Depression Counseling in Castle Rock, CO
You've been carrying this weight alone for too long. Compassionate, evidence-based depression therapy to help you feel like yourself again.
Some days, getting out of bed feels like climbing a mountain. The things that used to make you happy don't seem to matter anymore. You're exhausted all the time, but sleep doesn't help. You go through the motions at work, with your family, in life – but inside, you feel empty.
Maybe you've been telling yourself it's just stress. Just a rough patch. That everyone feels this way sometimes. But weeks have turned into months. The heaviness won't lift. And pretending everything's fine is becoming harder to maintain.
If this sounds like you, please know – what you're feeling is real, and it's not your fault. Depression isn't weakness or a character flaw. It's a medical condition that affects how your brain works, and with the right help, it gets better. You don't have to keep pushing through this alone.
At South Denver Therapy in Castle Rock, we specialize in helping people find their way out of depression. Not with empty platitudes about "thinking positive" – but with proven strategies that actually work. If you've been searching for a depression therapist near me or depression counseling near me, you're in the right place.
Not Sure If It's Depression?
Depression looks different for everyone. Our guide covers the 15 most common signs of depression – including some that might surprise you. If you recognize yourself in 5 or more, it's worth reaching out.
Signs You Might Need Depression Counseling
Depression is sneaky. It doesn't always look like sadness – sometimes it shows up as irritability, numbness, or just not caring about anything. Here's what depression counseling can help with:
Persistent Low Mood
Feeling sad, empty, or hopeless most of the day, nearly every day, for weeks or months
Lost Interest
Activities you used to enjoy don't appeal to you anymore – hobbies, socializing, even things you loved
Sleep Problems
Sleeping way too much or lying awake for hours unable to fall asleep – either extreme can signal depression
Exhaustion
Bone-deep fatigue that makes even simple tasks feel overwhelming. No amount of rest seems to help
Concentration Issues
Trouble focusing, making decisions, or remembering things that used to come easily
Negative Self-Talk
Constant self-criticism, feelings of worthlessness, or guilt about things that aren't your fault
Withdrawal
Pulling away from friends and family, canceling plans, wanting to be alone all the time
Appetite Changes
Eating much more or much less than usual, significant weight changes without trying
If you're experiencing several of these symptoms for more than two weeks, depression counseling can help. You don't need to hit rock bottom to deserve support – reaching out now can prevent things from getting worse.
Important: If you're having thoughts of suicide or self-harm, please contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988. Help is available 24/7.
How We Treat Depression in Castle Rock
There's no one-size-fits-all approach to depression treatment. What works for one person might not work for another. That's why we tailor treatment to your specific situation using evidence-based approaches proven to help with depression.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is the gold standard for depression treatment. It helps you identify the negative thought patterns fueling your depression – like "I'm worthless" or "things will never get better" – and replace them with more balanced thinking. You'll learn tools to use when depression tries to take over.
Behavioral Activation
Depression makes you want to withdraw, but withdrawing makes depression worse. Behavioral activation breaks this cycle by gradually reconnecting you with activities that bring meaning and joy. We start small – even tiny steps count when you're climbing out of depression.
EMDR for Depression
When depression is rooted in past experiences or trauma, EMDR can help. It helps your brain process stuck memories that may be driving your symptoms. Especially helpful when talk therapy alone hasn't brought lasting relief.
Learn more about EMDR →Types of Depression We Treat
Depression isn't just one thing. It shows up differently for different people, and understanding your specific type helps us create the right treatment plan for you.
Major Depressive Disorder
Intense depression that significantly interferes with daily life – work, relationships, basic self-care. Episodes can last weeks to months and may recur without treatment.
Persistent Depression
Lower-grade depression that lasts for years. You might be functioning, but you can't remember the last time you felt genuinely good. Often mistaken for "just how you are."
Situational Depression
Depression triggered by a specific event – job loss, divorce, death of a loved one, major life change. The trigger is clear, but the depression is real and deserves support.
Postpartum Depression
More than "baby blues" – overwhelming sadness, anxiety, difficulty bonding with baby. Early treatment is important for both parent and child.
Learn more →Seasonal Depression (SAD)
Depression that worsens in fall and winter when daylight decreases. Colorado's sunny days help, but many people in Castle Rock still struggle with seasonal changes.
High-Functioning Depression
You're getting things done – work, responsibilities, life – but inside you feel empty, exhausted, disconnected. Because you're "functioning," it's easy to dismiss your struggles.
What Depression Therapy Looks Like
Starting therapy when you're depressed can feel like one more impossible task. Here's exactly what to expect at our Castle Rock practice, so you can take that first step with confidence:
Free 15-Minute Consultation
A quick phone call to see if we're a good fit. You can share a little about what you're going through and ask questions. No pressure, no commitment – just a conversation to get started.
Assessment Session
Your first full session focuses on understanding your depression – when it started, what makes it better or worse, how it's affecting your life. We'll create a personalized treatment plan based on your goals.
Building Skills & Momentum
You'll learn strategies to interrupt the depression cycle – challenging negative thoughts, gradually increasing meaningful activities, developing coping tools. Small wins matter. We go at your pace.
Deeper Work
Once you have some stability, we can explore what's underneath the depression – past experiences, relationship patterns, core beliefs. This is where lasting healing happens. EMDR may be helpful here.
Maintenance & Graduation
As you improve, we'll space out sessions and focus on preventing relapse. You'll know the warning signs and have a plan. Most clients finish in 12-20 sessions feeling confident and in control.
Meet Carissa Keeter
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)Carissa specializes in helping people overcome depression using evidence-based approaches that actually work. She's trained and certified in EMDR through EMDRIA – giving her additional tools when depression is rooted in past experiences. Carissa creates a warm, non-judgmental space where you can be honest about how you're really feeling.
Learn more about Carissa →Why Choose South Denver Therapy for Depression Treatment
Award-Winning
Voted Best of the Best in Mental Health – Castle Rock 2024 & 2025
EMDRIA Certified
Highest level of EMDR training for trauma-related depression
Flexible Options
In-person in Castle Rock or online anywhere in Colorado
No Waitlist
We respond within 24 hours to get you started quickly
Depression Counseling Near You in Castle Rock
📍 Our Castle Rock Location
South Denver Therapy is located at 753 Maleta Lane, Suite 101F in Castle Rock – just off I-25 near the Outlets at Castle Rock. Easy to find whether you're coming from Downtown Castle Rock, The Meadows, Founders Village, or anywhere in Douglas County. Free parking right outside our door.
🚗 Worth the Short Drive
Our clients regularly drive from throughout the area for depression treatment. We're about 10 minutes from Philip S. Miller Park, 15 minutes from Castle Pines, and an easy drive from Parker, Highlands Ranch, and Lone Tree via I-25. Many clients say the specialized care is worth the trip.
If you've been searching for "depression therapist near me" or "depression counselor near me" in the Castle Rock area, you've found the right place. We serve clients from all Castle Rock neighborhoods and surrounding communities:
Can't make it to Castle Rock? We also offer online depression therapy via secure video for anyone located in Colorado.
Frequently Asked Questions About Depression Counseling
How do I know if I'm depressed or just sad?
Sadness is a normal emotion that comes and goes, usually in response to a specific situation. Depression is different – it sticks around for weeks or months, affects multiple areas of your life, and often doesn't have an obvious cause. If you've been feeling persistently low, empty, or hopeless for more than two weeks, and it's affecting your sleep, energy, appetite, or ability to function, it may be depression. Our guide to depression symptoms can help you recognize the signs.
What happens in depression counseling?
Depression counseling involves working with a trained therapist who helps you understand your depression and develop strategies to feel better. You'll learn to identify negative thought patterns, build healthy coping skills, and gradually reconnect with activities that bring meaning to your life. We use evidence-based approaches like CBT and behavioral activation that research shows actually work for depression.
How long does depression treatment take?
Most people start noticing some improvement within 6-8 sessions. Full treatment for depression typically takes 12-20 sessions, depending on the type and severity of your depression, how long you've been experiencing it, and whether there are underlying factors like trauma. We'll regularly check in on your progress and adjust the approach as needed.
Do you offer online therapy for depression?
Yes! We offer both in-person depression counseling at our Castle Rock office on Maleta Lane and online therapy via secure video for anyone in Colorado. Telehealth can be especially helpful when depression makes leaving the house feel impossible. Many clients from Parker, Highlands Ranch, Lone Tree, Colorado Springs, and the Denver metro area prefer the convenience of online sessions.
Can therapy help depression without medication?
Yes, therapy alone can be very effective for mild to moderate depression. Research shows CBT and other evidence-based therapies work just as well as medication for many people – and the benefits tend to last longer because you're learning skills. For more severe depression, a combination of therapy and medication often works best. We can help you figure out what approach makes sense for your situation.
What's the difference between depression and burnout?
They share many symptoms – exhaustion, lack of motivation, feeling like nothing matters – which makes them easy to confuse. The biggest difference is scope: burnout is usually tied to a specific situation (usually work), while depression affects every area of your life. Chronic burnout can also lead to depression. If you're not sure which you're experiencing, our burnout guide can help you tell the difference.
How much does depression counseling cost in Castle Rock?
Sessions are $175 for 60 minutes. We're an out-of-network provider, but we partner with Mentaya to help you get reimbursed through your insurance benefits. Many clients are surprised to learn they can get 50-80% of their session costs covered by their PPO plan. We also accept HSA and FSA cards.
Can depression be cured or just managed?
Many people experience significant or complete relief from depression symptoms through therapy. CBT and EMDR have strong research showing they can create lasting changes in how your brain processes negative thoughts and emotions. While some people may be more prone to depression, treatment gives you tools to recognize warning signs early and prevent full relapses. Most of our clients report feeling genuinely better – not just coping.
Ready to Feel Like Yourself Again?
Depression makes everything harder – including reaching out for help. But you've already taken a step by reading this far. Take one more. Schedule a free consultation to see if we're the right fit. No pressure, no obligation.
Book Your Free ConsultationOr call us directly at (720) 663-8046
Free Depression Resources from Our Blog
Learn more about depression and start feeling better today with these helpful articles from our therapists:
15 Signs You May Be Experiencing Depression
Depression doesn't always look like sadness. Learn the emotional, physical, and behavioral signs – including some that might surprise you.
Read Article →2025 US Depression Statistics: Key Facts Revealed
See the latest data on who depression affects, treatment rates, and trends. You're not alone – the numbers might surprise you.
Read Article →Understanding Postpartum Depression: An In-Depth Guide
More than "baby blues" – learn the symptoms, risk factors, and how to get help for yourself or someone you love.
Read Article →Signs of Burnout: 15 Warning Signs You're Burning Out
Burnout and depression share many symptoms. Learn to tell them apart – and what to do if you're experiencing both.
Read Article →