EFT Tapping for Depression: Telehealth Treatment Options

June 25, 2025

The Facts On Tapping Therapy For Depression: A Telehealth Perspective

Depression can significantly impact your daily life, making even routine tasks feel overwhelming. Tapping therapy, also known as EFT tapping, may offer relief from depression symptoms. This article explores how EFT tapping works and how ReachLink’s telehealth services can help individuals experiencing depression access this and other effective treatments.

What is depression?

According to the World Health Organization, depression is a condition “characterized by persistent sadness and a lack of interest or pleasure in previously rewarding or enjoyable activities.” Depression can be situational and temporary or manifest as a long-lasting mental health condition. Regardless of its duration, depression extends beyond simply “feeling down” and can significantly impair one’s ability to maintain relationships and manage daily responsibilities.

Symptoms of depression may include, but are not limited to:

Fatigue or lack of energy
Sadness or apathy
Trouble sleeping (or sleeping too much)
Lack of interest in things you used to enjoy
Trouble concentrating
Feelings of guilt or hopelessness
Changes in eating or sleeping patterns

Depression encompasses various disorders that manifest differently:

Major depressive disorder: characterized by loss of interest in activities, sleep disturbances, despair, and feelings of worthlessness
Bipolar disorder: causing extreme mood swings between manic and depressive episodes
Postpartum depression: occurring after childbirth or adoption
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD): symptoms that manifest during specific times of the year
Persistent depressive disorder (PDD): long-lasting depressive symptoms typically less intense than major depression

Depression likely stems from multiple factors, including genetics, brain chemistry, significant life changes, and emotional trauma. It frequently co-occurs with other conditions like anxiety disorders and substance use disorders.

Treatments for depression

Several clinically recognized treatments can effectively manage depression symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is among the most widely recommended approaches, focusing on identifying and restructuring negative thought patterns into more constructive ones.

Healthcare providers may also prescribe medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). Additionally, lifestyle modifications including self-care practices, mindfulness meditation, and regular exercise can complement formal treatments.

Emotional freedom technique (EFT) tapping is gaining recognition as another potential method for addressing depression symptoms. This approach is being explored for various psychological symptoms related to conditions from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to chronic pain.

Can EFT tapping improve symptoms of depression?

EFT tapping involves tapping on specific body points while repeating a personalized statement addressing your concern, paired with self-acceptance affirmations.

For example, someone dealing with trauma-related distress might repeat, “Even though my trauma is causing me intense distress, I deeply love and accept myself, and I’m going to be okay.” While speaking this phrase, they tap on different “meridian points,” such as the outer edge of the palm, under the arms, above the upper lip, or the middle of the chin.

Research on EFT’s effectiveness is growing:

A 2018 meta-analysis on EFT for post-traumatic stress disorder found that clinical EFT led to reduced levels of the stress hormone cortisol.
An earlier study indicated that EFT treatment resulted in psychological-trauma symptom improvement among veterans with PTSD.
According to a 2019 study, clinical EFT “improves multiple physiological markers of health.” Participants showed a 35% improvement in depression symptoms and a 31% increase in happiness feelings.

While more research continues to emerge, clinical EFT shows promise for alleviating depression symptoms and enhancing overall well-being.

Depression therapy through telehealth

Although EFT tapping may serve as an effective supplemental treatment, talk therapy remains one of the most reliable approaches for managing depression. A licensed therapist can help determine whether EFT or other techniques might benefit your specific situation.

Telehealth services have revolutionized mental healthcare accessibility. For those whose depression makes leaving home difficult, telehealth therapy offers a convenient solution—sessions can be attended from home without the additional stress of travel. The flexibility of telehealth also accommodates busy schedules, making consistent therapy more manageable.

Research supports telehealth’s effectiveness for depression treatment. A 2013 study found that internet-delivered psychotherapy led to depression recovery in more patients than in-person therapy did. More recently, a 2021 study demonstrated a “statistically significant reduction in depressive symptoms” among adolescents with depression who received online therapy.

At ReachLink, our telehealth platform connects you with licensed mental health professionals experienced in treating depression using evidence-based approaches, including EFT when appropriate. Our comprehensive care model ensures you receive personalized treatment tailored to your unique needs, all from the comfort and privacy of your home.

Takeaway

EFT tapping involves repeating self-affirming statements while tapping specific body points. Clinical evidence suggests it may effectively reduce depression symptoms, particularly when combined with other treatments like therapy and, when appropriate, medication.

If you’re experiencing depression, speaking with a mental health professional is recommended. ReachLink’s telehealth services provide convenient access to qualified therapists who can help determine whether tapping therapy for depression and/or other approaches might benefit you, while offering the flexibility and accessibility that traditional in-person therapy may lack.