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
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.
Types of providers
Therapist, counselor, psychologist - what’s the difference? This article explains the types of mental health providers and how to choose one who fits your needs.
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.
How to pay for therapy
Learn how paying for therapy works, including typical costs, insurance coverage, and payment options so you know what to expect.
Paying for Therapy
Common insurance challenges
Denied claim? Confusing bill? Wrong network? Here's how to fix the most common insurance problems in 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 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 Medicaid
Learn about Medicaid’s role in covering mental health treatment, including eligibility, therapy costs, types of services covered, coverage limits, differences from Medicare, and how to find therapists who accept Medicaid for accessible care.
Anxiety
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.
Anxiety treatments
Feeling anxious can be overwhelming, but effective help is available. This guide explains the most common “anxiety treatment” options, how they work, and when it may be time to seek professional support.
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.
ADHD and anxiety
ADHD and anxiety are two distinct conditions that frequently occur together, and understanding how they interact can make a difference in getting the right support.
Types of Therapy
Collaborative management and assessment of suicidality (CAMS)
CAMS treats suicidal thoughts as a collaborative problem to solve rather than something to endure alone. Learn how this structured approach helps people move from crisis to stability through partnership with their therapist.
Compassion-focused therapy (CFT)
Compassion-focused therapy helps people who experience high levels of shame and self-criticism learn self-compassion and emotional regulation skills to improve mental health. Learn how this approach can transform your relationship with yourself.
Existential therapy
Existential therapy explores four pillars of human existence: death, freedom, isolation, and meaninglessness to help clients create authentic lives. This article covers its effectiveness, treatment duration, and how to find therapists who specialize in existential therapy.
Feminist therapy
Feminist therapy empowers women and marginalized groups by addressing how societal biases and power dynamics impact mental health. You'll discover its origins, applications, session structure, effectiveness, and how to find qualified practitioners.
Therapy Platform Comparisons
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.
Compare online therapy companies
Comparing today’s leading online therapy platforms to help you find the right mental health support.
Grow Therapy vs. BetterHelp
Grow Therapy and BetterHelp offer different approaches to finding mental health support. Explore how each online therapy platform works so you can choose what fits 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
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 LCSW and should you see one for therapy?
LCSW stands for licensed clinical social worker — one of the most versatile mental health credentials available. Here's what they treat, how they're trained, 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.
LMHP (Licensed Mental Health Practitioner) vs. LIMHP (Licensed Independent Mental Health Practitioner)
LMHP and LIMHP are Nebraska-specific therapy credentials that differ in diagnostic authority and training. Here's what each one means and how to choose.
Insurance
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.
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.
Insurance and privacy
A clear guide to coverage, HIPAA, and what stays between you and your therapist.