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
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.
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
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 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.
Common insurance challenges
Learn about navigating mental health insurance, including verifying coverage, common therapies covered, handling preauthorization, billing errors, denied claims, and reimbursement. Gain practical strategies to manage costs, maximize benefits, and access care with less stress and confusion.
Anxiety
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.
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.
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.
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.
Types of Therapy
Polyvagal therapy
Based on understanding the vagus nerve's role in stress responses, polyvagal therapy teaches your body to choose calm over fight-flight-freeze reactions through breathing exercises and social engagement practices.
Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
Acceptance and commitment therapy blends mindfulness, acceptance, and value-based living to improve mental health. You will learn its origins, core principles, effectiveness, common applications, and what ACT sessions typically look like
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.
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.