Services › Depression & Mood
Depression Therapy, From Home.
Telehealth therapy for depression and mood. Covered by Partnership HealthPlan Medi-Cal, with no referral and no waitlist.
Last updated: October 2026
What We Treat
What depression therapy helps with
- Major depression
- Persistent depressive disorder
- Low motivation and loss of interest
- Mood dysregulation
- Grief and life changes that lead to low mood
- Seasonal changes in mood and energy
Depression is a clinical condition, not a character flaw. You do not need a formal diagnosis to start.
Our Approach
How treatment works
- Rebuild momentum first. Behavioral activation helps you rebuild daily structure and energy.
- Change the thought patterns. Cognitive restructuring addresses the thinking that keeps low mood in place.
- Track progress openly. Progress is tracked so you can see change over time.
- Fit the approach to you. Your clinician may also draw on ACT, patient-centered, or narrative therapy.
Sessions run 50 to 60 minutes by secure video or phone, and phone is always an option on days when the camera feels like too much.
When To Reach Out
Signs it is more than a rough patch
- Low mood or emptiness most days for two weeks or longer
- Losing interest in things you used to enjoy
- Sleeping much more or much less than usual
- Everyday tasks feel heavy, slow, or pointless
- Pulling away from friends, family, or work
- Harsh self-talk, guilt, or a sense that things will not get better
If you are having thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 now. You do not need to wait for an appointment.
What To Expect
How depression care unfolds
- A clear starting point. Your clinician learns your history and may use the PHQ-9 so you both can track change over time.
- Small actions first. Behavioral activation adds back small, meaningful activities, because waiting to feel motivated rarely works with depression.
- Working with thoughts. You learn to catch and test the thinking patterns that keep low mood in place.
- Protecting progress. Later sessions focus on spotting early warning signs so a dip does not turn into a relapse.
Change in depression often shows up first in behavior, like getting out of bed or returning a call, before mood catches up.
Why Telehealth Works
Therapy that meets you on low-energy days
Depression drains energy. On hard days, showering, driving, and sitting in a waiting room can feel impossible, and that is when people miss the sessions they need most. Telehealth removes those steps.
Sessions by phone are also available, which can help on days when being on camera feels like too much. Showing up in any form keeps the work moving.
Try the free PHQ-9 depression screener, the daily mood check-in, and the behavioral activation planner on our Therapy Tools page.
Myths & Facts
Common myths about depression therapy
MythDepression is sadness you can snap out of.
FactDepression affects sleep, energy, concentration, and motivation. It is a health condition, not a lack of willpower.
MythYou have to wait until you feel motivated to make changes.
FactIn depression, action usually comes before motivation. Small steps help rebuild the energy that low mood takes away.
MythTherapy only works if you also take medication.
FactTherapy alone is an effective treatment for many people with depression. For some, a combination works best, and your clinician can help you sort out what fits.
Coverage & Getting Started
What depression therapy costs and how to start
In network with Partnership HealthPlan
PMHS is a contracted, in-network provider with Partnership HealthPlan of California. Covered sessions for Medi-Cal members usually cost nothing.
Therapy for depression is a covered Partnership HealthPlan benefit, and most members pay nothing for covered sessions. No doctor’s referral is required. PMHS also accepts Medicare, Medi-Medi, and private pay, with sliding-scale fees available. We check your coverage before you start.
- Reach out. Submit the short form or call or text (925) 771-0430. We respond within one hour between 8am and 8pm, or by 9am the next morning.
- We verify your coverage. We check your Partnership HealthPlan, Medicare, or other benefits for you.
- Start this week. No waitlist. Your first session is an intake, by secure video or phone from home.
Where We Serve
Depression Therapy in all 24 Partnership HealthPlan counties
PMHS is 100% telehealth, so you can start from home in every Partnership HealthPlan county, including these towns.
What PMHS does not provide
- Crisis or emergency services. Call or text 988, or call 911 if you are in immediate danger.
- Medication management or psychological testing.
- Court-ordered evaluations or forensic assessments.
- In-person appointments. PMHS is 100% telehealth by video or phone.
- Sessions while you are physically outside California.
Common Questions
Depression Therapy FAQ
Does Medi-Cal cover depression therapy?
Yes. Partnership HealthPlan covers outpatient therapy for depression, usually at no cost to the member, with no referral needed.
Do you prescribe medication for depression?
No. PMHS is a therapy-only practice. With your written consent, we can coordinate a referral for a psychiatric evaluation.
How long does depression therapy take?
It depends on your goals and progress. Short-term work for a specific issue may take 8 to 16 sessions. Longer-term support may continue for a year or more. Your clinician reviews your goals with you regularly.
What if I am in crisis?
PMHS does not provide crisis services. If you are thinking about suicide or are in immediate danger, call or text 988, or call 911. You can reach 988 any time, day or night.
What if I do not have the energy to talk much?
That is common with depression and it is okay. Your clinician will guide the session, and early work often starts with small, concrete steps rather than long conversations.
Can therapy help with depression that keeps coming back?
Yes. Part of treatment focuses on recognizing your personal early warning signs and building a plan to respond before a full episode takes hold.
Related Services
Other therapy PMHS offers by telehealth
Ready to take the next step?
Low mood is treatable. Start this week.
Telehealth therapy across all 24 Partnership HealthPlan counties. No referral needed. No waitlist.
Get Started