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.
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.
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 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.
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
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.
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.
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
Existential therapy
Existential therapy explores four pillars of human existence: death, freedom, isolation, and meaninglessness to help clients create authentic lives. This article covers its effectiveness, treatment duration, and how to find therapists who specialize in existential 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.
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.
Biofeedback therapy
Biofeedback teaches you to control physical responses like heart rate, breathing, and muscle tension. You’ll learn its origins, conditions it treats, how sessions work, the types of feedback used, and how to find a provider
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. 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. 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 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.
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.
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.