Find a Depression Therapist

Understanding depression and how it affects you

Depression is more than feeling low for a short time. It can affect your mood, energy, thinking and behaviour in ways that make daily tasks harder and reduce your enjoyment of life. People experience depression differently - for some it may show as persistent sadness and loss of interest in activities you usually enjoy, while for others it can appear as low motivation, changes in sleep or appetite, difficulty concentrating or a sense of worthlessness. The pattern and intensity of these experiences differ between individuals, and they can ebb and flow over weeks, months or longer.

When you start exploring support, it helps to remember that depression is commonly treated in a variety of ways, and talking therapies are a central option. Therapy aims to help you understand the patterns that maintain low mood, to learn new ways of coping, and to build a plan for day to day life that supports improvement. Many people combine therapy with practical changes at work, social life and self-care routines, and some discuss medication with their GP where appropriate. A therapist will work with you to create an approach tailored to your needs and situation.

Signs you might benefit from talking to a therapist

You might consider therapy if low mood has become persistent or is interfering with your work, relationships or daily functioning. You may notice that you withdraw from friends and activities you used to enjoy, struggle to make decisions, or find it hard to get out of bed. Physical symptoms such as changes in sleep or appetite, unexplained aches, or feeling constantly tired can also accompany mood changes. If you experience recurring thoughts that worry you or you find it harder to manage stress and anxiety alongside low mood, therapy can offer support. If you are thinking about harming yourself or feel at immediate risk, it is important to seek urgent help from emergency services or your GP. A therapist can also discuss safety planning and coordinate with your GP or other services when needed.

What to expect in therapy for depression

The first session

Your initial session is usually an opportunity to get to know each other and to outline your reasons for seeking help. The therapist will ask about your current difficulties, personal history, past treatment, and any immediate concerns. This meeting is a chance to ask about the therapist's experience with depression, their qualifications and whether they are registered with professional bodies such as BACP, HCPC or NCPS. You can also discuss practical details like session length, fees, cancellation terms and how you prefer to communicate between sessions. The first appointment is often about building rapport and agreeing goals rather than making quick changes.

Ongoing sessions

In subsequent sessions you and your therapist will work through the issues you identified, set realistic goals and practise skills that support mood regulation and daily structure. Therapy may involve talking through painful emotions and memories, identifying unhelpful thinking patterns, or experimenting with changes to your routine and behaviour. You will usually be invited to try practical tasks between sessions - such as mood monitoring or small behaviour experiments - so progress is supported by real-life practice. The pace and focus depend on your needs: some people benefit from short-term structured work, while others find longer-term exploration helpful.

Common therapeutic approaches for depression

Cognitive behavioural therapy, often called CBT, focuses on the links between thoughts, feelings and behaviours. It helps you notice unhelpful thinking patterns and teaches practical skills to change behaviours that maintain low mood. Behavioural activation is a related method that encourages scheduling meaningful or enjoyable activities to counteract the tendency to withdraw and avoid. Interpersonal therapy examines relationship patterns and life transitions that may be contributing to depressed mood and helps you improve communication and support. Psychodynamic approaches explore how past experiences and attachment patterns influence current feelings, which can help if your depression is linked to longstanding relational issues. Acceptance and commitment approaches encourage you to clarify values and commit to actions that matter, while learning to relate differently to difficult thoughts and feelings. Many therapists integrate elements from different approaches to match your personal preferences and needs.

How online therapy works for depression

Online therapy offers flexibility and can make it easier to access specialist help when travelling or local options are limited. Sessions typically take place by video call, phone or messaging, depending on the therapist's service. You will need a quiet, comfortable environment where you can speak openly. Before the first online session you may be asked to complete a short intake form and to agree practical arrangements such as payment and data handling. Therapists who work online commonly follow the same professional registration and ethical standards as face to face practitioners, and many are experienced in delivering effective care remotely.

Working online can reduce travel time and allow you to choose a practitioner who specialises in depression even if they are not local. Some people find it easier to talk from home, while others prefer an in-person setting. If you are concerned about technology, most therapists will offer a brief test call to check sound and video and to help you feel more comfortable. If at any point your circumstances change and you need more urgent or different forms of support, your therapist can discuss alternatives or coordinate with your GP.

Choosing the right therapist for you

Selecting a therapist is a personal decision and it is reasonable to take time to find someone you feel comfortable with. Start by checking a therapist's profile for relevant experience in treating depression, their preferred approaches, and their professional registration. In the UK many practitioners are registered or accredited with bodies such as BACP, HCPC or NCPS - this indicates adherence to recognised standards of training and professional conduct. Consider practical factors too - whether they offer sessions at times that fit your schedule, fee levels, and whether they work online or face to face.

You may wish to contact a few therapists to ask brief questions about their experience with depression, how they measure progress, and what a typical course of therapy might look like. A short introductory call can give you a sense of rapport and help you assess whether their style fits your needs. Think about cultural, language and life-stage fit as well - some therapists specialise in working with particular age groups, life experiences or communities, and that specific expertise can be helpful.

Practical tips as you begin therapy

Before your first session, note down the main issues you want to address and any questions you have about the process. Keep a simple record of sleep, mood and activity for a week to help the therapist understand patterns. Discuss confidentiality and data handling practices so you know how your information will be managed. Agree what to do if you need to change appointments or if your needs escalate. Therapy is a collaborative process and it is okay to review goals periodically and to give feedback if an approach is not helping. If you find a therapist is not the right fit, you can discuss referrals or look for another practitioner whose approach and manner better match your needs.

Finding help for depression is a significant step and you do not have to do it alone. With the right support you can learn practical ways to manage symptoms, rebuild routines and reconnect with things that matter to you. Use the listings on this page to explore qualifications, areas of specialism and contact details so you can take the next step with confidence.