Psychotherapy

Sometimes called talk therapy, psychotherapy refers to therapy provided by psychology professionals to treat mental health conditions and improve relationships. Sessions rely on tools such as emotion identification, coping skills exploration, and cognitive restructuring, to treat mental health concerns. It may be paired with prescription medications or utilized on its own to help individuals manage symptoms and find solutions.

How psychotherapists can help with bipolar disorder, depression, and other mental health conditions

Mental health services may be used to address mental health disorders (what we once called mental illness), or simply to learn skills to better navigate stress. Some mental disorders that may be treated by a licensed mental health professional include: eating disorders, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, substance abuse, personality disorders (such as borderline personality disorder), and other specific mental health conditions

There are many types of therapy practiced by psychologists, family therapists, social workers, and other mental health professionals. Some of the most common are forms of behavioral techniques used include cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavioral therapy. A treatment plan for some disorders may include collaboration between health professionals such as medical doctors, mental health professionals like psychiatric nurses, and family members.

Some health insurance companies will cover mental health treatment like psychotherapy, while others do not. Some providers will offer sliding scale payment plans or reduced-priced community clinics to offer support to those who have difficulty affording care. The mental health services administration website can offer resources. Online therapy can also be an affordable option for many.

Additional Forms of Psychotherapy

In addition to psychotherapy sessions for individual treatment, group therapy sessions and family therapy may also be used to address issues involving interpersonal relationships and trauma-related disorders. Therapists may use supportive psychotherapy to help clients process painful emotions, while humanistic therapy focuses on the whole person’s mental well-being.

Some therapists specialize in creative arts therapy, animal-assisted therapy, and play therapy to help clients express themselves in non-verbal ways. Commitment therapy and psychodynamic psychotherapy are often used to explore underlying interpersonal issues that affect emotional health. Licensed social workers, licensed marriage therapists, and mental health counselors may also collaborate to help develop coping strategies for managing various disorders.

Clients who seek telemental health services may find it beneficial, especially when they are unable to attend in person due to fewer sick days or other scheduling conflicts. However, it is important not to skip psychotherapy sessions, as consistency is key in working through mental illnesses and achieving meaningful progress in therapy.

Therapists with experience in psychotherapy techniques may also be involved in clinical trials to research new approaches for treating mental health. They may work in human services or medical schools and may sometimes prescribe medications (or work with professionals who can) for patients with co-occurring medical conditions or panic disorder.

The American Psychiatric Association emphasizes that psychotherapy focuses on addressing the root causes of emotional health challenges, using interventions like supportive psychotherapy and behavioral therapy to guide the person receiving treatment. Different approaches may include intensive forms of therapy for more severe cases or a more relaxed approach, depending on the individual's needs.

Lastly, psychotherapy may be combined with other therapies or medications to support the patient in managing the challenges of their diagnosis and helping them to build coping skills for long-term well-being.