Therapy

Therapy formats

Individual therapy

Individual therapy is when a patient works one-on-one with a therapist.

Group therapy

Group therapy involves one or more licensed therapists working with several patients at the same time. Often, these patients share the same or similar mental health concerns.

Family therapy

Family therapy is specifically tailored for family units. Family therapy can help address group issues, improve communication, and resolve conflicts.

Relationship therapy

Relationship or couples’ therapy is for adult intimate partners. Couples’ therapy, among other goals, can help address issues rooted in the relationship’s past, improve sexual satisfaction, and increase intimacy.

Types of therapists

All therapy should be conducted by a credentialed therapist. There are many kinds of therapists, with different types of licenses, degrees, and licensing boards. Understanding the differences can help you identify which therapist can best help you.

Clinical social workers

Licensed master social workers (LMSWs) and licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs) can provide therapy, diagnose, and treat emotional and behavioral issues.

Although licensure exams (and acronyms) can vary from state to state, both LMSWs and LCSWs have a master’s degree in social work from an accredited program and have passed a licensing exam. The difference is that LCSWs can practice independently, while LMSWs require supervision.

Psychologists

Psychologists typically hold a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or Doctor of Psychology (PsyD). All psychologists pass a national exam. Depending on the state in which they practice, they must also pass additional licensing tests and complete further years of supervised practice.

Psychologists can conduct clinical interviews, psychological tests, and evaluations. Like social workers, they can identify emotional and behavioral patterns, diagnose disorders, and create treatment plans to manage mental health challenges.

Psychiatrists or psychiatric clinicians

Psychiatrists, are licensed medical doctors who specialize in mental health. They must earn either a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) and then complete residency training in psychiatry. Psychiatrists must be licensed in the state where they practice. They may also be designated as a board-certified psychiatrist by the Board of Neurology and Psychiatry. Psychiatrists diagnose mental health conditions, prescribe medications and monitor their effectiveness, and occasionally provide therapy.

Similar to a psychiatrist, psychiatric nurse practitioners (NPs) can also provide mental health assessment, diagnosis, and therapy. Depending on the state where they practice, they may also prescribe and monitor medications for patients.

Counselors and other therapists

Therapists and counselors differ among their credentials and acronyms, which can vary by state. Licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFTs) specialize in relationships, including couples and families. Types of counselors include licensed mental health counselors (LMHCs), licensed professional counselors (LPCs), licensed clinical professional counselors (LCPCs), licensed professional clinical counselors (LPCCs), and more.

What issues can therapy help with?

Therapy can help with many different issues, both clinical and non-clinical.

When it comes to clinical concerns, therapy is an effective tool to diagnose and treat mental health problems. These can include addiction, eating disorders, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and schizophrenia.

Patients who don’t have a clinical issue can still benefit from therapy. Therapy is an effective way to help manage stress, cope with difficult or traumatic experiences, manage depression and anxiety, and process life transitions, grief, or conflict.

What to expect in therapy?

The first therapy session may, in many ways, feel similar to a doctor’s appointment. Whether it’s an in-person or online appointment, you’ll likely start by filling out some paperwork. If it’s in-person, you’ll sit in a waiting room until you are called in. If it’s online, you’ll log on and wait in a virtual waiting room.

Your first therapy session will likely be different from future sessions. During the first visit, you and your therapist will take some time to get to know each other. They may want to know why you are seeking therapy, in addition to more general questions about your concerns and background. They will discuss office policies and encourage you to ask your own questions.

Your very first therapy session will help your therapist understand your concerns, answer questions, and discuss treatment options. Future sessions will provide you the therapeutic space to explore specific symptoms, problems, or past experiences.

Online vs. in-person therapy

Therapy sessions are typically held either in person or online. Each offers unique benefits.

In-person sessions offer patients a safe, private, and neutral environment that is free from distractions. Face-to-face sessions also allow therapists to observe a patient’s non-verbal cues. Some therapies, such as art, music, and play, are more suited to in-person appointments.

Online sessions are convenient because they allow patients see their therapist from virtually anywhere. Patients do not have to take time commuting to appointments. Online sessions can also remove barriers to treatment, especially for those who struggle to get around or who are socially anxious. Some therapists may offer a combination of in-person and online appointments.

When does therapy end?

Therapy can come to an end for any number of reasons. In most cases, the decision to end therapy will depend on the patient and their needs. Patients may have accomplished their mental health goals or feel they need a break from therapy. Whatever the reason, your therapist will work with you to support your goals.

What issues can therapy help with?

Therapy can help with many different issues, both clinical and non-clinical.

When it comes to clinical concerns, therapy is an effective tool to diagnose and treat mental health problems. These can include addiction, eating disorders, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and schizophrenia.

Patients who don’t have a clinical issue can still benefit from therapy. Therapy is an effective way to help manage stress, cope with difficult or traumatic experiences, manage depression and anxiety, and process life transitions, grief, or conflict.

What to expect in therapy?

The first therapy session may, in many ways, feel similar to a doctor’s appointment. Whether it’s an in-person or online appointment, you’ll likely start by filling out some paperwork. If it’s in-person, you’ll sit in a waiting room until you are called in. If it’s online, you’ll log on and wait in a virtual waiting room.

Your first therapy session will likely be different from future sessions. During the first visit, you and your therapist will take some time to get to know each other. They may want to know why you are seeking therapy, in addition to more general questions about your concerns and background. They will discuss office policies and encourage you to ask your own questions.

Your very first therapy session will help your therapist understand your concerns, answer questions, and discuss treatment options. Future sessions will provide you the therapeutic space to explore specific symptoms, problems, or past experiences.

Online vs. in-person therapy

Therapy sessions are typically held either in person or online. Each offers unique benefits.

In-person sessions offer patients a safe, private, and neutral environment that is free from distractions. Face-to-face sessions also allow therapists to observe a patient’s non-verbal cues. Some therapies, such as art, music, and play, are more suited to in-person appointments.

Online sessions are convenient because they allow patients see their therapist from virtually anywhere. Patients do not have to take time commuting to appointments. Online sessions can also remove barriers to treatment, especially for those who struggle to get around or who are socially anxious. Some therapists may offer a combination of in-person and online appointments.

When does therapy end?

Therapy can come to an end for any number of reasons. In most cases, the decision to end therapy will depend on the patient and their needs. Patients may have accomplished their mental health goals or feel they need a break from therapy. Whatever the reason, your therapist will work with you to support your goals.