Depression Therapy Atlanta

Have you struggled with low mood, low self worth, poor appetite, poor motivation? Feeling helpless, hopeless, or worthless? Irritable, exhausted, trouble sleeping? Have you considered the term depression in the past and not sure how it suits you? You may meet criteria for depression.

Depression is different in each person:

Depression looks different and acts differently in each person. It could be a passing moment after a tragic or traumatic event, or it could be a depressive episode or even a chronic style of depression, in any of these circumstances therapy can help. Depression affects millions of individuals on a daily basis, and yet there is still a huge stigma in reaching out for help. In our practice, we aim to meet you where you are at. In looking at our website, you have already achieved the first step towards healing, which is just looking for the right fit and recognizing that therapy may be a helpful tool in your life.

Depression does not have to be forever:

Depression does not have to be something you endure forever, nor is it something anyone deserves to carry with them. Seeking out professional help in the form of therapy is the best way to gain skills, process your experiences, and build confidence towards overcoming depression. Sometimes, it’s even hard to say goodbye to those symptoms because they have been there for so long. Together, we develop and enhance your natural strengths, build coping skills, explore the beginning, progression, and maintenance of your symptoms, and find a path towards healing and new beginnings.

What can a health psychologist do for depression?

As health psychologists, we have a foundational background of clinical psychology. Having extensive knowledge of depression and its subsequent treatment is foundational to our expertise. We are also happy to collaborate with your primary care physician, or medical treatment team to determine
any underlying medical comorbidities that may be affecting your mental health.

Diagnoses we assess and treat:

Major Depressive Disorder
Adjustment Disorder with depressive features
Dysthymia
Post Partum Depression
Grief/Loss
Clinical Depression
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

We understand, we hear you, and we are here to help.

What does the first session look like?

Making the first step to begin therapy is a great start. Identifying that you need help and are looking for the tools to create a sustainable and satisfied way to live your life has hopefully led you here. As a telehealth practice, based in Atlanta, Georgia, we are able to meet you where and when you are most comfortable. When you begin therapy with one of our clinicians, you will meet with your therapist for the initial “evaluation” session for about 55 minutes. In the first session we will discuss your history. We will ask you questions about your background, if you have seen a therapist in the past, do you have a family history of depression, and any medically relevant history that may make your depression worse. During the evaluation, we encourage you to ask questions, raise your own concerns, but most importantly we are there to meet you were you are at and listen to your story. Together, in that first session, we will collect the symptoms you are experiencing and how they are maintained and even triggered.

How many sessions will I need to attend?

Follow up sessions after this time will be about 50-55 minutes in length. Together with your therapist you will determine your therapy goals, the pace of your therapy, and collaborate on a treatment plan that would best suit what you are looking for. We may use techniques and approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, Behavior Modification, Emotional Regulation techniques, Trauma therapy, Existentialism, Interpersonal therapy, or even Motivational Interviewing. Typically, therapy starts out more regularly (weekly or every other week) and over time becomes spaced depending on your need.

Will I be in therapy forever?

This is a question we hear often, and one that is so valid to ask! Therapy is truly an individual experience. We are here to help YOU, and that is a completely unique journey. Some people may be in therapy for 6-8 weeks, 1-2 years, or even longer. Therapy can be comforting, motivating, or even help you feel accountable, so we are here as long as you need us. Therapy can also be an open door policy, meaning that you may leave therapy but know that you can always return if you feel the need again. Our goal is to meet you where you are at. Part of our ethical obligation is to not keep you in therapy any longer than you need, and in doing so, we will regularly discuss your progress with you and adjust your needs and goals along the way. Your goals will be at the forefront of our sessions. As a practice, we want to build a strong trusting, supportive, and reciprocal relationship.