Common signs of depression include: Consistent low mood, Fatigue, Irritability, Oversleeping or difficulty sleeping, Changes in diet (eating much more or less), Withdrawal and isolation, Feelings of guilt or worthlessness, Feelings of hopelessness, Loss of interest in previous hobbies or activities, Excessive substance use

What is your go-to approach for depression counseling?

My go-to approach for treating depression is to start where the client is, meaning what prompted them to come to therapy and what is weighing on them the most. My style is eclectic so I prefer to adapt my methods to meet their needs and this changes as therapy progresses. This allows for continued progress as the client's needs change.

What tools do you teach in depression counseling?

These are some of the tools or coping skills that I teach in therapy for depression: Problem solving - looking at your situation to identify what you CAN do for yourself instead of only seeing the problem., Mindfulness - techniques that increase your awareness and help you focus on being present in the moment and connecting you with your thoughts and feelings., Grounding exercises - part of mindfulness often used to cope with feeling anxious or overwhelmed., Communication skills - learning to express your thoughts and emotions appropriately to yourself and others, this includes listening skills., Relaxation techniques - used to reduce stress, anxiety, and other symptoms as well as for self-care., Stress management techniques including self-care.

How do you know when a client is making meaningful progress in depression counseling?

I know a client with depression is making meaningful progress when they report using skills that they learned in therapy successfully. Anytime someone reports that therapy is helping them feel better, that is progress. When someone is able to incorporate new coping skills into daily life and see their own progress, that is meaningful. Even small positive changes to your perspective and behaviors will have a significant and meaningful impact in your life.

What can clients do in their personal time to supplement depression counseling?

Clients can supplement their time in depression therapy by reading articles or books to increase their knowledge and understanding. I often make suggestions or send links to articles that are specific to their needs or concerns. If you find information on your own, it is always a good idea to ask your therapist to confirm that the information is accurate, especially for information found on social media or online videos.

What should someone do to prepare for starting depression counseling?

To prepare for your first therapy session for depression, there are many things you can do. Make a list of questions and/or concerns. Bring a list of any medications that you are taking: prescription, OTC, and supplements. Have a list of prior mental health treatments with dates and names if possible. But most of all, be kind to yourself and allow yourself to be open to the idea of exploring your thoughts and emotions.

Offered in-person & online

Our therapists provide depression counseling in Pittsburgh, PA

Get in-person or online care, and cover the majority of the costs with your insurance.

Find a provider Call (412) 668-1226

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Counseling approaches & specialties

Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) ADHD therapy Anger management therapy Anxiety therapy Christian counseling Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) Depression counseling Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) Eating disorders EMDR therapy Emotionally focused therapy (EFT) Grief & loss counseling Humanistic therapy Insomnia therapy LGBTQIA+ counseling Life transitions counseling Motivational interviewing Obsessive-compulsive disorder therapy (OCDT) Person-centered therapy (PCT) Solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) Strength-based therapy Stress management therapy Trauma/PTSD therapy
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66,617 people sought depression counseling help in Pennsylvania in the last year

Discover how starting therapy with a depression counseling can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.

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Common approaches to Depression counseling

Starting Depression counseling

What can counseling do for those who suffer with depression?

Depression counseling can help those with major depression, minor depression, postpartum depression, persistent depressive disorder, and more. The providers at Thriveworks in Pittsburgh, PA will develop a unique treatment plan based on your specific experience, needs, and goals.

Is it worth going to therapy for depression?

It is absolutely worth going to therapy for depression — depression counseling helps people better manage their symptoms and get back to living happier lives again.

How does depression counseling work?

Depression counseling works by helping people pinpoint life problems, distorted thought patterns, and other causes of their depression, then process and work through them in order to mitigate the negative effects those factors have on their lives.

Signs of depression

Common signs of depression include:

Consistent low mood
Fatigue
Irritability
Oversleeping or difficulty sleeping
Changes in diet (eating much more or less)
Withdrawal and isolation
Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
Feelings of hopelessness
Loss of interest in previous hobbies or activities
Excessive substance use

Is depression counseling conducted in person or online?

Thriveworks depression counseling in Pittsburgh, PA is conducted both in person and online by video. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.

How often should you attend depression therapy sessions?

Depression counseling can last for a few weeks, months, or longer, dependent on the severity of one’s depression as well as their needs and preferences.

How much does depression counseling cost?

At Thriveworks, we take most major forms of insurance, which means that many of our clients only pay a $0-$50 co-pay per session. However, there are also self-pay options that sit around $200 per session, depending on the service and location, for those who are out-of-network.

Pricing & insurance

Our therapists accept most major insurances. We accept 585+ insurance plans, and offer self-pay options, too.

Learn more about pricing for therapy and counseling services at Thriveworks.

Insurance options

Self-pay costs

Our Pennsylvania therapists and counselors accept 1 insurance plans

See my self-pay options

Self-pay costs at Pittsburgh

Talk therapy

Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Psychiatry

Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Hear from our clients

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★★★★★

My therapist appointment was great and has been since I have been seeing him once a week. His name is David Harmon and he is really good listener and has given me some a great tools to begin healing from past trauma. I highly recommend him.

Read more My therapist appointment was great and has been since I have been seeing him once a week. His name is David Harmon and he is really good listener and has given me some a great tools to begin healing from past trauma. I highly recommend him.

Leigh Feb 2024