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
Your relationship with your therapist
A strong relationship with your therapist can shape your entire experience in therapy. This article explains why it matters and what healthy boundaries look like. We'll also walk you through how to handle questions and emotional moments along the way.
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.
What is therapy
Therapy can help you reconnect with yourself and find more clarity in life. Our complete guide to getting therapy shows you what to expect, from understanding how therapy works to finding a therapist you trust. Whether you're exploring options or ready to begin, we’re here to help you move forward with confidence.
Therapist Red Flags
Learn about therapist red flags and signs that a therapist might not be the right fit for you. From poor listening to ethical violations, this article offers guidance on when to consider ending your sessions and finding a better match.
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.
Paying for therapy
Therapy costs vary widely based on insurance coverage and provider choice. This guide explains insurance basics, government programs like Medicaid and Medicare, alternative payment methods, and solutions to common billing obstacles.
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.
Therapy covered by Medicaid
Learn about Medicaid’s role in covering mental health treatment, including eligibility, therapy costs, types of services covered, coverage limits, differences from Medicare, and how to find therapists who accept Medicaid for accessible care.
Anxiety
Agoraphobia
Living with agoraphobia can feel isolating, but you’re not alone. Understanding its causes, symptoms, and treatments is the first step toward feeling safe and in control again.
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.
What is anxiety?
Learn about what anxiety is, why it happens, how it affects the brain and body, its different forms, when to seek help, and effective strategies and treatments for managing anxiety.
Types of Therapy
Eclectic therapy
Eclectic therapy combines techniques from various therapeutic modalities to create personalized treatment plans. In this article you'll learn about its origins, when it's used, different types, how sessions work, and how to find qualified therapists.
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
A guide to the different types of therapy
Not sure which type of therapy is right for you? This guide breaks down dozens of approaches to help you find the best fit.
Experiential therapy
Experiential therapy uses creative activities, movement, and sensory experiences to heal trauma and emotional challenges. You'll discover its various forms, effectiveness for conditions like PTSD and depression, and how to find qualified therapists.
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. Talkiatry
Both Grow Therapy and Talkiatry help people find a psychiatrist for medication management. Which platform offers the best experience and providers for you?
Grow Therapy vs. SonderMind
A side-by-side look at two leading therapy platforms to help you choose the best 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.
Types of Therapists
Psychotherapist
"Psychotherapist" sounds clinical, but the term is simpler than you think. Here's what it means, how it differs from other titles, and how to find the right one.
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.
CADC (Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor) vs. LADC (Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor)
CADC and LADC are both addiction counselor credentials — but they differ in training, authority, and scope. Here's how to tell them apart and choose the right fit.
What Is an LPC and should you see one for therapy?
LPC stands for Licensed Professional Counselor — one of the most common therapy credentials in the country. Here's what it means 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 and privacy
A clear guide to coverage, HIPAA, and what stays between you and your therapist.
When insurance doesn’t cover it
No insurance? That doesn't mean no therapy. From sliding scale fees to community clinics and EAPs, here's how to access affordable mental health care without coverage.
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.