Several types of health professionals offer talk therapy for depression, anxiety, and other mental-health problems. In our survey, respondents did equally well and were equally satisfied with the type of therapist they chose, though their likelihood of receiving drug therapy varied with the type of therapist.

Psychiatrists are medical doctors with specialized training in mental-health care; they can prescribe medications, and people who see other types of therapists may be referred to them for prescriptions. Of our survey respondents who went to psychiatrists, 38 percent received medication but little, if any, talk therapy, and 49 percent received a balance of both. Just 13 percent received mostly talk therapy.

Psychologists typically have a Ph.D., PsY.D., or Ed.D. with a specialization in assessing and/or treating emotional disorders. Sixty-five percent of respondents who saw psychologists received mostly talk therapy, 32 percent received a balance of talk and drug therapy, and a mere 3 percent received mainly medication.

‘Psychotherapist’ is an unregulated term without legal meaning or licensure requirements. Check the education and credentials of any therapist using that title.

Social workers have a two-year master’s degree (M.S.W.); they may also have professional certification or state licensure to provide psychotherapy. Their care patterns were similar to those of psychologists, with 74 percent of respondents receiving mostly talk therapy and 25 percent receiving a balance of talk and drug therapies.

Of the dozens of types of talk therapies that have been used over the years, our consultants strongly recommend the two that have proven most consistently effective through repeated testing in clinical trials. Both types of therapies are designed to produce a meaningful improvement in symptoms, up to and including total remission, within 15 to 20 sessions. Both teach people to manage their moods--to think and behave their way to better mental health.

Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on training patients to identify and consciously correct the distorted thought patterns associated with anxiety or depression. Anxious people tend to overestimate the likelihood of a catastrophe, while depressed people tend to react to setbacks or disappointments with extreme self-criticism and a feeling of hopelessness out of proportion to the situation.

The therapy typically involves specific “homework” assignments. For instance, a depressed person might be assigned to arrange an enjoyable social activity or become more assertive on the job. An anxious person who is afraid of public speaking will, with support and preparation, gradually and deliberately be exposed to the feared situation.

Interpersonal therapy, used primarily for depression, focuses more on the patient’s relationship problems with others, such as spouses, children, or co-workers. It can be especially effective when depression results from a major life transition, such as the birth of a child, divorce, loss of a job, or bereavement. Therapy typically involves learning to change one’s manner of dealing with family and friends, adapting to changed life circumstances, or building up one’s social skills.

If you suspect you are suffering from depression, make an appointment with your doctor soon. Prompt, proper treatment of depression can control symptoms and restore your quality of life. With many drug and nondrug options available, having up-to-date, unbiased information is very important.