What to Expect From Counseling for Depression

Counseling for depression involves three parts: assessing the severity and type of depression, discussing treatment options, and proceeding with therapy.

Your First Appointment

• Your therapist will ask you questions about your depression symptoms, including physical (i.e. tiredness), emotional (i.e. sadness, suicidal thoughts) and behavioral (i.e. not getting out of bed.) She may ask you about your medical and family history.

Referral to a Psychiatrist

• If your therapist is a mental health professional (i.e. social worker, psychologist or counselor) rather than a medical professional (i.e. psychiatrist, nurse practitioner, general physician), your therapist may recommend that you see a medical professional for further assessment and to prescribe antidepressant medication.

Discussing Treatment Options

• You can expect to discuss with your therapist the pros and cons of taking medication in addition to counseling. Your therapist will make recommendations and help you decide on a treatment plan that you both agree with.

Counseling for Depression

• You can expect to see your therapist weekly, once you begin counseling for depression. Cognitive- behavioral therapy is often used to treat depression.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

• If you undertake cognitive-behavioral therapy, you will talk about your circumstances, thoughts and feelings. Your therapist will help you look at patterns of thinking that may be contributing to your depression. Your therapist will help you identify actions that help you cope with and lessen the severity of the depression.