Depression is a long-lasting feeling of extreme sadness or hopelessness that affects people in different ways.
Depression responds well to therapy, which is a good thing.
But when someone is suffering from depression, it can be difficult to get out of bed in the morning and even complete simple tasks. It can be hard to focus on anything beyond the sadness that you may be feeling, and when this happens, it can be hard to want to talk with anyone about it.
Often there are some concerns about therapy for depression, which if left unvoiced or unaddressed, may prevent someone from getting the depression treatment they need.
This is why our team at Online Mental Health Reviews is crafting this resource guide about therapy for depression – so that you or a loved one can learn all the information and make a great decision.
For years we’ve been involved in the mental health field and know how difficult these conversations are to have, especially with loved ones.
We hope this online therapy article helps.
What Does Therapy Entail?
Therapy for depression typically involves a therapist or counselor who listens to your story and helps you create positive goals and objectives to overcome the symptoms of depression.
The therapist or counselor will help you identify triggers for your depression and come up with strategies to address them.
They will also help you develop coping skills that are tailored specifically to your needs so that you can manage your emotions better and make progress toward feeling better.
Medication Plus Therapy
For some people, medication plus therapy is a very good choice when treating depression.
Medication helps by reducing the symptoms of depression while therapy provides more long-term solutions by helping individuals gain insight into their situation as well as teaching them how to cope with their emotions in healthier ways.
In some cases, medication alone might not be effective enough for a person’s specific situation, but combining it with therapy can often produce much better results.
For example, a 2020 meta-analysis regarding depression treatment1 concludes “the combination of psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy seems to be the best choice for patients with moderate depression.”
How Much Does Treating Depression Cost The US?
Depression is a serious mental health coverage issue that affects millions of people in the United States. Treatment for depression therapy cost can be expensive, but there are ways to get help for mental illnesses without breaking the bank for therapy.
The cost of treating depression in the US varies depending on how much the therapy costs for depression, the type of treatment you receive, and where you live.
Generally, medications and therapy sessions can range from $50 to several hundred dollars per session. In addition, some treatments may require additional costs such as lab tests or hospital visits.
Fortunately, there are many resources available to those who need help paying for mental illness and depression treatment.
Many insurances, such as Talkspace or Brightside plans, cover at least part of the cost of mental health services, including depression treatment. Additionally, there are free or low-cost options seeking depression treatment available through community organizations and government programs such as Medicaid and Medicare.
If you’re struggling with depression and need help finding affordable treatment options, it’s important to reach out for support. Your doctor or therapist can provide information about local resources or an insurance company or plan that may be able to help you pay for your treatment.
In summary, treating depression can be costly but there are ways to get help without breaking the bank.
Insurance plans often cover at least part of the cost of mental health services, while community organizations and government programs may offer free or low-cost mental health treatment options as well.
If you’re struggling with depression and need help finding affordable treatment options, don’t hesitate to reach out for support.
Is It Worth Going To Therapy For Depression?
When it comes to other mental health disorders and conditions, therapy can be a great way to help manage depression. It’s not easy to put a monetary value on your mental health, but the investment in therapy can be worth it.
Here are some of the benefits of going to therapy for depression:
- Identify things that may be contributing to your depression and develop strategies for coping with them.
- Learn how to recognize and change negative thought patterns that contribute to depression.
- Develop better communication skills and learn how to express yourself more effectively.
- Understand your emotions better and learn how to manage them in healthy ways.
- Create a supportive environment where you can talk openly about your feelings without judgment or criticism from others.
- Receive support from a trained professional who can provide guidance and advice when needed.
Therapy is not a one-size-fits-all solution, but it can be an effective treatment for many types of depression and anxiety disorders if you find the right therapist for you and commit to the process of healing and growth.
If you’re struggling with depression, talking with a therapist may be worth considering as part of your overall treatment plan.
What Is The Best Type Of Therapy For Depression?
When it comes to treating depression, there are a variety of therapies available. The best type of therapy for depression depends on the individual and their needs.
Here are some of the most common types of therapy for depression:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors. It helps people identify and challenge unhelpful beliefs and replace them with more helpful ones.
- Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): IPT focuses on improving interpersonal relationships to reduce symptoms of depression. It helps people learn how to communicate better, resolve conflicts, and develop healthier relationships with others.
- Mindfulness-Based Therapies: Mindfulness-based therapies involve learning techniques such as meditation and yoga to help manage stress levels and improve overall well-being.
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): ACT is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on helping people accept their thoughts, feelings, and experiences without judgment or trying to change them. This can help reduce symptoms of depression by allowing people to focus on what they can control rather than what they cannot control.
- Supportive Therapy: Supportive therapy involves providing emotional support to help individuals cope with difficult emotions associated with depression. It also helps people identify goals and develop strategies for achieving them to improve overall well-being.
- Psychodynamic Therapy: Psychodynamic therapy is based on the idea that our current behavior is shaped by our past experiences, particularly childhood experiences or unresolved conflicts from earlier life stages. This type of therapy can help individuals gain insight into their behavior and make changes to reduce symptoms of depression.
How To Reduce Depression Treatment Costs?
Depression treatment can be expensive, but there are ways to make it more affordable.
Here are some tips for reducing the cost of depression treatment:
- Research your options: Different types of therapy and medications have different costs. Talk to your doctor about what type of treatment would be best for you and research the associated costs.
- Look into insurance coverage: Many health insurance plans cover mental health services, so check with your provider to see what is covered under your plan.
- Consider free or low-cost options: Many mental health organizations offer free or low-cost services, such as support groups, counseling, and medication assistance programs.
- Ask about payment plans: Some clinics may offer payment plans that allow you to pay off the cost of treatment over time.
- Utilize online resources: There are many online resources available that provide information on depression treatments and their associated costs.
Depression treatment can be expensive, but there are ways to make it more affordable if you take the time to research your options and look into all available resources.
How to Find Depression Treatment Covered By Your Insurance (Near You)
Zocdoc is an online platform that helps people find a doctor, therapist, or any other type of medical professional that is covered by their insurance.
It makes it easier to find the right care for your needs and get appointments quickly. With Zocdoc, you can easily search for depression treatment near you and find the best providers in your area that are covered by your insurance. Here are the steps to follow to find depression treatment with Zocdoc:
- Go to the Zocdoc website and enter “Depression Treatment” into the search bar.
- Select your location from the drop-down menu and click “Find”.
- You will be presented with a list of doctors who specialize in treating depression in your area that are covered by your insurance plan.
- Read through each provider’s profile and reviews to determine which one is best suited for you.
- Once you have selected a provider, click on their profile page to view their availability and book an appointment online instantly!
Is Therapy For Depression Expensive?
Depression treatment can be expensive, but there are also many other free therapies or low-cost options available for personal treatment.
Here are some steps to help you find the right therapy for your budget:
- Check with your health insurance provider to see what mental health services they cover.
- Research local community agencies that offer free or low-cost services.
- Look into sliding scale fees offered by therapists in private practice.
- Consider online counseling services, which may be more affordable than in-person sessions.
- Ask about payment plans and other financial assistance programs offered by providers.
No matter what your budget is, it’s important to seek help if you’re struggling with depression or any other mental health issue.
There are many resources available to make therapy more accessible and make affordable therapy is for everyone.
Free Online Counseling and Therapy Resources
Here are some specific sites for free internet therapy and counseling that you can access whenever you need them.
These services cover a wide range of mental health support needs, not just depression.
- 7 Cups: (https://www.7cups.com/) Offers free internet counseling and therapy services.
- BuddyHelp: (https://buddyhelp.org/) Provides free emotional support in the form of conversation and online therapy.
- Free Online Therapy: Provides a Free Week of Therapy (https://freeonlinetherapy.org/)
- The Hope Line: (https://www.thehopeline.com/) Choose a mental health concern, such as depression or suicidal thoughts, and get in touch with licensed counselors for free.
Help for Depression Through Free Online Chat
Therapy and counseling are not the same as online conversations for emotional support, especially for depression.
Therapy and counseling are both individual services that are typically provided over the phone, via video, or in person.
The primary form of communication in Internet chats is text, and users can remain more anonymous by participating in online chatrooms. You frequently interact with total strangers, and while they are empathic and nonjudgmental, there is a possibility that they have not been trained.
Yet, there are many free online chat services available for depression and your mental health, including the following:
- Remedy Live: Text 494949 from anywhere in the United States to receive free chat support for anxiety and depression.
- Blah Therapy: Free online chat for emotional assistance (https://blahtherapy.com/)
- NYC Well: Targeted to New Yorkers, but anybody can phone (1-888-692-9355) or text WELL to 65173 for free stress, anxiety, and depression help.
- American Association for Anxiety and Depression: This organization offers a free online chat and community maintained by professional volunteers who provide evidence-based information about anxiety, depression, and related diseases.
Best Online Therapy Platform to Treat Depression
Brightside Health is one of the leading online providers of depression treatment. Our team at Online Mental Health Reviews has tried their therapy plans and can vouch for their effectiveness.
Brightside’s medication plus therapy plan offers one of the most competitive and comprehensive packages available on the market today, with over 40-50 million Americans qualifying for its insurance coverage.
Whether you are looking for an initial diagnosis or ongoing support during depressive episodes, Brightside’s team of experienced professionals is here to help.
With convenient access to professional care, no matter where you’re located, Brightside Health is a great choice for supporting you on your mental health journey.
How Many Therapy Sessions To Treat Depression?
The number of therapy sessions needed to treat depression can vary depending on the mental health diagnosis of the individual and their needs.
A 2005 study2 recommends that people with depression receive 8 therapy sessions to start.
However, some may require more or less depending on their condition.
Here are some steps to consider when determining how many group therapy or sessions you need:
- Talk to your doctor or therapist about your condition and what type of treatment plan they recommend for you.
- Consider the type of therapy that best suits your needs – cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness therapy, interpersonal therapy, acceptance, commitment therapy, etc.
- Ask your doctor or therapist how long they expect the treatment plan to last and what results you should expect from it.
- Discuss any concerns you have about the length of treatment and make sure you understand all aspects of the plan before committing to it.
- Be patient with yourself as you go through the process – recovery takes time and effort but is worth it in the end!
Remember that everyone’s experience with depression is different and there is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to how many therapy sessions are needed in-person therapy or for successful treatment.
It’s important to talk openly with your doctor or therapist so that together you can come up with a plan that works best for you!
How Much Does Each Therapy Session Cost?
If you are considering therapy for various mental health conditions, it is important to understand the cost of each session.
Here is a breakdown of what you can expect to pay for therapy in 2023:
- On average, a therapy session costs between $60 and $120 per hour-long session without insurance.
- Some therapists may charge as much as $200 or more per session, but most will charge $75-$150 a session.
- Many therapists work with a sliding scale fee schedule, so the cost of each session may vary depending on your income level and other factors.
- If you have health insurance, the cost of each session may be covered or partially covered by your plan. It is important to check with your insurance provider to see what coverage is available for mental health services.
- Online treatment may cost about $20 to $90 per session depending on the type of service provided and other factors.
- If you live in a big metro area, expect to pay more than if you live in a rural community for traditional therapy sessions without insurance coverage.
No matter what your financial situation is, there are options available for accessing quality mental health care services at an affordable rate.
It is important to do research and find out what options are available for cover mental health care coverage in your area before making any decisions about treatment plans or payment options.
Total Cost For Treating Depression Via Therapy?
With an average of 8 sessions for depression therapy, at an average cost of $100 per session, you’re looking at $800 for the total average cost of depression therapy.
How Much is Therapy for Depression Conclusion:
Therapy for depression online therapy is an important option that should not be overlooked if you are suffering from the symptoms of depression, such as not being able to get out of bed in the morning or feeling overwhelmed by sadness regularly.
If you think therapy could help you, talk with your doctor about your options today!
For further reading, check these articles about locating depression therapy, online therapy, depression at work, what depression therapy looks like, hospitalization, and teen depression therapy. For CBT self-treatment for depression, see our Destroy Depression review.
Our team invites you to share your thoughts in the comments section below. Let us know which mental health software products, apps, or courses that Online Mental Health Reviews should explore and review next.
Sources
- Cuijpers, P., Noma, H., Karyotaki, E., Vinkers, C. H., Cipriani, A., & Furukawa, T. A. (2020, January 10). A network meta‐analysis of the effects of psychotherapies, pharmacotherapies and their combination in the treatment of adult depression. World Psychiatry, 19(1), 92–107. https://doi.org/10.1002/wps.20701
- Forde F, Frame M, Hanlon P, MacLean G, Nolan D, Shajahan P, Troy E. Optimum number of sessions for depression and anxiety. Nurs Times. 2005 Oct 25-31;101(43):36-40. PMID: 16276843.
- ZocDoc. (2007, April). Retrieved April 4, 2023, from https://zocdoc.com