Understanding Depression in the Jewish Community

Hello and welcome to our dedicated space for discussing and addressing depression within the Jewish community. Our site features a diverse range of professionals, therapists, and content focused on combating and understanding depression in the Jewish community.

Unique Challenges of Depression in the Jewish Community

When individuals within the Jewish community experience depression, which is often shaped by distinct cultural and religious factors, it represents a specific category of challenges faced by this group. Stigma, spiritual struggles, family dynamics, and community expectations are all examples of factors that can influence the experience of depression in the Jewish community. Often, cultural and religious factors play a role in how depression is perceived and addressed. It can impact individuals' emotional well-being, social functioning, and sense of connection to their Jewish identity.

Watch the videos below to gain insights from Jewish mental health professionals, therapists, and advocates. These resources offer extensive knowledge on addressing depression within the Jewish community, providing expert guidance and culturally sensitive techniques.

Professionals Who Specialize in Depression

Bassy Schwartz, LMFT

Therapist, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT

  • In-office Cedarhurst
  • $150 - $300 Per Session
  • I accept insurance
  • 3 reviews

Batya Schwartz, LMFT, creates an atmosphere that balances professionalism with a personal touch, creating a comfortable and genuine connection between us.


"My therapeutic approach is rooted in several key principles: 1. Genuine Connection: We have a unique opportunity here, in the therapeutic space, to share and connect authentically, which is often scary or impossible in the "real world". You …

  • 💙 Warm
  • 😃 Humorous
  • 🥇 Empowering
  • 🤝 Collaborative

Anna Sherman, MFT

Therapist, Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, RP, MA

  • In-office Toronto
  • $170 - $190 Per Session

Anna Sherman, MFT helps clients to overcome trauma, work through fears and emotional blocks in their lives, and empower them to help them help themselves.


"I guide clients on their journey of healing and overcoming trauma, while also helping them navigate fears and emotional blocks within their lives and relationships. My goal is to empower clients to become their own advocates, providing them …

  • 🎯 Direct
  • 💙 Warm
  • 😃 Humorous
  • 👂 Listener

Moses Appel, PhD

Therapist, Doctor of Psychology, Ph.D.

  • In-office Brooklyn
  • $150 - $350 Per Session
  • 2 reviews

Moses Appel, PhD, draws from CBT, ACT, and DBT to support individuals in their journey toward improved mental health and overall well-being.


"At ADO Psychology Center, our approach is deeply rooted in compassion and evidence-based methods that foster personal growth and recovery. We draw from a evidence-based modalities, including Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behavior …

  • 🎯 Direct
  • 💙 Warm
  • 🤝 Collaborative

Danielle Taylor, LMHC

Therapist, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, LMHC

  • Remote only
  • $200 - $200 Per Session
  • 1 review

Danielle Taylor, LMHC, incorporates CBT, ACT, and psychodynamic therapy. For couples, she specializes in the Gottman Method & more to fortify relationship dynamics.


"My mission is to help people build lasting, healthy, and fulfilling relationships—whether with a friend, a spouse, a future partner, or even with themselves. I believe true well-being is more than just how we feel day to day—it’s …

  • 💙 Warm
  • 💡 Solution-oriented
  • 🥇 Empowering
  • 🤝 Collaborative

Mordy Lyss, LCMFT, CHT

Therapist, Licensed Clinical Marriage & Family Therapist

  • Remote only
  • $120 - $140 Per Session
  • I accept insurance

Yisroel (Mordy) Lyss, LMFT adopts a flexible & integrative approach drawing from client-centered, psychodynamic, relational, CBT, EMDR, and mindfulness modalities.


"In alignment with Irvin Yalom's insight, I believe that therapy should prioritize the therapeutic relationship above theoretical frameworks. Understanding that each individual's journey is inherently unique, I adopt a flexible and integrative approach to therapy. Drawing from client-centered, …

  • 🎯 Direct
  • 💙 Warm
  • 😃 Humorous
  • 👂 Listener

Miriam Mackay, LCSW

Therapist, Licensed Clinical Social Worker

  • In-office Howell
  • $200 Per Session

Miriam Mackay, LCSW, uses IFS, somatic therapy & TF-CBT to treat trauma, anxiety & more, to support healing through a collaborative approach.


"My approach is grounded in being deeply client-centered. I believe that each person brings a unique inner wisdom to the healing process, and I aim to create a space where clients feel safe, seen, and empowered to move …

  • 😃 Humorous
  • 🥇 Empowering
  • 💭 Open minded
  • 🤝 Collaborative

Toby Diamond, LMHC-D, CASAC

Therapist, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, LMHC

  • In-office Brooklyn
  • $100 - $300 Per Session
  • I accept insurance

Toby Diamond, LMHC's therapeutic philosophy is trauma-informed. She helps her clients understand how their past experiences impact their present selves.


"At the core of my therapeutic philosophy is a commitment to being a trauma-informed practitioner. I conscientiously consider any adverse or traumatic experiences individuals may have faced, aiming to create a secure environment for the courageous work ahead. …

  • 💙 Warm
  • 😃 Humorous
  • 💭 Open minded
  • 🤝 Collaborative

Yeshaya Kraus

Therapist, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW

  • In-office Queens
  • $225 - $225 Per Session

The main focus of my work is to always see a person as more than just the sum of his challenges and as more than just someone with "problems".


"I use a number of modalities when working with clients, including IFS, CBT, and EFT. My job is to help my clients see themselves as more than just the sum of their challenges, and as more than just …

  • 🎯 Direct
  • 💙 Warm
  • 👂 Listener
  • 🙌 Affirming

Esther (Ellen) Gendelman

Therapist, Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC

  • Remote only
  • $150 - $150 Per Session

I employ a positive, nurturing approach focused on identifying and building strengths that work more successfully than focusing only on the areas of weakness.


"I believe that close connections are the essence of a fulfilling life. Without meaningful relationships, life can feel dark and lonely. In my practice, I've found that a positive, nurturing approach centered on identifying and building strengths, drawing …

Frayde Yudkowsky

Therapist, LSW, LMSW, CTP

  • In-office Lakewood
  • $225 - $225 Per Session
  • 7 reviews

Frayde Yudkowsky, LMSW helps her clients heal physically, spiritually, and emotionally from the grip of shame and suffering and embrace themselves.


"Inclusive, Evidence-Based Healing for Systems, LGBTQIAPD+ Folks & Complex Trauma Survivors Real tools. Deep attunement. No one-size-fits-all. At THRIVE! Mental Health, our approach is trauma-informed, intersectional, and radically client-centered. We honor the whole you—your identities, your parts, your …

  • 💙 Warm
  • 💡 Solution-oriented
  • 🥇 Empowering
  • 🎨 Creative

Chaya Satt

Therapist, MSc

  • In-office Jerusalem
  • $175 - $175 Per Session

My goal as a therapist is to partner with you in relieving the symptoms that brought you into therapy while developing a strong foundation of self-awareness.


"In my approach to therapy, I place paramount importance on building a genuine human connection. While I use therapeutic modalities like EMDR, SE, and Psychodynamic Exploration as valuable tools in the process, I view them as secondary to …

  • 🎯 Direct
  • 💙 Warm
  • 💡 Solution-oriented

Dena Leibowitz, MS LCADC

Therapist, Psychotherapist and Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor

  • Remote only
  • $200 - $300 Per Session

Dena Leibowitz, LCADC, blends hypnotherapy, parts work, CBT, and Torah wisdom to support anxiety, depression, addiction, relationships, and life transitions.


"In individual sessions with me, you can expect a soulful and collaborative experience. I guide with curiosity and care, gently exploring meaningful concepts that help uncover deeper truths and open space for healing. My approach integrates a range …

  • 🎯 Direct
  • 💙 Warm
  • 💪 Challenging
  • 👂 Listener

The Pesach Blues...

The Pesach Blues... by Fayga Zellermaier, LMSW, Licensed Master Social Worker: IN PERSON SESSIONS ONLY

While for some, Pesach and religious holidays are the highlight of the year, for others, these times can be quite challenging.  Whatever your experience, whether anticipating eagerly or dreading anxiously,…

Full Article

The Ocean of Mood Episodes

The Ocean of Mood Episodes by Ari Daniels, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP-BC

Episodic mood illness represents a spectrum of conditions that are highly treatable yet often go misdiagnosed—it can take patients up to 9 years to get properly diagnosed, in fact. Much…

Full Article

Shifting Gears

Shifting Gears by Ari Daniels, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP-BC

The Mental Health Crisis Crisis We are in the midst of a mental health crisis—crisis. It’s hard to know where to begin when I find myself in a field with…

Full Article

Understanding People-Pleasing as a Trauma Wound

People-pleasing is a behavior that many individuals exhibit, often to the detriment of their own well-being. At its core, people-pleasing involves prioritizing others’ needs and feelings over one’s own, often…

Full Article

The Influence of Ancestry on Partner Selection: Healing Unhealthy Patterns

When we think about our choice of partners, it’s easy to focus solely on personal preferences and individual experiences. However, a deeper layer of our partner selection may be rooted…

Full Article

Healing Transgenerational Trauma Through Somatic Experiencing

Transgenerational trauma, the emotional and psychological scars passed down from one generation to another, can profoundly affect individuals and families. This phenomenon often manifests in anxiety, depression, and unhealthy relationship…

Full Article

Struggling with Depression? Discover the Hidden Causes Behind Your Emotional Pain.

Many people ask what causes depression or deep sadness. Depression is a symptom experienced by many, stemming from a variety of underlying issues. Similar to how a fever signals a…

Full Article

What's a life coach doing on a therapy website?

BS"D You might wonder what a life coach is doing on a therapy website. After all, if you've read the magazines you have read that life coaches are uncertified, unsupervised,…

Full Article

Understanding and Addressing Depression within the Jewish Community

Depression is a pressing concern across various communities, with the Jewish community facing its own specific obstacles. While the broader understanding of depression exists, the intricacies of cultural norms, religious practices, and community dynamics within the Jewish community add layers of complexity. Depression within the Jewish community can affect individuals regardless of age, gender, or background, highlighting the need for awareness and targeted interventions.

Strategies for Addressing Depression in the Jewish Community

Effective support and treatment for Jewish individuals experiencing depression necessitate approaches that are culturally and religiously attuned. This encompasses therapy that respects religious beliefs and cultural practices, community support networks that provide a sense of belonging and understanding, and accessible mental health resources. Tailored therapies and interventions are developed to address the specific facets of depression within the Jewish community. It's crucial to seek professional guidance to navigate these challenges effectively, ensuring a path towards healing and improved mental well-being. It's important to note that our professionals are experts in their fields, bringing both specialized knowledge and a deep understanding of cultural nuances to their work

Our directory features professionals, including Therapists, Psychiatrists & Coaches, who offer culturally sensitive support for those navigating Depression within the Jewish community.

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