Spiral Up Therapy
Asian and South Asian Therapists
What Is Depression? ✨
Depression is more than feeling sad—it can feel like a heaviness that seeps into every part of life. You may notice a lack of energy, a loss of interest in things you once enjoyed, or a sense of disconnection from others. For some, depression shows up as irritability or numbness. For others, it’s hopelessness, fatigue, or a constant inner voice of self-criticism.
At Spiral Up Therapy, we believe depression is not a personal flaw. It is a human experience that deserves compassion, care, and support. Our therapists work with you to untangle the roots of your depression and help you create a path toward healing.
Currently accepting clients in California, New Jersey, Idaho and South Carolina.
What Depression Can Feel Like:
Depression looks different for everyone, but common experiences include:
Feeling tired or drained most of the time.
Difficulty concentrating, making decisions, or completing tasks.
Loss of interest in hobbies, socializing, or daily activities.
A sense of worthlessness, guilt, or self-blame.
Changes in appetite, sleep, or motivation.
Feeling isolated, misunderstood, or disconnected.
If you’ve been experiencing these symptoms, therapy can help you feel less alone and begin to find hope again.
Depression
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Characterized by persistent low mood, loss of interest or pleasure, fatigue, and changes in sleep or appetite. This is the kind of depression that can make everything feel heavier : getting out of bed, staying motivated, or finding joy in things you used to love. You might feel deeply sad, disconnected, tired, or unlike yourself.
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When stress piles up without room to rest or reset, it can lead to emotional exhaustion, irritability, and a sense of being completely worn down. It’s often a sign that your mind and body need support.
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Unresolved trauma can leave people feeling shut down, numb, or stuck. Depression here often shows up as difficulty trusting, connecting, or feeling safe in your own emotions.
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Big life changes, even ones you choose : can bring up sadness, confusion, or a sense of being unanchored. This type of depression often improves with support and space to process what’s shifting.
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Depression that occurs after childbirth, involving sadness, irritability, overwhelm, or difficulty bonding with the baby. It’s more common than people think and is not a sign of weakness — support and treatment can lead to meaningful recovery.
In South Asian and AAPI communities, depression can be easy to miss or misunderstand. It often shows up as tiredness, irritability, or physical discomfort rather than sadness. Cultural and family expectations can make it harder to name what’s happening, and because mental health isn’t always talked about at home, many people end up carrying their pain quietly, unsure if they’re allowed to ask for support.
Common Concerns Around depression in the Asian & South Asian Community
“I should be able to handle this on my own.”
Many people grow up with messages about being strong, not complaining, and pushing through. Depression can feel like a personal failure rather than a mental health condition — which makes reaching out difficult.
Guilt around disappointing family
People may worry that acknowledging depression will burden their parents or disrupt family harmony. Many feel torn between their own needs and the expectations of those they love.
Stigma and fear of being judged
There’s often worry about what family or community will think. People may fear being labeled “weak,” “dramatic,” or “too sensitive,” which can delay getting help.
Minimization or dismissal within families
Comments like “Just be positive,” “Others have it worse,” or “Keep yourself busy” can leave someone feeling unseen and invalidated, even when the family means well.
Pressure to perform and keep it together
High expectations around academics, career success, caregiving, or being the “responsible one” can make it hard to admit when things feel overwhelming. Depression gets masked behind productivity.
Meet the Team
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Manali Deolalkar
Licensed Therapist
Individual Therapy - 210$/session
Couples Therapy - 230$/session
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Melanie Lei
Associate Therapist
Individual Therapy - 175$/session
Couples Therapy - 225$/session
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Meghna Das
Associate Therapist
Individual Therapy - 150$/session
Couples Therapy - 175$/session
What Sets Us Apart?
Culturally Sensitive Therapy
South Asian Therapy
Immigrant Therapy
Inclusive Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
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Depression can show up as low mood, loss of interest in things you once enjoyed, fatigue, changes in sleep or appetite, irritability, or feeling disconnected from yourself or others.
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Therapy gives you a space to understand what you’re feeling, why it’s showing up, and how to navigate it with more support. You’ll learn tools to manage low moods, challenge unhelpful patterns, and reconnect with meaning, motivation, and emotional clarity.
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We use a blend of evidence-based and depth-focused approaches, including CBT, ACT, mindfulness, somatic work, and relational therapy. We tailor the work to your needs — whether that’s building coping skills, exploring deeper emotional patterns, or processing stress, trauma, or identity-related concerns.
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People often notice small shifts within a few weeks, while deeper change can take a few months. The timeline is unique to each person’s situation, history, and goals — therapy is paced around your comfort and needs.
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Your therapist may use CBT to work with thought patterns, mindfulness to help ground you, ACT to build psychological flexibility, or somatic approaches to work with the body. We integrate what’s most helpful for you rather than relying on a single method.
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Yes. Everything shared in therapy is kept private, except in rare situations where safety is a concern or required by law. Your therapist will review confidentiality policies during your first session.
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Look for someone you feel comfortable and understood with. It can help to read their bio, note their experience with your concerns, and schedule a consultation to see if the fit feels right.
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Small, consistent practices can help — gentle movement, grounding techniques, journaling, connecting with supportive people, or sticking to a simple routine. Your therapist can help you create a personalized plan that fits your season of life.
You Belong Here 🌟
Whether you’re the first in your family to seek therapy, or you’ve been on this journey for a while, we’re here to walk alongside you. Think of us as a mix of thought partners, compassionate guides, and cheerleaders—here to help you rewrite the story you want to live. Your culture, your struggles, and your dreams all matter—and we’re honored to hold space for them.