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.
When to end therapy
Therapy doesn’t have to last forever. You might decide to end, take a break, or come back later when it feels right. This article helps you recognize when it may be time to pause and how to thoughtfully close out your sessions.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Common insurance challenges
Denied claim? Confusing bill? Wrong network? Here's how to fix the most common insurance problems in therapy.
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.
Types of anxiety disorders
Anxiety disorders can look different for everyone. From generalized anxiety to phobias, this article explains the types of anxiety, their symptoms, and how they’re treated.
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.
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.
Types of Therapy
Psychoeducation
Psychoeducation combines education and emotional support to help people understand and manage mental health conditions effectively. Discover how this evidence-based approach works, when it's recommended, and what session experiences are like.
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.
Humanistic therapy
Humanistic therapy promotes personal growth through self-awareness and present-moment focus. Learn about its Rogerian foundations, diverse applications, therapeutic techniques, research effectiveness, and locating qualified practitioners.
Gender-affirming therapy
Gender-affirming therapy is mental health care that supports and validates LGBTQ+ individuals' gender identity without attempting to change it. Discover how this approach works, its proven effectiveness, and finding qualified therapists.
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. Headway
Headway vs. Grow Therapy — here's how the two platforms compare on insurance, specialties, and cost.
Grow Therapy vs. Alma
A detailed comparison of Alma vs. Grow Therapy to help you understand how each platform works and which one may be a better 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.
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 LCPC and should you see one for therapy?
LCPC stands for licensed clinical professional counselor — a goal-oriented, clinically trained therapist equipped to treat a wide range of mental health concerns. Here's what they do and how to find one.
What is an LMHC and should you see one for therapy?
LMHC stands for Licensed Mental Health Counselor — a practical, client-centered therapist trained to treat a wide range of mental health concerns. Here's what they 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.
Choosing a plan
Not all insurance plans make therapy easy to access or afford. Here's what to look for when comparing plans so your mental health care doesn't fall through the cracks.
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.
When insurance doesn’t cover it
No insurance? That doesn't mean no therapy. From sliding scale fees to community clinics and EAPs, here's how to access affordable mental health care without coverage.