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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Types of Therapy
Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT)
Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy combines CBT techniques with mindfulness practices to break negative thought patterns and manage mental health symptoms. Learn its origins, applications, methods, and finding qualified practitioners.
Motivational interviewing
Motivational interviewing acts as your personal compass when facing difficult life changes, using collaborative conversations to strengthen your own reasons for transformation and overcome ambivalence about behavioral shifts.
Adlerian therapy
Adlerian therapy emphasizes social connection, belonging, and personal growth. This article highlights its origins, when it’s most effective, how it works in practice, key techniques, evidence of effectiveness, and how to find an Adlerian therapist
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.
Therapy Platform Comparisons
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?
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 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.
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.
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.
Licensed Social Worker (LSW) vs. Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)
LSW and LMSW are both licensed social work credentials — but the "M" matters more than you might think. Here's what each one means and how to choose.