Types of therapy

Elements of therapy NIMH describes

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)Noticing and questioning inaccurate or harmful automatic thoughts and changing self-defeating behavior.
• Exposure therapyA type of CBT for anxiety: brief, supported exposure to what causes distress until the fear decreases.
• Coping and problem-solving strategies for stress
• Social and communication skillsExamining interactions with others.
• Mindfulness and relaxationMeditation and breathing exercises.
• Tracking emotions and behaviors
• Supportive counseling
• Safety planningFor thoughts of self-harm or suicide: warning signs, coping steps, and who to contact.

NIMH notes there is no FDA-style approval process for psychotherapies, but research has shown many to be effective.

Questions for a prospective therapist (NIMH)

• What are your credentials and experience? Do you have a specialty?
• What approach will you use, and what is the evidence for it?
• Have you treated people of my age group with this concern?
• What are the goals, the expected time frame, and how will we assess progress?
• Are meetings confidential, and what are the limits of confidentiality?

Common questions

Is therapy or medication better?

NIMH says psychotherapy and medication are the most common forms of mental health treatment and can be used alone or together; the right plan depends on individual needs and should be chosen with a mental health professional.

What if therapy is not helping?

NIMH suggests talking with your therapist if you are not improving after a reasonable time, and considering other professionals or approaches.

Sources

1. Psychotherapies↗ (opens in a new tab) — National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
2. Help for Mental Illnesses↗ (opens in a new tab) — National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

Questions about this page

Tell us if something here is unclear or a source has changed. This form cannot match you with a therapist or answer questions about your own care. In crisis? Call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), or text HOME to 741741.

We can’t answer questions about your own diagnosis, medication, or treatment — please ask your prescriber. We also can’t book appointments, check your insurance, or refer you to a clinic.

Related pages

• CBT vs DBT

  Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) are both evidence-based talk therapies. DBT grew out of CBT and adds mindfulness and emotion-regulation skills.

• Affordable therapy

  There are more low-cost routes into therapy than most people expect. These are the ones named by NIMH, SAMHSA, HealthCare.gov, and HRSA, with what to ask at each.