Depression Therapists NYC
Individualized treatment for the authentic you.
Clinically Reviewed by: Kristin Anderson, LCSW
Updated August 2026
Depression can make it hard enough to just get through the day, let alone enjoy your life. Maybe you’re still able to show up to work, but you’re feeling exhausted, numb, or disconnected. Or perhaps getting out of bed, showering, or even eating feels like too much. While there’s no “quick fix” for depression, many people find that compassionate, consistent depression therapy helps them start to feel the fog slowly lift.
We know just about everything, including finding the right therapist, can feel daunting when you’re in the midst of a depressive episode. At Madison Square Psychotherapy, we provide warm, collaborative support for clients experiencing low mood, hopelessness, burnout, self-doubt, or a sense of disconnection from the things that once felt important. Our therapists believe in the power of combining practical evidence-based approaches with deeper emotional exploration in order to help you better understand your experiences, your relationships, and the patterns that may be getting in the way of feeling like yourself again. At Madison Square, we believe depression treatment should not only focus on relieving the symptoms but also on helping you to get back to living the life you want to be living again.
Schedule a free consultation or take our matching questionnaire to find a depression therapist in NYC who feels like the right fit for you.
4 of the best therapists for depression in NYC
1. Akilia Fadhel, LMSW
I offer a calming and supportive environment for you when you’re navigating depression. My approach combines not just cognitive techniques to manage negative thought patterns but also psychodynamic techniques to explore unresolved emotions and deeper personal insights. I aim to bring patience and understanding to our sessions, allowing space for genuine exploration and growth. Together, we’ll develop coping strategies, build emotional resilience, and work toward a sense of well-being and hope.
Credentials: Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)
License number: 124094/New York
Education: Columbia University, Masters in Social Work
Specialty area(s): Depression, Dating & Relationships, Women’s Issues, Trauma
2. Georgia Kulok, LMSW
Depression can make even small decisions feel heavy, and I want our sessions to be a place where that weight starts to ease. My approach draws on CBT and DBT to work with the thought patterns and mood cycles that keep depression in place, alongside psychodynamic work that looks at where some of this is rooted and what it's connected to underneath the surface. I bring a grounded, direct presence to our sessions, and I believe insight only matters when it's paired with tools you can actually use outside of them. As we work together, you'll get a clearer picture of what's driving things for you, along with practical ways to shift your day to day and move toward feeling more like yourself.
Credentials: Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)
Education: New York University, Masters in Social Work
Specialty area(s): Depression, Dating & Relationships, Anxiety, Life Transitions, Trauma
3. Madeleine Phelan, LMSW
I approach depression therapy with active engagement, offering not just clinical insights but also practical tools to help you manage symptoms and regain balance in your life. My therapeutic style blends concrete techniques with insightful exploration to address both current struggles and their deeper emotional roots. You can expect me to be fully present in our work, guiding you through challenges and helping you develop resilience and self-awareness. I’m here to provide a supportive and collaborative environment where we can tackle depression together, empowering you to move toward a more fulfilling life.
Credentials: Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)
License number: 122113/New York
Education: NYU, Masters in Social Work
Specialty area(s): Depression, Dating & Relationships,Trauma
4. Janel Coleman, LMSW
I believe a holistic approach is essential when trying to manage depression, focusing on both symptom relief and overall wellness. In our sessions, I integrate applied techniques to develop practical tools for managing negative thoughts and emotions, alongside insight-oriented therapy to address deeper emotional patterns. You’ll find my style to be active and solution-focused, providing tools and strategies you can apply in your daily life. I also incorporate mindfulness and holistic practices to support your journey toward emotional balance and improved mental health.
Credentials: Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)
License number: 119164-01/New York
Education: Washington University at St. Louis, Masters in Social Work
Specialty area(s): Depression, Anxiety, Mindfulness-based therapy, Maternal and Women’s Mental Health
What Is Depression?
Many people have described depression (also known as “major depressive disorder (MDD)”) as a dark cloud that appears without any reason, completely blocking out the sun. Depression can feel like an inability to experience pleasure, a lack of motivation or energy, and persistent hopelessness and sadness.
Although many of us have times when we feel low or “blue”, clinical depression is much more than this. Depression is a mental health condition, and it’s not something you can simply “get over.” In fact, depression is one of the most common mental health issues in the U.S., affecting more than 21 million adults in 2021 alone, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.
There are several factors that may contribute to the onset of depression, such as genetics, trauma, burnout, environmental factors, and more. Yet even in the most severe cases, depression can be managed effectively with the right support and treatment. Whether you're experiencing Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD),Postpartum Depression, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), our depression therapists can help.
Common Reasons to Seek Depression Counseling in NYC
You may benefit from speaking with a therapist for depression if you’re experiencing:
A significant loss of pleasure or interest in activities you once enjoyed
Persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness, or numbness
Difficulty getting out of bed or starting routine tasks
Changes to your sleeping patterns
Ongoing fatigue or a sense that everything requires too much effort
Changes in your appetite or weight
Irritability or a short temper
Continual self-doubt, guilt, or low self-worth
Isolation from friends, family, or activities
Loneliness, even when you are around other people
Thoughts of suicide, disappearing, or not wanting to be here
how WE can help
Types of Therapy for Depression
While there is no one-size-fits-all “best” therapy for depression, there are several effective approaches for treating depression. At Madison Square Psychotherapy, we draw from several of these evidence-based therapies for depression and adapt treatment to meet your personal needs.
These therapeutic approaches include:
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT can help you understand, recognize, and challenge negative thoughts and behaviors that may affect your mood, and support you in gradually reconnecting with meaningful activities.
Psychodynamic therapy (or Insight-Oriented): This therapy helps you explore how past experiences, traumas, relationships, and unresolved emotions may contribute to current patterns in your life, helping you build greater insight and self-compassion.
Mindfulness-based therapy: This therapeutic approach teaches you how to notice difficult thoughts and emotions without immediately reacting, judging yourself, or treating every thought as a fact.
Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT): ACT helps you make space for difficult emotions while taking manageable steps toward the relationships, activities, and values that matter to you.
The best therapy for depression in NYC often involves a combination of approaches rather than a rigid formula.
What Depression Therapy at Madison Square Psychotherapy Offers
Finding the right therapist can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re already living with depression. If you’re searching for depression therapy in NYC, here at Madison Square Psychotherapy, you can expect:
Support in finding a therapist whose approach, personality, and experience feel like a good fit for you. If you’re unsure of who to work with, taking our concierge Match With A Therapist Questionnaire will allow our Clinical Team to hand match you with a therapist who we believe would be a great fit for you. All of our therapists offer complimentary 30 minute phone or video consultations to help assure the fit as well.
Flexible session formats, including both in-person therapy for mental health in the NoMad neighborhood of Manhattan and virtual therapy throughout New York, allowing you to choose what works best for your life and schedule. Many of our therapists offer evening or weekend session times so therapy can fit easily into your schedule.
Personalized depression treatments and therapy that take into account your identity, culture, relationships, personal history, and lived experiences. We believe that cookie-cutter therapy doesn’t serve anyone and we work collaboratively with you to make sure your care aligns with who you are.
Experienced clinicians who draw from a range of therapies for depression, including CBT, psychodynamic therapy, mindfulness-based therapy, and relational work, depending on your needs and goals.
A balance of practical coping tools and deeper exploration of experiences and patterns that may be affecting your mood.
A real relationship, not just a technique. The strength of the working relationship between therapist and client is one of the most consistent predictors of outcome in psychotherapy research. It's the part we pay the most attention to.
Throughout the process, your therapist for depression will work alongside you with compassion, curiosity, and respect.
What to Expect From Our Depression Therapy in New York City
Starting therapy can be scary when you don’t know what’s ahead of you. Here’s an overview of what you can expect from therapy in NYC with us:
01
Find Your Therapist
now who you want to work with? Instantly book a free 30 minute consult. If you’re not sure who is right for you, take our matching questionnaire to tell us about your needs, preferences, and schedule, and you’ll be hand matched by our Clinical Director.
03
Do the Work
The first few sessions will focus on getting to know you, understanding your symptoms, and identifying what you want to change. From this, you and your therapist can develop a plan to help guide treatment. These goals are not set in stone and they can evolve as you gain insight, notice change, or discover new areas you want to work on.
02
Assess the Fit
During your initial consultation call, your therapist will find out a little more about you and what brings you into therapy. At the same time, you can share what you’re looking for, ask questions, and talk through what kind of support feels most helpful for you to see if it feels like a match.
What Can Change Through Counseling for Depression?
At Madison Square Psychotherapy, our depression therapists can support you in learning more effective ways of managing depression. Some of the benefits of depression counseling include:
Feeling Lighter and Less Overwhelmed
Depression can make day-to-day life feel daunting and heavy, as negative emotions, hopeless feelings, and low self-esteem can be overwhelming. Depression therapy can help you regulate your mood so that life doesn’t feel as hard.
Building Coping Skills That Actually Work
When you’re depressed, it can be hard to know what you can do to start feeling better. Through therapy, you have the opportunity to work with your therapist to develop specific strategies that help improve your mood and symptoms of depression.
Feeling More Connected
Sometimes, depression can make you feel far away from friends, family, and even your usual self. However, therapy provides you with the support needed to help you make positive changes, re-engage with others, and feel re-energized about the things that matter to you.
Understanding Yourself With More Compassion
Many people experiencing depression speak to themselves in ways they would never speak to someone they love. Therapy can help you recognize where that overly-critical internal voice comes from and develop a more balanced, compassionate way of understanding yourself.
Get Therapy for Depression in NYC, Near Madison Square Park
Madison Square Psychotherapy offers in-person depression therapy in NYC at 303 Fifth Avenue, Suite 906, New York, NY 10016.
Our office is located near Madison Square Park, the Flatiron District, Koreatown, and the Empire State Building. This makes it a central and convenient location for people who live in nearby neighborhoods like Murray Hill, Union Square, or Chelsea, or those commuting from SoHo, Tribeca, the Upper East Side, or Greenwich Village.
We also provide online depression therapy throughout New York City and New York State, allowing you to attend sessions from home when commuting isn’t practical.
Additional Mental Health Resources in NYC
Private therapy isn’t the only form of support available. Many reputable organizations may help you find information related to mental health, including the following:
NAMI-NYC offers education, support groups, and community resources for people affected by mental health conditions.
The New York State Office of Mental Health provides information about treatment programs and public mental health services.
These resources are independent of Madison Square Psychotherapy. If you need immediate crisis support, call or text 988. If you are in immediate danger, call 911 or visit your nearest emergency department.
faqs
Common Questions About Depression Therapy in NYC
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You may benefit from therapy if sadness, numbness, irritability, hopelessness, fatigue, or low motivation are persistent or have begun affecting your work, relationships, sleep, health, or daily routines. Remember that you don’t need to be in crisis or completely unable to function to reach out for help. Many people who seek therapy may appear calm and confident on the outside but feel depleted or disconnected on the inside.
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Therapy helps treat depression by supporting you in understanding how your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors may be contributing to the condition. This allows you to make changes to help you feel better. Therapy for depression in NYC can provide you with the coping tools required to manage difficult emotions while also supporting you to create long-term, sustainable healing.
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The “best” therapy for depression depends on you and your preferences and needs. Still, approaches like CBT, psychodynamic therapy, mindfulness-based approaches, ACT, and interpersonal therapy can all be helpful and effective.
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The number of therapy sessions you may need varies depending on your specific needs and the severity of your symptoms. For instance, some clients may experience significant improvements very quickly, even within 8-12 sessions, while others may require ongoing therapy for up to 6 months or more. There’s no one-size-fits-all treatment plan, and at Madison Square Psychotherapy, your depression therapist works collaboratively with you to ensure you're getting care that feels right for you.
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Not necessarily. Psychotherapy alone can often improve depression. But sometimes a combination of therapy and medication may be more effective, depending on your situation. The decision to start medication is a highly personal one.
At Madison Square Psychotherapy, we strongly believe in empowering clients to make decisions that feel right for their health. This means our therapists are happy to consult with any psychiatrist or other medical provider you might be seeing to coordinate your care.
On the other hand, we also respect your autonomy in making your own medical decisions. Wherever you are on your journey with medication, we’re happy to meet you where you are.
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Often, the best therapist for depression will be someone with relevant experience and whose style helps you feel respected, comfortable, and understood. You may also want to consider a therapist’s treatment approach, scheduling, location, flexibility, cost, and your insurance coverage.
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Yes, we offer secure online psychotherapy for depression for clients located throughout New York. Virtual sessions can be helpful when your work schedule, health, location, travel, or depression symptoms make it difficult to attend regularly in person.
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Most insurance plans include mental health benefits, although coverage depends on your individual policy. At Madison Square Psychotherapy, our therapists are out-of-network, which means we’re not partnered with any insurance plans. However, if your plan has out-of-network benefits, we can provide superbills that you can submit for possible reimbursement. Before beginning therapy, contact your insurer to ask about out-of-network outpatient mental health coverage, your deductible, and the percentage of each session that may be reimbursed.
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