If you’re on the lookout for a psychologist in Melbourne to assist with depression, this page will guide you in selecting one, define the various forms of depression they can address, and provide insights into initiating therapy.
Major depressive disorder is a mood disorder and complex mental health condition. It’s classified in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) as more than just feeling sad. Depression is a clinically recognised state where you feel sad, hopeless and disconnected from activities and people you used to enjoy. The effects of living with depression are big, it can impact on relationships, work and overall wellbeing.
In Australia specifically depression is a big problem. Depression impacts 1 in 7 in Australia. Recognising depression early is key to intervention and healing – and that’s possible through awareness of how depression presents emotionally and physically.
Depression can present differently for each person. The different types of depression include:
Major Depressive Disorder
Persistent Depressive Disorder
Seasonal Affective Disorder
Postpartum Depression
Knowing each type of depression for what it is can help guide treatment and ensure the right therapy is used.
Depression presents in many forms, each with its own set of symptoms and treatments. Classified by the DSM-5 these include:
Major depressive disorder (MDD) or “major depression” is a diagnosable condition where you feel low in mood and/or no interest or pleasure in activities. It’s a common mental health condition classified as a mood disorder. Along with this you may also experience:
Sleeping more or less than usual.
Being more or less agitated or slowed in their actions.
Feeling tired.
Feeling worthless or guilty.
Being less focused or more indecisive.
Increase or decrease in appetite or gain or loss of weight.
Decreased libido.
Thoughts of death or suicide.
In addition to these symptoms people may also experience physical symptoms like fatigue and changes in appetite and sleep patterns that impact daily living.
Diagnosing depressive disorders involves a thorough psychological assessment which usually requires multiple sessions with a mental health professional (like a psychologist).
Dysthymia or persistent depressive disorder is a continuous and prolonged period of depression. Over several years an individual may experience a steady state of low mood. While the symptoms are not as intense as major depressive disorder, dysthymia is still considered a severe depression. Because of the chronic nature of dysthymia it can impact on overall wellbeing.
Dysthymia often involves ongoing sadness and disinterest in activities you used to enjoy. This constant low mood can be “normalised” because the symptoms are not always as noticeable or extreme as MDD. Working with a psychologist can help you clarify if you’re experiencing dysthymia.
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a depression that follows a seasonal pattern, usually in winter when there’s less sunlight. This reduction in sunlight can disrupt mood regulation and bring on symptoms common to other types of depression including feelings of hopelessness, low energy and changes in sleep patterns.
Knowing SAD is seasonal is key to managing its symptoms and getting the right treatment.
New parents can experience postpartum depression which can present as extreme fatigue, deep sadness and not feeling connected to their child. It’s more common in women especially during the perinatal period.
Depression affects the mind and body. The physical symptoms of depressive disorders can include fatigue, changes in appetite and sleep patterns. People experiencing depression may find themselves sleeping too little or too much, feeling constantly tired or gaining/losing weight. These physical changes can impact on daily living.
The emotional symptoms of depression can include feelings of self doubt, overwhelming guilt or low confidence/self esteem. Depression can impact concentration and decision making resulting in periods of indecision and inaction.
There are many effective psychological treatments (or therapies) for depression. Some people also find antidepressant medication part of their treatment and we encourage you to talk to your doctor about that. As a psychology clinic this page will focus on the evidence based psychological treatments available in Melbourne.
CBT, Schema Therapy and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) have all been shown to be effective in managing symptoms of depression and preventing relapse. These therapies are evidence based and tailored to each individual’s needs.
A mental health professional like a psychologist can provide a diagnosis and develop a treatment plan that may include a combination of depression treatments. These treatments will be evidence-based, meaning they have been validated and found to be effective for depression treatment. The treatments will address both emotional and physical aspects of depression so you can get control of your symptoms and feel better.
Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) has a lot of research behind it to support its effectiveness in treating depression. By reconnecting with enjoyable activities and learning to manage negative thoughts that fuel depressive symptoms CBT gives you strategies to change your thoughts, build coping skills and improve your mood.
By targeting entrenched cognitive and emotional patterns Schema Therapy has been shown to be effective in treating chronic depression. It works by identifying and changing established schemas – or fundamental beliefs about yourself and the world – that are underlying ongoing depressive symptoms. By tackling the “root cause” of depressive symptoms you can reduce the likelihood of relapse over time.
Combining Cognitive Therapy techniques with mindfulness exercises Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) is a comprehensive treatment for depression. Research shows MBCT reduces symptoms of depression and relapse especially in those who experience severe depression.
By incorporating mindfulness practices MBCT allows you to stay present in the moment and better manage unhelpful thoughts.
At Cova Psychology we offer high quality evidence based treatments tailored to our clients. Our Melbourne psychologists may use a range of therapies including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Schema Therapy and mindfulness. Clients who experience depression, anxiety and/or trauma may also benefit from our other therapies such as Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing (EMDR).
At Cova Psychology we offer a range of therapies to improve mental health and treat depression through psychological therapy. The modalities include:
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Mindfulness-Based Therapies
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
Schema Therapy
These therapies target different aspects of depression so you get a comprehensive approach.
Depression doesn’t always exist on its own. For some, it’s part of a condition like bipolar disorder, where mood shifts between deep lows and high-energy periods. For others, ongoing physical conditions such as chronic pain can contribute to or worsen depression, making everyday life feel even more challenging. When depression is linked to another diagnosis, it’s important to address the full picture—understanding how these experiences interact and finding the right support.
At Cova Psychology, our experienced psychologists in Melbourne provide evidence-based therapy tailored to your needs, whether depression is your main concern or part of something more complex. You don’t have to manage it alone—help is available.
Booking an appointment at Cova Psychology is easy, quick and supportive. Our friendly reception team will talk to you about what you want to achieve from therapy and match you with a Melbourne psychologist who is right for you.
Our reception team can also help you get a mental health care plan and referral from your general practitioner or psychiatrist so you can claim Medicare rebates for up to 10 sessions per calendar year.
We offer telehealth and in-person sessions. The advantage of telehealth is convenience – you can access therapy from your home, wherever you live (we service all of Australia).
Depression affects every area of an individual’s life – relationships and social life, work and overall well-being. It’s important to get support from health professionals to manage and treat depression. Psychologists can give you an accurate diagnosis and a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses the psychological and physical aspects of the condition. Without professional help depression can get worse over time.
Life events or grief can be the initial trigger to depressive states. Early detection of depressive symptoms and seeking help can prevent mood decline. There are many treatment options through mental health professionals which include psychological therapies (under the care of a psychologist) and/or antidepressant medication (under the care of a doctor).
Managing depression often requires a combination of self-care and professional treatment. Being proactive about your mental health by talking to a professional about your struggles can help you get on top of depression. Incorporating coping strategies into your daily life is a great way to add to the benefits of professional care.
Lifestyle changes can play a big role in managing depressive symptoms. Eating regularly and making healthy choices can help and boost your mood.
Research has also shown that exercise can boost mood and protect against depression symptoms. Creating and sticking to a daily routine can give you the structure and consistency to increase physical activity as part of managing depression.
Building or leaning on relationships with loved ones and support groups can also help with depression. Depression often feels like loneliness and isolation and like “I am the only one who feels this way”. By reaching out to our support network (or expanding it) we can often find understanding and connection which can improve our mood.
Joining a support group can help you feel less lonely, where you can share your experiences and coping strategies with others who are going through the same thing.
In your first psychology session your psychologist will want to know when you first noticed your depressive symptoms, how long they’ve been going on and how much they impact your daily life. You may also discuss your past medical and psychiatric history and if there’s a history of mental health issues in your family.
The assessment may continue into the second session and childhood experiences are often discussed during this process. This comprehensive assessment helps to clarify diagnosis (especially if you have multiple mental health issues) and allows for a tailored treatment plan that targets what you are experiencing.
Knowing the types of depressive disorder, the signs and seeking psychological help are often the first steps to managing depression. There are many options in Melbourne including Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy, Schema Therapy and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (CBT).
Cova Psychology in Melbourne offers a range of therapies as part of individualised treatment plans either through telehealth or face-to-face sessions. We work with major depressive disorder, persistent depressive disorder (also known as dysthymia), seasonal affective disorder or postpartum depression. We help you heal by combining our evidence-based interventions with coping strategies and lifestyle changes to boost your mood and wellbeing.
Psychological treatment is the most effective form of intervention for depression and research suggests that antidepressant medication is only recommended in moderate-severe cases, in combination with therapy.
There are a number of therapies that have been shown to be effective for treating depression. Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT) has a particularly strong evidence base and is widely used to treat depression around the world. CBT involves helping you re-engage with your life by doing activities which give you a sense of enjoyment or achievement. It can involve working on lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, sleep, socialising, etc. In addition, CBT involves focussing on the person’s negative thinking in order to create more balanced, realistic thought patterns.
Beyond CBT, Schema Therapy and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) are also effective treatments for depression, particularly when the depressive symptoms are long-lasting or re-occur after period of remission. Schema Therapy helps identify and change deeply ingrained patterns, or “schemas,” that contribute to chronic depression. It combines elements of cognitive, behavioral, and experiential therapies to address these core issues. MBCT integrates cognitive therapy techniques with mindfulness practices. It teaches individuals to become more aware of their thoughts and feelings, fostering a non-judgmental attitude towards them. This approach helps prevent the recurrence of depressive episodes by breaking the cycle of negative thinking. At Cova Psychology, we provide these treatments to support lasting recovery.
At the onset of therapy, you don’t need to know which therapy to start with. Your psychologist will conduct a thorough assessment and you will collaboratively develop a treatment plan which will contain one or more of the therapies listed above.
If this page was helpful, our comprehensive blog post about depression treatment might also be of interest to you.
To summarise, in Melbourne, a variety of effective psychological depression treatment options are available including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and other therapies such as Schema Therapy, ACT, and MBCT. Successful depression treatment often lies in engaging with an experienced psychologist who can tailor your treatment to your needs for an integrative approach. You are also able to involve your general practitioner (GP) and/or psychiatrist in your depression treatment and care.
Feeling low from time to time is normal, but depression is more than that. If you’re struggling with ongoing sadness, loss of motivation, fatigue, or difficulty enjoying things you used to, it may be time to reach out. A psychologist can help you understand what you’re experiencing and find ways to move forward.
Feeling low from time to time is normal, but depression is more than that. If you’re struggling with ongoing sadness, loss of motivation, fatigue, or difficulty enjoying things you used to, it may be time to reach out. A psychologist can help you understand what you’re experiencing and find ways to move forward.
Yes. Even if depression has been part of your life for a long time, therapy can help you better understand it, break unhelpful patterns, and develop new ways to cope. Many people who have lived with depression for years find that working with a psychologist gives them the support and structure they need to make lasting change.
For some people, therapy alone is enough to manage depression, while others may benefit from a combination of therapy and medication. A psychologist can help you explore your options and work alongside your doctor if needed. The most important thing is finding what works best for you.
Yes. Depression often occurs alongside other mental health challenges, such as anxiety or bipolar disorder, or physical conditions like chronic pain. In these cases, therapy helps address the full picture, providing support tailored to your experiences. Many people also find that individual therapy complements group therapy or support groups by offering a space for deeper personal reflection.
The first step is reaching out. At Cova Psychology, our experienced psychologists in Melbourne take the time to understand your concerns and help you find the right path forward. Whether depression is new for you or something you’ve been managing for a long time, support is available.
If you or someone you know is experiencing depression or struggling to cope with a difficult life event or loss, our Melbourne psychologists can help. Call our friendly reception team to book an appointment.
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Cova Psychology acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land where our Melbourne CBD practice is located—the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung and Bunurong/Boon Wurrung peoples of the Kulin Nation. We pay respect to their Elders, past and present, as well as the Elders of other Aboriginal communities in Melbourne and beyond.
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We would like to acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which the practice is located. We pay our respects to their Elders, past and present, and the Aboriginal Elders of other communities who may be here today.
