Therapy Treatment & Counseling for Depression

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What is Depression?

Depression is a serious medical condition that frequently affects people’s feelings, thoughts, and behaviors.¹ Thankfully, it is also treatable. However, it can impair your ability to perform at work and home and cause several mental and physical issues.

Below are the different types of depression:²

• Major Depression
• Anxious Distress
• Melancholy
• Agitated
• Persistent Depressive Disorder
• Bipolar Disorder
• Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
• Psychotic Depression
• Peripartum (Postpartum) Depression
• Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
• Situational Depression
• Atypical Depression
• Treatment Resistant Depression (TRD)

Depression Facts & Statistics

• According to data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, women (10.4%) were nearly twice as likely as males (5.5%) to have experienced depression.³
• The study above found that as family income levels rose, the rate of depression among adults reduced.
• The average age at which depression begins is 32.5 years old.⁴
• 35% of adults with depression do not receive any treatment at all.
• The main factor contributing to disability worldwide is depression.
• Postpartum depression affects one in seven women, and half of those diagnosed with it had never experienced depression before.
• Women make up 4 out of 5 of those who suffer from seasonal depression.
• According to estimates, 15% of adults will go through depressive episodes at some point in their lives.
• Nearly half of all individuals with a diagnosis of depression also have a diagnosis of an anxiety disorder.
• When first-degree relatives (parents, children, or siblings) also have depression, there is a significant degree of heritability (about 40%).

Symptoms of Depression

When symptoms persist for at least two weeks, a clinician may diagnose depression. However, they must also indicate a change from your pre-existing level of functioning.

From moderate to severe, symptoms of depression include:

• experiencing sadness or a depressed mood
• loss of enjoyment or interest in once-enjoyed activities
• appetite changes
• weight loss or weight gain unrelated to diets
• inability to sleep or excessive sleeping
• energy loss or increased fatigue
• an increase in pointless movement (such as pacing or an inability to sit still) or slower speech or movement
  • these actions are severe enough to be observable by others
• a sense of worthlessness or guilt
• having trouble focusing, thinking, or making decisions
• suicidal or death-related thoughts

Diagnosing Depression

The majority of laboratory tests aren’t beneficial for identifying depression. The doctor’s conversation with the patient may be the most crucial diagnostic tool available. Doctors routinely check everyone for depression.⁵ This screening could happen at a chronic illness visit, a yearly wellness checkup, or during a pregnancy or postpartum appointment.

You should inform a clinician of any depressive symptoms to properly diagnose and treat depression. A doctor can discover additional information essential for diagnosing depression through common questions. For instance, you may provide information about your daily moods, activities, and lifestyle choices.

With the help of a physical examination, a patient interview, and lab tests, a doctor can rule out other diseases that could cause depression. Along with performing thorough diagnostic mental health assessments, the doctor will talk about any family members’ histories of depression or other mental illnesses.

Your doctor will assess your symptoms, their duration, onset date, and previous therapies, including any medications. They’ll inquire about your feelings, particularly whether you’re experiencing any depression symptoms. A licensed psychiatrist can diagnose depression once you’ve presented at least five depression-related symptoms. At least one of the first two symptoms must occur daily for a minimum of two weeks.

Without therapy treatment for depression, the mental and physical anguish brought on by depression can ruin relationships, interests, and professions. Depression frequently makes it harder to focus and make choices.⁶ You may stop engaging in previously pleasurable activities, such as sex or socializing. Furthermore, depression can pose a life-threatening situation in extreme situations.

Types of Therapy for Depression

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT aids in identifying and modifying negative thoughts and their accompanying actions.⁷
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): DBT and CBT are very similar. CBT is the foundation for many of DBT’s techniques. DBT, on the other hand, is unique in that it teaches you how to recognize, accept, and manage your emotions.
• Behavioral Activation (BA): BA concentrates on the patient’s thoughts and behaviors, similar to other therapies. To treat depression, mental health professionals may combine Behavioral Activation with other therapeutic techniques. By setting and achieving specified goals, BA assists patients in developing a long-term coping strategy.
• Problem-Solving Therapy (PST): PST is a therapeutic method that helps individuals cope with stressful life situations that negatively impact their mental health.
• Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): IPT’s goal is to help patients with mild to moderate depression and address issues with interpersonal connections and relationships. Similar to PST, IPT focuses on the patient’s actions and reactions. 
• Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS): TMS therapy is a non-invasive procedure involving a device that creates magnetic fields used to stimulate the brain. These fields seek to change the brain’s chemistry and alleviate depressive symptoms.

Medications for Depression

Antidepressant medications are beneficial for individuals with moderate to severe depression. Similarly, therapy is shown to be just as effective as medication in certain people with depression. The truth is that many people with severe or persistent depression will gain the most from a mix of therapy and antidepressants when treating depression. Unfortunately, finding the proper drug and striking the right balance between treatments is challenging.

To create a comprehensive treatment plan, patients with more severe depression should consult their doctor and a group of qualified mental health experts. It’s crucial to realize that mental health problems require time to recover. While therapy may persist for several months, it may take multiple tries to locate the proper medicine.

Common medications for depression therapy include:⁸

• sertraline (Zoloft)
• fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem)
• citalopram (Celexa)
• escitalopram (Lexapro)
• paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva, Brisdelle)
• fluvoxamine (Luvox)
• desvenlafaxine (Pristiq, Khedezla)
• duloxetine (Cymbalta)
• levomilnacipran (Fetzima)
• venlafaxine (Effexor)
• amitriptyline (Elavil)
• amoxapine (Asendin)
• clomipramine (Anafranil)
• desipramine (Norpramin)
• doxepin (Silenor)
• imipramine (Tofranil)
• nortriptyline (Pamelor)
• protriptyline (Vivactil)
• trimipramine (Surmontil)

How Long Does Therapy for Depression Last?

Each person is unique, as are their symptoms. Your individual needs also influence how your depression is treated. In other words, no one therapy or mental health treatment works for everyone.

According to the American Psychological Association, “on average 15 to 20 sessions are necessary for 50% of patients to recover as shown by self-reported symptom measures.”

Several factors will determine how long you need therapy for depression, including:

• The severity of your depression and its symptoms
• Associated disorders (like anxiety or substance abuse)
• Your commitment to therapy treatment for depression
• The frequency of therapy sessions

How Much Does Therapy for Depression Cost?

Therapy for depression can add up quickly. The hourly rate for therapy sessions might range from $100 to $200,⁹ depending on things like your location, the depression psychologist’s credentials, and whether or not you have insurance accepted by your chosen provider. So, bear in mind that these averages may not reflect what you pay for counseling for depression in Tennessee.

In addition, you might require short-term treatment sessions that last a few weeks or long-term evidence based therapy that lasts a few months to even years.

Insurance may be able to help cover the cost of depression therapy. Find out if your insurance provider can help with the costs by calling your insurance provider or by contacting us below. One of our care coordinators can help you navigate your insurance coverage and get the care you need.

Can I Get Depression Counseling Online?

Yes, online depression therapy is available at one of our multiple depression therapy clinics in Tennessee.

Effectiveness & Success Rates of Depression Counseling

Both talk therapy and medication by themselves can ease depression symptoms. However, in more severe, chronic, and complex presentations of depression, a combination of medication and psychotherapy is linked to noticeably higher recovery rates.

Below are a few examples of the effectiveness and success rates of therapy for depression:

• There is strong evidence for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) methods that less intensive interventions may have results comparable to those of more rigorous therapies.¹⁰
• According to estimates, 80% to 90% of patients eventually respond favorably to treatment, making depression a highly treatable condition.
• Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) may aid in preventing new depressive disorders and appears to be helpful in the acute treatment of depression.¹¹
• Many with depression respond well to medication alone in about two-thirds of cases.¹²
• Numerous studies have compared various antidepressants. Overall, SSRIs and SNRIs, two types of regularly prescribed tricyclic antidepressants, proved equally beneficial.¹³
• Out of every 100 persons who took an antidepressant, 40 to 60 reported a reduction in symptoms within six to eight weeks.

Sources

1. “Psychiatry.Org – What Is Depression?” Psychiatry.Org, American Psychiatric Association, psychiatry.org/patients-families/depression/what-is-depression. Accessed 19 July 2022.
2. Bruce, Debra Fulghum, PhD. “Types of Depression.” WebMD, WebMD LLC, 22 May 2008, www.webmd.com/depression/guide/depression-types.
3. Brody, Debra J., M. P. H., et al. “Products – Data Briefs – Number 303 – February 2018.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Feb. 2018, www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db303.htm.
4. Morin, Amy, LCSW. “How Many People Are Actually Affected by Depression Every Year?” Verywell Mind, Dotdash Media, Inc., 19 Apr. 2022, www.verywellmind.com/depression-statistics-everyone-should-know-4159056.
5. Bruce, Debra Fulghum, PhD. “Depression Diagnosis.” WebMD, WebMD LLC, 4 June 2008, www.webmd.com/depression/guide/depression-diagnosis.
6. “A Closer Look at Depression.” WebMD, WebMD LLC, 6 Aug. 2020, www.webmd.com/depression/ss/slideshow-depression-overview.
7. High Focus Centers. “Types of Therapy For Depression.” High Focus Centers, 19 May 2021, highfocuscenters.pyramidhealthcarepa.com/types-of-therapy-for-depression.
8. Cherney, Kristeen. “What Medications Help Treat Depression?” Healthline, Healthline Media, 9 Nov. 2021, www.healthline.com/health/depression/medication-list#side-effects.
9. Cherney, Kristeen. “How Much Does Depression Cost?” Healthline, Healthline Media, 24 July 2020, www.healthline.com/health/depression/how-much-does-depression-cost#therapy-cost.
10. Linde, K., et al. “Effectiveness of Psychological Treatments for Depressive Disorders in Primary Care: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.” The Annals of Family Medicine, vol. 13, no. 1, 2015, pp. 56–68. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.1370/afm.1719.
11. Cuijpers, Pim, et al. “Interpersonal Psychotherapy for Mental Health Problems: A Comprehensive Meta-Analysis.” American Journal of Psychiatry, vol. 173, no. 7, 2016, pp. 680–87. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ajp.2015.15091141.
12. Rupke, Stuart. “Cognitive Therapy for Depression.” AAFP.Org, American Academy of Family Physicians, 1 Jan. 2006, www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2006/0101/p83.html#afp20060101p83-b1.
13. “Depression: How Effective Are Antidepressants?” National Library of Medicine, IQWiG (Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care), 18 June 2020, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK361016.