Answers to the Common Questions on Talk Therapy
Talk Therapy: straight answers to the questions people actually ask, with the figures behind them.
Structured psychological treatments, also called psychotherapy, such as CBT, counseling and guided self-help.
Key takeaways
- Ways to find a therapist: your doctor, your insurance plan's directory, an employee assistance program, or FindTreatment.gov
- Well-studied for anxiety and depression: cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Most useful single change: Ask your doctor for a referral, or contact therapists in your insurance network directly.
- Commonest mistake: Assuming you cannot find therapy without a referral.
- See a doctor if any of the signs under "When to speak to a doctor" below apply to you.
What is Talk Therapy?
Structured psychological treatments, also called psychotherapy, such as CBT, counseling and guided self-help.
Why does it matter?
Psychotherapy is a core treatment for several common conditions, and there is more than one route to finding it.
Ways to find a therapist for Talk Therapy?
Your doctor, your insurance plan's directory, an employee assistance program, or FindTreatment.gov.
Well-studied for anxiety and depression for Talk Therapy?
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
Typical course for Talk Therapy?
A limited number of sessions, often weekly.
SAMHSA National Helpline for Talk Therapy?
1-800-662-4357, free, confidential, 24/7.
What is the single most useful thing to do?
Ask your doctor for a referral, or contact therapists in your insurance network directly.
What is the most common mistake?
Assuming you cannot find therapy without a referral.
When should I see a doctor?
See your doctor urgently if symptoms are severe or you have psychotic symptoms such as hearing voices. If you feel unable to keep yourself safe or have thoughts of harming yourself, call or text 988 at any hour. In immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
More questions, answered
How do I know if a therapist is right for me?
You should feel respected, listened to and able to be honest, even if some topics are uncomfortable. A good therapist explains their approach, agrees on goals with you and checks your progress. If after a few sessions you do not feel comfortable, it is fine to look for someone else.
What is the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist?
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who can diagnose mental health conditions and prescribe medication; many focus mainly on medication management. Psychologists have doctoral training in psychology and provide assessment and therapy. Licensed social workers and counselors also provide therapy.
Is therapy confidential?
Therapists are bound by confidentiality laws and professional ethics. There are limits, such as when someone is at serious risk of harm or when the law requires reporting, for example child abuse. Your therapist should explain these limits at the start.
How long does therapy take?
It varies. Structured therapies such as CBT often involve a limited number of weekly sessions over a few months. Other approaches may be longer-term. Your therapist should give you an idea of expected length after the assessment.
Can therapy make me feel worse before better?
Discussing difficult experiences or facing feared situations can bring up strong feelings temporarily. This is often part of the process. Tell your therapist if you feel overwhelmed; they can adjust the pace. If you have thoughts of harming yourself, call or text 988.
Does insurance have to cover therapy?
Under federal mental health parity law, most health plans that cover mental health care must not make it harder to access than medical care, for example through stricter limits or higher copays. Coverage still varies, so check your plan's network, copays and any session limits.
Related topics
- Psychological Therapies for Pain: What Published Guidance Supports (Chronic Pain)
- Physical Therapy: Sorting the Evidence From the Noise (Back and Posture)
- Physical Therapy Services: Sorting the Evidence From the Noise (Rehabilitation)
- What the Guidance Really Says About Insomnia (Sleep)
Where to go next
- Talk Therapy in Five Minutes
- The Evidence on Talk Therapy, Without the Hype
- Talk Therapy — the reference entry
- Mental Health: The Complete Guide
- The Evidence on Screen Time and Mood, Without the Hype
- Supporting Someone Else: What the Evidence Actually Says
When to speak to a doctor
See your doctor urgently if symptoms are severe or you have psychotic symptoms such as hearing voices. If you feel unable to keep yourself safe or have thoughts of harming yourself, call or text 988 at any hour. In immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Where this comes from
- National Institute of Mental Health — Psychotherapies
- SAMHSA — National Helpline
How this page was put together
Every figure, recommendation and warning above is taken from the guidance named in Where this comes from. Nothing on this page is inferred, summarized or generalized beyond what those bodies publish: where they give a number, it is their number, and where they are silent, so are we. Pages are rebuilt whenever the underlying record changes. Sign-off by a named clinician, where it has happened, is shown at the top of the page along with the date.
Medical disclaimer
This article is general information, not medical advice. It cannot account for your own history, medication or circumstances. Always speak to your doctor, pharmacist or another qualified health professional before making changes that affect your treatment, and never delay seeking medical advice because of something you have read here. In an emergency, call 911.
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