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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Paying for Therapy
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.
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.
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.
Anxiety
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.
Learn about social anxiety disorder — an intense fear of judgment in social settings— its causes, symptoms, and diagnosis, and explore effective treatments.
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
Learn about generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), its causes, symptoms, risk factors, and how treatments like cognitive-behavioral therapy, medication, and professional support can help manage persistent and overwhelming worry.
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
Child-parent psychotherapy (CPP)
Learn about child-parent psychotherapy, an evidence-based treatment for children ages 0-6 who experienced trauma, focusing on strengthening parent-child relationships to promote healing and secure attachment.
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.
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.
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.
Therapy Platform Comparisons
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. Rula
With the rise of online therapy, platforms like Grow Therapy and Rula offer accessible mental health care — but which is the right fit for you? Read on to explore key differences and decide which platform aligns best with your therapy needs.
Grow Therapy vs. Headway
Headway vs. Grow Therapy — here's how the two platforms compare on insurance, specialties, and cost.
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?
Types of Therapists
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.
What Is an LPC and should you see one for therapy?
LPC stands for Licensed Professional Counselor — one of the most common therapy credentials in the country. Here's what it means and how to find one.
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNP)
A PMHNP can diagnose, prescribe, and provide therapy — all in one. Here's what psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners do and how to find one.
What Is an LPCC?
An LPCC is a licensed mental health professional trained to treat anxiety, depression, trauma, and more. Here's what the credential means and how to find one.
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.
Insurance and privacy
A clear guide to coverage, HIPAA, and what stays between you and your therapist.
Insurance plans
A payor is the entity — insurance company, employer, or government program — that helps cover the cost of your care. Here's how insurance coverage for therapy actually works.
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.