How to Find the Best Therapy for Depression in the Berkshires

If you’re depressed, psychotherapy (talk therapy) can help you combat negative thoughts, learn healthy coping skills to ease your depression symptoms, and improve your quality of life.

Whether you’re experiencing seasonal affective disorder (SAD), clinical depression, or postpartum depression, finding a therapist you feel comfortable with is essential. To make the most out of your therapy sessions, you’ll need to talk openly and honestly with your psychotherapist about your negative thoughts and feelings, so it’s important to find the right mental health specialist for you. Here’s how to find a good match so you can start feeling better.

Research different types of mental health professionals.

Several types of mental health professionals can serve as your psychotherapist, and researching different types of mental health specialists can help you decide which option is best for you. Some job titles you might encounter during your search include the following:

• Psychologist: A psychologist has a doctoral degree in psychology, is trained to diagnose mental health conditions, and offers psychotherapy. Most psychologists do not prescribe medication.
• Psychiatrist: A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who has specialized training in mental illnesses or emotional disorders. They can diagnose, treat, and prescribe antidepressants. Some psychiatrists also provide talk therapy.
• Social worker: A social worker typically has a master’s degree in social work, along with training to provide individual, couples, or group psychotherapy.
• Counselor: A counselor has a master’s degree in psychology (or a related field). Counselors are trained to diagnose mental health conditions and provide individual, couples, or group counseling.

In addition to researching different types of mental health providers, you might also explore different types of therapy used to treat depression. Effective treatment options include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and interpersonal therapy.

Consider your personal preferences and requirements.

To choose a good fit, you’ll need to take a step back and figure out what you need from your psychotherapist. For example, you might benefit from a psychologist who provides guidance, advice, and insight into your mental health—or you might need someone with the willingness to listen and offer empathy. It’s also worth considering what type of mental health specialist you would feel most comfortable with: a man or a woman, someone your age or an older adult, or someone who shares your ethnicity and cultural values.

If you’ve been diagnosed with a depressive disorder, such as persistent depressive disorder or major depression, you might also search for a specialist with experience treating that type of depression. In addition, if you have a co-occurring mental disorder, such as an anxiety disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), it’s worth considering the therapist’s experience treating that condition. Once you figure out precisely who you want to work with, you can start searching for psychotherapists who meet that criteria.

Interview potential therapists to find the right match.

Once you’ve narrowed down your list to a few potential psychotherapists, it’s time to schedule initial consultations. Initial consultations are like first dates—they give you the opportunity to call each therapist (or meet in person) to gather some key information before making your first appointment.

Some questions to ask during your initial consultation include the following:

• What experience do you have treating clients with [suicidal thoughts, bipolar disorder, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, etc.]?
• Where do therapy sessions take place? Do you offer online therapy?
• How much do therapy sessions cost? Do you accept my health insurance?
• What type of therapy would you recommend to treat symptoms of depression? What will this type of therapy involve?
• Are you willing to work with my other health care providers to coordinate my depression treatment?

Personalized, Data-Driven Depression Therapy in the Berkshires

Whether you’re experiencing occasional feelings of sadness or seeking treatment for major depressive disorder, it’s important to find a therapist you feel comfortable with. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), the therapeutic relationship—the relationship between you and your psychotherapist—can make all the difference in your mental health treatment.

To find the right therapist, reach out to a mental health professional through the Berkshire Therapy Group. We know that reaching out for professional help can feel overwhelming—that’s why we use personalized, data-driven mental health care to help our clients find the right match. One of our compassionate, experienced mental health professionals will help you every step of the way, from scheduling your first appointment to establishing the right treatment plan.