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
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.
How to pay for therapy
Learn how paying for therapy works, including typical costs, insurance coverage, and payment options so you know what to expect.
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.
Types of providers
Therapist, counselor, psychologist - what’s the difference? This article explains the types of mental health providers and how to choose one who fits your needs.
Paying for Therapy
Common insurance challenges
Denied claim? Confusing bill? Wrong network? Here's how to fix the most common insurance problems in therapy.
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 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.
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
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.
ADHD and anxiety
ADHD and anxiety are two distinct conditions that frequently occur together, and understanding how they interact can make a difference in getting the right support.
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.
Anxiety treatments
Feeling anxious can be overwhelming, but effective help is available. This guide explains the most common “anxiety treatment” options, how they work, and when it may be time to seek professional support.
Types of Therapy
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.
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
EMDR therapy uses bilateral stimulation like eye movements to help process traumatic memories and reduce their emotional charge. Learn about its 8-phase protocol, effectiveness for PTSD, session structure, and finding qualified EMDR therapists.
Cognitive processing therapy (CPT)
Cognitive processing therapy targets unhelpful thoughts that develop after traumatic events by helping people examine and reframe distorted beliefs about themselves and the world. Learn how this treatment method can create lasting healing.
Christian counseling
Faith-based therapy such as Christian counseling integrates scripture, prayer, and Christian beliefs with psychological interventions for holistic healing. Discover when it's used, the therapeutic approaches it takes, its session structure, and how to find specialized Christian counselors.
Therapy Platform Comparisons
Compare online therapy companies
Comparing today’s leading online therapy platforms to help you find the right mental health support.
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. 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
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.
LMHP (Licensed Mental Health Practitioner) vs. LIMHP (Licensed Independent Mental Health Practitioner)
LMHP and LIMHP are Nebraska-specific therapy credentials that differ in diagnostic authority and training. Here's what each one means and how to choose.
Clinical Psychologist
Choosing the right mental health support becomes much easier once you understand the specialized expertise a clinical psychologist brings to your care.
What is an LCSW and should you see one for therapy?
LCSW stands for licensed clinical social worker — one of the most versatile mental health credentials available. Here's what they treat, how they're trained, and how to find one.
Insurance
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.
Insurance and privacy
A clear guide to coverage, HIPAA, and what stays between you and your therapist.
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.
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.