3 Types of Psychotherapy That May Help Treat Depression

Different people may benefit from different styles of therapy for depression.

Written by Lauren Smith, MA | Reviewed by Alexandra Schwarz, MD

Updated on September 30, 2023

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If you’re starting therapy for the first time, you may be surprised to learn that there are different types of psychotherapy that can potentially help to treat depression. The type of psychotherapy refers to the approach that your therapist uses to help you improve your mental health.

Many therapists specialize in one or two types of psychotherapy. Some use a blended style, in which they pull from different therapy types when they think it’s a good fit. Understanding the different types of psychotherapy may help you select a therapist who is going to be the right fit for you. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, you’re not alone. Call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. 988.

Additional Medical Contributors

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• Susan Samuels, MDDr. Samuels is an assistant professor of clinical psychiatry and clinical pediatrics at Weill Cornell Medicine and an assistant attending psychiatrist at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital.

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References

American Psychological Association. (2009). Different approaches to psychotherapy.

Bailey, R., et al. (2022). Defense mechanisms. StatPearls [Internet].

View All References (4)

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Chand, S. P., et al. (2022). Cognitive behavioral therapy. StatPearls [Internet].

Locher, C., et al. (2019). Psychotherapy: a world of meanings. Frontiers in Psychology.

National Institute of Mental Health. (2022). Depression.

Rajhans, P., et al. (2020). Interpersonal psychotherapy for patients with mental disorders. Indian Journal of Psychiatry.

GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.

For additional resources or to connect with mental health services in your area, call SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357. For immediate assistance, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988, or text HOME to 741-741 to reach the Crisis Text Line.