Therapy

Therapy is a collaborative journey in which professionals help patients address emotional challenges, behavioral patterns, and mental health concerns within a supportive environment. Through guided conversations over time, people discover new perspectives, develop coping strategies, and work toward meaningful life changes that promote emotional well-being and personal growth.

What is Psychotherapy?

Psychotherapy, also known as mental health therapy or talk therapy, comprises a variety of treatment techniques that help people identify and change unhealthy emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. Using confidential conversations guided by a therapist, psychotherapy includes various modalities and formats to fit the needs of individuals, families, couples, and groups. 

Therapeutic approaches can address issues ranging from everyday stressors to diagnosed mental health conditions. For example, one might seek counseling to work through grief, relationship issues, anger, a new medical diagnosis, or trauma. Similarly, people might employ psychotherapy to manage symptoms of depression, substance use disorders, eating disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and more.

Given the broad spectrum of issues that therapy can tackle, many people take advantage of this valuable tool. According to key findings from the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), during the last year, more than 59 million adults (23%) received mental health treatment, which was defined as counseling, medication, or other forms of care ^[1]. 

Benefits of Mental Health Therapy

Research shows that approximately 75% of those who participate in therapy experience meaningful developments in their daily functioning, including improved emotions and behaviors. Beyond these psychological benefits, therapy is also linked to positive changes in the brain and body. Those who engage in therapy often report fewer sick days, reduced disability, and greater satisfaction in both work and personal life. Therapy also equips patients with the tools to actively participate in medical decision-making, which can lead to fewer medical issues overall ^[2]. 

Furthermore, evidence-based psychotherapy ensures that treatment is tailored to the unique needs of each person. This personalized approach not only enhances patient satisfaction but also leads to better health outcomes, reducing the burden of mental health disorders on patients and healthcare systems ^[3].

Therapy and Mental Health Disorders

Psychotherapy can be used to treat most mental health disorders by providing support, education, and guidance to improve functioning and increase well-being. It can help people identify unhealthy patterns, develop coping skills, and work through difficult emotions or past traumas.

Among others, the following mental health conditions may be treated with therapy:

• Anxiety Disorders: Characterized by excessive worry, fear, or nervousness, anxiety disorders include social anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), phobias, and panic disorder. Therapy teaches anxiety management techniques, gradually exposing patients to feared situations and challenging unhelpful thought patterns.
• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Treating attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder involves addressing a variety of symptoms, including difficulty maintaining attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Behavioral therapy for ADHD helps develop organizational skills, reduce impulsive behaviors, and establish routines that improve functioning.
• Depression: This common but serious mood disorder causes persistent feelings of sadness and loss of interest in activities. Treatment for depression often combines therapy with medication to reduce symptoms, prevent relapse, and improve quality of life.
• Eating Disorders: Conditions such as anorexia, bulimia, and binge-eating disorder involve abnormal eating behaviors and distorted body image. Specialized therapeutic approaches help normalize eating patterns, address body image distortions, and treat underlying psychological factors.
• Schizophrenia: This serious mental disorder is characterized by distortions in thinking, perception, emotions, and behavior. While medication is typically the primary treatment, therapy helps patients manage symptoms, improve social skills, and adhere to treatment plans.
• Substance Use Disorders: Therapy addresses underlying causes of substance use disorders, helps identify triggers, develops coping mechanisms, and supports long-term recovery through behavioral change techniques.

Types of Mental Health Therapy

Several types of psychotherapy are available, and the patient’s specific condition and circumstances typically dictate which one is the best fit. Common types of mental health therapy include ^[4], ^[5]:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT helps identify unhealthy, negative beliefs and behaviors and teaches healthier coping skills. Studies show CBT is effective for treating bipolar disorder, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, schizophrenia, and more. 
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): DBT builds on CBT techniques, but uniquely focuses on validation, encouraging patients to accept their uncomfortable thoughts and feelings rather than fight against them. This acceptance makes behavioral change more achievable. 
• Exposure Therapy: To reduce anxiety and fear responses, exposure therapy gradually exposes patients to feared situations or objects in a controlled, safe environment. This approach is particularly effective for phobias, panic disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): EMDR is specifically designed to help process traumatic memories through guided eye movements paired with the recall of distressing images. Often used to treat posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), EMDR helps the brain process traumatic memories in new ways, reducing their emotional impact without requiring detailed discussion of painful experiences.
• Psychodynamic Therapy: This approach explores how past experiences, particularly early childhood relationships, influence current patterns of thought, emotion, and behavior.

Each of these therapies offers unique strategies, making them effective tools in the journey toward mental wellness. Ultimately, however, the choice of therapy depends on the patient’s specific challenges and goals.

Who Provides Therapy?

Various mental health professionals can provide therapy services, each with different levels of education, training, and areas of expertise. While licensure and practice requirements vary by state, the following info provides broad guidelines on who can provide psychotherapy and which credentials these job titles typically require ^[6]:

• Psychologists (PhD or PsyD): Holding doctoral degrees in clinical psychology or related fields, psychologists are trained to evaluate mental health using clinical interviews and psychological testing. They can diagnose conditions and provide individual or group therapy.
• Psychiatrists (MD): Licensed medical doctors have completed psychiatric training. They can diagnose mental health conditions, prescribe and monitor medications, and provide therapy. Some psychiatrists specialize in specific areas like child psychiatry or geriatric psychiatry.
• Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW): LCSWs hold master’s degrees in social work and are trained in case management, advocacy services, and therapeutic techniques. They can evaluate mental health and provide therapy.
• Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC or LMHC): With master’s degrees in counseling psychology or related fields, LPCs and LMHCs are trained to evaluate mental health and use various therapeutic techniques. 
• Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT): Specializing in treating issues within the context of relationships and family systems, LMFTs employ therapy to improve communication and resolve conflicts.

When seeking therapy, it’s essential to verify that the professional is properly and locally licensed, as this ensures they meet specific education, training, and ethical requirements.

In-Person Therapy vs. Online Therapy

The delivery of mental health services has evolved significantly, with online therapy becoming increasingly popular and accessible. Both in-person and online therapy formats have unique benefits and considerations.

In-person therapy provides face-to-face interaction, which some people find more personal and engaging. It also allows the therapist to observe body language and nonverbal cues directly, which can provide added insights. Plus, the physical space of a therapy office can also create a dedicated environment for focusing on treatment, whereas home environments may be filled with distractions.

Meanwhile, online therapy (also known as virtual therapy, web therapy telepsychology, or telehealth) offers several advantages, including convenience, accessibility for those with mobility limitations or who live in remote areas, and the comfort of receiving care from one’s own home. However, it’s important to ensure that the therapist is licensed in the patient’s state of residence, that the online platform is adequate for confidentiality needs, and that one is comfortable with technology and virtual communication services ^[7]. 

Mental Health Treatment Options

Mental health treatment often involves a spectrum of care options based on the severity of symptoms and personal needs. Therapy is often used alongside medication, and offered within various treatment settings and formats.

Broad levels of care for mental health treatment include:

• Outpatient Therapy: The most common level of therapeutic care, outpatient care involves regular sessions with a therapist while continuing normal daily activities.
• Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs): These outpatient programs provide structured support through multiple weekly therapy sessions (typically three to five days per week for several hours each day). Despite the intensive care, patients typically live at home and continue work, family, and school responsibilities.
• Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHPs): These programs offer comprehensive treatment during the day (usually five to seven days per week) but allow patients to return home in the evenings. Offering high-intensity care, PHPs are a step down from inpatient care but a step up from IOPs.
• Residential/Inpatient: Delivering 24-hour care and monitoring in a treatment facility, residential or inpatient treatment offers intensive support and structure. It’s often reserved for those in crisis, experiencing severe symptoms, or dealing with substance use disorders.

For many mental health conditions, a combination of psychotherapy and medication yields the best results. Working with healthcare providers to find the right treatment plan is essential, as what works for one person may not work for another. 

Paying for Psychotherapy

The financial aspects of therapy are an important consideration for many people seeking treatment. In that vein, insurance coverage for mental health services has improved significantly in recent years due to two key pieces of legislation:

• The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act: The MHPAEA requires that most health insurance plans cover mental health and substance use disorders at the same level that they cover medical and surgical care.
• The Affordable Care Act: The ACA further expanded these protections by requiring coverage for mental health services as an essential health benefit in marketplace plans.

Despite these advances, many people still face challenges accessing affordable mental health care due to a lack of insurance, high deductibles, copayments, or limited provider networks. However, many providers and facilities offer alternative payment options, such as income-based sliding fee scales and payment plans. Plus, some people may be eligible for low- or no-cost therapy services through community mental health centers, university-based training clinics, and employee assistance programs. 

Finding the Right Support

Making the decision to seek therapy is a significant step toward improved mental health and well-being. Therapy provides a unique opportunity to gain insight, develop new skills, and work through challenges with professional guidance and support.

While the process of finding the right therapist and approach may take time, the potential benefits make the effort worthwhile. With various types of therapy available and multiple ways to access services, whether in-person or online, more people than ever can find the support that fits their specific needs.

Remember that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. By taking that first step toward therapy, people can invest in their mental health and create the foundation for a healthier, more fulfilling life.