Straightforward answers to common questions about therapy: choosing a psychologist or therapist, what therapy costs, how online sessions work, and what to expect. Written and reviewed by Shruti Surya, Ph.D., licensed psychologist.
What The Research Says How long therapy lasts varies more than most people expect, from a handful of sessions to several years. The APA cites research around the duration of therapy required to obtain positive outcomes which gives a useful anchor: a large share of people report meaningful improvement somewhere…
What should I talk about in therapy? You don't need an agenda, and you don't need your story organized. The biggest thing is that you show up. Most sessions start with whatever feels loudest that week, and the useful material usually shows up in what comes next. Good places to…
Can I see my therapist if I travel or move out of state? Often yes, you can see your therapist if you are in another state, but it depends on where you are, not where your therapist is. Therapy licensing follows the client's physical location during each session. If your…
For Most Situations, Yes For most of what people bring to therapy, research finds online sessions produce outcomes comparable to in-person care. That's held up across studies of depression, anxiety, and trauma treatment, including structured protocols like cognitive processing therapy delivered over video. Research consistently shows the connection, the progress,…
Finding ongoing therapy for free is not easy, though local support groups, city or state or non-profit organizations do offer options. Contacting your local city outreach or searching the internet using local search terms might help you locate some free or low cost therapy options. Free Immediate Help If you…