Treatment of Depression...

Depression has been called the "common cold" of mental health. Unfortunately, this description does not communicate the pain and anguish experienced by a person struggling with depression. Common signs and symptoms of depression include depressed mood, suicidal thoughts, feelings of worthlessness and guilt, lack of pleasure, changes in appetite, lack of energy, changes in sleep, tearfulness and that is just to name a few. Daily activities, such as work or school, become increasingly difficult. Spouses and family members are also often affected. It is common to feel hopeless and overwhelmed. So, what can be done?

The good news is that depression is also one of the most treatable mental health conditions. If you or someone you care about is experiencing depression, psychotherapy may be able to help. The approach I use in the treatment of depression is cognitive behavioral psychotherapy (CBT). This form of therapy emphasizes a persons ability to observe and change their thoughts and behaviors. It also encourages the development of new coping skills. Numerous studies have repeatedly shown cognitive-behavioral therapy to be an effective treatment for depression. In fact, it has been shown to be as effective as medication and to hold more promise in maintaining treatment gains.

As a psychologist, I do not prescribe medication but I recognize that some clients may respond best to a combination of medication and psychotherapy. If I believe you are likely to benefit from this combined approach, I will discuss this with you. The choice to take medication or not is yours. I consult with several psychiatrists in the Rockland county area and would be glad to make a referral. If you are already under the care of a psychiatrist, I would be pleased to work with them to coordinate your care.

If you are interested in learning more about my approach to psychotherapy and my fees, please visit the psychotherapy section of this website or contact me for a free phone consultation.