Problem-Solving Therapy

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Problem-Solving Therapy

Evidence Status: Evidence-supported

Medically reviewed · Dr. Sarah Whitfield, PsyD · Sunday, 16 August 2026

A structured, skills-based therapy that teaches systematic problem-solving strategies to help manage stress and reduce depressive symptoms.

What Is Problem-Solving Therapy?

Problem-solving therapy is a structured, skills-based psychotherapy that teaches a systematic approach to identifying, analyzing, and resolving life problems, based on the understanding that difficulty coping with problems can contribute to depression and distress.

How It Works

Problem-solving therapy is grounded in the idea that depression and distress can arise or worsen when a person feels unable to effectively cope with life stressors. Treatment teaches a structured problem-solving process, including defining problems clearly, generating solutions, and evaluating outcomes. This description uses original explanatory language.

What Happens During Therapy?

Sessions typically involve applying a structured problem-solving framework to current life stressors, practicing generating and evaluating possible solutions, and reviewing outcomes of attempted solutions between sessions.

Evidence and Effectiveness

Research supports problem-solving therapy for depression, including in primary care and older adult populations, with evidence from multiple randomized controlled trials.

Who May Benefit?

Problem-solving therapy may be considered as part of an individualized treatment plan for people with depression, particularly when feelings of being overwhelmed by practical life problems are prominent.

Limitations and Considerations

Problem-solving therapy focuses on practical coping skills and may be less suited to individuals whose primary difficulties are not clearly connected to specific solvable problems.

Finding a Qualified Therapist

Problem-solving therapy is delivered by psychologists, licensed clinical social workers, licensed mental health counselors, and other mental health professionals, and is sometimes delivered by trained primary care providers.

How Long Does Therapy Take?

Problem-solving therapy is often delivered over approximately 6 to 12 sessions, though treatment length varies according to the person and clinical presentation.

Therapy vs. Medication

For depression, problem-solving therapy and medication are not necessarily competing options and may be used alone or in combination, in consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.

What Conditions Is It Used For?

Major Depressive Disorder

A mood disorder involving persistent sadness or loss of interest that interferes with daily life for at least two weeks.

Related Therapy Types

Behavioral Activation

A structured behavioral therapy for depression that focuses on increasing engagement in meaningful, rewarding activities to improve mood.

Solution-Focused Brief Therapy

A goal-oriented, brief therapy that focuses on identifying solutions and strengths rather than analyzing problems in depth.

Medical Information Disclaimer

Ratel Health provides general educational information and does not provide medical diagnosis, treatment, or individualized medical advice. Information on this page is not a substitute for evaluation or care from a qualified healthcare professional. Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or another person, or to start, stop, or change treatment or medication without consulting an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.

References

  • American Psychological Association. Clinical Practice Guidelines.
  • American Psychiatric Association. Practice Guidelines.
  • National Institute of Mental Health. Psychotherapies.