Depression Treatment

Depression Lies. Things Can Get Better.

Compassionate, evidence-based therapy to help you find your way back to yourself.

Does This Sound Familiar?

- You feel heavy, flat, or empty, even on days when you "should" be fine

- Getting through the day takes everything you have

- You've lost interest in things you used to enjoy

- Sleep feels impossible, or it's the only thing you want to do

- You feel hopeless, or like you're a burden to people who love you

- You're functioning on the outside, but barely holding on inside

Depression is not sadness. It is a clinical condition that changes how you think, feel, and experience the world. It can make even the simplest tasks feel monumental, and it can convince you that nothing will help. That last part is not true, but I know how real it feels.

You Don't Have to White-Knuckle It Alone

One of the cruelest things about depression is that it tends to isolate. It tells you that reaching out is pointless, that others won't understand, or that you should just be able to snap out of it. None of that is accurate.

Depression is one of the most common and most treatable mental health conditions. Millions of adults live with it, and with the right support, most people improve significantly. I've worked with people carrying depression for decades who experienced real, lasting change — not just symptom management, but a genuine shift in how they relate to themselves and their lives.

How I Work

My primary approach with depression is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and mindfulness approach, a practical, structured method that has decades of research behind it. We'll work to identify the negative automatic thoughts that are keeping you stuck, examine their origins, and replace them with more accurate, compassionate ways of seeing yourself and your circumstances.

I also draw on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, which I find particularly helpful for depression because it works with your values — what matters most to you — rather than just trying to eliminate painful feelings.

In our work together, we'll:

- Understand the specific patterns of thinking that maintain your depression

- Explore early experiences that may have shaped your relationship with yourself

- Build behavioral momentum, because action often comes before motivation, not after

- Develop practical coping tools you can use between sessions

Depression can make it hard to believe things will improve. Part of my job, especially early on, is to hold that hope for you until you can feel it yourself.

What to Expect in Your First Session

We start with a free 15-minute phone consultation to see whether we're a good fit. If we are, the first full session is a 45-minute conversation about what brought you in, how depression shows up in your daily life, and what you'd like to be different. By the end, you'll have a clear sense of how we'll work together and what the next few weeks will look like.

In Person on the Upper West Side, or Online in New York and Florida

Sessions take place at my office at 275 Central Park West, a short walk from the B and C trains at 86th Street and Central Park West. I also offer telehealth for anyone in New York State or Florida. Daytime, evening and Sunday appointments are available.

Fees and Insurance

I'm in network with UnitedHealthcare, Oxford, Oscar and Aetna through Alma and Headway. If your plan is out of network, I can provide a superbill so you can seek reimbursement directly from your insurer. Call or text 646-717-4860, or email dr@dansharir.com, to check your coverage or book a consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Depression Therapy

How do I know if it's depression or just a rough patch?

If low mood, loss of interest, fatigue or hopelessness has lasted more than a couple of weeks and is affecting your work, sleep or relationships, it's worth talking to someone. A consultation can help you sort out what's going on.

What does therapy for depression involve?

We use CBT to notice and shift the thought patterns that keep you stuck. We also use behavioral activation to rebuild the routines and activities that give life meaning. ACT and mindfulness help you relate differently to painful thoughts and feelings.

Can I do therapy for depression online?

Yes. Telehealth works well for depression and is available to anyone in New York or Florida. Some clients start online and move to in-person sessions later, or the other way around.