Depression Counseling in Mesa, AZ
Counseling for adults and teens who feel flat, heavy, or far away from their own lives. Our therapists work with depression, persistent low mood, burnout, and the kind of sadness that does not lift on its own.
Serving Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, Tempe, Scottsdale, and the greater Phoenix East Valley. Telehealth available in Arizona, Florida, Wisconsin, and Oregon.
What depression can look like
Depression is not always sadness. Often it is nothing. You go through the day, you do what is required, and none of it lands. Food is fine. Shows are fine. People you love are fine, and you cannot remember the last time you felt glad to see them. Other times it is a weight: getting out of bed takes negotiation, the dishes pile up, and the shame about the dishes becomes its own reason not to move.
It can also look like anger, especially in men and teenagers. Short fuse, no patience, picking fights, and then guilt about it afterward. Some people sleep twelve hours and still feel tired. Some cannot sleep at all. Some keep performing at work and fall apart in the car.
If you have been waiting for it to pass and it has not, that is worth paying attention to. Depression tends to tell you that nothing will help. That is a symptom, not a fact.
How we work with depression
Good depression treatment does two things at once. It helps you get moving again in small, specific ways, because waiting to feel motivated does not work when depression is the thing taking the motivation. And it looks honestly at what the depression is about, since it usually did not come from nowhere.
Our therapists draw on cognitive behavioral therapy, behavioral activation, acceptance and commitment therapy, and Internal Family Systems, depending on what fits you. Sessions are practical. You will leave with something to try, and your therapist will want to hear how it went.
For many people, depression sits on top of older losses, relationships that hurt, or years of being told they were too much or not enough. When that is part of your story, our team's trauma training matters. We can work with what is underneath using EMDR and parts work without you having to find a different therapist for that part of it.
If you are having thoughts of suicide, please tell us. We will take it seriously and calmly, and we will make a plan with you. If you are in immediate danger, call or text 988, or call the Central Arizona Crisis Line at (602) 222-9444.
Therapists who work with depression
3 of these therapists are currently taking new clients. Not sure who to pick? Tell us what is going on and we will match you.
Laura Middleton
LMSW
She/Her
Licensed Master Social Worker
Rachel Koenigseder
LMSW
She/Her
Licensed Master Social Worker
Kaitlyn Ligas
AvailableLAC
She/Her
Licensed Associate Counselor
Giuliana Santaferra
LCSW
She/Her
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Tyller Gryp
LAC
She/Her
Licensed Associate Counselor
Angela Tran
LAC
She/Her
Licensed Associate Counselor
Celeste Salazar
AvailableLAC
She/Her
Licensed Associate Counselor
Lydia Schmitz
LCSW
She/Her
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Amber Guerrero
LAC
She/Her
Licensed Associate Counselor
Jacob Ybarra
AvailableLAMFT
He/Him
Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist
What to expect
Your first visit is a 60-minute intake where your therapist learns what has been happening, how long it has been going on, and what your days look like right now. There is no pressure to perform. After that, most people meet weekly at first and space sessions out as things improve. Your therapist may suggest coordinating with your doctor if medication could help, and that decision is yours. In person in Mesa or by video.
Cost and insurance
We are in network with Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, United/Optum, Aetna, Humana, and TriWest VA Community Care Network. Self-pay sessions are $150 for 45 minutes, and the first intake visit is $175. We can verify your benefits before you come in.
Common questions about depression therapy
Is it depression, or am I just tired and stressed?
Stress and exhaustion usually ease when the pressure lets up. Depression tends to hang on regardless, and it changes how you see yourself and the future, not just how you feel today. If your low mood has lasted more than a couple of weeks, is affecting sleep or appetite, or you have lost interest in things you used to care about, it is worth talking to a therapist. You do not need to have it figured out first.
Can therapy help with depression without medication?
For mild to moderate depression, therapy on its own is often effective. For more severe or long-lasting depression, the combination of therapy and medication tends to work better than either alone. We do not prescribe, but we will talk with you about options and, with your permission, coordinate with your doctor or a psychiatrist.
How long until I feel better?
Many people notice some shift within the first month, often in small things like getting out the door or sleeping a little better. Deeper change usually takes a few months. If the depression is tied to past experiences, that work takes longer and tends to last. Your therapist will talk with you about progress as you go.
Do you work with teenagers who are depressed?
Yes. Several of our therapists see teens 13 and older, in person and by telehealth. Parents are involved in a way that respects the teen's privacy and keeps everyone informed about safety. See our teen therapy page for more.
Is depression therapy covered by insurance?
Yes, in nearly all cases. We are in network with Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, United/Optum, Aetna, Humana, and TriWest. If you are unsure about your plan, contact us and we will verify your benefits before your first visit. Self-pay rates are on our rates page.
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You do not have to wait until it gets worse
Book a first session, or contact us and we will connect you with a therapist who works with depression.