LICENSED PSYCHOLOGIST PSY33347
DEPRESSION
INDIVIDUAL THERAPY FOR DEPRESSION IN SAN MATEO, CA
Depression is a common yet deeply challenging mood disorder that can affect how you think, feel, and function in daily life. Many clients describe depression as a persistent heaviness, a sense of emotional “grey,” or feeling disconnected even when surrounded by friends or loved ones. Some individuals experience high-functioning depression, appearing outwardly fine while struggling internally with overwhelming sadness, fatigue, or hopelessness. Depression can be a result of ongoing and persistent stress or share symptoms with anxiety.
As a licensed psychologist in San Mateo, Dr. Peter Gleiberman provides compassionate, evidence-based therapy for depression. He offers a supportive, non-judgmental space where clients can explore their experiences and begin building the skills and insights needed for relief and long-term wellbeing. Dr. Gleiberman provides therapy in San Mateo, CA and works with clients from nearby communities including Burlingame, Foster City, Belmont, Redwood City, and San Carlos, as well as offering telehealth sessions throughout California
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Depression?
Depression can look different from person to person. Common signs and symptoms include:
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Persistent sadness, low mood, irritability, or anger
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Feeling isolated, disconnected, or emotionally numb
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Loss of interest in hobbies or activities once enjoyed
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Low motivation or difficulty concentrating
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Decreased self-esteem or feelings of hopelessness or helplessness
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Physical symptoms such as appetite changes, sleep disruptions, headaches, or body aches
If you recognize these symptoms in yourself, therapy can help you understand the underlying causes, develop coping strategies, and move toward meaningful emotional and behavioral change.
What Is High-Functioning Depression?
High-functioning depression describes the experience of meeting daily responsibilities, such as work, school, or relationships, while internally struggling with persistent low mood, exhaustion, or a sense of emptiness. From the outside, someone with high-functioning depression often appears capable and put-together. Internally, simple tasks can feel disproportionately difficult, and a sense of heaviness or flatness can persist for weeks or months without resolving.
This pattern is common among Bay Area professionals and students who continue performing well externally while quietly struggling. It can also present with burnout and high-functioning anxiety.
What Causes Depression?
Depression develops from a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental factors. Chronic, unaddressed stress can also contribute significantly, where depressive symptoms can emerge as the body and mind's response to sustained overload. Major life transitions, career pressure, relationship difficulties, and persistent self-criticism can all play a role in the onset or worsening of depressive symptoms.
How Is Depression Treated?
The underlying patterns — Exploring the origins of persistent low mood, examining relational and developmental factors that may be contributing, and understanding what depression may be communicating about unmet needs or unprocessed experiences.
Practical, immediate tools — Concrete strategies for managing low motivation, challenging unhelpful thought patterns, and rebuilding engagement with activities and relationships that support wellbeing.
This integrated approach is designed to address both the root causes of depression and provide meaningful relief in day-to-day functioning.
What's the Difference Between Depression and Sadness or Grief?
Sadness and grief are expected, time-limited emotional responses to loss or disappointment. Depression is different, it is more persistent, often lacks a clear external trigger, and significantly impairs daily functioning over an extended period (two weeks or more occurring in episodes). Depression can also include symptoms unrelated to a specific event, such as appetite changes, sleep disruption, or a pervasive sense of hopelessness. If low mood persists beyond what feels proportional to a specific loss or difficulty, or if it begins interfering with your ability to function, it may be time to seek professional support.
When Should I See a Psychologist for Depression?
It may be time to seek support if low mood, hopelessness, or loss of interest in activities has impacted your ability to experience life in ways you find meaningful or fulfilling. Or, if depression is affecting your relationships, work, or daily responsibilities.
You do not need to be in crisis to benefit from therapy. Many clients seek support to address depressive symptoms before they significantly worsen.
SCHEDULE AN INITIAL CONSULTATION WITH DR. GLEIBERMAN
To ensure a strong therapeutic fit, Dr. Gleiberman offers a complimentary phone consultation for prospective clients. This 15- to 60-minute conversation provides a chance to get to know each other, discuss your goals, and determine whether moving forward is the right decision.