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11,186 people sought depression counseling help in California in the last year

Discover how starting depression counseling can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.

Meet with a provider as soon as this week

Good news! We have 5 therapists in California available for an online or in-person session.

Starting Depression counseling

What can counseling do for those who suffer with depression?

Depression counseling can help those with major depression, minor depression, postpartum depression, persistent depressive disorder, and more. The providers at Thriveworks in Berkeley, CA will develop a unique treatment plan based on your specific experience, needs, and goals.

Is it worth going to therapy for depression?

It is absolutely worth going to therapy for depression — depression counseling helps people better manage their symptoms and get back to living happier lives again.

How does depression counseling work?

Depression counseling works by helping people pinpoint life problems, distorted thought patterns, and other causes of their depression, then process and work through them in order to mitigate the negative effects those factors have on their lives.

Signs of depression

Common signs of depression include:

  • Consistent low mood
  • Fatigue
  • Irritability
  • Oversleeping or difficulty sleeping
  • Changes in diet (eating much more or less)
  • Withdrawal and isolation
  • Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
  • Feelings of hopelessness
  • Loss of interest in previous hobbies or activities
  • Excessive substance use

Is depression counseling conducted in person or online?

Thriveworks depression counseling in Berkeley, CA is conducted both in person and online by video. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.

How often should you have therapy for depression?

Depression counseling can last for a few weeks, months, or longer, dependent on the severity of one’s depression as well as their needs and preferences.

How much does depression counseling cost?

At Thriveworks, we take most major forms of insurance, which means that many of our clients only pay a $0-$50 co-pay per session. However, there are also self-pay options that sit around $200 per session, depending on the service and location, for those who are out-of-network.

Need more help deciding?

The legendary basketball coach John Wooden once stated, “Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.” When you’re severely depressed, you may not be able to go to work, talk about your feelings to your friends, or meet your daily goals. You may not even be able to get out of bed in the morning because you’re so overwhelmed. But you or a loved one can call Thriveworks and start getting you the care you need to feel better. 

Depression counseling at Thriveworks in Berkeley, CA is characterized by fully licensed, highly experienced, compassionate therapists delivering expert care to the people who need it the most. Thriveworks clients can meet depression counselors online through a secure telehealth connection if that’s most comfortable and convenient for them. They can also meet with a counselor in person at the modern office in Berkeley. Whatever type of counseling session they choose, they will receive depression treatment of the highest quality that will put them back on the path to achieving their goals.   

What Is Depression?

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) lists the following eight criteria for depression:

  1. A depressed mood lasting longer than two weeks 
  2. Loss of interest or pleasure in activities you usually enjoy, aka anhedonia
  3. Changes in appetite 
  4. Psychomotor retardation (slowed-down movements and thoughts)
  5. Fatigue and/or exhaustion
  6. Overwhelming feelings of sadness, guilt, or worthlessness
  7. Problems with concentration and/or memory
  8. Suicidality (If you’re ever considering harming yourself, call a crisis hotline immediately.)

But depression isn’t always by the book. Though the criteria above are important, the licensed depression counselors at Thriveworks in Berkeley, CA will also be on the lookout for the following symptoms:

  • Irritability, which can manifest in depressed men more than women 
  • Substance abuse or addiction, which can be a sign that someone is having difficulty coping with distressed feelings
  • Psychomotor agitation (sped-up thoughts and actions)
  • Changes in sleeping patterns 
  • Changes in libido (sex drive)
  • Social isolation

A full evaluation for depression might include a physical exam and a psychosocial assessment. For example, psychiatrists at Thriveworks will want to rule out other medical problems that can cause depression symptoms before they prescribe medication like antidepressants. 

What Are the Best Therapies for Depression?

Depression is a highly treatable mental health condition. Early intervention can lead to especially good outcomes. People who have experienced episodes of depression in the past need to take preventative measures to help prevent future episodes. Many of the following treatments offered by depression counselors at Thriveworks in Berkeley, CA have extensive evidence and peer-reviewed research to back them up:

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which aims to modify maladaptive thought patterns and beliefs to improve mental health
  • Dialectical behavior therapy, which is a type of CBT that helps regulate emotions
  • Supportive therapy, which enables a person to use their own resources to improve general functioning
  • Psychodynamic therapy, which uses self-reflection and self-examination in talk therapy to bring awareness to the origins of distress
  • Holistic remedies like meditation, muscle relaxation, and mindfulness
  • Family therapy or couples therapy, which helps support and include loved ones in depression recovery 
  • Behavioral activation, which focuses on a person’s behavior and environment
  • Psychiatric medications 

What Is the Relationship Between Depression and Substance Abuse?

People who are depressed are at risk of turning to drugs, alcohol, and other substances in order to self-medicate. This means that they find a short-term coping strategy for their distress that will probably create more problems in the long run. People who are depressed may also become addicted to sex or gambling in an effort to escape from their feelings of sadness. Depression counselors at Thriveworks in Berkeley, CA can address a client’s substance abuse issues alongside depression. 

Find Exceptional Treatment for Depression at Thriveworks in Berkeley, CA

At Thriveworks in Berkeley, CA, people receive premium mental health services at affordable rates. The licensed depression counselors at Thriveworks accept most major health insurance plans and offer reasonable self-pay rates as well. Thriveworks therapists are highly qualified to deliver exceptional care that will put clients back on the road to recovery from depression.

Depression counselors at Thriveworks can meet with clients in-person at the Berkeley office, or online through virtual therapy sessions. These online counseling sessions take place over secure telehealth software that ensures provider-client confidentiality. 

Additional benefits of your Thriveworks appointment include email and phone access to providers between sessions, and exclusive educational resources like our depression e-book and video content. 

Thriveworks therapists can meet with clients quickly. Most people can speak to their provider within 24-48 hours of their initial call or online booking. 

Don’t wait to get the help you need to overcome your depression and get back to your life. You don’t have to suffer. Call Thriveworks and meet an exceptional counselor who can help. 

Pricing & insurance

Our therapists accept most major insurances. We accept 585+ insurance plans, and offer self-pay options, too.
Learn more about pricing for therapy and counseling services at Thriveworks.

Our Berkeley therapists and counselors accept 20 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Blue Shield of California | BCBS

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Compsych

  • First Health Network

  • Humana Exchange

  • Humana HMO/POS

  • Humana PPO | EPO | HDHP

  • Imperial Health Plan Medicare Advantage

  • JP Farley Corporation

  • Magellan

Show more
Self-pay costs at Berkeley
Talk therapy

Talk therapy

Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Talk therapy

Psychiatry

Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Hear from our clients

Thriveworks Berkeley has no reviews yet, but check out these reviews from locations in California.

4.5 Thriveworks Berkeley reviews are collected through Thriveworks.com.
★★★★★
Thriveworks helped me realize that I do believe people can change. I’m not the person I was three months ago, broken and fearful. I’m healthy and happy and for the first time being kind to myself. Thank you for giving me my life back.
Read more Thriveworks helped me realize that I do believe people can change. I’m not the person I was three months ago, broken and fearful. I’m healthy and happy and for the first time being kind to myself. Thank you for giving me my life back.
Anonymous Thriveworks Client
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Berkeley is located at the intersection of Milvia St and Addison St. We share a building with Ace Hardware, Bay Psychiatric Associates, Bradley Engwall MD, Magoosh, Young Musicians Choral, Voltaiq, and Kaila Compton MD. Across Milvia Street is Berber Athletic Club and The Medak Center, and across Addison Street is Opticos Design Inc, MSCI, and Berkeley Electronic Press.

Phone number

(510) 544-8907

Languages spoken by CA providers

  • English
Friday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Saturday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Monday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Tuesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Thursday 8:00am - 9:00pm

Shown in PT

Friday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Saturday 7:00am - 6:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 5:00pm
Monday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Tuesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Wednesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Thursday 7:00am - 9:30pm

Shown in PT

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