SAN DIEGO -- An up close and personal encounter with a friendly sea creature can give you a rush. Now, scientists say it can be a way to ease depression.

Dolphins are playful and a symbol of freedom, grace and serenity.

These magical creatures of the sea may just be the remedy for people with mild to moderate depression.

Scientists say swimming with dolphins is an effective treatment for mild to moderate depression.

"People feel a greater sense of joy, love, connections and a sense of oneness. It's very intense for many people," said Scripps psychologist Dr. George Pratt.

A new study in the British Medical Journal shows depression lifted for patients who interacted with dolphins an hour a day over a two week period.

"Those that swam with the dolphins had a significant reduction of depressive symptoms -- it was profound," said Pratt.

Pratt uses dolphin therapy with patients suffering from mild to moderate depression.

"There's no words to describe it. It completely changed my life," said dolphin therapy patient Marcella Sandrin.

Sandrin -- one of Pratt's patients -- says her depression disappeared after swimming with dolphins off Hawaii.

"For the first time, I really experienced unconditional love and joy," said Sandrin.

Swimming with these creatures did more for her than anything else she's ever tried.

"I've done counseling and meditations and exercising. I am a much happier person. I don't feel hopeless anymore," said Sandrin.

SeaWorld animal trainer Bob McMains says dolphins have an amazing connection with people.

"The dolphins impact every guest we have," said McMains.

Pratt says playing and swimming with dolphins ignites emotions and releases brain chemicals that make us feel good.

"I am sure there are some neurotransmitters activity and dopamine release," said Pratt.

He says many patients including Sandrin have experienced lasting effects after a session with dolphins.

"I saw people become alive," said Pratt.

SeaWorld was not involved in the the dolphin therapy study, but 10News thanks them for helping to demonstrate the findings.

Sandrin did not take part in the original study, but she did take part in a self-healing dolphin swim with Pratt's group.

To learn more about SeaWord's Dolphin Interaction Program, click on www.SeaWorld.com. To learn more about Dr. Pratt's dolphin swim, click on www.DrGeorgePratt.com.