Treating depression in Vienna

Psychotherapy for depression

Depression is one of the most common mental health problems. Almost one in five people suffers from depression for an extended period at least once in their life. Depression changes the physiological processes of those affected, as well as their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. If depression is detected early, it is highly treatable through psychotherapy and medication. Most people are familiar with sadness, despair, or a bad mood as a result of an annoyance or a loss. In the case of depression, however, the symptoms are significantly more pronounced and persist without treatment.

JUVENIS meeting room psychotherapy for depression

Treatments & Therapies

At the JUVENIS medical center, competent psychotherapists and psychologists are available to support you in the treatment of depression. Our therapy services cover this field:

Depression & depressive disorders

What is depression?

A depression (depressive episode) is present when several of the following characteristics are continuously present for more than two weeks: depressed mood, dejection, feelings of sadness, hopelessness, loss of interest, lack of joy, inner emptiness, reduced drive, loss of activity, irritability, inner restlessness, reduced concentration and attention, reduced self-esteem and self-confidence, feelings of guilt, feelings of worthlessness, negative/pessimistic future perspectives, suicidal thoughts, actual self-harm or suicide attempts, fatigue, difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep, early morning awakening, reduced appetite (weight loss), lack/loss of sexual interest, social withdrawal.

If left untreated, the symptoms reinforce each other. Depending on the number and severity of the symptoms, a depressive episode is classified as mild, moderate, or severe. In addition, various physical complaints may occur, such as pain (head, back, arms, legs, etc.), heart problems, digestive issues, a feeling of pressure in the chest, nausea, etc. The type, frequency, and severity of individual symptoms can vary greatly from patient to patient.

Please contact JUVENIS by phone at +43 1 236 3020, by e-mail at empfang@juvenismed.at or via the contact form, to arrange a consultation or treatment appointment.

Depressive episode or depressive disorder?

If the symptoms occur for the first time, it is called a depressive episode. If, on the other hand, there has already been depressive symptomatology in the past, a recurring (recurrent) depressive disorder is diagnosed. If the symptoms are only mild and last for years, it is called dysthymia.

Possible triggers for depression include family burdens, deaths, divorces, separations, etc. However, whether stressful life events trigger depression also depends on the biological constitution (especially brain metabolism) and the personality of the affected individual.

Depression can occur in connection with numerous other mental illnesses such as anxiety disorders, addictions, personality disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders, or eating disorders. In this context, a mental illness can be a consequence of depression (e.g., an attempt at self-medication with alcohol) or the depression can be a consequence of another illness (e.g., untreated anxiety disorder or personality disorder).

Treatment methods of behavioral therapy

Treatment methods in behavioral therapy (CBT) by Mag. Hilde Winkler and Mag. Dorothea Bertram

Every treatment is preceded by a detailed anamnesis and diagnostics (differential diagnostics). Medical examinations are useful to rule out possible organic causes (e.g., hypothyroidism or other hormonal disorders). Within the framework of psychotherapy, an individual explanatory model is created, which offers insight into the development of the disorder. This takes into account pre-existing risk factors (e.g., stressful family environment, learned helplessness, or early loss experiences) as well as triggers (e.g., deaths, job loss, or separations) and maintaining factors (e.g., ongoing interpersonal conflicts, unfavorable coping behaviors, or personality disorders) of the illness, which receive special attention during treatment.

  • Therapeutic relationship: The relationship between client and psychotherapist represents a significant active factor in treatment. Within this framework, problems spanning the entire life, i.e., burdens from childhood, difficulties in current life, and fears/anxieties regarding the future, can be addressed. The therapist supports the coping process and attempts to maintain a balance between change and stabilization. The better the therapeutic relationship and the more trust the client gains in the therapist over time, the more successful the therapy will be.

Hilde Winkler at JUVENIS
Dorothea Bertram at JUVENIS

  • Psychoeducation: The patient is provided with information about depression, its origin, possible courses and maintenance of symptoms, as well as treatment options. An individual disorder model is created, thereby promoting the patient's insight into the problem. The patient should become an expert on their illness. Patient knowledge about the disorder has a demonstrably positive influence on the healing process.

  • Cognitive therapy: In most depressed patients, changes in perception and thinking occur. One's own person ("I am worthless," "I can't do anything," "I am a failure"), the environment ("my job is just exhausting me," "my friends don't contact me anymore"), and the future ("nothing will get better," "it is hopeless") are evaluated negatively. Positives are hardly perceived, while negatives are over-interpreted. These negative thoughts, catastrophic thinking, and negative evaluations are identified and questioned using cognitive (cognition = thought) techniques, checked for their reality content, and "restructured" (i.e., replaced by reality-based thoughts).

  • Addressing underlying issues: Special attention must be paid to those circumstances that triggered and maintain the depression, e.g., job loss, arguments, death, divorce, or separation.

  • Relaxation techniques: Learning a relaxation method can also prove helpful for depressed patients, especially when anxieties or physical states of tension are in the foreground.

  • Activity scheduling: Social withdrawal and a decrease in activity or neglect of hobbies can be observed in most affected individuals. Together with the patient, it is discussed which activities used to bring them joy and what social contacts exist. These activities need to be planned back into everyday life. The therapist motivates the patient to implement them. Positive activities have a demonstrably positive effect on thoughts and mood. Additionally, so-called euthymic procedures are used to promote the patients' ability to enjoy things.

  • Other methods: Depending on the individual problem (e.g., personality issues, severe anxiety states), other psychotherapeutic methods may be used in specific cases.

  • Medication therapy: Severe depression must in any case also be treated with medication. The most successful approach is a combination therapy consisting of psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy. The drug therapy is carried out by a psychiatrist.

Please contact JUVENIS by phone at +43 1 236 3020, by e-mail at empfang@juvenismed.at or via the contact form, to arrange a consultation or treatment appointment.

Treatment methods of behavioral therapy

Treatment methods in behavioral therapy (CBT) by Mag. Hilde Winkler and Mag. Dorothea Bertram

Every treatment is preceded by a detailed anamnesis and diagnostics (differential diagnostics). Medical examinations are useful to rule out possible organic causes (e.g., hypothyroidism or other hormonal disorders). Within the framework of psychotherapy, an individual explanatory model is created, which offers insight into the development of the disorder. This takes into account pre-existing risk factors (e.g., stressful family environment, learned helplessness, or early loss experiences) as well as triggers (e.g., deaths, job loss, or separations) and maintaining factors (e.g., ongoing interpersonal conflicts, unfavorable coping behaviors, or personality disorders) of the illness, which receive special attention during treatment.

Hilde Winkler at JUVENIS
Dorothea Bertram at JUVENIS

  • Therapeutic relationship: The relationship between client and psychotherapist represents a significant active factor in treatment. Within this framework, problems spanning the entire life, i.e., burdens from childhood, difficulties in current life, and fears/anxieties regarding the future, can be addressed. The therapist supports the coping process and attempts to maintain a balance between change and stabilization. The better the therapeutic relationship and the more trust the client gains in the therapist over time, the more successful the therapy will be.

  • Psychoeducation: The patient is provided with information about depression, its origin, possible courses and maintenance of symptoms, as well as treatment options. An individual disorder model is created, thereby promoting the patient's insight into the problem. The patient should become an expert on their illness. Patient knowledge about the disorder has a demonstrably positive influence on the healing process.

  • Cognitive therapy: In most depressed patients, changes in perception and thinking occur. One's own person ("I am worthless," "I can't do anything," "I am a failure"), the environment ("my job is just exhausting me," "my friends don't contact me anymore"), and the future ("nothing will get better," "it is hopeless") are evaluated negatively. Positives are hardly perceived, while negatives are over-interpreted. These negative thoughts, catastrophic thinking, and negative evaluations are identified and questioned using cognitive (cognition = thought) techniques, checked for their reality content, and "restructured" (i.e., replaced by reality-based thoughts).

  • Addressing underlying issues: Special attention must be paid to those circumstances that triggered and maintain the depression, e.g., job loss, arguments, death, divorce, or separation.

  • Relaxation techniques: Learning a relaxation method can also prove helpful for depressed patients, especially when anxieties or physical states of tension are in the foreground.

  • Activity scheduling: Social withdrawal and a decrease in activity or neglect of hobbies can be observed in most affected individuals. Together with the patient, it is discussed which activities used to bring them joy and what social contacts exist. These activities need to be planned back into everyday life. The therapist motivates the patient to implement them. Positive activities have a demonstrably positive effect on thoughts and mood. Additionally, so-called euthymic procedures are used to promote the patients' ability to enjoy things.

  • Other methods: Depending on the individual problem (e.g., personality issues, severe anxiety states), other psychotherapeutic methods may be used in specific cases.

  • Medication therapy: Severe depression must in any case also be treated with medication. The most successful approach is a combination therapy consisting of psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy. The drug therapy is carried out by a psychiatrist.

Please contact JUVENIS by phone at +43 1 236 3020, by e-mail at empfang@juvenismed.at or via the contact form, to arrange a consultation or treatment appointment.

Costs

Treatment Price
1 therapy session for depression (50 minutes) with Mag. Hilde Winkler or Mag. Dorothea Bertram for new patients € 130
1 therapy session for depression (50 minutes) with Mag. Hilde Winkler or Mag. Dorothea Bertram for existing patients € 120

The usual frequency is one therapy session per week. Partial reimbursement of costs by your health insurer is possible if a clinically significant mental disorder is present.

Some private supplementary insurance policies often cover part of the costs – however, this should be checked by the patient with their supplementary insurance provider. In addition, there is also the possibility of deducting clinical-psychological treatment from taxes as an extraordinary burden.

FAQs

A depression is a serious mental illness, which manifests itself through persistent dejection, loss of interest, and reduced energy. It can severely impair everyday life, thinking, and behavior.

The most common signs include:

  • depressed mood or sadness

  • loss of interest and joy

  • lack of drive and exhaustion

  • Sleep disorders

  • concentration problems

  • negative thoughts or hopelessness

If the symptoms persist for several weeks, interfere with your everyday life, or worsen, you should seek professional help early seek help.

Treatment is individualized and may include:

  • psychotherapeutic conversations

  • Behavioral therapy or other forms of therapy

  • Support in coping with stressful situations

The goal is to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life.

At the beginning, a detailed Anamnesis and diagnostics. Afterwards, an individual therapy plan is created. The therapy takes place in regular sessions and is tailored to your needs.

Depressive disorders are in many cases well treatable. With the right therapy, symptoms can be significantly reduced or completely overcome.

The duration depends on the severity of the illness and the individual circumstances. Treatment often extends over several weeks to months.

The following measures can be helpful as support:

  • Regular exercise

  • structured daily routine

  • maintaining social contacts

  • relaxation exercises

  • healthy lifestyle

Yes. All conversations and treatments are subject to medical confidentiality and are kept strictly confidential.

Psychotherapy generally has few side effects. In the case of medication support, possible side effects are discussed individually.

The costs depend on the scope of the therapy and the number of sessions. A therapy session (50 minutes) with Mag. Hilde Winkler or Mag. Dorothea Bertram costs € 130 for new patients and € 120 for existing patients.

The Exact prices will be provided in a personal consultation..

Depending on the form of therapy, a (partial) coverage of costs by the health insurance be possible.

At JUVENIS you will be cared for by experienced specialist physicians and therapists are cared for. Through individualized therapy approaches, modern treatment methods, and empathetic support, a sustainable improvement of your mental health and quality of life aimed for.

We have answered the most frequently asked questions on the topic of Psychotherapy for depression answered. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us via empfang@juvenismed.at or at +43 1 236 3020.

Team

Mag. Hilde Winkler

Mag.Hilde Winkler

Psychotherapist (behavioral therapy), clinical and health psychologist, occupational psychologist
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Mag.Dorothea Bertram

Clinical and health psychologist, psychotherapist (behavioral therapy)
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