Competent Therapist Means More Effective Depression Treatment

When it comes to treating depression, the most effective method of therapy is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).

Though CBT can help you to overcome the symptoms of depression and alter your mood, what may be even more important is how your therapist uses CBT in treatment.

The more competent a therapist is at following the guidelines for CBT, the more likely a patient’s symptoms of depression will improve, according to a new study in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology. This is especially true for patients who suffer from anxiety in addition to depression, and those who were diagnosed with depression at a young age, according to the study. 

“People with depression who don’t have complicating issues like anxiety are fairly likely to show benefit even if they don’t see the most highly rated therapists,” said Daniel Strunk, assistant professor of psychology at Ohio State University and co-author of the study. “But people who have substantial anxiety or a history of depression that began at an early age really do best if they have the most highly rated treatment.”

Finding a Competent Therapist

If you are suffering from depression, you want to make sure you find a therapist who will work best with you and your needs so that you can make a full and complete recovery. Here are some things to consider when looking for a therapist:

•    Find Someone Who Specializes in Mood Disorders.  There are more therapists out there than you can count, and if you are suffering from depression, you should be sure to find one that specializes in mood disorders like depression.  Therapists who specialize in certain disorders will have the most specific training and be up-to-date on the latest treatment methods. They are also likely to have extensive experience treating depression, which can only work to your benefit.

•    Check for Licensure. Depending on what state you are in, there are different requirements for licensure to be a therapist. Take some time to research your state’s requirements and then seek out therapists who meet those requirements. Knowing your therapist is licensed should give you some peace of mind.

•    Interview. There’s nothing wrong with interviewing several therapists to find one who is a match for you. Some personalities may work better for you, or someone you thought you’d like may rub you the wrong way. Talk to as many therapists as you need until you find one that you feel some type of connection with and who you think will be able to most effectively help you work through your depression. 

•    Check Their Experience with CBT. As part of your interview process, ask therapists how much success they have had using CBT to treat depression. Ask them how they use the method in treatment and how they would use it to treat the symptoms of your depression, specifically. 

•    Don’t Be Afraid to Leave. If you find yourself getting therapy by someone you feel uncomfortable with or who you are not seeing results from, don’t be afraid to find someone new. Remember that the key is for you to get better, so it’s up to you to find the therapist who is able to help you do that.