at reduced rates
• Employee assistance programs (EAPs): Many employers provide free counseling sessions

Taking the next step

Depression is treatable, and most people improve with appropriate care. Whether you choose talk therapy, medication, combination treatment, or emerging options like TMS, the most important step is reaching out for help.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of depression, including persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, or changes in sleep or appetite, contact a mental health professional. Visit our therapist directory to connect with one today.