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
Deciding to start therapy
Thinking about therapy but not sure if you really “need” it? This article teaches you about the emotional, behavioral, and everyday signs that it might be time to talk to someone.
Therapy myths
Misconceptions about therapy can hold you back from getting the support you need. Learn what’s true and what’s not. This article clears up the most common myths that keep people from going to therapy. We're here to help you better understand what therapy is really like.
Your first therapy session
Your first therapy session is the start of something meaningful. This article walks you through what to expect, how to prepare, and how to feel more comfortable from the start.
Your relationship with your therapist
A strong relationship with your therapist can shape your entire experience in therapy. This article explains why it matters and what healthy boundaries look like. We'll also walk you through how to handle questions and emotional moments along the way.
Paying for Therapy
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.
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.
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.
Anxiety
Signs and symptoms of anxiety
Anxiety affects body, mind, and behavior—from chest tightness and racing thoughts to avoidance and irritability. In this article you will learn common signs, how symptoms vary, what worsens them, and practical ways to get relief.
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.
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.
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.
Types of Therapy
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.
Integrative therapy
Integrative therapy combines techniques from different therapeutic approaches to create personalized treatment plans that address each person's unique mental health needs. Discover how this flexible approach works and when it's used.
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.
Positive psychology
Positive psychology shifts focus from fixing problems to building happiness through strength identification, mindfulness practices, optimism training, and resilience-building exercises that create lasting positive changes.