Depression therapy to help you feel like yourself again.
Depression is more than sadness. It can feel like numbness, exhaustion, or going through the motions while everything you used to enjoy goes flat. It's treatable, and you don't have to wait until it gets worse to reach out.
Does any of this sound familiar?
Depression shows up differently for everyone. These are some of the experiences we hear about most.
A heaviness that won't lift
Low mood, emptiness or numbness that lingers for weeks.
No energy for anything
Even small tasks feel like too much, and rest doesn't help.
Losing interest
The things and people you used to enjoy don't feel the same.
Sleep and appetite changes
Sleeping too much or too little, eating more or less than usual.
Foggy and distracted
It's hard to focus, make decisions or keep up at work.
A harsh inner voice
Guilt, self-criticism or a sense that things won't get better.
Depression often has a story
Depression can grow out of unresolved trauma, early attachment wounds, burnout, loss or big life changes. For many women in midlife, hormonal shifts during perimenopause can bring on low mood for the first time or make old depression come back.
Therapy helps you understand what's underneath, not just manage the symptoms, so the change lasts.
How we treat depression
There's no one-size-fits-all plan. We match the approach to you.
CBT
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to shift the thought patterns and habits that keep depression going.
EMDR
Helps your brain reprocess painful experiences that may be feeding low mood, including in treatment-resistant depression.
Attachment-Focused EMDR
A gentler form of EMDR for depression rooted in early relationships and unmet needs.
Psychodynamic therapy
Exploring the patterns and feelings beneath the surface to understand where depression comes from.
Find the right therapist for you
Not sure who to see? Book a free consultation and we'll help you choose.
Christina Castro, LPCC
Depression in midlife and perimenopause, and depression rooted in trauma or attachment wounds. EMDR and Attachment-Focused EMDR.
Meet Christina →
James Garcia, ASW
Depression alongside anxiety, trauma, OCD, burnout or drinking to cope. EMDR-trained, for adults across California.
Meet James →Common questions
How long does depression therapy take?
It varies from person to person. With CBT, many people see improvement within about 6 to 12 sessions. Long-standing or treatment-resistant depression usually takes longer. We'll check in on your progress regularly and adjust the plan as we go.
Do I need medication?
Not always. It depends on how severe your symptoms are and what you and your doctor decide. We don't prescribe medication, but we're glad to coordinate with your doctor or psychiatrist if medication is part of your care.
How will I know therapy is working?
You may notice symptoms easing, better sleep, more energy or more hope. You may also find you understand yourself better and cope with hard days more easily. With treatment-resistant depression, progress can be gradual, and smaller changes count too.
Do you take insurance?
We're in-network with Aetna and First Health, and we bill most other PPO plans for you as an out-of-network provider. See our fees and insurance page or check your benefits with our secure tool.
Resilience is not the ability to stay out of the darkness. It is the ability to sit present in the darkness, knowing the light will shine again.
Let's take the first step together.
If you're having thoughts of suicide or are in crisis, call or text 988 any time, or go to the nearest emergency room.
Christina Castro, LPCC: CA #10716, FL #1589, SC #2226. James Garcia, ASW #132540, supervised by Christina Castro, LPCC #10716. This page is for information only and does not create a therapist-client relationship.