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

Therapy and medication

Therapy and medication can both help with mental health, but in different ways. For some people, using both together can make a big difference. This article explains how each one works and how they can support each other. Learn what to keep in mind if you're thinking about adding medication to your care plan.

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.

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.

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.

Read the full Getting Therapy guide

Paying for Therapy

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.

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 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.

Read the full Paying for Therapy guide

Anxiety

Phobias

Learn about the causes, symptoms, and treatment of phobias — intense fears that disrupt daily life — and explore how therapy, coping strategies, and understanding brain responses can help reduce anxiety and build confidence.

Learn about social anxiety disorder — an intense fear of judgment in social settings— its causes, symptoms, and diagnosis, and explore effective treatments.

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.

Agoraphobia

Living with agoraphobia can feel isolating, but you’re not alone. Understanding its causes, symptoms, and treatments is the first step toward feeling safe and in control again.

Read the full Anxiety guide

Types of Therapy

Interpersonal therapy (IPT)

Interpersonal therapy focuses on relationship patterns and social factors contributing to psychological distress. Learn about its development, clinical applications, therapeutic process, research evidence, and finding qualified practitioners.

Accelerated experiential dynamic psychotherapy (AEDP)

Accelerated experiential dynamic psychotherapy (AEDP) is a healing-focused therapy that helps people process deep emotions, recover from trauma, and reconnect with their core self. In this article, you’ll learn how AEDP works, who it can help, and what to expect in a typical session.

Psychodynamic therapy

Psychodynamic therapy helps you connect the dots between childhood experiences and current struggles by exploring patterns you might not even realize exist. Learn how this deep approach creates meaningful, lasting change.

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)

Learn about dialectical behavior therapy, a structured treatment combining mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal skills to help manage intense emotions and mental health conditions.

Read the full Types of Therapy guide