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

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

Meet with a provider as soon as this week

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, Blue Shield of California | BCBS, Cigna | Evernorth, +20 more
Behavioral Issues, Stress, Anxiety, Depression, Trauma / PTSD

I am bilingual in English and Spanish, and as a person of mixed race, I embrace all cultures, religions, beliefs, and nationalities.

6 more therapist available in California

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Thuy Ulrich

Hear from Thuy Ulrich, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT)

View Thuy Ulrich's profile

What is your go-to approach for depression counseling?

My typical approach for helping clients dealing with depression begins in fundamentally the same way across all modalities — meeting them at their level and readiness for change. I find this works best because they are the experts in themselves. They need to be the ones driving or the actions won’t be meaningful. This is especially true with depression because it hits us at our core, many times leaving us unmotivated to do anything.

What tools do you teach in depression counseling?

I teach many tools in depression therapy that are catered to each person’s needs and level of functioning. For example:

  • Coping tools that build upon their existing coping mechanisms to help make their tools more effective.
  • Mindfulness tools that help build awareness and understanding of depression.
  • Insight tools to deal with the common haunts of depression like guilt, procrastination, hopelessness, anhedonia, etc.
  • Communication tools to help them feel heard when expressing feelings & needs.

How do you know when a client is making meaningful progress in depression counseling?

I know clients are making meaningful progress in therapy when they start reporting improvements in their lives and/or relationships and are enjoying life again. It’s important to help clients recognize and celebrate their successes, no matter how small.

What can clients do in their personal time to supplement depression counseling?

Clients can supplement therapy by practicing good self-care & the coping tools discussed, or just by considering how the concepts from sessions can be applied.

What should someone do to prepare for starting depression counseling?

To prepare for their first session, clients can consider what their goals for therapy might be and keep an open mind for their new journey. Therapy can open doors to new concepts and methods of approach if clients are ready to open those doors. With grief, it can also be comforting for clients to know they aren’t opening those doors alone.

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 Irvine, 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 Irvine, 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 attend depression therapy sessions?

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?

Depression therapy at Thriveworks in Irvine, CA can help people understand their symptoms and better manage their depression. If you have noticed a change in your thoughts, feelings, personality, or behaviors, and you think that you might be depressed, consider connecting with one of our depression therapists.

We’re here to help. Simply call Thriveworks Irvine at (657) 315-1250

Am I Depressed? What Does Depression Feel Like?

The symptoms of depression can vary from one person to the next. That’s part of why it’s so important to open up to a counselor about the ways that depression is affecting you—by providing that feedback, you’re allowing your provider to offer personalized mental health care.

With that in mind, there are several common signs of depression to look out for, including: 

  • Feeling chronically fatigued 
  • A noted lack of interest in sex, hobbies, or relationships  
  • Feeling distant from loved ones and friends 
  • Decreased work performance
  • Sleep disturbances (i.e. insomnia or hypersomnia)
  • Overeating or avoiding eating 
  • Lack of self-care (i.e. personal hygiene or a clean living environment)
  • Drug or alcohol abuse to cope with emotional pain 

These are just a few of the main signs and symptoms of depression. It’s important to remember that depression can look different from one person to the next—for example, one person might distance themselves from their loved ones and struggle to fall asleep each night; another might neglect self-care practices and sleep all the time. 

How Can Depression Therapy Help Me? 

Depression can be effectively treated by a counselor, therapist, or psychologist. These mental health professionals help everyday people like yourself to manage their depression and will work to:

  • Better understand your specific depression symptoms
  • Dig into potential causes of the individual’s depression
  • Serve as an outlet for those burdened by this mood disorder
  • Use talk and behavioral therapy to provide helpful coping strategies

For certain people, especially those with more persistent or severe forms of depression, connecting with a psychiatrist is helpful, too. Psychiatrists are: 

  • Medical doctors who specialize in mental health
  • Able to prescribe and manage medication, like antidepressants
  • Qualified to provide therapy

Regardless of which mental health professional you work with at Thriveworks, you’ll receive the customized depression treatment that you need and deserve. 

What Type of Depression Could I Have?

 Though there are many types of depression, our therapists and psychiatrists commonly treat: 

  • Minor depression: As the name implies, this is less severe than major depression but just as harmful. Because those with this disorder may go long periods without feeling depressed, identifying what’s triggering their sadness can be difficult for those with minor depression.
  • Postpartum depression: Postpartum depression affects women who’ve given birth; those who underwent caesarian sections or had a miscarriage are at higher risk. This disorder can onset immediately or months after childbirth. 
  • Major depression: This disorder causes emotional detachment, sadness, hopelessness, and apathy. Those who suffer from major depression may become socially isolated, further exacerbating their condition. It’s what most people think of when they hear the word “depression.”
  • Bipolar disorder: Bipolar disorder can cause depression when the mood swings that it causes fluctuate. Those with bipolar disorder may feel extremely happy for a minute and furious or dejected in the next.

Schedule Depression Treatment at Thriveworks in Irvine, CA

Getting the help you need to better manage the symptoms of your depression shouldn’t be difficult. At Thriveworks in Irvine, CA, we’ve made it easier than ever to get the help you need to feel better.

Take the time to talk to a professional about how you’re feeling and work toward a happier life. Schedule depression treatment today by calling Thriveworks in Irvine, CA. 

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 Irvine therapists and counselors accept 28 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Blue Shield of California | BCBS

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

  • First Health Network

  • Humana Exchange

  • Humana HMO/POS

  • Humana Medicare Advantage

  • Humana PPO | EPO | HDHP

  • Imperial Health Plan Medicare Advantage

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Self-pay costs at Irvine
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

5.0 Learn about verified reviews
★★★★★
So thankful to have been connected to my therapist.
Sulyn Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Irvine is off of Irvine Center Drive and Yale Avenue. We are across the street from Wildwood Park, and near Good Shepherd Preschool.

Phone number

(657) 315-1250

Languages spoken by CA providers

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

Shown in PT

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

Shown in PT

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