depression therapists

Top-Rated Depression Therapist Rockville, MD

Takeaway: If you’ve experienced depression firsthand, you know how difficult it can make your everyday life. Thankfully, therapy can help you process your emotions and learn skills to improve your overall well-being. Get in touch today to start the process.  

depression therapist rockville

Meet Sarah Puskavich, LCPC | Depression therapist in Rockville, MD

Hi, I'm Sarah, the owner and founder of Balanced Thoughts Therapy. I respect to courage it takes to reach out for help, especially when you're struggling with depression. I'm committed to cultivating a safe space (a term I don't take lightly) for teens and adults to learn more about themselves and ultimately heal from depression.

Here's a bit more about me.

  • Credentials: Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Maryland, National Certified Counselor (NCC), and Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC)

  • Education: Undergraduate Degree in Psychology and Philosophy from Washington & Jefferson College, Graduate Degree from West Virginia University

  • Location: Offering in-person therapy at 15887 Crabbs Branch Way, Suite B, Rockville, MD 20855, and teletherapy throughout Maryland

  • Modalities: cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based techniques, emotion-focused therapy, solution-focused therapy, trauma-informed care, and more

You can learn more about me here or connect with me here for more information.

Mental health services offered

  • Individual therapy

    We offer both in-person therapy in Rockville as well as online therapy in Maryland state-wide. Our services are available for teens and adults of all ages. We work with each of my clients to customize their treatment plans based on their unique depression symptoms and goals for therapy.

  • best depression therapist

    Couples therapy

    Research suggests that mental illness can have a significant effect on relationships. Couples therapy can help you and your partner foster a deeper understanding of each other's struggles and give you the tools you need to work through any relationship issues.

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    Family therapy

    Mental health concerns can also impact the family as a whole. If one of your loved ones is struggling with depression, family therapy can provide a healing space to process these challenges and give your family member the support they need to heal.

Why choose Balanced Thoughts Therapy

There are tons of different therapists in Rockville, MD, so it's important to find the clinician who's the right fit for you. Here are a few reasons to consider working with Balanced Thoughts Therapy.

We work with both teens and adults.

According to data from Mental Health America, approximately 15% of young people ages 12-17 experienced at least one major depressive episode in the last year. Research from Gallup shows that 29% of US adults have been diagnosed with depressive disorders. We provide both teen and adult therapy to meet this mental health need most effectively.

We value authenticity.

Therapy shouldn't be dry or robotic. We deeply value cultivating an authentic therapeutic relationship with each of our clients. Through this relationship, our clients can find safety and support, both of which are key tools in healing.

We use evidence-based techniques.

We also value ongoing education and staying up-to-date on the latest mental health treatment methods. We use evidence-based techniques, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, in order to give you and your loved ones the most effective care.

FAQs about depression counseling

  • Yes! Research (such as this study on cognitive behavior therapy) shows that mental health care can significantly improve depression symptoms. I've also seen the benefits of therapy firsthand through helping my clients. Therapy can give you the space to express your feelings, process your experiences, and learn coping strategies to help you navigate your day-to-day life more effectively.

  • While we often use the word "depression" as a blanket term, there are actually several different depressive disorders (also known as mood disorders). Here's a look at some common symptoms.

    Major depressive disorder: feelings of sadness or emptiness, changes to sleep patterns and appetite, lack of energy, loss of interest in activities once enjoyed, and more.

    Bipolar disorder: periods of depression (with symptoms of major depressive disorder) and periods of mania that may include elevated mood, feeling full of energy, irritation, delusions, and more.

    Premenstrual dysphoric disorder: symptoms of depression that appear a week or two before your period and go away within a few days of starting your period.

    Mood disorders often co-occur with other mental health conditions, including anxiety disorders and substance abuse. I recommend consulting with a mental health professional to understand your symptoms and get proper treatment and diagnosis.

  • Several different types of talk therapy may be used to treat depression. At Balanced Thoughts Therapy, we use a combination of different techniques, including CBT, mindfulness-based techniques, solution-focused therapy, and more.

    Other therapists might use different methods, such as interpersonal therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, or other approaches.

  • You can find depression therapists by searching online, using online directories, or even asking your primary care provider for a referral.

    While Balanced Thoughts Therapy is based in Rockville, we offer online therapy to people across the state of Maryland. Online therapy is an effective, convenient alternative to in-person therapy. Many people prefer it!

  • Therapy is often most helpful for people experiencing mild to moderate depression symptoms. If you have more intense symptoms that are significantly impacting your quality of life, you may benefit from medication, alternative treatments, or a higher level of care before accessing outpatient counseling.

    If you are in crisis or need immediate support, please contact 988 or visit your local crisis center or emergency room.

Heal from depression with effective, compassionate mental health support.

Depression can make it hard to just get through the day. When you're feeling this way, it can be difficult to open up and receive the care you need. If you're here, you've already taken a big step toward getting support.

Through our work together, you'll be able to get to the root of your depressive symptoms and gain the insight and skills you need to move forward with hope and empowerment.

Ready to get started? We're here for you. Connect with us today to schedule your initial consultation. We look forward to meeting you and walking this journey with you.