Image of a therapist and client in a counseling session.

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

Good news! We have 4 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 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 accept most major insurance plans, allowing many clients to pay as little as $0–$50 per session with their co-pay. We also offer self-pay options for those out-of-network or without insurance. Self-pay rates for talk therapy range from $160 to $240 for intake sessions and $135 to $195 for follow-ups, depending on your state. For psychiatry services, self-pay intake sessions are $255–$375, with follow-ups ranging from $175–$300, also varying by state. More information on current self-pay costs is available on our pricing page.

Need more help deciding?

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. Work with a therapist at Thrivweorks Berkeley, someone who can put you back on the path to achieving your goals.   

Give our office a call today at (510) 544-8907 or schedule online to get started.

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

What Are the Best Therapies for Depression?

Some of the best therapies for depression include:

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) 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 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 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, our therapists are ready to help you overcome your depression and get back to your life. Call Thriveworks and meet an exceptional counselor who can help at (510) 544-8907.

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 25 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Blue Shield of California | BCBS

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Compsych

  • First Health Network

  • Humana Exchange

  • Humana HMO/POS

  • Humana Medicare Advantage

  • Humana PPO | EPO | HDHP

  • Imperial Health Plan Medicare Advantage

  • JP Farley Corporation

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

4.5 Learn about verified reviews
★★★★★
My entire experience so far has been great.. both my psychiatrist and therapist have been a good fit in my treatment.. I am learning new skills with each visit, and gain a little more insight as well.. the convenience of having video visits is an added plus since my anxiety keeps me from driving right now.
Read more My entire experience so far has been great.. both my psychiatrist and therapist have been a good fit in my treatment.. I am learning new skills with each visit, and gain a little more insight as well.. the convenience of having video visits is an added plus since my anxiety keeps me from driving right now.
Joe Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I was extremely impressed by Juan's ability to connect and provide valuable information during my therapy. Juan's perception of facts and information retention and his ability to understand my place during my separation has help me cope with my stress. Juan has the ability to clarify and identify overlooked areas of concern. I'm very pleased with his professionalism during my therapy sessions.
Read more I was extremely impressed by Juan's ability to connect and provide valuable information during my therapy. Juan's perception of facts and information retention and his ability to understand my place during my separation has help me cope with my stress. Juan has the ability to clarify and identify overlooked areas of concern. I'm very pleased with his professionalism during my therapy sessions.
remington Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
So thankful to have been connected to my therapist.
Sulyn Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
My therapist is great! She's professional, personable, and on time. She goes the extra mile to be helpful. I don't like the Zoom format; I prefer in person sessions but she does her best to make it feel like we are in the same room. Very happy.
Read more My therapist is great! She's professional, personable, and on time. She goes the extra mile to be helpful. I don't like the Zoom format; I prefer in person sessions but she does her best to make it feel like we are in the same room. Very happy.
Jeannie Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I started with Dr. Maddy about 3 months ago and I think that I had my last appointment last Friday,1/12. I really enjoyed talking to her. She is very down to earth and, most of all, she listens. I told her some things a few months ago and she remembered when I was talking with her on Friday. Amazing. We talked about a lot of issues, among them, what would I be working on, my certain issues. I would very heartedly recommend her. I can’t say enough kind words about her.
Read more I started with Dr. Maddy about 3 months ago and I think that I had my last appointment last Friday,1/12. I really enjoyed talking to her. She is very down to earth and, most of all, she listens. I told her some things a few months ago and she remembered when I was talking with her on Friday. Amazing. We talked about a lot of issues, among them, what would I be working on, my certain issues. I would very heartedly recommend her. I can’t say enough kind words about her.
Ann Jan 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Dr Stephanie Field is an amazing clinician, she has a tremendous amount of care and insight. She cares deeply about her work and patients.
Read more Dr Stephanie Field is an amazing clinician, she has a tremendous amount of care and insight. She cares deeply about her work and patients.
Sunnyvale Mar 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Alexandera provides excellent service. I felt comfortable and safe. She made it easy to open up and talk.
Read more Alexandera provides excellent service. I felt comfortable and safe. She made it easy to open up and talk.
San Jose Jan 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Not just the website, but I have worked with Stephanie Field in past as a colleague and co-author of a book, and she is an excellent addition to their services.
Read more Not just the website, but I have worked with Stephanie Field in past as a colleague and co-author of a book, and she is an excellent addition to their services.
Sunnyvale Jan 2022
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
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
Tuesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 9:00pm

Shown in PT

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
Tuesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Wednesday 7:00am - 9:30pm

Shown in PT

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