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 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.
Ways therapy can help
Therapy isn’t just for tough times. This article explores how it can help you manage stress, strengthen relationships, and feel more connected to yourself.
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.
How to find a therapist
Finding the right therapist can make a difference in the success of your therapy. This article walks you through where to look and how to decide which therapist is right for you.
Paying for Therapy
Cost of therapy
Therapy costs vary widely based on insurance coverage, provider credentials, and treatment type. This article covers session pricing, insurance benefits, affordable alternatives, session length expectations, and whether therapy's investment delivers lasting mental health value.
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.
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.
Anxiety
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.
The causes of anxiety
Anxiety can stem from many sources, including biology, health, trauma, and daily stress. In this article you will learn the root causes, triggers, and factors that shape anxiety so you can better understand and manage it.
Learn about social anxiety disorder — an intense fear of judgment in social settings— its causes, symptoms, and diagnosis, and explore effective treatments.
Talking about anxiety
It isn’t always easy to talk about anxiety, whether you’re the one feeling anxious or supporting someone who is. This article offers supportive ways to start the conversation, ask for help, or offer comfort when it matters most.
Types of Therapy
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
Learn about dialectical behavior therapy, a structured treatment combining mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal skills to help manage intense emotions and mental health conditions.
Adlerian therapy
Adlerian therapy emphasizes social connection, belonging, and personal growth. This article highlights its origins, when it’s most effective, how it works in practice, key techniques, evidence of effectiveness, and how to find an Adlerian therapist
Humanistic therapy
Humanistic therapy promotes personal growth through self-awareness and present-moment focus. Learn about its Rogerian foundations, diverse applications, therapeutic techniques, research effectiveness, and locating qualified practitioners.
Parent-child interaction therapy (PCIT)
PCIT puts caregivers in the driver's seat with a therapist as their real-time coach, helping them learn better ways to connect with their child while handling tough behaviors. Learn how this hands-on approach can create positive, lasting change.
Therapy Platform Comparisons
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. Headway
Headway vs. Grow Therapy — here's how the two platforms compare on insurance, specialties, and cost.
Grow Therapy vs. Online-Therapy.com
Choosing the right online therapy platform can feel overwhelming, but understanding how each service works can make the decision simpler.
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.
Types of Therapists
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.
What Is an LPCC?
An LPCC is a licensed mental health professional trained to treat anxiety, depression, trauma, and more. Here's what the credential means and how to find one.
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.
Clinical Psychologist
Choosing the right mental health support becomes much easier once you understand the specialized expertise a clinical psychologist brings to your care.
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.
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.
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.