Depression
When everything feels heavier than it should, counseling helps you find your footing again.
Depression rarely looks like the pictures. More often it is getting through the day on autopilot, losing interest in things that used to matter, sleeping too much or too little, and a quiet sense that nothing is going to change. It can sit alongside a good job and a full life.
Cognitive behavioral counseling is one of the most studied approaches for depression, and it is the core of how Brett works. It treats the thoughts that keep the mood low and the withdrawal that keeps it there, in small, repeatable steps.
What it can look like
- Low mood or emptiness most days
- Loss of interest in people, hobbies, or work you used to enjoy
- Sleeping much more or much less than usual
- Fatigue, slowed thinking, or trouble making decisions
- Harsh self-criticism, guilt, or hopelessness
- Pulling away from friends and family
How counseling helps
The first task is understanding your depression specifically: when it started, what it takes from you, and what has helped even a little. Brett also screens for safety and for medical factors that can look like depression, so you get the right kind of help.
Then the work begins on two fronts. Behavioral: small, scheduled actions that rebuild energy and contact with life, chosen with you rather than assigned. Cognitive: learning to catch the thoughts that say nothing will help and to test them against what actually happens. Progress is tracked so you can see it even when it does not feel like it.
If you are in crisis, counseling is not the right first step. Call or text 988, or call 911. Brett's emergency department background means he takes safety seriously and will tell you plainly what level of care you need.
Three steps, and the first one is free
- 01
Free 10-minute call
Tell Brett what is going on. He will listen, ask a few questions, and say whether outpatient counseling is the right fit right now.
- 02
Initial assessment
A thorough first session covering history, symptoms, safety, and goals. If other support such as medication or a medical check is worth considering, you will hear it here.
- 03
Steady weekly work
Sessions by secure video or in person, with small between-session steps that build on each other. Mood is tracked so both of you can see the trend.
How long it takes
Depression tends to lift gradually rather than all at once. A typical course of CBT runs several months, with sessions spacing out as you gain ground. Ongoing check-ins are available if you want them.
Counseling is a good fit if
- Low mood has lasted more than a couple of weeks and is affecting daily life
- You have lost interest in things that used to matter
- You want a structured approach with clear steps
- You are willing to try small changes between sessions
Before the first call
Anything not answered here is a good question for the free call. All FAQs →
How do I know if it is depression or just a rough patch?
Duration and reach are the clues: two weeks or more of low mood or lost interest that touches sleep, energy, and daily functioning. The initial assessment sorts this out with you.
Do I have to take medication?
No. Counseling alone helps many people. For moderate to severe depression, combining counseling with medication from your physician often works best. Brett will give you an honest read.
Is video counseling effective for depression?
Yes. It also removes the barrier of getting out the door on a low day, which matters. In-person sessions are available in Cincinnati if you prefer.
What does it cost?
A $175 initial assessment, then $150 per session. In network with UnitedHealthcare, Optum, Anthem, and CareSource.
Related
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Life transitions
Divorce, job change, grief, a new stage of life. Support while the ground shifts.
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT, DBT, attachment theory, the work of John Gottman, and person-centered counseling, chosen to fit you.
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