Depression Therapy Ann Arbor
Depression Can Be Overcome with the Right Support
Therapy for depression helps us beat our unbearable moods, start to feel like working on our goals, and move forward in life. If you’re struggling with depression, (especially if it’s related to ADHD), you’re in the right place.
Overcoming the Unbearable Weight of Depression
Depression is too often a lonely struggle just to feel “okay.”
Many of us who experience depression have symptoms such as:
- Anxiety, agitation, or restlessness
- Angry outbursts, irritability, or frustration (even over small things)
- Sleep disturbances, including insomnia or sleeping too much
- Feelings of sadness, tearfulness, emptiness, or hopelessness
- Tiredness and lack of energy, so even small tasks take extra effort
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt, fixating on past failures or self-blame
- Slowed thinking, speaking, or body movements

And when it comes to my specialties of ADHD and Autism, many clients report feeling ashamed of their condition (something they don’t deserve). Living with ADHD and/or Autism in a world that’s not accepting can definitely lead to having depression.
Depression is one of my core specialties. It often comes with anxiety, but can just feel like apathy.
All that to say: If you want to feel better, I can help.
I believe you can bounce back. And I will help you overcome your depression. You deserve to thrive, feel accepted, feel good in your body, and feel connected socially.
Imagine life without the unbearable weight of depression and apathy. Now let’s make it your reality.

Clear Benefits of Depression Therapy
Join me in Ann Arbor or online and let’s work toward feeling better
Depression therapy is about getting to the root cause of your concerns. Where did the depression come from? What factors make it better or worse? What is the next step for you?
I start every client with compassionate curiosity. I’ll invite you to share every reason (big or small) why you have depression right now. We’ll put a pause on the judgement and self-criticism and get to the real answers. Once we identify all the pieces that are keeping you stuck, we can naturally create an effective treatment plan. Your feelings can improve significantly as we work the plan.
I’ve had the privilege of helping many clients find relief from their depression and build a life that feels good for them. If you’re ready to feel like the best version of YOU, I invite you to schedule a free consultation with me.
Choose the Depression Specialist in Ann Arbor
Make faster, deeper progress with help from a specialist
Jesse is a skilled and compassionate clinician, committed to the ongoing work of being authentically present and attuned to his patients. Using a collaborative approach he helps his clients face aspects of their lives that are too difficult to face alone and therefore truly transform their lives.
Therapist/Colleague
Treating Depression for Nearly a Decade!

15,000+
Hours of Clinical Experience

Four
States Served
CA, CO, MI, and WI

250+
Hours of Advanced Training

Countless
Impact on clients’ lives
What Can You Expect in Depression Therapy?
What to know before joining therapy

Start your journey right where you are. We’ll explore your symptoms, history, and unique challenges. This process ensures your therapy is fully customized to meet your needs and address the root causes of your depression. In other words, a smooth start toward feeling better.

Receive evidence-based care that works. From Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to mindfulness practices, your treatment plan is designed to deliver measurable improvements and lasting relief. Both during and after our sessions.

Therapy helps reduce feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and fatigue while restoring energy, motivation, and a sense of purpose. Watch your life transform as small, consistent changes build momentum.

We’ll work together to set meaningful, achievable goals for recovery and personal growth. With regular check-ins, you’ll stay motivated and on track as you build a brighter future.

Gain a clear understanding of how depression works and why it affects your thoughts, emotions, and behavior. This knowledge empowers you to recognize patterns and take proactive steps toward healing. And who doesn’t want to know more about how their brain works?

Learn practical coping skills, daily routines, and set up weekly rituals that support your well-being. We’ll look at what works for others and adopt the things that suit you. We’ll test and iterate until you have a solid emotional skills toolkit.

Involve loved ones in your recovery process through family or relationship-focused sessions. Of course this is optional, but worth considering. Strengthen your support network and foster a community of encouragement and understanding to sustain your progress.
WHO IS JESSE?
A Depression Therapist Who Can Help

Jesse Kauffman
Depression Therapist and Owner of Atelier Therapy
I’m Jesse Kauffman, a licensed psychotherapist specializing in Depression, ADHD, and Autism. I believe everyone has the ability to live a fulfilling, energetic life.
The worst part of depression might be the apathy. It’s something many of my clients have struggled with. But there is hope: I am highly trained and know how to tackle apathy, help you find excitement again, and make positive changes that compound over time.
Life is too short to stay stuck in depression. I’d be honored to help you find your way through it. Please reach out for your free consultation today.
That is all I want in life: for this pain to seem purposeful.
― Elizabeth Wurtzel
Why Choose Atelier Therapy?

Expertise
You’ll benefit from working with a therapist who “gets” depression and all its insidious effects. I’m highly trained to treat depression and have helped countless clients.

Bravery
Choose Atelier Therapy because you’re ready to live a fuller life. You’re brave enough to do the work of getting better. It always pays off. The hard part is beginning.

Strength
Depression treatment is a core strength of mine. During our time together, we’ll identify and enhance your strengths, too, using them to effectively beat depression.

Accountability
I’m truly here for my clients. When you choose Atelier Therapy for support, you’ll get accountability in making positive changes. Simple accountability can do wonders for depression.

Partnership
Finally, someone who gets what it’s been like for you. Depression is not easy. In fact, it’s painfully difficult. Yet with me, you get an understanding partner for your journey through.

Flexibility
I offer in-person and online depression therapy appointments. I serve clients in CA, CO, MI, and WI with my Ann Arbor, MI office as a home base.
How to Start Depression Therapy in Ann Arbor

01
Schedule Consultation
You start off by requesting a free consultation. Click the button below and choose a convenient time that works for you. We can meet over the phone or by video.

02
Meet Jesse
During your free consultation, we’ll have a relaxed, nonjudgmental conversation about what you hope to get out of our work together. I will tell you about my approach and we’ll talk about starting regular sessions.

03
Attend Appointments
If we decide to work together, you’ll join me at the same convenient time each week for your sessions. This is where the real progress begins.

04
Experience Relief
Now you have an expert in your corner who can support you, guide you, and hold you accountable for making positive changes. Over the weeks and months, you’ll feel so much better, and anxiety will give you less trouble.
Pricing for Depression Therapy Sessions
Depression Therapy Online and In Ann Arbor
$310 per standard 50-minute session
- Same convenient time each week
- In-person appointments available in Ann Arbor, MI
- Online appointments for CA, CO, MI, and WI residents
Depression Therapy FAQs
Depression often presents as persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness. You might notice changes in sleep, appetite, or energy levels. It can also affect your ability to focus, make decisions, or enjoy activities you once loved. If these feelings persist for weeks and interfere with your daily life, it’s a sign to seek professional help.
The best therapy depends on your individual needs. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is widely regarded as an effective treatment for depression, focusing on identifying and changing negative thought patterns. Other therapies, like Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) or mindfulness-based approaches, can also be helpful. A comprehensive evaluation with a therapist will determine the best approach for you. I also offer guided breathwork sessions to help move the “stuck” energy that depression often brings.
Absolutely. Therapy provides tools to manage and reduce symptoms of depression, improve emotional well-being, and enhance overall quality of life. Working with a trained therapist can help you uncover the root causes of your depression and develop strategies to overcome it, creating lasting change.
Here are five I regularly recommend my depressed clients experiment with.
- Mindfulness: staying present to reduce overwhelming feelings.
- Exercise: boosts mood by releasing endorphins.
- Connection: even if short in duration or depth, connecting with others helps keep depression at bay.
- Routine: get on consistent sleep and eating habits.
- Journaling: write down your thoughts to process emotions and gain clarity.
We’ll work together to see which coping skills actually work best for you.
Depression often feels like carrying an unbearable weight or living in a fog. You may experience persistent sadness, irritability, or numbness. It can sap your energy, motivation, and interest in activities, making even small tasks feel monumental. For those with ADHD or Autism, depression can stem from feeling different, misunderstood, or not fully valued.
Depression isn’t always a straight path, and people experience it differently. For some, it starts subtly—maybe feeling a little off or unmotivated. Over time, those feelings can grow heavier, turning into persistent sadness or apathy. You might notice yourself withdrawing from things you usually enjoy or feeling frustrated with yourself for not being able to “snap out of it.”
At its worst, depression can feel like a deep pit where hope seems completely out of reach. But it’s important to remember that this experience is not permanent. With the right support, you can move toward acceptance and healing. Therapy helps you understand these feelings and guides you toward strategies to regain your energy, hope, and a sense of agency in your life.
When depression feels overwhelming, practice your coping skills like journaling, breathwork, and exercise. Here are some more ideas for quick improvements during hard moments:
- Reach out to a trusted friend, family member, or therapist. If you’re in a support group, call your sponsor or a peer.
- Focus on small, achievable tasks to build momentum. Brush your teeth, make your bed, etc.
- Take a long walk outside, preferably in the sun. Getting sun, fresh air, and exercise is a great boon for the spirits. Consider listening to a relaxing podcast or audiobook at the same time.
- Whatever you do, avoid isolation. Drive to the park or walk around your downtown area among others.
- If you feel unsafe or have thoughts of self-harm, contact a crisis line immediately. Call 988 or 911 right away.
At Atelier Therapy, depression therapy sessions cost $310 per 50-minute session. Services are available in person in Ann Arbor, MI, and online for residents of CA, CO, MI, and WI. Therapy is an investment in your well-being and can create profound, lasting benefits.
Getting started is easy! Contact me to schedule your free consultation. I’m always open to meeting new clients and would love to help you take the next step in your healing journey.
Feel Better Than You Have in Months
Before
- Waking up with a heavy sense of hopelessness
- Struggling to find joy in the things you used to love
- Feeling stuck in cycles of negative thoughts
- Relationships strained by depression’s impact
After
- Regain purpose, motivation, and self-esteem
- Learn how to manage and work through depressive thoughts
- Discover effective strategies for building a more fulfilling life
- Strengthen your relationships and feel like yourself again