The world can be a lonely and scary place. One day you are happy, fulfilled, and successful at overcoming challenges. Yet, the next, you may feel like you cannot handle what life is throwing at you, no matter how hard you try.
And that’s ok. A lot of us have been there.
At one point or another, your ruminating thoughts might keep you up at night. You may feel disconnected, struggling to get out of bed, and losing all hope and purpose. Depression can often leave you feeling stuck, empty, and uncertain about the possibility of a different reality. If so, you might be struggling with depression - and you are not alone.
Depression is a common mental health issue that show up independently or in conjunction with one another such as anxiety. It can impact our well-being to the extent where working, studying, playing, and interacting with others becomes unbearable. However, they are both treatable with proper support. You may try to hide or convince yourself that things will get easier if you pretend everything is okay, but untreated depression does not simply go away.
We believe that you have the power to face the uncomfortable, be empowered, and make space to heal.
If you are ready to get started, browse our therapists or:
SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION:
Symptoms of Depression
Anger or irritability
Excruciating sadness and worthlessness
Loss of hope or motivation
Lack of energy
Apathy towards people or things that used to please you
Shifts in appetite or weight gain/loss
Aches or physical issues with no evident cause
Self-harm or suicidal thoughts
If you or your loved one are struggling with depression, we are here for you. At Spaces Therapy, we provide therapy for depression for kids, teens, and adults to treat their wounds and help them grow.
4 top-rated depression therapists in Los Angeles
Kelli Penner
I’m Kelli (LFMT CA #79102, TX #204019), Clinical Director of Spaces Therapy, supervisor, and therapist! I enjoy helping adolescents and younger adults as they go through the process of developing their identity. This experience includes uncovering and better understanding one's self and addressing symptoms of depression/anxiety/etc. that go along with this stage of life.
CREDENTIALS:
- B.A. in Psychology with an emphasis in Community Counseling
- M.S. in Marital and Family Therapy
- Certified Clinical Trauma Professional
Morgan Dixon
I’m Morgan, a licensed marriage & family therapist (#143871) . My hope for clients is that they will grow deeper into the fullness of themselves and their relationships. I am particularly interested in the interconnection between our minds and bodies and approach therapy from an experiential and relational perspective. On a more personal note, I love getting lost in long articles and random creative projects. I also have a major salt tooth and would choose french fries over a cookie any day
Credentials
- B.F.A. in Interdisciplinary Studio Art
- M.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy, emphasis in Medical Family Therapy
- Level II Restoration Therapist
Mi Ae
I’m Mi Ae, a licensed marriage & family therapist (#135709) and AACAST Certified Couples and Sex Therapist. I cultivate a curious and non-judgmental stance while developing an insight-oriented, relational, and attachment-based approach. I aim to honor, validate, and welcome the uniqueness of each person’s diverse experiences into a space with warmth, empathy, and authenticity. I strive to help my clients discover themselves, gain insight into their relational patterns, and heal from their wounds to ultimately experience deeper intimacy, and connectedness while living their most authentic selves. I also believe in providing my clients with the space in which their sufferings and struggles can be recognized, named, explored, and grieved.
CREDENTIALS:
- B.A.in Child and Adolescent Development
- M.A. in Clinical Psychology with emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy
- Prepare and Enrich Certified
- AACAST(American Association of Couples and Sex Therapists) Certified Couples and Sex Therapist
- I can provide therapy in Spanish
Laura Wingard
I’m Laura and I help anxious teens, individuals deconstructing spiritual experiences, and birthing people in their postpartum period! I became a therapist to work with adolescents, young adults and families after several years counseling youth. But, throughout my training as a therapist, I have also grown proficient in working with how to live authentically, navigate life transitions, and sexual and/or gender identity.
CREDENTIALS:
- B.S. Education (USC)
- CA State Teaching Credential
-M.A. Theology
-M.S. Marriage and Family Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
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Anxiety is the human response to a dangerous or threatening situation marked by distress and worry. While anxiety can be temporary and harmless (e.g., feeling nervous before a delicate conversation or riding a roller coaster), it can also become pervasive and impede your daily functions.
Depression is a mood disorder characterized by profound sadness, lack of motivation, and worthlessness. It’s much more than the “blues,” as it can also affect your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, making life incredibly challenging.
Think of anxiety as intense fear and depression as extreme emptiness, yet they involve much more than that. Both anxiety and depression disorders are difficult to manage without professional help, which can cause added suffering and helplessness and turn into a damaging cycle.
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Untreated depression can make you feel alone, hopeless, and struggling to imagine a different life beyond your depressive symptoms. It can be difficult to make decisions and reach out for help, but depression counseling can help provide you with a safe space to identify and name what you're experiencing, work with you to make sense of your feelings (ie: exploring past traumas, family of origin issues, etc), and give you resources to help you cope with any symptoms.
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You may be at risk of depression if you:
Were exposed to major stressors or trauma
Have a history of mood disorders or other mental health issues (personal or within your family)
Suffer from other health problems (e.g., thyroid issues can worsen anxiety symptoms)
Have recent changes in your life (ie: change in jobs, moving, or changes in your family or social circles)
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Signs of depression can be missed, underestimated, or confused with other conditions.
Depression can vary in children, teens, and adults. For example, depression tends to show up as moodiness in kids and adolescents. And during adulthood, it can co-occur with anxiety symptoms or other medical conditions like cancer or heart problems. Typically, having a consistent space that will allow you to process your experience, help you find a sense of agency and hope, and increasing resources and coping, and ultimately helping you increase your connection to yourself and to others. Depression counseling can be incredibly beneficial to helping you maneuver your life and your mental health in a healthy and sustainable way.
