Therapy 101
Starting therapy can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. These guides cover the basics—from what to expect in your first session, to understanding the costs, to exploring different approaches and finding support for challenges like anxiety. Each resource is designed to make the process clearer and less intimidating, so you can focus on what matters most: taking care of your mental health.
Getting Therapy
Therapy myths
Misconceptions about therapy can hold you back from getting the support you need. Learn what’s true and what’s not. This article clears up the most common myths that keep people from going to therapy. We're here to help you better understand what therapy is really like.
Therapy and medication
Therapy and medication can both help with mental health, but in different ways. For some people, using both together can make a big difference. This article explains how each one works and how they can support each other. Learn what to keep in mind if you're thinking about adding medication to your care plan.
Helping someone else find a therapist
When someone you care about is struggling, your support can make a difference. This article shares how to encourage them to try therapy, start the conversation with compassion, and care for yourself along the way.
When to end therapy
Therapy doesn’t have to last forever. You might decide to end, take a break, or come back later when it feels right. This article helps you recognize when it may be time to pause and how to thoughtfully close out your sessions.
Paying for Therapy
Therapy covered by insurance
Learn about how health insurance covers therapy, including copays, deductibles, telehealth, couples therapy limitations, pros and cons of using insurance, and steps to verify coverage, in-network providers, referrals, and reimbursement options for affordable mental health care.
Therapy covered by Medicare
Learn about Medicare’s mental health coverage, including eligibility, Parts A–D, therapy and counseling benefits, online therapy access, costs, session limits, and differences from Medicaid, plus how to find a Medicare-accepting therapist for personalized care.
Beginners guide to insurance
Learn about how health insurance works, types of plans, costs, coverage details, key terms, special programs like HSAs and COBRA, qualifying life events, and how to understand mental health coverage within your insurance.
Therapy covered by EAP, HSA or FSA
Learn about HSAs, FSAs, and EAPs as financial tools to make therapy and mental health care more affordable, including eligible expenses, key differences, and how employers support access to mental health services.
Anxiety
How to relieve anxiety
Anxiety can feel intense and unpredictable, but you can build relief skills that work now and over time. In this article you will learn quick grounding techniques, lifestyle shifts, support options, and how to choose therapy or medication.
Phobias
Learn about the causes, symptoms, and treatment of phobias — intense fears that disrupt daily life — and explore how therapy, coping strategies, and understanding brain responses can help reduce anxiety and build confidence.
When to get help for anxiety
Anxiety is common, but when it lingers or disrupts sleep, focus, or joy, extra support can help. In this article you will learn key signs, urgent red flags, and how therapy gets you back to center.
Types of anxiety disorders
Anxiety disorders can look different for everyone. From generalized anxiety to phobias, this article explains the types of anxiety, their symptoms, and how they’re treated.
Types of Therapy
Interpersonal therapy (IPT)
Interpersonal therapy focuses on relationship patterns and social factors contributing to psychological distress. Learn about its development, clinical applications, therapeutic process, research evidence, and finding qualified practitioners.
Attachment-based therapy
Attachment-based therapy focuses on how early caregiver relationships shape adult patterns of trust, emotion, and connection. You will learn about attachment styles, when therapy is used, how it works, and its effectiveness in healing relationships
Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-i)
Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia teaches practical sleep strategies without medication dependency. Learn when it's applied, the eight core components, treatment duration, effectiveness evidence, and how to find qualified therapists.
Collaborative management and assessment of suicidality (CAMS)
CAMS treats suicidal thoughts as a collaborative problem to solve rather than something to endure alone. Learn how this structured approach helps people move from crisis to stability through partnership with their therapist.
Therapy Platform Comparisons
Grow Therapy vs. Alma
A detailed comparison of Alma vs. Grow Therapy to help you understand how each platform works and which one may be a better fit for your needs.
Grow Therapy vs. Brightside
Comparing the two popular online therapy platforms to help you choose the right support for your mental health needs.
Grow Therapy vs. Talkspace
Learn about how Grow Therapy and Talkspace compare as online therapy platforms, including pricing models, therapist access, insurance compatibility, in-person care options, and which might best suit your mental health needs.
Grow Therapy vs. BetterHelp
Grow Therapy and BetterHelp offer different approaches to finding mental health support. Explore how each online therapy platform works so you can choose what fits your needs.
Types of Therapists
Counseling Psychologist
Counseling psychologists are highly trained mental health practitioners who work to help people feel better, function better, and engage more healthily with the world around them.
Licensed Social Worker (LSW) vs. Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)
LSW and LMSW are both licensed social work credentials — but the "M" matters more than you might think. Here's what each one means and how to choose.
Psychiatrist
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in mental health, including diagnosis, treatment, and medication management. Understanding what psychiatrists do — and how they differ from other mental health professionals — can help you decide whether seeing one is the right step for your care.
What is an LMHC and should you see one for therapy?
LMHC stands for Licensed Mental Health Counselor — a practical, client-centered therapist trained to treat a wide range of mental health concerns. Here's what they do and how to find one.
Insurance
Choosing a plan
Not all insurance plans make therapy easy to access or afford. Here's what to look for when comparing plans so your mental health care doesn't fall through the cracks.
Insurance plans
A payor is the entity — insurance company, employer, or government program — that helps cover the cost of your care. Here's how insurance coverage for therapy actually works.
Verifying coverage for therapy
Most insurance plans cover therapy — but the specifics depend on your plan. Here's how to verify your benefits, understand your costs, and find a therapist who takes your insurance.
Insurance 101
Health insurance covers therapy — but understanding what you'll actually pay takes a little digging. Here's how coverage works and how to make the most of your plan.