Depression Therapy in Long Beach & Lakewood, CA
If getting out of bed feels impossible, if you’ve lost interest in everything you used to enjoy, if you’re going through the motions but feeling empty inside—you’re not alone, and there is hope.
Depression can make even the smallest tasks feel impossible. It clouds your thoughts, drains your energy, and makes you question if things will ever feel better. But here’s what we know: depression is treatable, and you don’t have to face it alone.
At Hygieia Behavioral Health Foundation, our licensed therapists provide compassionate, evidence-based depression treatment for adults, teens, and children in Long Beach, Lakewood, and throughout California. Under the clinical leadership of Dr. Sade Thompson, Doctor of Psychology and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, we create a safe space where you can process difficult emotions, challenge negative thought patterns, and rediscover hope—at your own pace. Sessions are available in-person at our Long Beach and Lakewood offices, or virtually anywhere in California.
Understanding Depression
Depression is more than feeling sad—it’s a medical condition that affects how you think, feel, and function in daily life. You might be experiencing depression if you notice:
- Emotional Symptoms:
- Persistent sadness, emptiness, or feeling numb
- Loss of interest in activities that used to bring you joy
- Feelings of worthlessness, guilt, or believing you’re a burden
- Hopelessness about the future or feeling like nothing will get better
- Difficulty experiencing pleasure in anything
- Thoughts of death or suicide
- Physical Symptoms:
- Sleeping too much or not being able to sleep
- Changes in appetite or significant weight changes
- Constant fatigue and low energy, even after rest
- Physical aches and pains with no clear cause
- Difficulty concentrating, making decisions, or remembering things
- Moving or speaking more slowly than usual
- Common Types of Depression We Treat:
- Major Depressive Disorder (persistent low mood and loss of interest)
- Persistent Depressive Disorder or Dysthymia (chronic, long-term depression)
- Seasonal Affective Disorder (depression related to seasonal changes)
- Postpartum Depression (depression after childbirth)
- Depression with Anxiety (experiencing both conditions together)
Depression isn’t weakness, and it’s not something you can just “snap out of.” It’s a real medical condition that responds to professional treatment with caring, experienced therapists
How Depression Therapy Helps
Therapy gives you tools to challenge the patterns that keep you stuck and rebuild connection to yourself and others. Through depression therapy with our clinicians, you’ll:
✓ Process difficult emotions - Give voice to feelings you may have been holding alone
✓ Challenge negative thinking - Learn to recognize and reframe thought patterns that fuel depression
✓ Identify underlying causes - Understand factors contributing to your depression, from past trauma to current stressors
✓ Develop healthy coping skills - Build strategies to manage symptoms and prevent future episodes
✓ Rebuild motivation - Take small, meaningful steps toward activities that bring purpose
✓ Strengthen relationships - Improve communication and connection with loved ones
Recovery is possible, and it often starts with taking one brave step: reaching out for help.
Our Approach to Depression Treatment
We use therapeutic approaches proven to treat depression:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is one of the most effective treatments for depression, backed by extensive research. It helps you identify negative thought patterns that maintain depression and develop healthier ways of thinking. You’ll learn practical skills to challenge hopeless thinking and take concrete actions to improve your mood.
Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)
Depression often affects (and is affected by) our relationships. IPT focuses on improving your relationships and communication patterns to reduce symptoms and build support. This approach helps you address grief, role transitions, interpersonal conflicts, and social isolation.
Mindfulness-Based Approaches
Learn to be present with difficult emotions without judgment, breaking the cycle of rumination and self-criticism that can worsen depression. Mindfulness helps you observe your thoughts without getting caught in them.
Trauma-Informed Care
For many people, depression is connected to past trauma or adverse experiences. We provide gentle, trauma-informed support that helps you heal at your own pace, recognizing how past experiences shape present struggles.
Culturally Responsive Treatment
We understand that depression in BIPOC and marginalized communities can be shaped by systemic oppression, intergenerational trauma, and chronic stress. Our therapists, under Dr. Sade Thompson’s leadership, create space for these experiences and how they impact mental health.
Insurance & Accessibility
We accept many major insurance plans, making depression therapy accessible and affordable.
Affordable depression therapy in Long Beach, Lakewood, and throughout California:
- Aetna
- Anthem Blue Cross & Anthem L.A. Care
- Blue Shield of California & Blue Shield Promise Plan
- Carelon
- L.A. Care (Medi-Cal, Commercial, Medicare)
- United Health Care / Optum
- Tricare West
What to Expect in Depression Therapy
Locations & Virtual Services
Lakewood Office
5150 Candlewood Street, Ste. 18J Lakewood, CA 90712
Long Beach Office (Bixby Knolls)
3811 Long Beach Blvd, Ste. C Long Beach, CA 90807
Serving Long Beach, Lakewood, Signal Hill, Bellflower, Paramount, Downey, and surrounding communities.
Virtual Therapy Throughout California: We offer secure online therapy sessions for clients anywhere in California.
When to Seek Help
You should reach out if: - Depression is affecting your ability to work, study, or maintain relationships - You’ve lost interest in almost everything for more than two weeks - You’re experiencing thoughts of self-harm or suicide - Physical symptoms (sleep, appetite, energy) have changed significantly - You’ve noticed yourself withdrawing from loved ones - You’re relying on substances to cope with your feelings
Crisis Support: If you’re having thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) immediately, or call our office at (562) 965-1489. You matter, and help is available right now.
You Don’t Have to Do This Alone
Depression tells you lies—that nothing will change, that you’re a burden, that it’s hopeless. But there are people who understand, and treatment that works. Our therapists in Long Beach, Lakewood, and throughout California are here to walk alongside you toward healing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I’m depressed or just going through a hard time?
Everyone goes through difficult periods, but depression is diagnosed when symptoms persist for at least two weeks and significantly interfere with daily functioning. If you’re questioning whether you need help, that’s often a good reason to reach out. You don’t have to wait until it’s unbearable—early intervention often leads to faster recovery.
Will therapy really help with depression?
Yes. Research consistently shows that therapy (especially CBT and IPT) is highly effective for treating depression—often as effective as medication, and with longer-lasting results. Many people find that the skills they learn in therapy continue to help them even after treatment ends.
Do I need medication, or is therapy enough?
That depends on the severity of your depression and your personal preferences. Some people benefit from therapy alone, while others find a combination of therapy and medication most helpful. We can discuss options and connect you with psychiatric services if needed, but we’ll never pressure you into any particular approach.
What if I don’t have the energy for therapy?
We understand. Depression makes everything harder, including asking for help. Your therapist will work with you to make sessions as manageable as possible, and we’ll celebrate every step you take—even just showing up. We can also start with shorter sessions or less frequent appointments if that feels more doable.
How long does depression therapy take?
t varies. Some people feel significantly better after 12-16 sessions, while others benefit from longer-term support to address deeper patterns. We’ll work with you to determine what’s right for your situation, and we’ll regularly check in about your progress and adjust as needed.
Do you provide therapy for teens with depression?
Yes. Depression in adolescents is common and treatable. We use age-appropriate approaches and, when appropriate, involve parents in supporting their teen’s recovery. Teen depression can look different from adult depression (more irritability, for example), and our therapists are trained to recognize these differences.
Can I do therapy from home if I’m not near Long Beach or Lakewood?
Yes! We offer virtual therapy throughout California. You can meet with our licensed therapists online from anywhere in the state.