Common Concerns · Depression
Therapy for depression, to find your way back to yourself.
Depression can make everything feel heavy: getting out of bed, answering messages, caring about things that used to matter. It isn't a sign of weakness or something you should simply push through. It's a common and treatable condition, and you don't have to wait until it feels unbearable to get help.
Our clinicians help you understand what's keeping you stuck and take small, steady steps forward, in English, Mandarin, Cantonese and more, online or in person.
Signs it might be time to talk to someone
Depression looks different for everyone. You might notice some of these:
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In your mind
- Feeling empty, sad or numb
- Harsh self-criticism or guilt
- Hopelessness about the future
- Trouble concentrating or deciding
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In your body
- Tired no matter how much you rest
- Sleeping much more or less than usual
- Changes in appetite
- Aches with no clear cause
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In your day
- Losing interest in things you used to enjoy
- Pulling away from friends and family
- Everything taking more effort
- Struggling to keep up at work or school
If you've felt this way most days for two weeks or more, it's a good time to reach out. And if you're having thoughts of ending your life, please call or text 988 right away. You deserve support today.
Kinds of depression we treat
Major depression
Weeks of low mood or lost interest that affect sleep, energy and how you see yourself.
Persistent low mood
A quieter heaviness that has lasted for years and starts to feel like just who you are.
Depression after a loss or change
Low mood that follows a breakup, a move, a job loss or the death of someone close.
Seasonal depression
Mood that dips with the darker months and lifts again in spring.
Depression with anxiety
Worry and low mood together, each one making the other harder.
Depression in teens
Irritability, withdrawal or falling grades that may be more than a phase.
How we help
Your clinician will tailor treatment to you, drawing on approaches with strong research behind them.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
Notice and loosen the thoughts that keep you stuck, and build habits that lift your mood.
Psychodynamic therapy
Understand how past experiences and old patterns shape how you feel today.
Interpersonal therapy (IPT)
Ease depression by working on relationships, roles and life changes.
Mindfulness-based approaches
Step out of rumination and meet hard feelings with more kindness.
Medication, if it might help
Our psychiatric providers can talk with you about whether medication could be part of your plan, alongside therapy.
In the language you think in
Sessions in English, Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean or Spanish, depending on the clinician.
Clinicians who focus on depression
Each of these clinicians lists depression among their areas of focus. Look for someone whose languages and approach feel right to you.
See all clinicians who focus on depressionQuestions about depression treatment
Something else on your mind? Our FAQ covers much more, and our intake team is always happy to talk it through.
Is it depression, or just a rough patch?
Everyone has low days. Depression is more lasting: low mood or lost interest most days for two weeks or more, often with changes in sleep, energy or appetite. You don't need to be sure before reaching out. A clinician can help you make sense of what you're feeling.
Should I try therapy, medication or both?
Therapy alone helps many people, and for moderate or severe depression a combination of therapy and medication often works best. Your clinician can talk this through with you and refer you to our psychiatric providers if it might help.
How long does treatment take?
It varies. Many people begin to feel some relief within a few months of regular sessions, and some continue longer to prevent depression from returning. You and your clinician will check in on progress together.
What if I'm having thoughts of suicide?
Please reach out right away. Call or text 988 any time, day or night, or call 911 in an emergency. You don't have to carry this alone, and we're here for ongoing care once you're safe.
Can I have sessions in Mandarin or Cantonese?
Yes. Many of our clinicians speak Mandarin, and some speak Cantonese, Korean or Spanish. On Our Team you can filter clinicians by language.
Will my insurance cover depression treatment?
Often, yes. We work with Lyra Health, Spring Health and Modern Health employee benefits, and with Kaiser when you have an external referral. Some of our clinicians also take plans such as Aetna and Blue Cross through Headway. With any other plan, we send you a superbill each month to claim out-of-network benefits, which typically repay 50 to 80 percent, and FSA and HSA cards are accepted.
Whenever you're ready, we're here.
- Reach outSend us a short message, or call or text (650) 434-2563. We reply within one business day.
- A free 15-minute callOur care team listens, answers your questions about cost and insurance, and suggests clinicians who fit.
- Your first sessionMany people meet their clinician within one to two weeks. The first session is mostly about getting to know each other, at your pace.
If you're in crisis or thinking about harming yourself, please call or text 988 any time, day or night. In an emergency, call 911.
