Resources for Clinicians for the Treatment of Depression in Adults

Treatment Manuals

Behavioral Therapy

Hopko, D.R., Ryba, M.M., McIndoo, C., & File, A. (2016) Behavioral activation. In A.M. Nezu and C.M. Nezu (Eds.), The Oxford Handbook of Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies (pp. 229-263). Oxford University Press. https://www.oxfordhandbooks.com/view/10.1093/oxfordhb/9780199733255.001.0001/oxfordhb-9780199733255opens in new window
Kanter, J.W., Santiago-Rivera, A.L., Santos, M.M., Hurtado, G.D., West, P., Nagy, G., & Lopez, M. Behavioral activation for Latinos: Treatment manual [Unpublished manuscript]. University of Washington.
Kanter, J.W., Busch, A.M, & Rusch, L.C. (2009). Behavioral activation: Distinctive features. Routledge. https://www.crcpress.com/Behavioral-Activation-Distinctive-Features/Kanter-Busch-Rusch/p/book/9780415446549opens in new window
Lejuez, C.W., & Hopko, D.R. (2013). Behavioral activation (BA) program treatment manual [Unpublished manuscript]. https://www.div12.org/treatment/behavioral-activation-for-depression/opens in new window
Martell, C.R., Addis, M.E., & Jacobson, N.S. (2001). Depression in context: Strategies for guided action. W.W. Norton. https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2001-06573-000
Martell, C.R., Dimidjian, S., & Herman-Dunn, R. (2010). Behavioral activation for depression: A clinician's guide. Guilford Press. https://www.guilford.com/books/Behavioral-Activation-for-Depression/Martell-Dimidjian-Herman-Dunn/9781462510177/authorsopens in new window

Cognitive Therapy

Gilson, M., Freeman, A., Yates, M.J., & Freeman, S.M. (2009). Overcoming depression: A cognitive therapy approach (2nd ed.). Oxford University Press. https://global.oup.com/academic/product/overcoming-depression-9780195371024?cc=us&lang=en&opens in new window

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

Beck, J. S. (2020). Cognitive behavior therapy: Basics and beyond (3rd ed.). Guilford Press. https://www.guilford.com/books/Cognitive-Behavior-Therapy/Judith-Beck/9781462544196opens in new window
Muñoz, R.F., & Miranda, J. (1996). Individual therapy manual for cognitive-behavioral treatment of depression. https://www.rand.org/content/dam/rand/pubs/monograph_reports/2005/MR1198.6.pdf (PDF, 2.29MB)opens in new window
Persons, J.B., Davidson, J., & Tompkins, M.A. (2001). Essential components of cognitive-behavior therapy for depression. American Psychological Association. https://www.apa.org/pubs/books/431758A?tab=2

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy

Segal, Z.V., Williams, M., & Teasdale, J. (2012). Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for depression (2nd ed.). Guilford Press. https://www.guilford.com/books/Mindfulness-Based-Cognitive-Therapy-for-Depression/Segal-Williams-Teasdale/9781462537037opens in new window
Teasdale, J., Williams, M., & Segal, Z.V. (2014). The mindful way workbook: An 8-week program to free yourself from depression and emotional distress. Guilford Press. https://www.guilford.com/books/The-Mindful-Way-Workbook/Teasdale-Williams-Segal/9781462508143opens in new window
Williams, M., Teasdale, J., Segal, Z.V., & Kabat-Zinn, J. (2007). The mindful way through depression: Freeing yourself from chronic unhappiness. Guilford Press. https://www.guilford.com/books/The-Mindful-Way-through-Depression/Williams-Teasdale-Segal-Kabat-Zinn/9781593851286opens in new window

Interpersonal Psychotherapy

Frank, E., & Levenson, J.C. (2011). Interpersonal psychotherapy. American Psychological Association. https://www.apa.org/pubs/books/4317234
Pettit, J.W., & Joiner, T.E. (2006). Chronic depression: Interpersonal sources, therapeutic solutions. American Psychological Association.
Ravitz, P., Watson, P., & Grigoriadis, S. (2013). Psychotherapy essentials to go: Interpersonal psychotherapy for depression (Ravitz, P., & Maunder, R., (Eds.)) W.W. Norton https://books.wwnorton.com/books/978-0-393-70829-5/opens in new window
Weissman, M.M. (1995). Mastering depression through interpersonal psychotherapy: Patient workbook. Oxford University Press. https://global.oup.com/academic/product/mastering-depression-through-interpersonal-psychotherapy-9780195188479?cc=us&lang=en&opens in new window
The guide to interpersonal psychotherapy: Updated and expanded edition. Oxford University Press. https://www.oxfordclinicalpsych.com/view/10.1093/med-psych/9780190662592.001.0001/med-9780190662592opens in new window

Psychodynamic Therapy

Barber, J. P., Muran, J. C., McCarthy, K. S., Keefe, J. R., & Zilcha-Mano, S. (2021). Research on dynamic therapies. In M. Barkham, W. Lutz, & L. G. Castonguay (Eds.), Bergin and Garfield’s handbook of psychotherapy and behavior change (7th ed., pp. 387-420). Wiley. https://www.wiley.com/en-af/Bergin+and+Garfield's+Handbook+of+Psychotherapy+and+Behavior+Change,+6th+Edition-p-9781118415924opens in new window
Busch, F.N., Rudden, M., & Shapiro, T. (2016). Psychodynamic treatment of depression (2nd ed.). American Psychiatric Publishing. https://www.appi.org/Psychodynamic_Treatment_of_Depression_Second_Editionopens in new window
Eppel, A. (2018). A manual for short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy. In Short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy (pp. 133-168). Springer. https://www.springer.com/us/book/9783319749945opens in new window
Gabbard, G.O. (2017). Long-term psychodynamic psychotherapy: A basic text (3rd ed.). American Psychiatric Publishing. https://www.appi.org/Long-Term_Psychodynamic_Psychotherapy_Third_Editionopens in new window
Messer, S.B., & Warren, C.S. (1998). Models of brief psychodynamic therapy: A comparative approach. Guilford Press. https://psycnet.apa.org/record/1995-98730-000
Summers, R.J. & Barber, J.P. (2009). Psychodynamic psychotherapy: A guide to evidence-based practice. Guilford Press. https://www.guilford.com/books/Psychodynamic-Therapy/Summers-Barber/9781462509706/reviewsopens in new window
Cain, D.J. (2010). Person-centered psychotherapies. American Psychological Association. https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2009-18997-000

Supportive Therapy

Misch, D.A. (2000). Basic strategies of dynamic supportive therapy. The Journal of Psychotherapy Practice and Research, 9(4), 173-189. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3330607/opens in new window
Pinsker, H. (2013). A primer of supportive psychotherapy. Routledge. https://www.routledge.com/A-Primer-of-Supportive-Psychotherapy-1st-Edition/Pinsker/p/book/9781315803296opens in new window
Werman, D.S. (1984). The practice of supportive psychotherapy. Brunner/Mazel. https://www.crcpress.com/Practice-Of-Supportive-Psychotherapy/Werman/p/book/9781138869004#googlePreviewContaineropens in new window

Training and Continuing Education

Online Courses

APA CE Webinar

Exploring the APA Clinical Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Depression Across Three Age Cohorts

Join experts for a 75-minute webinar that takes an in-depth look at the recommendations for each of the three age groups: children and adolescents, adults, and older adults. Presenters will discuss the process for developing the guideline and will answer frequently asked questions about what the guideline does and doesn’t cover.

Other Training and Professional Organizations

Article-Based Exam

APA Offers New Guidance for Treating Depression

This article discusses the APA Clinical Practice Guideline for Treating Depression, including the criteria, recommendations, and rationale associated with the panel’s evidence-based decisions.

Fact Sheet

Thyroid Disorders, Depression and Food: What Psychologists Should Know opens in new window

This fact sheet from APA Division 55 (American Society for the Advancement of Pharmacotherapy) provides an overview of how thyroid deficiencies influence the development of depression.

Book-Based Exam

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Techniques and Strategies

Learn the theory and practice of cognitive-behavioral therapy.

Professional Organization

Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT)

ABCT is an organization committed to enhancing health and well-being by applying behavioral, cognitive, and biological evidence-based principles.

Training Provider

Academy of Cognitive Therapy

This professional organization is dedicated to educating and certifying professionals in cognitive therapy.

Training Provider

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy

The website provides intensive training for licensed professionals on mindfulness-based cognitive therapy.

Training Provider

Center for Mindfulness in Medicine, Health Care, and Society

This center at the University of Massachusetts Medical School provides intensive training for professionals as well as classes for the public on mindfulness-based cognitive therapy.

Training Provider

Beck Institute for Cognitive-Behavior Therapy

The Beck Institute is an international source for training, therapy, and resources in cognitive-behavioral therapy.

YouTube Channel

Beck Institute for Cognitive-Behavior Therapy

A compendium of preview clips of workshops led by Drs. Aaron and Judith Beck and other experts on cognitive-behavioral therapy are available to view through the Beck Institute’s YouTube channel.

Training Provider

International Society for Interpersonal Psychotherapy (ISIPT)

ISIPT is a professional organization dedicated to training and certifying professionals in interpersonal psychotherapy.

Training Provider

IPT Institute opens in new window

This organization provides group training and other advanced training on interpersonal psychotherapy for all ages.

Training Provider

UCSD Center for Mindfulness opens in new window

This five-day intensive workshop is intended for licensed mental health professionals who want to expand their training in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy.

Case Examples

Behavioral Therapy

Mark, a 43-year-old male opens in new window

Mark had a history of depression and sought treatment after his second marriage ended. His depression was characterized as being “controlled by a pattern of interpersonal avoidance.” The behavior/activation therapist asked Mark to complete an activity record to help steer the treatment sessions.

Dimidjian, S., Martell, C.R., Addis, M.E., & Herman-Dunn, R. (2008). Chapter 8: Behavioral activation for depression. In D.H. Barlow (Ed.) Clinical handbook of psychological disorders: A step-by-step treatment manual (4th ed., pp. 343-362). Guilford Press. https://www.guilford.com/books/Clinical-Handbook-of-Psychological-Disorders/David-Barlow/9781462513260/prior-editions

Cognitive Therapy

Denise, a 59-year-old widow opens in new window

Denise is described as having “nonchronic depression” which appeared most recently at the onset of her husband’s diagnosis with brain cancer. Her symptoms were loneliness, difficulty coping with daily life, and sadness. Treatment included filling out a weekly activity log and identifying/reconstructing automatic thoughts.

Young, J.E., Rygh, J.L., Weinberger, A.D., & Beck, A.T. (2008). Chapter 6: Cognitive therapy for depression. In D.H. Barlow (Ed.) Clinical handbook of psychological disorders: A step-by-step treatment manual (4th ed., pp. 278-287). Guilford Press. https://www.guilford.com/books/Clinical-Handbook-of-Psychological-Disorders/David-Barlow/9781462513260/prior-editions

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

Nancy, a 25-year-old single, white female opens in new window

Nancy described herself as being “trapped by her relationships.” Her intake interview confirmed symptoms of major depressive disorder and the clinician recommended cognitive-behavioral therapy.

Persons, J.B., Davidson, J., & Tompkins, M.A. (2001). Essential components of cognitive-behavior therapy for depression (pp. 205-242). American Psychological Association. https://www.apa.org/pubs/books/431758A?tab=2

Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy

Luke, a 34-year-old male graduate student opens in new window

Luke is described as having treatment resistant depression and while not suicidal, hoped that a fatal illness would take his life or that he would just disappear. His treatment involved mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, which helps participants become aware of and recharacterize their overwhelming negative thoughts. It involves regular practice of mindfulness techniques and exercises as one component of therapy.

Sipe, W.E.B., & Eisendrath, S.J. (2014). Chapter 3 — Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for treatment-resistant depression. In R.A. Baer (Ed.), Mindfulness-based treatment approaches (2nd ed., pp. 66-70). Academic Press. https://www.elsevier.com/books/mindfulness-based-treatment-approaches/baer/978-0-12-416031-6

Interpersonal Psychotherapy

Sara, a 35-year-old married female opens in new window

Sara was referred to treatment after having a stillbirth. Sara showed symptoms of grief, or complicated bereavement, and was diagnosed with major depression, recurrent. The clinician recommended interpersonal psychotherapy for a duration of 12 weeks.

Bleiberg, K.L., & Markowitz, J.C. (2008). Interpersonal psychotherapy for depression. In D.H. Barlow (Ed.) Clinical handbook of psychological disorders: a step-by-step treatment manual (4th ed., pp. 306-327). Guilford Press. https://www.guilford.com/books/Clinical-Handbook-of-Psychological-Disorders/David-Barlow/9781462513260/prior-editions

Psychodynamic Therapy

Peggy, a 52-year-old white, Italian-American widow

Peggy had a history of chronic depression, which flared during her husband’s illness and ultimate death. Guilt was a driving factor of her depressive symptoms, which lasted six months after his death. The clinician treated Peggy with psychodynamic therapy over a period of two years.

Bishop, J., & Lane, R.C. (2003). Psychodynamic treatment of a case of grief superimposed on melancholia. Clinical Case Studies, 2(1), 3-19. https://doi.org/10.1177%2F1534650102239085

Supportive Therapy

Several case examples can be found in the following publication:

Winston, A., Rosenthal, R.N., & Pinsker, H. (2004). Introduction to supportive psychotherapy. American Psychiatric Publishing. https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2004-13122-000

Information for Patients and Families

On the Signs and Symptoms of Depression

YouTube

Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of Depression

A video from APA’s Help Center provides an overview to the public on recognizing the signs and symptoms of depression.

Fact Sheet

Beck Institute for Cognitive Behavior Therapy: Depression opens in new window

This fact sheet, written by experts at the Beck Institute for Cognitive Behavior Therapy, details the signs and symptoms of depression.

Resources from the World Health Organization (WHO) on Depression in Adults

World Health Organization: I had a black dog, his name was depressionopens in new window
Produced by the World Health Organization, this video tells the story of a man overcoming the “black dog of depression.”
World Health Organization: Depressionopens in new window
This fact sheet from the World Health Organization provides a brief overview of the key signs and symptoms of depression.

On Overcoming Depression

Self-help Book

Mind Over Mood, Second Edition: Change How You Feel By Changing the Way You Think

This book provides tools from cognitive-behavioral therapy to help conquer anxiety and depression.

Self-help Book

Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy

A consumer-friendly guide to increasing one's well-being.

Self-help Book

Overcoming Depression One Step at a Time: The New Behavioral Activation Approach to Getting Your Life Back

This book provides tools from behavioral therapy to help bring relief from depression.

Self-help Book

Activating Happiness: A Jump-Start Guide to Overcoming Low Motivation, Depression, or Just Feeling Stuck

This book offers evidence-based strategies in overcoming sadness and depression.

Brochure

Depression: How Psychotherapy and Other Treatments Can Help People Recover

This brochure provides an overview of the treatments that can help people recover from depression.

Brochure

Overcoming Depression: How Psychologists Help with Depressive Disorders

This page describes how licensed psychologists and other behavioral health professionals help people recover from depression.

Brochure

Psychotherapy Works

This brochure details the effectiveness of psychotherapy in the treatment of psychological disorders, including depression.

On Medical Comorbidities and Depression

Policy Brief

Perinatal Depression opens in new window

Written by the APA Center for Psychology and Health, this briefing provides an overview on how psychologists and other licensed professionals can help treat women with perinatal depression.

Policy Brief

Heart Disease and Depression opens in new window

Written by the APA Center for Psychology and Health, this briefing provides an overview of heart disease and depression.

Report

Postpartum depression

Written by the APA Public Interest Government Relations Office, this briefing provides an overview on postpartum depression and causes, symptoms, risk factors, and treatment options.

On Suicide Prevention

Podcast

Speaking of Psychology: Preventing Suicide

In this episode, Nadine Kaslow, PhD, discusses the increase in rates of suicide and ways to prevent suicide.

Podcast

Speaking of Psychology: Suicide Prevention, with Jill Harkavy-Friedman, PhD

In this episode, Jill Harkavy-Friedman, PhD, the vice president of research for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, discusses what may be behind this rise, how psychologists and other researchers are developing interventions to help those at risk, and what you can do if you’re worried about someone in your life.

Topic page

Suicide Prevention

This web page provides more information on ways to prevent suicide.

Books and Videos

Interpersonal Psychotherapy in Practice

Depression

Men and Depression

Cognitive Therapy Over Time

Cognitive Therapy

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression

Brief Dynamic Therapy Over Time

Short-Term Dynamic Therapy

Casebook of Interpersonal Psychotherapy

Treating Depression, Anxiety and Stress in Ethnic and Racial Groups

Depression: Causes and Treatment (Second Edition)

Treatment of Psychosocial Risk Factors in Depression

Cognitive Therapy for Depression Online

Divisions of APA

Become a part of a community that shares your professional interests.

Division 12

Society of Clinical Psychology

Division 12’s site provides additional information on evidence-based treatments for adults with depression.

National Organizations

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is an organization committed to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide through research, advocacy and education.

American Psychiatric Association

APA’s mission is to serve as a comprehensive resource for professionals and the public on psychiatric treatment of various mental illnesses.

Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA)

ADAA’s mission is to improve the lives of people of all ages with anxiety, depressive, obsessive-compulsive, and trauma-related disorders through education, practice and research.

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

The National Alliance on Mental Illness is a grassroots organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness through more than 500 local affiliates nationwide.

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

NIMH is the primary federal agency responsible for research on mental health. Its website offers an array of information on mental health disorders and treatments.