Depression: Treatment

Any or all of the following sources may provide treatment or referral to an appropriate provider:

• Your primary care physician or specialist. (If your primary care physician treats your depression, it is likely to be with drugs instead of talk therapy.)
• Organizations of providers such as:
  • The American Psychological Association: www.apapracticecentral.org/index.aspx . Then click on "Psychologist locator."
  • The Association of Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies, www.abct.org
• Therapists are available online using Skype and other computer-based connection methods to speak with patients anywhere.
  • You can find online therapists at such sites as www.Breakthrough.com or www.ETherapyWeb.com
  • Private insurers do not generally pay for this type of therapy, but it is worth checking with your health insurer in any event.  Medicare does pay for this type of therapy in certain circumstances. The therapist should be able to advise you about this or call Medicare at 800-MEDICARE.
• Mental health specialists, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, or mental health counselors.
• Health maintenance organizations.
• Community mental health centers.
• Hospital psychiatry departments and outpatient clinics.
• University or medical school affiliated programs.
• State hospital outpatient clinics.
• Family service/social agencies.
• Private clinics and facilities.
• Employee assistance programs.

According to a survey done by Consumer Reports in 2004, people who got the name of a mental health therapist from a friend or family member had a better outcome than those who saw a therapist recommended by their employer or through an advertisement. People who were referred by their doctor or another mental health professional also got good results.

If you do not currently have a doctor, see: Choosing A Doctor. Also see: Choosing A Mental Health Provider.

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