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
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.
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.
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 therapy
This is your starting point for understanding the different types of therapy. This overview walks you through each of the common categories of therapy and who they work best for.
Paying for Therapy
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 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.
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.
Anxiety
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.
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.
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.
Panic disorder
Learn about panic disorder, including its causes, risk factors, symptoms, diagnostic process, and effective treatments like CBT, medication, and lifestyle changes, to better understand and manage this common anxiety condition.
Types of Therapy
Feminist therapy
Feminist therapy empowers women and marginalized groups by addressing how societal biases and power dynamics impact mental health. You'll discover its origins, applications, session structure, effectiveness, and how to find qualified practitioners.
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.
Exposure and response prevention (ERP)
ERP is specialized cognitive behavioral therapy that helps people gradually face anxiety-provoking situations while resisting compulsive behaviors like checking or hand-washing. Learn how this approach breaks the anxiety-compulsion cycle that keeps OCD going.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
CBT helps manage mental health conditions by connecting thoughts, feelings, and behaviors through evidence-based techniques. Discover its applications, cognitive restructuring process, treatment outcomes, and finding specialized providers.
Therapy Platform Comparisons
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. 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. 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
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.
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.
Clinical Psychologist
Choosing the right mental health support becomes much easier once you understand the specialized expertise a clinical psychologist brings to your care.
Psychologist
If you ever thought about whether you need a psychiatrist, therapist, or psychologist, knowing the distinctions between them can be helpful in finding the best choice for your needs.
Insurance
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.
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.