Counseling for Depression in Brooklyn

Building Fulfilling Lives Virtually and at Our Park Slope & Bay Ridge Offices

Everyone experiences sadness and low motivation at times, but when these feelings persist for days or weeks and interfere with your daily life, it might be depression. Depression is a serious issue that can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. Our trained clinical psychologists are here to support you in understanding how depression impacts your thoughts, behaviors, and actions. Most importantly, counseling can equip you with the skills to make progress, achieve your goals, and feel better each day.

How Do I Know If I’m Struggling with Depression?

Anytime you feel the need to improve your daily life with professional help, it’s the right time to reach out. It’s also important to distinguish between sadness and depression. Sadness is a natural response to certain situations, while depression refers to a prolonged or disruptive emotional state. If you’re wondering whether you might be dealing with depression, consider these questions: 

• Do you feel a persistent low mood (hopelessness, sadness) most of the day, nearly every day? 
• Have these feelings lasted for weeks, months, or even years? 
• Have you stopped engaging in activities that matter to you? 
• Has your weight changed significantly? 
• Has your sleep pattern shifted (sleeping too much or too little)? 
• Do you often feel guilty, worthless, or listless? 
• Is decision-making difficult for you? 
• Have you thought about self-harm or suicide? 

Getting Started

When you’re ready to address depression, you can contact our Park Slope or Bay Ridge office by phone, email, or book a phone consultation right away. After scheduling an appointment, you’ll receive our startup forms through a secure portal to complete before your visit, allowing us to review your concerns in advance.

What to Expect During Counseling Sessions for Depression

Depression is common, and our clinicians are experienced in helping clients develop the skills needed to manage it. In your first session, we’ll discuss what brought you to us and explore the options available to help you overcome depression, which may include therapy or a combination of therapy and medication.

During your sessions, we’ll talk about any significant events from the week, moments when you felt most depressed, and how you responded. Our aim is to help you develop new coping skills for managing depressive episodes and maintaining a stable mood. We’re not here to diminish your emotional experiences, which is a concern that often prevents people from seeking help. Initially, we may meet weekly, and as you gain mood stability and effective coping skills, we might meet less frequently.

What to Expect at Ridge Psychological

Our team of experienced psychologists is dedicated to giving you compassionate, personalized care. We offer consultations, neuropsychological and educational evaluations, and therapy services, all available both in person and online for your convenience.