Depression Therapy in Salt Lake City, Utah

Schedule Consultation Call (801) 528-7719

Compassionate, Evidence Based Depression Therapy With Over 40 Years Of Combined Experience

Utah currently faces some of the highest rates of adult mental illness in the nation, making accessible, high-quality care essential for our community. At Peterson Family Therapy, we understand that depression is more than just feeling “down”—it is a complex condition that disrupts your emotional well-being and daily life. Our Salt Lake City therapists provide a compassionate pathway to healing, helping you navigate persistent sadness and regain the spark of hope needed to move forward.

“I’ve been seeing Ed for over two years and it’s been one of the best decisions I’ve made for my mental and emotional well-being. He’s helped me navigate tough seasons with clarity and compassion. Our work hasn’t just been about getting through hard moments—it’s been about building tools I can use anytime. I feel more grounded, self aware and better prepared for whatever comes next.”

– Ashley D.

What is Depression?

Depression is a complex mood disorder that significantly alters how you think, feel, and manage daily responsibilities. It is far more than temporary sadness; it is a persistent condition that can manifest in various forms, including clinical depression, seasonal affective disorder, and persistent depressive disorder.

Depression Symptoms

Recognizing the signs of depression is a vital step toward healing. Because depression affects the brain’s chemistry and our internal dialogue, symptoms often manifest across every aspect of our lives—physical, cognitive, and emotional. At Peterson Family Therapy, we look at the whole person to help identify how these symptoms are uniquely impacting your well-being.

Key Signs Of Depression

Physical Indicators: Many people experience chronic fatigue, significant changes in appetite, sleep disturbances (insomnia or oversleeping), and unexplained physical pain such as headaches or digestive issues.
Cognitive Challenges: You may struggle with persistent negative thoughts, difficulty concentrating, indecisiveness, and memory problems. This often includes a loud “inner critic” that communicates feelings of worthlessness.
Emotional Weight: This often appears as prolonged sadness, hopelessness, increased irritability, or a sense of emotional numbness and a loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed.

If you are experiencing these signs, depression therapy in Salt Lake City can provide the tools to manage these symptoms and begin the journey toward recovery.

Causes of Depression

Depression typically stems from a blend of biological, genetic, and environmental factors. Chemical imbalances in the brain or family history often play a role, while chronic stress, childhood attachment wounds, and trauma can act as significant triggers. Understanding these underlying roots is essential for effective, long-term healing and emotional stability.

Specialized Treatment for Different Types of Depression

Depression is not a “one-size-fits-all” condition. We tailor our clinical approach to the specific type of depression you are experiencing, ensuring you receive the most effective interventions for your unique situation.

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) Treatment

Major depression involves intense, overwhelming episodes of sadness and loss of interest that can make daily functioning feel impossible. Severe depression treatment focuses on stabilizing your emotional state and quieting the brutal “inner critic.” We use EFIT (Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy) to process the deep-seated pain and help you rebuild a sense of self-worth and vitality.

Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia) Treatment

PDD is a chronic, long-term form of depression that can feel like a “dark cloud” following you for years. Because this often becomes part of a person’s identity, our therapy focuses on identifying long-standing emotional patterns and attachment wounds. We work to shift your baseline from “just getting by” to a state of genuine emotional engagement and joy.

Postpartum Depression Treatment

The transition into parenthood is a massive life shift that can trigger intense emotional distress. We provide a non-judgmental space for mothers and partners to process the complex feelings of shame, exhaustion, and anxiety. Our approach emphasizes strengthening the bond with yourself and your partner, helping you navigate this vulnerable season with compassion and support.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) Treatment

Living in Northern Utah, many of our clients struggle with the “winter blues” as the days get shorter. While we often recommend light therapy and coordination with a medical professional, our therapeutic work focuses on the behavioral and emotional shifts that occur during these months. We help you develop proactive coping strategies to maintain your mental health throughout the Utah winter.

Why Choose Peterson Family Therapy?

Looking for the right depression treatment near me is a pivotal step in your mental health journey. Here is what makes our practice a leading choice for Salt Lake City depression therapy

Decades of Clinical Mastery
With over 40 years of combined experience, Ed and Candace Peterson offer a level of clinical wisdom that only comes from decades of helping individuals navigate their darkest moments.
A Dual-Focus Specialization
We specialize in both individual and couples therapy. This allows us to see the “big picture,” understanding how your internal struggle with depression affects your closest relationships and vice versa.
The EFT Advantage
As certified Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) experts, we utilize advanced attachment science. This goes beyond surface-level coping to create the deep, structural emotional shifts required for lasting recovery.
Deep Utah Roots
We have a profound understanding of the Salt Lake City community. We recognize the specific cultural and environmental factors in Utah that contribute to our state’s high rates of mental health challenges.
Seamlessly Integrated Care
Our unique structure allows you to transition between individual work and couples counseling as your needs change. This ensures continuity of care without the frustration of starting over with a new provider.

Meet Our Therapists

Effective depression counseling starts with finding the right connection. Ed and Candace Peterson are partners in life and in practice, bringing a wealth of diverse clinical experience to the Salt Lake City community.

ICEEFT Certified EFT Therapist & Supervisor

Ed Peterson, LCSW, MBA

Founder & Certified EFT Supervisor

Ed is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a highly specialized Certified EFT Therapist and Supervisor. With over 20 years of experience, he is known for a therapeutic style that is both warm and direct, helping clients dismantle the emotional barriers created by depression and anxiety. Ed’s work is deeply rooted in attachment science, allowing him to help individuals build the emotional security necessary for recovery and healthy relationships. He has extensive expertise in addiction recovery and helping clients quiet the “inner critic” that often accompanies clinical depression.

“Depression often feels like being trapped in a dark room with a voice telling you there is no way out. My goal is to sit in that space with you, help you challenge that critical voice, and together, find the light of connection and hope that depression tries to hide.”

Candace Peterson, LCSW

Therapist & Trauma Specialist

Candace brings over two decades of mental health mastery to her practice, including a powerful background in crisis intervention and trauma therapy developed through her work with veterans. Her approach is characterized by a “gentle-directness”—providing the safety needed to process deep wounds while encouraging the courage required for growth. Candace is a sought-after specialist for those navigating trauma, religious transitions, and complex identity issues, helping her clients find clarity and peace amid life’s most difficult transitions.

“When you’re struggling with depression, even the smallest step can feel like a mountain. I provide a compassionate, stable environment where we can gently unpack the weight you’ve been carrying—whether it’s from trauma or loss—so you can finally breathe again and rediscover your authentic self.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you accept insurance?

We are currently out-of-network providers, which allows us to prioritize your care without the restrictions often imposed by insurance companies. We can provide you with a “superbill” (detailed documentation) that you can submit to your insurance for potential reimbursement if your plan covers out-of-network mental health services. We also gladly accept HSA and FSA payments.

What’s the difference between depression therapy and depression treatment?

While the terms are often used interchangeably, “treatment” is a broad umbrella that includes everything from medication and lifestyle changes to inpatient care. Therapy for depression is the specific process of working with a mental health professional to explore the emotional, relational, and cognitive roots of your struggle. At Peterson Family Therapy, our “treatment” approach is holistic, but our “therapy” is specialized—focusing on the attachment wounds and “inner critic” that keep the cycle of depression alive.

What should I expect in my first session?

Your first session is a comfortable introduction to the therapeutic process. We focus on getting to know you, understanding the specific challenges that brought you in, and beginning to outline your goals for healing. We’ll discuss your history and what you hope to achieve with a depression therapist. Most clients leave this initial meeting feeling truly heard and with a renewed sense of hope for the journey ahead.

Get Started

You don’t have to carry the weight of depression alone. Contact us today at (801) 809-7990 or fill out the form below to schedule your consultation.

Contact us today to schedule your free 15-minute consultation.

About Peterson Family Therapy

Peterson Family Therapy is a family-owned counseling practice in Salt Lake City, Utah. It’s operated by Ed and Candace Peterson, life partners with the desire and skill needed to help couples in crisis, individuals suffering from addiction issues, and anyone dealing with depression and anxiety. Peterson Family Therapy is a member of The International Centre For Excellence In Emotionally Focused Therapy (ICEEFT).

Peterson Family Therapy
4505 Wasatch Blvd, #260
Salt Lake City, UT, 84124

(801) 809-7990