This might be for you if you notice
- A sad, heavy or empty mood that does not lift
- Losing interest in hobbies, people or plans you used to enjoy
- Feeling tired or slowed down no matter how much you rest
- Being harder on yourself than you would be on anyone else
- Trouble concentrating, deciding or getting started
- Irritability or frustration that feels out of character
More than a rough patch
Everyone has low days. Depression is different: it is a mood disorder that affects how a person feels, thinks and handles daily activities. It is a real health condition, and nothing to be ashamed of.
Common signs include a persistent sad, anxious or empty mood, loss of interest in hobbies and activities, low energy, trouble sleeping or oversleeping, changes in appetite, difficulty concentrating, and feelings of guilt or hopelessness. Some people notice physical aches without a clear cause. When symptoms last most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks, they can be signs of depression.
It does not look the same in everyone. Children may seem anxious or cranky, teens may be easily frustrated or get into trouble at school, and some adults seem more angry or irritable than sad. Whatever it looks like for you, asking for support is a sound and ordinary thing to do.
How therapy for depression works
Depression treatment typically involves talk therapy, medication, or both, and talk therapy can be done in person or virtually. In cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), people learn to challenge and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. In practice, that often means noticing the harsh inner commentary, testing it against the facts, and planning small activities that bring back a sense of purpose.
Therapists on our team also use person-centered therapy, solution-focused therapy, mindfulness-based approaches and DBT skills. Not every therapist uses every approach, so we match you with someone who fits your goals.
We do not prescribe medication. If you want to explore it, or already take it, those decisions stay with your prescriber. Therapy can be used on its own or alongside that care.
Small steps that support therapy
- Some physical activity, even a short walk
- A regular bedtime and wake-up time
- Regular meals
- Staying in touch with people you trust
- Doing what you can, as you can, without judging the rest
What online sessions look like
Every session is a secure video visit. There is no office to get to, which matters on days when leaving the house feels like a lot. You need a phone, tablet or computer, an internet connection, and a place where you can talk privately.
The National Institute of Mental Health says virtual care can be effective for conditions including depression. Evening and weekend appointments are available, so sessions can fit around work, school or caregiving.
Online therapy is ongoing care, not emergency care. If you are having thoughts of suicide or are in crisis, call or text 988, or call 911. Locascio Wellness does not provide emergency services. Our crisis resources page has more options.
Getting started
- Book a free consultationPick a time for a free 15-minute consultation on our booking page. You do not need to prepare anything.
- Get matched with a therapistYou must be in Pennsylvania, West Virginia or Arizona during sessions. We match you with a therapist who is licensed where you live and works with your age group.
- Check your coverageWe are in-network with many plans, and self-pay is available. See insurance and fees or ask us to verify your benefits.
- Start with a conversationIn your first video session, you and your therapist talk about what has been hard and what you would like more of in your life. Then you set goals together.
Things can get better
Depression can make it hard to picture feeling different. That is the condition talking, not a forecast. Change in therapy is often gradual: a slightly easier morning, a returned phone call, a little more energy.
If worry is part of the picture, see our anxiety therapy page. If your low mood followed a loss, grief counseling may fit, and new or expecting parents can read about perinatal and postpartum therapy. Parents can also learn about teen therapy. We would be glad to help you take the next step.
Therapists for depression therapy
These therapists describe related experience in their own profiles. We will help you find the best fit and confirm who is licensed in your state.
Questions people ask
Does online therapy work for depression?
It can. The National Institute of Mental Health says virtual care can be effective for treating conditions including depression, and describes talk therapy for depression as something that can be done in person or virtually. Online sessions use approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy, without the travel.
How do online depression therapy sessions work?
You meet with your therapist by secure video on a phone, tablet or computer, from a private place of your choosing. You must be physically located in Pennsylvania, West Virginia or Arizona during each session. We match you with a therapist licensed in your state, and evening and weekend appointments are available.
Does insurance cover depression therapy?
Many plans do, but coverage depends on your plan and state. We are in-network with Aetna, Cigna, Highmark, Independence Blue Cross, Blue Cross Blue Shield plans, Geisinger, Optum, UnitedHealthcare and Medicare. Medicaid is not accepted, and self-pay is available. Ask us to verify your benefits before you begin.
Do I need medication, or is therapy enough?
That is an individual question. Depression treatment typically involves talk therapy, medication, or both. We provide therapy and do not prescribe, so medication decisions belong with a prescriber such as your primary care or psychiatric provider. Your therapist can help you think through what to ask them.
What happens in therapy for depression?
You and your therapist look at what keeps the low mood going and what helps. With an approach like cognitive behavioral therapy, people learn to challenge and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. Sessions often include practical steps to try between visits, such as planning one small activity or adjusting a sleep routine.
How do I know if it is depression or just sadness?
Sadness usually passes. Signs such as a low or empty mood, loss of interest, low energy and trouble concentrating that last most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks can be signs of depression. A therapist cannot diagnose you from a web page, but a consultation is a good place to talk it over.
What if I am having thoughts of suicide?
Please reach out right now. Call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which is free, confidential and available day or night, or call 911 if you are in immediate danger. Locascio Wellness does not provide emergency or crisis services, so please do not wait for an appointment.
Sources
Published by Locascio Wellness. Last updated October 9, 2026. Clinically reviewed by Anthony Locascio, PsyD, LPC. This page is general information, not medical advice or a diagnosis.