Therapy

Therapy refers to treatment for psychological problems. Therapists and clients work together to understand problems and come up with plans for fixing them. The focus is generally on changing ineffective thoughts, emotions or behaviors. Most therapy focuses on individuals, although psychotherapists also work with couples, families and groups. To find a psychologist, ask your physician or another health professional or call your local or state psychological association. Family and friends may also have recommendations, you might consider inquiring at your church or synagogue. You may also use the Psychologist Locator Service on the APA Help Center.

The right match when choosing a psychologist is important. Most psychologists agree that an important factor in determining whether or not to work with a particular psychologist, once that psychologist's credentials and competence are established, is your level of personal comfort with that psychologist. A good rapport with your psychologist is critical.

Adapted from the Encyclopedia of Psychology

Understanding psychotherapy

For a healthy mind and body... talk to a psychologist
When you reach a point in your life when you want professional help, you want to talk to someone you trust and feel comfortable with. A good friend can listen, but a psychologist has the skills and professional training to help you learn to manage when you're overwhelmed.
How Psychotherapy Works
Psychologist Bruce E. Wampold, PhD, answers common questions about therapy, such as how exactly it works and what the research tells us about different types of treatment, including psychiatric drugs.
Different approaches to psychotherapy
Psychologists generally draw on one or more theories of psychotherapy to guide them through the process of understanding clients and their problems and developing solutions.
Anxiety disorders: The role of psychotherapy in effective treatment
Anxiety disorders can cause severe distress and disrupt your life. Fortunately, psychologists can treat most cases successfully.
Depression and How Psychotherapy and Other Treatments Can Help People Recover
Depression is a real illness and carries with it a high cost in terms of relationship problems, family suffering, and lost work productivity. Yet, depression is a highly treatable illness, with psychotherapy, coping and cognitive-behavioral techniques, and medication.

Getting help

Find a Psychologist
Dr. Katherine C. Nordal on How to Find a Therapist
Questions for psychologist Katherine C. Nordal, PhD, about researching and choosing a therapist.
Dr. Katherine Nordal on How Therapy Helps Treat Mental Health Disorders
Questions for psychologist Katherine C. Nordal, PhD, about the benefits of therapy in treating mental health disorders.
Dr. Katherine C. Nordal on Using Insurance to Cover Mental Health Treatment
Questions for psychologist Katherine C. Nordal, PhD, on using insurance to cover mental health treatment.
How to choose a psychologist
When you need help from a trained, licensed professional to work through feelings or problems that seem beyond your control, these tips can help you choose a psychotherapist and address the financial questions related to therapy.
How to find help through seeing a psychologist
This brief question-and-answer guide provides some basic information to help individuals take advantage of outpatient (non-hospital) psychotherapy.
Your Healthcare Coverage
It’s important to know what questions to ask your employer about your health care coverage – especially when it comes to mental health care and substance abuse treatment.
Using Your Mental Health Benefits
In recognition of Mental Health Month, in this video, Dr. David Ballard discusses the mental health benefits that may be available from your employer.