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  • Depression DefinitionDepression Definition
  • Anxiety DefinitionAnxiety Definition
  • Benefits of TherapyBenefits of Therapy
  • Limitations of TherapyLimitations of Therapy
  • Benefits of MedicationBenefits of Medication
  • Limitations of MedicationLimitations of Medication
  • CombinationCombination
  • How to ChooseHow to Choose
  • Getting HelpGetting Help
  • ConclusionConclusion
  • InfographicsInfographics
  • Additional ResourcesAdditional Resources

Psychotherapy vs. Medication for Depression & Anxiety

Headshot of Maggie Holland, MA, MHP, LMHC

Author: Maggie Holland, MA, MHP, LMHC

Headshot of Maggie Holland, MA, MHP, LMHC

Maggie Holland MA, MHP, LMHC

Maggie predominantly serves women struggling with anxiety disorders, panic disorders, and perinatal mental health concerns.

See My Bio Editorial Policy
Headshot of Dr. Maria Simbra, MD, MPH

Medical Reviewer: Maria Simbra, MD, MPH Licensed medical reviewer

Published: March 16, 2023
  • Depression DefinitionDepression Definition
  • Anxiety DefinitionAnxiety Definition
  • Benefits of TherapyBenefits of Therapy
  • Limitations of TherapyLimitations of Therapy
  • Benefits of MedicationBenefits of Medication
  • Limitations of MedicationLimitations of Medication
  • CombinationCombination
  • How to ChooseHow to Choose
  • Getting HelpGetting Help
  • ConclusionConclusion
  • InfographicsInfographics
  • Additional ResourcesAdditional Resources
Headshot of Maggie Holland, MA, MHP, LMHC
Written by:

Maggie Holland

MA, MHP, LMHC
Headshot of Dr. Maria Simbra, MD, MPH
Reviewed by:

Dr. Maria Simbra

MD, MPD

While clinical anxiety and depression show up differently from person to person, it’s not uncommon for them to be co-occurring, or for many of their symptoms to overlap. Because of this, treatments are also similar. Anxiety and depression have been shown to be most effectively treated by a combination of psychotherapy and medications.1 However, there are many factors to consider when deciding what works best for you.

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What Is Depression?

Depression displays differently for each person, but common depression symptoms include prolonged feelings of sadness, worthlessness, irritability, loss of interest, withdrawal, and suicidal ideation.5

What Is Anxiety?

While there are many different anxiety disorders, common symptoms include feeling tense or on-edge; racing or worried thoughts; restlessness; avoiding situations that cause fear; and physical symptoms of sweating, shaking, and racing heart.5

The Benefits of Psychotherapy For Anxiety & Depression

There are many benefits of psychotherapy that make it a powerful healing and coping tool, especially for those with anxiety and depression. The most important element of psychotherapy that medication alone cannot provide is the presence of a healthy therapeutic relationship.2 In fact, it has been shown that the relationship between the client and therapist is the largest contributing factor to client improvement.3

The second key factor is that psychotherapy also provides a high level of flexibility. A therapist is able to take context and new information into account during every session in order to tailor next steps for the individual client. They will also adhere to the structure of different treatment models to ensure progress is made.4

Specific Benefits of Psychotherapy For Those With Depression

Psychotherapy specifically helps with depression because it addresses the underlying contributing factors by pinpointing life events that contribute to symptoms. It works to help the individual reframe their distorted beliefs, develop coping skills to manage symptoms, and look forward to the future.6

While there are many different types of therapy that have been shown to treat depression, the modalities with the most studies and evidence to support effectiveness include CBT for depression, interpersonal therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT).7,8

Specific Benefits of Psychotherapy For Those With Anxiety

Options for anxiety therapy specifically help with targeting and reframing anxious thoughts, providing coping tools, and building up a tolerance to one’s avoided situations.

The most commonly used approach is (CBT) for anxiety, because it has been extensively researched.10 Exposure therapy is a form of CBT that is specifically designed to help people face and overcome their fears. Other types of therapy that have been shown effective include acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and interpersonal therapy.11,12

Limitations of Psychotherapy In Treating Anxiety & Depression

While there are many benefits to engaging in psychotherapy to manage anxiety and depression, there are limitations to its efficacy.

Limitations to consider when using psychotherapy without medication include:

  • Psychotherapy may not be helpful if one’s anxiety and depression are not solely based on previous life events and are attributable to a chemical imbalance
  • Psychotherapy generally takes longer for clients to begin seeing results, compared to medication
  • While psychotherapy provides tools to manage symptoms, an individual must continue to use these tools after completion of therapy to see lasting results

The Benefits of Psychotropic Medications For Anxiety & Depression

Sometimes a person can manage anxiety and depression with the help of medication prescribed by a psychiatrist or other prescriber. The goal of medication is to help a person’s brain use chemicals more effectively in order to reduce symptoms.

Some commonly used medications include SNRIs vs. SSRIs, tricyclic depressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, or new medications that target NMDA receptors such as Auvelity (dextromethorphan-bupropion).13

Specific Benefits of Medication For Those With Depression

Medication for depression is prescribed to relieve and reduce symptoms, help regulate sleep problems, reduce restlessness, and prevent suicidal thoughts. This way, one feels stable to follow normal daily functioning.14

Specific Benefits of Medication For Those With Anxiety

As with antidepressants, the main aim of medication for anxiety is to relieve and reduce symptoms. They work by reducing one’s worries and baseline levels of stress/tension. They also decrease intense desires to avoid certain situations or stimuli. While most antidepressants take time to fully take effect, some anti-anxiety medications may provide relief within a few days.

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Limitations of Medication In Treating Anxiety & Depression

While there are many benefits to using medication as part of your treatment plan, there are also limitations.

Limitations to consider when using medication include:

  • It may take several trials of various medications until you and your prescriber find a medication that works for you
  • Medications increase the probability of experiencing new or worsening symptoms
  • It can take weeks to begin noticing symptom changes with medication
  • Once you decide to stop medication, the effects of the medication end as well. This can cause relapse if there are not other methods to manage your symptoms (such as coping skills learned in psychotherapy).

Combination of Psychotherapy & Medication

While there are limitations to both psychotherapy and medication, there is evidence to show that combining these two approaches lead to higher efficacy rates, compared to the use of one approach alone.15,16 When combining psychotherapy and medication, one treatment approach has the potential to make up for the other’s limitations.

Medication can reduce symptoms and severity enough that skills learned in psychotherapy are more readily practiced and maintained. The skills and strategies learned in psychotherapy help reduce the risk and severity of relapse once medication is stopped.

How to Choose Between Medication & Therapy

There are benefits to psychotherapy and medication on their own or combined. However, there are many factors to consider before starting a treatment plan, and there is no one-size-fits all approach.

Things to consider when deciding which treatment or combination of treatment is best for you:

  • What your insurance and financial situation allows for treatment options: therapy can be expensive and is not always included in insurance plans. Medications require appointments and follow-ups that can be time-consuming.
  • Your level of comfort and past experiences with medications: if you are uncomfortable with medications, finding the right therapist can help you achieve results and relief from symptoms. Medication is not required for recovery.
  • Personal readiness and ability to be open and committed to psychotherapy: while therapy can be beneficial and healing, it does require a high level of honesty, reflection, and discomfort at times. Without bringing a readiness to therapy, the experience can be frustrating and seeing results can be difficult.
  • Intensity and severity of the symptoms you are currently experiencing: if you’re experiencing severe and debilitating symptoms, medications may be required to improve functionality enough for psychotherapy to be effective. If your symptoms are manageable, psychotherapy may be sufficient to feel relief.

How to Find Professional Help For Anxiety & Depression

If you’re considering seeking treatment for your anxiety or depression, there are many professionals available for therapy or medication management. To begin your search for a therapist, utilize an online therapist directory to filter for in-network providers, location, etc. You may also reach out to loved ones or other professionals for referrals. If in-person visits are not possible for you, online therapy is an option.

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Final Thoughts on Psychotherapy Vs. Medication

Acknowledging and seeking out treatment for your anxiety or depression can be a huge and overwhelming step. Remember that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to treatment, so start with what you feel the most comfortable with. While it can be challenging to work on managing symptoms, there are many options and professionals available to help you on the road to relief.

Therapy vs. Medication for Depression & Anxiety Infographics

The Benefits of Psychotherapy The Benefits of Psychotropic Medications Combination of Psychotherapy and Medication

How Do I Know Which Treatment Is Right for Me?

Additional Resources

To help our readers take the next step in their mental health journey, ChoosingTherapy.com has partnered with leaders in mental health and wellness. ChoosingTherapy.com is compensated for marketing by the companies included below.

Virtual Psychiatry

Circle Medical – Anxiety and Depression Treatment. Meet with an online doctor today! All prescriptions are based on necessity determined by a medical professional. Diagnosis and prescription over video. Insurance accepted. No membership or hidden fees. Same day appointments. Visit Circle Medical

Talkiatry – Get help from a real doctor that takes your insurance. Talkiatry offers medication management and online visits with expert psychiatrists. Take the online assessment and have your first appointment in days. Free Assessment

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For Further Reading

  • Lexapro for Anxiety: Effectiveness, Dosage, & More
  • How to Get a Wellbutrin Prescription: Everything You Need to Know
  • How to Get Ativan Prescribed: Everything You Need to Know
  • Clonidine for Anxiety: Uses, Side Effects, & More
  • Auvelity Side Effects: Common, Serious, & Long Term

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Best Online Psychiatry Services

Online psychiatry, sometimes called telepsychiatry, platforms offer medication management by phone, video, or secure messaging for a variety of mental health conditions. In some cases, online psychiatry may be more affordable than seeing an in-person provider. Mental health treatment has expanded to include many online psychiatry and therapy services. With so many choices, it can feel overwhelming to find the one that is right for you.

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Sources Update History

ChoosingTherapy.com strives to provide our readers with mental health content that is accurate and actionable. We have high standards for what can be cited within our articles. Acceptable sources include government agencies, universities and colleges, scholarly journals, industry and professional associations, and other high-integrity sources of mental health journalism. Learn more by reviewing our full editorial policy.

  • Cuijpers, P., Sijbrandij, M., Koole, S. L., Andersson, G., Beekman, A. T., & Reynolds, C. F. (2014). Adding psychotherapy to antidepressant medication in depression and anxiety disorders: A meta-analysis. World Psychiatry, 13(1), 56–67. https://doi.org/10.1002/wps.20089

  • Norcross, J. C., & Wampold, B. E. (2011). Evidence-based therapy relationships: Research conclusions and clinical practices. Psychotherapy, 48(1), 98–102. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0022161

  • Marziali, E., & Alexander, L. (1991). The power of the therapeutic relationship. American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, 61(3), 383–391. https://doi.org/10.1037/h0079268

  • Cook, S. C., Schwartz, A. C., & Kaslow, N. J. (2017). Evidence-based psychotherapy: Advantages and challenges. Neurotherapeutics, 14(3), 537–545. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13311-017-0549-4

  • American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA.

  • American Psychological Association. (2016, October 1). Overcoming depression: How psychologists help with Depressive Disorders. American Psychological Association. Retrieved from: https://www.apa.org/topics/depression/overcoming

  • SAMHSA. (2016). VA/DOD Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Major Depressive Disorder. Department of Veterans Affairs & Department of Defense. https://www.healthquality.va.gov/guidelines/MH/mdd/MDDCPGClinicianSummaryFINAL1.pdf

  • Weissman, M. M., Markowitz, J. C., & Klerman, G. L. (2017). The interpersonal psychotherapy platform. The Guide to Interpersonal Psychotherapy, 3–12. https://doi.org/10.1093/med-psych/9780190662592.003.0001

  • Kocovski, N., & MacKenzie, M. (2016). Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for depression: Trends and developments. Psychology Research and Behavior Management, 125. https://doi.org/10.2147/prbm.s63949

  • Anxiety and Depression Association of America, ADAA. (n.d.). Facts & Statistics. Anxiety and Depression Association of America, ADAA. Retrieved from: https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/facts-statistics

  • Dindo, L., Van Liew, J. R., & Arch, J. J. (2017). Acceptance and commitment therapy: A transdiagnostic behavioral intervention for mental health and medical conditions. Neurotherapeutics, 14(3), 546–553. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13311-017-0521-3

  • Holmes, J., Bateman, A., & Margison, F. (2002). Chapter 7: Psychodynamics interpersonal therapy. In Integration in psychotherapy: Models and methods. essay, Oxford University Press

  • National Institute of Mental Health. (2018, February). Depression: What You Need to Know. Retrieved from: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/depression-what-you-need-to-know/index.shtml

  • National Center for Biotechnology Information. (2020, June). Depression: How effective are antidepressants? – NCBI Bookshelf. National Library of Medicine. Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK361016/

  • Bandelow, B., Michaelis, S., & Wedekind, D. (2017). Treatment of anxiety disorders. Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience, 19(2), 93–107. https://doi.org/10.31887/dcns.2017.19.2/bbandelow

  • Strunk, D. R., Cooper, A. A., Ryan, E. T., DeRubeis, R. J., & Hollon, S. D. (2012). The process of change in cognitive therapy for depression when combined with antidepressant medication: Predictors of early intersession symptom gains. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 80(5), 730–738. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0029281

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We regularly update the articles on ChoosingTherapy.com to ensure we continue to reflect scientific consensus on the topics we cover, to incorporate new research into our articles, and to better answer our audience’s questions. When our content undergoes a significant revision, we summarize the changes that were made and the date on which they occurred. We also record the authors and medical reviewers who contributed to previous versions of the article. Read more about our editorial policies here.

March 16, 2023
Author: No Change
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Primary Changes: Updated for readability and clarity. Reviewed and added relevant resources.
September 1, 2022
Author: Maggie Holland, MA, MHP, LMHC
Reviewer: Maria Simbra, MD, MPH
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