Quick Answer:
CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) is the most effective and researched therapy for depression, producing improvement in 60-80% of cases. It's recommended as a first-line treatment by the NHS, WHO, and APA. For chronic depression, it outperforms medication in long-term relapse prevention.
Therapy Types Compared for Depression
| Therapy | Effectiveness | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| CBT | 🏆 60-80% improvement | 8-20 sessions | Mild-severe depression |
| Behavioural Activation | Matches CBT | 8-16 sessions | Low motivation, withdrawal |
| MBCT | 43% relapse reduction | 8-week programme | Relapse prevention |
| IPT | Good evidence | 12-16 sessions | Relationship-triggered depression |
| Psychodynamic | Moderate evidence | Months-years | Deep self-understanding |
Why CBT Is #1 for Depression
CBT directly targets the three maintaining factors of depression: negative thinking (cognitive restructuring), behavioural withdrawal (behavioural activation), and rumination (thought defusion and mindfulness). It teaches concrete skills you use independently long after therapy ends. See What Is CBT?
CBT + Meditation for Depression
MBCT combines CBT with mindfulness meditation and reduces depression relapse by 43%. Regular meditation practice alongside CBT accelerates recovery. See meditation for depression and yoga for depression.
Start CBT for Depression
Online-Therapy.com specialises in CBT and includes every component proven effective for depression: thought records, behavioural activation worksheets, daily journaling, and yoga. Your therapist provides feedback daily. Plans from $48/week.
Try Online-Therapy.com — 20% Off →Read more: High-Functioning Depression Signs · Online CBT for Depression
