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Depression Therapy in Washington, DC

Help for when everything feels heavy, flat, or harder than it should be.

Does therapy help depression?

Yes. Psychotherapy is one of the most widely studied treatments for depression, and research shows it helps most people who stay with it. Therapy can lift mood, restore energy and interest, and help you understand what's keeping you stuck so it's less likely to return.

What is depression therapy like?

It starts with a conversation. You talk about what you're feeling, how long it's been going on, and what's been hardest. Your therapist listens, asks questions, and helps you set goals. Over time, sessions combine practical steps, like rebuilding routines and challenging harsh self-talk, with deeper work on the losses, patterns, or relationships underneath the depression.

What is outpatient therapy for depression?

Outpatient therapy means you meet with a therapist on a regular schedule, usually weekly, while continuing your normal life at home and work. It's the most common form of depression treatment and doesn't require a hospital or program stay.

Signs therapy could help

Persistent sadness, emptiness, or numbness
Losing interest in things you used to enjoy
Low energy, oversleeping, or trouble sleeping
Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
Pulling away from friends and family
Irritability or anger that feels out of proportion
Feeling worthless or weighed down by guilt

Depression doesn't always look like sadness. In some people it shows up as irritability, overwork, drinking more, or shutting down emotionally.

How we work

We draw on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic psychotherapy, trauma-informed care, and self-compassion work. We do not prescribe medication. If medication might help, we work alongside your prescriber or help you find one.

Telehealth across five states

Secure video sessions are available to adults in Washington, DC, Maryland, Virginia, New Jersey, and New York. Limited in-person sessions are available at 2001 L Street NW, Suite 500, Washington, DC.

Insurance

We are in-network with CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, Evernorth/Cigna, and Optum/UnitedHealthcare. Contact us and we'll help you check your coverage.

If you are in crisis

Therapy is not an emergency service. If you are thinking about harming yourself, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, or call 911.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if I need therapy for depression?

If low mood, low energy, or loss of interest has lasted more than two weeks and is affecting your work, relationships, or daily life, it's worth talking to a therapist.

Can therapy work for depression without medication?

For many people, yes. For moderate to severe depression, therapy combined with medication is often most effective. We'll help you think through the options.