Question:
Answer:
The Catholic Church recognizes the medical usefulness of psychiatry, including the usefulness of depression medications under the supervision of a competent psychiatrist. The Church also recognizes the psychological usefulness of psychotherapy when done under the supervision of a competent psychologist or other licensed counselor.
The disclaimer the Church would provide is to ignore any counseling that contradicts the Church’s teaching on faith or morals. In such settings, counseling opposing the Church’s God-given teaching on morals is more likely to take place. In that light, and for its sacramental benefits otherwise, the Church would recommend taking advantage of the sacrament of confession in tandem with psychiatric or psychological counseling.
For more on this topic, specifically regarding depression, please see this excellent book by Catholic psychiatrist Aaron Kheriaty: The Catholic Guide to Depression.