Open Journal of Depression, 2021, 10, 54-89 https://www.scirp.org/journal/ojd ISSN Online: 2169-9674 ISSN Print: 2169-9658 DOI: 10.4236/ojd.2021.102005 May 18, 2021 54 Open Journal of Depression A Practical and Contemporary Model of Depression for Our Times—A Timeless Existential Clinician’s Perspective Sebastian Salicru PTS Psychology, Canberra, Australia Abstract Problem: Depression is spreading rapidly worldwide. It has been forecasted to become the leading cause of disability worldwide by 2030, despite signifi- cant efforts and investments made to treat it. This menace has been exacer- bated by the current COVID-19 pandemic which has triggered psychological distress and a surge in experiences of emptiness, sadness, and loss of meaning in life. Meaninglessness is one of the biggest threats of our times and is asso- ciated with depression and suicide. Gap: Existential psychotherapy has been neglected by researchers and remains misunderstood by the new generation of clinicians as an integrative approach to the prevention and treatment of depression, despite being one of the longest-established forms of psychothe- rapy. Objective: To address the above gap, recommendations, and emerging risks. Methodology: Review of theoretical and empirical findings, and au- toethnography taking a scientist-practitioner stance. Results: A comprehen- sive, practical, integrated, flexible, and evidence-based model for the preven- tion and treatment of depression, and other internalizing disorders. Utility: This model will be of interest to researchers, practitioners, students of psy- chology, and the wider public. Conclusion/Recommendations: The model can be used to promote preventative factors in youth development, develop protective factors in high-risk populations with vulnerability to depression, and treat individuals experiencing depression or other internalizing disord- ers. Keywords Depression, Existential, Humanistic, Experiential Therapies, Psychotherapy Integration, Meaning, Purpose, Authenticity, Freedom, Responsibility How to cite this paper: Salicru, S. (2021). A Practical and Contemporary Model of Depression for Our Times—A Timeless Existential Clinician’s Perspective. Open Journal of Depression, 10, 54-89. https://doi.org/10.4236/ojd.2021.102005 Received: February 28, 2021 Accepted: May 15, 2021 Published: May 18, 2021 Copyright © 2021 by author(s) and Scientific Research Publishing Inc. This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution International License (CC BY 4.0). http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Open Access