depression

Depression is a common mood disturbance, with an estimated 17.3 million adults in the U.S. having experienced at least one major depressive episode in 2017. Evidence over the last 10 years suggests that about 8% of people 12 years or older in the U.S. have experienced depressive symptoms. The impact of depression on daily functioning can range from mild to severe. For some, low mood can be persistent and present serious and disruptive symptoms.

Some common types of depression include major depression, disruptive mood dysregulation, premenstrual dysphoria, substance/medication-induced depression, depression due to another medical condition, and unspecified depression.

Fortunately, depression usually responds well to psychotherapy. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a form of psychotherapy that is regarded as the best standard of psychological treatment we currently have available to treat depression and other mental health problems. CBT was the first form of psychotherapy to undergo the most rigorous scientific testing and has garnered clear research support worldwide as a first-line evidence-based treatment for depression. Further, CBT serves as a foundation for, and may be enhanced by, integration with other psychotherapies.

At Psychology Works of California, our licensed psychologists have expertise in integrating CBT with other effective psychotherapies to accurately assess and treat depression.