Depression
Evidence-based treatments to help you understand patterns keeping you stuck and take meaningful action toward creating the life you want to live.
Understanding Depression
Move from Stuck to Thriving
Depression can make everything feel heavy and grey – getting out of bed, connecting with others, finding joy in activities you once loved, or imagining a future that feels hopeful. When depression takes hold, it creates patterns that keep you stuck: withdrawing from life, negative thinking loops, difficulty with motivation, and a sense that nothing will ever change. At Summit Psychotherapy Center, our doctoral-level clinicians understand depression not just as a collection of symptoms, but as patterns that can be understood and changed. Using evidence-based approaches like Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Behavioral Activation, Interpersonal therapy for depression (IPT/D), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and trauma-informed care, we help you understand what’s keeping you stuck, process underlying pain, and take meaningful steps toward the life you want. Recovery is possible, and we’re here to support you.
Types of Depression
Depression Takes Different Forms
Major Depressive Disorder
Persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, difficulty with daily functioning. Symptoms last at least two weeks and significantly impact your life.
Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)
Chronic, lower-grade depression lasting for years. You may function day-to-day but feel consistently down, empty, or hopeless.
Depression with Trauma History
Depression that developed following traumatic experiences or exists alongside PTSD. Requires trauma-informed treatment approaches.
Postpartum Depression
Depression following childbirth, characterized by overwhelming sadness, anxiety, difficulty bonding with baby, and feelings of inadequacy.
Seasonal Affective Disorder
Depression that follows a seasonal pattern, typically worsening during fall and winter months.
Depression with Anxiety
Co-occurring depression and anxiety, where both conditions interact and complicate each other.
Common Symptoms of Depression
You’re Struggling with Depression
Depression affects mood, thinking, behavior, and physical health. Common symptoms include:
Persistent sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness
Loss of interest or pleasure in activities you once enjoyed
Difficulty getting out of bed or completing daily tasks
Changes in appetite or weight
Sleep disturbances (sleeping too much or too little)
Fatigue and low energy
Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
Feelings of worthlessness, guilt, or self-blame
Withdrawal from relationships and social activities
Negative thinking patterns and rumination
Physical symptoms like aches and pains
Thoughts of death or suicide
Evidence-Based
Treatment for Depression
Proven Approaches to Heal Depression
Our team uses evidence-based treatments specifically designed to treat depression:
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors
Behavioral Activation
Take action toward activities and values, even when motivation is low
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Accept difficult feelings while taking meaningful action
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Emotion regulation and distress tolerance skills to help live with recurrent depression and move toward the life you want
Trauma-Focused Therapy
Process underlying trauma contributing to depression
Interpersonal Therapy For Depression
Address relationship patterns and social connections
Compassion-Focused Therapy
Build self-compassion and reduce shame
Relational and Dynamic Approaches
Understand patterns and develop insight
What to Expect in Treatment
Your Path to Recovery
Understanding Your Depression
We start by understanding your unique experience – when depression began, what triggers it, patterns that keep you stuck, and your goals for treatment. We explore both current stressors and past experiences that may contribute.
Identifying Patterns
Depression creates cycles – withdrawal leads to isolation, negative thinking reinforces hopelessness, inactivity increases fatigue. We help you see these patterns and understand how to interrupt them.
Taking Action
Even when motivation is low, we help you take small, meaningful steps toward activities and values. Behavioral activation – doing things even when you don’t feel like it – is one of the most powerful treatments for depression.
Processing Pain and Building Meaning
We create space to process underlying pain, grief, trauma, or loss while also helping you build a life that feels meaningful and worth living. Recovery isn’t just about reducing symptoms – it’s about creating a life you want.
Why Choose Summit for Depression Treatment?
Compassionate, Expert Care
Our doctoral-level clinicians bring extensive training in evidence-based depression treatments from Stanford and other leading programs. We understand that depression often has roots in trauma, relationship difficulties, or life circumstances—we don’t just treat symptoms, we help you understand the fuller picture. Our approach balances compassion and validation with gentle encouragement to take action, even when it’s hard. We know that asking for help when you’re depressed takes courage, and we’re here to walk alongside you in your healing journey.
Ready to Move from Stuck to Thriving?
Depression doesn’t have to be your reality. Our compassionate team can help you understand what’s keeping you stuck, process painful emotions, and take meaningful steps toward the life you deserve.