Core Elements of Depression Treatment:

1. Assessment and Safety

Clinical interview covering symptoms, history, and stressors and learning about your unique experience.
Screeners such as the PHQ-9 to set a baseline and track progress.
Ongoing safety planning when needed.

2. Psychoeducation

Explain how depression affects mood, energy, thinking, and behavior, and how withdrawal and negative thinking keep it going.

3. Cognitive Behavior Therapy

Track activities and mood.
Schedule small, meaningful activities tied to the your values.
Identify negative thoughts and beliefs, test them with thought records and behavioral experiments, and build more balanced perspectives.
Problem-solving, sleep and routine, and relationship and communication skills.

6. Psychiatric Support

I may suggest you coordinate with a prescriber when symptoms are moderate to severe.

7. Maintenance